Well, I’ve introduced you to what is probably the most obscure song you’ve never heard of which is my most favorite Christmas song. I thought I’d continue the theme of favorites and talk about my favorite holiday commercials. Every year, there are Christmas commercials trying to top Christmas commercials. It starts with Black Friday (The Crazy Target Mom – kinda missed her this year) and goes through to the after-Christmas sales. Christmas is my favorite time of year and with it come some pretty amazing commercials.
I’ve compiled my top four favorite Christmas commercials. Some are old, some are new. I have a few comments on them, but mostly, I just want to share the laughs and holiday cheer. Enjoy!
Hershey’s Holiday Bells – We Wish You a Merry Christmas
This is probably my top favorite commercial. It is a bit older, but I don’t feel like its Christmas until I see this commercial pop up on my TV. I adore it. Sweet, simple, and cute. The little guy at the end… “Whew!” You can’t help but smile.
Garmin
Most of Garmin’s commercials are pretty funny and cute, but this one is my favorite. It was one of the first when they were starting the “Give a Garmin” campaign. It’s the best for one, simple line: “Need a waxing now, Got a unibrow.” And the Chinese food guy, “Ding, dong, ding, dong.” HA!
M&Ms, They DO Exist!
This is another “older” one. If you look at the bottom in the beginning, the copyright is 2006. But it’s still as funny and cute as it was 6 years ago. I’m glad they haven’t changed it and I’m a sucker for a “good” Santa. What I mean by that is there are OK Santa’s and then there are the good Santa’s. The ones you look at and they make you believe again. They are perfect and the Santa in this commercial is one of the best. Plus you gotta love the Peanut M&M, “Santa?”
Connecting Flights, This Season’s Must See
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You thought it was a real movie, didn’t you? We all did! Which is why it’s so much funnier when they plow into that refrigerator. The first commercial Sear’s did with this concept was like this Abercrombie & Fitch beach love thing and I literally crack up every time I see it. (If you want to see it, too, go here). This one is the same; I can’t help but fall down laughing when I see it. My husband calls me into the room when it comes on so I can enjoy the hilarity of it. Oh, Sear’s you got me!
So what do you think?
Funny how 2 out of the 4 are candy commercials, huh?
Now that Thanksgiving has passed and December is right around the corner, it is appropriate and welcoming to hear Christmas songs blaring cheerfully from cars and in stores. Suddenly, the decorations that have been up in stores since September aren’t annoying, but beautiful and magical. And it’s time to begin the Christmas posts on Weekend Fat!
Despite many people telling me that I’m sort of a weirdo for it, I am going to share with my fellow Weekend Fatties my favorite Christmas song of all time. It is obscure to just about everyone I’ve ever introduced it to and most people do not find it as charming and magical as I do. I don’t know if it’s because they just don’t like it, or if it really is bad and I am influenced by childhood nostalgia. I’m not sure. But here, on Weekend Fat, for all to see I am making a case for what I consider to be the ultimately best Christmas song. Like, ever.
First, I want you to listen to it, please. Just listen and enjoy, then we’ll get down to the whys and why nots…
Roger Whittaker – Darcy the Dragon
Alright, now you’ve heard it. My Favorite Christmas Song of ALL TIME!!! I have to start off by saying that I have listened to this song and Roger Whittaker’s Christmas album since I can remember. This is my favorite but he also sings “The Holly and the Ivy” beautifully as well as several others with that beautiful voice of his that I can’t help but find charming.
So to start off, the story within the song itself is such a wonderful Christmas tale. Darcy just wants to buy some presents for his forest friends. He is a kind-hearted and helpful dragon who can’t help the flames that spurt out when he speaks. Then he is granted a Christmas miracle and is able to accomplish what he set out to do as well as make new friends in the village. How sweet is that? If it were a Christmas book, people would be reading it to their children. I would.
Then there’s the music. There are such wonderful ups and downs to reflect the emotions and events within the lyrics. It really brings out the story and gives you goose bumps as you listen, especially when Darcy is crying and the wind blows in his throat to put out the fire. The clip-clop when Darcy goes to town, the Christmas snow whirling and blowing, the joy when Darcy can finally go into town without hurting anyone; they are all amazing moments within the music that evoke responses which are buried in my memory. I can’t help but have a completely emotional journey with Darcy from his giddy idea, through the village, his utter sadness, the joyful realization, ending in his triumphant return to the town and the success of his voyage.
I think Roger Whittaker is a large part of this whimsical song. I really don’t know anything else that he sings besides Christmas gold, but his voice makes it for me. He has a storyteller’s voice, the highs and lows of the story are beautifully illustrated in his timbre, the decrescendos and crescendos, the way he lilts through the words. The two parts I love are when he sings “Woe is me, Oh, lament” and reprises it later and “First a whisper, then a shout!” He doesn’t change his voice for Darcy, but I really feel Darcy the Dragon within him in that moment. I’m not sure I would like it if I heard anyone else sing this song. I am, of course, severely biased when it comes to my beloved Darcy.
So there you are, My Favorite Christmas Song of All Time. I know that it’s obscure and I may be completely alone in adoring this song, but that is alright. I can only hope that maybe someone else listens to it and finds the beauty and joy that I have in this delightful Christmas story-song.
I recently found myself singing a song from an animated movie I used to watch probably on loop. I thought to myself, this might make a good post. Amber, I’m obsessed. I’m sure other bloggers have this happen regularly and are grateful for inspiration. This is the first time I realized I was doing it or doing it consciously. I had to write it down so I didn’t forget. Cool!
So anyway… I was singing this song which made me think about a conversation I had with some colleagues from work who are actually around my age (I’ve spent the better part of 3-4 years with many people who are much younger than myself. Upwards of ten years, in fact). It was nice to reminisce about childhood movies that have shaped our lives. And of course, the movies now aren’t nearly as good as our movies were. Of course. (I know, it’s not necessarily true, but nostalgia wins every time).
I started thinking about the movies that I used to watch as a child and even into my teens that I really adored. And I still know the words to the songs. And I’m talking about non-Disney movies. Sure, I loved some Disney, but I’m talking about some of the other movies that were a little darker, a little more emotional, and became part of me. Some of the videos are just the song with lyrics or pictures; I couldn’t find them all, so I apologize for that. There are some spoilers, but these movies have been around for a while, so I don’t feel too bad. So at the risk of dating myself, here are some of my favorite childhood cartoons:
Rock-A-Doodle (1991)
Rock-A-Doodle was a great movie about a singing rooster. Basically. There’s a lot of other stuff involved, including a little boy being turned into a cartoon cat, evil owls, and lots and lots of rain. Rock-A-Doodle was about finding yourself while trying to save others, friendship, loyalty, and how to tie your shoes. “Over, around, under, and through, that’s how Patou ties the shoe.” (I knew how to tie my shoes by then, but I could appreciate the rhyme).
Favorite Moment/Song: Sun Do Shine
This is the song Chanticleer sings to bring the sun up. Such a great start to the day!
Anastasia (1997)
This movie is based on the missing Russian czar’s daughter. Anya is an orphan looking for a home and Dimitri and Vladimir are all too happy to help...to con the crap out of her actual grandmother. Of course, along the way Anya finds herself, her purpose, and love. With John Cusack and Meg Ryan as lead vocals, I’m sold now as much as I was then. Just let me list the first 8 voices that appear in this movie: Meg Ryan (Anya), John Cusack (Dimitri), Kelsey Grammar (Vladimir), Christopher Lloyd (Rasputin), Hank Azaria (Bartok), Bernadette Peters (Sophie), Kirsten Dunst (Young Anastasia), Angela Lansbury (Dowager Empress Marie) and oh yeah, Lacey Chabert was Young Anastasia’s singing voice. Holy crap, you can’t spit in Hollywood and hit that much talent. With its beautiful animation, lively songs, and darker side, you can’t help but be charmed by this optimistic take on the traditional Anastasia lore.
Favorite Moment/Song: You Can Learn to Do It
The great part about this song is Vlad and DImitri’s realization that she might not be some random girl. And the kiss on her hand from Dimitri. Adorable.
Ferngully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
This is the point where I start getting a little choked up. I used to love this movie, no I still love this movie. I quote it even now. It has Robin Williams and Tim Curry in it, so it’s automatically amazing. This was a movie about saving the rainforests and the effects of pollution before “Green” was cool. The magic of the rainforest, Batty’s one-liners, Crysta’s growth with her magic, and Zach’s realization and appreciation are all wonderful. And Tim Curry. Tim Curry always makes a terrific bad guy. The below video is actually a link to the entire movie.
Favorite Moment/Song: Batty’s Rap (Go to 10 minutes for entertainment, 11 if you just want to hear the song)
This is Batty’s introduction after he crashes into the fairy’s realm. Robin Williams rapping always equals a good time.
The Secret of NIMH (1982)
My mom loved this movie and passed on her adoration to me. It’s based on a book which is a little less supernatural and a little more scientific, but still a great story. I used to love watching Mrs. Brisby braving all of her fears to help her sick son. Talking to the Great Owl, going to the Rats for help, breaking out of the cage when she was caught by the farmer’s son, and of course, finding the power within herself to use the “sparkly” to lift her house to the lee of the stone and save her children. Jeremy the crow is great comic relief with so much at stake and I still don’t like cats because Dragon was such a scary, mean thing.
Favorite Moment/Song: Mrs. Brisby lifts the house to save her children
The music behind this moment is so compelling. And the moment where all the rats are awed over Mrs. Brisby as she faints with exhaustion.
All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)
Classic. This movie makes me cry every time. Charlie’s tricks and manipulations that add up to one bad dog are redeemed with the sacrifice of his life for an orphan girl, assuring his place in heaven. Anne-Marie, the little girl orphan and Itchy, the sidekick really round out Charlie’s journey. Charlie, the collie/German shepherd mix was written with Burt Reynolds in mind and he loaned his voice to the charming con-dog.
Favorite Moment/Song: You Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down
It’s just a great song that epitomizes Charlie’s character.
An American Tail (1986)
The story of Fievel and the Mousekewitz family is sad and joyful. This epitomizes what must have happened to some families in their travels to America to seek a better life. The ideal of “No cats in America,” the name changes at Ellis Island, the downtrodden rising up to fight against the cats and rats, it’s an amazing story that rings true to our history. Tiger the cat is probably one of the few cats in cinematic history that I actually like. Besides Oliver. But that’s another post I suppose.
Favorite Moment/Song: Somewhere Out There
You thought I would go for There Are No Cats in America or Never Say Never, but this song has always been in my heart and I think of it when I miss my friends or family (especially my brother). Also, I love the imperfection of the mice children’s voices.
There are some other movies, but these are really near and dear to me. I hum many of these songs even to this day, and often quote the movies. A friend and I had a Facebook Ferngully quote off once. It was epic.
So what non-Disney movies from your childhood do you adore? Can you name a favorite song? Maybe hum a few bars?
You’ve probably played it at least once. We may call it something different, but I refer to it as “My Team.” It may have been a Facebook game, you might have pondered it when you were watching Zombieland or considered the situation when debating whether or not to read Pride & Prejudice & Zombies . Who you would want around you during a Zombie Apocalypse? Who would you trust? This hypothetical group usually consists of people you know and characters from movies/TV shows.
I’ll give you an example, my example. If the Zombie Apocalypse happened, I would want the following people on “My Team.”
My husband, Paul. He and I have discussed extensively about what would go down if one of us were bitten and we know what to do. Say goodbye, I love you, and then it’s a bullet to the brain. Don’t even let me turn. We agree on this 100%.
My dogs, Chance and Reese. They would protect us and keep us warm.
My best friend, Natalie. I would want her around at the end of the world.
My friend, Gary. He’s a badass. Enough said.
Another friend, Greyson. Doctor and lifelong friend, check.
The group from Zombieland. They are all awesome and hanging out with Emma Stone/Wichita wouldn’t suck.
A few people I don’t care much about as bait. (You know you need it, don’t judge me).
Daryl Dixon
Yup.
For those of you who don’t know, Daryl Dixon is a character on AMC’s The Walking Dead. This is a show about zombies and the people who are left behind after the infection. It is intense to say the least and though I am not a fan of gore and horror, the stories of the living are compelling. I am absolutely obsessed, waiting all week for Sunday to roll around so I can found out what the hell is going to happen to my misfit band of zombie survivors.
Daryl Dixon is my favorite character. Warning, some spoilers ahead. He started out with as a smaller role in Season One, but by Season Two he had become a part of the group and worked his way into my heart. He is a badass, he cares despite himself, and he protects people who left his brother cuffed on top of a building for goodness sake. He’s a southern boy who knows how to handle a crossbow and his determination to find Sophia was downright heartbreaking.
Daryl has grown from the annoying little brother of bad-boy Merle to an important and intricate member of the group. He has become Rick’s right hand man; he has taken on some of the burdens that have plagued the group and Rick relies on his skills and instinct more than anyone else in the group. He had an intense moment in the woods during the search for Sophia, but came out better for it in the end. I adore him and I would want him on my team, even if he was having a broody moment.
Truer words have never been memed.
So if you haven’t watched The Walking Dead and think that maybe you wouldn’t be interested, let me just tell you as a person who doesn’t like zombies and gore, it is a show worth watching. The makeup alone is amazing, but the characters, storyline, and relatable fantasy really make it worth the watch. So go on, it’s available on Netflix, On Demand, online. Jump on the bandwagon and don’t be afraid, Daryl Dixon will protect you.
Just had to throw in one more picture...
Who would you want on “Your Team” for the Zombie Apocalypse? Who’s your favorite character on The Walking Dead?
I consider myself a pretty open person. I try to approach new things with the hope that I will enjoy them. Sometimes I fail. Miserably. Sometimes I form an automatic opinion and decide that I absolutely hate said thing. And sometimes—sometimes my hatred turns into a weird love of a formerly despised thing. This happens most often (that I can tell) with songs. I hear a song and I will think it is dumb or that it sounds like something else or I just plain don’t like it. I go on grumbling through these songs as they play on the radio, but don’t bother changing it because I’ll probably have commercials on some other station. So I sit through it, again and again and again. Then something weird happens, suddenly I am singing along with the chorus, looking up the lyrics, on YouTube searching for videos. That’s when I realize with a sudden mix of disgust and acceptance that I have come to like this song. Crap! Now I’m a faddy, someone who likes those dumb songs everyone else likes. What happened? Oh well, I decide that these songs are now a part of me and I just have to live with it. I am a fan. A reluctant fan, but a fan nonetheless. Damn it. I’m like a classic rom-com formula: girl and song meet, girl loathes song, song pursues girl with charming persistence, song and girl are perfect for each other. The End. Roll credits. Maybe there’s a cute outtakes section.
So here are some of the songs that I reluctantly appreciate. You could say that I learned to love them…
Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm
Think what you want about me, I didn’t realize this was a Michael Jackson cover when I first loathed it. I just didn’t like it. I thought it was loud and weird and… I mean it’s about a chick who gets attacked. What is there to like? Well, a punky rock vibe that insists upon being heard. The heavy lyrics against the upbeat tempo of the song. The persistent “Annie, are you OK?” Is she ok? I didn’t like it, I thought the words were dark, the music too opposed to the lyrics, it just wasn’t something I wanted to hear. But it was on the radio all the time. One day, I liked it. Don’t ask me why, I just do. And then I realized it was MJ which just made it better. I even wrote a paper in English Literature about my change from hate to love. Inexplicable is about all I have as an explanation.
Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
I’ve discussed this song before. I adore it and its many, many video inspirations. I thought it was dumb at first, the bubbly melody, and the catchy lyrics. I was annoyed. Call Me, Maybe? Ok, but I don’t know anyone who likes to be called “Maybe.” And again, after hearing it one too many times I found myself dancing along, singing about ripped jeans and hot nights. I looked up the video which is cute in and of itself. That Carly Rae has a good sense of humor. Then I found all the parodies and dance-along videos and discovered than even the Marines enjoy a good pop song. So I decided that I liked it and I haven’t looked back since. So you may or may not agree, but either way, call me…maybe?
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
My only problem with Taylor Swift is that a lot of her songs sound very similar to me. I admire her for the way she’s become a star. I can appreciate her talent for writing. I just abhor watching her perform “live” (granted, I’ve only seen her on award shows or TV specials, not in concert). She is not the best singer. I watched an interview once where she admitted that she never warmed up. It shows. I’m sorry, it does. I have a real love/hate relationship with T. Swift. I enjoy a lot of her songs, as I said, her rise to fame and subsequent ability to remain humble and sweet are admirable, and I am grateful that there is a young woman out there who knows girls are looking up to her and acts accordingly. (Ahem, Lindsay Lohan). She is genuine, kind, and talented. But she writes about all these guys who’ve wronged her and it all starts to sound a little—whiny. Despite all of that and my conflict, I do enjoy Taylor’s latest bashing song. I found it completely immature and silly when I first heard it, but now… well, WE-HEE!
Payphone – Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa
This song was more of a gut reaction for me. Who uses a damn payphone anymore? Where did he find one? Who has change to put in that damn payphone anymore? Wait, he’s lovelorn and sad and calling her—that’s so sweet. And the melody, the lyrics are too fun and catchy not to enjoy. Plus, HELLO! Adam Levine is a fox and I like watching him on The Voice so anything he does is good. I never got on the Maroon 5 bandwagon when they first got popular, but I have always admired their rock/pop thing. Now I have another song to add to that list of goodness. (Warning: This video contains the explicit version of Payphone).
50 Ways to Say Goodbye – Train
Oh, this song really pissed me off when I first heard it. It sounds like a mix between a Mariachi band and The Phantom of the Opera. Think about it. Yeah, you hear it now too. I was so irritated. Being a theatre person, I couldn’t help but feel offended that it sounds way too much like the classic show. But it’s Train. I really do like Train. I have listened to them for a long time, been a fan for a while. I gave it a few more chances, looked up the video, and then BAM!, I fell in love. Now I know all the lyrics, but I can’t sing them because I’m laughing. It is hilarious and I appreciate the humor. I put this song at the end because it’s my favorite of all the songs I’ve learned to love. And this is the truth, the more I listen, the less I dislike the similarity to Phantom and just dance along like I’m at an East Side nightclub.
If you're a Weekend Fatty and keep up with this blog on a regular basis, you've probably noticed we have some repeat offenders, er, bloggers. I think it's time to introduce them and to let you know about a few changes here at Weekend Fat.
Amber (For those of you who don't know, that's me.)
I started this blog back in May for a few reasons:
1. I am living in China this year and found myself with a MASSIVE amount of free time.
2. I am a pop-culture junkie and found myself wanting to start conversations about things I was reading. 3. I noticed that the things I wanted to talk about were being written about on other blogs, sometimes with the exact same angles I had in mind. I didn't want to stand on the sidelines anymore.
4. I have another blog that's more personal, more about me and my life. I noticed when I blogged about Glee or music or Helen Mirren, the readers for those posts were TOTALLY different than the ones who normally read. Market discovered.
5. My friend Meredith gave me a boost of encouragement one weekend that inspired me to stop talking about it and just do it.
It's been 6 months and I gotta say, I am very pleased with the results so far. The average post gets about 90 readers. The most read (my friend Julie'srebuttal/defense to me about Jennifer Aniston) has over 400 hits. The next few most popular (ringing in at over 300 hits) were the ones about Magic Mike and Honey Boo Boo. The total number of individual readers that have come into contact with the blog and stayed for at least a minute, is around 12,000 from what I can tell, though I think it's safe to say that we have a steady following of about 250. Considering I only have about 750 Facebook friends, I think it's safe to say that the Google machine is putting Weekend Fat "on the map." Of course, the world of pop-culture is big, and while I will never run out of topics, I know (hope) that my schedule will change once I go back to America.
In preparation for that, I will be cutting down to 3 posts a week. But my friends will be contributing, and you, are more than welcomed to do the same. Just email me your post (or ideas!) at catidwell222@gmail.comand we will go from there.
Now...here's who you might see blogging in the future:
Vicky
Vicky-Timing is everything, and I met Vicky through an awesome organization back in Auburn, Alabama that we both got to be a part of, The Layman Group, before it disbanded. We hit it off. Vicky is a theater junkie and super talented with all things related to it. She and her husband now live in Tallahassee, Florida. In my mind, Vicky likes pretty things and laughing a lot.
Julie
Julie-I met Julie through The Layman Group too, though when I was working at Starbucks in Auburn, she was a regular, so it's hard to know how we actually became friends. In all honesty, she reminded me of someone (no clue who) so it felt like we'd been friends for a while. Julie is a brilliant event planner who has an appreciation for all things Jennifer Aniston, fashion, and Greyhounds. The dogs, not the bus. I cannot imagine Julie on a bus. You can find her blog here.
Sandi
Sandi-I met Sandi in New Orleans when she was 12, but now she lives in Boone, North Carolina and works as a nanny while finishing her degree in Child Development. Sandi devours a lot of really thick books and TV, her greatest fault is that she doesn't like scary things. Her take on pop-culture is fresh and transparent. She is just as likely to be seen watching Game of Thrones as she is Ina Garten. I'm not sure how she'd do in a sword fight, but I know she's a great cook.
Carmen
Carmen-I met Carmen while working at a camp in my teenage years, and though we might be as opposite in personality as two people can be, I liked her snark, her honesty, and the way her hair was always perfect. Now she lives in North Alabama and we have shared pop-culture interests for well over 10 years, including the summer we spent in Montana speaking in movie quotes over long distance calls across the state. She is quite possibly the biggest Veronica Mars fan on the planet, but I have heard her perfectly quote entire episodes of Friends. I pick on her about liking Kristen Stewart, but she does make a convincing case. And that's the thing about Carmen, she can always defend, justify, and explain in detail her reason for liking whatever is that she likes.
Romelle
Romelle-Romelle is a fellow blogger/wanna be writer who lives in North Carolina. She would want you to know that she has 6 children (one who was married in May and one who will be married in a few weeks) leaving her 4 at home that she Home Schools. She errs on the conservative side of life, loves British drama, hates Anne Hathaway and other shallow ridiculous things, and is probably one of the most quickly clever people I have ever met. We are currently in a stand off about my never having watched Freaks and Geeks. (I will get to it!) You can find her blog here.
Vanessa
Vanessa-Vanessa lives in Fresno, California and is the youngest contributor to Weekend Fat. Since graduating from high school last year, she has been working like crazy on her photography. She has a brilliant eye, and I am convinced she has potential to be the next Annie Leibovitz or National Geographic photographer. You can find her photography on her Facebook page, Vanessa D. Photography. Her pop-culture tastes are black and white, meaning she either loves things or hates them. She is a huge HIMYM fan, and recently called me crying at 2am because she finally finished Six Feet Under.
Meredith
Meredith-I met Meredith when I worked at Starbucks in Auburn, Alabama, she was a fellow Barista, relocated from New York. She was also heavily involved in The Layman Group. I knew instantly that we would be friends, but she was slower on the uptake. Eventually we found ourselves making the shifts at the 'Bucks' fly, by talking non-stop about pop-culture. She's got a unique perspective on pop-culture, usually laser focused on what she likes, but unpredictable all the same. Though she hasn't written an actual guest post yet, she promises me that there's one (or more) coming. Even if it never materializes, she gives me lots of my ideas for posts and positive feedback that keep this blog going. You can read some of her insights at Verge Pipe Media's blog.
Um, first of all, aren't my friends supermodels? Yeah, I think so too.
Ok, so from here on out, you'll be hearing from me, mixed in a little more with these gals (and possibly even my mother!). I will put a "By" line in the subject when anyone other than me writes, and they will also be tagged in the labels so you can find more of their writing if you like what you see. And trust me, you WILL like what you see.
Thanks for reading, it's been a super fun 6 months. I'm looking forward to many more!
Recently, Anna Kendrick has been showing up in my life. I recognized her from (ugh) Twilight and had a little bit of bias against her because of it. But the more I have seen her, the more I find myself delighted and charmed by her. I am actually quite impressed. After a little bit of research, I’m even more of a fan. This girl has gone from nobody to stardom and Twilight helped her get there. (There are spoilers below, ye be warned). As some of you know, I am not a fan of Twilight, but I slate my curiosity because I did read the books. I have a really hard time watching any of them, but I get through. Anna Kendrick plays a mix of two characters from the book; Jessica Stanley and Lauren Mallory, named Jessica. She befriends Bella when she is new to the school and is sort of this annoying presence with a perspective on Edward and the Cullens that I actually related with.
She looks as annoyed as I feel!
Anna’s Jessica gave the graduation speech and speculated that Bella was pregnant at the horribly awkward wedding. She’s kind of snarky and a bearable part of the whole deal. But still, she was in Twilight. To her credit, she has sky rocketed since then and also, she has defended it with a good point: “I'm tired of hearing people rage on the fans. If you don't like Twilight, don't buy a ticket.” I can’t help it, Anna, I want to know how they deal with the book!
After some research, I realized that Anna was in one of my favorite little known musicals, Camp. It’s about a bunch of theatre geeks at a summer camp where they go through rigorous training and big age-inappropriate shows. There is drama, comedy, betrayal, love—and music, of course. Anna plays a lowly actress, Fritzi, who becomes the “assistant” to an ingénue actress. In a fit of anger, she poisons the actress with Woolite and takes over during a performance. Now, before you watch this scene, two things; one, there is some harsh language (one of my favorite lines), and two, Anna was only 17 years old when she filmed this movie.
Seventeen!
She’s been on Broadway and was even nominated for a Tony Award at the tender age of 13 for her role in High Society. Speaking of awards, she has been nominated for many including a/an Oscar, Golden Globe, People’s Choice, MTV Movie Award, and Critic’s Choice among others. Most of these were for Up in the Air which was a great film where she held her own against George Clooney and Jason Bateman. The role of Natalie was written by Jason Reitman with her in mind as the one and only choice. She was charming, solid, and vulnerable and I am now a full-blown fan. I’ve watched an interview or two and she is so sweet and actually speaks well which is refreshing for an actress her age. What I also like about her is that she’s accessibly pretty. She can be a little nerdy/dorky as well as gorgeous.
Poised and Pretty at the 2010 Golden Globes.
Although I have noticed Anna Kendrick, I have to say that the roles that really solidified her for me were more recent. Her portrayal of food truck owner Rosie in What to Expect When You Are Expecting was sweet and heartbreaking. Her story was one of my favorites among the many and my girl crush was ignited. I saw Pitch Perfect the other day and I now have a full-blown crush. It was a cutesy movie, but I’m a sucker for music and underdogs, so I was hooked. I have to say that although it did follow the typical comedy/romance/underdog outline, it was very witty and fun which put it a step above the rest. Anna’s character, Beca, was a little broody so it was nice to see her arc through the movie. And she’s quite the talented singer which is another reason to adore her.
I have other Anna Kendrick movies planned for future viewing. She is in End of Watch as Jake Gyllenhaal’s wife and 50/50 with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogan. I plan to see both of these and look forward to her performance in both. Side note for you comic book fans, she’s Scott Pilgrim’s sister, Stacey, in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
So Anna Kendrick has redeemed herself in my Twilight-weary eyes and been added to my list of girl crushes. This is an elite group to include Drew Barrymore and Charlize Theron. I am eager to see what else she does and glad that she doesn’t seem to be taking a turn toward Lindsay Lohan Land any time soon. From Twilight to Pitch Perfect Anna Kendrick has become a star who can only shine brighter with time.
So what do you think of my girl, Anna Kendrick? Like her? Hate her? Don’t know who she is? Let me know!
(Vicky, 29, lives in Tallahassee, FL where she is impressed with the fact that there is more than just a Hobby Lobby to buy fabric. She is a writer, reader, wife, dog mom, theatre lover, and costume maker. Mostly, she is what she likes to refer to as a sous of everything, master of nothing.)
I have a beef with Hollywood.I have noticed there are an increasing amount of disappointing endings to movies.You know what I mean.Those movies that have amazing trailers, that look epic, there are talented actors involved, this movie is going to be the best thing you’ve seen in years.So you pay your ten or thirteen dollars depending on if it’s in 3D, you sneak in some sodas in your purse, but buy the movie popcorn because there’s just something about it.You might wait in line for a while, then you take your seat, and endure endless commercials you could watch on TV, answer stupid trivia questions that everyone knows, and wonder if people actually text in answers to who is best dressed.Finally the screen gets dark, the lights dim, the ambient crowd noise dies down, and there is an excitement in the air.You watch awesome trailers to movies you plan to see later to the point that you forget which movie you came to see in the first place.Now, fifteen minutes after the start time, the movie you paid to see begins its journey.It’s epic, it’s sweeping, the actors are doing great work, and you react to the sadness, the joy, and the jokes.You are about to declare this an amazing movie.But suddenly, something happens, the movie starts to wrap up its epic, sweeping story and you are left empty and unfulfilled.
W...T...F?
What just happened? That movie was so good, but now all I can think about is how unfulfilled I was by the ending! Why didn’t they just: (insert suggestion here)? Why? WHY? WHY?!?!?!?!? (Cue: falling on knees, in the rain, arms up, crying up to the sky at the movie gods for this pathetic ending.)
So I have compiled a small list of movies that I found to be disappointing in the end. These are star-filled, action-packed, good concept movies until the end screwed them up. The only thing they have in common is the disappointing ending and that I paid money to see them in the movie theater. Warning: major spoilers ahead, proceed at your own risk.
Snow White and the Huntsman
This movie was pretty good and the concept was great. A strong Snow White who teams up with the Huntsman sent to capture her, a slightly crazy, power-hungry queen who wants immortality and to rule the land forever. There are so many things this movie got right: Charlize Theron as the gorgeous Queen Ravenna, Chris Hemsworth as the brooding, handsome Huntsman, Bob Hoskins (Smee!) is among the dwarves, Sam Claflin as Prince Charming William, the visual effects and cinematography are breathtaking, Ravenna’s back story is rich and gives us an insight to why she’s so angry. Then there was this one choice that threw everything off…
All believability, lost.
(Side rant) Kristen Stewart was a poor choice. I’m sorry, I’m not a fan. I’ve seen her in a few things and I don’t like her as an actress. I don’t understand why she’s so sought after; she has NO EMOTIONS! I understand that the whole “fairer” thing is not just about the looks but more about the goodness that is inside Snow White. However, knowing that the whole deal was originally about looks and that the queen is so beauty obsessed, they should have cast someone more looks-worthy and acting-worthy and just overall-worthy.
But back to the ending, it was sub-par. There was all this build-up to an epic battle that fell a little short and led to the crowning of Snow White as the new queen. The last scene left me so wanting. What about the Huntsman, why is he just standing at the back while she’s named queen, why isn’t he by her side, are we going to address that he loves her, does she love him, if the Huntsman isn’t her choice, is it William? There was this little indication that the land was returning to normal, sun shining and trees setting out blooms, but I would have loved to see an indication of the people being rejuvenated as well, something to let me know that everything truly is on the mend. Maybe they have sequel stuff in mind, but still, now I’m completely disinterested because I was SO disappointed.
Robin Hood
I’m talking about the Russell Crowe version because in no way do the Kevin Costner (“I would die for you” and Sean Connery) or Cary Elwes (Patrick Stewart and “Call the locksmith!”) versions disappoint. All of the buildup; the back story of Robin Hood being a soldier and the circumstances by which he becomes Robin Hood, meeting Cate Blachett’s Marion, the amazing moment when he hops on the horse and declares his love for her (sigh), the epic battles throughout, it’s all good.
Someone is about to get an arrow through their neck.
I was swept away, Kevin Costner’s lack of accent fading in my mind, when suddenly King James is jealous of Robin and declares him an outlaw. What? So now we’re at the point where Robin’s adventures as we know them begin? NOW, Robin of Loxley is an outlaw? And how did they set up that little forest community so quickly? Meh.
And who are we kidding really? Alan Rickman will always be the best Sheriff of Nottingham, hands down.
Hancock
I only have one thing to say. They’re gods/angels/superheroes and soul mates? Really?
I will cut you (because when we’re together it will actually hurt)
What movie endings did you find disappointing? Do you agree with my disappointing choices?
(Vicky, 29, lives in Tallahassee, FL where she is impressed with the fact that there is more than just a Hobby Lobby to buy fabric. She is a writer, reader, wife, dog mom, theatre lover, and costume maker. Mostly, she is what she likes to refer to as a sous of everything, master of nothing.)
Inspired by the “It’s ALL McDonald’s” and “Why It’s NOT ALL McDonald’s.” Here’s my thing: It IS ALL McDonald’s, but what’s so wrong with McDonald’s? Just like everything bad for you, MickeyD’s is something that you have to do in moderation. In his stand-up segment, Jim Gaffigan points out that McDonald’s is something that we eat with shame, but can’t give up because it’s just too good and so bad. People act all uppity about it, but the numbers don’t lie. But what’s so wrong with enjoying some delicious, fresh MickeyD’s fries? Amber has confessed her guilty pleasures to us before. Why do we feel the need to hide our guilty pleasures away and only admit them to people when we’ve had a little too much libation or are confessing a deep, dark secret? Why not embrace other people’s guilty pleasures and remember that we all have some of our own. A lot of us feel the need to pretend we don’t like something when we secretly indulge in it when we are alone. Don’t feel ashamed of something you love, embrace it and enjoy it. Just know that sometimes you may have to defend it—or not, you could just tell people that you could care less what they think of your slight obsession and carry on. Personally, I find that when I’m upfront about things that I like, people will either keep being my friend or not. If you decide that our differing opinion on something trivial is worth not being friends with an awesome person like me, well, you probably weren’t going to be a good friend anyway. It’s as simple as that. So in honor of Amber’s amazing blog of Pop Culture that brings me a laugh almost daily and her bravery and honesty in said blog, I am confessing some Not So Guilty Pleasures of my own: Weekend Fat – I mean come on, it’s a little Pop Culture, a little personal opinion (that I often agree with), a little hey, what do you think? And I love it. I don’t think it’s bad to debate Miley’s hair cut or declare Team Angelina or Team Jennifer. What’s wrong with a little peek into the lives of people who’ve chosen the path of fame? They knew the consequences of putting themselves out there and hey, sometimes they do some crazy stuff. Twilight – OK, this is a little different than you think. There’s backstory here: I worked for Books-A-Million and found myself constantly being asked “Is Twilight appropriate for my (insert number) age daughter/niece/etc.?” I could only tell these mothers/aunts/etc. what I heard about the books. I was being asked so often, I decided that I wanted to form my own opinion. So I read them. All of them. Meh. I also saw the first movie with my very tolerant husband and I was horrifically fascinated. He declared that he would never watch another one and I was mildly curious. I saw the second one in theaters with some fellow BAM employees and declared I would never pay money to see another one in a theatre. But I wanted to see how they dealt with the rest of the books, so I have seen up to the latest installment (Thank you, RedBox). Don’t love it, in fact I pretty much detest them, but I can’t help but slate my curiosity.
But then, there's this. Yes, I own one.
Leonardo DiCaprio – This is pretty self-explanatory. I used to be in L-U-V with Leo. Romeo + Juliet solidified it for me. Titanic, phenomenal. Now that he’s all grown up and actually looks his age, I still admire him and appreciate his amazing acting skills. I enjoy watching him and remembering how I used to cut out pictures of him from Seventeen and collage them together to hang up in my closet. We were going to get married one day, you know. P.S. I did NOT see Titanic in 3D. All that water rushing at me in 3D? My bladder barely made it at 14, it definitely wouldn’t make it now. Drew Barrymore – She has been brought up before on his blog. Lots of people don’t like her, but I’m declaring my love for Drew! Everything she does—good, bad—love her. I like the way she talks out of the side of her mouth and the way she’s pulled herself out of a life of drugs to become a star. She’s adorable, funny, quirky, and dang it, I like her. Did you know she’s married and pregnant?
Aren't they adorable?
Katherine Heigl / Ashton Kutcher – These two are guaranteed to have my attention. I can’t help it. Their movies are mainstream or bad or good, it really doesn’t matter, and I love them. It’s this weird charisma thing that sucks me in and I can’t help but like their movies (that I’ve seen). Except this one Ashton did with Anne Heche, Spread—I don’t know, it was a little ew for me. Someone once told me that they thought Katherine Heigl seemed like a stuck-up so-and-so and lots of people dislike Ashton Kutcher…. Well, I’m not concerned with their personal lives; I’m talking about their movies. Not many other actors can get to me the way these two do. And if you put Heigl and Kutcher in a movie together—I’m done. Done.
Seriously. Done.
Call Me, Maybe? – Probably not after this blog…. So this song has popped up everywhere. There are endless amounts of videos. My top three picks: U.S. Olympic Swim Team, Marines, and Cookie Monster in no particular order. I’ve heard it a million times and I still love it. Also, I thought it was stupid when I first heard it. Like call me “Maybe,” ok, “Maybe” you’re weird. Now, it’s grown on me. I know all the words, I’ve watched lots of videos, and my husband is a very, very patient man. America’s Next Top Model – OK, this one may not seem like a big deal, but here’s the thing; I don’t watch much reality TV. No American Idol, no Amazing Race, no Big Brother, I didn’t even watch Real World or whatever (is that still on?). I watch Project Runway, Face Off, that kind of stuff. The most mainstream I get is The Voice because a) it doesn’t feel like it’s gotten out of hand like other shows b) I LOVE Blake Shelton c) they seem more genuine and they aren’t straight up mean to people. So with my “clean” lineup of reality, why do I watch the “smutty” ANTM? Because of the pictures. I can take or leave the drama between the girls or whatever rant Tyra decides to go on. I just want to look at the photo shoot and the pictures that come out of them. Some of the stuff they do is so creative, so I guess the artist in me is intrigued. By that time, I have to know who they’re kicking off. Also, I’ve got eyes and Eyes down. ANTM fans, you know what I’m talking about.
So what are your Not So Guilty Pleasures?
Declare them loud and proud! It’s ALL McDonald’s, but who doesn’t enjoy a quick stop under the golden arches?
(Vicky is a big fan of Weekend Fat and decided that she had something to say. Maybe McDonald’s just gets her fired up. She can relate to “l’esprit de l’escalier”).
