WANTED: The 4 day work week and the countdown update

Well, I saw Wanted over the weekend, and I must say, I was very impressed. I went into the theater with slightly low expectations so I wouldn't be dissappointed, and I was greatly impressed. The plot was well thought out, and the special effects were amazing (and a bit over the top, but I'm not complaining!) James McAvoy was great, and I was surprised to see Chris Platt (Bright from Everwood) in the film as well. A warning to those who intend to go see this in hopes of seeing an Angelina Jolie movie: she has more of a supporting role if anything. The previews are a bit misleading in that respect. Funniest moment of the movie: Hearing Morgan Freeman calling someone a motherf***er. You might think he can do that, but I couldn't stop laughing!

I love weeks like this week. The long weekend with Friday off is absolutely amazing. Plus, I'll be in Memphis on Sunday, which makes the countdown to Memphis: 6 Days; Countdown to New York: 17 Days; and Countdown to Move-in: 44 Days.

Tomorrow (or later tonight) be on the lookout for my thoughts on Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods, and theatre news in general.

movies

Lots of stuff to talk about about today!

Movies: Last night, I went to see Get Smart. I must say, it looked like it would bring a lot of laughs(it did) but be kind of lacking in the acting/plot department(I was partially right). I'm pretty sure I was laughing throughout the whole movie because of the words exiting Steve Carell's mouth. He would say the most random things, and I wasn't able to control my fits of laughter. The acting did seem a little stiff, however the plot was (kind of) intriguing. The original show was on during the Cold War era, and they stuck with that idea, which I liked. I was also impressed by the well-placed and well-developed plot twist (no spoilers, I promise!!). Overall, it was a decent theater experience. If I had my choice, it would have been one I would have waited to rent so it would be cheaper, and I would have felt like I was getting my money's worth.

That being said, There are 5 more movies coming out this summer that I very anxious to see. They include the following:
1. WALL-E: This looks like the most adorable Disney/Pixar movie since Finding Nemo. There is hardly any dialogue. The whole film is sound(think R2-D2 type sounds) and sight gags. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 98% approval rating. That's a rare thing. Excited level: **** 1/2
2.Wanted: This movie looks very interesting. Kind of a shoot 'em up deal, and I need that every now and then. Plus, it's got James McAvoy. That will make women across the country line up for this movie. Excited Level: ***
3. The Dark Knight: Words cannot describe how much I am looking forward to this movie. Heath Ledger's Joker looks about 100 times more creepy than Jack Nicholson(the original Joker) could even dream about being. Plus, it's the late actor's last completed film, which means it's going to make a TON of money. Excited Level: *****
4. Mama Mia: I love musical theatre. I don't know why, but I just do. And I have this (not so)secret love of ABBA. Therefore, I am very excited about this film. Meryl Streep is going to kick tail, and I really want to see Peirce Bronson(of James Bond fame) and Colin Firth(of Mr. Darcy fame) sing and dance. Should be very entertaining. Excited Level: **** 1/2
5. Hamlet 2: Now, many people will read this/watch the trailer and think I'm absolutely stark-raving mad. This is understandable. A movie about a washed up actor who writes an insane, raunchy, sacereglious sequel to Shakespeare's classic tragedy seems like a terrible idea. Here's my logic: I love Steve Coogan(the British Larry David), Skylar Astin, and Phoebe Strole(both of Spring Awakening fame), therefore, I would not feel like a true fan of these people if I did not see this film in on the big screen. Excited Level: *** 1/2

Well...I was going to write about the theatre and provide some small town news, but I think those will have to wait until a later date[or most likely this evening...you never know ; ) ]

The Naked Cowboy and Idiot D-1 football players

If you want to know ANYTHING about the Naked Cowboy, CNN has you covered. Yesterday, they published a story about the NC suing Mars, Inc (maker of M&M's) for the unauthorized use of his likeness in a video and paper ad campaign in the NYC area. The 2 M&M's (one blue and one yellow) are said to look exactly like the NC, right down to the white acoustic guitar. The judge is letting the case proceed, and if things go in his favor, the NC could be on the receiving end of upwards of $100 million in damages. $100 million for 2 counts of copyright infringment.

If you want to read the article, here it is, complaint, video and all: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/06/24/naked.cowboy/?iref=mpstoryview

And now for something completely different.. Back in 2004, my (hrmph) lovely small down was celebrating their best football player since Lance Alworth. Jimmy Johns had everything going for him: colleges across the country wanted him to play, and even had a shot in the NFL. He was going to do great things at Alabama. He had been moved to linebacker, which was a better position for someone his size (6-2 235), and everything seemed to be falling into place. Then he has to get himself arrested on 6 felony drug charges: 5 counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of possession of escasty. Why would someone with such a bright future do something so completely idiotic. I've known Jimmy for about 4 years, and I know he isn't the brightest crayon in the box, but he knows better than to be a drug dealer. I know his mother taught him better than that. In light of his arrest, many of his former high school teammates are in shock, and he has been kicked off the Crimson Tide football team, and has probably lost every since scholarship he had, if his grades didn't already do that for him. But, at least he still has his "business" of breeding pit bulls... but then again, the media will probably turn him into the college version of Michael Vick because of it...

The Countdown(s) Begin(s)

I have several countdowns going on at the moment.

1. Summer at Rhodes: 11 days. I'll be on campus for res life, working as an RA for 2 sessions of Open Rhodes. Basically, I'll make sure the freshmen-to-be don't do anything stupid. Shouldn't be too hard; plus, it's a week in Memphis with some of the most AWESOME people ever!

2. NYC- The Summer Edition: 22 days. Alex and I will be going to New York for 5 wonderful days, all of which I will document. The highlight of the trip will hopefully be Spring Awakening. The night we have tickets is the last performance of Lilli Cooper, Remy Zaken, Brian Charles Johnson, Skylar Astin, and Phoebe Strole. All five of these wonderful people are the original cast. When they leave, it will be down to one(my personal favorite) ensemble member Gerard Canonico. Also during the trip, I will turn 19, so no need for the Birthday Countdown.

3. Move Back to Rhodes: 49 days. I move back to Memphis on August 13th for RA training. I will be there for a full week before the freshmen, and a full two weeks before all other upper-classmen. I'm confident that all sorts of insanity will ensue, and it will be wonderful.

That's all the Countdowns.

But I have two thoughts to leave with... I will letter these to make things less confusing.

a. Why are some commercials louder than the actual show, or other commercials for that matter? It's frickin' annoying to be forced to turn the volume up and down and up and down. Grr...

b. If God meant for people to breathe through their noses, why did He give us allergies? It makes no sense at all.