Yes, this is the IPod that I have.... a little older model, but works great!!! It would be nice to have a newer once, since this one can only hold approximately 1,000 songs. Right now, it has a little over 500 songs (When I added all my music to my new laptop, I guess I didn't anticipate that song files would be bigger than a couple years ago. I was kinda disappointed with that). So lets see what songs will randomly pop out when I hit shuffle!!!
Here We Go!!!
1. "London Bridge" Fergie 2. "Teenage Dream" Katy Perry 3. "Crawling" Linkin Park 4. "Language of Love" Cee Lo Green 5. "My First Kiss" 3OH!3 feat. Ke$ha 6. "We Both Reached for the Gun" Richard Gere, Rene Zellweger, Christine Baranski & cast (Chicago Soundtrack) 7. "Hot Mess" Cobra Starship 8. "Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking her Clothes Off" Panic! at the Disco 9. "Your Song" Elton John 10. "Give It Away" Red Hot Chili Peppers
Okay.... I like how this pattern is going, so I'm going to do 10 more!!!
11. "Summer Breeze" Seals & Crofts 12. "Dirty Diana" Michael Jackson 13. "OMG" Usher feat. Will.I.Am 14. "I Stand Alone" Godsmack 15. "Just the Way You Are" Bruno Mars 16. "Spiderwebs" No Doubt 17. "Your Love is My Drug" Ke$ha 18. "That's Not My Name" The Ting Tings 19. "No One" Alicia Keys 20. "Block Rockin' Beats" The Chemical Brothers
All right, 10 more. Then I'm done. I promise!!!
21. "Battlefield" Jordin Sparks 22. "Billie Jean" David Cook 23. "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" Backstreet Boys 24. "Music" Madonna 25. "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" Phil Collins 26. "Maybe" Sick Puppies 27. "Dreams Along the Water" The Leo Project 28. "Let's Go" Trick Daddy feat. Lil Jon 29. "Higher" Creed 30. "I Wanna Love You" Akon feat. Snoop Dogg
Did I ever mention that I LOOOOOOOOVE having my IPod on shuffle??? Even though I put all the songs on it, I still get that giddy surprised feeling when certain songs show up at random. This list of songs doesn't even BEGIN to showcase the variety of music that I listen to, but it's a decent amount of representation! I am a little suprised that three artists (Lady Gaga, RHCP, and David Cook) had two songs on this list. Funny how that happens sometimes, LOL. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed my list of random songs today!
Los Angeles. Heroin overdose. "In the fifth, your ass goes down." Big Kahuna Burger. The Wolf. Chopper. Jack Rabbit Slims. Bad Mother Fucker Wallet. The Bonnie Situation. Royale With Cheese. The Music. Honey Bunny. Ezekiel 25:17.
Have you figured it out yet???
#1- Pulp Fiction
I remember having a conversation with my mom one day about Pulp Fiction. She said that I would really like it but also warned me about something... that I would catch myself laughing at inappropriate things. So on one spring evening in 2003, I turned on my surround sound, plopped onto my bed, and started the movie. By the time opening scene ended, I knew I was in for a very enjoyable experience.
A group of individuals with connections to Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames) intertwine with one another in four separate stories. Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent (John Travolta), who are hit men for Marsellus, are on assignment to retrieve a briefcase for their boss. After an unexpected incident, they have to rely on The Wolf (Harvey Keitel) to solve the problem. Then Vincent has to take Marrsellus' wife, Mia (Uma Thurman), on a "date" while he is out of town, which was successful until Mia discovers a little baggie inside Vincent's coat pocket. Later, a boxer named Butch (Bruce Willis) makes an arrangement with Marsellus but goes against it. He finds himself attempting to escape the Los Angeles area before he might be killed.
I could go on and on about this movie, but I wont. Instead, I will list my five favorite scenes.
5. The Bonnie Situation: When Marvin got shot, I couldn't stop myself from laughing. Yes, that disturbed me but it was funny on how Vincent accidentally killed the guy. So Jules and Vincent have to employ The Wolf to solve their problem. The Wolf gets in, delegates, and gets out in under an hour. Now that's someone who should be programmed in your cell phone!
4. Pumpkin and Honey Bunny strategizing the robbery: Ah, the very first scene of the movie. The way that Pumpkin convinces his girlfriend to rob the restaurant just pumped up their adrenaline, and you could sense that. When they actually stand up and do it, I remember exclaiming something like "Oh shit!" before the opening credits began. Now that's a way to start a movie!
3. Mia's drug overdose: Mistaking heroin for cocaine... wow. When Vincent discovers Mia, he flees to his dealer's house to resuscitate her. Seeing the needle plunge into Mia's chest (filled with adrenaline) made me cringe and happy that it worked out.
2. Jules and Vincent inside Brad's apartment: Between the discussion about Big Kahuna Burger and Ezekiel 25:17, what's not to enjoy about this scene???
1. Mia and Vincent's date at Jack Rabbit Slims: When they walked into the restaurant, I was in awe. I wanted to go eat there myself (until I found out that it was a fictional place... dammit). I loved how authentic the restaurant felt, especially with how the employees were dressed and the themed menu. I really wanted to know what a $5 shake tasted like. Mia and Vincent had awesome conversation before they went to dance. Oh, and they both danced very well (obviously since they won a trophy).
So who wants to come over with some Royales with Cheese and watch this with me? Hehe...
"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides with the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who in the name of charity and good will shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon those with great vengeance and with furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know that my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."
Now some of you may think that I don't get into television much because I am a movie geek. Well, it's true that I don't watch nearly as much tv as I do movies, but I do have a handful of shows that I tune into each week. To me, tv shows create more of a connection to individual characters since you see them develop in their personal lives and relationships over a given period of time. I can relate to the characters more and love seeing situations spread out over several weeks.
So what shows do I consider to be a die-hard fan of? Reality shows? NOOOOO! Game shows? Enjoyable but not on a consistent basis (although I kicked ass when watching Rock and Roll Jeopardy). My list is all about sitcoms and story-driven dramas! I now present to you my five favorite shows, accompanied with some of my favorite scenes!
#5- Big Love (HBO) **Spoiler Alert*-The following clip is a recap of the first four seasons**
A polygamous family living in modern day suburban Utah... that idea immediately grasped my attention when HBO was giving out sneak previews of the (then) new show. This is one of those shows that you really have to pay attention to, otherwise you'll miss a subtle hint that's important to a character or the story line (which I really love about the show). I like how they show all the different branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This show has helped me understand the religion and has prompted a lot of excellent conversation with my Mormon friends. I am saddened that the current season is the final one, but I am also intrigued at how things are going to end with the Henrickson family.
#4- Grey's Anatomy (ABC, syndicated)
I never watched this show until I was visiting my parents (this was when I was still married) and it was a special presentation of the episode where a guy shot himself with a bazooka, causing the hospital to go under a code black situation. Lets just say that episode converted me to becoming a weekly watcher. The combination of the love (and sex) lives of interns, residents, surgeons, and nurses along with some of the most interesting cases EVER make the show consistently exciting. Although some of my favorite characters are no longer around (Denny, Izzie, George), I have enjoyed watching new people come in and out of Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital. I hope to see, at least, a couple more seasons of this show.
#3- Sex and the City (HBO, syndicated)
The city, the fashion, the guys, and the one-liners.... oh how I loved all of it! I related to Carrie's character a lot. She was a writer/columnist (my dream job), she made her own unique fashion choices, and she always remained positive that she would end up with the man of her dreams (even if it took several on and off tries to finally get there with Big). I loved Samantha's seemingly never ending sex life, and got to see some really cool sex toys in the process! Charlotte was the sweet, yet determined woman who would stop at nothing to find her perfect man (and ended up with Harry). Miranda was the one character that went through the most changes, from an independent lawyer to a happily married woman with a son. I proudly own every season, both movies and a few books about the most stylish show I have ever enjoyed watching!
#2- Friends (NBC, syndicated)
This is another show that I did not start watching until after a few seasons in. You have a bunch of twenty-somethings living in New York City dealing with work, love, and living in some pretty awesome apartments (benefits of Rent Control). Between Rachel and Ross (Yes, they WERE on a break), Chandler and Monica, and Rachel's unexpected pregnancy, I had never been so emotionally affected by a show (especially about Rachel and Ross). I compared myself as a mix of Rachel and Monica (more on the Monica part) and would love to be with a guy like Chandler, with his great sense of humor. I quote this show a lot and dream of one day having my little circle of friends with our own hangout like Central Perk. :-)
#1- True Blood (HBO)
Vampires. Mythological beings. Lafayette. Southern Living. Religious cults. Sex. Sex. SEX. That's only part of the many things that I cannot get enough of out of this show. I remember watching HBO one night and catching a sneak peek of this show and HAD to see what this was all about. I fell in love by the end of the first episode. Between seasons one and two, I had purchased all of Charlaine Harris' books and read them all to satisfy my craving for more drama/sex/adventure. I love how Alan Ball pays homage to the books and has added some excellent side stories to keep us begging for more (especially keeping Lafayette alive past the first season... the show would not be the same without him. If this were in real life, I would definitely be interested in being a fangbanger (vampire sex groupie... lol). I am anxiously waiting for season four to start this summer... and hope to see all of the books converted over to the show. That would be awesome!
Well, what do we have here??? A blog challenge about my favorite movies. Some of you are curious about what I consider to be my favorite movies of all time... and I am more than happy to share that with you. Some of you know what my top 5 has been, but I have made some recent revisions (goodbye The Dark Knight). With so many good movies out there, I want to share with you my 10 favorite movies. Get ready for some great films (and some surprises).
#10- Chasing Amy
Holden McNeil (Ben Affleck) and Banky Edwards (Jason Lee) are partners in making comic books. While working at a convention, they meet Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams). Holden immediately has a crush on her and tries to pursue her, until he finds out that she's gay. They continue to hang out, but Holden's feelings grow stronger. He confesses his love to Alyssa, which begins a fight, but they end up as a couple. Despite their love for each other, obstacles get in the way. Alyssa's friends are disappointed in her, Banky is jealous that Holden is spending so much time with Alyssa, and Holden discovers a lot of things about Alyssa's past that he just cannot seem to get out of his mind. Holden has to decide whether to let the past go or make a change for the sake of the relationship.
Kevin Smith has a great way of storytelling through words, especially with a complicated love story. I related to Holden when he was finding out about Alyssa's past (the hurt, the anger, the not so discreet way of confronting her... yeah it was pretty obvious). I also related to Banky, since I had friends that resented me when in a new relationship (especially with blowing off the girls to spend time with a significant other). Alyssa... she is somewhat of a role model to me. She's independent, very straightforward about her lifestyle, and is willing to take a chance with her heart. Add all the geekiness (comic books, conventions, creative SAT questions) and I am a happy girl!
#9- The Boondock Saints
Two Irish-Catholic brothers, acting on their own behalf to eliminate the Mafia and their affiliates in the Boston area.... sounds like a pretty fucking good idea to me! Yes, they are offing people, but you can't help that they have the right intentions and cheer for them. They have very unconventional ways for getting the job done, like they've watched too much bad television (as Agent Smecker points out at one of the crime scenes).
This movie exceeded my expectations. I knew I was going to enjoy it, but not as much as I did. There's some great action sequences, lots of laughs (the more I watch the scene where the cat gets shot, the funnier it gets), and lots of attention to detail by the great Paul Smecker. I love *my* Irish boys and was happy to see them reunite for a sequel (which was pretty good, but lacking in the Rocco and Smecker areas... for obvious reasons). Oh, and if anyone wants to learn how to use the word "fuck" in every way possible, then this is the perfect movie use as a guide, LOL.
#8- August Rush
A very simple story with a very BIG heart. A boy named Evan is on a journey to use music to seek out his biological parents in New York City. Meanwhile, his mother, a cellist, is on a search to find him after discovering he is alive. His father finds himself at a crossroads in his life and ends up making a cross country trip to rediscover his passion for music. In the end, everything comes together... at a concert in Central Park.
One of my favorite things about this movie, aside from the story and the music, is how you see that New York City is full of musical arrangements. I know that if I ever need inspiration, I can just take a trip, sit on a bench and write down what I see or hear around me. I loved how Robin Williams played a character who hates Julliard, when he attended that same school in his youth. Oh, and I need to thank my best friend for raving about this movie. You were definitely right about it, Brandon :-)
#7- Cruel Intentions
Two high school step-siblings, who are experts at manipulation and seduction, make a pact to destroy the innocence of a couple new students before the school year begins. Sebastian goes for Annette, who has vowed to stay a virgin until she falls in love; Kathryn goes for Cecil, who's developed an interest in her music instructor. However, for Sebastian, things don't go as planned when he ends up falling for Annette, to the displeasure of Kathryn.
This is my number one guilty pleasure movie (I was fifteen when I saw this movie in theaters, so it's also my favorite coming of age film). I have been given a lot of crap for having this in my favorites list over the years, but I do need to point out that this was a remake of the novel Les Liasons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liasons) and it was aimed to introduce the classic to a younger generation. And yes, I have seen the films Valmont and Dangerous Liasons... but Cruel Intentions will always be my favorite retelling of the novel.
#6- The Departed
A movie with dirty cops, undercover cops, the Boston Mafia scene, and directed by Martin Scorsese. Talk about a great combination!!! It took me a couple viewings to comprehend everything that happened in the film, and I was highly impressed. I was very satisfied with how all of the angles were worked out to make the film very believable. Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan was so good that I forgot about the actor and just saw the character on the screen. I could not get enough of this movie when I first saw it; I think I watched it about a dozen times in a month.
#5- Forrest Gump
I don't see how anyone could hate this movie. It's full of wisdom, life's ups and downs, and southern hospitality. It's a wonderful story of Forrest's life and the people that touched him dearly through his journey. You cheered for him when his leg braces fell off. You were sad when he lost his Momma and Bubba. You laughed when he showed off his bullet wound. And, when Jenny and Forrest finally became a couple and married (with little Forrest as the ring bearer), you were happy. It also made me realize, at the age of 10, that people with learning and developmental problems can live a normal life and be happy. I will always love my Grandpa (RIP) and Grandma Savory for introducing me to this film... it was basically the first film that made me realize the beauty of a great story.
#4- Ferris Bueller's Day Off
I have loved this movie since I was about 3 years old... not kidding (well, that and Dirty Dancing... my family always had HBO). What teen wouldn't want to play hooky from school and spend the day doing all kinds of things in the city? I know I wanted to... even though I never actually did it. At one point in time, I dreamed of owning a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California. Ferris is one of those individuals who will remain true to himself and won't settle for a life that is monotonous or mediocre. He will always be one of the most interesting people you meet... which is probably why I always have been attracted to people like that :-)
#3- The Shawshank Redemption
What would you do if you were charged with murder and had to spent a lifetime sentence for a crime you didn't commit? For Andy Dufresne, he kept himself busy. During the day, he would write letters that eventually became a project for an enormous library for the inmates. He also used his banking skills to help prepare taxes for all the guards as well as do the books for the Warden, but he was a lot smarter than he let on. It wasn't until he escaped the prison and was hundreds of miles away that the Warden and his best friend Red figured out what he did at night to keep his sanity... behind a really big poster!
I was actually introduced to this movie by a convicted felon... my ex-husband. Of course, my views on the movie differ dramatically from his, since I have not served a sentence in prison (a few hours in my town's jail, yes... but it's not the same). You fall in love with all the characters, the story and the time period. I cannot find a single thing I dislike about this movie... or any flaws for that matter! If anyone reading this has yet to watch this movie... stop whatever you are doing and watch it. NOW!!! Then tell me what you thought about it.
#2- The Phantom of the Opera
Having just recently reviewed this on my Valentine's movie blog, I'm going to focus on a few key points as to how it made it at nearly the top. I am a hopeless romantic. That started when I was about eight years old when first seeing Disney's Beauty and the Beast. So as an adult, who has experienced love a couple of times, seeing the passion and the romance just made me feel like that eight year old all over again. This movie hones in on my theater background, my love for music and my emotional depth. I absolutely need to see a stage production of this before I die. Where's my Phantom (minus the murderous rage)???
Now you know what my favorites are... pretty good list, don't you think???
Yes, I am aware I didn't list my number one favorite movie. There is a reason for that; it gets it's very own blog later this month. It's different than my other favorites, but it's definitely a great one for any movie geek out there! For now, I'll give you a few clues to guess what it could possibly be: It is a 1994 film set in the Los Angeles area, there are a ton of big name actors/actresses in the movie, and the plot is complicated, in the sense that there are several mini plots in the film, which all ties together in a "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" kind of way. Good luck guessing!!! ;-)
August 1, 1981. Midnight. A brand new channel makes it's debut on cable:
Mtv helped bring music and television together. Even though for the first few days they played the same five videos, they developed a following. Eventually things progressed to the point where artists were creating music videos that told a story. Then, on December 2, 1983... everything about music videos took a huge leap, thanks to Michael Jackson's Thriller. Somehow, this video of epic proportions became a mold for all future music videos... to the point where every hit single had to have an accompanying video.
My dedication to Mtv started when I was a teenager. I watched The Real World, Beavis and Butthead, and Daria all the time. Although I enjoyed those shows, there was very little programming for music videos. Then came Mtv Live, which eventually became Total Request Live.... a program that showcased the top 10 videos every day (as voted by the viewers). Ah, now I get to actual watch videos on the MUSIC channel!!!
All right, I did the history part. Let's move forward with what I intended to blog about!
One random night (I would guess about 2 1/2 years ago), I was flipping channels and came across Mtv Hits, which plays 24 hours of music videos. Yes!!!! I can experience what others did in the early 80's. It is normally the first channel I go to when I turn on my television (and you guys thought it would be a movie channel, didn't you?). With this channel, I have been able to watch all the newest music videos by all of my favorite artists. With this being the end of the year, I would like to showcase what I consider the best music videos of the year. Please note that I said music videos, so the songs are pushed aside (to an extent) for the visual brilliance I have witnessed these past 12 months. *** Be warned that some of these videos are the long versions and/or uncensored***
Here are my ten favorite music videos that debuted in 2010:
#10
30 Seconds to Mars "Hurricane"
I'll admit it... I don't fully understand everything that is going on in the video. I mean, the kinky S&M sex and the violence yes, but the actual story of the video? No. Maybe if I translated the foreign speech (which I believe is French), it could give me some more insight. This is one of those videos that I can compare to a car accident that you drive past.... you just can't look away!! There are aspects of this video that I find myself making fun of (Leto's mullet... thing), but I do appreciate the cinematography and how dark it is (which are the contributing facts that this video made it onto this list).
#9
Eminem featuring Rihanna "Love the Way You Lie"
Speaking from personal experience with domestic violence, this video does a very accurate portrayal of what happens in such a relationship. Moments of love, moments of hate and anger, and back to love again. It's a vicious cycle. I loved the symbolism of the burning house behind Eminem and Rihanna. To me, I saw it as burning away the past of their own experiences with violence by those they loved. If you watch this video and realize that you are living with this kind of relationship, then you either need to make a drastic change or get out of it.
#8
Kanye West "Runaway"
I'm only going to talk about the music video, not the 30+ minute mini film (if you want to watch it, here's the link). Kanye knows how to make a classy video, from formal dining, ballerinas, and the monochromatic color scheme (the green wall/background made everything pop!). It kind of makes me want to attend a formal dinner inside an empty warehouse, LOL. When you accompany the song with the video, you can grasp the emotional turmoil that Kanye is expressing and feel for him. The "Taylor Swift incident" proved beneficial to him, since it helped provide some great material for this album.
#7
Florence + The Machine "Dog Days Are Over"
I first saw this video a week before the Video Music Awards. It was nominated for best rock video. I immediately caught onto the brilliance and uniqueness of the video. Every single color used in this video just popped out in contrast to the white. I was engulfed in the gorgeousness of it! It's a very eclectic video, but I love how it all seems to come together, and not in the oddball, weird kind of way. This artist is one that I listened to other works of hers and realized I knew several other songs. I love how one video opens you to a world of new and familiarity at the same time! :-)
#6
Ke$ha "Take It Off (K$ n' Friends version)"
The first time I watched this video, David Bowie's "Labyrinth" came to mind. It just had that feel to it. Then I read about what inspired Ke$ha to create a second video of this song. Not only did she create the Labyrinth vibe, but also paid tribute to Revenge of the Nerds and Tron (and I saw a little Avatar in there, with all the animal transformations). This video makes me want to attend an underground party like this one. It would be fascinating and you will never know what to expect next!!!
#5
Cee Lo Green "Fuck You"
A 60's styled diner, Doo Wop singers, and the heartbreaking journey of a young boy to man attempting to reach out to a girl that he wants so dearly to be his... what more could you ask for? I loved the Motown flavor of the video and song and how it incorporated into present day. You feel for young Cee Lo and hate the "Heartbreaker" who won't give him the time of day. That is, until she sees the success he made in his life, in which he turns her away. Perfect video for one of the best breakup songs out there!
#4
OK Go "This Too Shall Pass"
I have always been fascinated with Rube Goldberg machines. The way that one simple task sends of a ripple effect of activity is highly impressive. For OK Go to make an entire music video using this machine was ingenious. As you watch the events unfold in front of you, you realize that all of this was filmed in one take. I loved watching the guitar rotate around as spoons hit the glasses, the rainbow colored flags, and the climatic ending, with flying black umbrellas, signage, and splattered paint. It was a successful machine, and you feel as proud as the people who built it when it was over.
#3
Lady Gaga "Alejandro"Ah, Lady Gaga... whom I have dubbed the newest queen of visual stimulation (meat dress, anyone???). Her videos are extremely theatrical and I LOVE it! When coming up with the concept for Alejandro, she wanted to pay homage to her homosexual friends with a "homoerotic military theme." It kind of fit, timing wise, to release this video over the summer, since the "don't ask, don't tell policy has been in the news (and Gaga was one of the public figures to promote the repeal of the policy). This is another representation where a monochromatic color scheme (with the color red) added symbolism to the video: Gaga's lipstick, the heart on the pillow, the nun habit dress, even the fiery orange flames toward the climax of the video. I cannot take my eyes off the video once I start watching it... it draws me in every time.
#2
Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg "California Gurls"
Will Cotton is an artistic genius!!! For those not familiar with his work, he creates visual landscapes using pastries, candy, and ice cream. Katy Perry wanted to portray his work in her video, along with representing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, and the board game Candy Land. I can't help but admit that this is my dream scenario for a heaven full of sweets and ice cream!!! Only Snoop Dogg can pull off a cupcake suit with his pimp walking stick, and I love him for that! When watching the "making of" featurettes, I learned they they threw in a lot of pop culture into the details (like how Tower Records is on the board game (made with pancakes and marshmallow fluff). This video is just full of fun... oh to be a California girl!!!
And, ladies and gentlemen.... my favorite music video this year:
Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce- "Telephone"
First, I have to remind everyone that this music video is a sequel to Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." One of the first things I loved about this video is where the prison guards strip her down to prove that Lady Gaga is, in fact, a female (when artists poke fun of their own tabloid rumors, I appreciate them a lot more than I did). Then there is the whole random product placement in the video (Diet Coke cans in her hair, Wonder Bread and Miracle Whip in the kitchen of the diner, and the package of Honey Buns). I could be wrong on this, but I see that was Gaga's way of poking fun of how things are marketed in movies/videos. Oh, and the best thing about this video: it hones in on my movie geekness. The video pays tribute to Thelma and Louis, Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill (Hello.... the Pussy Wagon!). What more could I ask for in a music video??? :-)
I cannot wait for 2011. I am ready to see what's in store for music videos, especially since Lady Gaga will have a new album in the Spring (and based on the two videos I have listed, I expect even greater things for her future "mini movies"). I hope you guys enjoyed watching these videos and appreciated why I put these specific ones on my list. I always welcome recommendations of videos I might have missed, so feel free to mention ones that I need to check out.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me.... 12 of my favorite holiday movies (and specials)!!!
Elf
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." How did any of us enjoy the holidays before Buddy the Elf came into our lives??? The way that Buddy sees the world beyond life in the North Pole makes me feel like a kid again, mainly because of the innocent wonder of discovering new things and ideals. Not only is this movie highly entertaining for young adults, but it is also a great family film (especially since they stand by the fact that Santa is real and they "squash" the rumor that the parents put the presents under the tree). If I'm not feeling the Christmas spirit, I just pop this into the DVD player and wait for the movie to fill me with happiness for the season!!!
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
When you see "National Lampoon" and "vacation" together in a movie title, expect to see some Griswold's. Unlike the other three Vacation movies, we see how Clark and the family interact while staying at home for the holidays. Whether it's setting up way too many lights outdoors, realizing that the extended family wrapped their cat in a present, or watching as Clark zips faster than the speed of sound when sledding, you WILL crack up (and for me, I still do after watching this movie dozens of times).
A Charlie Brown Christmas
As someone who grew up with Snoopy as her favorite cartoon character, this movie was a MUST watch several times each holiday season. I remember when I was about six or seven and wishing I had the same tree that Charlie Brown had... I saw it's potential to be beautiful. I always loved how everyone danced when practicing for the Christmas program (and what's better is seeing the Hey Ya! Charlie Brown video on YouTube). I loved how Linus quoted scripture from the Bible to help Charlie Brown realize the true spirit of the holiday season... sometimes we just need the reminder of what Christmas is really about.
Home Alone
As a seven year old sitting in the movie theaters, I thought this movie was epic!!! To be left at home by accident and having free reign on whatever food I wanted to eat and to watch movies I wasn't allowed to watch.. that was ideal. I wished I was as smart as Kevin when it came to setting up booby traps against Marv and Harry. My favorite trap was when Marv was stepping on the ornaments when getting in through the window. I felt his pain. John Hughes did a great job portraying the fears and excitement of a child, from the creepy type neighbor to the furnace in the basement. This is one of the funniest family movies I've ever seen.
Oh, and I had a crush on Macaulay Culkin.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Okay, so I couldn't resist having the sequel on here!! For a movie that takes place somewhere completely different than the first one, John Hughes was able to keep the charm we all fell in love with (and believe me, I've seen sequels that were a hot mess... like Sex and the City 2). I absolutely loved seeing New York City at Christmastime; that city is idealistic to have a true holiday themed vacation. The pranks were so much better than the first movie (come on, they had to be!) and a lot more brutal. It's a wonder that Marv and Harry were able to walk (or speak) after several of those! I felt this one was a lot more heartfelt than the first, especially about Mr. Duncan's plan to donate to the Children's Hospital. It touched on one of the best things about the holidays, people helping others that cannot celebrate due to poverty or illness.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Ah, a classic holiday special brought to us by Dr. Seuss! I used to watch this several times each year. However, the copy that I watched at my Grandparents got cut off when the Grinch was stuck up the hill with the sled. It wasn't until I was a preteen that I finally got to watch the ending (even though I knew the ending... I mean, it was a book first!). Of course Hollywood had to remake this into a full length feature film when I was in high school. It's a good film on its own, but I will always love the cartoon special more :-)
Bad Santa
If you put Billy Bob Thornton in a Christmas movie, expect it to be dirty... just saying. His character Willie and his partner Marcus have had a great method for conning department stores around the holidays. But this particular year, unforeseen obstacles get in the way, which include a young boy, overintoxication, and a security guard who catches onto their scheme. It was amusing to me to see that Sue was raised Jewish and had always wanted to fulfill her fantasy of having sex with Santa, then getting her wish. Those moments made the movie. This was also the last movie that John Ritter ever made, which made his scenes feel a little bittersweet. Who says all Christmas movies have to be bright and cheerful???
South Park Season One, Episode 10: Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo
I've been a fan of South Park since its debut in 1997. When the first Christmas special aired that same year, I was entertained... and kind of disturbed. I enjoyed the parody of A Charlie Brown Christmas and how the town attempted to make the holiday season non-offensive (even though that ended up in a total disaster). But the most disturbing thing of all??? That a piece of crap (literally) helped everyone get into the holiday spirit. Oh, and you have to admit, when Mr. Hankey says "Howdy Ho!!!" it puts a smile on your face. :-)
"Hankey, the Christmas poo. I love him and he loves you...."
A Christmas Story
Look! It's a Christmas cult film... so much that TBS plays it for 24 hours straight!!! I'll never have to own it since I can get my fill of the movie each year. Everyone can relate to Ralphie. We all have that dream gift that we want SO BAD! We all have that crazy relative that gives you some strange clothes (although mine were never Pink Bunny suit embarrassing... just underwear, lol). Someone we know has had been "triple dog dared" into doing something. This movie, in all its eccentricities and misadventures, is universal to everyone (and why it will remain as a classic during the holiday season).
The Polar Express
My generation grew up with this book. I remember having it read to my classmates and I in elementary school. Now that I have a kid of my own, I get to watch him experience this classic tale as a movie. This is one of the few instances where the film has exact same charm, innocence, and wonder as the book. The movie not only keeps the attention of children, but it is entertaining enough for the adults to enjoy (and if anyone else is like me, it brings back a sense of nostalgia).
The Nightmare Before Christmas (presented with the Fall Out Boy version of "What's This)
Wow... it seems like I was just talking about this movie on my Halloween list. Oh, wait, I did!!! To see Jack Skellington discover the world of Christmas and then to figure it out through scientific experimentation was fun to watch! Although things didn't turn out as planned for Jack (or Santa, for that matter), it was one of those movies where you realize that you appreciate the world that you live in, even if you have moments of monotony. Oh, and that it's good to explore beyond your own place in the world, because you never know what you will find (in that fun, exciting way)!
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
This is one of those specials that I can actually remember watching when I was 3 or 4 years old. Cookie Monster's attempt to contact Santa always made me laugh. Bert and Ernie exchanging their favorite possessions for gifts made me a little sad, but I also noticed how good of friends they were to each other (Hey, this was before I was old enough to hear of the gay lover jokes, so get your mind out of the gutter!). I also had hopes that Big Bird would see Santa, even though he fell asleep. The suspense of seeing Santa myself got to me as a kid, I always wanted to see more than just his shadow. I found a DVD copy of this special when working at Cargo Largo and wanted to share this with my son. He loves it as much as I did!!
You know it's the beginning of the holiday season when the Victoria's Secret Fashion show airs on television. This is the only fashion show that I make sure I catch every year and this year's show did not disappoint!!! As much as I would love to feature every single outfit, that would make this blog so freaking long. I will feature the outfits that I loved the most from the show.
Before the models, I will review the performers, which were Katy Perry and Akon.
Katy Perry looked and sounded gorgeous!!! I loved the blend of blue and pink in her first outfit, when she performed "Firework." Then, when she performed during the Pink collection presentation, the yellow dress contrasted beautifully with her black hair and black boots. I loved that she did a medley of "Teenage Dream/ Hot N Cold/ California Girls." Her music is very appropriate for the youthful, colorful Pink collection!
Akon performed his single "Angel"... talk about a perfect song to feature on the show!!! It was very classy to have him in a suit while the girls walked down the runway in contrasting white outfits. It was a beautiful segment of the show and it added a classy touch!
And now.... onto the beautiful models!!!!!
I've always liked the Rocker Angel look. To have the corset shaped like a heart is way too cool and cute! I would so buy that! I also liked the dark teal wings... a bit of light and dark to the ensemble!!!
The whole segment where the models were dressed in random sports clothing... cuteness. I don't think I will ever see this colorful of a lacrosse outfit anywhere else!
Okay, my favorite flowers are roses... so when I saw this I instantly loved it! I wouldn't hesitate to wear my black bra and panties and wrap this floral arrangement around my body.
Simple lingerie and fluffy wings.... classy and elegant!
I missed this portion of the show (hey, I'm a Mom and the kiddo needed to be tucked into bed). My favorite is the pink lingerie with the pink, red, and orange wings.... what can I say? I'm a sucker for color!
These wings were just amazing.... so much that I forgot to look at the lingerie! When this model walked onstage surrounded by orange-ish trees... she looked absolutely amazing. You could tell she loved wearing this outfit; she always had a smile on her face!
A few of the ladies wore peacock themed outfits and wings... this one is my favorite. Not only did this model have beautiful wings, but to have the feathers around her waist added to the beautiful dark blue bra and panties.
Onto the best part of the show... the Pink Collection! This outfit was my FAVORITE of the night!!! It was a lot of fun, flirty, and very Rainbow Brite chic!!! It makes me want to go back to Halloween and update my costume with all the cuteness. Oh well, maybe I will repeat my costume next year and incorporate the fun and flirty side that Victoria's Secret showed off, LOL.
And that's a wrap! It was overall a very beautiful show and all of the models were absolutely gorgeous. I know what I'll be looking for the next time I go to Victoria's Secret!!!
I know you are an emotional mess right now, and you have every right to be. Your friends are going to try to cheer you up, say you are better off without the person you are no longer attached to, and push you to get out in the dating world before you are ready. I would like to offer you something when you are having those moments of solitude.
Music is a great source of therapy. Finding the right songs to help you through the many phases post-breakup will make you feel better as time goes on. I have compiled a playlist just for you to enjoy, no matter how you are feeling about your ex. Some of these songs you may feel belong in a different category, which might be true. I just know that's where I would personally place them, but feel free to arrange this for your personal listening pleasure.
The "Sad" Breakup Songs:
1. Poison "Every Rose Has It's Thorns"
2. Boyz II Men "End of the Road"
3. No Doubt "Don't Speak"
4. Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"
The "Angry" Breakup Songs:
5. Kelly Clarkson "My December"
6. Limp Bizkit "Nookie"
7. Puddle of Mudd "She Hates Me"
8. Alanis Morissette "You Oughta Know"
9. Eamon "(Fuck It) I Don't Want You Back"
10. Cee Lo Green "Fuck You"
The "I Have No Sympathy For You" Songs:
11. Carrie Underwood "Before He Cheats"
12. Justin Timberlake "Cry Me a River"
13. Bon Jovi "You Give Love a Bad Name"
14. All American Rejects "Gives You Hell"
15. Backstreet Boys "Don't Want You Back"
16. Beyonce "Irreplaceable"
17. Justin Timberlake "What Goes Around Comes Around"
The "I'm Over You and Moving On" Songs:
18. Pink "So What"
19. Kelly Clarkson "Since You've Been Gone"
20. Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow "Picture"
21. Christina Aguilera "Fighter"
22. Britney Spears "Stronger"
Now, I know it will take some time to get over your ex, but at least you know exactly what you need to listen to to help you out. I hope this helps give you a little bit of closure, maybe even introduce you to a few new songs. Oh, and if you need anything (a hug, more song suggestions, a place where you can go to break stuff), please don't hesitate to ask. I am pretty resourceful.
We all have them. Movies that have so many good lines that, between yourself and a few friends, can basically sum up the entire story. A lot of these quotable movies are comedies, but there is the occasional drama or cult film that works its way into the list. I have several movies, comedies and others, that I quote more than some of my absolute favorite films. Please enjoy these movies and the lines that I just love to quote!!!
The Hangover
"You just nailed the baby!" "Are my glasses okay?"
"They gave out rings during the Holocaust?"
"Not at the table, Carlos."
"When I woke up on the roof, I found $80,000 of Bellagio chips in my pocket. Looks like we're going home with some money, boys!"
"Hey! There's Skittles in there!!!"
Pulp Fiction
"In the fifth, my ass goes down."
"That's a pretty fucking good milkshake. I don't know if it's worth five dollars but it's pretty fucking good."
"I'll be there in three shakes of a lamb's tail."
"Oh man. I shot Marvin in the face."
Office Space
"I could set the building on fire."
"I have eight different bosses right now."
"PC Load Letter"? What the fuck does that mean?"
"I can't believe what a bunch of nerds we are. We're looking up "money laundering" in a dictionary."
Waiting...
"There are few things in this world more unsettling than going in the back to grab some condiments and end up staring at a huge, steaming pile of cock."
"Yeah and take anything that he gives you with a shot of penicillin."
"Ma'am, I don't doubt the steak was over-cooked, but did you have to eat it all before you complained about it?"
"You know, we should probably feel guilty, but she broke the cardinal rule. Don't fuck with people that handle your food."
Forrest Gump
"Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far far away from here."
"Mama always said, dying was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn't."
"Stupid is as stupid does."
"That's all I have to say about that."
Napoleon Dynamite
"She said she doesn't want you here when she gets back because you've been ruining everybody's lives and eating all our steak!"
"Vote for me, and all your wildest dreams will come true."
"Napoleon, give me some of your tots."
Dumb and Dumber
"Just when I thought you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!"
"We got no food, no jobs... our PETS' HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!"
"They're driving an '84... Sheepdog."
"That's as good as money, sir. Those are I.O.U.'s"
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
"Someone didn't love you enough when you were little, did they?"
"Hi, I'm Ricky Bobby. If you don't chew Big Red, then fuck you."
"If you ain't first, you're last."
Boondock Saints
"Fuck ass!!!"
"Now, you Irish cops are perking up. That's two sound theories in one day, neither of which deal with abnormally sized men. Kind of makes me feel like Riverdancing."
"I ain't getting him no fucking bagel."
Clerks II
"I left the coffee pot on again, didn't I?"
"Say what you will about Jesus, but leave the "Rings" out of this."
"How the fuck do you always have like two good-looking girls who want you?"
"Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, it's forgivable to go ass to mouth."
And... to finish off my quotable blog.... I have this video of 100 Best Movie Lines in 200 Seconds!
Remember this episode from Friends (The One with Frank Jr.)???
Now that I've refreshed your memory with the infamous List... I would like to share who is on mine. I couldn't think of it as quickly as Rachel did with hers, so consider me like Ross on that part. Like it says on the title of this blog... I'm not that much of a geek to laminate mine!
#5- Devon Sawa
I fell for Devon Sawa when I saw the movie Casper for the first time. He was sooo cute and had baby cheeks. Then, in the sixth grade, my friends and I were at a book convention at CMSU (now UCM) and we met Ivy Ruckman, writer of Night of the Twisters. She had worked with Devon since he was in the TV movie based on her book. We were all ecstatic to hear stories about him! Fast forward a few years and I'm still crushing on Devon, but this time it's because of the movie The Final Destination and Eminem's music video for "Stan." He lost the baby cheeks but was still very attractive. He hasn't done much recently (that I've noticed), but if I hear of a movie he's in... be assured that I will see it. :-D
#4- Usher
I just look at that pic and think... Yummy! Usher is a very talented man.. and not just for his music. When I was in high school, I came across a movie called Light It Up. It's about a group of high school teens who end up taking the school's security guard hostage and demand (through the Internet) that they hire their favorite teacher back and improve the conditions of their urban school. Usher is one of the main characters (next to Rosario Dawson) and it proved, to me, that he has longevity in his public lifestyle. Oh, and Usher is a father... and being a parent myself, this makes him even more attractive. As for his music.... any man that can get me on the dance floor is just fine with me!
#3- Adam Lambert
Yes, I am fully aware that he's gay. I don't care, this is my fantasy!!! Besides, he's admitted that if he's tipsy or drunk, he has been known to make out with girls... soooo there's a chance, lol. There's just something about him that's dark and mysterious that makes the attraction very strong. I've had my imagination go wild daydreaming about him and I together (so much that I've actually had dreams with him in it, not all in a sexual manner). This is the one guy on this list that I LUST for the most, and imagining what his tongue could do to me makes me shiver... in a good way! ;-)
#2-David Cook
Oh yes, the Kansas City connection! I knew David was going to go far on Idol when I heard his audition, but I never expected he was going to win. I was so happy that I had tears running down my face. I feel I can relate to him on a pretty personal level. I mean, he and I grew up in the same area (Lee's Summit and Blue Springs are basically next door neighbors, lol), we are the same age (he is only 11 months older than me), and we both have mad love for the Royals. He's also very smart... which intelligence goes a long way with me. He's the one guy on this list that is most attainable to me, and one of these days, I will run into him somewhere here in the city. He's here all the time, visiting family, not to mention that he does own a house here. One day, David, you will meet me!
#1- Jason Segel
Oh, Jason. Dear Jason... so funny, imaginative, cute, REAL. I didn't take much notice of him in Knocked Up, but once I saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall... I fell in LOVE! Not only did his role as Peter just touch me with how realistic it was, but he also wrote the script (ah... a fellow writer and his words totally speak to me). My love for him deepened after watching I Love You Man. I also love his physical appearance, for the simple fact that he doesn't have what Hollywood considers a "perfect body." He's got a little extra meat on his bones... which shows me that he's comfortable with himself and doesn't try to fit into someone else's idea of what he "should" look like. Call me weird, but I'm more attracted to guys like that... the ones without a six pack and muscles. I also love how Jason stays in touch with his inner child... so much that he wrote the screenplay for the new Muppet film coming out next year. He is my ultimate celebrity crush and I would be the happiest girl in the world if I ever had the opportunity to meet him... anything beyond that would just be pure bliss!!!
*** Update on November 15, 2010****
Now that you know my top 5, I want to give you a short list of the men that almost made it:
-Seth Rogen
-Kevin Smith
-Timothy Olyphant
-Justin Timberlake
Yep, those guys would be nice to encounter as well ;-)
I've tried to avoid it as much as I can... but I couldn't stop it from showing up in my house last week, in a bag of Halloween goodies.
See the one that's shaped like a ghost??? It's sitting in my room at the moment. I need to get it out of there. I need to forget that it exists, because if I don't... more will show up.
No, it's not a cookie cutter or an eraser.... the object is part of a trending toy/accessory called Silly Bandz.
Silly Bandz are silicone produced and are worn like bracelets. They come in hundreds of colors, styles, and shapes. When worn as a bracelet, then removed, the silly band goes back to its original shape. The shapes can be anything from animals to food, to cartoon characters and holiday themed bandz.
I first noticed them at Walmart this summer. I was shopping with my Mom and my son. My Mom saw them and exclaimed that all the kids that went to trampoline camp were wearing them and trading each other for different ones. She mentioned that the guy who invented them was already a millionaire. I grabbed a package and just stared. A guy took a simple, everyday product and reinvented it to appeal to kids. Why can't I think of stuff like this???
So the trend has exploded this summer. All the grade school kids are wearing them, trading them, and begging their parents for more. About a month into the school year, I received an e-mail from my son's principal about Silly Bandz. Apparently kids like to fling these at one another, much like my generation did with rubber bands. So the rule at my kid's school is that Silly Bandz are off limits... SWEET!!!! Now my kid won't come home and ask if he could have them because the other kids do. I was a happy parent that day.
With the exception of the Halloween ghost silly band in my kid's bag, I have completely avoided the trend altogether. However, we are approaching the busiest shopping holiday of the year, and I have a feeling that a certain parent of mine *cough* MOM *cough* might just stuff some of these little things into my kid's stocking... especially since I noticed Transformers and Star Wars Silly Bandz this week at Target. I might have to "accidentally" lose them...
But... one thing that does peak my curiosity of Silly Bandz. I wonder if any adult-themed ones may make it to the adult stores. Then, I might have to reconsider my thoughts on them, because if my kiddo catches me wearing, say, one that's the shape of a pair of lips or a martini glass, then I would have to give in.
That was just an example... I'm still not going to give in. Dammit!
I remember reading an issue of Entertainment Weekly this summer which announced that Glee was going to pay tribute to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I had mixed feelings about it. A part of me was excited because I had seen the Lady Gaga Glee episode and thought it did a pretty good job. The other part of me was afraid it was not going to do the cult film justice. Since I was at work last night, I didn't get to see it. But I did read some reviews from other Rocky fanatics and some entertainment blogs. Then, right before I started watching the episode, my Dad was telling me about it. Whoa.... my Dad watched Glee.
Anyway... let's get down to business, shall we???
The episode starts off with lips ("Science Fiction/Double Feature")... well, they are definitely off to a decent start. Wait a second... they altered lyrics and the song was shortened by less than half. I am already laughing... that's a bad sign for the rest of the episode. Then, it jumps to the students performing "Over at the Frankenstein Place" onstage. I'm liking how the set looks, but not so much the fact that the entire cast was onstage (hiding behind set pieces). I also instinctively raise my hand in the air when the line "there's a light" is performed... I guess going to the live shows have corrupted me, lol.
We now enter the actual Glee stuff. Mr. Schuester finds out that Emma went to a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with her boyfriend. This makes him jealous and yet, inspires him to get the Glee Club to perform the musical. You do not decide to do Rocky Horror out of spite... shame on you Mr. Schuester!!! So when he presents it to his students, there are a lot of mixed feelings. Some of them love it, some of them have no idea what it's about, and some argue that it's not appropriate for a high school production. This reminded me of when I daydreamed about my high school doing Rocky Horror (and that I wished for it do the film justice... like only have seniors who were 18 perform it, obviously because of the sexuality). Okay moving on...
Enter Meatloaf and Barry Bostwick (Asshole! yes, I did shout that at the screen). They were some sort of tv producers for the local news station (I think... I was too wrapped up in the amazement that they were actually on Glee) and talking to Sue about the Glee Club's Rocky production. Ah... why couldn't they have been on the show more? I might have liked it better.
Then Finn and Rachel practice "Dammit Janet." Hmm... they actually got the choreography pretty damned accurate. I was pretty proud of that. I think Rachel's voice is too whiny for Janet, though. The next scene is when Emma's boyfriend Carl (John Stamos) auditions for the high school play by singing "Hot Patootie/ Bless My Soul." I've heard John Stamos sing before, and he's pretty good. I think he did a decent job on the show, however I am a HUGE Meatloaf fan. Nobody can upstage him... I refuse to allow it. So when Mr. Schuester asks Carl to perform a Frankenfurter song, Carl flips out. He says that it's inappropriate for a high school production and that wearing the right garments is not right outside the bedroom. Fucking hypocrite... he's the one that takes Emma to the show and is now trying to justify that it's wrong. *shakes head*
Time for "Sweet Transvestite." This was the WORST number on the episode. It was extremely short and the choreography wasn't even close to being accurate. Since Mercedes decided to be Dr. Frankenfurter, some of the lyrics were altered: "I'm not much of a man" turned into "I'm not much of a girl." Wow... that really pissed me off. Who cares if a girl is playing the role? You don't change those lyrics (most of the floor show productions have females playing Dr. Frankenfurter, but you don't see them saying "girl" just because they are female). Now, when they changed "transsexual" to "sensational," I was fine with that... for the simple fact that Glee is on public television and the FCC would have been throwing out some fines if that wasn't changed.
Three of the students are dressed as Columbia. None of the costumes are even close to the authenticity of the film. Shame, shame, shame.
Emma offers to help Mr. Schuester work on his role as Rocky (since the student felt uncomfortable in his teeny gold shorts... of course you would get the self-conscious teen in this production). They perform "Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me" in an empty classroom. Basically Mr. Schuester loses his shirt. That's it. Lame. Oh, and I noticed that "heavy petting" was changed to "heavy sweating"... another FCC friendly move, I assume.
When practicing the show again, Sue shouts out "This play is terrible!" I agreed. Then came the "Janet! Brad! Dr. Scott! Rocky!" montage. Again, I caught myself doing floor show shout outs... "Rocky! Bullwinkle!"
Mr. Schuester finally confesses to the Glee Club that he went into the Rocky Horror show for all the wrong reasons. He explains that the movie was popular for people who were outcasts who felt they needed a sense of belonging with others around them, much like the Glee club. Going back to my Rocky Horror blog, I mentioned that I never really noticed that the musical was cult or outcast friendly until I was in high school. All I saw was a fun, sexual musical. *Shrugs* So Mr. Schuester pulls the plug on the play, but says that they will still perform the music.
The show ends with the entire cast performing the "Time Warp."
Yea.... I think the phrase cluster fuck is the right word for this. For one, they perform this on the set of the Lab.. wrong. There are two Magentas and two Columbias.... where are the Unconventional Conventionalists or the Criminologist (with no fucking neck)??? A damn shame, if you ask me. And what is going on with the boxy look of Magenta's skirt... that bugged me like crazy. Although, for a collaboration effort of a high school tribute... that's basically what it was, toned down for age appropriate-ness and it represented many elements of the film.
I think I speak for all Rocky Horror enthusiasts out there.... if we had the control, we would have done it so much better. It's a good thing I'm going to a Fishnets and Floorshows Rocky Horror production this weekend... it will help me shake off my frustrations with this Glee episode.
Yea.... I've been dancing to that since I was in diapers. Seriously, I have.
I was raised by parents who went to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show every Friday and Saturday night, twice a night. They've seen the show with an audience over 200 times... not kidding. Growing up, I always knew when the movie was on television. My Dad or Mom would crank up the volume as loud as they could, and I would run into the room, do the Time Warp, and return to whatever I was doing (part of that had to do with the fact that they wouldn't let me see the entire film until I was old enough to understand what was going on).
Naturally, I've been a fan of the Rocky Horror Picture Show my entire life. With that said, I didn't realize until I was in high school that it was a cult film. I guess that's what happens when raised by Rocky Horror enthusiasts... which isn't a bad thing at all. When I was involved in theater, I found other people my age who were into the film as well, even attending a Halloween party where I was handcuffed to my friend Janis while watching the movie. Oh, fun times indeed!!
But...
I was still a "virgin" until my mid-twenties.
For those with extremely confused looks on their faces (Wait, she can't be a virgin, she has a kid!), a "virgin" in Rocky Horror terms means someone who has not seen the movie with a live audience and a floorshow. When I wanted to go to a live showing as a teen and my early twenties, I didn't have the opportunity because the Kansas City area shows were no longer active. However, that changed a couple years ago... and it was someone I actually know that brought it back.
I had my first real Rocky Horror experience on July 17, 2010.
Being that I was a virgin, I had to be initiated. I will not give out the details... that's supposed to remain a secret ("What Happens at Rocky Horror"... yeah, you get the picture). Then, there is the discussion of the prop bags and when to use each prop during the film. Cool... have to do that sometime. Then the film starts.
Now, this is an audience participation event, as well as a floorshow. Many obsceneties will be shouted out throughout the movie. I already knew a few of them... when you see Brad, you yell "asshole!" When you see Janet, "slut!" Those are some of the universal comments. Each show and each theater is different... you don't always know what you will hear. Personally, I was amazed at how creative some of the "shout outs" were.... references from The Princess Bride, Star Trek, Star Wars, Rainbow Bright, and even recent pop culture news (like Mel Gibson's career and Gary Coleman in a casket).
Now, about the floorshow. There are a group of actors that play the characters from the film. They dress up and use props when needed. I don't know if it's just me, but when going to the show, you pay more attention to the floorshow than you do the movie screen. Everyone in the floorshow dresses up for their roles... and accurately. My favorite costume is the sparkly outfit worn by Columbia... I applaud Rachel (who normally plays her) for finding the right pieces!
I was extremely pleased with my first Rocky Horror experience, so much that I've gone to every show since then! The second time I attended, I brought two "virgins" with me, one of them (my friend Katrina) had not seen the movie either, so it was definately a first time experience for her! My mom also came that time, however, it's been so long since she's gone that she didn't know half the references the audience was saying. I guess that's what happens when a younger generation takes control of the show (hehehe). I have also started dressing up for the shows (80's night in September and I wore fishnets last weekend for the October showing).
I am really excited for next week.... the Halloween showing!! I am ready to see lots of costumes (and yes I will have one on as well) and enjoy what will be my 5th Rocky Horror experience. I still have a long way to go to reach my parent's record... but I can do it! At this rate.... you'll probably see me join the Fishnets and Floorshows cast. And yes, I am seriously considering it!
