The Entertainer, Volume 17

Title: Death At A Funeral

Notable Actors: Lots of British people. And Alan Tudyk.

Why?: I watched the American version and thought it was OK. A coworker told me I should watch the original, British version, which is far superior.

Thoughts: Said coworker was correct. This was hilarious. I don't know if it's the fact that I like British humor (or should I spell that "humour"?), or if it's that it came first, or what, but it felt so much more natural and less forced in this version. And also, I laughed out loud multiple times. Alone, in my living room. I very rarely laugh out loud at films when I'm watching them alone. I'd recommend it as long as you're not scared of the fact that everyone has British accents. And even then, Alan Tudyk runs around naked. So there's that incentive too :-).

Title: Sex Drive

Notable Actors: James Marsden, Seth Green, and Clark Duke are among the more recognizable.

Why?: A coworker recommended it. (A different coworker than the one who recommended Death at a Funeral.)

Thoughts: This was...better than I expected. Definitely some quotable and funny parts, even if the plot is kind of stupid. It fits solidly into the R-rated boy comedy genre, so if you like those types of movies, go for it. I do have a feeling it would get better upon rewatch, so I might give it another try someday when I'm in the mood for that - it was a free streaming movie on Netflix, so it'll be easy to get ahold of.


Title: Sweet Valley Confidential

Author: Francine Pascal

Why?: Because of my great, great love for young adult literature, and also for epilogues.

Thoughts: This was...well, it kind of felt like a giant book full of fan fiction. Random pairings of people, lots of drama that results in a happy ending for everyone, lots of references to characters that barely made an appearance...and I didn't care. I loved it. If you ever read a Sweet Valley book, read this. It will make you happy, flaws and all.


Title: Arthur

Notable Actors: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner

Why?: I liked the original. And I worship the ground upon which Helen Mirren walks. And this one was showing at a time that fit well into our schedules.

Thoughts: I hope I'm half as awesome as Helen Mirren when I'm her age. Hell, I hope I'm half as awesome right now. That being said, while she did a great job in this role, the role itself was nothing compared to the original. Actually, that pretty much applies to the whole movie - fine, harmless, definitely funny in parts and Mirren and Russell Brand do a nice job, but it kind of just made me want to watch the original. That, and The Tea Shop Song (as Mary and I call it after an incident with a CD and the Spirit Shoppe) was sadly underused. Bottom line - when you get lost between the moon and New York City, the best that you can do is stick with Dudley Moore and Liza.





Title: I Know I Am, But What Are You?

Author: Samantha Bee

Why?: I like Samantha Bee. She's a Daily Show correspondent, for those of you who are not familiar.

Thoughts: Really funny, although some of the stories toward the end of the book dragged a bit. She reminded me more than once of David Sedaris if he discussed more feminine topics. I particularly liked the story about her religion, and also the one in which she discussed learning about sex. I'd highly recommend the book, but at the same time, I didn't like it enough to keep it, so you're on your own for finding a copy ;-)

Title: The Good Wife: The First Season

Notable Actors: Carol Hathaway, Mr. Big, Logan Huntzberger, Cybill's friend Mary Ann. (I don't care how many awesome things Christine Baranski does. She will always be Mary Ann to me. Except for maybe her exceptional role in Mamma Mia!, which was glorious.)

Why?: Because apparently, it's awesome. I did not know this, and assumed it was your standard cookie cutter legal drama populated by familiar actors.

Thoughts: This is a pretty darn awesome show. Where so many legal dramas become predictable and boring, or worse, contrived and sensationalistic, this one is a lot more intelligent. I'm really annoyed that I can't get the whole second season On Demand or on Netflix yet, because I keep seeing commercials and I want to catch up!

Title: Handle With Care

Author: Jodi Picoult

Why?: I was trying to diminish The Stack, and I can plow through one of her books in a weekend.

Thoughts: This one's about a kid with a bone disease whose parents sue for wrongful birth. It's just like all the others - really, really melodramatic and fairly predictable. But it's also just like all the others in that it's very difficult to stop reading once you've started. I swear this lady puts crack in her books, they're so addictive. I maintain that if you've read one, you've got a good handle on what's going to happen in all of them. But at the same time, they're enjoyable (if not exactly fun), and highly readable.

The Entertainer, Volume 16

Title: Love and Other Drugs

Notable Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Hank Azaria

Why?: I like Anne Hathaway. And I like drugs. (Not like that.)

Thoughts: I...really enjoyed this. I have very little patience for insipid romantic comedies, and less patience for movies where the womanizing man-whore is won over by some pretty girl who must have some magical powers or whatever. That being said, this one was still pretty endearing. Part of that is my great love for Anne Hathaway, and the fact that the plot was related to the pharmaceutical industry helped. I'd be interested to read the book upon which this one was based, too, because apparently it's more about the drugs and less about the romance.

Title: Fair Game

Notable Actors: Sean Penn, Naomi Watts

Why?: Because I saw a commercial for it and remembered that it existed, and it was at the top of my Netflix queue because it had just come out.

Thoughts: This one is an interesting spy story, based on what happened to Valerie Plame Wilson. Both actors do a good job, although I kind of thought Naomi Watts was a bit too delicate to believe as a CIA agent. The plot is easy enough to follow, and the film's not too long, which means it doesn't have the problems I've encoutered in similar films. Interesting, and the fact that it's true makes it that much more so. I'm going to try to hunt down her book, so stay tuned for a report on that (although if you've seen the size of The Stack in my living room, it may be awhile before I get to it).

Title: Hot Fuzz

Notable Actors: Half of England

Why?: It'd been on my Netflix queue for awhile, but a gentleman friend is a fan of the film and was appalled that I hadn't seen it, so that helped get it seen sooner.

Thoughts: Rather enjoyable, as long as you're a fan of British comedy. The characters were amusing, as was the plot, and while the ending dragged a bit, it was still pretty awesome. Definitely worth watching. (And it's fun to play place-the-British-actor-in-the-British-movie while you watch!)

Title: Due Date

Notable Actors: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis

Why?: Because Downey and Galifianakis are awesome.

Thoughts: Pretty awesome...not the best I've seen from either, but definitely a good representation of the genre. I wouldn't recommend it if you're not a fan of the R-rated male-focused comedy, but if you are, this one's worth it. Definitely funny, and while ridiculous at times, it doesn't stray too far from the plot or become too stupid. At least, in my opinion...like I said, if you're not into the genre, you may disagree. (That being said, every time I watch Downey in a comedy, it just makes me want to watch Tropic Thunder again. I maintain that if Heath Ledger hadn't died, that Oscar race that year would've been a lot closer.)

Title: To Be Or Not To Be

Notable Actors: Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft

Why?: Because Mel Brooks = awesome. We were discussing our favorite Mel Brooks films the other day at work, and a coworker mentioned this one and I'd never seen it and felt like a failure.

Thoughts: A good representation of his work, set against the backdrop of World War Two. Which was even more fun given that one of my favorite Brooks films is The Producers, and there were numerous references and repeated/similar lines throughout this one. Don't be stupid, be a smarty, and add this to your Netflix queue.

Title: Vanity Fair's Tales of Hollywood

Author: Lots of people

Why?: I saw it advertised in Vanity Fair a year or two ago, and it finally made its way to the top of my Paperback Swap wishlist.

Thoughts: This is a collection of Vanity Fair articles discussing specific films between the early 1940s and mid 1980s. They hit some of my favorites (The Graduate, specifically), as well as a few that I'd not seen but will be adding to my Netflix queue (The Magnificent Ambersons and The Sweet Smell of Success). Definitely an interesting book if you're a movie nerd like me, although I have a sneaking suspicion that you could find most of the articles archived online somewhere.

The Entertainer, Volume 15

Title: Water for Elephants

Author: Sara Gruen

Why?: Because I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie and wanted to read the book first. The fact that the movie comes out soon, and that numerous friends have read and enjoyed it, moved this book to the top of The Stack.

Thoughts: I blew through this thing in under three hours. To be fair, I was on an airplane for the vast majority of it, so it had my undivided attention. But I didn't even drink, and for a book to distract me from airplane drinking, it must be good! Then, of course, I finished it before my flight was over, and all of my other books were in my checked luggage, so I turned into that chick who's watching stupid movies on her laptop and drinking airplane wine.

But I digress. This book was delightful - just indepth enough, and a story just engaging enough, to drive you through it quickly but not so much that it's forgettable. Don't worry if you think circuses are creepy - I do, and yet, I loved this book. I'd recommend it. And stay tuned for my movie review at the end of April.

Title: Winter's Bone

Notable Actors: No one, really, except maybe Jennifer Lawrence, who got an Oscar nomination

Why?: A coworker had told me it was good, so it was already on my Netflix queue when it got its Best Picture nomination. The nomination is what moved it to the top (although I did fall short on my goal of seeing all ten before the awards. But I knew neither True Grit nor James Franco Cuts Off His Arm had a prayer of winning, so I wasn't really stressing about it either).

Thoughts: Coworker was correct - it was definitely good, and Lawrence's performance is laudable. I found the characterization and cinematography to be very accurate and effective, at least from the perspective of this girl who's never set foot in the Ozarks. That being said, it was extremely depressing, although I do suppose it has a happy ending. I'd highly recommend it, but be prepared.

Title: Cedar Rapids

Notable Actors: Ed Helms, my beloved John C. Reilly

Why?: John C. Reilly. Whyever not?

Thoughts: This one? Pretty good. I'll have to rewatch to determine just how quotable it is, but after one viewing, I approve. It didn't have as much of the zaniness that, say, The Hangover had, but the characters were decently developed and the plot fairly self-contained. I'd recommend it.

Title: Big Love: Season Five

Notable Actors: Bill Paxton, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloe Sevigny, Ginnifer Goodwin

Why?: Because it takes a lot for me to break up with a show once I'm this far in, even if it did annoy me as much as the fourth season of this one did.

Thoughts: It just kept right on going with the annoying...going into the series finale, I could count on one hand how many characters were left who I didn't want to punch in the face. That being said, I really enjoyed that final episode. There were a number of nostalgic and/or poingnant moments, and while it didn't redeem most of the characters, it did remind me why I didn't always want to punch them. And then the last two scenes wrapped everything up really nicely. And that is all I will say about that because I don't want to ruin it for everyone. Just don't break up with it when it gets bad unless you, at the very least, skip ahead to the finale.

Title: Dinner for Schmucks

Notable Actors: Paul Rudd and Steve Carell, both of whom are so, so much better than this swill and who I hope got paid very handsomely.

Why?: Honestly, I don't even know. I might've been blinded by my love of Paul Rudd.

Thoughts: I watched half of this on a Wednesday, and it sat in my DVD player unfinished until I got home from Happy Hour on Friday. You would think the residual alcohol would help me enjoy the last half. You would be wrong. This was just...stupid. And not in a good way. Just look at Carell's expression on that poster and you'll see what I mean. Oh, and Paul Rudd's expression is pretty much how I feel. That being said, I've heard the French film upon which this was based is excellent. Stay tuned to see if I ever wind up watching it.

The Entertainer, Volume 13

Title: Justin Bieber: Never Say Never

Notable Actors: Justin Bieber, his hot manager

Why?: Because my friends from work were going, and I figured that, given my affection for such groups as the Jonas Brothers, I might like it.

Thoughts: This movie was kind of awesome. I really like musical biography movies, and even though this one is more a documentary than a biopic, it's similar enough that I still enjoyed it. The kid really is talented, too, whether or not you care for his music. And, as a nice surprise, we all learned that he has a hot manager! If anyone would like, I now own plenty of Bieber music...I'd be happy to share it with you!

Title: The United States of Tara, The Second Season

Notable Actors: Toni Collette, John Corbett (heh. That kind of rhymes.)

Why?: Because I watched the first season and liked it.

Thoughts: This one was a bit less focused than the first season, I thought. Don't get me wrong, it was still really good, and the performances great, but I felt like I kept losing sight of where it was going. That, and I wasn't thrilled with the Charmaine storyline (which, you'll have to see to know what I'm talking about). That being said, I'd still recommend the show - you can't go wrong with any of the Showtime half hour comedies.

Title: Step Up 3

Notable Actors: A bunch of dancers who were in the first one

Why?: Because I watched Step Up 2 with Niki when I was in California last fall and I liked it

Thoughts: This one was...not as good as Step Up 2. I really liked that one. That being said, I still liked this one a great deal too. It's pretty much what you'd expect - the standard dance-rivalry story - but the dancing was good, and the characters not too irritating. If you've seen and liked the others, I'd recommend it; otherwise, I'd say start with Step Up 2. (Also, apparently this was in 3D if you saw it in the theaters. I'd imagine the dancing would translate very well to such a medium; however, I saw it on my TV in my living room, so I can't really testify to that fact.)

Title: Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People

Author: The stupendous Amy Sedaris

Why?: Because Amy Sedaris is awesome.

Thoughts: Hilarious. Particular favorite chapters include "Crafting for Jesus," "Handicraftables," and "Teenagers Have a Lot of Pain." Her love of crafting never ceases to entertain me, and her writing style is even more hilarious when you imagine her saying the words. That, and any crafts that rely heavily on pipe cleaners and plastic googly eyes are OK in my book.

Title: Nickel and Dimed: On Getting By In America

Author: Barbara Ehrenreich

Why?: Because I read about it in a slate.com article, and I thought it looked interesting, and there was no wait on Paperback Swap to get a copy

Thoughts: An interesting look at an educated woman who attempts to live on minimum wage by working various jobs, including waitressing, housekeeping, and working at WalMart. The analysis section was a bit more economically indepth than I cared about, but at the same time, it presented the information well enough that even I could understand it. A fairly quick read, too, with some interesting stories.

Title: Cactus Flower

Notable Actors: Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman, Goldie Hawn (for which she won an Oscar)

Why?: I'd been meaning to watch it because I like 60s comedies. Somehow it made it to the top of my Netflix queue.

Thoughts: This was cute, if pretty much exactly what you'd expect from the genre. I enjoyed it, although I didn't think any of the performances were exceptional. How Hawn won an Oscar for playing what appears to essentially be herself is beyond me. Don't get me wrong, she and the others were all quite enjoyable...I just don't think anyone was that laudable. (That being said, I've only seen one of the other nominated performances in her category, so I don't know that I can really judge accurately.)

Title: Waiting for Superman

Notable Actors: Well, it's a documentary, so a bunch of real people.

Why?: Because I have far too many friends who are teachers to not watch it.

Thoughts: Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the input of someone far more qualified to comment on the subject matter: my dear friend Unnamed Person With A Background In Education. Person says, "It applies to inner city areas. If I were a parent in an inner city, this message would aboslutely apply, but it applies much less so in suburbia. Where it simplifies too much is with some of the charter schools, and how you have to apply to get in, which weeds through the people in a way that public schools can't. Which then leaves behind less motivated kids in public schools. It still comes back to the parents and the community are motivating the kids. And it's glaringly obvious how bad the test scores are now, but what it doesn't pay lip service to is that many politicians talk about fixing it, but just create more bureacracy that doesn't necessarily help. I don't like that they made the union the bad guy, although I do agree that tenure happens too easily. Overall, it was fairly superficial, yet had its good points with regard to enlightening people to the presence of the problem."

The Entertainer, Volume 12

Title: Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

Author: David Sedaris

Why?: Because David Sedaris is awesome.

Thoughts: Not my favorite of his books, but at the same time, it was different from most of them, so I don't know if a comparison is fair. The stories were shorter, and more like fables...fables with a very dark comedic twist. I'd recommend it if you are a fan of his work, but if not, or if this would be your first of his books, try a different one instead.

Title: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Notable Actors: John Candy, my beloved Steve Martin

Why?: Because I love Steve Martin. And this kept showing up in holiday movie lists in November, and I realized I had never seen it.

Thoughts: A classic 80s comedy, a classic holiday comedy, a classic everything. A few of the things are a bit dated - pay phones, not being sure if you have a credit card (or better, carrying a Diner's Club card), etc. But that doesn't change the fact that it's a lot of fun, and that it deserves to be put on all of the "Best Thanksgiving Movie" lists that it's on.

Title: Red

Notable Actors: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Mary-Louise Parker

Why?: Because it got nominated for a Golden Globe. And because it either looked like it would be good, or laughably bad.

Thoughts: Verdict = good. Not nearly as much of a retirement farm movie as I had feared (in which studios trot out old actors and make them do stupid and/or contrived roles in order to make money). Mary-Louise Parker was a very welcome addition...she makes anything she's in better. Funny in parts, and the action moved enough that it didn't drag. I'm glad I didn't pay to see it in the theater, but it's well worth the addition to any Netflix queue.

Title: Animal Kingdom

Notable Actors: A bunch of Australian people who you probably haven't heard of, but should.

Why?: One of the actresses was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. And, it got a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Thoughts: See, you guys? This. This is why I try to watch as many Oscar-nominated movies as I can. Because without that, I never would've found this one, and it was awesome. Jacki Weaver's character actually reminded me a bit of Angela Lansbury in The Manchurian Candidate, and if you know me, you know that is high praise. You should definitely add this one to your Netflix queue.

Title: Toddlers and Tiaras, Season One

Notable Actors: A bunch of little kids and nutjob parents

Why?: Because it's like a train wreck...you can't look away.

Thoughts: I am kind of a little bit in love with this show. And it's everywhere, too - I thought it was just crazy southern people, but then they showed a pageant in Pittsburgh and also one in New York. Also, it meshes well with the Real Housewives franchise...if you're a fan of those, you should definitely hunt this one down :-).

Title: You Again

Notable Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Betty White, Victor Garber, and the chick who is married to the guy who plays Justin in Brothers and Sisters.

Why?: Because I like Veronica Mars. And Kristin Chenoweth. And I liked Betty White before it was trendy.

Thoughts: This was exactly what you'd expect out of a romantic comedy, but on the good side of it. Funny, albeit over the top at times, and with a good cast. These actors save the plot from itself.

The Entertainer, Volume 11

Title: Charlie St. Cloud

Notable Actors: Zac Efron, Jessica AlBiel

Why?: Because I have an age-inappropriate crush on Zac Efron

Thoughts: You guys know the story of how Sarah and I laughed all through The Notebook and the crying ladies around us were glaring at us? That was what it would've been like if I'd seen this one in the theater. Melodramatic, overacted, trying to be romantic and just coming off as creepy and cheesy...that was this one. Actually, that movie poster pretty much sums it up - comically bad. That being said, Zac Efron? Pretty. So pretty. And if that makes me a dirty old lady, then so be it.

Title: The King's Speech

Notable Actors: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Bellatrix LaStrange, Wormtail, Dumbledore the Second, and a bunch of super cute corgis

Why?: See: Colin Firth

Thoughts: I absolutely loved it - the story was just the right depth, balanced by brevity and of course spectacular acting. I will say this, though, at the risk of sounding like an idiot - it is disturbing when big-name British actors who have been in Harry Potter films do other, more serious things. It's freaky enough when it's good guys like Dumbledore, or people who have been in lots of other things to balance the bad guy she plays, like Helena Bonham-Carter. But whoever cast Wormtail as Churchill must've been high. Even if I didn't spend half the movie expecting him to turn into a rat, I still didn't quite think the actor was the right fit for the role. (But do not let this discourage you - this charming film is one of my favorites of the year.)

Title: Howl

Notable Actors: A bunch of cool kids - James Franco, Mary-Louise Parker, Bob Balaban, Treat Williams, David Strathairn, and my boyfriend Jon Hamm, among others

Why?: See the list of actors

Thoughts: I think I liked this one...I definitely liked the courtroom scenes, when they were trying to decide if Ginsberg's work was obscene. And the scenes with Franco as Ginsberg. And I respect what they were trying to do, interspersing the poetry reading and graphics with the more grounded biographical and courtroom storylines. But yeah...I don't like poetry. Try as I might, it bores and annoys me. And every time they diverted from the storylines to the poetry, I lost interest. That being said, I still think I liked it. Except for the poetry.

Title: The Town

Notable Actors: Ben Affleck, that guy from The Hurt Locker, once again my boyfriend Jon Hamm

Why?: A coworker recommended it. And again, Jon Hamm.

Thoughts: I liked this way more than I thought I was going to. I mean, I thought I'd like it, but I really liked it. An interesting twist on your standard action/bank robber-type film. And the Affleck doesn't hurt. Also, I seem to have developed a strange affection for movies set in Boston suburbs.

Title: Cyrus

Notable Actors: John C. Reilly, Catherine Keener, Marisa Tomei, Jonah Hill

Why?: Because I like John C. Reilly. A lot.

Thoughts: I thought this one would be funnier. I mean, I knew it wasn't your standard John C. Reilly/Will Ferrell type comedy, but the reviews all called it a black comedy, and it really...wasn't that funny. Interesting, if strange at times, and difficult to figure out some of the characterization. I'm feeling rather mediocre about this one...when Netflix asks how I like it, I'm going to give it three stars out of five.

Title: Dead and Gone

Author: Charlaine Harris

Why?: Because I read all the others, and this one is next.

Thoughts: This one was just like all the other ones. Not that that's a bad thing - it moved the plot forward, and you learn more about the fairies, which was interesting and exciting. And that's all I say, for fear of ruining the plot for future readers. Just know that you should read this series and watch True Blood.

Title: How To Train Your Dragon

Notable Actors: Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, some other famous voices

Why?: I like dragons.

Thoughts: I really shouldn't have watched this film...I want a pet dragon of my very own now. This movie was very cute - I have no complaints. It's no Toy Story 3, but I'd classify this one as one you can take your kids to without wanting to stick things in your eye halfway through. And again, I like dragons. And Jay Baruchel.

Title: Country Strong

Notable Actors: Gwyneth Paltrow, Blair Waldorf (whose hair was as big as she was), Tim McGraw

Why?: Certainly not because I like country music. But I do like movies about music. And big hair.

Thoughts: This was...eh. It wasn't awful, and the actors all did a good job, especially Paltrow. But the plot and character development were lacking in certain ways. Also, it was quite a depressing little film, although that kind of helped save it rather than hurt it. I'd tentatively recommend it, as long as you don't go into it expecting a cinematic masterpiece.

The Entertainer, Volume 10

Title: Toy Story 3

Notable Actors: Tim Allen, Tom Hanks

Why?: Because I love the first two.

Three Thoughts: OMG, you guys. I watched this like two months ago, and I think it was in the time when I lost track of what I was reading and watching and forgot to blog about half of it. And I don't know how on earth I could've forgotten about this one, because it's seriously the best movie I've seen so far this year. Everything about this film is perfect - suspense, sadness and happiness without being sappy, nostalgia, the plot itself. You guys know how I have no soul and don't cry at movies? If ever there was a movie to break me, it would be this one. I don't care if it's about toys. It's just that fantastic. I can't elaborate without giving away plot points, but yeah. Watch this movie. Put it at the top of your Netflix queue, and do it now. (Here is a good review from a critic I really like and usually agree with, if you want to read more.)

Title: Star Island

Author: Carl Hiassen

Why?: Because my boss handed it to me and told me I'd really like it.

Three Thoughts: Hiassen's so much fun, and this book totally proves it. The crazy, south Florida world he creates fits perfectly with the organized chaos and hilarity of the story. I haven't read too many of his books, but this one is definitely one of my favorites.

Title: Inception

Notable Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cillian Murphy (who looks a heck of a lot like Tom Welling in this), Ellen Page

Why?: Because I'm trying to get a head start on seeing the Oscar Best Picture nominees, and I have a feeling this will be one of them.

Three Thoughts: This was quite the freaky little film...but I liked it better than Black Swan, which was the last freaky, critically praised one I saw. Very intricate, but I don't think overtly or gratuitously so. I'd recommend it, if you're willing to pay attention to it. (That being said, the number one thing I felt after watching it was how much I really wanted to rewatch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Now THERE is a kickass movie about dreams.)

Title: Dexter (Season 5)

Notable Actors: The same lot as the last time I talked about it, with the addition of some hot guys and Julia Stiles.

Why: Because I like it. And it takes a lot for me to break up with a show when we've been through so much together.

Three Thoughts: Much less frustrating than last season, which was nice. Although, can I just talk about how creepy it is when actors I like play serial killers? I mean, Michael C. Hall is bad enough, but at least he's the good guy. You've already made me afraid of John Lithgow, show. Must you make me be scared of Eli Stone, or that guy who went to my high school, or Morris from ER (who I always really liked, despite the fact that he was kind of supposed to be a jerk)?

Title: Daria (The Complete Animated Series)

Notable Actors: A bunch of cartoon characters

Why?: Because I used to watch it back when I hated MTV and this and music videos were the only thing I would watch

Three Thoughts: You know how sometimes, you go back to a show you watched as a kid, and you think "Wow...this is really stupid. I respect its place in my history, but yeah...this DVD is getting sold on eBay or swapadvd.com." Daria is not that show. It's even better from an adult perspective - hilarious, but not in a juvenile sense, and easy to watch but not mind-numbing. Go find it, especially if you used to watch the show back when it was on MTV. Five seconds of the theme song and you'll be right back there again.

Title: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Notable Actors: George Michael Bluth, Ann Veal, and some other people like Jason Schwartzman and Superman who are nowhere near as cool as they are

Why?: Because I like Michael Cera.

Three Thoughts: You know, I speak Nerd well enough that I can get by, but it's movies like this that show me where my knowledge is lacking. I enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun, but I wish I had more background before I watched it. That being said, I have friends who I think would really really like this one (who I believe read this blog...comment if you think I mean you ;-)

Title: Shrek Forever After

Notable Actors: The same lot of them that are in all of these movies. And, Jon Hamm! That was a nice surprise, even if we don't get to actually see him.

Why?: Because I like Shrek.

Three Thoughts: You know how Toy Story gets better with every sequel? Shrek, not so much. I mean, it didn't suck, but what was clever in the first one is pretty much just a repeat in this one. Apparently it was 3-D in the theaters, which probably would've made it a bit more exciting, but I have to tell you, 3-D doesn't really impress me. And it doesn't help one bit when you're watching it in your living room as procrastination for cleaning after putting away your Christmas decorations.

The Entertainer, Volume 9

Title: Ramona and Beezus

Notable Actors: John Corbett, Ginnifer Goodwin, Bridget Moynihan, Josh Duhamel

Why?: Because the books are awesome.

Three Thoughts: This movie? Adorable. A great representation of the books, even if they do lose a bit of quaintness when you move them to the present day. It is rather disturbing, though, when they cast hot actors as characters that you always viewed as being the grown-ups.

Title: Beaches

Notable Actors: Bette Midler, Barbara Hershey, and a frighteningly awesome Mayim Bialik

Why?: Because one of my work BFFs told me that if I watched this movie, I would cry, and didn't believe her when I told her that I don't cry at movies because I am dead inside.

Three Thoughts: Didn't cry. But I still really enjoyed it, and appreciate why people would. Very, very 80s and melodramatic (which is not necessarily a bad thing!). And let me just tell you how freakishly Midler-like Blossom is when she plays the young CC - freaked me out.



Title: Oryx and Crake

Author: Margaret Atwood

Why?: Because Sara Lewis told me to, and I do what she says.

Three Thoughts: Sara made me read another of Atwood's books a few years ago, and while I enjoyed it, I remember few details about it. This one is a story about society's future, in which biotechnology goes very bad and causes...well, let's call it "a bad thing", and is much more memorable - I would highly recommend it. I have the pseudo-sequel sitting at home in The Stack, waiting to be read.

Title: The Pacific

Notable Actors: A bunch of hot guys.

Why?: Because I like history. And I like lots of things that Tom Hanks produces.

Three Thoughts: This was a fantastic miniseries that told the stories of three real Marines (two of whom helped write and shape the series) who were stationed in the Pacific throughout World War Two. I love miniseries because they let the story unfold so much more intricately than a movie. I would highly recommend getting ahold of this one, and make sure you watch the historical context vignettes before each episode.

Title: The Fighter

Notable Actors: Marky Mark, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, and Christian Bale (who had better win an Oscar for this role or I swear there is no justice in this world.)

Why?: Well, I wasn't really excited about it at first; it looked too sappy. And then I started reading reviews, and they all said it was fabulous. And you all know how I feel about Christian Bale.

Three Thoughts: OMG, you guys. This is for serious one of the best movies I've seen all year. I saw it two weeks ago and I'm still talking about it. And despite what Carter says, this is not my love for Christian Bale talking, nor my love for movies set in Massachusetts. The story, while it's kind of your standard underdog sports story, is made all the more engrossing by the cinematography and the spectacular acting. It's a story about a family just as much as it is a story about a boxer's quest to win a title, and the story is heartbreaking and exciting at the same time. I have more to say, but it involves spoilers, so I'm going to stop now and just tell you to go see it. You won't regret it. (And I know that was more than three thoughts. I don't care. It's that good.)

Title: Black Swan

Notable Actors: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, that French guy from Ocean's Twelve, and the aforementioned Barbara Hershey

Why?: Reviews, again. And the fact that the stupid Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided it was a good idea to nominate ten films for Best Picture instead of five, so if I want to see them all before the Oscars, I have to start early and try to predict what'll be nominated.

Three Thoughts: OK, here's the deal with this freaky little film. There were memorable - even exceptional - parts of this one. The costuming, cinematography, and directing were exquisite, and Natalie Portman does a fantastic job. While tragic, it was an overall beautiful film; however, the more I think about it, the more I feel that it doesn't really have the plot to win the awards for which it's nominated. (Again, I have spoilers to back up that argument, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone.)