In Hollywood, despite major examples to the contrary, the general school of thought during the summer (especially when adapting fantasy stories) seems to be to rely on battle scenes and action in order to keep audiences riveted, rather than focusing on just telling a good story. This definitely appears to be the dominating mindset of the filmmakers in charge of the second installment of Disney's Narnia franchise, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Capsian. And I'm confused as to why this approach was taken with Prince Caspian when C.S. Lewis has given us a great, fantastical story to work with that even comes with nice allegorical ties to the real world, offering kids lessons in love, courage and honor.
This is my fundamental gripe about an otherwise entertaining movie. Because, sure, while there are some people who could watch giant armies storm an open field and men sweat and grunt as they battle each other for hours, there is no question the kids at my screening grew tired of all that. In fact, the girl next to me who was no older than 10 spent a good portion of the movie with her head buried in her father's shoulder, as it was just a little too violent and scary to endure (some people are even saying it's too violent for the PG rating).
To read more about why I think filmmakers missed an opportunity to tell a great story,
Look out, world (or just Mode) — Wilhelmina is back! Her Evilness and Marc made a triumphant return to power on this week's Ugly Betty after the revelation that she is the mother of an unborn Meade family heir. Again, this entire plot line is so hilariously far-fetched (and just not logical!) that it's always funny to me when they try to explain it to us.
In other news, Betty awakes to the lonely person ballad "All By Myself" as she tries to get over Henry (who we learn is back in Tucson) but she finds herself drawn to Gio and his sandwich shop. She also — surprise! — deals with her pain by immersing herself in work.
Here are some more thoughts:
I know I have a tendency to gush over Marc and Amanda but there was just so few of them when the season started up again. And come on, how great were they last night together? Their little BFF moments are so tender, yet they are both superficial and mean — it's a mix I can't get enough of!
Hilda's break-up advice to Betty was perfect: "When I break up with a guy I like to get a little scary so he never forgets me."
Best descriptions of Wilhelmina first came from Marc: "You are a horror movie I wish would never end." And then Daniel: "She is one third of this company and she has the Devil on her side!"
To read the rest of my thoughts and start chatting about the cuteness that is Gio,
At first, Weezer caught some flack from the Web when they released the cover of their upcoming album (dropping June 3) because it's a little, well, weird. Like, just weird-weird. Now there are a bunch of songs from the the album available for a listen and again, it seems like fans are nervous. Perhaps it's because aside from one of the tracks ("Pork and Beans") there doesn't seem to be a tune that is of the same quality of "Say It Ain't So" or "Island in the Sun".
I'm alright with one of the tracks, "Heart Songs" although there are about a billion references to everyone from Bruce Springstein to Quiet Riot to Debbie Gibson. "Dreamin" is OK, too, and is more Weezer-ish.
To check out some of the songs for yourself and to tell me if I'm just being too nostalgic for the Weezer of old,
OMG, where to start?! The season finale of The Office was so. Freaking. Great. I honestly think this is hugely due to Amy Ryan's spot-on performance as the new HR lady at Dunder-Mifflin. I loved her! And then there were all the twists and turns (that didn't just have to do with Pam and Jim, like that very last scene!). And the whole storyline with Kevin is, I think, one of the funniest, cleverest things I've seen on television in a long time.
The going-away party for Toby was amazing! It made me so happy for the new party planner in town, Phyllis, as though she's an actual person I know in real life. Sometimes I think I get too involved in these shows. I really wanted to give her a hug.
Also, thanks to Creed, there now exists the job title of "Quabity Aschwitz." Amazing.
What did you think about this finale? Were you as delighted by it as I was? Check out SavvySugar's "most relatable moments" post, complete with a clip from the show. For some of the parts I thought were the best and funniest, and to share your thoughts,
