We Should Watch More PBS

Right now I am listening to Daniel's monologue on the best TV shows...we are on revision three and his list is shaping up nicely. He is doing this with his attention divided between the serious subject matter and apparently getting a beatdown by a tennis game on his phone. So far this is what I've caught:

1) Mad Men
2) Downton Abbey
3) Game of Thrones
4) Breaking Bad
5) Last Restaurant Standing

Somewhere Storage Wars and MTV's The Challenge are in there, but he quickly strikes them from the list as they are merely guilty pleasures.

Mighty Machines

The patience of toddlers is non-existent, yet they can endure something on repeat far longer than their parental counterparts. A conundrum indeed. Of late, we've been watching quite a bit of the Mighty Machines theme song. Not a full episode of Mighty Machines, but just the theme song. In fact, when the theme song ends, Indio pretty much demands we stop the show (and preferably start the theme song again)*.

 

I will say, this is a catchy little ditty indeed. Don't try to fight it, just let it get stuck in your head and after a few days it will finally stop. I think, though I am on a solid day 2. At this point I am analyzing the lyrics more than I did The Man with the Yellow Hat's possible financial situation.

You could watch them all day and never know why. What does that mean? Who is that intended for? Will I ever figure that out?

*The poorly lit video you see here was the sixth time watching the theme song. Lucky me.

*Linked list: Movie poster designs

There are only so many designs one can come up with for movie posters, I suppose...

 

[via movies.com]

*Linked list: 80's Flicks

T-shirt design depicting 80's flicks. Can you name them all? via supermarket

Linked list: Top 10 Lists Rule!

...or, more accurately, Top 10 List Rules*. Anywho, this being a blog about lists I decided I needed to get back to my listmaking roots. Having failed to make any list that didn't start with 'straighten the house' lately, I was happy to have one of my adoring readers forward me a link to a very awesome list. (Okay, so what if it was Daniel and I call him just as soon as I post anything to see if he has somehow, magically read it?) .

Ahem, without further ado: A must read on top 10 rules for top 10 lists, with specific references to movie reviews. Please enjoy.

*For the record: When done properly Top 10 lists do rule.

Short list: Best Quirky Romance Films

Not feeling the upcoming card-giving, chocolate snarfing holiday? These movies won't make you want to gag yourself over the sappy sweetness, but do have a little bit of love in them:

• Secretary . 2002
• Harold and Maude . 1971
• Lost in Translation . 2003
• Edward Scissorhands . 1990
• Amelie . 2001
• Before Sunrise/Before Sunset . 1995/2004

Linked list: 2009 St. Louis Int'l Film Festival

The film 'Up in the Air' was shot in various locations in St. Louis earlier this year. You already know this if you live in, near or anywhere remotely around St. Louis as the whereabouts of Clooney were reported with zeal, thousands of people showed up to be cast as extras and anything to do with the production was referred to as 'the film.' In short, St. Louis (and I would venture to say Missouri as a whole) embraces its film industry - of course the attention and economic factors don't hurt either. The upcoming 2009 St. Louis International Film Festival has a selection of films shot primarily in Missouri that are designated as Show-Me Cinema (although the 'Captain Obvious' in me wants to point out the films hail from lands far and wide, as the festival name implies.) During this 10 day film festival 'Up in the Air' makes the cut, but here is the complete panel of Show-Me Cinema:

Albino Farm Almost a Legend Branson Cat City Convention Edgar Allan Poe’s Ligeia Game of the Year How I Got Lost

Just Shy of Being Old Dog, New Trick Ride With the Devil: Director’s Cut The Rink Saving Grace B. Jones Up in the Air Under Still Waters

Who doesn't like to see their stomping grounds on the silver screen? I am excited to watch for familiar Missouri locales in some of these movies just as I love recognizing locations from our time in Los Angeles (a much easier feat). For St. Louisians reading this, check out the film fest site for the full line-up and schedule (November 12-22).

Short list: Best scary movies (according to us)

Scary
• The Descent . 2005
• The Exorcist . 1973
• 28 Days Later . 2002
• The Blair Witch Project . 1999
• Ringu . 1998
  
  Honorable Mention: creepy, but not scary
• Let the Right One In . 2008
• The Haunting . 1963
• The Cell . 2000
• The Devil's Backbone . 2001
• The Shining . 1980

[Note: House on Haunted Hill made the list only by my choice, not Daniel's. All other choices were mutual. Also, does the rabbit thing in Donnie Darko totally freak anyone else out?]

[11/1/09: Correction . The original Honorable Mention listed House on Haunted Hill . 1959, when I meant The Haunting. How embarrassing.]

Linked list: Paste Magazine

Who is this Paste Magazine and why have I never heard of you?

Anyway, this post isn’t about my ignorance, it is about pastemagazine.com and how they speak my language. A quick glance at the popular articles section yields titles like 25 Indie Films to Catch This Fall, 20 More Musicians to Follow on Twitter, Paste’s Best Music of 2009 (So Far) and – my favorite – The 17 Best Romantic Comedies This Decade. For those of you not following along at home, they seem to do lots of lists – and cool ones at that.

Remembering John Hughes

I want to take a moment to reflect on the passing of John Hughes earlier this month. Like so many children of the 80's, his films hold a special place in my heart. He may have lost a few MPH off his fastball after Home Alone, but you cannot dispute the man's legacy. In my mind, 1983 through '86 represents the peak of his career. Since this is a blog of lists, check out his creative output from that particular four year stretch:

• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, 1986
• Pretty in Pink, 1986
• Weird Science, 1985
• The Breakfast Club, 1985
• Sixteen Candles, 1984
• Vacation, 1983
• Mr. Mom, 1983

Pretty incredible.

If you still aren't convinced that John Hughes was awesome, then please read this. (actually, read it even if you do think he's awesome).

Short list: TV on DVD

While Daniel was gallivanting in New Orleans this weekend, I decided to rent all of Nip/Tuck Season 1. I watched the season like a fiend and blasted through it in a mere 2 days...I am not sure whether I should feel accomplished or pathetic about this feat. But, the whole experience underlined the fact that I really could just watch all my TV shows on DVD from here on out. A few other series that I have watched and enjoyed on DVD:

• Deadwood
• Lost
• Carnivale
• Firefly
• Nip/Tuck (only Season 1 under my belt)
• The Wire (currently watching Season 1)

Linked list - IMDB location search

I am sure that everyone already knows and uses the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), so I will not bore you with something as simple as that...but, an aspect I have recently enjoyed on IMDB is the location field. Under the advanced search you can type in any location and have all kinds of nerd fun reviewing the matches.

Have fun...nerd!

I'd like to propose a toast . 2008 Oscars

Once all the mayhem of the Oscars are over, the after parties begin. With the glamorous partying the night away in their couture and carefully coiffed hair, the bubbly will be just as present as the media. Here is my nod to the Oscars with an after party of my own - I present my 2008 Oscar awards:

Like a strawberry in my champagne:
Kunio Kato, Winner of best short animation
His acceptance speech included the phrase "thank you to my pencil"* which warmed my heart (you know, a humbling nod to his craft) and made me giggle all at once. Also, instead of starting with a joke, he ended with one quoting the familiar phrase "domo arrigato, Mr. Roboto." I dare say, if nothing else was understood by the those in TVland, that phrase definitely was.

One too many sips of the bubbly:
Philippe Petit, star of the documentary Man on A Wire
He was brought onstage during the best documentary award. I could just note the man wore a full leather suit and leave it at that...but, he also pulled off a magic coin trick and balanced an Oscar on his chin all within his 15 seconds on the stage. It wasn't a performance rivaling Roberto Benigni's chair walking and demonic possession (1998), but it was the closest thing this year had to offer.

Just a bit flat:
Bill Maher, presenter of Best Documentary
I couldn't tell if Bill Maher was there to present the award or plug his own documentary, Religulous. Either way, it was a totally boring monologue and has me begging the question: does anyone review these introductions? Way to break down the pervasive stereotype that documentaries cannot be exciting and riveting, Mr. Maher. (note: not a sentiment I share, by the way)

Like a good pop of the bottle:
Ben Stiller and Natalie Portman, presenters
Often times good scripting and comedic timing don't align during award shows and even the best comedians have unfunny bits. Ben Stiller came out a la Joaquin Phoenix's recent drop-out reincarnation, namely the recent interview on David Letterman. Natalie played along well, noting with surprising accuracy that he looked like he was working at a Hasidic meth lab. The bit worked without being overworked.

Runners-up: Tina Fey and Steve Martin, presenters
Just before the nominees for best screenplay were announced Steve Martin turned to a purposely attentive Tina Fey and firmly stated "Don't fall in love with me." It was funny.

As impressive as a sabre service
Prior to announcing the best/supporting actors and actresses, former award winners in the respective categories presented speeches to the nominees basically singing their name on high. The impressive part came in the form of the nominees' award-winning acting during these little tributes, conjuring tears and gratitude toward the presenters. Meanwhile, most of the mini speeches were delivered with awkwardness that made it painful to even sit through. I say we do like the sabre service and completely cut it from future awards.

*The official thank you speech transcript says the phrase was "Thank you, my producer." But, with the power of DVR we replayed the speech and it sounds a lot more like "Thank you, my pencil." Plus, thanking a pencil is a lot more interesting, so let's go with that.

Rock of Love

One of the many guilty pleasures I indulge in comes in the form of a TV show: Rock of Love (yeah, the show with Brett Michaels trying to "find love" with a selection of silicone enhanced females literally competing to be crowned girlfriend.) It being Valentine's day and us being romantics, Daniel and I just watched the episode where the Rock of Love tour bus stops in St. Louis. First of all, several of the contestants make cracks about having no idea where St. Louis or Missouri is, but I am guessing that too much silicone may negatively affect IQ. But, they did hit up a couple of interesting locales throughout the metro area:

• Larry Flynt Hustler Club - located across the Mississippi River in Illinois. This stop just helps class the show up a bit. Surprisingly, the challenge hosted by the gentleman's club was to makeover 3 women and had nothing to do with the stage or the poles...huh.
  
• Flamingo Bowl - a posh bowling alley in downtown St. Louis. This type of bowling alley is recommended if your party is split between a bar or bowling or if you like to wait several hours to actually bowl. Been there once and that was enough for a while.
  
• Riverboat cruise - these cruises make a lazy loop on the Mississippi River on a boat that looks like an old time steamboat. Most cruises have food and drink options and the point is to just enjoy the river and cityscape. I have actually been meaning to book one of these cruises for a while - perhaps this is the motivation I've been looking for.
  
• Mayfair Hotel - They put the contestants up at this hotel. That's about all I know about this hotel.
  
• Powell Symphony Hall - I am fairly sure the elimination segment of the show was taped at Powell Symphony Hall. This choice of locale is a bit surprising to me as this is home turf for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - as in, even a simple cough during symphony performances are usually frowned upon and require a visit by an usher with a cough drop.

Short list: A selection of holiday movies

• Miracle on 34th Street . 1947
• Scrooged . 1988
• Frosty the Snowman . 1969
• A Christmas Story . 1983
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas . 1966
• Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer . 1964
• Elf . 2003
• Home Alone . 1990

Short list: Best Documentaries Part II

Don't know how I overlooked these gems:

• Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
• Super Size Me
• Mexican Mexicoans
• The King of Kong

Short list: Best Documentaries

• Trekkies
• Dark Days
• Off the Charts
• SpellBound
• Air Guitar Nation
• Street Fight

Say It Ain't So...

Some TV shows are worthless...okay, most TV shows are worthless. Every once in a while a good show comes around and gets cancelled way too soon. Here is my assessment of shows that didn't air long enough.

Deadwood

I would say I am not a Westerns kinda girl. So when my husband came home with all of Season One on DVD I was dreading the hours it would take to plow through the series. Fast forward half an hour and midway through the first episode I was hooked. It soon became "just one more episode..." and the addiction was apparent. Another indication of addiction was whe we came home from work and started watching Deadwood until going to bed, barely breaking for food. The end of Season One came quickly and it seemed like waiting for Season Two to be released on DVD would be torture. We finished that season as quickly and then actually ordered HBO just for Deadwood Season Three (and cancelled our subscription after it ended because nothing else was, well, Deadwood.) Reportedly due to financial reason, Deadwood was cancelled after Season Three and it was a low blow. Rumors flew that a movie would tie up the open storylines, but recent reports claim a movie is a no go.


Reason for cancellation: Financial consideration
Number of seasons: 3

Firefly

I came late to the game on this show, too. Unfortunately only one season and a movie was created and it is far too little. Based in the future, it follows a captain (Nathan Fillion) and his transporting crew aboard a small "Firefly" vessel. Sometimes legitimate, but often illegitimate runs around the Universe, they encounter different people and problems - but always manage to come out ahead. The plot was good and the casting was great, the only complaint I have is the small number of episodes made.

Reason for cancellation: Financial considerations and not enough viewers, more complex answer given is poor advertisement, episodes aired out of ordered and the show was pre-empted 3 times during the season.
Number of seasons: 1 and a movie

Arrested Development

Okay, everyone knows the premise to this show - and if you don't then I'm not telling you. The announcement that this show was being cancelled was surprising to critics and fans alike. I was most impressed when I read an article by a TV critic encouraging people to contact FOX to request the show stay on the air. Now that is critical acclaim.

Reason for cancellation: Technically not cancelled but the show was not renewed due to low ratings

Nmber of seasons: 3, with the 3rd season cut short

Restaurant Makeover

Okay, so this show isn't cancelled - but no new episodes have aired in the U.S. for at least a year now - so it seems like it is. This Canadian show takes a top designer and a top chef into a flailing restaurant and give the place a going over (hence the title). The owners aren't allowed any input in the decor or food changes until it is complete - and the owners put up as much as $15,000 which is matched by the show. The show is well paced, features a good rotation of different designers and chefs and includes wide variety of eateries. Unfortunately only Season One and Two makes the Food Network Channel's lineup, so if anyone knows the programming guru at Food Network, please ask them to buy and air more seasons. Thanks.

Best Soundtracks...Ever

Following the musically-themed list from yesterday, I present my list of 16 best soundtracks ever.

11) Elf . 2003
This one makes the list because it is a great Christmas CD and it is fresh in my mind since we aren't that far removed from the holiday season. Two non-holiday songs bookend the CD (Pennies from Heaven and Nothing from Nothing) which are great upbeat songs and every song in between is a Christmas classic. Put this in your holiday rotation.

10) Out of Sight . David Holmes . 1998
The movie was pleasant enough (starring JLo, Don Cheadle, Steve Zahn, Ving Rhames and George Clooney) but the original music by David Holmes really stole the show for me - with tracks 11 and 15 being the highlights. The soundtrack also features a few familiars from the Isley Brothers and Sinatra. The only thing that dropped this soundtrack down a few notches is almost all the songs start with dialogue from the movie - so it can't be easily skipped and really doesn't add to the experience.

9) The Mambo Kings . 1992
Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos come out to play for this soundtrack. If you can't guess by the name or the artists the soundtrack has a decidedly latin vibe. Try to keep up with the ridiculously fast beats of Ran Kan Kan or Para Los Rumberos or slow it down with Perfidia or Antonio Banderas singing Beautiful Maria of My Soul.

8) Sweet and Lowdown . 1999
To start, I must point out this movie is a fictional biopic of a jazz guitarist in the 1930's - written and directed by Woody Allen - so the music follows along this vein. Being completely ignorant of anything jazz, I cannot wax on about the differences in sound or quality. What I can note is all the tracks are outstanding and each conveys a different emotion, but all make you want to sway with the slow sound (Just a Gigolo, track 9), belt out the song (Viper Mad, track 5) or get into a full-on groove (It Don't Mean a Thing, track 12). Good music for keeping the party going late.

7) Trainspotting . 1996
I am really trying to figure out right now how I don't have my very own copy of this album - but then again this album was on constant rotation freshman year of college...
Arguably one of the best musical selections for a movie scene is Lou Reed's Perfect Day in this movie. Another favorite on this album is Night Clubbing by Iggy Pop - perhaps the perfect song to put on and test out the volume of your stereo.

6) The Jungle Book . Richard and Robert Sherman . 1967
I can belt out the Little Mermaid with the best of them and I am guilty of getting a little too into Oliver and Company (I was young), but I think The Jungle Book Soundtrack is the best Disney has delivered. This album has so many good songs - with my favorites being Colonel Hathi's March, The Bare Necessities and I Wan'na Be Like You (tracks 3, 4 and 5, respectively).

5) Virgin Suicides - Original Motion Picture Score . Air . 2000
This combination was meant to be: take a twisted plot with a refreshingly anti-depressive spin and get a group that can execute (no pun intended) the perfect score. Air also cleverly takes the electronic melody on Playground Love (track 1) and replays a more acoustic version for the theme song Highschool Lover (track 8). Good music for a slow-motion day or a self-indulgent pity party.

4) Running with Scissors . 2006
This soundtrack is all about your favorite songs you've never heard before (or maybe you have). It kicks off with a very high energy Pick Up the Pieces and follows with Blinded By the Light - you know, that song no one knows the lyrics to, penned by "The Boss." After that, the soundtrack slips into a more mellow mood - rounded out by some great Nat King Cole tunes, Elton John's Bennie and the Jets and - my personal favorite - Year of the Cat. This soundtrack is your cocktail party go-to, if you keep track of things like that.

3) The Good, The Bad and The Ugly . Ennio Morricone . 1967
Do I really have to say anything else?
(Yes, I do: This soundtrack is really great driving music - try it.)

2) Amelie . Yann Tiersen . 2001
If this soundtrack and movie project the essence of France, then count me in. While the upbeat songs blend together, they have a sound all their own that is addictive. On many songs I hear the accordion and something chimey, which turns out to be a toy piano according to the liner notes (or at least I'm guessing.) Put this soundtrack on when you are preparing or eating a fabulous meal.

1) Quentin Tarantino films: Pulp Fiction . Kill Bill I and II . Jackie Brown . Reservoir Dogs . Death Proof
The musical genius of Quentin Tarantino has not gone unnoticed and these awesome soundtracks all occupy the number one slot, making this the top 16 soundtracks of all time. Almost every Tarantino movie is accompanied by a soundtrack that, together, really represent the whole "sum is greater than the parts" philosophy. You can also take the stance the soundtrack is a magnificent stand-alone compilation. The secret of these soundtracks (if I may be so bold) is the mix of the fantastically familiar tunes with the obscure "how-have-I-never-heard-that-song-before?" tracks. He also incorporates scenes seemingly written to highlight the songs (the lap dance for Down In Mexico from Death Proof, or the entrance and Son of a Preacher Man in Pulp Fiction) and the scenes work because the songs have been perfectly selected.