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Showing posts with label hollywood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hollywood. Show all posts

Friday, November 23, 2012

SMASH SEASON 2 FEVER!

If you've been following this blog, I am sure that you're well aware of my obsession for this musical drama series. I loved everything about SMASH, and I couldn't wait to watch season 2 and fall in love with the awesome new song/dance numbers as well as new plot twists and new characters! (Goodbye, Elis!!)

So one could imagine my reaction while watching the trailer for the next season which will premiere on February 5, 2013. (Ahh, come sooner dammit!)


SMASH season 2 sneak peak

But then , as much as I loved the 4 minute pure awesomeness of what's about to come, I couldn't help but feel like I'm starting to like Ivy (Megan Hilty) better than Karen.

Anyway, let's just see what happens. :)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

NBC SMASH and CBS HIMYM Finale!

Hi!

Today is a big day! I just watched the season finale of my two favorite TV shows, SMASH and How I Met Your Mother.

I must say that I really am impressed with how SMASH ended, though I was kinda hoping for more. (Karen played Marilyn!!!!!) I must say that it's a little bit expected considering Karen (McPhee) is the lead role for this series. There are a lot of Ivy (Megan) fans out there who's disappointed with the show's conclusion. I'm on the team Karen side so I'm pretty much happy with the decision. :) Anyway, the show concluded with a lot of questions, though I must also add that the possibility of Julia (Messing) being pregnant is not much of a surprise.


I CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON 2!!


SMASH season finale with Karen singing Don't Forget Me for Bombshell
(I must say that the Marilyn background was a great touch!)

TEAM KAREN!!!

Now, let's go for my other favorite show, How I Met Your Mother, which ended with a 2-episode finale. 

Marvin Wait For It Eriksen. I can't believe they really used Barney's tagline as the second name for Lily and Marshall's son.

Eriksen Family

But what really made my day was the revelation that Robin is Barney's bride! I don't know how the writers would pull the story off considering Barney just proposed to Quinn, but...oh well, I'm a Barney-Robin fan ever since and I'm just happy that they've finally decided to bring them together.

Robin Scherbatsky as Barney's bride!

That's for now.

-Den

Monday, May 7, 2012

Karen vs. Ivy and a stomach flu


Hi!

With the latest episode of NBC's SMASH entitled "Preview" 14 hours away (from my country) the only way I could do to stop myself from pulling my hair out is to watch previous episodes of SMASH! Boy, I really love that show and I hate waiting a week just to watch the latest episode!!!



Anyway, the reason I'm writing this post is to "post" my opinion regarding the question about who is the better actress who should play Marilyn Monroe for the upcoming episode. I personally like Katharine McPhee better than Megan Hilty so the answer is pretty obvious. I mean, I agree with Derek (Jack Davenport) that the one who must play Marilyn should have her innocence and vulnerability. Ivy (Megan Hilty) may have Marilyn's body but she just looks so...hmm, how should I put this? She looks kinda brusque? (Not the right word I'm looking for but it's something along that line) Having read an article earlier regarding the upcoming episode, it was hinted that Ellis will have a hand on who's going to play Marilyn, and I won't be surprised if Ivy ends up playing the part. But honestly? Karen (Katharine McPhee) should have the part! Sure she looks a little weird when she does Marilyn in a speaking part (her lips are too pouty) but she looks better as Marilyn! (I have nothing against Megan Hilty, she's a great actress but I just got carried away with the story and all that stuff)

From left to right, Karen (McPhee) and Ivy (Hilty) as Marilyn.


But I also have this feeling that both Karen and Ivy might end up playing Marilyn in different scenes as Derek pointed out in episode 8, The Coup, that there are two kinds of Marilyn. The historical and the contemporary, so it makes sense if both Karen and Ivy play the part. But I guess we'll have to wait until the episode airs and perhaps I might voice out my opinion regarding the upcoming episode, or maybe not at all. I just wish that the show's ratings pick up for the last two episodes. That being said, I have to end this post as I'm about to watch the latest episode of AMC's The Killing, (and then CBS's HIMYM tomorrow. )

P.S. You might be wondering why the words "stomach flu" were written above...well, that has got nothing to do with SMASH. It's just me. I've finally experienced what's it like to have one (not that I'm looking forward to it) and it's not fun at all.

Ciao!

-Den

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

I LOVE SMASH & KATHARINE MCPHEE!!


Hello!

I've been doing some job hunting lately but I don't think that's enough of an excuse for my absence.

Anyway, I've been watching NBC's SMASH and all I can say is that... I LOVE IT!!! I'm not really a fan of musicals (haven't watched Disney's High school Musical and Glee) and the first time I saw a video snippet of Katharine McPhee's performance of 20th Century Fox Mambo for the show, I remember telling my mom this, "how come they always do TV musical these days?" That happened a month ago.  What actually made me want to watch SMASH was after I visited YouTube and listened to Katharine McPhee's cover of RUN by Snow Patrol. Then after reading comments and learning that the song came from a recent episode of SMASH, I was like, "hmm... why don't I try watching the pilot and decide whether I'll like it or not?" A three days after and 10 episodes later, well... I'm HOOKED!!



I'm a Marilyn Monroe fan though I haven't watched any of her movies, (Remember my fear of black and white movies?) and the idea of creating a Marilyn musical intrigued me. And I also want to add that I LOVE Katharine McPhee! The funny thing is, I only learned about her when NBC started promoting SMASH, but before that, she's just a name. I knew her songs (My Destiny and Over It) though I really had no idea who sung them. (Yeah, weird... But I don't watch American Idol) so imagine my surprise when I started liking the show and began researching everything about this great singer/actress. She really can sing! And I think she would do a better Marilyn than Megan Hilty. (Just an opinion, though Megan's character, Ivy is great too!)

Katharine McPhee as Karen Cartwright playing Marilyn

Megan Hilty as Ivy Lynn playing Marilyn



I am so looking forward for this show and now that it's nearing its season finale, I can't help but feel sad (and a little bit pissed) that I'll have to wait for the Season 2. I mean, I want to watch this show every day! The songs are marvelous and the actors are great, which makes me wonder why its ratings are going down ever since the pilot. But anyway, you can't please everybody.


But as for me, I FREAKING LOVE SMASH!!!


Just wanna share this video I found on Youtube... It's just plain funny 


P.S. I REALLY HATE ELLIS and Angelica Houston still scares the hell out of me. (But that doesn't mean I don't like her.)

Ciao!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Evening 2007


I watched the movie "Evening" last night and I'm disappointed to say that it didn't end up in my top 5 favorite movies of all time list. (though I think it's somewhere between 6 and 10) The movie was great, considering my two favorite actresses are there namely the great Meryl Streep and Natasha Richardson. Not to mention that the legendary Vanessa Redgrave was there as well as Claire Danes.

What I liked about the movie except for the star studded cast, was the songs. I've noticed that I'm starting to appreciate old songs and I must say that I'm currently having an LSS (Lat song syndrome) for Time after TIme (Ella Fitzgerald's version) though I think I like Claire Danes's version much better. I also enjoyed "I've got the world on a string" though it was a Michael Bubble version, and I kinda hate that guy after I learned that she cheated on Emily Blunt! (the latter being one of my favorite actress) and I don't really like Frank Sinatra as well. 

Anyway, I've got some things to do so I'll just leave you guys with a short clip of Claire Danes singing "Time After Time" from the movie. Enjoy!




Ciao!

-Den

Monday, December 19, 2011

Missing Natasha Richardson

Natasha is currently my favorite actress next to Meryl Streep. I just wish that she's still alive to make more great movies.



I've watched the film Asylum (2005) last night and I really love her performance. I know that it has already been two years since the ski accident, but I still feel sad whenever I think about her untimely death. Anyway, I've decided to watch some of her movies like Patty Hearst and Evening (with her mother Vanessa Redgrave and close friend Meryl Streep) I would also love to watch her as Mary Shelley in the film Gothic (1986) but I kinda hate watching horror movies (especially old ones) so I guess I'm going to have to skip that one.

That's for now.

Ciao!

-Den

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Bossypants love!

Hello!


If you haven't read Tina Fey's autobiography entitled "Bossypants," you might as well read it! It's really funny and it will keep your eyes glued in every page. 



Bossypants includes some funny stories about her childhood, her sudden rise to fame and some personal facts about herself and her experiences in the show business.

I especially like her "Mother's prayer for Its daughter" post which goes on like this.

The Mother’s Prayer for Its Daughter

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the
FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer
coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered,
May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half
And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her

When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools,
walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing
on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance.

Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get
outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You,
because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her
Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen.

Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long,
For Childhood is short—a Tiger Flower blooming
Magenta for one day—
And Adulthood is long and Dry-Humping in Cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever,
That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers
And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.
And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister,
Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends,

For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord,
That I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored,
and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My
mother did this for me.” 

And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and
she will make a Mental Note to call me.

And she will forget.
But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen

I actually loved her more after reading this book. :)


Ciao!

-Den

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Robin Scherbatsky got to me

Hello.


I know that I've already written a short post regarding my response after watching the latest How I met your mother episode (Symphony of Illusion), but waking up this morning still devastated for what happened 
to my beloved fictitious tv character, made me realize that I have more to write regarding the subject.

If you're an avid fan of the series and you were able to watch the episode, you'll surely understand what I'm talking about. But if you haven't watched the episode, I will suggest that you stop reading now, 
unless you're okay with spoilers.

5-6 minutes into the episode, I was actually feeling very happy seeing Robin's two kids from the future. I was even more amazed (and was actually smiling ear to ear) when she referred to Barney as the "father" of the kids. I was like, "oh yeah! It's going to be a Barney-Robin team up alright!"

Robin and Barney's future kids


But sadly, the celebration was shortlived when it was revealed that Robin will never be able to get pregnant. I remember waiting for the punch line after that revelation, but nothing came.

I really feel bad for Robin. Especially when she decided to keep it to herself for fear that her friends might start worrying about her. 

Robin has always been a strong and independent character through out the series, which was also one of the reason why she's my favorite character. Seeing her devastated had devastated me as well. (yeah, I 
find it weird... or I'm just sympathizing with her.)

Robin devastated on Christmas... :(


I really think that what the writers did with Robin Scherbatsky's character was unnecessary. I mean, what's the point? Sure she doesn't want to have children and the story can end that way with everybody happy, (even if she doesn't end up with Barney... darn) Seriously?! 

Why did they have to do it? And during the Christmas season? What a nice Christmas gift that is! (thick sarcasm)

It's a good thing Ted was there to cheer her up (despite him having no idea what Robin's problem was)

how about a Ted - Robin team up?


Overall, after watching the Symphony of Illumination episode, I felt that the Barney-Robin team up looks kinda impossible now. Barney would definitely want to have kids, and with a new character showing up as 
his new love interest, well, you can do the math.

And by the way, Cobie Smulders did a great job with Robin! I hope to see her in more movies soon (can't wait to see her as Agent Maria Hill in the upcoming Avengers movie)

That's for now.

Ciao!

-Den

UPDATE Aug 29, 2012

WEEH! IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE A BARNEY-ROBIN TEAM UP AFTER ALL!! CAN"T WAIT FOR SEASON 8 PREMIER AT SEPT 24, 2012!

Friday, October 28, 2011

My best buddy Queen Victoria

For starters, the title was just a joke. There is no way a real best buddy of the Queen could write a silly blog post on this blog. (or maybe...)

Second, this blog post was not written as a satire for the great Queen. So if you expected otherwise, you are very much welcome to leave this blog.

So, as the title goes, this post is about the great Queen Victoria. I have been introduced to her (though not literally) by my being a fan of Emily Blunt. I have always admired the young actress ever since I saw her in The Devil wears Prada. Watching her play as the Young Queen solidified her status in my top five favorite Hollywood actress of all time, which includes Meryl Streep, (of course!) Jodie Foster, Natalie Portman and Cobie Smulders a.k.a Agent Maria Hill though she is better known as Robin Scherbatsky or Robib Sparkles. (Let's go the mall everybody!)

Anyway, back to the topic. I have always loved watching English period dramas which made me love The Young Victoria at once. I know it had got something to do with Emily Blunt being the main cast and the handsome Rupert Friend as the Prince Consort, but the movie was just great! There were some historical errors as well like Prince Albert taking a bullet from saving the Queen and Sir John Conroy showing up in Buckingham Palace after Victoria turned Queen, but it's just a movie! You can't honestly expect them to be accurate.

Overall, watching the movie had made me curious about the real Victoria, which led me to researching her on Wikipedia. (I know!)

Hopefully though, I was able to download an e-book copy of her biography written by Giles Strachey and another one by Grace Greenwood. What I read satisfied my curiousity and surprised me at the same time.

I have always marveled with Victoria and Albert's love story. I actually thought that it was too good to be true. Only to realize that Albert didn't really loved Victoria romantically as I imagined. Actually, Victoria idolized him, which was actually not real love.

As I read the biographies further, I was even surprised on how the English society had treated Albert. Sure he was a foreigner, and that the power was held by his wife, but they should at least give him credit for his accomplishments! All throughout his life, save for some Prime Ministers and people who actually knew him, the Prince Consort was treated as an outsider.

Victoria on the other hand was not exactly how I expected her. I am aware of the famous saying, "don't judge the book by it's covers," but I thought that Victoria was an ice queen due to her photographs, (I'm not implying that she's scary or anything, but she looked like a stern disciplinarian... which I think she also was) but having read her life (supposing it wasn't greatly exaggerated) made me realize that she was a good and loving Queen to her subjects. It actually made me want to return to the past and meet Her Majesty!

I am actually only halfway through Greenwood's book (though I've finished Strachey's the other day) and I'm hoping to learn more about the Queen. So with that, I'm going to resume my reading and I'll have to bid adieu for now. (I really suck at closing a blog post)



-Den