Category Archives: Choice Picks

Grade A, Choice Picks: Ellen’s Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2017

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May is upon us and you know what that means, children?  We are officially in the summer movie season!  Even better news, the lineup this year looks fairly promising.  There are still a lot of sequels but even those seem to be bringing something new to the table for their respective franchises.  With that, let’s take a look at the top 10 movies that I am most looking forward to seeing this summer.

10. King Arthur (May 12) Look.  At the very least, Charlie Hunnam.  On top of that, though, Guy Ritchie makes a fun movie and I have always been a fan of the Camelot mythology.  The trailers weren’t getting me super pumped, but the early rumblings are that this is a surprisingly great movie and should be a good time at the movies.  Plus, Charlie Hunnam.

9. The Big Sick (June 23) I always have to have at least one Sundance darling.  This film is about a Pakistani stand-up comic who falls for a white girl and struggles with telling his parents about her.  He further has to navigate his feelings when she becomes sick and falls into a coma.  Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon wrote this movie together based on their own relationship and they are utterly charming together on their podcast The Indoor Kids.  I think this one will be a nice reprieve from all the shoot ’em, blow ’em up we have on the docket this summer.

8. Dunkirk (July 21) This one doesn’t look it will be particularly fun to watch, but I am excited to see Christopher Nolan bring his touch to a war movie.  The approach that he is using to tell the story of this event by showing it from three different POVs of land, air, and sea has the feel of a mini Band of Brothers to me and that only further intrigues me.

7. Baywatch (May 25)  Could this be a trainwreck? Yes.  But I think it is more likely to be a pretty fun summer comedy.  Some recent TV spots that I have seen with Zac Efron in drag going “undercover” have me a little worried about the caliber of comedy we will be dealing with, but I am hoping it goes more in the direction of 21 Jump Street with irreverant and self-aware comedy.  You sort of have to with Baywatch, right?

6. Alien: Covenant (May 19) I am not always huge on “scary” or jump scares. Even though this looks like it will deliver both of those in spades, there’s no denying it also looks awesome.  Prometheus was both a hit and a miss with audiences, but this looks like it will be getting back to more of the intensity that Alien(s) delivered.  I may be watching with my hands over my eyes for half of it, but consider the ticket bought.

5. War for the Planet of the Apes (July 14) Both Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (don’t ask me which came first) were huge surprises for me.  What could have been quick money grabs on a pre-existing franchise ended up being very thoughtful films on the essence of “humanity” and a group of apes fighting for their right to it.

4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (July 7th) I think it is safe to say that I have developed into quite the Marvel fangirl over the past 15 years, so to see Spider-Man getting his “homecoming” is pretty exciting.  After seeing Tom Holland make his debut as the (age appropriate) web-slinger in Captain America: Civil War, I was even more excited.   Add a dash of John Hughesian high school comedy with a pinch of RDJ’s Iron Man and you have what should be a great addition to Marvel’s roster.

3. Wonder Woman (June 2) Diana, don’t let me down.  This movie might have taken my top place if not for the DCEU’s less than stellar showing thus far.  My faith is still with Wonder Woman, though.  The trailers seem promising and Gal Gadot was one of the few redeeming qualities about BvS: Dawn of Justice.  I’m rooting for you, so please, please don’t screw it up!

2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (May 5)  I don’t know if I have made this clear yet, but I love Marvel movies and the first Guardians is my favorite Marvel movie, ergo, I am dang excited for this movie.  Early reports seem to indicate that this is not as great as the first, but not as great as the first is still pretty dang great in my book.  Already have my ticket to see it on Friday.

1. Baby Driver (June 28th) It’s always a safe bet that a new Edgar Wright movie will be number one on my list.  After SXSW, it is being touted as the action movie La La Land.  So, yeah, I’m in.  The premise of getaway listening to music to block out his tinnitus allows for the action sequences to all be set to music.  Did I already mention that I’m in?

-Ellen

 

The Fangirly Show: Episode #6 Fangirling Over the Best of 2015

Posted in Books, Choice Picks, Movies, Music, The Fangirly Show, TV, Uncategorized by

Ellen and Whitney go through their favorites of 2015, everything ranging from books to music, movies and TV, performances and scenes.  We’ve got you covered.  Will Ellen go a full hour without talking about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.?  (Don’t count on it.)  Will Whitney be able to overlook the swooniness of Oscar Isaac?  (Don’t put money on it.)  But still listen to find out.

You can listen and subscribe HERE on iTunes or you can go HERE to listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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10 TV Couples That Are My Relationship Goals

Posted in Choice Picks, TV by

There are many relationships on TV but only few are chosen… by me to someday emulate.  Many are fraught with drama and while those are fun to watch, I hope to someday have one that is more like the following:

10.  Monica and Chandler (Friends) – These two were my first OTP (internet speak for “One True Pairing”).  Shmoss and Shmachel, I only cared about Monica and Chanandler Bong.  I like that his amount of dorky is the perfect match to her amount of crazy.

monica and chandler

9.  Bob and Linda Belcher (Bob’s Burgers) – The Belchers are not only a relationship goal but a family goal.  Someday I hope to raise a similar band of weirdos.  Bob and Linda stick together and accept each other’s eccentricities amidst all the chaos.

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8.  Jim Halpert and Pam Beasley (The Office) – Speaking of chaos, in a different bunch of weirdos, these two found each other.  They might have had a few (infuriating) bumps along the way to find each other but they did it.  I always loved that their relationship felt real.  They initially bonded over shared jokes and stayed together through hard work. Continue reading →

Choice Picks: If You Don’t Like These Movies, We Probably Can’t be Friends

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Making friends as an adult can be fraught with drama and disappointment. I can’t count the number of times I’ve gotten excited about a burgeoning friendship, only to find that the person’s favorite show is Criminal Minds or (heaven forbid)  Angel. It’s a struggle to which we can all relate. So to guard myself from forming platonic attachments I’d live to regret, I developed this friendship litmus test. The idea is that I expose this potential pal to the movies that are, essentially, celluloid chunks of my very soul, and if their response is less than enthusiastic, I cut ’em loose. It sounds mean, but I’m really just saving everyone’s time. Let’s dig in.

super-85. Super 8 (2011)

Super 8 is pretty much everything I ever wanted in a movie: 70’s nostalgia, aliens, Kyle Chandler being a dad, 12-year-olds swearing. This movie came out during the same summer that brought us Bridesmaids, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, and X-Men: First Class, and for me, it eclipsed all of them. When I FORCE a friend to watch this movie, I pay close attention to their face during the scene where Joel Courtney sacrifices his dead mother’s locket to help a wayward alien get back home; if they are not weeping without restraint, I don’t see much of a future for us.

4. Wayne’s Worldwaynes-world-2-20090512040018349-000

Approximately 90 percent of everything that comes out of my mouth is a direct quote from this movie. Last Christmas, my mother handed me a gift and my knee-jerk response was “If this is a severed head, I’m going to be very upset”. That is a true story. So I’m not saying that people who don’t like this movie aren’t cool (out loud), but if you don’t know this film inside and out, there will probably be an insurmountable language barrier between us. Alas.

1450660-7_evil_ex_boyfriends_scott_pilgrim_vs_the_world3. Scott Pilgrim V. The World

This is a fairly recent addition to the list. I coerced a friend into watching this only last February and TO MY HORROR this schlemiel fell asleep half way through. When questioned, their response was “it was kind of stupid”. I have never been so personally offended by a critique of another persons work in my life. Too irate for words. Scott Pilgrim is a lot of things, and stupid is not one of them. This is one of the densest scripts ever to be committed to film; the jokes are so smart and packed in so tightly that most of them are missed on the first viewing. Haters can kindly step to the left. Right off a cliff.

2. The OrphanageBest-Movie-Ghosts-Demons-Tomas-The-Orphanage

This movie serves a duel purpose. One, it tells me what kind horror viewer a person is. Do they shriek in my ear? Do they claw at me during the scary parts? Can they conduct themselves with composure befitting a grown-up when the old lady in the goggle glasses pops out of nowhere? Two, is this the kind of person who whines about subtitles? Not that I’m one of those Art-House-Foreign-Film Elitists, but come on. It’s fifth grade level reading. Suck it up.

Unbreakable1. Unbreakable

I caught this movie while channel surfing after school one afternoon and decided, at the tender age of 11, that this was about as good as a movie gets. Its a non-comic based superhero movie about a man (Bruce Willis) who realizes that he can’t be hurt. It’s dark and terse and such a slow burn. If a friend trusts me enough to sit through 45 minutes of character development and backstory to reach this beautiful pay-off, I can see us going the distance. In friendship terms.

–Whitney

Choice Picks: The Entertainment Podcasts You Should Be Listening to (According to Whitney)

Posted in Choice Picks, Movies, Music, TV, Uncategorized, Web by

My name is Whitney, and I work… in an office.

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Everyday presents a new challenge.

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And my co-workers are great.

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In general, it’s just a really fulfilling way to make a living.

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But sometimes, even your dream job can be invaded by occasional moments of tedium and drudgery. I know it’s hard to believe that ennui can set in when you’re making 300 copies of a 90 page, 2-sided insurance document, but it can happen. To combat that, I developed a passionate relationship with podcasts and I’d like to share with you what I’ve learned. Here are the top five podcasts to get you through the workday, according to me (aka The Final Word).

posterBlacklist5. The Black List Table Reads

I like to believe that one day, technology will provide me a way to sit at my desk and watch movies all day while appearing only marginally unproductive. The Blacklist Table Reads is the closest thing we have in 2015. It’s essentially a recorded table read of awesome unproduced scripts, performed by some surprisingly big names. Paul Sheer, June Diane Raphael, Rose McIver, and Parminder Nagra are just a few of the many voices you’ll recognize. If you have even the remotest interest in movies, Black List Table Reads should be a safe bet for you.

4. Science V.

Ok, this one isn’t, strictly speaking, an entertainment podcast. It is, however, absurdly entertaining. This show takes 6507062-3x2-700x467popular science fads and pins them against hard scientific data. Before you panic, it’s not remedial Statistics. The format is really engaging and host Wendy Zukerman feels like a BFF waiting to happen. So far, the show has tackled e-cigarettes, race, the female brain, and lots more. Season one just concluded, but that means all of season one is locked, loaded, and ready to binge.

1435103169-tumblr_np69fuubcu1sez6y5o1_5003. Mystery Show

This one is slightly harder to synopsize. It’s sort of like if Veronica Mars were a Wes Anderson movie. It’s a show that ostensibly solves a weekly mystery, but the mysteries are less whodunnit and more “exactly how tall is Jake Gyllenhaal?”. Not kidding about that. It’s laughably addictive. Just trust me.

2. This is Actually Happeningcover170x170

Another entertaining, non-entertainment podcast. I stumbled across this one by accident and became hooked, in spite of myself. It’s people, just ordinary people, sharing stories. The stories themselves can often be hard to listen to, and a few are admittedly very disturbing. It’s sort of like being at a sleep over, post-3 am. You know, when everyone is talking and sharing intimate details about themselves, and suddenly someone tells the most insane, personal, unbelievable anecdote and no one ever mentions it again? It’s like that.

CHqFPsVWcAIII3l1. Pop Rocket

Pop Rocket is my salvation. Everything I need, I can get from one weekly dose of this show. It’s a round table homage to all things pop culture, hosted by the ineffably charming and hilarious Guy Branum. Every panelist has a particular area of expertise: Guy the Comedian, Wynter Mitchell the Media Strategist, Oliver Wang the Academic, and Margaret Wappler the Journalist. They are all so well spoken, so smart, and so distinctive that they warrant a dedicated Fangirly post of their own (but who has THE TIME?). Point is, you could spend your day trying to make small talk at dinguses with whom you share a work-space, or you could listen to interesting people talk about their passions. I leave it to you.

-Whitney

 

 

 

Grade A, Choice Picks: Ellen’s Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2015

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Maybe you can’t tell from this blog, but I am a bit of an indoor kid, so I will be spending most of summer bingeing “crap” television (i.e. amazing television) and going to the movies.  Granted, the “official” summer movie season has already begun and at least three movies that would have made this list have already come out: Avengers: Age of Ultron (awesome), Pitch Perfect 2 (fun), and Mad Max: Fury Road (epic awesomeness).  But I’m getting the list out before June, which seems like the actual start of summer, so cut me some slack.

Honorable Mentions: Vacation (July 29), Magic Mike XXL (July 1), Dope (June 19), Mr. Holmes (July 17), Paper Towns (July 24), Minions (July 10), The Fantastic Four (August 7)

masterminds10. Masterminds (August 19) Not a lot out for this one yet, but a movie starring Zach Galifianakis and Kristen Wiig as bank robbers and Jason Sudeikis with a ‘stache?  That will at least guarantee a good time even if it ends up not being any good.

9. The Diary of a Teenage Girl (August 7) The trailer for this Sundance darling just dropped this week and it seems to be my brand of quirky and weird.  I am also a sucker for a good coming of age summer movie.  I am not going to even touch the skeevy Alexander Skarsgard, even if I may want to with some degree of shame.

8.  Spy (June 5) The track record of Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy teaming up for a summer comedy is pretty stellar and I am quite excited to see a comedic Jason Statham and Jude Law.  The summer season is not a place for your broody period dramas.  Give me a lot big action sequences or a lot laughs and I’m happy.  I get both with this one.

n-MISSION-IMPOSSIBLE-ROGUE-NATION-large5707. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (July 31) Little bit about my family, my dad is a pilot and any time there is a plane in a movie, he is bound to be complaining about the inaccuracies.  Any time I see that trailer with Tom Cruise hanging off the side of that plane, I can hear my dad screaming in my head.  The M:I movies may be a bit inaccurate, but they are always a good time.

6. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (June 12) I recently went to an even where they were handing out promotional items for this movie.  I was quite pleased to be intrigued by the trailer for the movie that is plastered on my new towel and beach chair.  Another quirky coming of age story (see number 9).

5. Jurassic World (June 12) If you know me at all, it will come a surprise that I am putting Chris Pratt at number five, but even the glory of Chris Pratt leading a pack of velociraptors apparently couldn’t surpass my excitement for the top 4.

manfromuncle4. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (August 14) Guy Ritchie movies tend to have a particular cool vibe that speaks to me and this one looks even more fun than most.  The movie looks good, but do you know what looks really good?  Henry Cavill.

3. Inside Out (June 19) Even better than Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy’s track record is Pixar’s.  A Pixar movie fronted by Amy Poehler about a teen girl’s emotions is sure to be an Ellen-pleaser if maybe not a crowd-pleaser, but it will probably be a crowd-pleaser, too.

2.  Ant-Man (July 17) I feel like I can just leave it at “Paul Rudd in a Marvel movie”, but I’ll try to say a little more.  The movie may have a bit of a storied production process, but remember that at this same time last year everybody was referring to Guardians of the Galaxy as “that Marvel space movie”.

trainwreck-trailer-pic1. Trainwreck (July 17) Bit of a disclaimer: I recently binge watched all of Inside Amy Schumer, so I am on a bit of Amy Schumer kick.  The movie is also getting some good buzz from it’s SXSW premiere.  At this point in my life, Amy Schumer and Bill Hader in a romantic comedy is probably going to be number one in my book, so I just went ahead and put it at number one.

– Ellen

Grade A, Choice Picks: Top Dogs in Pop Culture

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The readers of this blog can be split into two camps: those who we know in real life and those who we don’t.  I think we are now to the point where we have more stranger-danger-readers, which is awesome!  If you DO know me in person, this will not be news to you because I have not stopped instagramming pictures, but this past week I got a puppy and named him Steve!

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As you can see, he is pretty much the cutest thing ever.  However, he is also a massive time suck so I have had little time to think of anything but dogs.  That being said, I give you a list of my favorite dogs from pop culture.  I know that some of you are going to give me grief for leaving off some of the more iconic pop pups so I have made sure to include them in the honorable mentions.

Honorable Mentions: Pluto, Scooby Doo, Tramp from Lady and the Tramp, Chance and Shadow from Homeward Bound, Hooch from Turner and Hooch, the 101 Dalmatians, Beethoven from Beethoven, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Blue from Blue’s Clues, and Nana from Peter Pan

10. Ren from The Ren & Stimpy Show – Sure, he’s got some anger management issues but I’m pretty sure that I would too if I was always having to put up with Stimpy’s “happy, happy, joy, joy” “eediot” schtick.  I respect occasional control and this is coming from someone who doesn’t usually like chihuahuas.

triumph-insult-comic-dog9. Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog – Right along with Ren, Triumph doesn’t take any crap and, in fact, will insult you right to your face.  Whether he is calling out nerds at the premiere of a Star Wars movie or humping fellow dogs at the Westminster Dog Show, Triumph’s humor is always biting and not in the way that is going to get him sent to the dog pound.

8. Snoopy – As my new little buddy is a beagle, I have a newfound respect for this ace flying pooch.  I suppose I have an affinity for wise-cracking dogs because Snoopy is also not a dog to be pushed around.  He isn’t one to take Lucy’s ribbing lying down and he doesn’t have much respect for his owner, but then who does?

airbudgoldenreceiver_photo_037. Air Bud –  What other dog can play basketball, football, soccer, baseball, and volleyball?  And yes, those are all real movies in which a dog plays all those sports.  That happened. Makes you feel pretty lame about your dog, huh?  Oh, big deal, your dog can play dead?  Air Bud can make the penalty kick that wins the championship game.  Probably.  I don’t know for sure.  I didn’t actually watch any of these movies.

6. Brian from Family Guy – There are few dogs out there with the class and sophistication of Brian.  This dog can croon with the likes of Frank Sinatra Jr., get some serious tail from a myriad of pretty hot chicks, travel through space and time with Stewie, and may someday finish that book he has been working on.

ScreenShot2013-04-03at4_38_48PM_crop_exact5. Hercules from The Sandlot – The dog, the myth, the legend.  This poor guy gets quite the bad reputation for being a man-eating beast from hell who got locked up FOR-EV-ER when in actuality he is just a protective, slobbery softy with an affinity for baseballs signed by the Great Bambi.  “That wimpy deer?”

4. Dug from Up – There is no other dog in pop culture that more perfectly captures the happy-go-lucky loyalty of real life dogs.  He instantly loves people upon meeting them and he is always on the lookout for squirrels, just like pretty much every dog I have ever met.  Dug and his high tech speaking collar perfectly give voice to dogs everywhere.

wishbone as robin hood3. Wishbone – This Jack Russel Terrier has played Tom Sawyer, Romeo, Sherlock Holmes, Rip Van Winkle, Mr. Darcy and Ichabod Crane, to name a few.  I would like to see you get that kind of range from another dog, let alone another human.  He’s basically this generation’s Laurence Olivier.

2. Rowlf from The Muppets – I may be in the minority but Rowlf has always been my favorite Muppet, both as a puppy on Muppet Babies (I watched that show so hard as a kid) and an adult dog.  He is a cool cucumber who always keeps it together despite the madcap shenanigans that the Muppets get into.  As long as he’s got his piano and deadpan sense of humor, it’s all good, baby.

Gromit_thumbs_up1. Gromit from Wallace & Gromit – I considered naming my puppy Gromit, that is how much I love this claymation pooch.  Gromit is far too wise for his dorky owner but that doesn’t stop him from being a loyal pet.  Gromit faithfully protects Wallace from a thieving penguin, a sheep-napping cyber dog, and a were-rabbit and is still able to kick back and share some cheese with his “old chum”.

I know that nobody is going to agree with me on the ranking, but who is your favorite pop pup?  Feel free to leave comments about how cute my puppy is.

– Ellen

Fictional Music Groups it’s Totally OK to Listen to Unironically

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Mandonna (Happy Endings)

To this day, Mandonna’s rendition of “Like a Prayer” is the most hauntingly beautiful I’ve ever heard. Also, I love that they hum the intro for almost a full minute to give Penny (Casey Wilson) time to do the murderball bit. Team Friendship!

Robin Sparkles (How I Met Your Mother)

Phhfff. Like I needed an excuse to put on jelly bracelets and my cool graffiti coat.

Powerline (A Goofy Movie)

Wouldn’t it be, like, completely insane if I crafted this entire post for the sole purpose of posting another Poweline video? …Seriously, would it?

The Barden Bellas/ The Treblemakers (Pitch Perfect)

The Bellas and the Trebles make those Glee weirdos look like the S Club 7 of acapella.

The Sapphires (The Sapphires)

Fun Fact: The sapphires were an actual girl group that sang for the troops in Vietnam, but those chicks never put out a record on iTunes, so we must settle for the soundtrack version. And by settle I mean put it on repeat.

Billie Piper (Surprisingly, a real pop star)

When Robin Freaking Sparkles is a more realistic teen pop icon than you, your act must be remarkably whack. But clearly she did something right because I own, umm, three of her records.

Mouse Rat (Parks and Recreation)

I bet we all thought that there was no way Lady Di could ever be one-upped by a mini-horse. Then this happened.

Sex Bob-Omb (Scott Pilgrim V. The World)

I want to have this band’s adopted babies.

I am so in lesbians with this band

They are Sex Bob-Omb and they are here to sell out and make money and stuff.

(If that cluster-quote made no sense to you, you need to get less of a life).

–Whitney

Choice Picks: New Fall Shows You Should Get Excited About NOW

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Sunday

Mulaney (Fox) 9:30

Wait, I’m confused. If the show is supposed to be named after him, then why isn’t it called Whitney’s Future Husband?

Monday

Gotham (Fox) 8:00

I wish I could say this was the first time I’ve been sexually attracted to The Penguin.

Tuesday

Selfie (ABC) 8:00

Amy Pond stars in a My Fair Lady retelling. I’ve told you all you need to know.

The Flash (CW) 8:00

You got to hand it to the CW, they know when they’ve found a winning formula: cute boy + comic book premise – waiting months and months for next installments.

Marry Me (NBC) 9:00

Full Disclosure- I have no idea what this show is about. They had me at Casey Wilson. And they really had me at Ken Marino. In summation, they really have me.

Forever (ABC) 10:00

Ioan Gruffudd stars as a medical examiner who enjoys a fulfilling career and a normal human lifespan. Oh, scratch that, he lives forever. I gotta learn how to pick up on context clues.

Thursday

Gracepoint (Fox) 9:00

From what I can tell, David Tennant stars in the US version of last years Broadchurch, which also starred David Tennant. Hey, reduce, reuse, recycle.

A to Z (NBC) 9:30

My only hope for this show is that Cristin Milioti doesn’t die at the end of the 9th season. Sorry, too soon?

How to Get Away with Murder (ABC) 10:00

Ironically, Viola Davis probably could get away with murder.

-Whitney

Fall Movie Prediction Awards

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I usually do a list of the top 10 movies I am most excited to see before a movie season, but there are just too many coming up, so I thought I would try something a little different this time.

The Hipster Award or Movie Most Likely to Make Me Whip Out My Belle & Sebastian Albums: God Help The Girl – Seriously, watch that trailer and tell me that the hipsters aren’t going to gaga for it.  (Sept. 5)

DIYS2Movie I Am Most Likely to See Just Because of James McAvoy – The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them – But also, the concept is intriguing and stuff.  (Sept. 12)

Movie Most Likely to Make Me Terrified of Idris Elba…But Still Find Him Incredibly Sexy: No Good Deed – This one is also the most likely to make me start singing songs from Wicked. (Sept. 12)

The “Try and Take Me Seriously” Award: The Skeleton Twins – In all seriousness, this looks really good and Hader and Wiig are pretty convincing in their dramatic turn.  (Sept. 12)

13890-1The “Well, Hello, Matthew Crawley” Award: The Guest – Yeah, I’m pretty sure he is supposed to be a bad guy, but have you seen him in this trailer.  (Sept. 17)

Movie Most Likely to Make Me Say, “Another Dystopian YA Novel Adaptation?  Sure, Why Not?”: The Maze Runner – Also, from the two seasons that I have watched of Teen Wolf, I know that Dylan O’Brien is stinkin’ adorable so that helps, too. (Sept. 19)

The Gay Moriarty Award: Pride – Sounds like fanfiction.  But I am also a sucker for quaint little movies from across the pond and this looks like it will fit the bill quite nicely. (Sept. 19)

The Tina Fey Effect Award: This is Where I Leave You – Tina is pretty much my hero, so I am obligated to see this no matter the Rotten Tomatoes rating.  Also, I read the book, so I’ve already put in the time.  (Sept. 19)

Movie Most Likely to Make Want to Adopt a Fictional Creature : Boxtrolls – Because have you seen them?  They are adorable. (Sept. 26)

downloadThe “Andre 3000? Like from Outkast?” Award: Jimi: All is by My Side – Rock star biopics have become all the rage and this one looks psychadelic.  I’m sorry, Ms. Jackson, this is for real.  (Sorry, I had to make one Outkast reference and “shake it like a Polaroid picture” seemed too obvious).  (Sept. 26)

Movie Most Likely to Make Me Skeeved Out by Ben Affleck: Gone Girl – I am probably the only person in America to have not read the book yet, but I have faith in Fincher so I am pretty excited for this one.  Also! Casey Wilson and NPH?! Sign me up! (Oct. 3)

Movie Most Likely to Make Me Grateful That I Never Displayed Any Musical Talent: Whiplash – See, Mom?  This is why I never did my piano practice.  You’re welcome.  But also, this looks good.  (Oct. 10)

The Next Stop on the Michael Keaton Comback Tour: Birdman – Weird dark comedy with an awesome cast that is already getting Oscar buzz?  Yeah, I’ll be there.  (Oct. 17)

The Endeavouring to Make Me Get Me Over My Dislike of Keira Knightley Award: Laggies –  I have a lot of unexplained antagonism for Keira.  I think it is the perpetual pout.  But this looks pretty good.  (Oct. 24)

The Bad News Bears Award: St. Vincent – I love me some cantankerous old men taking children under their wings to humorous and touching effect.  (Oct. 24)

hornsThe Next Stop on the Daniel Radcliffe Sheds the Wizard Typecasting Tour: Horns – The American accent helps.  And oh yeah, the horns, too.  This is already the movie that is most active on Tumblr.  (Oct. 31)

The Most Effective Trailer: Men, Women & Children – This one also gets bonus points for Jason Reitman, dramatic Adam Sandler and Judy Greer, and crying Augustus Waters. (Oct TBA)

The Marvel Bump Award: Big Hero 6 – I am now to the point where I will see a silly animated movie just because it is Marvel. (Nov. 7)

The Movie People are Going to See Just Because it is Directed by Christopher Nolan: Interstellar– But also because it will probably be a pretty good movie with some decent star power attached.  (Nov. 7)

foxcatcher-teaser-2The Out of the Box Casting Award: Foxcatcher – Yeah, that’s Steve Carell and he is already getting Oscar buzz.  Did you ever think you think you would see that happen? (Nov. 14)

The Movie That Will Probably Be Stupid But I Still Want to See It Award: Beyond the Lights – You guys, I am a sucker when it comes to movies geared toward African American audiences, especially when there is singing.  (Nov. 14)

The Most Likely to Force Shia LeBouf out of Retirement: Fury  – Also, the Brad Pitt bump award. (Nov. 14)

dumb-and-dumber-2-to-imageThe Most Likely to be Disappointing to My Generation: Dumb and Dumber To – I think nostalgia clouds people’s memory of how stupid this movie actually is.  Funny, but stupid.  (Nov. 14)

The Unnecessary Splitting Award: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 – Listen when you are up against The Hobbit and you still win this award, you know that your splitting into two movies is really unnecessary.  (Nov. 21)

The Benedict Cumberbatch Bump Award: The Imitation Game – Why does Keira Knightley continue to be in movies that I want to see?  First, Pride and Prejudice and now this.  Also, Whitney will see it for Allen Leech. (Nov. 21)

The Ellen’s Ultimate Comedy Crush Casting: Horrible Bosses 2 – It is like I cast this movie myself.  (Nov. 26)

The Makeupless Reese Witherspoon Award: Wild – It was a tough race, but this one won the fight.  (Dec. 5)

exodus_movie_2The “Am I Really Supposed to Believe These People are Ancient Egyptians?” Award: Exodus: Gods and Kings – Because last time I checked, Sigourney Weaver is pretty white.  Doesn’t mean I’m not going to see it.  (Dec. 12)

The Culmination of the Past Two Holiday Movie Seasons: The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies – Also, the trifecta of Freeman/Cumberbatch/Armitage is too much for me to ever pass up. (Dec. 17)

The Family Movie I Not Ashamed About Wanting to See: Annie – Again, I am a sucker for musicals and every time “Hard Knock Life” kicks in, I am dancing in my seat.  (Dec. 19)

Into-the-Woods-Movie-Meryl-Streep-as-the-WitchThe Movie Most Likely to Have the Bestselling Soundtrack of the Season: Into the Woods – I am such a sucker for big budget musicals, I will be there with bells on.  (Dec. 25)

The Movie Most Likely to Make Me Cry: Unbroken – Also, the movie to most likely to make Angelina Jolie look smug when she is nominated for Best Director.  (Dec. 25)

The Movie Most Likely to Get Free Publicity from North Korea: The Interview – It is also one of the lone comedies in a season of Oscar bait.  (Dec. 25)

Grade A, Choice Picks: MY Top 10 Schoolhouse Rock Songs

Posted in Choice Picks, Music, TV by

shrOn Sunday Night, ABC will be airing a special called “The ABC’s of Schoolhouse Rock” and seeing how my love for Schoolhouse Rock knows no ends, I will, of course, be tuning in.  When I was just a wee little lassie, my mom got us a VHS set of these educational little ditties and I gobbled them up.  At the age of five, I was singing the preamble to the Constitution, my multiplication tables, and conjunctions even if I didn’t really understand what I was singing.

Schoolhouse Rock holds a very special, nostalgic place in my heart, but I still have my favorites.  I should say that my favorites tend to be different than the most popular songs (“Conjunction Junction”, “I’m Just a Bill”) and I am not very familiar with the newer songs.

10. “The Preamble” – When reciting the preamble to the Constituttion, I am incapable of not making certain one syllable words become two syllable words.  It was a little embarassing in 8th grade.  Best line: “..promote the general welfare a-and…fo-or the United States o-of America”

9. “Do the Circulation” – In an era where jogging was the new craze (I believe that’s a soft “j”), Schoolhouse Rock was urging kids to do the circulation by animating adorable fat people working out.  Best line: “There’s a great new craze that’s sweeping the nation. Come on, do the Circulation!”

8. “Sufferin’ ’til Suffrage” –  Sing it, sister!  Between your Disney Princess movies, instill some feminism in your youngsters with this upbeat number about all your favorite suffragettes.  Best line: “Since 1920, Sisters, unite!  Vote on!”

7. “A Noun Is A Person, Place Or Thing” – This was probably my favorite when I was really young, probably because it is one of the easier concepts to grasp.  Although, I had no idea who Chubby Checker was.  Best line: “I heard Chubby Checker, he was doing the twist, and the Beatles and the Monkees.  It goes like this.”

6. “No More Kings” – Have you ever wanted to cram 4 months of 5th grade US History into one song?  Have you ever wanted a song with a villainized caricature of King George III? Well, I know just the song for you.  Best line: “That’s called taxation without representation and it’s not fair.”

5. “Three is a Magic Number” – Imagine, if you will, a little bespectacled Ellen in third grade who is having a heck of a time wrapping her head around her 3 multiplication table.  Schoolhouse Rock stepped in and saved the day, mainly because I watched this song on repeat until I had it down.  Best line: “A man and a woman had a little baby. Yes, they did. They had three in the family. That’s a magic number”

4. “Interplanet Janet” –  I like to think that any comets are just this galaxy girl jet setting from planet to planet. I blame this song for my continuing to draw the sun with sunglasses.  He’s a cool star. (Also, RIP Pluto)  Best line: “It’s a star, it’s a star! So Janet got an autograph!”

3. “Mother Necessity” – Let’s not talk about how it took me a few years before I realized that Mother Necessity was not an actual woman in a rocking chair who played a role in the lives of our most famous inventors.  Best line: “Elias, how?”  (Do you see what they did there?)

2. “The Tale of Mr. Morton” – Listen, if you are not in love with Mr. Morton by the end of this song, you are a callous, heartless person and you should probably re-evaluate your life’s choices. Any song about a grammar-based romance is a win in my book. Best line: “Mister Morton talked to his cat. Mister Morton talked. (Hello, cat, you look good)”

1. “Interjections!” – In my opinion, this is their funniest video, while still remaining informative.  Everybody should say “Wow!” like the woman in this song.  Best line: “Yow! That’s not fair, giving a guy a shot down there!”

Do you have a favorite Schoolhouse Rock?  Were these songs as ingrained in your childhood?

– Ellen

 

 

Grade A, Choice Picks: Ellen’s Summer Movies Roundup

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As August moves into September and as magazines start touting their Fall Movie Picks, it is safe to say that summer movie is drawing to a close.  Like a true fangirl, I have been to the movies more times this summer than I have been in a bathing suit.  That is a fact.  That being said, I feel more than qualified to pass judgement on this summer movie season.

Back in April, I listed the 10 summer movies that I was most excited to see and… ended up seeing 6 out 10.  The reviews for Jersey Boys, Magic in the Moonlight, The Giver, and Let’s Be Cops just weren’t good enough to get $7-$18 out of me, but that doesn’t mean I won’t shill out the Redbox or Amazon Instant fees eventually.  Maybe.

I DID get out for some movies that hadn’t been on my radar, though, so let’s take a look at my favs from the summer.

snowpiercer-mv-110. Snowpiercer (Previously not listed) Look, I liked this movie but I have had a hard time recommending it because it is definitely not for everyone, but if you enjoy gorific, dystopian movies set on trains with a haunting Tilda Swinton (it’s a very niche category), then this is for you.  Or if you like Chris Evans.  Mmm, Chris Evans in a beanie.

9. Chef (Previously not listed) My number one piece of advice before seeing this movie: do NOT see this on an empty stomach.  I saw it after a big meal and I still wanted to eat everything I saw.  It is food porn.  Outside of the most beautiful footage of food you will ever see, the story was sweet and feel-good, the performances were good, and did I mention the food?

maxresdefault8. 22 Jump Street (Previously #5) This summer was seriously lacking in the straight up comedies, but luckily I had this movie.  I feel like anyone who loves movies would love this movie because it is deliciously meta, skewering summer blockbusters, sequels, and itself.  Channing Tatum continued to impress me with his comedic chops and made me sit up further and take notice (because he had never really done it for me until he started being funny in these movies).  TIP: You MUST stay for the credits because they are probably the best part of the movie.

7. Edge of Tomorrow (Previously #9) I’m glad that I showed some faith in this movie because I ended up really liking it and only wish that more people had gone to see it.  I understand that it looks like your typical Tom Cruise shoot-’em-up, but you guys, it was so much more.  It was a surprisingly funny, kick ass, sci-fi, action movie that had a cool chick who didn’t need Tom Cruise to protect her and Tom’s character was actually a bit of a wimp.  Well, at least in the beginning.  Give it a try on DVD.

boyhood6. Boyhood (Previously not listed) If you haven’t heard about this movie, writer/director Richard Linklater filmed the lead boy and the cast of characters in his life over the course of 12 years.  The result is a delightful slice of life film that is more like 12 slices making a delicious cake that, even at a runtime of over 2 1/2 hours, I didn’t want to end.  I was so protective over this kid by the end because I had literally seen him grow up before my eyes.

5.  The Fault in Our Stars (Previously #2)  This one gets demoted not because I didn’t LOVE it, but only because I can step outside of the feels and recognize that it is maybe not as “quality” of a movie as the ones I save for the top of the list.  As a huge fan of the book, I was contractualy obligated to be excited for the movie and it did not disappoint.  I can’t remember a recent adaptation that was more faithful or a Gus that was more adorable.  Okay?  Okay.


Chef4. X-Men: Days of Future Past (Previously #3)  I don’t know if this is something I have made clear yet, but Fassbender.  Enough said.  I love him and he does not disappoint in the looks department here.  Not that he ever could.  Except for Frank maybe. But besides Fassbender, Quicksilver!  Boss 70’s threads!  An unprecedented cavalcade of stars!  Some of whom barely even spoke!  This movie was bananas and I was on board from go.

3. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Previously not listed)  While I was able to recognize that Rise was a good movie, it didn’t do enough to make me overly psyched for Dawn.  Maybe I just really love apes on horses with machine guns, but I really loved this movie.  I cried way more than I was probably supposed to and

Belle Movie Stills2. Belle (Previously not listed) A bit of a disclaimer, I did watch my Blu-ray of this last night, so it is a bit fresher than the others, but I also loved it enough in theatres to pre-order the Blu-ray so that it would arrive on my doorstep so that it would arrive on my door on the date of release. So, yeah.  I really liked this movie, but in the book of Ellen, what’s not to like?  A good rule of thumb is that if it is a romantic period drama, I’m going to dig it.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy (Previously #1) To quote myself:

I have faith.  Faith in Marvel and the power of Chris Pratt’s abs, a power that cannot be denied.  …  Don’t make me regret putting you at number one, Marvel.

No regrets whatsoever.  In fact, my only regret would have been if it had not been number one.  So far, I have seen this twice in theatres and am scavenging for a friend who has not seen it yet so that I can see it a third time.  I have been very vocal about my love for this movie, so I won’t get into it, but long story, I love this movie, I get giddy just thinking about it, everything about it is perfect, and you cannot convince me otherwise.  With that, I leave you with this:

tumblr_naz2u6t1y91ttvfzko1_500

Happy Fall Movie Season, everyone!

– Ellen

Grade A, Choice Picks: Top 5 Patriotic Moments

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Seeing as how it is the 3rd of July, the 4th of July is tomorrow!  What better way to celebrate the eve of this great day for this great nation of ours than to watch some patriotic moments.

5. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington “Fillibuster”   Is there anything more American than a fillibuster?  You’ve got democracy in action, freedom of speech, and Americans love to hear themselves talk.  “You all think I’m licked.  Well, I’m not licked and I’m going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause.

4. Team America: World Police “America: F*** Yeah”   I haven’t even seen this movie but my brothers have sung this song enough times for it to make me feel patriotic.  For the sensitivity of some of my readers, I won’t include the video.  But I will link it.

3. Independence Day “President’s Speech”   Maybe one of the best movie speeches out there and certainly the most patriotic.  “And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: ‘We will not go quietly into the night!’ We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”

2. The Sandlot “Fireworks on the Fourth of July”   This one ranks high for me partly out of nostalgia for the movie but mainly out of nostalgia for those summer days as a kid, running around the neighborhood with the smell of BBQ hanging in the air.  Also, Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful” is just the tops.

1. Miracle – Pretty much the whole movie  I had a hard time picking a specific moment so I’m not going to.  BUT, if you held a gun to my head, I would probably pick the moment where Mike Eruzione exclaims “I play for the United States of America!”

Honorable Mention: I tried to stick to movies only, but everything out of Ron Swanson’s mouth gets an honorable mention.

What moments from film or TV make you proud to be an American?

– Ellen

Grade A, Choice Picks: Best So You Think You Can Dance Routines

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We are well into summer which can only mean one thing: we are well into So You Think You Can Dance.  Well, we are at least past the auditions (thank goodness) and are now onto the good stuff!  I love me some SYTYCD so I, of course, have my favorite dances.  You will notice that I am partial to certain styles and certain choreographers.  Sorry ballroom and Mandy Moore (the choreogrpaher and not the pop star/”actress”). What can I say, I know what I like.

10. “If It Kills Me”- Jeanine and Jason – Season 5 Contemporary – Choreographed by Travis Wall

Travis Wall has some great dances but I have always loved this one featuring the locket.  It also introduced me the acoustic version of this Jason Mraz song which I proceeded to play on loop for the rest of that summer.

9. “I Am the Best” – Jenna and Mark – Season 10 Jazz – Choreographed by Mark Kanemura

Mark’s first run at choreo on the show totally won me.  It is weird and awesome which is always a winning combo for me on this show.  Definitely best use of a ponytail on this show.  Possibly ever.

8. “Gravity”- Kayla and Kupono – Season 5 Contemporary – Choreographed by Mia Michaels

I was biased going into this dance because I love the song, but Mia’s depiction of the turmoil of addiction was beautiful and haunting.  Something always brings me back to this dance.

7. “Bleeding Love”- Chelsie and Mark – Season 4 Hip-Hop – Choreographed by Nappy Tabs

Season 4 was my first season that I watched so I have always been partial but this was the first dance that I remember watching over and over. Also, just Nappy Tabs.  I love them infinity.

6. “The Garden”- Courtney and Mark – Season 4 Jazz – Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh 

Oh, Sonya.  You can spot one of her dances from a mile away and this has always been the epitome for me.  It is her patented blend of creepy/spastic/sexy/weird.

5. “Mercy”- Twitch and Katee – Season 4 Contemporary – Choreographed by Mia Michaels

Whoa, three season 4 dances in a row!  Not intentional but like I said, I’m partial to season 4.  Another thing I am partial to? Twitch.  He is just my favorite dancer ever from this show.  This one goes down as best use of a prop for me.

4.”Circle of Life”- Group Routine – Season 9 Hip-Hop – Choreographed by Nappy Tabs  

I must have watched this dance at least 10 times the night it debuted.  The super cool remix is just a bonus on top of an awesome dance.  I never know where to look during it because there is just so much going on!

3. “Ramalama Bang Bang”- Group Routine – Season 2 Jazz – Choreographed by Wade Robson

Another weirdo dance that I really love.  What does this say about me.  I cannot listen to this song without doing that “unzip my body take my heart out” move.  And I listed to this song a lot.

2. “Bang Bang”- Eliana and Alex – Season 9 Contemporary – Choreographed by Stacey Tookey

The quiet simmer of this dance is utterly enthralling.  I can never look away.

1. “Outta Your Mind”- Twitch and Alex – Season 7 Hip-Hop – Choreographed by Nappy Tabs 

Look, I love the hip hop on the show.  Especially when it is Nappy Tabs and ESPECIALLY when it is Twitch.  Also, Alex freaking Wong.  He is just too good in this dance to be a ballerina.

 

What is your favorite SYTYCD?  I still have a lot of favs that I had to leave off, so I’m sorry if it was yours.

 

Grade A, Choice Picks: Top Reasons I Have the COOLEST Mom Out There

Posted in Choice Picks, Movies, Music, Nostalgia, TV by

Look, look, look.  I know that everyone is going on about how great their moms are and I believe you, I really do.  My mom is pretty great, too, but let’s look at the reasons I have the COOLEST mom out there.

beastie-boys10.  She rocks her Beastie Boys CD pretty hard.

9. She sponsors our annual family dance party by outfitting us in our threads (Christmas jammies).

8. She gave me my wry, snarky sense of humor that I get to employ on this blog!

7. She is tech savvy!  I have yet get a phone call asking her how to work her iPhone/iPad/laptop/email, etc.  Now, Dad on the other hand…

6. She once had a dream where she made out with Adam Sandler in her dad’s Cadillac.  (Sorry, Mom.  The world needed to know).

adam sandle

5. While most moms were into easy listening (Kenny G, Celine Dion, etc.), my mom scoffed at that music!  We were rocking out to Tom Petty, Queen, Van Halen, Blondie, Madonna, U2, INXS, and Alanis, among others.

4. As a four year old, were you headbanging a la Wayne’s World to “Bohemian Rhapsody”? Were you laughing at jokes on Mystery Science Theater that you didn’t get? Was your favorite music video “Centerfold” by the J. Geils Band? (We mainly loved it because of that gif below)  Were you and your brother running around the house quoting Saturday Night Live on the regular?   Well, I was.  And that’s pretty cool, Mom.

centerfold

3. She gets me.  Probably because she created me.  Whether we are singing at the top of our lungs on road trips, having phone conversations about our TV shows, or going to see the latest superhero movie together (so that we can ogle the men), we are always having a good time.

2. She laughs. A LOT.  Mainly at her own jokes, but I am pretty sure that no one makes her laugh more than her own kids.

1. My mom goes to Comic Con with me every year.  BOOM!  The ultimate proof that my mom is the coolest.

There you have it.  Don’t I have the coolest mom?  I sure think so.

– Ellen

mom

Grade A, Choice Picks: Best YouTube Channels for Pop Culture Fans

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With so much web content out there, I thought I would narrow it down a bit for you and list my 10 favorite YouTube channels for the pop culture fan in all of us.

1. WatchMojo – In case you can’t tell, I like lists.  WatchMojo is my go-to for list videos because they release videos every day with lists ranging from the obvious (Top 10 Drama Series) to the more obscure (Top 10 Trialers That Ruined the Movie).  Their dry commentary only makes me love this channel more.

2. How It Should Have Ended – You have probably seen some of these floating around the internet, but you really need to dive into this channel.  The name of the channel is very informative as most of their videos are animated shorts of how movies should end if logic was a factor.  In addition to these hilarious shorts, I am loving their Super Cafe series where Superman and Batman gab about their day at their local diner.

3. Screen Junkies – The most obvious thing to love on this channel is Honest Trailers.  I’m not even going bother explaining those because you have all seen them and they are awesome.  But I am also a fan of The Screen Junkies Show which takes an amusing look at a variety of pop culture topics like “How to Fix Transformers” and the “Best 90’s Movies.

4. Cinefix – This channel has a number of regular series, but my favorites would have to be the Homemade Movies and 8-Bit Cinema.  They were also behind the “Kids Reenact 2014 Oscar Nominees” video that you may have seen floating around during Oscar season.

5. Bad Lip Reading – Do I even have to give these an into?  Nope? Good.

6. Cinematic Sins – Similar to Honest Trailers in that they rip apart your favorite movies, but their rapid fire delivery of naming everything wrong in less than 3-10 minutes (depending on how sinfult the movie is) points out some errors that are much more specific.

7. The Hillywood Show – Perhaps a little more loving than some of my previous picks, The Hillywood Show parodies still pack a lot of bite.  They have great production quality and perfectly skewer the movies like Twilight, Warm Bodies, The Hobbit, and Harry Potter.

8. Union Pool – This channel has a few running series, but Tvoovies is definitely why I subscribe. Have you ever wondered what would happen if Harry Potter were an episode of Law & Order?  Or if Leslie Knope were Deputy Parks Director at Jurassic Park?  Or if Michael Bluth was the one man who has “no choice but to quell the outlying districts” in the Hunger Games? These animated mash-ups have the amusing answers.

9. Nerdist – Honestly, it is the podcast that got me to subscribe, but the YouTube channel also puts out some great content like All Star Celebrity Bowling, DIY Projects, Neil Patrick Harris’ Puppet Dreams (it is just as trippy as it sounds), and a lot of other nerdy goodness.

10. What the Flick?! – Pretty straight forward film reviews and TV recaps, but this one gets my pick because they are smart reviews that are usually on point with what I think and they don’t feel the need to yell at me like a lot of other film review sites.

There you have it?  What are your favorite YouTube channels, pop culture related or not? Or your favorite vids?

– Ellen

Totally Rad Pop Culture Items from My Childhood That I Wish I Still Had

Posted in Books, Choice Picks, Movies, Music, Nostalgia, TV by

Life is full of regrets, everyone knows that.  The following are my life’s biggest.

bsc1) Babysitters Club T-Shirt – This was so rare and awesome that even the internet couldn’t help me find it again.  Back in 1994, little Ellen loved her Scholastic book order catalogs.  Many of them featured a special offer at the back where you could join the Baby-Sitters Club Fan Club.  So exclusive.  So VIP.  I begged my mom for months and finally, she caved.  Among the membership benefits was the coolest t-shirt you have ever seen.  It was bright and colorful with hip phrases like “Best Friends Forever” and “Mary-Ann + Logan”, but worst of all, it was big enough on me back then that I could still totally rock it to this day.  Sigh.  This one hurts the most.

Dtv_romancin2) DTV Romancin’ VHS Recording – Back in the late 80s to early 90s, Disney Channel tried to cash in on the MTV cash cow and make music videos to popular songs using clips from their cartoons.  These music videos would often appear between their cartoons and sometimes they would air specials.  My favorite of these specials was DTV Romancin’ (also aired as DTV Valentines).  It had Chip and Dale dancing to Madonna, the cast of Bambi wooing to Lionel Richie’s “Hello”, and just about every clip of a phone from a Disney cartoon played with “I Just Called to Say I Love You”.  Needless to say, I wore this VHS out.

902103) 90210 Blow Dryer – I was far too young to care about this 90210 blow dryer, but I felt like the coolest 1st grader on the black when I would (attempt to) blow dry my hair with this beauty.  It doesn’t matter that it wasn’t a very good blow dryer, it only mattered that it was aqua green and purple and was emblazoned with that zip code.  In my head, it was the blow dryer that Kelly, Brenda, and Donna used.

full house4) Full House Michelle Scrapbook – Have you ever wanted to look at pictures of episodes of Full House?  Then have I got the book for you!  This book has it all.  Michelle gives all the dirt, like how Uncle Joey is so silly!  And how Uncle Jesse is so cool!  Did you know that DJ loves Steve?  Or that Stephanie thinks you are so “rude”?  (Mainly I wish I still had this one so that I could marvel at how obsessed I was with this stupid book).

beauty5) Handheld Beauty and the Beast Game – I blame this game for making me so easily addicted to games on my iPhone.  I was never great at your Nintendos and your Playstations, but even I could handle three buttons.  Dodge left, dodge right, and of course, “MAGIC”!  The premise was pretty basic, because those three buttons won’t allow for much.  At first you hide from the beast, but then you kiss him and then you hide from Gaston so that you can get to the beast and kiss him and finally, you escape the mob led by Gaston so that you can get to the beast and kiss him so that he becomes the “handsome” prince.  It’s a wonder that I ended up with even a shred of feminist sensibilities.

$T2eC16J,!)sE9swm(vm4BS!TdnQu5w~~60_356) Spice Girls Pin – When I was in fifth grade, one of my friends got this set of five pins that spelled out SPICE.  We divvied up the pins, each girl getting the pin with the Spice Girl that they most embodied.  See that “P” with Ginger? That was all mine.  Somehow, as a 10 year old, I was Ginger Spice.  Probably because I had the closest thing resembling red hair, was terrible at sports, and hated Posh.

little mermaid7) Little Mermaid Sheets – At the age of 3, I was so hard core about The Little Mermaid that it was a bit ridiculous.  I had the entire soundtrack memorized before I had seen the movie.  When I finally DID see the movie, I stood on my seat and sang along with the whole thing.  I mainly wish that I still had these sheets because I still have a twin bed and would SO sleep on these bad boys.

giga8) 101 Dalmatians Giga Pet – I was very explicit with Santa.  I am a Giga Pet girl and NOT a Tamagotchi girl.  Also, don’t even think about getting me a cat.  Apparently, this led Santa to a 101 Dalmatians Giga Pet because it was the same Christmas that the live action movie came out, and I was more than happy to receive my little demanding dalmatian.

photo9) Minnie paraphernalia – This girl had a lot of Minnie Mouse paraphernalia.  It is unclear as to whether this was due to an obsession on my part or on my mother’s part, who was buying all of it.  Either way, I loved Minnie Mouse and demanded to see her almost immediately upon my first arrival at Disneyland.  The item I most wish I still had that I cannot find is this tubular neon school folder, but I am pretty sure I wore it to tatters.

disney afternoon10) Disney Afternoon soundtrack tape – I loved Disney afternoon, but what kid in the early 90s with Disney Channel didn’t?  And almost more than the cartoons themselves, I loved the theme songs, mainly because of this cassette tape.  I may or may not have most of these downloaded to my iTunes.  And I may or may not bust them out on a regular basis.  And I may or may not be able to still do the breakdown on the Tale Spin theme song.  “Spin it, let’s begin it, bear and grin it when you’re in it, you can win it in a minute when you spin it, spin it, spin it. So spin it.  Tale Spin!”

What item from your childhood are you most upset that your mom talked you into throwing out?

– Ellen

Grade A, Choice Picks: Top Episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000

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It is the 25th anniversary of the show that is basically the essence of my childhood, Mystery Science Theater 3000.  If you aren’t familiar with this show, I feel very sorry for you.  The basic premise of the show, a man sequestered in space who is forced to watch terrible movies with his robot pals by his mad overlords is unimportant.  All you need to know is that they watch terrible movies and make fun of them the whole time.  It is weird, quirky, and brilliant and narrowing it down to just five was a challenge, but the research was ever so fun.

1267637964_15) #910 The Final Sacrifice The basic premise is that some whiny teenage kid finds a map left by his dead father and he gets mixed up with a devil-worshiping cult (side note: apparently a lot of terrible movies center around cults). The movie really gets good (?) when the kid gets help from the stereotypical Canadian guy named Rowsdower, a name which the guys can’t seem to get over.  This film lends itself to a lot of major Canada bashing. Best Riff: “Canadian Villain: Garth Vader.”

monster a go go4) #421 Monster A Go-Go Johnny Long Torso, the action figure who comes in pieces, has long been my favorite invention exchange, then you add the “Circus on Ice” short, Gypsy questioning Crow about how she doesn’t “get” him (“Is it that I often panic while making sandwiches?) AND the movie is pretty awesomely bad, too. It is about as bad as you would expect from a 1965 movie about a missing astronaut who has been exposed to radiation  Best Riff: “There is one terrifying word in the world of nuclear physics.” “Oops.”

space mutiny3) #820 Space Mutiny This 1988 movie focuses on, you guessed it, a mutiny in space, but the guys can’t seem to get over the “young” love interest who looks more like a member of AARP, the space commander who resembles a jolly old elf, and the main hero who was obviously not hired for his acting skills.  This is so apparent that the guys have no choice but to spend the movie coming up with names for him such as Punch RockGroin, Gristle McThornbody, Brick Meathouse. or Jack Landhammer.  Best Riff: “Big McLarge Huge”

santa claus2) #321 Santa Claus Conquers the Martians The title pretty much sums it up. Emotionless Martians kidnap Santa to bring joy to their children.  Enter a pipe wielding Santa, a bumbling fool of a martian, a coffee can robot, a spaceship that looks like a Simon game, and a truly terrifying man in a polar bear “custume”. This episode has my favorite Satellite of Love scenes between Crow’s Christmas wish to decide “who lives and who dies” and their obsession with having a  Roadhouse inspired “Patrick Swayze Christmas“.  Best Riff: “Crush him!” “You were adopted!”

manos the hands1) #424 Manos: The Hands of Fate Generally considered to be the worst movie ever made, this movie produced by a fertilizer salesman in El Paso, Texas focuses on a family setting off on a vacation when they get mixed up with a “Manos”-centric cult.  Who or what Manos is never really clear, but if you ever wanted to see a movie with a man in a robe with large hand prints, women wrestling in Playtex bras, or a man with watermelons for knees then this is the flick for you. As Joel says, “Every frame of this movie looks like someone’s last known photograph”.  The “Hired” short at the beginning is only the cherry on top of this terrible, gouge your eyes out sundae.  Even Dr. Forrester and TV’s Frank apologize for this one.   Best Riff: “Been hittin’ the Thighmaster, Torgo?”

MST3K fans, did I miss your favorite?  Newbies, did I convince you to watch?

– Ellen

Grade A, Choice Picks: Ellen’s Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2014

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Jake+Johnson+Lets+Cops+Films+LA+lsCPAGbD5qdlSummer, the time for fun in the sun, but more importantly, air conditioned multiplexes.  You can take your beaches and BBQs, I’m all for sequestering myself into dark rooms with strangers and a tub of popcorn. Let’s dive into my top picks for movies to see this summer!

10. Jersey Boys (June 20) I’m a sucker for a good ol’ song and dance routine, especially when it is of the malt-shoppe-doo-woppy variety.  A musical helmed by Clint Eastwood with virtual unknowns has me especially intrigued.

9. Edge of Tomorrow (June 6) This one has had me swayed since I saw the first footage at Comic Con.  It looks like a gritty, sci-fi, Groundhog’s Day and I can get on board with that.

8. Let’s Be Cops (August 13) Movie, you had me at starring Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr.  Also, this is coming out on my birthday.  Happy birthday to me, indeed.

magic-in-the-moonlight-emma-stone-colin-firth7. Magic in the Moonlight (July 25) Yes, yes, Woody Allen is a bit taboo right now, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he makes good movies (most of the time) and that this one stars Emma Stone and Colin Firth.  As an Austenphile, I am contractually obligated to always believe in Colin Firth.

6. The Giver (August 15) File this under “Ellen’s Most Cautiously Anticipated Movies of Summer 2014”.  As someone who loves young adult literature, I am, of course, familiar with the source material here.  The trailer gives me much to worry over in regards to the fidelity, but I can also respect a good adaptation, no matter how unfaithful. The power of Meryl is helping to bolster me.

22-jump-street-red-band-trailer5. 22 Jump Street (June 13) I am sucker for stupid comedies and the previous 21 Jump Street had me hook, line, and sinker.  It was also what convinced me to join the Channing band wagon, because he was funny and that is all it takes with me.

4. Godzilla (May 16) With all due respect to Mr. Jessica Parker, I am excited to see what looks like will be an actually good Godzilla movie.  I also sat in on the Comic Con panel for this one and they talked a lot about how it is less a Godzilla movie and more a character study of people dealing with a Godzilla attack.  Color me excited.

first-official-image-released-from-x-men-days-of-future-past-142959-a-1376897445-470-753. X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23) The latest trailer has me even more excited for May 23rd.  I love me a good X-Men movie and, Fassbender bonus points aside, this looks like it is going to be good ‘un.  The star power alone should be enough to make it amazeballs.

ebfdbabec18c15c361c93dfc332c852a2. The Fault in Our Stars (June 6) Okay? Okay. This is another adaptation that has me worried, because I am not sure how all of John Green’s amazing book is going to translate to screen, but I am more excited than anything.  Why I am excited to get my cry on, I don’t know, but I am guaranteed a good one.

Zoe-Saldana-Chris-Pratt-and-Dave-Bautista-in-Guardians-of-the-Galaxy-2014-Movie-Image21. Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1) I am taking a leap of faith here, because this could be terrible or too “weird” to find an audience.  But no.  I have faith.  Faith in Marvel and the power of Chris Pratt’s abs, a power that cannot be denied.  Also, hello?  Karen Gillan, Lee Pace, John C. Reilly, and Bradley Cooper as a machine gun toting raccoon?  More than anything, it will be fun to see Marvel work outside of the Avengers.  Don’t make me regret putting you at number one, Marvel.

What has you pumped/nervous?  Let us know in the comments!

– Ellen

Grade A, Choice Picks: Top TV Shows Adapted from Movies

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There has been a recent flood of TV shows adapted from movies with Fargo, About a Boy, Hannibal, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but cashing in on successful movies is not a new practice.  With that, I give you my top picks for the most successful TV shows based on movies.  Note the word “successful”.  Sorry, Clueless, but there was no room for you on this list.

bates5. Bates Motel – I have just started watching this one but I feel that it warrants a spot on the list.  It is creepy and cool and stays faithful enough to the spirit of the movie while still striking out on its own.  It is also the only Vera Farmiga vehicle that I have ever been able to get behind because she is just so dang good on it (don’t ask me why, but she has always bugged me in the past.  I just don’t get her).

oddcouple02m4. The Odd Couple – Honestly, I haven’t seen the movie or show in years.  We’re talking Nick-at-Nite-in-the-90’s years, but I was in the play in high school so it will always hold a special place in my heart.  Tony Randall perfectly takes up the mantel of Jack Lemmon’s Felix Unger and just think about all the successful “quirky roommate” shows that have followed.

MV5BMTY3OTY0OTI3NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjkwMjk3NQ@@._V1_SX640_SY720_3. Teen Wolf – Yes, yes, a controversial pick, but just think about how lame the source material is for this one.  I think it is safe to say that this is one that sounded terrible on paper but has been a pleasant surprise to many.  Of course, it helps that really the only thing that they took from the source material was the title and basic premise that there is a teen and he is a werewolf. Sorry, Michael J. but MTV has got you beat on this one.

Buffy-The-Vampire-Slayer-film2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – All hail the Joss.  I feel like Whitney and I should be contractually obligated to write that any time we talk about him or his projects, which would be a lot given our proclivity for all things Joss Whedon.  The original movie is pretty awesome (probably because it was written by Joss Whedon) but the TV show was even awesome…er.    With all due respect to Kristy Swanson, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy was cooler, snarkier, and more kick @$$, all traits that we hold in high esteem here at Fangirly.

friday-night-lights-show1. Friday Night Lights – This is the only show that could take down Buffy and Joss.  Jason Katmis has become the go-to guy for movie to TV show adaptations with About a Boy and Parenthood under his belt, but that is probably because Friday Night Lights was pure perfection.  Another one that sounded potentially disastrous on paper, but succeeded, nay triumphed, because it was more than just a show about high school football.  It was about real people in a real town that just happened to be obsessed with football.  And when I say “real”, I mean they just felt real.  I am sadly aware that Tim Riggins is not real.

What do you think?  Do you agree with my picks?  I wanted to throw an animated pick in there (because there are a TON), but they all felt out of place on the list.

– Ellen