Reel Talk: Thanksgiving Movie Holiday Round-Up

A Belated Happy Thanksgiving to all!

While my family has no true tradition for this first of the many wintery holidays, it seems like we always fall into a snuggily pit of movie watching. Sometimes we go out, but usually it is just whatever we find on TV. This Thanksgiving weekend was a truly special one in my father's book because we got free STARZ and ENCORE. Be thankful for all the little things right? This immediately made us jump to clog our tivo with every single movie we kind of sort of wanted to see. These were the ones that made the cut, but maybe made me want to cut my eyes out.


1.Parenthood (1989)
This Ron Howard film starring Steve Martin (and a very young Keanu Reeves) was surprisingly emotional and serious for a movie whose poster looks like the prequel for Cheaper by the Dozen. Following the intersecting stories of four grown up siblings and their families, including their grumpy old father, Parenthood tackles the semi taboo ideas of single parents dating, teen marriage/pregnancies, gambling and debt, and probably taken most seriously, children within therapy. While it wasn't as funny as expected, the film has an incredibly big heart that makes you think and appreciate your own parents a little bit more.


2.The Bounty Hunter (2010)
We couldn't get through the first half hour of it. I don't know why Gerard Butler continues to get roles, but this was just too much. Even a fat Jason Sudekis couldn't even fix this trainwreck.


3.Albert Nobbs (2011)
Glenn Close absolutely shines within this tale of gender bending and class issues of turn of the century Ireland. Working in a hotel as a waiter, Albert Nobbs saves her money in order to own her own tobacco shop and continue to make a better life for herself. Along the way she encounters desires for a wife, and confusion about her own place within the incredibly strict society. It's heartbreaking, inspiring, and upsetting all within one small film. My only issue with the film is that it bills Jonathan Rhys Meyers pretty high, while he only makes 3 appearances on screen entirely? Is he really that big of a name pull?


4.Burlesque (2010)
What can I say? I was really intrigued by this mish mash of a musical and an updated version of Britney Spears' Crossroads. There were more montages within this 2 hour and 15 minute sparkle fest than actual dialogue. Enough said.


5.My Week With Marilyn (2011)
Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine) completely embodies the aura and fun loving spirit of Ms. Monroe in this film. While I will always have issue with the fact that she was much too skinny to play the size 12 superstar, Williams' performace was the shining light of this mediocre Lifetime-esque film.

6.The Muppets (2011)
Going to see this opening night with no knowledge of the plot or jokes was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. This new revamping of our beloved hand-held friends is classic and has jokes for every age group. It also follows the fool proof muppet movie equation: songs+jokes+celebrity cameos=delightful. Good job Jason Segel with the help of Bret from Flight of the Conchords!

Love Heroes: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

The weather around Los Angeles has become unreliable and more increasingly cold with each passing week. Now is the time for cuddling up by the fireplace with your favorite holiday music (I actually highly suggest NOW That's What I Call Christmas)--or more realistically--hiding under a pile of blankets with your face smooshed towards the television. Either way, the winter season always makes me a little bit drunk with the idea of undying and adorable love. It might be the idea of another warm body keeping you warm purely for survival, or having someone to wear Christmas sweaters with you until March, I love it all.

No famous couple embodies the idea of ever-lasting love mixed with fun and mutual admiration as well as Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. The two met on the set of The Long Hot Summer (1957) and were married by February of 1958. While it would seem that a quick courting of two Hollywood stars followed by a marriage in Las Vegas would end as quickly as it began, the 50 year commitment between Newman and Woodward would only be severed by Newman's death from cancer in 2008.

What makes the Newmans stand out for me as a perfect snapshot of love is the fact that they had fun together. They made each other laugh, joked around, and of course it would never get old. Would you ever get old of waking up to see Paul Newman next to you?





Beyond being completely infatuated with each other, Newman and Woodward raised three adorable daughters and loved to help others through their "Hole in the Wall Gang Camp" for terminally ill children to play outdoors, and all of the
Newman's Own products that we've grown to love and forget features ole blue eyes on the front.

Six Zero Zero Zero!

Hey Girl--
6000 page views for Modern Girls and Old Fashioned Men!


Just think about what a stack of over 6000 chalupas would look like (or cheesy gordita crunches). That is how excited we are about this milestone.

long live taco bell.

J+B

Make Up Tips I

I'm back, bitches! I may just be the worst blogger ever but at least Bailey did an amazing job this summer while I was busy watching Netflix and not doing anything. Anyway, I get a lot of questions from friends about make up. I'm really into make up and I've had a lot of practice because I've been wearing it since the age of like, 12 due to horrible skin. I thought I'd start this series by posting my favorite products that I use all the time.

 One of the most important things to know is that you do not need to spend a lot on make up products. While I do think that make up is one of the best things to splurge on, there are also tons of really great drugstore brands that are affordable and great quality. In fact I rarely buy make up from department store counters (besides skin care) because there are so many good cheap dupes nowadays. Most of the products I use are Revlon.

Revlon ColorStay Foundation. This comes in 2 formulas: Normal/Dry Skin and Oily/Combination Skin. I use the latter and I love it. I wear it every day, I wear it for special occasions, sometimes I mix it with my moisturizer and use it as a tinted moisturizer. It's a great foundation if you need a lot of coverage and if you have issues with your foundation sliding. ($12.99)

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer. Ok if you have under eye issues and you don't use concealer, you are a damn fool. Concealer is by far the most important product you should be wearing. This one is great because it doesn't show up in photos, and I know a lot of people are scared of concealer because they think it looks too light or heavy but that is really the whole idea. It brightens your entire face and makes you look awake. Best cure for hangover face. ($9.99, although I think its cheaper at Target)

This is by far my number 1 favorite mascara ever. In my opinion Maybelline has the best mascara line of almost any make up brand. The VolumExpress line is really amazing. The Falsies is definitely my favorite. I like big lashes all the time so this is perfect for me. (under $7.00)

Eyes Lips Face blush in Tickled Pink. Ok two things: 1. ELF is possibly the best thing to ever happen to me. Its dirt cheap and the quality is incredible. 2. Matte blusher is a god send for oily or problem skin. If you have bumps or large pores, try to avoid shimmery blush. ($3.00)

Always remember that make up is really accessible no matter what your budget is, and don't be afraid to use drugstore products!

Bands I Don't Understand (part two)

-Bjork
-Death Cab For Cutie
-Pearl Jam
-Steely Dan
-Pearl Jam

Bands I Don't Understand (part one)

-Radiohead
-TV on the Radio
-Nirvana
-The Decemberists
-Wilco

Are You Serious?

This hideous thing is called the "Subaru Baja". I see them everywhere now and I just can't understand why anyone in their right mind would purchase this car. Look at it! It looks like one of those tacky athletic sandals that guys wear in the dorm showers. You want to be sporty, but no...just no. Also don't get me started on this horrific yellow that car companies for some reason think looks good. It's not right.


In other news there are a lot of new posts in the works! Sorry for the delays!

Reel Talk: West Side Story

The 1961 film version of West Side Story--one of the greatest musicals ever--continues to stand out in history as one of the most original and influential films of all time. From the timeless look of the Super Panavision 70 film and cinematography by Daniel Fapp, to the emotional and beautiful play book by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is an incredible experience for film lovers and musical fanatics alike.


Based on The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet(arguably Shakespeare's most famous work), West Side Story tells the story of two rival gangs fighting over the territory of the west side of Manhattan: The Italian-American Jets versus the newly immigrated Puerto Rican Sharks. Within the tight knit groups grew the doomed love of Tony and Maria complete with a cast of unforgettable characters with classic 60's names such as Riff, Ice, Baby Jon, Chino, and Bernardo.


While the basic storyline is no surprise, the film version of West Side Story makes a significant impact on the audience on more levels than just the tragic level of lost love. Through numbers like "Gee, Officer Krupke" and "Cool", we begin to understand the internal pain and heartache of lost youths. The Jets thrive on loyalty and manhood in the wake of not wanting to face their own identity crises. Tony walks away from the gang, but still wants to support his second family within the gang. The casting of Russ Tamblyn, Tucker Smith, and Eliot Feld is perfect for balancing the love of the Jets as family and the fragility of their internal insecurities.


On the opposite side of the chain-link playground, the plight of the Sharks as shown through numbers such as "America" and "A Boy Like That" showed a still very closed minded film audience the hardships of immigration and racial discrimination within the so called "Land of the Free". As Bernardo and the rest of the Sharks are kicked out of Doc's store by Lieutenant Schrank whistling "My Country Tis Of Thee", the audience is hit with the feeling of disgust for the law, not the feuding gangs and their concealed weapons.

Bernstein's score leaps off of the screen with the help of Jerome Robbins' jazz inspired choreography filtered through glorious technicolor. While the "fight scenes" can't really qualify as violent or scary, they are filled with tension and beauty. You believe the blood thirsty rivalry (even though leg lifts and plies aren't usually mentioned on the 11 o'clock news after a gang fight).

West Side Story was considered "culturally significant" by the Library of Congress and preserved in 1997 for future generations. A film is not just considered special because it won Best Picture (1961), it is important because it teaches us about ourselves; our prejudices, our loyalties, our compassion, and our society. While it is a perfect time capsule for the early 1960's, the themes are universal and the production is timeless.

Eye-Dentity: Ann Margret

There are not many women who can hold a fickle nation's attention for longer than one or two movie cycles. There were not many women who had realistic chemistry with the King of Rock and Roll himself. Ann Margret has succeeded at both.

With an incredibly consistent movie career for the last four decades, Swedish born Ann Margret Olsson has become a style icon and idol for women in the most fashion forward decade and beyond. Known for her clean cut face and gorgeous strawberry blonde hair, Margret became the standard for young beauty (ironically she was always seen as American as apple pie). Men wanted to be with her, and women tried desperately to recreate her look. For a pretty realistic depiction of Margretmania check out season two of Mad Men. With a flare of flirty sexuality, Ann Margret's wardrobe consisted of the always classic turtle neck, button up tank tops, high waisted and tapered slacks, high waisted skirts and round skirted sundresses.

The magic of Ann Margret's easy style is clean cut lines and timeless pieces. From her breakout success in Bye Bye Birdie and endless collaborations with Elvis Presley--including his most famous Viva Las Vegas--no one could deny her effortlessly cool style. Even while the changing tides of fashion through the 70's and 80's began to influence her even as she played Tommy's mother in the terribly executed film version of The Who rock opera Tommy, Margret continued to flaunt her natural beauty by minimizing the theatrics of her makeup. To this day Margret continues to make films and share the iconic spotlight with ageless women such as Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep.


Long live Ann Margret!

Long Live Camden

The distressing news of England's series of riots, looting, and fires has torn apart a country and left some of it's greatest areas in rubble. After speaking with one of my dearest friends from the UK, she informed me that one of our favorite (or favourite) places to shop and hang out was in complete shambles: Camden High Street. Resembling a mix between the creepiness of the Venice boardwalk, and the quaint loveliness of London itself, Camden was a place to find cheap jewelry and fantastic vintage finds. Another merit of the area was that it was the only place a Southern Californian could go to get relatively good mexican food in the entire country. What follows are some snapshots of my times in Camden, and we can only hope after the destruction is finally over it will return to its former glory.

















Finally for your enjoyment, a club shot from our favorite Camden nights out!

It's Chili in the Woods

Most super bands of the world practice their new material in a large sound stage as to not be caught not knowing the words, or sounding less than impeccable. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are not most super bands. Following in the footsteps of their "Californication" lifestyle, RHCP fronted by Anthony Kiedis and energetically supported by bassist Flea took their unreleased tracks from the upcoming studio album I'm with You to Big Sur.


While the Henry Miller Library gives off the vibe of a venue more suited for an acoustic folk show or an intimate backyard wedding, Kiedis and co transformed the grassy starlit dance floor into a private party fit for the funk metal festival headliners. Considering that the price of a ticket to see RHCP at Club Nokia in August starts at $150, the audience shuffled in quickly and prepared for the once in a lifetime show about to start before them.

Coming on late--as every diva rock star does--Kiedis and Flea casually addressed the audience as their close friends and greatest admirers before jumping into a set comprised of 90% of unknown songs.


Semi Big Sur local Flea joked with the crowd as he started up his iconic bass playing, "If you guys know where I live, this would be a good time to rob me...because...you know...I'm not there!"

Even the most reluctant of music lovers couldn't help but get excited by hearing the sounds of a band they have heard on the radio for almost 30 years now. Whether you like them or not, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are iconic and represent the middle school years of almost everyone on the West Coast. There was a sense of warm nostalgia that pierced through the bitter cold Northern California night.

The fun sense of carefree summers can only take you so far before the audience begins to notice that Kiedis couldn't remember the words or get through an entire number without mentioning that his throat hurt. Passing most of the choruses by the end of the gig off to a second banana player, Kiedis continued to command the stage with an air of entitlement even as the light show consistently failed around them.

When they were tight and together, nothing could stop the audience from swaying and dancing, but these moments were few and far between partially because the 250 odd people didn't know any of the words of the songs played. Peppering old classics such as "By the Way" and "Californication" within the masses of new material, RHCP jump started the buzz and demand for their style and talent for their next world tour. My only hope is that they remember to play favorites like "Scar Tissue" and "City of Angels" at future shows as a thank you to the fans who have been there all along.

Track Take: "Gamma Ray" (Beck)

Bek David Campbell--better known as Beck Hansen or simply Beck--is an artist that pushed the boundaries of innovation, pop, grundge, and humor within his music for the last 20 years. While many feel that the last peak of his career occured in 2005 with the release of Guero, Hansen's 2008 album Modern Guilt continued to bridge the gap between the fun loving passion, and the incredible musicianship that make Beck albums so memorable.

From the immediate start of the Danger Mouse produced album, the "one-two" punch of powerhouse tracks "Orphans" and "Gamma Ray" lets the listener know that this is not an album to be overlooked or competed against. While the back up vocals of Cat Power on "Orphans" do add an extra layer of interest, Hansen's real genius shines solo through "Gamma Ray"

With an explosive start, "Gamma Ray" features fantastic surf guitar and bass lines: addictive and perfect. Of course a fantastic 60's style beach hit isn't enough for Mr. Beck Hansen. Enter the haunting voices that could have been escaping from the "Mystery Machine", and the poignant lyrics about a world in turmoil. The classic mixture of pop culture, musical detail, and self awareness brings the listener into Hansen's world with the help of the bouncing bass line, and catchy chorus, without becoming cliche.

In under three minutes (which is also a maturing feat for Hansen), Beck Hansen has asserted the playful and taylored tone of the album flawlessly.

4-D

Over 4,000 page views forModern Girls and Old Fashioned Men!

Thanks dudes,

J+B

Happy Independence Day!

love Bailey and Jess

Reel Talk: IFC Obsession

Within the last 2 months I have discovered the joy of the Independent Film Channel. Every single day there is at least 4 things I want to watch. My Tivo overfloweth! I have become completely obsessed with the channel, but every time that I try and share this joy, no one seems to really know if they get IFC on their tv or they don't really care...EITHER WAY! I am here to enlighten on all things great about IFC

1. Rhett and Link: Commercial Kings

Best friends since the first grade in North Carolina, Rhett and Link are advertising, film, and youtube stars who have decided to use their digital savvy to help others (and get great show material in the meantime). Each episode follows the adorable boys helping two struggling businesses that need to find new customers because of the recession. Rhett and Link get to know the owners and what they want. Beyond creating epic local commercials, there are endless hilarious moments between the film makers and the entrepreneurs. Each episode is fresh and original. It is one of the greatest new shows on television.

2. Freaks and Geeks/Undeclared block

I don't think that I need to really explain the greatness of each of these shows individually, but the brilliant minds at IFC brought the two together in a wonderful rock block of Apatow-esque humor that we love. On the downside, I become completely unproductive whenever these blocks start.

3. Sunday's Best
True to their landmark dedication to film, IFC is not just great because of it's television blocks, but also because of its choice films. One of it's best film series is Sunday's Best. A wonderful mixture of classic movies and small flicks, Sunday's Best gives you and your family a great thing to do while lounging at the end of the weekend.
Examples of films offered: Pulp Fiction, Meatballs, Monty Python at the Hollywood Bowl, Tremors
Please everyone join my IFC obsession. Mostly so I can have someone to talk to and watch more tv with.

Love Bailey

Summer of Springsteen

Summer in Southern California is exactly all of the clichés you have seen on TV, plastered up on billboards and postcards, or even read in the pages of an Isherwood or Pynchon novel. It’s hotter than hell, but you’d be hard pressed to find someone who would trade the magic present in those four months (yes, even May and September count as part of the summer in Los Angeles) for any other climate. With the sand filled shoes and smell of Coppertone stuck to fabrics even after a thorough wash, a Los Angeles summer is defined by what music is radiating out of your car stereo into the warm air.

While other artists have made their small mark on certain summers of our adolescents such as Sugar Ray and Girl Talk, the crown of summer will always be held by Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys sound. The combination of the subject of the surf, bikinis, fast cars, and the direct influence of the early Phil Spector sound has proven Wilson’s genius as lovely and timeless again and again. While our problems don’t actually melt away with our sunscreen, they do seem to sting less (which in itself is a miracle). It’s a fresh start that no other season can provide; the arbitrary start of each New Year in the middle of winter can’t inspire nearly as much as a drive down PCH can. The anthems of puppy love and endless sunshine has continued to represent the innocence and hope that each summer brings us.

Sometimes the tinkling sounds of Brian, Dennis, Carl, Al, and Mike just don’t cut it in the rapidly approaching “real world” that seems to encroach on even our most sugary summertime thoughts. It is when these feelings arise that we need a new summer muse; someone who understands the necessity of playfulness, but not at the expense of heavier subject matter.

Enter Bruce Springsteen.

Complete with his E Street Band of misfits, Springsteen’s song book is filled to the brim with summer anthems for kids in emotional transitions, and adults in turmoil, just desperately trying to hold on to the ideals and conviction that spurred them on years ago. While the classic “Glory Days” might come to mind when thinking of our parents and their friends listening to the Boss, we can’t simplify the need for Bruce to one perfectly compartmentalized song. His early sense of struggling hope continues to push the rest of us along with a driving beat and usually a killer sax solo from the late Big Man Clarence.


From break out hits on Born to Run and Darkness on the Edge of Town, to the quiet and introspective Nebraska, and even the semi recent The Rising, Springsteen masters the artist/audience relationship building a connection to last a music lover’s lifetime. Just listening to “Badlands” once on a failing car stereo, you feel like you immediately know who Springsteen is and you understand his driving frustration when he sings lyrics like this with such fire and brimstone:

You better get it straight darling:
Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings,
And a king aint satisfied till he rules everything.
I wanna go out tonight, I wanna find out what I got.

It seems simple and cliché, but isn’t this how everyone feels when they are down on their luck? This universal connection is what keeps Bruce in our hearts and on our radios when the hot summer months aren’t as carefree as they were in our salad days.


With the passing of Clarence Clemons—the E Street Band’s saxophone player—there is a hole in the sparkling lineup of Bruce’s band that will never be fully replaced, but never forgotten. To quote my father: “energy can neither be created nor destroyed which means that the love and actions of the dead are never gone”. Every time that you drop the needle (or press play) on a Springsteen album the magic of Clemons and the heart of Bruce continue to entertain and affect us deeply.

It is in this use of the laws of energy that a summer of Springsteen is more comforting than that of the gorgeous harmonies of Wilson and the Beach Boys; it is the connection of human struggles and the triumph of the rebellious spirit.

Reel Talk: Beastly

I know that we haven't been updating as much as usual, but now we are back and ready for action. Sorry for the delays!

As for Beastly the Vanessa Hudgens driven car crash, I saw this on an airplane yesterday and wanted to gouge my eyes out.



You might say, "Come on, it really couldn't be all bad!"
I would have to counter you by saying "Yes. It was ALL bad."

There was nothing redeeming at all about this Beauty and the Beast "kool kid update" including casting Neil Patrick Harris as a blind tutor. Don't get me wrong, I love NPH as much as the next lady, but this was just such a sad career choice.

Now that is all I am going to say about this mess of a movie, because honestly this is probably as many minutes the writers spent on the script.

Fat Girl Pro-Tip

I just bought these tights from Target for $14.00. Now I know that seems like a lot for black tights when they have 5 dollar pairs at Target, but I figured it was worth it since all my tights are basically ripped to shreds. First of all, I'd like to say that even if you are a skinny girl, you should really check out shape wear. I know a lot of shape wear is scary looking and can be pretty expensive, but it is a worthwhile investment. All I'm saying is, go buy some Spanx, or, if you can't afford Spanx like me, go to Target and get these. They're made by Spanx. I know as a proud fat girl I should be saying shit like "FUCK SHAPEWEAR, IT'S BARBARIC!" Don't get me wrong, I love letting my thunder thighs hang out, but sometimes I like to keep everything, you know, smooth and stuff.

BEEP BEEP (Future Talk) Pomp and Circumstance

This past Saturday marks the moment where I left my longest job as a student, and moved over into the world of not students. After around 18 years of my life being determined by teachers and professors, syllabi's and book lists, essays and exams, you'd think that I'd explode with excitement or die of sorrow, but neither was the case. I just feel like I need a break; maybe later I will start to feel weird, but not now.

The ceremonial changing of my definition in life came and went through 3 student speakers give their shout outs, and around 300 kids--excuse me, freshly made adults--walk across the stage of the Greek Theatre and pick up a fake diploma. While I was incredibly excited to hear my name and make my family proud for the second weekend in a row, I was more excited about stepping on the stage where I saw Arcade Fire and Wilco. Even Mario Savio got tackled and arrested on this stage! I began to wonder why this was more interesting to me, and why I couldn't fully appreciate walking across the stage to shake the hand of a very important English lady in a house of the highest public education in the country.

What was wrong with me? Was it because my family didn't bring an obnoxious air horn?

Only after the last flash bulb had blinded me in a less than flattering photo by GradImages, I realized that my lack of enthusiasm for the academic graduating was the most comforting thing in my life at this moment. I was excited about music. Getting giddy about past performances at the Greek Theatre not only jump starts my passion for music, but it also pushes me to continue to strive for my goal as a music journalist. Recently I have been doubting my dream job because of set backs and intimidation, but as I walked across that stage to grab my fake legal document I knew that I had the power of an English degree and it could help me come back to this "Athens of the West" to see more shows like Van Morrison or Daft Punk and remember that I do have a voice worth speaking.

Now for your enjoyment here are some photos of the ceremony. All photography credit goes to Julia Pennick.













(oh yeah it was also the day of the Rapture)