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Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts

10/29/2023

Goodbye, Friend

I can't wrap my head around Matthew Perry's sudden death yesterday so I thought I'd come here and blog it out.  

It may sound crazy, but I feel genuinely sad over his passing, almost like I lost an actual friend. And maybe I did? 

Maybe we all did.

Friends began at pivotal point in my life, at the beginning of my senior year in college. Every Thursday night, my 7 roommates and I would order Chinese food and a keg of Bud Light, hang out in our CT beach house off campus and start the weekend a little early watching our older, cooler "friends" who lived an hour's train ride away in NYC.

I just turned 21 when the show began in September 1994 and I was 30 in May 2004 when they aired the last episode. As the Friends navigated their way through adult life, lessons and loves, so did I.

Friends became my happy place.

And in the past three decades, it is a place I've visited, and revisited, and re-re-visited often, especially during hard times when I really needed a smile. 

I love every character. I know every episode by heart. I laugh at every joke. I can recite every line. Watching this show is like wrapping myself up in the coziest blanket with the sweetest smell of home.

Could there BE a more perfect theme song? I'll be there for you.

Learning in recent years how much Matthew was suffering with drug and alcohol addition while Chandler was bringing millions of people -- like me -- so much joy makes me super sad too. But it doesn't change how I feel about the show. Watching those seasons, knowing what I know now, I'm even more impressed with his talent as an actor and his timing as a comedian during those dark days.

He seemed earnest in trying to get his life back on track, but maybe his body just couldn't take it. Couldn't recover anymore. My heart breaks for his friends, Jennifer, Courtney, Lisa, Matt and David. Mourning one of their own at age 54 feels so wrong.

It wasn't supposed to end like this.

RIP Chanandeler Bong. I'll miss you. Thanks for the laughs, Matty, may you rest in peace.

12/15/2022

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

So, I've become that girl who watches holiday movies on Hallmark starting in October.  They're cute and quaint and comfortably predictable, like putting on that cozy Christmas sweater and sipping on a hot cocoa with extra marshmallows.

(I still do both those things, btw, even though I live in FL now and it's 70 degrees outside.)

And while I do love these cookie-cutter festive films that run 24/7 on cable, no December is complete without the true classics.  

I'm talking, of course, about my Top 12 Christmas Movies of All Time.

It was tough to narrow it down, but I've made my list and checked it twice.  I promise these are full of sugar, spice and everything nice...

Curl up on the couch and let the streaming begin!


Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Why it sleighs: A lovely tale that puts Kris Kringle on trial to prove Santa is real, winning the hearts of the court, Macy's customers, and a very skeptical six year old. 


The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Why it sleighs: Cary Grant is a suave angel named Dudley, performing much-needed miracles for a bishop and his new church, but the biggest miracle of all has to be that his wife doesn't fall in love instantly and fly off with him.


Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Why it sleighs: A feel-good stop-motion masterpiece featuring Hermie the Misfit Elf who longs to be a dentist and Rudolf who can't play in any reindeer games because of his big red honker. This sweet story is all about embracing what makes each of us special.


How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Why it sleighs: In the only acceptable version of this yuletide yarn, a small-hearted Christmas crank and his rein-dog Max learn the true meaning of the holiday from the Whos down in Whoville and Cindy Lou Who (who was no more than two).


The Year Without Santa Claus (1974)

Why it sleighs: Sure Santa's under the weather and may not make his annual toy trip around the globe, but the breakout stars of this Rankin-Bass classic are the Brothers Miser -- Heat and Snow -- with one of the greatest song and dance numbers of the season. 


Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas (1977)

Why it sleighs: The Riverbottom Nightmare Band rocks in this hidden gem from Jim Henson. And Emmet and Ma Otter will steal your heart quicker than they'll put a hole in your washtub.


A Christmas Story (1983)

Why it sleighs: All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder air rifle, and all he gets is agita. You'll shoot your eye out if you don't see it at least once this season.


National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Why it sleighs: Every attempt to have the perfect family Christmas is foiled as befuddled Clark Griswold is visited by his outlaw inlaws, he can't get his over-the-top decorations to light and he gets enrolled in the Jelly of the Month Club in lieu of a luxurious swimming pool. Most of this is as crass as Cousin Eddie but the warmth is pure John Hughes.


The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Why it sleighs: A Muppetty twist on the Dickens holiday tale, every scene and song is a delight, and Michael Caine makes the best Scrooge ever (fight me if you disagree -- bah humbug!).


Elf (2003)

Why it sleighs: A narwal bids Buddy the Elf farewell as he walks from his home in The North Pole to New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel in search of his dad and the four food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.


Love, Actually (2003)

Why it sleighs: To me, you are perfect. Nine holiday stories intertwine with one thing in common: Love. 


The Holiday (2006)

Why it sleighs: Two words: Jude. Law. Mr. Napkinhead is pretty dreamy in this cross-continental house-swapping rom com. 


Finally, Ho Ho Honorable mention goes to this newbie:

Spirited (2022)

Why it sleighs: Good afternoon! This modern musical spin on A Christmas Carol is jam-packed with jokes and campy, catchy songs. They just look like they had fun making it, which makes it just as fun to watch.


Am I missing your faves? List them below.... unless it is It's a Wonderful Life.  That one stinks, stank, stunk!

7/31/2022

Happy Birthday, George Jetson

The Internet was all abuzz that futuristic cartoon father, George Jetson, was born today. Here's how the math works:

    1962 (the year The Jetsons first aired)
    + 100 (the number of years in the future) 
    = 2062 (the year show was set) 

    - 40 (the age George is when the show starts)
    = 2022 (the year George was born)

I'm not sure how the day came to be July 31st, but the Internet says it's true so it must be, right? 

Of course, 90% of TikTok doesn't know who he is, but I loved this show as a kid. Meet George Jetson, his boy Elroy, daughter Judy and Jane his wife! All swirling in a shiny world full of talking robots and cars flying high above the clouds.  


It was a trip, and I was along for the intergalactic ride.

There were only 24 cosmic episodes in the original run, and it was ABC's first show in color.  But looking back, those crazy kids at Hanna-Barbera were really on to something with this fantasy. In fact, they predicted a whole bunch of genius things that we all use today -- and can't live without.

The future is now, my friends!

Check this out -- 13 times The Jetsons were right...


House Cleaning Robots


Flat Screen TVs


Digital Newspapers


Video Conferences


Smart Watches


Talking Alarm Clocks


Electric Toothbrushes


Telehealth Visits


Drones


Electric Scooters


Self-Driving Cars


Doggie Treadmills


Space Tourism


Now, if they would just invent the Food-a-Rac-a-Cycle that cooks all your meals to order. Or better yet, that button you press that folds up the dinner table -- food, dirty dishes and all -- so you don't have to clean up, I'd be in heaven!

Hey, Elon Musk, once you're done with electric cars and space ships, please get on this...



10/20/2019

Two Taters & New Fall TV

Fall TV is back, which means MORE new shows to love!

Since my parents moved to FL eleven years ago, my mom and I have TV dates a few nights a week. We watch shows together on the phone, have a snack and catch up on the day during commercials. I know she watches a lot of stuff she doesn't really like (hello, Housewives!), just to spend time together, which is one of the many reasons she's awesome.

So, when you see a show with an asterisk below, it means we both watched it. The Loveseat Potato AND Mama Potato! Or... is it Mrs. Potato?

That name might be taken.

Anyway, I started these reviews in 2009 and followed up in 2010 with a fascinating (ahem) account of my DVR schedule juggling act. Mrs. Potato Head made a guest appearance in 2011.  The Loveseat Potato was born (picked? harvested?) in 2012.  In 2013, she found a spuddy buddy to watch alongside and in 2014 she was surrounded by a scary herd of cats. 2015 brought the fry guys in a hot tub (my homage to the Bachelorette), 2016 was the year of chips and dips, 2017 was totally refried to reflect all the recycled shows that returned to the airwaves. And in 2018 our favorite potato spent the weekend in bed catching up on all the new shows (which were mostly a snooze).

You know the drill, the Loveseat Potato (and her mom) binged on 29 new shows.  For you!  Watching a minimum of 2 episodes per.

Here's how they all stacked up...


BEST NEW COMEDY:
SPUD: The Politician (Netflix)

WHY IT'S A SMASH: This show is like Election meets The Royal Tenenbaums -- it even has Gwyneth! It centers around Petyon Hobart (played by Dear Evan Hansen's Ben Platt), who plans to become President of the United States one day. His first step is to become President of his high school class. By any means necessary. It's quirky and campy and dark and witty. And man, can Ben sing!

Honorable mention goes to: Sunnyside (NBC), Mixed-Ish* (ABC), The Unicorn (CBS)

DUDS: Perfect Harmony (NBC), Carol's Second Act (CBS), Bob Hearts Abishola (CBS)





BEST NEW DRAMA:
SPUD: Stumptown* (ABC)

WHY IT'S A SMASH: They had me at Colbie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) and Jake Johnson (New Girl). She is ex-military turned private investigator, he is an ex-felon, turned bar owner. Not sure how he got a liquor license, but he also has a gun, soooo... whatevs. It's a fast-paced car chase set to a mixtape soundtrack. Count. Me. In.

Honorable mention goes to: Leavenworth* (STARZ), Modern Love (Amazon), All Rise* (CBS), Mrs Fletcher (HBO)

DUDS: On Becoming a God in Central Florida* (Showtime), Almost Family (FOX), Bluff City Law (NBC), Living With Yourself (Netflix)





BEST NEW HORROR/MYSTERY:
SPUD: American Horror Story, 1984 (FX)

WHY IT'S A SMASH: Well, it started with the underrated Frank Stallone classic, Far From Over, and it's about a summer camp serial killer in the 1980s. Obviously, it's #1. With a bullet. Or a knife.

Honorable mention goes to: Nancy Drew (CW), What/If (Netflix)

DUDS: Prodigal Son* (FOX), Evil* (CBS)









BEST NEW REALITY/TALK/GAMESHOW:
SPUD: A Very Brady Renovation* (HGTV)

WHY IT'S A SMASH: I have loved every second of this show! I literally sit there for an hour with a goofy smile on my face. HGTV bought the Brady house (which hadn't been on the market in 50 years), then the Property Brothers and other HGTV hosts worked with all SIX Brady kids to turn the house the used for the Brady exterior shots into an exact replica of how it looked on the inside, which was all filmed on a soundstage. It's trippy and nostalgic and so much fun!

Honorable mention goes to: What You Get For Your Money* (HGTV), Cash Cab* (Bravo), The Misery Index (TBS), The Kelly Clarkson Show - only because she sings in each episode and that part's pretty great (NBC)

DUDS: In a Man's World* (Bravo), Kids Say the Darndest Things* (ABC)



BEST NEW SHOW THAT I HAVEN'T SEEN YET
SPUD: The Morning Show (Apple TV)

WHY IT WILL BE A SMASH: Jennifer Aniston. Reese Witherspoon. Steve Carell. Mark Duplass. And Apple.  How can it go wrong? I got a free year's subscription to Apple TV with my new phone, and you can bet this will be the first thing I stream.













Disagree? See anything I missed?  Put the DVR on pause and comment below...

1/31/2019

City of Angels

My first post of 2019 is all about work, which, let's be honest, is basically my life.

Cue the violins...

I mean, it's rough kicking off the year in sunny Los Angeles at an empowering event for female social media influencers.

Right?  No?

Ha, ok, anyway, we haven't been in LA for a couple of years, so it was cool to be back on the west coast. And what better place to talk about health & wellness than a city founded on yoga, green juice, and eternal youth?

Check it out:

Not mad about leaving this wintry Newark day behind!
Pretty sure those are the Rockies, but I couldn't really hear the captain.
Hello, LA!
The first thing I saw when I arrived for setup were these buckets of
beautiful roses. In my next life, I'm def going to be a florist.
600 tote bags were stuffed with goodies and stacked.
And upstairs on the roof, I saw somebody brought their
tiny dog to an active construction site.  Smart.
Outside in the alley, a guy was painting our mural.
Eventually our guests started to arrive to take
a private exercise class with the Tone It Up girls.
I'm pretty sure the recommended post-workout drink is rosé.
Here are our Voices of the Year winners, including Olympic Gymnast,
 Aly Raisman (top left), and our very own Jenni (bottom right), who was
diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma last year and is now cancer-free!
Street art spotted from the window of my Uber after Day One.
Day Two ready to begin....
(or at least what it would have looked like
if they weren't still hanging our logo when our guests arrived).
Samantha! Alyssa Milano was gracious and personable, talking about how a
friendship with Ryan White led her to become an activist at age 15.
Jameela Jamil, from The Good Place, flipped off advertisers
& influencers who make women feel bad about their bodies.
Model Jaime King spoke openly about her infertility issues.
That's celeb trainer & CoverGirl spokeswoman, Massy Arias.
And this lady in the glasses is Dr Minkin, a hilarious OBGYN from Yale,
who told us the morning after pill was invented in her dept.
Our lunch came from a lovely local place called Lemonade.
We also had a barista making pretty coffee drinks.
That's my friend, Deb's, latte.
The freight elevator was turned into the De-Stress Express
with loads of new Vaseline products & a cool sequin wall.
Remember that rooftop with the dog?
It was transformed into this outdoor oasis for Bolthouse Farms.
When it was all over, my team snapped a quick pic.
Thanks to this filter, we don't look nearly as tired as we were!
Then we washed down a health event with a whole lot of meat.
Some of my friends got the Tomahawk Steak, which was served
on a gigantic bone, but I went with the Big Ass Burger,
which was honestly one of the best I ever had.
This is the view from my window seat.
Not pictured here is me, dreaming of my bed. 
Zzzzzz.




12/28/2018

A Star Is Reborn

Unlike 98% of Twitter and Instagram, I did not spend the holidays watching Bird Box.

Ordinarily, my FOMO would be raging, if it didn't seem so dumb.

(Naming your kids Boy and Girl?  I can't.)

Instead, I watched a Star Is Born marathon with my mom and it was heavenly.

There have been 4 versions of this story in total -- the first was in 1934.  But we're going to skip that one because it's in black & white and features a bunch of actors I've never heard of.



The 3 we DID see have a few common elements:
  • He's a drunk and his best days are in the rear view. 
  • He helps create her rise to fame, then resents her for it.
  • He humiliates her at an award show, and she forgives him.
  • She hates her nose, but he thinks she's beautiful.
  • He says, "I just want to take another look at you." And we all melt.

They also all end the same way -- different paths but the same result.

If you know, you know.  No spoilers here...


A Star Is Born (1954)
Starring; Judy Garland as Esther Blodgett/Vicki Lester, a chorus girl, & James Mason as Earnest Gubbins/Norman Maine, a motion picture star

Box Office: Cost $5M to make, earned $15M

Best Song: Born in a Trunk, I guess, but it was long and trippy

We watched this one on TCM.  While my mom loved it, it really wasn't my favorite. I think they ran out of money when making this movie because there were weird segments with photos and voiceovers to fill in the action.  And it had one of those olden timey intermissions because it is 3hrs loooooong.  I also didn't connect with the mains, she was too pretty (but kept saying she wasn't, which was annoying), and he wasn't pretty or charismatic enough. Glad this one was remade.

Fun Fact: Shortly before the premiere, the film was cut because it was too long (duh).  It was restored in 1983, though most of the original footage was lost, which explains why there are production stills and voiceovers used to cover the action.


A Star Is Born (1976)
Starring: Barbra Streisand as Esther Hoffman, a lounge singer, & Kris Kristofferson as John Norman Howard, a rock star

Box Office: Cost $6M to make, earned $89M

Best Song: Most people prob think Evergreen, but I like Watch Closely Now

I first remember this one when I was little and we lived in the Bronx.  My mom used to play the record when she cleaned our apartment.  I've seen this version a few times, over Christmas we watched it on Amazon Prime.  This one is WAY more my speed with its rock vibe, but it's SO old, Gary Busey actually plays the voice of reason.  Let that marinate for a sec...  Ok.  I love this one for her fast-talking New York ways, and its seventies spirit.  Definitely worth the watch.

Fun Fact: The Speedway concert scenes were filmed at ASU.  Inbetween shooting, Babs, Peter Frampton & Santana performed.  And a ticket to the show cost $3.50.  Good deal.


A Star Is Born (2018)
Starring: Lady Gaga as Ally Campano, a cater waiter and cabaret singer, & Bradley Cooper as Jackson Maine, a country music star

Box Office: Cost $36M, earned $200M (and counting)

Best Song: Shallow, and you are dead inside if you don't love it too

I've seen this one in the movies -- twice -- and it is hands-down my fave.  Lady Gaga's voice is unreal.  My mom didn't think she was a great actress, but my bar is lower, so I liked her and thought she had amazing chemistry with beautiful Bradley Cooper, who was also the director.  Plus, he sings!  And plays guitar!  And speaks fluent French! Seriously, what CAN'T this man do?  I also appreciated the appearance by Andrew Dice Clay.  I hope this movie wins every Golden Globe, Oscar and Grammy it can.  If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for??

Fun Fact: This is the only version of the movie where the male lead isn't named Norman, and the female lead isn't named Esther.  But there is a cute nod to Judy Garland (Esther #2), as Gaga sings a few lines from Somewhere Over the Rainbow in the intro.


After watching 7.5 hours of this story, we decided there's a Star Is Born for every generation.

Which one do YOU think hits all the right notes?