Hollywood is dominated by men. So it's refreshing to see a female-driven R-rated comedy, featuring sexual jokes and gross-out gigs written and performed by women (Though directed by Freaks and Geeks creator Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow).
Mainly one woman. Kristen Wiig.
Most people are at least somewhat familiar with her work on Saturday Night Live. But her face time on the big screen has been limited to small parts in movies like Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Adventureland.
This movie was her chance to take the lead. And she delivered. Not just on screen, either. She also co-wrote the script, which has been in the works since 2006.
Along with her newly acquired star power and its opening weekend success, I definitely expect to see more from the same ilk.
The main criticism I have is that its not consistently funny. There are long, drawn out scenes that produce few laughs. It made me feel like I was watching a stand-up comic bomb in front of a live audience a couple times.
I'm definitely not claiming this to be the pinnacle of what female comedies can be, but a new path has been paved. And I'm looking forward to what's next.
Plus, it prominently features the song "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips (With all 3 members looking far better than they did 20 years ago). No further elaboration needed. That's just a great song.
Grade: B-
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
NBA Exec Rick Welts, Former 'Nova Star Will Sheridan Come Out
Rick Welts, CEO and president of the Phoenix Suns, is the first executive in one of the major sports in the U.S. to openly admit he's gay.
Will Sheridan, a starting forward for the Villanova Wildcats during most of his four-year career (2003-07), revealed the same thing in an ESPN.com article with Dana O'Neil.
I take it as another baby step toward progress in our somewhat stagnant country.
A little more than a year ago, Welsh rugby star came out of the closet and was fully supported by his teammates and fans alike.
However just a few weeks ago, Sean Avery of the NHL's New york Rangers simply stated he was for gay rights and was blasted by his agency, players and a large portion of the hockey community in general.
I stand behind the decisions of Welts and Sheridan. But you never know how the public is going to react. The big question is how will the rest of America take it?
Gay rights are the biggest civil rights movement in the nation today, and one that is long overdue. With Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed, the legalization of gay marriage is the next step.
The majority of Americans support this. However, the mindset of those in power is far from it, including the president.
It's just another prejudice born by a concept they don't understand. It's not a choice. It's something these people were born with. And they've proven to be upstanding citizens with a positive impact in the sports world.
And sports is one of the last areas to be accepting of this lifestyle, especially on the men's side. So I commend these two brave men for being comfortable and confident in who they are as people.
The sooner more people come out, the sooner our society will move forward. And that is a necessary change to truly be the city on a hill we claim to be.
Will Sheridan, a starting forward for the Villanova Wildcats during most of his four-year career (2003-07), revealed the same thing in an ESPN.com article with Dana O'Neil.
I take it as another baby step toward progress in our somewhat stagnant country.
A little more than a year ago, Welsh rugby star came out of the closet and was fully supported by his teammates and fans alike.
However just a few weeks ago, Sean Avery of the NHL's New york Rangers simply stated he was for gay rights and was blasted by his agency, players and a large portion of the hockey community in general.
I stand behind the decisions of Welts and Sheridan. But you never know how the public is going to react. The big question is how will the rest of America take it?
Gay rights are the biggest civil rights movement in the nation today, and one that is long overdue. With Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed, the legalization of gay marriage is the next step.
The majority of Americans support this. However, the mindset of those in power is far from it, including the president.
It's just another prejudice born by a concept they don't understand. It's not a choice. It's something these people were born with. And they've proven to be upstanding citizens with a positive impact in the sports world.
And sports is one of the last areas to be accepting of this lifestyle, especially on the men's side. So I commend these two brave men for being comfortable and confident in who they are as people.
The sooner more people come out, the sooner our society will move forward. And that is a necessary change to truly be the city on a hill we claim to be.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
OKC Thunder Is a New NBA Powerhouse
In Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Oklahoma City Thunder halted the stellar postseason run by the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
How? A group of young superstars that will be running the show for the next several years.
Kevin Durant, the NBA's leading scorer for the last two seasons, dropped 39 and Russell Westbrook got the first Game 7 triple-double since Scottie Pippen in 1992. Sixth man James Harden scored 17 off the bench (Bench player in name only), including four three-pointers.
Impressed?
I am. Especially since Durant/Westbrook are 22 years old and Harden is 21.
I don't know if and when they will win an NBA title, but this is a team set up perfectly for a good run over the next few seasons.
OKC gave the LA Lakers their toughest series in the Western Conference last season, and now they are four wins away from the NBA Finals.
The Thunder will be the underdog against the Dallas Mavericks. If they advance, they will play the same role against either the Bulls or the Heat
But with this trio playing so well, who's to say they won't overcome that and win it all in 2011?
How? A group of young superstars that will be running the show for the next several years.
Kevin Durant, the NBA's leading scorer for the last two seasons, dropped 39 and Russell Westbrook got the first Game 7 triple-double since Scottie Pippen in 1992. Sixth man James Harden scored 17 off the bench (Bench player in name only), including four three-pointers.
Impressed?
I am. Especially since Durant/Westbrook are 22 years old and Harden is 21.
I don't know if and when they will win an NBA title, but this is a team set up perfectly for a good run over the next few seasons.
OKC gave the LA Lakers their toughest series in the Western Conference last season, and now they are four wins away from the NBA Finals.
The Thunder will be the underdog against the Dallas Mavericks. If they advance, they will play the same role against either the Bulls or the Heat
But with this trio playing so well, who's to say they won't overcome that and win it all in 2011?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Movie Review: Thor
The summer blockbusters are finally starting to roll in. Thor is the first one to drag me to the theater. And it wasn't bad.
Probably the biggest downside is the fact that Thor is one of the lamest superheroes I've ever come across. Generic villains. Very few interesting characters.
The best part is casting for the lead role. Chris Hemsworth has little acting experience, but he plays the egotistical meathead/wise heir to the throne to perfection.
Also, the breathtaking visuals of his realm and the others rival any other films of its kind. The grand architecture and color schemes made a would-be-average blockbuster slightly better.
Two things that could have been improved were the mediocre writing and direction. There were some witty lines, but most of the dialogue was unoriginal. Plus, the director did nothing to help this. Kenneth Branagh is known for his work on Shakespearean films which are character-driven. He didn't concentrate on developing the individuals. And the writers and director both failed to show character progression of each from the beginning to the end. Thor changed from mighty warrior to sensitive Man of the House on a dime.
Natalie Portman, who was last seen in her Oscar-winning role in Black Swan, wasn't given much to work with.
With all that said, I still enjoyed it. It wasn't great, nor did I expect it to be. But there are many worse ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.
The blockbuster season's off to a decent start.
Grade: B
Probably the biggest downside is the fact that Thor is one of the lamest superheroes I've ever come across. Generic villains. Very few interesting characters.
The best part is casting for the lead role. Chris Hemsworth has little acting experience, but he plays the egotistical meathead/wise heir to the throne to perfection.
Also, the breathtaking visuals of his realm and the others rival any other films of its kind. The grand architecture and color schemes made a would-be-average blockbuster slightly better.
Two things that could have been improved were the mediocre writing and direction. There were some witty lines, but most of the dialogue was unoriginal. Plus, the director did nothing to help this. Kenneth Branagh is known for his work on Shakespearean films which are character-driven. He didn't concentrate on developing the individuals. And the writers and director both failed to show character progression of each from the beginning to the end. Thor changed from mighty warrior to sensitive Man of the House on a dime.
Natalie Portman, who was last seen in her Oscar-winning role in Black Swan, wasn't given much to work with.
With all that said, I still enjoyed it. It wasn't great, nor did I expect it to be. But there are many worse ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.
The blockbuster season's off to a decent start.
Grade: B
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Michael Scott Says Goodbye to The Office
Steve Carell's last episode of "The Office" aired Thursday night and the TV world is now without one of its brightest stars.
On his last day, he attempts to say goodbye to each co-worker individually, leading to emotional scenes with Jim and Pam at the end. It definitely seemed like genuine feelings that have formed on and off the screen throughout the show's run.
In the classic Michael Scott persona, his last line (which goes unheard because he removes the microphone pack) is a "That's what she said" line. Brilliant way to go out.
I'm sure we'll see plenty more of Carell on the big screen, but fans of the show will no doubt long to see him grace the offices of Dunder-Mifflin/Sabre with his presence at some point in the future.
What were your thoughts on his final episode?
On his last day, he attempts to say goodbye to each co-worker individually, leading to emotional scenes with Jim and Pam at the end. It definitely seemed like genuine feelings that have formed on and off the screen throughout the show's run.
In the classic Michael Scott persona, his last line (which goes unheard because he removes the microphone pack) is a "That's what she said" line. Brilliant way to go out.
I'm sure we'll see plenty more of Carell on the big screen, but fans of the show will no doubt long to see him grace the offices of Dunder-Mifflin/Sabre with his presence at some point in the future.
What were your thoughts on his final episode?
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