do you have a flag?

The NEW Do You Have a Flag? is up and running!

2009-07-23T09:57:00.002-04:00

Do You Have a Flag? is now now officially running on WordPress! I’m still going to be tweaking things a lot over the next month or so, but the basic site is now up and running. The web address is still www.cheerfuld.com, but the RSS feed has changed to the following: feed://www.cheerfuld.com/?feed=rss2

I hope you’ll re-subscribe in your google reader, or whatever it is you use! This site (my original baby) will not be taken down (at least not for awhile) so feel free to visit cheerfuld.blogspot.com for old posts.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter (if you use such things) to get the most up to date news on the site, movies, tv and whatever else I feel is deemed “tweetable.” Once again, thanks for your support readers, and I hope you’ll like the new digs! Welcome to the new Do You Have a Flag?!

ReWind, ReBoot, ReVamp and ReNew

2009-07-21T15:18:00.002-04:00

Lately, I have been spending some time re-thinking the blog … I’ve been happy with some of what I’ve done, but it also feels like time for a change (maybe even time for a new look). The world of movie blogging is such a vast and varied field, sometimes it’s hard to stay focused or to have a clear vision. Admittedly I am someone who can be easily overwhelmed by too many choices, and therefore I think it’s in my best interest to keep things simple and more focused. While I always have a lot going on in my head after I see a film, I think that writing full length reviews is just not for me. I like short, quick, easy and fun (and I think others prefer less longwinded as well). I like imagery, especially movie imagery, so the pics are here to stay. And I like comparisons, as proven by the “from another mother” segment. My newest idea is to have a more clear cut theme, not only so I don’t get overwhelmed, but also as a way to try and be more memorable. I still don’t have it all figured out yet, but the basic idea is for the new theme of the blog to take off of one of my more popular segments, “Today I Feel Like This…”. Today I Feel Like This is a very simple, but easily relatable idea.

So the way I am thinking it will work from now on is that everyday (well maybe not everyday, we’ll see how it goes…), I’ll do a quick overview of all the things I felt that day, as related to film. Each post will be made up of movie imagery, DVDs I bought, films I saw, comparisons I came across, and any particularly striking movie news. But it will all be quick blurbs, easy and fun to read. Some of you may ask, how is this really different then what I was doing before? Good question… let’s just say, I think you’ll get it when you see it. In addition to revamping the style and content of the blog, I will also be revamping the look. I will finally be switching over to WordPress. But it will take me a little bit of time to get up and running, so again I ask you to bare with me, and join me once again when the new and improved “Do You Have a Flag?” is up and running.

Thanks to all of you, for being amazing readers

!vy

Super Toys Last All Summer Long

2009-07-10T13:32:00.004-04:00

I have been scarce lately, I know! With summer here, my backyard finally inhabitable, and moving plans kicking into gear, it’s been hard to make myself spend any more time on the computer than I absolutely have to… bad blogger! I’m still watching movies (saw The Lost Boys last night, worst movie … You’ve done it again Schumacher!), but now I’m outside as much as I can be and attempting to get some semblance of a tan (I am still very very white). But I promise I will continue to try and post when I can, so don’t abandon me just yet!

I hope you’re all enjoying sunshine wherever you may be, and I hope you’ll all go see Harry Potter 6 when it arrives in theaters next week! I’ll be there, yipping like a little kid.

(gorgeous photo via dendrites)

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-07-07T23:23:00.002-04:00

Trailer Twist

2009-07-04T23:46:00.003-04:00

Brothers Trailer

Knowing nothing about this film before watching the trailer, I went into it thinking "Natalie, Jake and Tobey... Romantic triangle, maybe a rom-com?" Wrong-o.

A film that looks like it's ultimately more about the pain of returning home from war to find everything changed than it is about a triangle, Brothers promises fierce intensity, even if it's got to force it down your throat. For some reason this reminded me of the Red Eye trailer... Just not what you were expecting.

Emma the Chameleon?

2009-07-04T23:19:00.017-04:00

Miss Emma Watson has grown up before our very eyes, and now it looks like she can play with the big girls...

Better Off Dead

2009-06-30T20:58:00.017-04:00

No, I am not referring to John Cusack's 1985 film of the same name... I speak of something far more trivial.

I had toyed with the idea of making Max Minghella this week's Break Out, but instead came up with a better plan after coming across some pictures of Minghella and girlfriend Leah Lezark. Maybe it's just America's current trendy sensation with them going to my head, but I'm seeing them everywhere... vampires.

I mean, seriously... Have you ever seen a more "living dead" couple?

I think Twilight missed a clear cut opportunity here. Ok, enough ridiculous fodder.

Brothers from another Mother?

2009-06-30T20:48:00.005-04:00

I didn't really have to work at this one...

Max is really Penn mixed with a little of this guy.

Humble Beginnings

2009-06-30T00:57:00.006-04:00

From "Geeks" to "Sweets"

Freaks and Geeks Clip

Genius Marketing To The Rescue!

2009-06-30T00:01:00.004-04:00

Skins Season 1 Trailer

Skins Season 2 Trailer

Skins Series 3 Trailer

Don't they just make you wanna?

The marketing team for Skins is pretty bangarang as you can see. Each season they try to reinvent the wheel with a new level of party-going obscenity. Skins will return in season 4 with the same cast seen in season 3, but the producers will change it up again with a whole new gang in season 5. Sometimes I think Britain has the right idea. While season 3 paled in comparison to the first two, it was still tons of fun to watch. If you get BBC America consider yourself lucky, and if you don't, there's always online...

(Sorry blogging has been sparse. My wireless internet has decided it doesn't care about my needs...)

Sisters from another Movie?

2009-06-27T22:29:00.003-04:00

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-25T00:34:00.002-04:00

After a day filled with computer problems, preventing me from much blogging, I need a good soak in the tub.

F*** You MacBook update 10.5.7.

Avatar and Troy, more in common than you think?

2009-06-22T23:33:00.006-04:00

Avatar the Last Airbender Teaser Trailer

Right now the Avatar teaser pretty much looks like this:

Troy Teaser Trailer

Call me crazy, but it does. I'm semi-excited for Avatar, but right now it's very difficult to say what direction the film will go in... It seems most fans of the show are already dead set on hating it, and Shyamalan hasn't exactly been on a winning streak lately. But perhaps the forces of the earth will come together and create a masterpiece. Or maybe it will plummet like Dragonball Evolution (did that movie even see the light of day?) More than anything the teaser just reminded me how excited I am for the rapidly approaching Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince release date!

This Week's Break Out!

2009-06-22T21:59:00.010-04:00

This week's Break Out is, Kaya Scodelario!

I've been meaning to do this Break Out for a long time. Kaya is the second Skins kid I've claimed as a Break Out, but like I said in my post on Nicholas Hoult, the entire cast is incredible. There is something about Kaya though. To start, she was 15 when Skins started in 2007, and while you could believe her age, it was terrifying just how much older and wiser she came off. You had to wonder, is the actress as interesting as the character? How much of Kaya goes into Effy? Ef is your classic rebellious teen engaging in sex, drugs, and rock and roll, all the while rocking an obscene amount of eyeliner. She has had a huge turnaround throughout the 3 seasons of Skins to date. First season she was practically a mute, speaking no more than 3 lines in the whole series. Then second season, they must have picked up on audience interest in Effy and made her into a full blown character, thereby smoothing out the transition into series 3 where she becomes the lead. Her character prides herself on secrecy and mysteriousness, but when it comes down to brass tacks, she's good at neither. She spends most of the third season playing three guy best friends against each other, claiming she can't be with anyone, but in reality she's desperate for attention. She surrounds herself with people deemed inferior, only to discover that she is actually the lowest of the bunch. She's stunningly beautiful, but every chance they get, they show mascara bleeding down her face to serve as a reminder that she's ugly on the inside (at least for now). She bounces between her wants, and what she can't allow herself to have. Had anyone else played this character, you would have hated her from the start and continued hating her right on through, but Kaya is able to bring subtle reliability and even some likability to the role. Somewhere between Effy hitting rock bottom and working her way back to semi-normal, Kaya moved from being a television star to a full fledged film potential. In fact, you can catch her in the recently released Moon alongside Sam Rockwell. But apart from Effy and the aptly named "Eve," Kaya's resume is empty. She's got the looks and the talent, but does she have the drive? Does Hollywood want her? Who cares about Kaya... do you?

If you do, keep an eye out for Ms. Scodelario, this week's Break Out! For all you Skins fans out there, season 4 starts shooting this July...

Humble Beginnings

2009-06-22T01:59:00.007-04:00

From Disney fro to Transfomo...

Shia and Maya SNL skit

The Era of Cera

2009-06-22T01:25:00.017-04:00

Love him or hate him, it appears George Michael Bluth is here to stay.

The new poster for Youth in Revolt, and a pic from the set of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Another pic from the set of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and Vanity Fair's Comedy Mafia 2007 shoot

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Photoshoot, Paper Heart Poster

The boys of Super Bad, and the Year One poster

and finally George Michael himself.

So what is it about Cera that keeps us coming back for more or in some cases, begging for less?

Then and... Then

2009-06-22T01:07:00.009-04:00

The late, great Sharon Tate.

Keanu has a Phone Booth Fetish

2009-06-22T00:24:00.008-04:00

"My name is Ted 'Theodore' 'Neo' Logan, and I support the phone booth revival movement, dude."

First Look: 2010's Alice in Wonderland, Burton Style

2009-06-21T23:08:00.011-04:00

Here is your first look at promotional materials from Burton's upcoming Alice in Wonderland. Mia Wasikowska as Alice, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, Matt Lucas as Tweddledee and Tweedledum, Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen of Hearts, and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. It's all saturated to the max and with a level of childlike creepiness only Burton can provide (also thrilled that Michael Sheen is also in the ensemble). The question remains, will this be his newest biggest hit, or a disaster the likes of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

The official US release date is now March 5, 2010, so only time will tell what's in store for Tim.

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-21T22:39:00.003-04:00

Back from my weekend in Boston with the collegiate cohorts! Made me think and remember how much I love this movie.

And how relevant it still is...

(got a lot of blog catch-up to do this week, stay tuned! SNEAK PEEK: The Hangover is my new fav movie.)

Recently Added to my Wish List of Fictional Things

2009-06-19T01:04:00.003-04:00

It's not exactly "fictional," it does exist... Just not as a purchaseable print. God, why have you forsaken me?

I want it so bad!

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-19T01:00:00.001-04:00

Yes that is correct. Today I feel like a 13 year old girl in 1996.

(actually I was 10 in 1996.)

Sisters from another Android?

2009-06-19T00:50:00.004-04:00

I know I've been doing a lot of these lately, but I just can't help myself.

I don't know what's happening...

2009-06-18T03:25:00.005-04:00

But I'm kind of ok with it.

Scenes in Six...

2009-06-18T02:55:00.007-04:00

I did not make these, but I really really really wish I had.

Sisters from another Movie?

2009-06-18T02:49:00.003-04:00

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-18T01:26:00.003-04:00

Oh Ginny...

2009-06-18T01:06:00.003-04:00

"Too bad for you I have an Asian fetish."

There are just so many amazing possible captions to go alongside this picture.

Head to the comments section with your best one...

Sweet Disposition, Ya Heard?

2009-06-17T23:49:00.005-04:00

If you've seen the 500 Days of Summer Teaser Trailer, which I suspect most of you have, then you're familiar with a new Australian band called The Temper Trap (MySpace page). I fell in love with the song Sweet Disposition via that teaser and have since downloaded the tune and listened to it multiple times a day every day for about 2 weeks. It doesn't get old. I mean, it will eventually, but right now it's that perfect song to blast in your car as you speed home away from work with the windows down. Next thing I knew the song popped up perfectly placed at the end of the Greek season finale (what will Cappie do?).

Sweet Disposition Music Video (It's a little lame. Just listen to the song and ignore the vid)

500 Days of Summer Photo Collage Trailer

After falling in love with Sweet Disposition, I eagerly looked around for what else I could download, only to discover that their first full length album has yet to drop... until June 30th. That's right peeps, head to your record store, Borders or iTunes terminal and embark on what will be a lovely luscious album experience in only a couple of weeks! I don't know if they're heartbreakingly good, but they're elevating my mood to a plateau of gloriousness. Or maybe I'm just really tired. Either way check out the Temper Trap and hit up their first album "Conditions" Tuesday, June 30th.

They're gonna be big. They kind of already are.

Other current musical obsession, Grizzly Bear (MySpace Page). Veckatimest is my life.

Grizzly Bear Two Weeks Video

This is one of the most freakishly addictive music videos I've seen.

Grizzly Bear Foreground Video

Not a music video. Just a gorgeous song.

White Lies and It's Blitz from The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are also on constant iPod replay.

Fallen Princesses

2009-06-15T20:08:00.007-04:00

For full Fallen Princesses series, go here

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-15T19:30:00.003-04:00

Bill, you look like a groundhog...

Tripping The South Fantastic

2009-06-15T17:11:00.009-04:00

Like any good Six Feet Under watcher, I tuned in last year to Alan Ball's hyped new show, True Blood. I heard the words vampire, Paquin, and HBO, and immediately thought "probably a show for me." But ultimately I found myself decidedly mixed on the first season of Blood.

First off, the show is incredibly formulaic, almost to its detriment. Each episode follows a mystery murder, while juggling sex addict Jason's triumphs and triage's, and Sookie's love affair with new vamp in town, Bill Compton. There's also a shape shifting bartender, a no-nonsense best friend, an alcoholic cop, and a slew of rotating waitresses. Like most HBO shows, they promote their ability to show graphic sex above all else. Not one episode goes by without some character getting laid. For a lot of viewers this is a huge pull, and often a key element missing from basic cable shows, but True Blood's sexploits have become so predictable, that all shock value is gone.

But apart from overly appealing to horny teens with On Demand, the show does do a decent job of taking the story in some unexpected directions, including introducing hypnotic lead vampire Eric for one (played by the amazing Alexander Skarsgard). Eric's power and flowing blonde hair make him one of season two's most important "characters to watch." With a hefty bag of bad guys, and even the good guys taking a walk on the wild side, True Blood is nothing like Twilight. They use every opportunity they have to show blood, fangs, and gore, and by matching it with hometown country music, the repulsive suddenly becomes the comedic. Ball also plays the advocacy card by showcasing the ongoing vampire rights battle. They fight for equality, the right to marry and be open about their identities without fear of violence, an important message to emphasize these days as bill after bill to oppose gay marriage is upheld. The show prominently features gay characters and bisexual characters, something fans of the show are particularly excited about as they embark on season 2. Season one's smooth talking cook Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) is rumored to develop a relationship with Skarsgard's vampire, Eric. Of all the season 2 rumors, this one's my favorite given that two of the shows best characters will finally get simultaneous screen time.

Overall the season 2 premiere does feel like a walk down memory lane, and soldiers on with an alarming lack of subletly. But with Jason's soul in the hands of "the sunshiners," Bill's adopted vamp daughter, bratty Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) joining the cast, and Evan Rachel Wood set to play a vampire queen down the line... I'm staying tuned to see what happens next, cause whether I like it or not, I still need to know who lives, who dies, and who gets laid.

True Blood Season 2 Promo

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-13T14:05:00.003-04:00

Movies in Frames, Musical Edition!

2009-06-10T23:28:00.007-04:00

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Ranielle, you're really a godsent, and momentarily the only participating in Movies in Frames. She's a lone screenshot taking wolf, and she get's awesomer every time. I'm a little ashamed to say I haven't yet seen Singin' in the Rain, but I do love and own Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Watching those boys build a barn in rainbow shirts just never gets old. never.

Now I'm kinda in the mood to watch Hans Christian Andersen...

(Send your Movies in Frames to cheerfuld8@gmail.com, and be famous just like Ranielle! 1 movie, 4 frames.)

Sisters from another Mother?

2009-06-10T23:13:00.006-04:00

Recently added to my Wish List of Fictional Things

2009-06-10T00:49:00.005-04:00

What's on your list?

This Week's Break Out!

2009-06-09T23:53:00.008-04:00

This Week's Break Out is, Scott Michael Foster!

Now Greek fans (if you're out there), I know what you are about to say... Break Out? We've known about Foster for years! True, if you're a Greek watcher (awesome dramedy on ABC Family, and I'm not being sarcastic when I say "awesome"), then Foster is best known to you as the amazing Cappie (full name unknown). BUT, if you don't watch the show, which I suspect many of you don't, then this guy's name is as foreign as Toblerone. What's more, his resume barely exists outside of the illustrious Cappie. So as of right now, this week's Break Out is pretty much a one trick pony, but I know, with all of my heart, that given the opportunity, this pony can become a stallion (and I have officially taken this metaphor way too far). So obviously, endorsing Scott Michael Foster means endorsing Greek, which I wholeheartedly do. I started watching Greek after incessant nagging from my college bestie Aleena, who told me repeatedly in emails, texts and phone calls "you have to watch this show. Seriously, WATCH THIS SHOW!" As I was originally with the Big Bang Theory, I was resistant. I had seen the commercials, I knew the plot followed college greek life, and I thought "nah, not worth my very valuable time." But despite my better judgement I watched the pilot, and about halfway in I started thinking "this is pretty good." By the end of the first ep, I knew I needed to see the second one, and so on and so forth. Well written, well acted, legitimately funny, nostalgic, realistic (surprisingly realistic), and most importantly extremely entertaining. Much of this is of course do to one individual (though the whole cast is phenom). As Cyprus Rhodes Kappa Tau president, Cappie embodies what women, AND men want. He's an excellent schemer, life of the party, has that patented "Chandler Bing" humor without being self-deprecating, gorgeous eyes, always there when you need him, and smarter than he lets on. Plus, at heart he's a romantic, but he's no whipping boy. I'll take two. As hard as it may be to imagine, Foster almost got cast as another character on Greek, Calvin, the preppy gay guy in Sigma Kai... yes it is hard to believe given his incredible charm with the ladies, which means they clearly made the right choice. Foster is undeniably lovable and as much as I adore him on Greek, he needs another role, preferable in an upcoming awesome movie. So someone out there hear my plea, and help this man silver screen it up.

So check out this week's Break Out Scott Michael Foster, Monday nights at 8pm on ABC Family's Greek! Season Finale this Monday! (Full episodes available here)

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-09T16:08:00.000-04:00

It's a Zack Morris Morning!

2009-06-09T08:57:00.006-04:00

Zack Morris comes by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon... no for real.

Found this via Aziz is Bored... and it made my morning! Love you Mark Paul, my first crush.

UPDATE: And just cause I'm obsessed, check out TV Guide's interview with MPG about his Zacktravaganza

Drunken Reviews 2! The second episode of the Do You Have a Flag? Podcast

2009-06-07T03:08:00.010-04:00

So it's quite a bit after the first one, but here it is, the second episode of Do You Have a Flag? Drunken Reviews Podcast (DR's for short)! Sadly, we're missing Theo from this ep, but Andrew and I were able to cover a lot of ground, plus we're joined by surprise guests, Alex Yacovelli and his friend Scott. So tune in for an alcohol induced good time! And we do a MUCH better job of not talking over each other this ep, I promise. Don't forget the podcast is always available in the sidebar, and you can click "Get Podcast" or "Subscribe Free" to download it to your iTunes.

UPDATE: I've added a quick "vocal thought" on Mad Men (was just re-watching season 1 on DVD) and added it to the podcast playlist. You can listen to Drunken Reviews 2 simply by clicking the "posts" button and hitting Drunken Reviews 2. This also allows you to access the first ep of Drunken Reviews! That's all for now.

Drunken Reviews 2 Topics

In Theaters

:47 Drag Me To Hell

5:40 Terminator Salvation

11:00 Star Trek

16:12 The Girlfriend Experience

20:44 UP

Television

26:37 The MTV Movie Awards (Joined by Alex & Scott!)

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Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-05T16:50:00.002-04:00

Strange, yet so inviting.

Film.com Podcast talks about Do You Have a Flag?!

2009-06-04T23:54:00.005-04:00

Proud day for Do You Have a Flag!

Laremy Legel (follow him on twitter!) and the whole Film.com podcast crew gave me a shout out today on episode 10! They mention the Minka Kelly-Leighton Meester "sisters from another mother" post.

Laremy's compliments on the site (as well as clearly spelling the link!) not only made my day, but my week, month, maybe life. That may seem like a little much, but I love Laremy, so this is pretty damn awesome. Thanks so much not only to him but Natalie and Garrett (sp?)! And I'm glad somebody knows "do you have a flag?" comes from Eddie Izzard!

Be sure to listen to the full podcast!

(and Laremy, if you're ever looking for a guest star on the podcast, you know where to find me...)

I started a trend, sorta!

2009-06-04T16:28:00.007-04:00

The response to my DVD collection pics post was unprecedented, and totally awesome! Since yesterday, 2 bloggers have taken it upon themselves to post pics of their own, incredibly impressive collections.

Selfstyler over at Film Crack (haha funny name) boasts a collection of around 770, which is unbelievably drool worthy/bordering on insanity. I think I'm in love. I have to say though, my collection count might be a little higher, but I count all box sets of television as 1. For instance, I own the entire series of Angel, Gilmore Girls, and Sex and the City... but since they came as a box set and not individual seasons, I only count it as one. I know it doesn't really make sense, but that's how I do it. But if I counted differently I might be a little more competetive in the number dept... just sayin.

Ranielle of the Film Brat, who is apparently my film soulmate, has her collection around 376. It includes two of my own guilty pleasures like Win a Date with Tad Hamilton and The Covenant... yeah that's right we both own The Covenant, and you wish you did too. This whole thing has really made me feel like less of a freak. And now when my friends mock my incessant DVD collecting, I can say "I am not alone." Plus we all alphabetize! As if there's any other way to do it?

So even though I didn't start with this in mind, I now encourage you all to post pics of your DVD collection and partake in the feeling of not being alone. Now when you're at Borders (my home away from home) or surfing Amazon, or even checking out your local video store sales, you'll know we're all out there doing the same thing. And thanks again for all being such awesome readers, this hobby just gets better every day!

Looks like Pixar's got some competition

2009-06-04T01:43:00.003-04:00

Reach Animated Short

I love this so much I practically want to eat it.

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-06-04T00:36:00.002-04:00

Don't hate me, but I'm gonna talk about another t.v. show...

2009-06-03T23:54:00.013-04:00

Yes it's true, this is by and large a film site, but I can't watch all the television I do and never talk about it.

Tonight I watched the Paley Center for Media's panel with the cast and creator of Mad Men. I'm not sure who among you know, but my obsession with this show has been of the highest intensity since beginning three years ago. Like many others, I often grow weary of living in a time that has no "ies" at the end of it. Despite the terrible lack of Surgeon General warnings, women's rights and segregation, the sixties appeals to me on all levels. The fashion, the politics, the seemingly endless source of drive... It's all so horribly romantic. Packaged together with a high sheen veneer, it brings out the girly part in me, but Mad Men doesn't sugarcoat. It tells the truth, which notably applies both then and now. Of all the shows I talk about, this is the one to watch. This is the one that transcends the barrier between movies and television.

Every detail is so thoroughly and thoughtfully presented, and you couldn't expect anything less from the slightly OCD mind of Matthew Weiner. This show made me question if I had ever really seen three dimensional characters before. I can only describe my experience of watching the pilot as a wake-up call. All other television (no matter how good) truly does pale in comparison. Every character is crafted and written with the same care, making the secondary leads just as important and compelling as the first leads. Be it Joan addressing Peggy's wardrobe choices, or Pete discussing his dreams involving hunting knives, the characters have real believable strengths and weaknesses. Sure, every now and again Don Draper can come off as a little too smooth, but they are each given the opportunity to grow and shrink.

They sleep outside their marriages, they repress their sexual orientation, they trade in the chip n' dip for a shotgun, hell, they even litter. The ones who watch Marilyn and listen to Dylan and contemplate how they're affected by it all are more relatable than the guys on Entourage of the teens of Gossip Girl. Basically, they're just like us, only dressed better. It's rare that a show makes me think about "real things," in fact I usually use t.v. as an escape from "real things." But Mad Men is in a class all it own, and with the close of every episode I'm left somewhere between content and motivated.

Beautiful, classic, artful, liquor drenched poolside goodness. It makes me go mad. Seriously, there is nothing not to like about this show.

Mad Men Season 3 heads to AMC Sunday nights sometime this August. I'd wish for it to come sooner, but I don't want the summer to be over that quick. And be sure to check out Dynamoe's website, a fellow Mad addict, and the lady responsible for these incredible illustrations.

(I'm guessing none of this made any sense, but it comes from the heart, which sometimes has difficultly communicating to the brain)

337!

2009-06-02T22:45:00.008-04:00

After posting pics of the amazing DVD nook (which is not mine), there apparently was some interest in pics of my DVD collection... ch che che che check it out!

mock various choices if you must.

Then and... Then

2009-06-01T18:31:00.014-04:00

The dark mistress herself, Morticia.

This Week's Break Out!

2009-06-01T17:35:00.007-04:00

This week's Break Out is, Jesse Williams!

It's still unclear to me just how much actual acting talent Jesse Williams has, but the guy who earned the name of "The Hotness Monster" on Greek is pretty damn stunning. One overlooks many things when someone is that gorgeous... As of now, his resume remains pretty short, making "Leo" in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 his biggest credit to date. His character made you question Lena's choice to go back to her Greek man, who doesn't happen to be so bad looking himself. So yes, all in all it's kind of sad that I am choosing this week's Break Out purely on looks, but a girl needs some eye candy every once in awhile. On the upside, he does have a semi big credit coming his way. He's set to star in a film about the Tuskegee Airmen called Red Tails, alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. (who's seen better days) Terrence Howard and Bryan Cranston. I know nothing about the film except that it's written by George Lucas (which doesn't make it very promising) and it will be helmed by veteran television director Anthony Hemingway. I forsee a Gossip Girl cameo as an NYU student maybe... not too far fetched right? So for now William's acting career remains in flux, but obviously he could always fall back on modeling and do just fine.

So stick and around and see if there's anything to this week's fine Break Out, Jesse Williams!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 Trailer

First New Moon Teaser Trailer arrives

2009-05-31T23:33:00.009-04:00

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Teaser Trailer

My immediate thoughts... the wolf transformation looks like the guy from the Golden Compass did it... oh wait.

Other thoughts include, Edward's eyes looked very narrowed from all the scenes they showed, and Taylor did a phenomenal job bulking up. Looks like it will probably be on par with the first one. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited, but I gots to be critical.

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-05-31T12:41:00.003-04:00

Sisters from another Mother?

2009-05-30T13:10:00.010-04:00

Karen from Reel Artsy asked for more... so more it is!

Brothers from another Mother?

2009-05-29T15:27:00.009-04:00

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-05-29T12:08:00.005-04:00

I want to be Kenny, but I'm really a Preston. Who are you?
Maybe that guy who licks the brownie off Denise's face...

Good Morning! Up for a game of rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock?

2009-05-29T10:58:00.004-04:00

Blockbusted

2009-05-28T13:26:00.007-04:00

Someone wanted to know what I thought of T-Salv. Instead of going into an intricately woven review of all my thoughts, I think I'll just give you the short and skinny.

Christian Bale makes John Connor into the most unlikeable character. Boring, uninspired, haggard and completely unheroic (plus he can't help but continually slip in "I'm Batman" voice). But to offset this less than pleasing rendition of Connor, McG made him barely a lead character. All focus is on Humanator, Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington) and his performance was not that bad.
Also, the whole, "I'm John Connor, and I have a plan... but I'm not going to tell you what it is or give you sufficient reason to do what I say" thing really didn't fly with me.
Despite the film's focus on heart, and what it means to have one, the film has... none. The connection to the rest of the franchise is practically non-existent.
Worthington had serious difficulty trying to cover his hefty Australian accent
Moon Bloodgood's casting had to have taken a queue from The Sarah Connor Chronicles... She is literally a morphed version of Summer Glau and Stephanie Jacobson.
Anton Yelchin was pretty decent (plus he does look a lot like the original Kyle), but why his little girl counterpart was necessary, I have no idea.
The Plot was so miniscule, it should have made up one good action scene instead of basing the whole film on it. The whole thing feels like half a movie, if that.
Bryce Dallas Howard has 2 lines in the film. Seriously, why even bother casting a Kate.
Oh Right, they cast her to show that even through all that time travel, Connor's swimmers still work.
Arnold's CGI cameo was actually slightly impressive.
On the other hand, Arnold's cameo scene is a replica of the climax in the original Terminator. Lazy.
Rapper Common's in the film. I would elaborate, but he doesn't do jack
Helena Bonham Carter? WHAT? Go back to Tim Burton sweetie, you don't belong here.
That cliff scene where Connor tests out "the signal" was all too reminiscent of Frodo and Samwise chilling in Mordor (sp?).
The most predictable and infuriating ending in the world.
The biggest issue for me is that they gave away the whole "surprise" of Marcus being part human and part terminator away in the trailer, and that's their big twist! If you've seen the trailer, then the the film is just an unnecessary $10.75.

Lasting impressions: The whole thing was a McStake.

Thank god for small favors. Yelchin made things tolerable (go Star Trek!)

Also check out Reel Whore's take on it all in "Somebody Save me !" Hi-larious.

Va Va Vampified

2009-05-27T18:24:00.008-04:00

Now I know I got so much love from all of you on the Let the Right One In stills (thanks!) but you do know I'm still a Twilight lover as well? To all the peeps comparing the two movies, I wouldn't. Yes, Let the Right One In is a far FAR superior film. But Twilight's lovely girlish fodder. Plus I am an equal opportunity Vampire film supporter. To that end, check out the new set pics from New Moon! And there's 79 more where that came from...

I know those abs are enhanced by the help of spray paint and many a make up artist, but still. I'm not complaining.

Oh, and check out the horrible horrible clips from Twilight lite, aka The Vampire Diaries, coming this fall on the CW (scroll down to the bottom 3). Oh yeah, I'll be watching, no matter how crappy it is.

Let The Right One In: A Story in Pictures

2009-05-27T00:41:00.057-04:00

Movies in Frames, the miniseries

2009-05-26T23:14:00.010-04:00

Well Ranielle of The Film Brat remains the queening champ of Movies in Frames! And this time, she took it upon herself to do something rather complicated, a miniseries. And not just any miniseries, one of the best.

Parts 1, 2 & 3

Parts 4, 5 & 6

A&E's 6 hour long Pride and Prejudice miniseries, starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is quite possibly one of the best Brit miniseries in existence, and despite my ever expanding love for Keira Knightley's version, this one will always be my favorite adaptation. Due to its lengthy running time, Ranielle thought it best to do one movies and frames per episode, only fair. If you haven't managed to see this yet, you're severely missing out on muddied skirts, hand scripted letters, and a lake soaked tunics. Just watch.

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-05-26T23:11:00.003-04:00

The perfect nook in all the world...

2009-05-23T00:26:00.003-04:00

One day my DVD collection will look like this... one day. It's getting close, 331!

Today I Feel Like This...

2009-05-21T01:38:00.002-04:00

Movies in Frames never sleeps... and it ain't no saint

2009-05-20T23:47:00.007-04:00

Ma gurl Ranielle over at the Film Brat brings us our newest Movies in Frames.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

The Boondock Saints (1999)

This reminded me of something very important. I still haven't seen Boondock Saints. And before you ask, no, I have no idea what's wrong with me. Thanks for the reminder to add to my "to watch" list Ranielle!

So with 3 Movies in Frames under her belt, Ranielle is now the reigning champ. But I'm sure she wouldn't mind having some rivals... You all are doing a phenomenal job of narrowing down complex movies into 4 frames. I'm impressed.

Send your Movies in Frames to cheerfuld8@gmail.com. Go!

Gleefuld

2009-05-19T22:51:00.017-04:00

It's been a few somber days in television land for me. Terminator Sarah Connor Chronicles met it's untimely end, and The Unusuals was cancelled. Ugly Betty's been moved to Fridays, and Chuck's been renewed but only for 13 eps... I was beginning to lose hope, curl into a ball and watch the Gossip Girl finale over and over till I could forget there was nothing else except Chuck and Blair.

But then along came Glee.

You've probably heard the buzz. Fox is promoting it so much, they decided to premiere the pilot tonight in the hopes of pulling in a ready and waiting audience come fall. Looks like their devious plan is working. Twitter is a-chirp with excitement over the dark, comical and altogether unique pilot. Not only does it star Christopher Guest comic mainstay Jane Lynch, Spring Awakening superstar Lea Michele, and Ugly Betty's Jayma Mays, but it also features my long time fav Jessalyn Gilsig. No surprise there, why wouldn't Ryan Murphy, the creator of Nip/Tuck, want one of the show's most popular characters to be featured in his new show.

The pilot was bangarang, and here's 10 reasons why:

1. It defied my expectations (of which admittedly I had very few)

2. It chooses to be dark in surprising places

3. It is much better written than I'd anticipated

4. It is perfectly cast, with both new and old faces (that sounds really really cheesy)

5. The whole singing aspect is way too fun. It borders on High School Musical, but better

6. It sets up characters, a certain few in particular, that I instantly want to see more of

7. It's written by the creator of Nip/Tuck, so you know this won't be your typical ABC Family show (no disrespect meant)

8. It's about a band of misfits, and those shows are always fun (case in point, The Big Bang Theory)

9. Like any show set in a school, the possibilities for introducing fun new characters along the way are endless

10. I said Jessalyn Gilsig is in right? And Lea Michele... awesome.

(and they use Glee club music in the background, double awesome!)

The fact that most pilots, even of shows that go on to be great, aren't usually that good, speaks very highly of Glee. Their pilot is pretty spot on as far as introductory eps go. We meet Will Shuester (Matthew Morrison), a high school Spanish teacher who decides to take over the Glee club after a student accuses it's former chaperon of getting inappropriate. Will couldn't be more excited to take on the position, in an effort to relive his own Glee glory days. Will is married to Terri (Gelsig), who will undoubtedly prove herself just as psychotic as Gina Russo, just geared more towards home decorating. Emma (Mays), is a fellow teacher, a germaphobe, and hopelessly in love with Will. And then we meet the singers, an overachieving, but musically gifted nut job (Michele), a Troy Bolton wannabe (Cory Monteith), the token gay guy (Chris Colfer), the stuttering Asian (Jenna Ushkowitz), the sassy black diva (Amber Riley), and a kid in a wheelchair (Kevin McHale, no relation to Joel McHale). There's also a non-nonsense cheerleading coach, a dope smoking football coach, and a band of football players who look like they just came off the Footloose auditions (and the role goes to Chace Crawford). All in all, the show leaves you wanting more, too bad you'll have to wait till fall to get it. Of course a strong pilot doesn't mean much if the show can't continue to go up. This burdens Glee with a lot of pressure. They have to continue to push it. Oh and ladies, the quarterback is cute... I mean really cute.

So line up for role call and meet the cast!

Will, Terry and Emma

Rachel, Finn and Kurt

Mercedes, Tina, and Coach Sue

and Arty!

Glee will be available to watch online all summer on Fox.com, so go get happy.

In lieu of humor, go with heart

2009-05-19T16:42:00.009-04:00

There must be something in the water, or a few too many pregnancies over in comedyville, because lately everyone’s gone soft.

A few years ago, every Friday morning I would wake up in pain due to laughing myself into oblivion the previous night. NBC’s The Office hit its stride during second season, and now as they embark on their sixth year in Scranton, I’m wondering where the funny went and how they turned into the sappiest show on television.

For those of us who've stuck with the show since the beginning, now is a time of reflection. I look back on episodes like "Sexual Harassment," "The Dundies" or "Gay Witch Hunt," and see how much Michael and the whole crew have changed since then, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about all the changes. I know what you're going to say... "They have to change! The show can't go on for 5 years and not have them grow a little!" It's a good point, and of course they have to develop the characters, but that doesn't mean that all development has been headed in the right direction, and it also doesn't mean that the show's decision to stay on the air is the right one. The Office is a half hour comedy television show. Their goal is to make us laugh, in which case, they stopped doing their job awhile ago. Sure, every once in awhile something cracks me up, or I remember how much I love these characters, but I only see a further downturn from here. How can they combat that? What is their plan?

Michael Scott used to be a bafoon, but lately he's shaped up and actually been making some pretty good decisions, even been inspiring (I know, weird right?). He still screws up on a daily basis due to complete obliviousness, but his moments with Holly in the finale were so mature and out of character, that it was alarming. Looks like Steve Carell got caught up in the moment and forgot who he was playing. As we all know, the rest of the office takes their queues from Michael, so lately it feels like everyone has left the silly banter behind. The awkward silences are shorter, the Jim/Dwight competition is gone, and even Andy has simmered down. We rarely see Kevin, Creed or Darryl anymore, and despite Ryan's return to the show as temp, they haven't given him any play time since the end the "Michael Scott Paper Company" arc, not to mention the biggest change in the show, the happy coupling of Jim and Pam. It's a quandary. I rooted endlessly for them to get together, I practically wanted to decapitate Karen! But as the show joked during their first episode officially out of the couples closet, "Is the spark gone?" it rang all too true. Their relationship has been smooth sailing since the stars aligned, which is all fine and well for them, but it makes for boring television. As much as I adore "PB&J," their story is over, check your interesting plot lines at the door (even though I DID get a little misty when we find out...SPOILER ALERT... that Pam is pregnant). Even Dwight is back to defending Angela! And now we have their protege Parks and Recreation following right in their misguided footsteps. I've been keeping up with the new show (recently renewed for next season), and they too are putting forth sappy storylines about an ambitious politico, who keeps putting her foot in her mouth. Apart from the hilarious Tom Haverford (played by Aziz Ansari) and the intern April played by Aubrey Plaza (who you can bet you'll be seeing alongside the Apatow crew before long), the show is all about subtly putting out morals at the end of each episode. It's Full House without the laugh track. But with Amy Poehler going home to a new baby every night, maybe her instincts have changed. Right now it feels like the blind leading the blind.

I have a few theories as to the Office's decline, although none of them are too mindblowing. 1. writers like Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky are too busy working on other projects, like Ghostbusters 3 and B.J. Novak has been distracted by starring in Inglorious Basterds. These writers did good work on The Office, and now they're in high demand, giving them busier schedules and less time for their original baby. Or maybe they, like the audience, are just ready to move on. 2. With the writers strike throwing off their whole groove not too long ago, they all fell off the wagon. Once something is interrupted, getting it back is hard, if not impossible, just like that diet that was going so well till you spied that toblerone bar in the airport gift shop, calling your name. 3. Twitter has taken over their lives. Seriously, with Rainn Wilson, Brian Baumgartner, and Mindy Kaling all twittering away, it's amazing any of them has time to do anything.

But with all this said, The Office has always had a soft underbelly. They've built their reputation on successfully combining humor and heart. Hell, even I wanted to go to Cafe Disco. I am just suggesting that as of late, comedy has fallen a little more by the wayside. The characters used to be, you love them/you hate them, and now they're all pretty bland and full of love. Maybe I have sappy-defecit disorder. Maybe I have no soul. I just prefer watching people being awkward and uncomfortable. And I wait patiently for the day when I can once again call The Office, my favorite on-air show. Till then, re-runs.

ok, I'm not totally heartless... this was awesome.

Movies in Frames goes undercover... as an assassin

2009-05-19T14:33:00.004-04:00

So glad this is catching on, I'll be doing one of my own soon! DJ Heinlein over at Matte Havoc brings us Movies in Frames number 3! And it's professional (bad pun).

Check out Leon and Mathilda in 94's Leon the Professional.

Send your movies in frames to cheerfuld8@gmail.com and have them go up here and on the tumblr! Send, now!

Get your picture taken at Magical Memories in the Steamtown Mall today!

2009-05-19T14:17:00.005-04:00

Looks like the whiz kids over at the Twilight marketing center have done it again. When will people learn that the diffused glow filter is never a good idea? It looks like they just took a picture of their cardboard cutouts on a mall green screen background. Or better yet they got one of those brilliant romance novelist cover illustrators to just take the project off their hands. Take a design class hacks, or at least check out a good marketing plan (even if the show doesn't live up to it).

(Sorry for the harshosity, I still remain optimistic about the film. Can't wait for David Slade to take the helm in round three.)

Movies in Frames goes Mansfield

2009-05-19T10:09:00.005-04:00

Our second Movies in Frames comes from Ranielle over at The Film Brat. After some coaching on how to get screenshots from me (feel free to ask me if you're not sure how to get them), she made a great compilation, and I love it.

These stills come from the 1999 film, Mansfield Park. Thanks Ranielle, sweet job!

Send your movies in frames to cheerfuld8@gmail.com and have them go up here and on the tumbler!

It's a New Moon Morning! Put that in your fangs and smoke it.

2009-05-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

Heart to Heart

2009-05-19T00:46:00.013-04:00

Well Gossip Girl and How I Met Your Mother fans have something in common tonight (And I'm lucky I'm both). Not only did the season finales of both shows premiere, but both audiences are now living in fear of love fulfilled... sort of.

So Upper East Siders/Brooklynians, we've waited, and waited, and waited for 2 whole seasons. We've held our tongue as Chuck fled to various Asian countries and smoked a myriad of exotic substances. We've bit our pillow as Blair sabotaged herself by getting back together with Nate, AGAIN (and even sleeping with an uncle here and there). We've thrown stuffed animals at the t.v. as we watched the horrifying Chuck/Vanessa love fest. We've seen it all and lived to tell the tale. And now, FINALLY... SPOILER ALERT... Chuck said, "I love you too." Never have 4 little words made me so happy and so scared at the same time. My fears are likely the same of the show's creators, and the every writer from here to eternity. Once the girl and boy get together... what comes next? Do you break them up again right away? Do you delve deep into "relationship stuff?" Do you bring in a mystery man or woman to stir up trouble? Or do you pull an Office, and just let them be happy, get engaged and have babies? Since they'll all be going to college next year, apparently with Georgina (she's baaaack, semi-permanently it looks like), it's likely that even with the love in their hearts, it won't be smooth sailing for B and C. Buuuut, in Chuck's own words, they're inevitable. Which means, if we're lucky and the show doesn't immediately go downhill, we have good stuff worth tuning in for next season, which starts August 31st! So mark your calendars, before the summer's officially out, we'll be back in GG land. As far as the other less important plot lines go, Rufus and Lily got engaged, Jenny is the new Queen Bee, Dan, Vanessa and Georgina are going to NYU, Serena and Carter Baizen are off to find Mr. Van der Woodsen, Nate will be joining Vanessa on a backpacking trip through Europe afterall, Lily and Rufus' love child is in NYC going to NYU and he knows who his parents are, and Nelly Yuki always loved Dan. Head on over to the tumblr for my memorial to the happy event (B&C, not Nelly Yuki).

Somewhere, in another part of NYC (a considerably more affordable part), we find Robin and Barney at a crossroads. As soon as either one tries to admit real feelings to the other, they instantly back away from their declaration, showing once again that they're perfect together. But perfection is complicated, and their qualities in common will likely continue to keep them apart, at least for awhile (and apart from a few late night meetings). They did share a kiss (which didn't quite have the poignancy of Blair and Chuck's) and luckily for the writers, the kiss didn't answer any questions. So it's not quite "love fulfilled" for Barney and Robin, but there is love in the air. And we now know that Ted's future wife is somewhere in his new architecture class... yeah, that narrows it down. Bastards.

Oh and we meet the goat. It was anti-climactic.

So till next season New York television show lovers, keep your eye on DVD release dates, and news from Watch with Kristin and Ask Ausiello on the fates ahead.

Reel Whore voted for me, so should you!

2009-05-19T00:19:00.004-04:00

Reel Whore is one of my fav blogs, who I incidentally voted for in this year's 2009 Lammy's, and who coincidentally voted for me too! Reel Whore showcases a unique kind of review, specializing in "Dirty Undies" and "The Money Shot" as well as a series called "Who's that Lady?" My fav was were the ones about the women of Best in Show. It's a really fun, naughty blog, and you should pay it a visit, or else...

So check out Reel Whore and VOTE FOR DO YOU HAVE A FLAG? in the 2009 LAMMY AWARDS! Voting ends MAY 31st!

This Week's Break Out!

2009-05-18T18:28:00.007-04:00

This Week's Break Out is, Imogen Poots!

Aside from her wildly ridiculous name, Imogen Poots appears by all means relatively ridiculous-less. The native Londoner is 20 (so it's safe to drool, she's no longer jail bait), and while her resume may still be less than lengthy she's had some memorable roles, most notably as daughter Tammy in 28 Week's Later, a film she co-starred in with last week's Break Out, Jeremy Renner (whose show The Unusuals was just cancelled, tear.). While she has an incredibly striking face, her acting talent is nothing to sneeze at either, and I have every confidence she will only continue to get better. You might have also recognized her as young Valerie during flashback sequences in V for Vendetta. I also caught in the British mini series Miss Austen Regrets as Fanny Knight. So what makes her a Break Out? Cause even if you know her face, you can be pretty damn sure her peculiar name will escape you. I long for the day when all know the name Imogen Poots.

So keep your eyes peeled for this crazy eyed, crazy named starlet and this week's Break Out, Imogen Poots!

28 Weeks Later Trailer