I have spent the last three days attending the 2010 IPP Presentations at The Park Theatre. It has been a great experience for me, and it was great to see what I will be doing a year from now.
It was also very overwhelming. The amazing quality of the projects all the second year students presented blew me away. I am honestly not sure how I will ever live up to many of the IPPs that were done. I've been inspired further to do a great job on my own IPP. I've had the idea for a few months now, and I hope it gets through the panel, because I've become so passionate about it already. I loved the emotion I felt through the presentations. Some made me laugh hysterically, while others made me cry. Some did both. I started to imagine what my 'thank you' speech will be like, and for all my fellow first years: put all your 'crying pool' money on me, 'cause I can almost guarantee I'll shed a tear or two during the thank you portion. I'm also imagining what I'll wear when I give my presentation. And I am trying not to imagine falling off the stage in the heels I will likely be wearing. Ladies and gentlemen: you all looked classy and fantastic up on stage!
Another thing I enjoyed was the diversity of the projects. We had charity events, music promotion, musicians, novels, animations, graphic novels, films, radio documentaries, television documentaries, news/sports directing, and that's just off the top of my head. As I said, I've had my idea for awhile, but it was interesting to see what other directions I could go in. Hearing the difficulties some people had filled me with some serious anxiety, though. You all are troopers!
I want to thank my peers in second year for setting the bar so high. We've got a lot of work to do, but you've been an inspiration!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Movie Free Semester
I've been feeling guilty lately, because I haven't had time to watch a whole lot of movies lately. This semester has been so busy that I simply haven't had the time. And on the rare occasions that I do have the time, I often find myself wanting to watch something light that I've seen before...so I can do homework while I watch!
This week there are the IPP Presentations at The Park Theatre, which means us first years get a bit of a break. I am hoping to get out and rent The Hurt Locker (this year's Best Picture winner at the Oscars) and Moon this weekend. I would also really like to see Alice in Wonderland, but am still looking for someone to go with. Who would like to see a movie this week, or next? It has been at least a month since I last went to the theatre, and I am not used to going this long without going! I think in many ways, I was spoiled last semester, because I was able to get out to the theatre more often, and got used to going at least once a week.
I'll admit to feeling slightly "lost" during the Oscars this year, because I had not seen all of the nominees. Last year, I believe there was one I hadn't seen, and that was because I was not interested in seeing it. This year, there were so many I had wanted to see, but missed because I simply did not have the time to see them. The fact that there were so many changes to the ceremony also bothered me a little. They didn't perform the best song nominees! I always love seeing them performed, and last year was bad enough when they were all performed together. I wasn't impressed with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin as hosts either. It would have worked better with one host - instead it just felt awkward to me. There were a few funny bits, but much of it fell flat to me. I had a great time watching the Oscars though; I was tweeting live during it, and had a blast reading and responding to everyone else's tweets. Thanks for the fun, everybody!
Perhaps this "break" will end up being a good thing. Soon I'll be watching about a movie a day, which I am really looking forward to doing. It's almost like going from one extreme to another! But on that topic...I am looking for recommendations for this project. Comment with a few movies you would like me to see. Foreign films and older films are specifically requested!
This week there are the IPP Presentations at The Park Theatre, which means us first years get a bit of a break. I am hoping to get out and rent The Hurt Locker (this year's Best Picture winner at the Oscars) and Moon this weekend. I would also really like to see Alice in Wonderland, but am still looking for someone to go with. Who would like to see a movie this week, or next? It has been at least a month since I last went to the theatre, and I am not used to going this long without going! I think in many ways, I was spoiled last semester, because I was able to get out to the theatre more often, and got used to going at least once a week.
I'll admit to feeling slightly "lost" during the Oscars this year, because I had not seen all of the nominees. Last year, I believe there was one I hadn't seen, and that was because I was not interested in seeing it. This year, there were so many I had wanted to see, but missed because I simply did not have the time to see them. The fact that there were so many changes to the ceremony also bothered me a little. They didn't perform the best song nominees! I always love seeing them performed, and last year was bad enough when they were all performed together. I wasn't impressed with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin as hosts either. It would have worked better with one host - instead it just felt awkward to me. There were a few funny bits, but much of it fell flat to me. I had a great time watching the Oscars though; I was tweeting live during it, and had a blast reading and responding to everyone else's tweets. Thanks for the fun, everybody!
Perhaps this "break" will end up being a good thing. Soon I'll be watching about a movie a day, which I am really looking forward to doing. It's almost like going from one extreme to another! But on that topic...I am looking for recommendations for this project. Comment with a few movies you would like me to see. Foreign films and older films are specifically requested!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Movie is Better than the Book?
I know, I know. How can the movie ever be better than the book?! Tar and feather her! But I have two examples to give, plus my rationale.
Stardust:
I'm often amazed I watched this film, period. I didn't think much of the trailer when I first saw it, but I decided to buy the book since it was cheap, and I'd heard good things about Neil Gaiman. The book wasn't bad, but to me, the audience was very "split". It seemed like it was meant to be a pre-teen novel, but at times, it was graphically violent. Those bits felt very out of place and disrupted the flow of the novel for me. Nevertheless, it was an easy read, and the opportunity to see it in theatres presented itself. And I LOVED it. Granted, a lot was changed (Robert De Niro's character in the book is very different), including the ending, but it was all an improvement. The problems with the "split" audience was fixed, and what we were given was a light-hearted, fun, fantasy film.
I haven't read anything more by Neil Gaiman, though I would really like to. Not that I have much time to read anymore, but over the summer if I have time, I'd like to try another of his novels. Any suggestions?
Forrest Gump:
My Dad gave me his copy of Winston Groom's Forrest Gump a number of years ago. He'd warned me that the movie was an improvement, but I didn't listen (since the movie is NEVER better, or so I thought at the time), and read the book. I didn't like it. I thought it was a little too ridiculous, and struggled to get through it. To be completely fair, I don't remember much of it, probably because I had so much trouble getting through it. But the experience was enough to keep me from rushing out to see the movie. I caught it a year or two later on television, and was hooked. Sure, Forrest's life is still a stretch, but it didn't seem ridiculous to me. Instead I found it to be very touching. Groom's novel, at least to me, made the events of Forrest's life into a joke, so I didn't feel anything at the end of it. Of course, the film is helped by the amazing performances Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, and Gary Sinise give.
And here is an example of the opposite...a film adaptation that fails in every single way.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin
I really enjoyed Louis de Bernieres novel. The first hundred pages or so were slow going, but as I read further, I found myself fully absorbed in the story. I couldn't put it down. The characters were complex, the story was rich, and the love story was beautiful. Plus the ending was tragic, but...perfect in every way, even if it was also very "dissatisfying". I've been wanting to reread it for a long time, but, again, no time and if I did have time, I think I'd like to read books I haven't read yet, or at least reread a book that doesn't take a huge time commitment the way this one does. I caught the movie on TV about a year ago. I'd read it was a terrible adaptation, but I had nothing better to do, so I put it on.
It was a disaster. Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz were both terribly miscast (especially Cage, just listen to that horrible attempt at an Italian accent), and seemed to stumble across the screen. Charming Corelli seemed awkward and artificial when portrayed by Cage. John Hurt, as Dr. Iannis, was one of the few bright spots in the film.
But here's the kicker: they changed the ending! It wasn't surprising since much of the story prior to the ending had been changed or simplified in some way, but it still got a good eye roll out of me. Do yourselves a favour: read the book, and keep the characters in your mind. Don't see this pathetic adaptation of a beautiful novel.
Stardust:
I'm often amazed I watched this film, period. I didn't think much of the trailer when I first saw it, but I decided to buy the book since it was cheap, and I'd heard good things about Neil Gaiman. The book wasn't bad, but to me, the audience was very "split". It seemed like it was meant to be a pre-teen novel, but at times, it was graphically violent. Those bits felt very out of place and disrupted the flow of the novel for me. Nevertheless, it was an easy read, and the opportunity to see it in theatres presented itself. And I LOVED it. Granted, a lot was changed (Robert De Niro's character in the book is very different), including the ending, but it was all an improvement. The problems with the "split" audience was fixed, and what we were given was a light-hearted, fun, fantasy film.
I haven't read anything more by Neil Gaiman, though I would really like to. Not that I have much time to read anymore, but over the summer if I have time, I'd like to try another of his novels. Any suggestions?
Forrest Gump:
My Dad gave me his copy of Winston Groom's Forrest Gump a number of years ago. He'd warned me that the movie was an improvement, but I didn't listen (since the movie is NEVER better, or so I thought at the time), and read the book. I didn't like it. I thought it was a little too ridiculous, and struggled to get through it. To be completely fair, I don't remember much of it, probably because I had so much trouble getting through it. But the experience was enough to keep me from rushing out to see the movie. I caught it a year or two later on television, and was hooked. Sure, Forrest's life is still a stretch, but it didn't seem ridiculous to me. Instead I found it to be very touching. Groom's novel, at least to me, made the events of Forrest's life into a joke, so I didn't feel anything at the end of it. Of course, the film is helped by the amazing performances Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, and Gary Sinise give.
And here is an example of the opposite...a film adaptation that fails in every single way.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin
I really enjoyed Louis de Bernieres novel. The first hundred pages or so were slow going, but as I read further, I found myself fully absorbed in the story. I couldn't put it down. The characters were complex, the story was rich, and the love story was beautiful. Plus the ending was tragic, but...perfect in every way, even if it was also very "dissatisfying". I've been wanting to reread it for a long time, but, again, no time and if I did have time, I think I'd like to read books I haven't read yet, or at least reread a book that doesn't take a huge time commitment the way this one does. I caught the movie on TV about a year ago. I'd read it was a terrible adaptation, but I had nothing better to do, so I put it on.
It was a disaster. Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz were both terribly miscast (especially Cage, just listen to that horrible attempt at an Italian accent), and seemed to stumble across the screen. Charming Corelli seemed awkward and artificial when portrayed by Cage. John Hurt, as Dr. Iannis, was one of the few bright spots in the film.
But here's the kicker: they changed the ending! It wasn't surprising since much of the story prior to the ending had been changed or simplified in some way, but it still got a good eye roll out of me. Do yourselves a favour: read the book, and keep the characters in your mind. Don't see this pathetic adaptation of a beautiful novel.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Hot Tub Time Machine
This movie was brought to my attention over the weekend, and I just can't get over it. Here is the trailer:
The title of the movie reminds me of Snakes on a Plane. The title says it all. I enjoyed Snakes on a Plane because it was fun. You can't go into a movie with a title like that, and expect anything serious. I saw it in theatres with my parents, and my Mom, who is terrified of snakes, screamed numerous times throughout it, which only added to the "experience". I have it on DVD, and it's one of my favourite "party" movies.
I figure Hot Tub Time Machine will be similar. Light fun that is best enjoyed with a group. I am hoping to catch it in theatres. I haven't gone to see many movies lately, because school has been keeping me busy, but I think I will have to make the time for this one.
I just want to say one thing about the trailer. There's a gag in the trailer involving one of the characters lamenting the fact that he has to "come find" a girl he's dancing with. I hate to say it, but I did sympathize with him. I've had a cellphone for about four years now, and I have a hard time imagining life without one. If I'm meeting someone and I can't find them, I'll send them a text to find out where they are, instead of risking missing them. If I'm running late, I can text the person so they're not wondering where I am. After experiencing life with a cellphone, I'm not sure I could live without one. I'd panic if I was waiting for someone, and they didn't show up when they were supposed to. How am I to contact them to make sure they didn't get lost? What if I am in the wrong meeting place?
I suppose I am a product of my time. I know very few people who don't have cellphones. Even my Dad, who for years swore he'd never get a cellphone, has one.
The title of the movie reminds me of Snakes on a Plane. The title says it all. I enjoyed Snakes on a Plane because it was fun. You can't go into a movie with a title like that, and expect anything serious. I saw it in theatres with my parents, and my Mom, who is terrified of snakes, screamed numerous times throughout it, which only added to the "experience". I have it on DVD, and it's one of my favourite "party" movies.
I figure Hot Tub Time Machine will be similar. Light fun that is best enjoyed with a group. I am hoping to catch it in theatres. I haven't gone to see many movies lately, because school has been keeping me busy, but I think I will have to make the time for this one.
I just want to say one thing about the trailer. There's a gag in the trailer involving one of the characters lamenting the fact that he has to "come find" a girl he's dancing with. I hate to say it, but I did sympathize with him. I've had a cellphone for about four years now, and I have a hard time imagining life without one. If I'm meeting someone and I can't find them, I'll send them a text to find out where they are, instead of risking missing them. If I'm running late, I can text the person so they're not wondering where I am. After experiencing life with a cellphone, I'm not sure I could live without one. I'd panic if I was waiting for someone, and they didn't show up when they were supposed to. How am I to contact them to make sure they didn't get lost? What if I am in the wrong meeting place?
I suppose I am a product of my time. I know very few people who don't have cellphones. Even my Dad, who for years swore he'd never get a cellphone, has one.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Olympic Sports (and the Oscars)
Sports fans, I just want to say this: I don't know how you do it.
I am not a sports fan. In fact, the Winter Olympics are the only sporting event I watch. And even then, I tend to stick to the boblsleigh, luge, and the skiing. But I got sucked into the plight of the men's hockey team, and watched them play Russia. That was an exciting enough game for me. That was nothing compared to today's gold medal game against Team USA. From the start, I had butterflies in my stomach. Then when Team USA scored that goal with only seconds left...I started to get real anxious. Heart in throat, etc. Luckily Sidney Crosby (who, to me, seems almost legendary) got us the game winner in overtime, and we brought gold home...which is just the way it should be.
I realized that I just can't be a sports fan. It gives me too much anxiety. Hockey is the one team sport I can stand to watch, and while I enjoyed myself, I'm kind of happy that it will be four years before I have to deal with that gut feeling! I'll stick to film and television, where there is not as much anxiety involved.
Due in part to the Olympics, I haven't watched many movies lately. I realized that the Oscars are a week from now, and I have yet to see most of the nominees! My goal is to get to The Hurt Locker before Sunday. The Oscars are more my scene. Yes, there is still the anxiety involved (will James Cameron take Best Director? Who will get Best Picture?), but I generally know when the award will be given, and know when the show will end. It just feels like a different type of anxiety and excitement. Plus, I know the names of most people in the room at the Oscars, whereas with sports, I'm lucky if I know the names of two of the players.
I always tell people that the Oscars are my Super bowl. I make my predictions, then on the night of the show, I sit down with a bunch of snacks, and yell at my TV all night. Last year was one of the best shows for me. I'd seen almost all of the nominees, so I didn't feel lost or out of the loop, and I got most of my predictions right (or was pleasantly surprised when I wasn't right)! Hugh Jackman did a great job hosting, and it was generally a fun, and often touching ceremony. This year, I am not as excited because I do feel a little out of the loop. I have not seen most of the nominees, because I've been so busy with school. That being said, a few days ago the excitement started to build up. I will just have to get online and do some research to decide who I think will win. Right now, I figure James Cameron is a lock on Best Director, and probably Best Picture as well...as for the hosts, I am excited to see how Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin do. It has been awhile since they did it with two hosts, so the change in dynamic will be interesting. I know the last time Martin hosted, it was just after the Iraq War began, so the ceremony was more somber, and he didn't really get a chance to "spread his wings" so to speak. This year, he will likely get that chance, which means more opportunities for great comedy!
Plus, every year around this time I start to fantasize about winning an Oscar. I'd like to write the next great film, and get myself nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Then I'd be able to walk the red carpet, and meet all my favourite actors and actresses, and make the standard hurried, panicked speech when I win. Then I'd proceed to cry my make-up off backstage as a result of being so overwhelmed and happy. This past week I've been fantasizing about taking up bobsledding and winning a gold medal for Canada, but now that the Olympics are all but over, I'm back to dreaming about Oscar glory.
One week away! Who else will be watching the Oscars?
I am not a sports fan. In fact, the Winter Olympics are the only sporting event I watch. And even then, I tend to stick to the boblsleigh, luge, and the skiing. But I got sucked into the plight of the men's hockey team, and watched them play Russia. That was an exciting enough game for me. That was nothing compared to today's gold medal game against Team USA. From the start, I had butterflies in my stomach. Then when Team USA scored that goal with only seconds left...I started to get real anxious. Heart in throat, etc. Luckily Sidney Crosby (who, to me, seems almost legendary) got us the game winner in overtime, and we brought gold home...which is just the way it should be.
I realized that I just can't be a sports fan. It gives me too much anxiety. Hockey is the one team sport I can stand to watch, and while I enjoyed myself, I'm kind of happy that it will be four years before I have to deal with that gut feeling! I'll stick to film and television, where there is not as much anxiety involved.
Due in part to the Olympics, I haven't watched many movies lately. I realized that the Oscars are a week from now, and I have yet to see most of the nominees! My goal is to get to The Hurt Locker before Sunday. The Oscars are more my scene. Yes, there is still the anxiety involved (will James Cameron take Best Director? Who will get Best Picture?), but I generally know when the award will be given, and know when the show will end. It just feels like a different type of anxiety and excitement. Plus, I know the names of most people in the room at the Oscars, whereas with sports, I'm lucky if I know the names of two of the players.
I always tell people that the Oscars are my Super bowl. I make my predictions, then on the night of the show, I sit down with a bunch of snacks, and yell at my TV all night. Last year was one of the best shows for me. I'd seen almost all of the nominees, so I didn't feel lost or out of the loop, and I got most of my predictions right (or was pleasantly surprised when I wasn't right)! Hugh Jackman did a great job hosting, and it was generally a fun, and often touching ceremony. This year, I am not as excited because I do feel a little out of the loop. I have not seen most of the nominees, because I've been so busy with school. That being said, a few days ago the excitement started to build up. I will just have to get online and do some research to decide who I think will win. Right now, I figure James Cameron is a lock on Best Director, and probably Best Picture as well...as for the hosts, I am excited to see how Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin do. It has been awhile since they did it with two hosts, so the change in dynamic will be interesting. I know the last time Martin hosted, it was just after the Iraq War began, so the ceremony was more somber, and he didn't really get a chance to "spread his wings" so to speak. This year, he will likely get that chance, which means more opportunities for great comedy!
Plus, every year around this time I start to fantasize about winning an Oscar. I'd like to write the next great film, and get myself nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Then I'd be able to walk the red carpet, and meet all my favourite actors and actresses, and make the standard hurried, panicked speech when I win. Then I'd proceed to cry my make-up off backstage as a result of being so overwhelmed and happy. This past week I've been fantasizing about taking up bobsledding and winning a gold medal for Canada, but now that the Olympics are all but over, I'm back to dreaming about Oscar glory.
One week away! Who else will be watching the Oscars?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
This Week on...Lost
As always, don't read this entry if you have not yet seen the episode and don't want to be spoiled!
It was an interesting episode this week. I enjoyed "crazy Claire", and liked the bit of lying Jin did to save his own hide and to save Kate's. It has left me wondering how one comes down with this "sickness", and what exactly does it do. Does it affect everyone the same way? There seems to be some level of paranoia involved. On the same note, just who or what is Christian Shephard? Claire is friends with the Man in Black, and is also hanging out with her Dad, but my impression was that she was hanging out with the two of them at the same time. I thought that Christian was simply the Man in Black, and that he took over his body...but that may not be the case. It will be interesting to find out more about that.
The flash sideways was pretty neat as well. Jack has a son! I assumed that his mother was Sarah, Jack's ex-wife, but maybe that's not the case! It hasn't been revealed yet. Showing Jack's scar was a way of showing the audience that the two universes seem to be starting to collide or merge in some way. So there is significance to these flashes...we just don't know exactly what yet. This flash sideways made Jack's story come full circle in a way. Jack feared failure because he feared his Dad. David was the same way. But their story ended happier because Dad and son had a heart to heart talk, which brought them closer. Very touching moment.
The bits at the lighthouse were the best moments of the episode. First of all, that lighthouse looked fantastic. I want the Lost creators to build a replica in it in my backyard. It could be like my creepy playhouse. On a more serious note, it revealed something important: Jacob used the lighthouse to watch the candidates. I think Jack was brought there to be shown just that. But when Jacob failed to make an appearance, Jack threw a tantrum and destroyed the glass in the lighthouse. It was never revealed who 108 was, and who I assume is the one who is supposed to be brought to the island. Who do I think it is? One of the following:
Desmond: My favourite character. I've been hoping Desmond makes an appearance this season, especially since Ben swore to kill Penny after Charles Widmore killed his daughter. They need to find a way to integrate that plot line into the plot line of the final season, and this may be the way to do it.
Charles Widmore: He was kicked off the island years ago, and if I remember correctly, he was the former leader of the Others before Ben took over. It has never been established who has the island's best interests at heart (and who is less 'evil'), Ben or Charles. I've flip flopped between them. What if he has to come to the island to get rid of the Man in Black?
I just had a thought: what if it is Desmond, but Charles (and therefore, Penny and their child) tags along? Jacob didn't seem too disappointed that the lighthouse was destroyed, so maybe he knows that the person meant to arrive on the island is not good for the island and/or is not coming alone? Maybe Desmond is meant to come along, but is not coming alone? That Charles is coming, and he's bad for the island? Just a thought I had.
I also briefly thought that maybe it would be Walt, but now I kind of doubt it. I have a feeling that Walt's story is mostly done. But at the same time, part of me feels that Aaron and Walt have a larger purpose than we ever thought. Light versus dark, you know? Maybe I brought this up last week, but what if Aaron was a vessel for Jacob, and Walt, a vessel for the Man in Black?
The Man in Black is headed to the Temple now, which means trouble for everyone there. I get the feeling he may not be able to enter, at least not in "smoky form", because the folks at the Temple seemed to put some sort of protection down, if I remember correctly. Is Sawyer still with the Man in Black? If so, does that mean he will join them on the journey to the Temple? Looking forward to next week!
By the way, the Man in Black needs a name. As cool as the Man in Black sounds, I consistently think of The Princess Bride when I write it!
It was an interesting episode this week. I enjoyed "crazy Claire", and liked the bit of lying Jin did to save his own hide and to save Kate's. It has left me wondering how one comes down with this "sickness", and what exactly does it do. Does it affect everyone the same way? There seems to be some level of paranoia involved. On the same note, just who or what is Christian Shephard? Claire is friends with the Man in Black, and is also hanging out with her Dad, but my impression was that she was hanging out with the two of them at the same time. I thought that Christian was simply the Man in Black, and that he took over his body...but that may not be the case. It will be interesting to find out more about that.
The flash sideways was pretty neat as well. Jack has a son! I assumed that his mother was Sarah, Jack's ex-wife, but maybe that's not the case! It hasn't been revealed yet. Showing Jack's scar was a way of showing the audience that the two universes seem to be starting to collide or merge in some way. So there is significance to these flashes...we just don't know exactly what yet. This flash sideways made Jack's story come full circle in a way. Jack feared failure because he feared his Dad. David was the same way. But their story ended happier because Dad and son had a heart to heart talk, which brought them closer. Very touching moment.
The bits at the lighthouse were the best moments of the episode. First of all, that lighthouse looked fantastic. I want the Lost creators to build a replica in it in my backyard. It could be like my creepy playhouse. On a more serious note, it revealed something important: Jacob used the lighthouse to watch the candidates. I think Jack was brought there to be shown just that. But when Jacob failed to make an appearance, Jack threw a tantrum and destroyed the glass in the lighthouse. It was never revealed who 108 was, and who I assume is the one who is supposed to be brought to the island. Who do I think it is? One of the following:
Desmond: My favourite character. I've been hoping Desmond makes an appearance this season, especially since Ben swore to kill Penny after Charles Widmore killed his daughter. They need to find a way to integrate that plot line into the plot line of the final season, and this may be the way to do it.
Charles Widmore: He was kicked off the island years ago, and if I remember correctly, he was the former leader of the Others before Ben took over. It has never been established who has the island's best interests at heart (and who is less 'evil'), Ben or Charles. I've flip flopped between them. What if he has to come to the island to get rid of the Man in Black?
I just had a thought: what if it is Desmond, but Charles (and therefore, Penny and their child) tags along? Jacob didn't seem too disappointed that the lighthouse was destroyed, so maybe he knows that the person meant to arrive on the island is not good for the island and/or is not coming alone? Maybe Desmond is meant to come along, but is not coming alone? That Charles is coming, and he's bad for the island? Just a thought I had.
I also briefly thought that maybe it would be Walt, but now I kind of doubt it. I have a feeling that Walt's story is mostly done. But at the same time, part of me feels that Aaron and Walt have a larger purpose than we ever thought. Light versus dark, you know? Maybe I brought this up last week, but what if Aaron was a vessel for Jacob, and Walt, a vessel for the Man in Black?
The Man in Black is headed to the Temple now, which means trouble for everyone there. I get the feeling he may not be able to enter, at least not in "smoky form", because the folks at the Temple seemed to put some sort of protection down, if I remember correctly. Is Sawyer still with the Man in Black? If so, does that mean he will join them on the journey to the Temple? Looking forward to next week!
By the way, the Man in Black needs a name. As cool as the Man in Black sounds, I consistently think of The Princess Bride when I write it!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Leno is not "Back" Just yet...but the Mockery Continues
Oh Jay Leno, how I despise you. An Olympic promo for The Tonight Show has been released. Here it is:
I must say that I prefer the parody that has been made. It better fits his media persona (though I will admit I didn't actually think it was a parody at first...instead an attempt at self-deprecation). Here it is:
That song just fits with the smug look he has on his face in that promo. It makes me a little sick when I really think about it, but I've gone on and on about the way Conan has been treated. A few people have learned that defending Jay Leno around me is a poor idea. I try to be diplomatic, but I'm still bitter, and yes, the NBC executives carry most of the blame, but Leno could have been a decent human being and retired when he was supposed to. Or, if he didn't want to retire, he could have started over at another network! Here's a brilliant bit David Letterman did about the entire situation, it's not only funny, but completely on the mark:
There are articles online commenting about the quality of his first week of guests. Will the "big" celebrity guests return to The Tonight Show? I think they will eventually, if the audience returns to watch Leno. The Tonight Show is huge, and few people will turn down the opportunity to promote their film/TV show/album, even if they dislike the host. I think the Olympics have been a great thing for NBC, because it has given them an opportunity to sweep this controversy under the carpet. People are so wrapped up with the Olympics that they're not thinking about late night television and Conan O'Brien, and Jay Leno. Maybe people will have forgotten about it by the time he returns?
Many people have spoken about how awesome it would be for David Letterman to have Conan on his show the day Leno returns to The Tonight Show. That'd be a brilliant moment, and would really steal Leno's thunder. I figure NBC won't allow it, according to whatever is in the exit agreement, though. I wonder if they put that sort of thing in Andy Richter's exit agreement, if he had one?
And I can't believe I've never posted it...here is Conan's farewell speech. It was really classy, moving, and inspiring. I watch it regularly, so here it is for those who have not seen it:
And he's right. When I was in high school, I was very cynical, but as time has gone on, that's kind of faded. I treat everyone with respect, and kindness, and slowly, really great things have happened in my life. And life is good, and I know much of it has come as a result of really hard work, but I believe in karma, and think that the way I treat people has to have helped in some small way.
I must say that I prefer the parody that has been made. It better fits his media persona (though I will admit I didn't actually think it was a parody at first...instead an attempt at self-deprecation). Here it is:
That song just fits with the smug look he has on his face in that promo. It makes me a little sick when I really think about it, but I've gone on and on about the way Conan has been treated. A few people have learned that defending Jay Leno around me is a poor idea. I try to be diplomatic, but I'm still bitter, and yes, the NBC executives carry most of the blame, but Leno could have been a decent human being and retired when he was supposed to. Or, if he didn't want to retire, he could have started over at another network! Here's a brilliant bit David Letterman did about the entire situation, it's not only funny, but completely on the mark:
There are articles online commenting about the quality of his first week of guests. Will the "big" celebrity guests return to The Tonight Show? I think they will eventually, if the audience returns to watch Leno. The Tonight Show is huge, and few people will turn down the opportunity to promote their film/TV show/album, even if they dislike the host. I think the Olympics have been a great thing for NBC, because it has given them an opportunity to sweep this controversy under the carpet. People are so wrapped up with the Olympics that they're not thinking about late night television and Conan O'Brien, and Jay Leno. Maybe people will have forgotten about it by the time he returns?
Many people have spoken about how awesome it would be for David Letterman to have Conan on his show the day Leno returns to The Tonight Show. That'd be a brilliant moment, and would really steal Leno's thunder. I figure NBC won't allow it, according to whatever is in the exit agreement, though. I wonder if they put that sort of thing in Andy Richter's exit agreement, if he had one?
And I can't believe I've never posted it...here is Conan's farewell speech. It was really classy, moving, and inspiring. I watch it regularly, so here it is for those who have not seen it:
And he's right. When I was in high school, I was very cynical, but as time has gone on, that's kind of faded. I treat everyone with respect, and kindness, and slowly, really great things have happened in my life. And life is good, and I know much of it has come as a result of really hard work, but I believe in karma, and think that the way I treat people has to have helped in some small way.
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