Last year, to celebrate Halloween, I wrote up blogs on pumpkin templates and animal Halloween costumes. Well, a year has passed and…sure…I’d love to do up some fresh takes on this season. But, I just can’t resist a good pumpkin OR pets all dressed up. So, I thought, why not do a best of 2009 Halloween list. Except, I’ve expanded the categories. Huffingtonpost has been running loads of good Halloween lists, so if you get a moment, go and check those out…I’ve snagged many pics from that site. I wholeheartedly recommend their collection of ‘best geeky’ costumes. It’s a treasure trove.
105. Best of Halloween List
–Best Pumpkin Template: By a liberal mile, the best new addition to Halloween-squash awesomeness is this Rachel Maddow pumpkin stencil.
Smartest pumpkin on teevee.
–Funniest Costume (Female): This 80′s Sitcom Mom as made available on 80stees.com Proves that raising kids in the eighties is hard, but HILARIOUS!
–Best Group Costume: iPod commercial dancers. Yes. A thousand times yes.
OK, so I’ve had a crazy busy month what with it being the busy season at my day job and me spending all my free time putting up a two hour long sketch/stand-up show (it went up last weekend thank you very much). So, I haven’t been paying enough attention to this blog. I try to get one entry up per week, but I’m lagging and it’s the last day of September. So, I have to make this one a quickie as I’m desperate to stay within my goal markers of four entries per month. Apologies here for giving you guys a bit of a cheat, but today’s great think is going to photo-based. Mind you, the subject is really hot… so stop your bellyachin’!
101. Anne Hathaway preview pics from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland
Worthy excuse for being at loss for words...
I think Hathaway is super dishy AND I’m a big Tim Burton fan. (I even rented Frankenweenie after first viewing Edward Scissorhands–which is one of my favorite films ever).
Even that mouse thinks she's hot.
I feel a bit like I’ve missed good old Tim Burton lately. When was the last time we were really enmeshed in his world? Oh right…2007′s Sweeney Todd. But doesn’t that seem so very long ago? Burton is overdue. The only reason he gets a pass is because his films look like they take a really really long time fussing over the art direction.
Doesn’t Hathaway look absolutely ace as The White Queen? Shine on, brunette eyebrows! I seriously can’t wait for this pic. As if the mega-cast and director status weren’t enough, the stills from the film are beautiful.
Here’s the teaser trailer, in which Helena Bonham Carter has a giant head and Johnny Depp continues to kick people’s faces off with his awesomeness.
To close, a still of what’s likely to be my second favorite character/visual in this film–the eternally cool embodiment of the trickster…The Cheshire Cat. Grin on you maniac…grin on.
Pulp Fiction was released in 1994 and for several years thereafter, the hugely influential art-house smash spawned several imitators. Most of these attempts to replicate the heat of Pulp Fiction fell flat. But, one film that came out five years later was actually well reviewed and deserved the acclaim and small success that it achieved.
97. Go
The original one-sheet
Go was, of course, Doug Liman’s followup to his hip critical darling Swingers and boy was it good. Now, I’m not going to say that there is absolutely NO likeness to Pulp Fiction. I’ll concede to these three similarities:
-It has a nonlinear circular chronology.
-It has a kickass soundtrack (Len’s “Steal My Sunshine” being especially memorable).
-Sarah Polley is kind of like a miniature version of Uma Thurman.
But, it’s not like Tarantino invented interesting story structure, good music, or even Uma Thurma for that matter. The main issue here is the way the story unfolds. But, just because they use a similar, out of chronological order and overlapping storytelling device, doesn’t mean Go is a plagiarized work. This type of story telling is also sometimes described as circular narrative and has been around for ages. Here, an article from Plots Inc. argues that the nonlinear film dates back to D.W. Griffith’s Intolerance (1916). It’s a good article and well worth checking out if you are into dissecting screenplays: Plots Inc.
At best, I’d argue that Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction served as a reminder that storytelling doesn’t have to be so straightforward and that tinkering around with the structure can be highly rewarding.
However, unlike many of the films that spun out of Tarantino-appreciation, the comparisons for Go were mostly favorable, with Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times reviewing: “[Go] is an entertaining, clever black comedy that takes place entirely in Tarantino-land.”
The film has more qualities than just being the best of the Pulp Fiction-a-likes though. Let’s take a look at the trailer for the film before we discuss anything further:
Looking at this trailer again, I feel it’s not the best advertisement for the film. Keeping in mind this is ten years old, it still feels like the tone of this trailer is super-dated. It screams “Crazy stuff is going to happen in this film. You’re in for a wild wild ride, man!”–which I think is so overdone in modern films. Every comedy nowadays promises to be a zanier one than the last. Those promises have been pitched to us soooo many times since 1999 that this trailer now looks almost like a parody of the crime-comedy genre. But, trust me, the product is worthy.
The cast, entirely perfect for this film, was made up primarily of character actors and young television stars. No face was too unknown and that shows confidence in the script and direction. Here’s where the retrospective part of this blog entry kicks in, let’s take a look at the people that helped make this movie so awesome and where they are now.
I'm on telly.
First up, the British actor with perhaps the best name ever: Desmond Askew. Brits might recognize this dude from Grange Hill. He was a regular in that school-set drama before making his Stateside debut. Since his high profile role in Go, he’s appeared in several American television shows like Roswell, Charmed, and–just to prove that they’re not all properties of WB– Las Vegas. In film, he’s played the horribly grotesque leader of a mutant clan in the remake of The Hills Have Eyes. He still gets work, mostly in television and straight-to-video type films.
Not related to Tom Cruise...
Alongside Katie Holmes and Melissa McCarthy, Scott Wolf helps to make this film one of the most dimple-tastic ever. Let’s take a look at what happened after Scott, previously know for playing Bailey on Party of Five did Go. He too has done scads of television include long stints on The Nines and Everwood. Most exciting though, are his upcoming plans…he’s going to be in the new remake of V with one of my favorites from Lost–Elizabeth Mitchell. I’m up for some of that. This makes me wonder what Neve Campbell is doing nowadays. I should IMDB that shit.
actually wanted to play the drug dealer...
That little tidbit on his photo is true. Jay Mohr actually did want to play the drug dealer role in the film but was finally cast as Scott Wolf’s lover instead. It was the right choice. They are cute together and I love his delivery of “It’s a Miata!” in the film. Yet again, Mohr has found loads of work in television, notably the well reviewed but short-lived Action and as the lead in the recent Gary Unmarried. He’s also a prolific V.O. artist, lending impressions to Family Guy and other bits of animation. He’s been a bit of a douche lately, making fun of Michelle Obama’s appearance on some radio programs. But, whatever…it takes all kinds of funny (or unfunny in this case) to make the world go round and I still think he was pretty good in this flick.
Uma Th--I mean, Sarah Polley
Sarah Polley, has had a very interesting career arc. She started out as the lead in the TV series that spun out of Anne of Green Gables. She’s since aligned herself quite visibly with the left of centre party in Canada, the New Democrats. She’s also been hugely discriminating about what projects she takes part in, reportedly turning down the lead female role in The Bourne Identity series. Most recently, she was Oscar nominated for writing the adaptation of Away From Her–it’s based on a short story called “The Bear Came Over The Mountain”. She also directed the picture which, incidentally, dealt with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Very recently, she starred as Abigail Adams in the HBO miniseries John Adams and is due to appear alongside Adrien Brody in the sci-fi thriller Splice.
Two men..
...one voicebox
Next up is William Fichtner who played Burke, the undercover police officer in the film. I think he’s the voice double for Will Arnett from Arrested Development. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll recognize this guy from his trillions of film and television appearances. My faves include his roles in Black Hawk Down, Blades of Glory, and his surprise cameo as the bank manager in The Dark Knight. Awesome.
Needs more work please...
Love-able waster Mannie was played byNathan Bexton. Since Go wrapped, he’s mostly been known for crappy horror films. This dude needs more work. He’s responsible for one of my very favorite scenes in the whole picture–the grocery story e-fueled fantasty sequence. It’s ALMOST my favorite performance in the whole film. Let’s watch this bit and then get to my number one favorite performance in the pic.
I'm funny on purpose.
Now, my favorite performance in this whole enchilada belongs to Melissa McCarthy (yes, she is the cousin of Jenny). Though she’s only in it for about 2 minutes, every time I watch it, she makes me laugh. Unfortunately, I can’t find this scene on-line, but trust me–you’ll know it when you see it. She opens the door for both Scott Wolf and Jay Mohr in one scene…
Coincidentally, she also had a long stint on The Nines. Other high profile appearances include work on The Gilmore Girls and Samantha Who?
What a movie. I don’t think I could ever feel the same way about 2 Days in the Valley.
Advertisements are an annoying but necessary evil. Yes, they regularly interrupt your favorite shows but they also allow those programs to be given away to you for free. Plus, if there weren’t any ads, when would you get out of your favorite chair to go and pee? Me? I’ll gladly fast forward through umpteen commercials if those sponsors are paying for another Simpsons episode.
Having said that, I really do appreciate it when it’s clear that an agency has gone that extra mile to try and make their commercial enjoyable. Heck, if they catch my attention, I might even buy their product. The last time I hyped up a commercial on this blog was the Cadbury’s gorrila ad. That sure worked on me. I hardly stop eating Cadbury’s. Incidentally, they have released another entry to that ‘glass and a half full’ campaign which is just as hilarious. It stars eyebrows and good timing. Take a look.
Anyway, back to the main event. The other commercial that caught my eye recently is today’s great thing:
71. Volkswagen Ad “The Fight”
Just when you though Matrix parodies were getting old, the German car manufacturer releases this:
Unlikely Gallic ass-kicker Gilles Bellomi is the star. I couldn’t find much about the guy though it wasn’t for a lack of trying. I’m sure part of the problem is that i don’t speak French and can’t read what little info is out there about his past television and film credits. What I do know is that he appeared in at least one episode of “Law & Order: Paris”. First of all, what a shock. I didn’t even know there was a such a program. That Dick Wolf must be absolutely rolling in it. I know that there’s a London- set version coming to British tellys soon. “Law & Order: London” is set to debut this year, as a matter of fact. I wonder if they’ll try to do an American-length season or if it’ll just be the standard 6-10 episodes per season like other British programs.
Some good things about this commercial:
–Firstly, this spot proves my theory that everybody looks better when they are doing karate. I’m not saying that Gilles is unattractive–he’s fine– but all that kicking and punching sure doesn’t hurt his appeal. His boring German engineer becomes an enigmatic superstar.
Ask yourself, what can a roundhouse to the face do for you?
–Secondly, the commercial is clearly an homage to the ‘burly brawl’ scene from one of my favorite movie franchises, “The Matrix”. Yes, it’s from the lesser-loved sequel “Matrix: Reloaded”, but I stand by my investment in the Wachowski vision. Watch all three back to back. They’re better that way. And try not to think too much about why The Resistance can engineer robot war-suits but not proper armor.
–Thirdly, this ad (created by London-based agency DDB and directed by Ivan Zacharias features a killer track–MJ Lan’s remix of “Keine Melodien” by Jeans Team. I’m desperately seeking it for my gym-going Ipod playlist.
–Lastly, since this commercial was first aired, over 100 complaints have been logged to the Advertising Standards Authority. It’s got to be doing something right.
At Christmas, in Britain, when it’s time to indulge your sweet tooth, you’re bound to get offered up something a bit off-putting–something with orange peel and brandy butter–something that we Americans would view as being of ‘an acquired taste’–something that has loads of dates and figs in it…something like mince pies or the ultra bitter Christmas pudding.
I’ve been over there long enough now that I actually have developed my taste buds a bit and I’m in a comfortable place where I can enjoy the occasional mince pie. The Christmas pud though, still takes like cognac soaked vomitous fruit cake…which is kinda what it is.
Merry Christmas, Blarrrrrrggggghhh!
Mercifully, here in the U.S.A., where I am cozily returned for the holiday break, it’s all about the refined sugar. There’s always a bounty to choose from when you’re ready to pork out on sweets: pies, brownies, puddings, and a dazzling plethora of cookies. Cookies–it’s what Santa eats and it’s good enough for me. They are truly the holiday favorite for most American families. You made ’em with your Grandma when you were little, you probably make a batch for your colleagues at work this week, and they’re a dessert that allows you to go apeshit with sprinkles. As far as varieties of cookies go, when I’m ready to pack on an extra five pounds it’s with a fist-full of today’s favorite thing.
63. Spritz Cookies
You’ve probably consumed spritz cookies before even if you didn’t know that’s what they were called. Don’t confuse them with sugar cookies or cut-outs. They are dense, buttery, crunchy little biscuits.
A teeny bit of history: Though we know they are ttypically served exclusively at Christmas, this cookie’s origins are a bit cloudy. They are debate-ably either Scandinavian (they are sometimes know as Swedish spritz cookies) or potentially German (because the etymology of the word ‘spritzen’ is German–meaning to squirt or spray–which is how you make the cookies, by squirting them through a cookie press). The www.hungrybrowser.com website amicably suggests that Germans may have brought the crunchy biscuits over to Scandinavia. See. German history isn’t ALL bad. They shared their cookies. Like many Christmas treats (cut-outs, candy canes, and gingerbread men for instance) spritz cookies were probably designed as edible ornaments. So, before you eat it, why not dangle it from your tree or pin it to your favorite holiday sweater? Or screw that and just scarf them.
Making spritz cookies is a bit tricky because the consistency of the dough can easily get too malleable to keep its shape (you’ve got to use room temp–not melty butter) but it’s always fun because you get to use a gun.
A typical spritz gun is shown in the photograph above. Bang bang!
My Mom had a model more like this one pictured below. It’s more like a spritz-musket…kaboom!
Spritz cookies can come in all shapes. My Mom’s kit had patterns that produced little wreaths, trees, pinwheels, dogs, and camels, amongst other decorative designs.
They are made in all sorts of varieties. We ate the almond flavoured ones and the chocolate spritzes. Howver, I’ve seen recipes for butter, lemon, raspberry, coconut, sour cream, and pina colada (zoinks).
The chocolate spritzes are my absolute favorite. My Mom used the dog and camel patterns for these. Deee-licious! But, word to the wise, if you’re not careful, they’ll come out looking like little doo doo piles, so easy on that spritz gun trigger, my cookie cowboys.
