Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Idol 98 - Kevin Covais

98. Kevin Covais
Season 5, 11th Place

Yes, no other than Chicken Little at number 98.

You know, any other nerdy 16 year old with an okay voice would know how to make the best of the situation and play up the shy and insecure thing. Well, not Kevin. He liked to pretend that he was a "thex thymbol" and that all the girls wanted him. Haha. Pretty funny right? Nah.

Kevin wasn't exactly a terrible singer. All things considered, he actually sounded okay. However, he had a few quirks that made him slightly irritating to watch and listen to.

First was the lisp. Yeah, he probably can't help it and it may sound mean, but I'm sorry, I just don't particularly enjoy listening to vocalists that can't pronounce their S's right.

Another thing that I didn't like about him was the way he twitched and blinked when he would perform. It seemed as though he was concentrating so hard on trying to do what he does, that you could visibly see his thoughts through all of his ticks. A few times he looked like he was seconds from a seizure. Haha.

Favorite Performance(s):
Hmm.. If I had to chose one, I guess I'd go with One Last Cry. It definitely wasn't what I'd consider a very good performance, but that was his first of the semis, and it exceeded my very low expactations. Haha. When I Fall In Love was also pretty decent.

One Last Cry


When I Fall In Love


#97. Stevie Wonder to contestant: What's wrong with you girl?

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Idol 99 - Haley Scarnato

99. Haley Scarnato
Season 6, 8th Place

Yes, it's Ha-legs! Haha. Congrats Robbie, Anonymous and Gerard for guessing it right. Haha.

Now, Ms. Scarnato can sing. She's absolutely got a voice on her. But, is she American Idol quality? Abso-freakin'-lutely NOT. The fact that Haley even got a yes to Hollywood was a huge double standard because she is the epitome of a cabaret singer. Not at all what the show is looking for.

See, for me, I like some grit and soul in a singer. Haley has about a negative 87 on a soul scale. Everything is so precise. She's the perfect Disney Princess voice. Nothing at all that I want to listen to - well, not unless you're Lea Michele or Lea Salonga. Haha.

Frankly, I really underestimated Haley's strength in the competition. I remember her audition being very uninspiring - I would've said no - and I just assumed that she'd be another one that disappears in Hollywood. But then I saw spoilers..

That time, I immediately realized that they need to put in some cannon fodders in there and that she would make it no further than the Top 20 in the semifinals. Boy, was I wrong. Along the semifinals round, I did correctly predict that Sabrina Sloan would be robbed a spot in the Top 12, but I expected Antonella Barba to be the robber, not Haley.

Haley was the one contestant - out of the girls - I was positive to leave on Top 16 night, but she kept on surviving. Her fanbase is an enigma to me. I don't get the appeal. Maybe because of the infamous short shorts? Haha. Oh well, I guess it all comes down to personal preference. So, whatever.

Overall, I was pretty unimpressed with her Idol run. I somehow liked her rendition of Missing You where she sang the beginning of the song the best I'd ever heard her before fumbling with the lyrics in the middle. Tell Him was pretty good but True Colors was horrible. She sounded tiny and shrill throughout the whole performance. She sounded much stronger on Ain't Misbehavin but then she butchered Turn The Beat Around. Sigh. Very hit-or-miss contestant, if you ask me.

Favorite performance(s): I think Haley did give us a couple of decent performances. Obviously, my favorite is Tell Him. I think that song requires a bit of a cabaret voice, so it fit her like a gem. Also, I think Missing You is pretty underrated. I thought she sang it very well, and made great usage of dynamics. She has a real nice soft tone, though, yes, she forgot the lyrics. Haha.

Missing You


Tell Him


#98 - Animated Character!

Movie Trailer: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I have never read any of the books but I thought Harry Potter films were all pretty solid. Now, this new Harry Potter trailer is amazing! I can't wait until November. It's going to be EPIC!! Really.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

Release Date: November 19, 2010 (USA)

Monday, June 28, 2010

Weekend Box Office: Toy Story 3 remains at #1

Weekend Box Office
June 25 - 27, 2010
(Weekend Gross / Total Gross)

1. Toy Story 3
($59,000,000 / $226,552,000)

2. Grown Ups
($41,000,000 / debut)

3. Knight and Day
($20,500,000 / debut)

4. The Karate Kid
($15,400,000 / $135,641,000)

5. The A-Team
($6,000,000 / $62,843,000)

6. Get Him to the Greek
($3,010,000 / $54,486,000)

7. Shrek Forever After
($2,875,000 / $229,313,000)

8. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
($2,801,000 / $86,177,000)

9. Killers
($2,000,000 / $44,000,000)

10. Jonah Hex
($1,600,000 / $9,144,000)

Few notes about this week's milestones: 
  • Toy Story 3 posted the seventh highest-grossing second weekend ever.
  • Toy Story 3 also stands as the seventh highest-grossing 10-day opening ever, lording over any other animated feature. 
  • Knight and Day was Tom Cruise's lowest in a leading role since Far and Away in 1992

Idol 100 - John Stevens

100. John Stevens
Season 3, 6th Place
 
Well, someone had to be last right? It almost feels weird revealing John Stevens first. I mean, he is easily one of my least favorite Idol contestant, and it almost feels like I need to build up to it. Haha.

But seriously, I couldn't let myself not put John on the countdown. I mean, the sheer epicness of Crocodile Rock alone should not be ignored. But since he's by far my least favorite contestant appearing on the countdown, coupled with the fact that he wouldn't have been on here otherwise, I decided to put him smack dab at #100.

Season 3, to be honest, was actually the very first season of Idol I watched - well, technically. The very first episode that I saw was the auditions in New York, where John did a pretty lame Dean Martin impersonation. It was pleasant but weak. But obviously, he made it through to Hollywood.

Now, when he made the Top 12, he wasn't even my least favorite contestant of the season. But as time went by, I started to realize how terrible and one-dimensional he was as a singer and a performer. His performance during the Top 10 week when he sang My Girl was probably one of the most awkward, unnatural and flat performances I had seen in my life. I thought maybe it could be just a fluke. But NO!! Because..

The following week we got Crocodile Rock - the most (made-up word alert!) epically horrible performance in Idol history. Really. I don't care if Idol runs for 50 more years but there will NEVER be a performance that was as bad as this total trainwreck - and I mean this in the sincerest way possible. From the horrible dancing, to the voice crack in the 'la la la' part, to the total hilarity of him even attempting a song like that. It was epic in more ways than one. Haha.

Since then, John Stevens became more of a joke than an artist. Surprisingly though, after delivering dud after dud, he kept moving on to the next round. Now, the last straw was when he outlasted one of my favorite contestants of the season - Jennifer Hudson. Do I fault him for it? No, not really. But that doesn't mean I have to like his voice. John's elimination still remains, at least to me, one of my favorite Idol moments ever. It was so nice to see justice after the previous week's travesty. Enough said.

Favorite performance(s): Well, I thought John sounded pretty good with King of the Road. But there's no doubt in my mind that my favorite would have to be Crocodile Rock because it was such a horrific disaster that it's entertaining to watch. Thank you John for this golden gem in Idol!

King of the Road


THE Crocodile Rock


#99 - LEGS!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Movie Review: Knight and Day

"With me.. Without me.. With me.. Without me.." Haha.

Now, this is the movie that Killers wanted to be. I mean, that one NEVER quite lived up to it's potential but Knight and Day was surprising in a way that it exceeded my expectations. It was unexpectedly enjoyable - particularly the rollicking first hour - and the action rarely lets up, which was nice.

I thought the story was, as usual, cliched, but it wasn't that bad. I was actually surprised with how the plot found its footing immediately and achieved a surprising level of sustenance throughout its running time. The movie threw so many funny situations and one-liners so quickly that I giggled non-stop for the first hour.

The action sequences, on the other hand, were also quite remarkable and pretty satisfying. The stunts were good, the special effects were adequate and not overpowering and some of its car chase sequences were probably among the most elaborate I can imagine. I thought the action scenes flowed really well.

As for the cast, I thought Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz were amazing and their wonderful chemistry never felt forced or phony. In fact, every time they were on screen, the movie's energy and fun level pegs the meter. Tom Cruise was both charming and bada*s and it was funny that his character remained polite even in the middle of chaos. Cameron Diaz dominated the screen effortlessly with her humorous one-liners and almost exceptional comedic timing. Her character would've been disgustingly annoying if not portrayed correctly but she handled it well and didn't irritate me one bit, which was shocking. Ha!

One minor quibble though were the villains, who once again, weren't nearly as compelling as the leads. Heck, I found it very hard to believe that the main villain was once Cruise's partner. He can barely keep up with Cruise, who leaps and bounds into action without much hesitation. But that's just me. Haha.

To sum it all up, the movie wasn't anything groundbreaking or phenomenal but it was surprisingly good. It engaged me, amused me, and entertained me. Nothing more to say.

 RATING: 7/10

Can't help myself, the movie's poster is ugly!

Music Video: Bittersweet - Fantasia


Here is Fantasia's new music video for her new single, Bittersweet, off her third studio album, Back To Me.

Well, this is a very classy video from Fantasia. I’m not a huge fan of the song itself, but I love the old school R&B throwback style of it. Oh, and I think Fantasia is a natural as an actress. Enjoy!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Idol 100

It's been a decade of Idol, and as a crazy obsessive fan, I thought it was time to look back at the show that became an institution - for better or worse - by counting down my Top 100 'Idol' contestants of all time. Ha! Yes, I'm taking things a step further with this countdown!

Well, let's see how long it takes for me to abandon this one! Haha.

Ok, So here are some general notes before I begin the countdown starting Monday next week:

- All contestants that made the semifinals from all nine (9) seasons are eligible for this countdown.

- Like many other lists or countdowns, this one is extremely biased. It is judged on how I personally like the finalists - not technical singing or personality or all that jazz. There will probably be some people who'd rank like 70 on your list that may be as high as 20 or something on here, actually I guarantee it. But please respond maturely, flames don't make me particularly happy.

- I will be posting one 'Idol' a day. Hopefully, this won't lead to me getting lazy and not post the final contestants in months time. Haha. Oh, and I will also try my hardest to go more in-depth on my comments. Hopefully.

- Please give feedback! If you read this, I would be overjoyed to read your comments.

- Enjoy the countdown!
            Here is the contestant breakdown by Season: 

            Season 1
            3 contestants (3 finalists, semifinalists)
            Season 2
            5 contestants (5 finalists, 0 semifinalist)
            Season 3
            10 contestants (10 finalists, 0 semifinalists)
            Season 4 
            13 contestants (11 finalists, 2 semifinalists)
            Season 5
            11 contestants (10 finalists, 1 semifinalists)
            Season 6
            11 contestants (9 finalists, 2 semifinalists)
            Season 7
            14 contestants (12 finalists, 2 semifinalists)
            Season 8
            18 contestants (10 finalists, 8 semifinalists)
            Season 9
            15 contestants (11 finalists, 4 semifinalists)

            Clue: #100 - Red Head

            Wednesday, June 23, 2010

            My Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2010

            Ok. So recently, I started noticing something interesting in the Philippine blogosphere - and no, it's not those pesky Jejemons. Haha. It's the writing project - Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs - which basically identifies new and, well, influential blogs from absolutely everywhere for this year. It's back on it's fourth run and I've decided to jump on the bandwagon. I mean, why not! I maybe relatively new in the blogosphere but I love the pseudo-world I somehow created for myself. Oh, and did I say I love countdowns?

            Now, my methods are not scientific but I do take things like over-cuteness and gorgeousness of the people behind it into account. Haha. Of course, I'm kidding.

            Without further ado, here are my 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2010:

            1. The Creative Dork
            I'm not so sure about the dork part but he's definitely creative. Seriously. The header alone made me look at my own site twice before I conceded that this site is the real deal. Visually, it's top notch. 

            2. Foodie Manila

            3. Facebuko

            4. Project 52 Weeks

            5. No-Benta

            6. NomNomClub

            7. When In Manila

            8. Paolodome Edge HD

            9. Tara-Na!

            10. The DAM Nation
            I started blogging five months ago - of course, with a couple of mishaps along the way - with the intention to share whatever I have in mind particularly with things I am, yes, obsessed about. Haha. The DAM Nation is a product of sheer passion coupled with hard work - believe me!

            Movie Trailer: The Green Hornet

            Wow. This looks surprisingly good. I'm not in any way a big fan of Seth Rogen and I'm honestly iffy if he's the right person to play the lead role but I'm hoping that he can pull this one off - the same way Michael Keaton portrayed Batman a few years back. I'll give this movie a chance..

            Cast: Seth Rogen, Cameron Diaz, Cristoph Waltz, Tom Wilkinson and Kay Chou

            Release Date: January 14, 2011 (USA)

            Tuesday, June 22, 2010

            Glee: Charice is joining the cast!

            So after Charice denied the rumors that spread out a few months ago about her being part of the cast, Michael Ausiello of EW.com confirmed that Charice will indeed be part of Glee!
            Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Charice is joining Glee.
            No, really this time!
            When that rumor began to spread earlier this month via her loose-lipped manager, Charice herself shot it down via Twitter. “I just want to let you all know, that it’s not true that I’m going to be on Glee,” she said.
            Well, it’s true now! Sources confirm to me exclusively that the international pop star is signed, sealed, and delivered to recur next season as a foreign exchange student whose killer vocals get Rachel (Lea Michele) contemplating murder.
            Not literally, mind you. So what do you think?
            My thoughts? Well, this may be an unpopular sentiment but I honestly like the idea. Glee is the most popular show in the US right now, and everyone knows that majority of the cast are good singers. Charice, at least to me, is worthy to be in that show.

            I don't get why some people are so upset, we knew this role was being casted. And the person they picked had to audition just like everyone else.

            Now, I know everyone is passionate about the show - just like me - but I heard reactions over the internet after the news broke that some actually think about stopping to watch Glee because they don't like a particular casting choice. It is a strong reaction. The new episodes haven't even started filming and people are already talking about bailing.

            So, who cares if she isn't that good with her English? The show is scripted, so she has PLENTY of time to practice her lines. And even if her accent is still noticeable, they can probably create a storyline for her where she's new to the country and she's a foreign exchange student or something. No big deal. Truth be told, she's no different to the other foreigners who have become famous in America like Heidi Klum, Penelope Cruz, or Jackie Chan. So, I say let's stop the hate, and appreciate!

            Please take a deep breath, and relax people. I'm pretty sure the writers have a vision for the show and are working on making it the best it can be. Once you see the new episodes and still don't like the direction Ryan Murphy is moving then you can move on to pursue another interest. Just please give the writers some credit and give them a chance to tell the stories they want to tell.

            Enough said.

            Weekend Box Office: Toy Story 3 is #1

            Weekend Box Office
            June 18 - 20, 2010
            (Weekend Gross / Total Gross)

            ($109,000,000 / debut)

            ($29,000,000 / $106,254,000)

            ($13,775,000 / $49,797,000)

            4. Get Him to the Greek
            ($6,117,000 / $47,857,000)

            ($5,520,000 / $222,977,000)

            ($5,273,000 / $80,508,000)

            ($5,100,000 / $39,370,000)

            8. Jonah Hex
            ($5,085,000 / debut)

            ($2,675,000 / $304,764,000)

            10. Marmaduke
            ($2,650,000 / $27,886,000)

            Few notes about this week's milestones: 
            • Pixar's track record extended to 11 consecutive #1 debut.
            • Toy Story 3 delivered Pixar's highest-grossing launch yet.
            • Toy Story 3 also generated the second biggest-grossing start ever for an animated feature, behind Shrek The Third's $121.6 million.
            • For the month of June, Toy Story 3 had the highest-grossing opening weekend on record, edging out Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

            Idol News: American Idol Lowers Age Limit to 15

            So, according to a recent article from USA Today, Idol lowers eligibility to age of 15.
            American Idol will lower its eligibility age for Season 10, reports USA TODAY's Bill Keveney, allowing 15-year-olds to audition for the first time. "A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16," executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. says. "Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool." The show previously had a 16-to-28 age limit.
            Ok. Here's what I have to say, DUMB IDEA! Haha.

            Sure, talent is talent - no matter the age - but Idol is just obviously doing this to try and find the next Bieber or Miley Cyrus before she/he can be discovered on YouTube or something. I mean, say what you want about Bieber - and we all have, trust me. haha - but the kid is a goldmine. So, I really can’t blame them for wanting to appeal to a younger demographic. I personally think that this does harbor a change to cater the show to a younger audience, something I had suspected they were considering.

            That said, the idea is still beyond crap because kids that young are mostly not anywhere near ready to be professional touring musicians. I’ve always felt the youngest ones are not really ready and could use more time getting experience – in both performance and life.

            Yes, there have been teens that were capable of doing Idol, and I'm sure there are more. But they really have to be ready like Diana Degarmo, Paris Bennett, Jordin Sparks, David Archuleta and Allison Iraheta - all had years of performance training before they embarked on Idol. Heck, even the teens I mentioned were a bit raw for the whole Idol experience - or machination.

            Wrong direction for Idol, if you ask me. I think they need to increase the age to 18, not lower it. Going from 16 to 15 is fairly odd on their part. I could name a laundry list of things to change about the show, but this would not make the cut. Oh well. I don’t see how one measly year will make much of a difference anyway - if they changed it to 12 or something like that then that would be a big deal. 16 to 15, not so much.

            This move - at least to me - feels very superficial, and until Idol addresses the deeper issues that have derailed their ratings train, I have no doubt that it’s going to just be more of the same next season. Idol has much deeper fundamental problems than this..

            Monday, June 21, 2010

            Movie Review: Letters To Juliet

            Ok. I honestly expected to see a nominal quality love story going in but I was pleasantly surprised that this film was a noticeable cut above the average. Heck, I was even more shocked with how much I enjoyed the movie.

            I mean, I found most romantic comedies - with a few exceptions, of course - quite stale and monotonous. Letters To Juliet, however, has both magic and fun that made it so endearing. I couldn't have been more delighted. It was a sweet, wonderful and enjoyable romantic flick.

            Sure, the story was painfully predictable as I already knew how things will end up, but for some weird reason - pathetically and desperately - I waited for it. I mean, I got completely wrapped up in the characters that I ended up loving the story no matter how cliched it was. Also, it was interesting how the film managed to put all the schmaltz, melodrama and cheese in a completely engrossing manner that it didn't make me puke.

            The performances were pretty decent. I love Amanda Seyfried and I really thought she had a great range of endearing expressions perfect for the film. I've seen her other works and she was distinctively radiant and beautiful here with the right balance of intelligence, warmth and charm. I found her portrayal very believable. Of course, the rest of the cast did an admirable job as well, especially Vanessa Redgrave.

            Now, in terms of visuals, it was breathtaking. The backdrop for this movie, which was Italy, was absolutely lush and gorgeous and the cinematography was stunning. It was also beautifully shot.

            One minor quibble though was the pacing of the leads relationship. I mean, it was way too fast to be even considered believable. I felt that there was no enough buildup for the characters to fall in love, more so with an "unlikeable" male lead. But that was just me nit-picking. Haha.

            So, while this certainly wasn't a masterpiece, I thought that it went past the average 'romantic comedy' films and delivered a simple yet delightful movie experience.

            RATING: 7/10

            Sunday, June 20, 2010

            Music: Amazing Love / Beauty Queen - Scott Savol

            Remember Scott Savol? He finished fifth during Carrie Underwood's season (Season 4), and yes, he's trying his best to pull himself out of obscurity after his American Idol stint and is actually about to release two new digital tracks.

            Now, I was able to take a listen to the two songs and I'd say that the tracks are pretty decent. Sure, they both sound somehow generic especially in a RnB / Pop format but what song isn't these days?

            Amazing Love (Life Is Better) is good. I think that it has a pretty strong back beat. His vocals isn't as out front as I would like it to be but there are parts where I get a taste of his vocal range and amazing ability to riff. It has a fabulous hook and very dance-y. Listen HERE.

            Beauty Queen, on the other hand, sounds very R. Kelly. I don't know if it's just me, but this sort of reminds me of Ignition. The song on the surface sounds generic but the beat is undoubtedly catchy. I see potential with this song although with it being too similar with the music on the radio right now, I wonder if this will stand out. Listen HERE.

            What do you guys think?

            Saturday, June 19, 2010

            Music Video: I Will Not Say Goodbye - Danny Gokey


            Here is Danny Gokey’s new video for his single, I Will Not Say Goodbye, off his debut album, My Best Days.

            Obviously, the song is very personal for Danny because it’s all about losing a loved one. Personally, this is so much better than My Best Days Ahead Of Me, which was so generic. This song is pretty and I think the video is tastefully done with just the brief dedication to his wife at the end.  I get a comforting, hopeful vibe in spite of the individual stories. That being said, and no disrespect, I think it’s time for him to somehow lessen the continual emphasis on her dead wife to sell his music. But that's just me. Enjoy!

            Movie Review: Toy Story 3

            Indeed, Toy Story 3 continues Pixar's unique tradition of sending grown men out of the theater pretending that they NEVER shed a tear. Ha!

            Seriously! If Pixar has any weakness, it is that they have no freaking clue how to make a bad film. I mean, with this movie, they amazingly extended the streak of successes that stretched all the way back to the original Toy Story. Every single year, they come up with delightful animated flicks with not only a superb sense of humor, but a level of storytelling that has set the standard for today's films - animated or otherwise.

            To be honest, I actually never expected this film to be at par with, at least, Pixar's cream of the crop, but it blew my expectations away. This was clearly better than Up and surprisingly just as good or even, yes, better than Finding Nemo - my favorite Pixar film.

            I thought that the storyline was rich and simple yet emotionally powerful. The story was able to mix comedy, drama and action with impressive skill, except this was beyond skill - this was inspired. The humor was straight up hilarious, which made this, arguably, one of the funniest films the studio has ever made, and the characters were - as usual - lovable, charming and painfully authentic, with of course, the help of the voice talents. And yes, the voice acting cast was once again phenomenal, with popular actors, underrated talent, and great character actors filling the bill. I thought their dynamics in the movie were beyond palpable.

            On a technical standpoint, the movie was breathtaking on just about every level. Sure, it was not - in any way - a breakthrough or a technical milestone in terms of how the other Pixar films have been, but it still kept the tradition of looking stunning and leading the curve for computer animated films. It was solid and way above anything Dreamworks has brought to the table. I found the colors to be so vivid that it made the whole experience surreal. 

            Ultimately, words cannot do justice for how excellent the film was. Tons of superlatives will not suffice, I think. I mean, I can't stress this enough, but I have never felt anything like this before from a movie. The powerful last act just shockingly got me and my emotions went beyond crying as I just sat there during the final act in disbelief and was affected in a way that NEVER existed before.

            This was undeniably a sequel done right - a story with a lot of heart and elements that's a fitting farewell and tribute at the same time to the beloved characters that started the computer generated animation back when Pixar started 15 years ago with Toy Story.

            Amazing visual effects. Beautifully told story. Hilarious characters. Heart. All those combined equal something special. Easily the best film of the summer - at least in the US - so far.. if not of the entire year!

             RATING: 10/10

            Thursday, June 17, 2010

            Glee: Season 2 Updates!

            This is it! My last post about Glee - well, until September. I know. I know. It’s going to be hard for Gleeks - including me - to face the next 3 long months without Glee, now that the first season has sadly come to an end. But I have here a few spoilers/updates I gathered about Season 2 - including a rumored set list for their first episode. Are you more excited about season two? Or are you still going through Glee-withdrawal? Haha.

            Well, again, read at your own risk!

            CONFIRMED
            • Charice is part of the cast. 
            • According to Ryan Murphy, "The Madonna episode was so popular, I think I’m gonna do two tribute episodes - one in the fall and one in the spring - and we’re figuring out who those artists are."
            •  A Christmas episode is confirmed and Susan Boyle will guest star in it to play McKinley High lunch lady.
            • John Stamos is Emma's dentist. 
            • The show will introduce three more characters/new members to the club: Kurt's boyfriend, a love interest for Mercedes, and a Carrie Underwood-esque, Christian country singer who will be a rival to Rachel. Interesting no?
            • Jennifer Lopez will join the list of prestigious guest stars like Neil Patrick Harris, Olivia Newton-John and Josh Groban.
            • Bryan Adams and Coldplay rejected Glee's offer to to have their tracks covered on the show last March. Now, Coldplay wants Glee to cover, get this, ANY song from their catalog. According to Ryan, Bryan Adams was his favorite rejection.  
            • One major season 2 finale spoiler: According to Ryan Murphy, "I know that season two ends with Nationals in New York. I don’t know if they’ll make it - we haven’t figured that out." WAAH!
            RUMORED
            • One tribute episode is a Madonna redux.
            • Ryan Murphy "loves the idea" of doing a tribute episode to Britney Spears.
            • Kurt's boyfriend's name is Sam.
            • Oh, and the "Beth" storyline isn't finish. Did Quinn have a change of heart about her daughters adoption? Did she get to the hospital too late after Shelby left with Beth? 
            • Justin Timberlake will guest star. 
            RUMORED FIRST EPISODE SET-LIST 
            • Thumbthumping (Chumbawamba) - Glee Cast
            • Goodbye My Lover (James Blunt) - Puck
            • Open Your Eyes (Snow Patrol) - Rachel and Finn
            • Come Back To Me (David Cook) - Will
            • Don't Stop Me Now (Queen) - Glee Cast
            Ok. The songs sound reasonable but this isn't set in stone yet. So, whatever. Haha.

            Tuesday, June 15, 2010

            G-List: 20 Best Sue Sylvester Quotes

            Ok. So, aside from Brittany, who would not even notice the awesomeness of someone like Sue Sylvester?  I mean, Sue is easily one of the best - and one of my favorite - characters on the show. Plus, we all know she has, arguably, some of the best lines in the show. So what is your favorite Sue Sylvester Quote? I know you have one.

            Anyway, here's my list of the 20 most evil Sue Sylvester Quotes:

            20. "From Fort Wayne, Indiana, the not-at-all stupidly named, Aural Intensity!"
            Episode 22: Journey

            19.  "So you like show tunes. It doesn't mean you're gay. It just means you're awful."
            Episode 18: Laryngitis

            18. "Your hair looks like a Briar patch, I keep expecting racist animated Disney characters to pop out of your hair and sing songs about living on the bayou."
            Episode 22: Journey

            17. "You don't deserve the power of Madonna. Simply put, you have all the sexuality of all those pandas down at the zoo who refuse to mate."
            Episode 15: The Powers of Madonna

            16. "That was the most offensive thing I've seen in twenty years of teaching. And that includes an elementary school production of Hair."
            Episode 2: Showmance

            15. "You know, the way you use your mental illness to help these kids is really inspiring. I'm shocked you're not married."
            Episode 3: Acafellas

            14. "All I want is just one day a year when I'm not visually assaulted by uglies and fatties. Seriously, Ohio, these retinas need a day off. So here's the dream, the Friday after Christmas, which I have off, if you're hideous stay at home. Spend the entire day watching home videos of a time when you weren't too repulsive for me to ever want to look at."
            Episode 12: Mattress

            13. "Oh, I will bring it, William. You know what else I'm gonna to bring? I'm gonna bring some Asian cookery to wipe your head with. Cause right now you've got enough product in your hair to season a wok. "
            Episode 14: Hell-O

            12. "Mercedes, your vocal chords have had more fantastic runs than a Kenyan track team."
            Episode 16: Home

            11. "KISS MY ASS JOSH GROBAN!"
            Episode 22: Journey

            10. "I'll need to see the set list for sectionals, after all. I want them on my desk warm from the laminator at 5pm. If it is one minute late, I will go to the animal shelter and get you a kitty cat. I will let you fall in love with that kitty cat. And then on some dark cold night I will steal away into your home and punch you in the face."
            Episode 8: Mash Up

            09. "When I heard he wanted to write himself in as Cleopatra, first I was aroused, then furious"
            Episode 5: The Rhodes Not Taken

            08. Glee club. Every time I try to destroy that clutch of scab-eating mouth breathers it only comes back stronger like some sexually ambiguous horror movie villain. Here I am, about to turn 30, and I've sacrificed everything only to be shanghaied by the bi-curious machinations of a kabal of doughy misshapen teens. Am I missing something, Journal? Is it me? Of course its not me. Its Will Scheuster. What is it about him, Journal? Is it the arrogant smirk? Is it the store-bought home perm? You know, Journal, I noticed something yesterday. Of course. Its coming clear to me now. If I cant destroy the club, I will have to destroy the man!
            Episode 6: Vitamin D

            07. "I can't stand the sight of kids getting emotional, unless it's from physical exhaustion."
            Episode 7: Throwdown

            06. "I may have to go out and buy you a tiny diaper because your chin looks like a baby's ass."
            Episode 17: Bad Reputation

            05. "I like minorities so much, I'm thinking of moving to California to become one."
            Episode 7: Throwdown

            04. "This is what we call a total disaster ladies. I'm going to ask you to smell your armpits. That's the smell of failure and it's stinking up my office."
            Episode 3: Acafellas

            03. "Look at me. Even in the heat of battle, I'm so elegant, regal. I am Ajax, mighty Greek warrior."
            Episode 7: Throwdown

            02. "Santana! Wheels! Gay kid! Asian! Other Asian! Aretha! Shaft!"
            Episode 7: Throwdown

            01. You think this is hard?
            ".. I'm living with hepatitis, that's hard!"
            ".. Try filling your own cavity, that's hard!"
            ".. Try being waterboarded, that's hard!" 
            ".. Try removing your own appendix, that's hard!"
            ".. Try auditioning for Baywatch and being told they're going in another direction, that's hard!" 
            ".. I'm passing a gallstone as we speak, that's hard!'
            Episode: All season Long!!

            Weekend Box Office: The Karate Kid is #1

            Weekend Box Office
            June 11 - 13, 2010
            (Weekend Gross / Total Gross)

            ($55,665,805 / debut)

            ($25,669,455 / debut)

            ($15,770,491 / $210,022,557)

            4. Get Him to the Greek
            ($9,942,405 / $36,400,720)

            ($8,008,007 / $30,261,624)

            ($6,486,150 / $72,228,302)

            7. Marmaduke
            ($6,006,704 / $22,285,540)

            ($5,438,345 / $84,658,826)

            ($4,521,206 / $299,282,390)

            10. Splice
            ($2,942,492 / $13,153,956)

            Movie Review: The Karate Kid

            Ok. Before I say anything, I have to admit first that I haven't seen the original film. So, there's that. Haha.

            Now, since I got that out of the way, let me start by saying that this movie took me completely by surprise. Sure, there was no actual karate in it - and yes, I somehow refuse to call it Karate Kid, but instead Kung Fu Kid, errr, whatever - but the movie was just too adorable not to like.

            I personally thought that the magic of the film's appeal very much lay in the pairing and the palpable chemistry shared between the teacher and the student - Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. Individually, of course, they delivered as well. Jaden was just as charismatic as his father, Will Smith, in this film. He channeled the vulnerability of a little boy quite amazingly and I was really shocked that he portrayed his role really well.

            Jackie Chan, on the other hand, was unusually subdued and serious - in a good way. I've seen maybe a dozen of Jackie Chan films, and this was by far his best performance to date. Sure, Jaden Smith's acting clearly outshone Chan's, but it was actually pretty refreshing to see him just play a regular guy. And while his own storyline in the film was one of the weaker parts of the plot in general, it didn't detract much from the story.

            The supporting cast also did a fine job. Taraji P. Henson was both hilarious and brilliant with her one-liners and the Chinese casts, especially the kid nemesis of Jaden, were really good.

            Now, as for the fight sequences, did I say it was outstanding? Haha. With Chan present, the fighting had to meet a certain standard, and it did. The kicks were fluid and quick, punches came in from all directions, and the aerial moves were jaw dropping. It was both brutal and stylish. To me, in terms of stunt work, this movie can definitely hold its own against other Kung Fu movies.

            Technically, the movie also didn't disappoint. I thought the cinematography was great and the scoring during the intense fight scenes were exceptional. The impact alone of each blow during the final showdown was authoritative, loud, and visceral.

            All that being said, the movie was, of course, far from perfect, with a few moments that pulled me out of the story. And though the pacing was good, I thought the movie ran on for a little bit longer than what I would have liked. Good thing, the third act put me on the edge of my seat with excellent action choreography that somehow made me forget some boring patches prior to that.

            Ultimately, the movie was fun. Even with the early shock of seeing kids duke it out, everything was eventually made believable. Yes, it wasn't flawless but immensely entertaining.

            RATING: 8/10
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