merry christmas

Here is wishing your friends and family a good one - shennantics

"Rolling with the homies"

Today is a very sad day, it was reported earlier that actress Brittany Murphy (Clueless, 8 Mile, Spun, Sin City and Just Married) died of cardiac arrest this morning.

It really is shocking because, Murphy was only 32 and she hadn't really been in the news lately. I'm saddened because Murphy was one of my favorite actresses because of her goofball tendencies and just sorta whacky demeanor.

Different entertainment reports all cite "8 Mile" as her claim to fame, but who could ever forget about Tai? "And my buns they don't feel nothing like steel."

Murphy did quite a bit indie films that kinda went under the radar, and even had done a recording with dance DJ Paul Oakenfold for "Fasterkill Pussycat," which surprised everyone because she could carry a note, very well. I don't know why people were so surprised just remember the scene in Clueless "Rollin' with the homies."



She will be missed.

Fasterkill Pussycat

The Monsters Under Lady Gaga's Bed

Don't call it an album, really, do not. Lady Gaga's "Fame Monster" is definitely an EP, and if you bought the deluxe/super-de-duper/limited-edition/her-hair-is-attached-to-it boxset than you were also greeted with "The Fame" in conjunction with "Monster." It is the year of the Gaga.

From the now-famous battle cry of "Bad Romance" with it's club stomping sensibilities and bizarre lyrics (References to Hitchcock aplomb!) the "Fame Monster" is a set up for the crazy, but very seductive world of Lady Gaga.

8 tracks seems to be very skimpy, yet it's always better to go out with the audience wanting more. And yet, for all the black glitter allure of "The Fame Monster" the ambition, the expectation is a bit much. Gaga is a talented woman, with an ear for impressive, catchy pop hooks, but releasing new material so quickly after "The Fame" does show that there is still room to grow.

On an interview with Toure for Fuse, Gaga opened up about her idiosyncracies regarding love, monsters and pop fame. The album explores these 'monsters.' "Alejandro" with it's slice of Euro-disco, is one of the two tracks that deviate from Gaga's tried and true in-your-face dance aggresion.
Things get a bit creepy on "Monster" with lyrics like "he ate my heart," and "he ate my heart and then he ate my brains." Aside from the lyrics, "Monster" is the most radio friendly. This album was designed for the clubs.

Sasha Fierce or should we say, Beyonce, drops in on the claustophobic production "Telephone" which details a night at the club punctuated with incessant calls from a too eager amour. Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins produced "Telephone" and it does signify a break from the rest of the album, Sasha Fierce's guestspot as the tough-as-robotic-nails diva only amps up this single as another club jam.

"The Fame Monster" is not lean on club jams either, the swaying "So Happy I Could Die," is a personal favorite, while "Dance in the Dark" gets lost in the small shuffle. Tellingly, "Speechless" and "Teeth" the non dance-y cuts on the album highlight Gaga's ability to craft interesting pop songs. It's not a leap away from "The Fame" but for people who can't get Gaga out of their head, "The Fame Monster" is good enough to eat.
Grade : A-

Gaga Ooh La La

Optimus Prime Needs A WonderBra?

So, Michael Bay has directed a Victoria's Secret commercial.
FML.
I'm kidding.

I'm not a fan of Bay's I-need-to-blow-everything to pieces cinema de verite, and I can't for the life of his career understand why he would undertake directing a VS commercial.

I am a fan of VS (what girl isn't?) but this commerical pushes the aggresive sexiness to a whole new level. Seriously, models leaving a jetliner in their lingerie? That makes no sense whatsoever, Bay. We get it, VS is serious business and sexiness is danger, adrenaline, yadda yadda.

I wonder if when directing the clip, Bay was trying to "reach deep" into the models pysches and play up to their individual personalities.

Just a thought.


Blow it to Pieces!

Grade : F for Fail.

There was a New Moon last night

If you've been under a rock or in a coma since 2005 you might not know about the whole Twilight phenomena. But if you read this blog, you know where I stand on the issue. Love Twilight, but not crazy about it.

Having said that New Moon came out yesterday and I couldn't be more thrilled with how it turned out. The movie was everything a mainstream film should be. Turns out it was a good choice to go with a new director. The movie was brighter visually which added to the darkness underneath the surface. Its way better than the first film Twilight. But you can't really compare the two since Twilight was an independent, and New Moon had some major money backing it.

In New Moon Edward leaves after a very bloody birthday celebration that almost left Bella the icing on the cake for Jasper. Who has that much blood from a paper cut? Anyway, the Cullens leave and Bella's depressed. Like really depressed, shell of her former self depressed. Who knew Bella's lack of personality could stretch that far. But that's just a means to an end...New Moon is centered around Bella's friendship with Jacob Black, Jacob's love for Bella and his turn from a normal, sweet natured 15-year-old boy to a *ahem* rather buff werewolf. Simple right? Not so much.
See, somewhere in between the zombie Bella, and clinging to Jake for the sake of her sanity Bella became a adrenaline junkie. This is all for the purpose of inducing hallucinations of Edward telling her to not be so stupid. There, not so simple anymore huh? Not to mention Victoria, the villain from Twilight's girlfriend, is back and making plans to rip Bella limb from limb.

Best scene if I had to choose would either be the motorcycle scene or when Bella runs through the water fountain to get to Edward before he exposes his oh so shiny skin to the humans in Italy (hows that for a suicide attempt?) for sheer book accurate awesome-ness.

Waiting until the last possible minute in the book as well as the movie, The Volturi are introduced to add further menace to the future storyline. Dakota Fanning as Jane was haunting, and Aro is just evil. While very calm and pleasant in outward appearance there was a sense of pure calculating evil just behind his crimson eyes. Well done Micheal Sheen for scaring the heck out of me!

Rating: Two enthusiastic thumbs way up!
Next up: Eclipse 2010!

Say It Isn't So

The news is already out but Taylor Jacobson has left the Rachel Zoe styling camp.
So sad, so sad.

But who didn't see that coming at the end of season 2? Although Taylor looked happy, it was quite obvious that something else was going to go wrong to send her reelin. But we support you Tay Tay and feel that your hard work and dedication to being an awesome person is admirable. I mean, come on, how many stylists do you know of that would give the opportunity to another stylist to see Paris Fashion Week? Unbelievable. What I'll miss the most about Taylor on the show is her snappy one liners, plantinum blonde razor egde cut and her ability to get work done on time and the right way.

But not all is sad, Shennantics Selection of Taylor's Best Hits:







But with Taylor leaving the show Brad is going to have to pick up the extra slack.

9021-Oh!

Just when things change everything stays the same on 90210.

Now that Adrianna has kicked drugs, had a baby, almost got married, gave the baby up for adoption, lost her manager in favor of being a normal teenager dubbing herself "No Drama Adrianna" she's back to her old druggie ways after a messy break-up thanks in part to stupid Teddy Montgomery and Jasper, Annie's new drug dealer psycho boyfriend.



Not to mention that it turns out that Naomi really isn't over Liam like previously thought. Even though the cute college jock forgave her for using his eco-friendly room-mate to get close with his dean of admissions mama.

Luckily Dixon stayed out of the spotlight (honestly, I need a break from him after the crazy old chick lying about being pregnant). He only sabotaged Annie's meet the parents dinner in passing by telling their parents about Navid seeing Japer's drug deal to Aid.

Sadly, Silver and Kelly's mother kicked the bucket last episode only after finally making it up to Silver about missing and ruining all her birthdays and having Kelly forgive her for how much of a terrible mother she was.

And if Jasper wasn't evil enough he pulled a stunt worthy of Passions by pushing Navid down the stairs! Who does that?

So whats gonna happen next on the show? Well, it seems that Naomi is finally going to find out just how much of a evil bitch her sister is by a well thought out plan from Liam and his friends causing Jen to reveal that it was indeed her that slept with Liam after Prom and framed it on Annie. So thats good news. But what is going to happen to Navid!? I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Katie Price Gets British on Chelsea Lately

Another Hot Mess Alert: Katie Price (She's busty, tanned and an author)

Everyone knows I love a bit of hot mess in my pop life, I'm a fan of women who err just a bit on the side of tacky, but of course it must be done within my standards. ha. Anyways, I first came across the vixen Katie Price when she was named Jordan, and she had a show with her then husband (Whats his name again?) on E! and it was like watching some kind of extreme polar opposite of Victoria Beckham come to life. I fell in love.

Katie Price is one of the UK's biggest tabloid stars, she graces the cover of OK!Magazine
literally every week and she has even been on the show "Help! I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here" she is famous for being a glamour model with really BIG everything. She's a draq queen in female form, and its amazing.

Last night on the wickedly funny Chelsea Lately with Chelsea Handler, Price appeared for a random interview in which she spoke about her cross-dressing boyfriend, botox injections, extensions and children's books. That's right, Children's books. Surprisingly, Price is very honest and that's something to admire. It was mentioned in the British tabloids today that the interview made her look like a fool, and I disagree. Anyone who gets on Chelsea Lately is going to get made fun of, end of story. Plus Price is British and everyone knows, that its just taking the "piss."
Bonus points that she has a style book coming out, can not wait.

Katie Price Gets Real

"No more Shennantics"...David Duchovny!

So, it's been reported to ME that David Duchovny of X-files fame and recent Showtime hit "Californication" in a recent episode mentioned "Shennantics."
Huzzah! David if you are reading our blog, why not leave a comment? No one likes a lurker.

Although, our blog does not entail naked strippers.

P.S. David we came up with the word AND not you.XP

"Yes Please, May I have another?"

Big In Japan: Uber Popstars of Japan's biggest girl group Morning Monsume go all goth on us.

A friend recommended me to listen to the new Hangry and Angry album. Hangry and Angry is a collobrative project from two members of the all-famous girl group in Japan, Morning Monsume (MoMusu to fans). Hitomi Yoshizawa and Rika Ishikawa were popular members (4th generation to be correct) of the group and have paired up for a lezzie/goth/tied-to-a-clothing line for the release. The album "Sadistic Dance" is actually a very good goth pop album. I've never been keen on any of MoMusu's releases, but "Sadistic Dance" actually pleased my little goth heart and I thought it was enjoyable.

From the club dance feel of "Sadistic Dance" to the puzzling "are they or are they not?" of "Top Secret" and "Kiss Me, Kill Me," the songs on "Sadistic Dance" are fun like JPop should be and have a dose of edginess usually lacking sometimes in the genre. Surprisingly, Yoshizawa's masculine appeal (she's the Hangry of the duo) is charming as her voice is one of they key ingredients for this album working so well. Ishikawa's girly girl vocal stylings offer a nice countervibe, but sometimes it can be too much. Als on "Sadistic Dance" is a cover of a MoMusu single "Peace."

Speaking of the faux lesbian tendencies, (explored in the video for "Top Secret") the duo is drawing comparisons to another girl duo, t.A.t.U. Personally, I love t.A.t.U and don't really care about the whole issue of them really being lesbians. Because obviously they aren't as Julia Volkova had a child, despite that, and without going on a tangent, Hangry and Angry and t.A.t.U comparisons really should stop at that. While in the rumor mill, it has been rumored that Yoshizawa and Ishikawa are really dating, no one can say for sure. Who cares? It's a good album and if you like extra cute things mixed with goth tendencies, then dance, dance, dance until your Hangry's content!

Grade: B
Best tracks: Sadistic Dance, Top Secret, Angelia
Worst tracks: Doubt

Hangry and Angry LIVE
Top Secret PV

WTF? Moment

Guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith reported to Las Vegas Sun that Steven Tyler has left the band, ya know "as for as he can tell." Perry is planning on having Tyler replaced and continuing with the band. Like that's gonna work. Well, actually with the successs of old bands with new singers, such as Journey or even INXS, it will work...but it will never be the same thing. The band will be tainted after all these years. Tyler will be a quiter as far as I can tell.

The band members have allegedly been having problems the past few months with incidents such as Tyler falling offstage in Dakota and having to be airlifted out making the band cancel the entire US tour.

The thing that I don't get is that Aerosmith is legendary. They had a successful career for not one, but three decades and still managed to stay relevant for another ten years! Some bands can't make it a year let alone 40 years. And yet after all the inspiring Behind the Music drama, singer Tyler decided to call it quits after falling off a stage? Really?

A visual of 3

(Center: Britney Spears gets very up close and personal with male dancers for the video "3."

This week, Britney Spears finally released the much talked about, video for "3." And everyone has an opinion. On MTV.com, fans have said they love it and that she looks hot and etc, etc.

What's the real verdict?

It's an okay video. We've definitely seen sexier from Ms.Spears, but then again, she is on her comeback so we can't push too hard. The video is directed by Diane Martel and features a very glam Britney Spears dancing provocatively with male and female dancers. In the video you can spot groups of three, and it just clears up whatever curiosity people had about the subject matter of the song.

She looks fantastic in the video,and you can tell she's been hitting the gym, but what irks me about the video is the dancing is just....not up to par. Spears is still stiff when it comes to rollicking like she used to, although some of the movements are pretty fluid, until the latter part of the video (and it's a short song) the frentic energy of the single does not pick up in regards to the choreography. Once again, its eye candy minimalism.

Also the clothes bother me, what is up with the V-tards? Not cute. Spears is adorable and sexy, whats with the outfits?

Best scene in the video: The chorus line of female dancers, Spears actually looks at ease with them.

Worst scene: see V-tards AND the horrible shameless fragrance plug at the beginning, I do not need commericals in my music videos, thank you.
1 2 3 Countin'

Twilight Saga: New Moon

Okay, I think everyone needs to back up when it comes to Twilight.

All this Twi-hate is affecting my opinion and that's not cool. We need to stop hating. That includes me.

Rolling Stone magazine called the New Moon soundtrack Pretty in Pink with fangs and I got uber upset. I heard this before I even got a chance to have my own opinion and initially, I resented the comparison. How dare they compare New Moon to any John Hughes movie. Grrr and rampage!

I finally had a chance to listen to the soundtrack and I can see it. I understand the comparison and I kinda agree. It's a beautiful soundtrack actually. Filled with soft yet powerful guitars, piano, and ethereal background noise. Nothing is too loud or fast, setting the pace magnificently for what is too come. Bring on the teenage depression and suicide attempts, whoo hoo.

The songs on New Moon set a very dark mood even for a vampire flick. "Meet me on the Equinox" penned by indie darlings Death Cab for Cutie tells a chilling tale of two lovers going all out knowing that its going to end someday no matter how awesome it is now. Even energetic songs on the album like Hurricane Bells "Monsters" makes it pretty clear the monsters intentions singing "Deep into the darkness where I hide."

Surprisingly OK Go had something to offer. The band doesn't seem like a fit, but one listen to "Shooting The Moon" makes you wonder why they weren't asked to be part of the original soundtrack.

Hands down best song would be Lykke Li's "Possibility." Filled with all the hope of Jacob's love for Bella, as well as Bella's tragic depression for the loss of her precious Edward. It's beautiful. The piano and vocals blend in a way that can break your heart its so thrilling.

Listening to the New Moon soundtrack I am reminded of what it felt like to flip through those pages two summers back in the middle of the night (yeah, I read New Moon in one sitting. Suck on that vamps!). I can feel the excitment welling up in me and I know why I liked the story in the first place. You can be certain of where I'm going to Nov 20.

But as far as calling the soundrack a John Hughes creation, I don't think its a fair comparison. I can't stand the Pretty in Pink soundtrack...or Breakfast Club soundtrack for that matter. Both movies only had one song that really were a hit. They weren't really chock full of amazing artist of the time writing songs for the actual movie. It's not the same thing so camparisons are rather trite.

Besides, John Hughes was a brilliant film maker and Twilight can never compare. It's good people, but calm down.


Key tracks- "Possibility" by Lykke Li, "Satellite Heart" Anya Marina

"A Nasty Piece of Work"

Groups are targeting the CW to stop airing the raunchy night time soap, Gossip Girl after commericals teasing about a "3Some" became apparent.

The group, PTC (Parents Television Council) has before tried to get the CW to cut the cable on the show, deeming that it is inappropriate for teenagers.

Because you know, that teenagers are largely impressionable.
Threesomes seem to be all the rage now, from Britney's song to now this. Is it going to become more mainstream? Who knows?

But, the CW is defending their choice to air the episode. The characters who are involved in the liason have not been leaked (although if you're quick on the interweb you might find out who's who). What I don't understand is how these parental groups think that causing a big fuss over a show like Gossip Girl is going to do anything. Don't they know that the more they tell their "impressionable teenagers" not to watch this "Every Parent's Nightmare" show that, in effect, that is exactly what they are going to do. Hello, Genuises.

I don't watch Gossip Girl and I don't plan to, Blake Lively is about as interesting to me as watching paint dry. Huzzah. Also, the show thrives on its bad publicity, as evidenced by the ads, and so this little bit of controversy is exactly what they need. Interestingly enough, the average age of a Gossip girl viewer is 27 reported by a CW spokesperson.


The episode in question will air November 9th.

Hot Mess Alert--Lindsay Lohan Dramatic Phone Call Leaked

Yikes, poor Lindsay Lohan, girl can't get a break. She has not had a starring role in ages, she's constantly the butt of any and all crack reference jokes, her fashion line with powerhouse designer Emmanuel Ungaro failed, and her dad is a really big attention whore.

It has been linked to various entertainment blogs snippets of an older message that Lohan had recorded in which she claimed that "no one cares about me." Her father, Michael Lohan reportedly linked the audio. Mike Lohan is setting a new standard for shameless, self-promotion by using his daughter's flailing star to get attention for himself.

Even more troubling is the fact that the audio can be heard and it's upsetting. While I'm not a fan of LiLo, I'm also not a fan of kicking someone while they're down. Lohan is obviously struggling with inner demons and not to pass judgement on anyone, she should be able to deal with those demons in her own time without the rest of the world being able to hear her at her worst.

She twittered on Wednesday:
"My fathers such a loser & those recordings are from years ago. To release personal things is foul enough, but to edit them. I used to think That he needed the book for dummies on learning how to be a father. Haha-he's needs the book for dummies on HOW TO BE A MAN."

Reported from RadarOnline and the Huffington Post:
"Mommy says that I'm worse than you were," Lindsay sobs to her dad. "And she's defending...She doesn't back me and she doesn't stand by me. Why? Why? No one cares about me. They don't, by the way. No one cares that much. It's never about that. It's about how they feel, not how I feel. It's not about me. It's never been about me, unless I fight for it."

No telling when the message was recorded. Last week Lohan slammed her dad over Twitter for his lunatic tendencies and physical and verbal abuse.

Sunday's New York Post reported that Lindsay and Dina were seeking a restraining order to stop Michael from kidnapping Lindsay and forcing her into rehab. They reportedly also served him with a cease-and-desist order to prevent him from going public with voicemails from Dina--voicemails he said illustrate Dina's concern that Lindsay's drug use has landed her "on death's doorstep."

RadarOnline reports that Michael released the tape of Lindsay's voicemail "in an attempt to prove his point and to disprove those around Lindsay who are saying she's fine."

Cassette From My Ex

Cassette from My Ex is a website much in the same vein as Post Secret.

Created by Jason Bitner (co-founder of another confessional culture project FOUND), Cassette from My Ex is a collection of stories from writers and musicians that offers a nostalgic and often romanticized look back at first loves, that first kiss, and yes, heartbreaks.

These stories remind us what it was like to be young and in love with the perfect music providing us a soundtrack.

Each story centers around a tape given by the infamous ex.

Breaking out beyond the World Wide Web, Cassette from My Ex has gone off-line and made itself tangible giving us Cassette from My Ex: Stories and Soundtracks of Loves Lost.

The book may have a limited audience in medium (how many people outside of this blog actually takes the time to make a mixtape anymore?) but transcends the mixtape culture becoming art, and honest portrayal of the youthful spirit. Showcasing passion through small black plastic and magnetic tape. Recorded love. We think it will last, but as the tape itself will attest to, can often warp and break, getting stuck in the very machine that surges it forward.

Cassette is filled with tales of the tragic ("Live Free or Die"), quirky ("The Mixtape Virgin"), and the strangely sweet with Rick Moody and Stacey Richter's back and forth letters trying to remember what exactly happened between them and what the heck Richter actually put on that darn tape ("Ribbed...for her pleasure").

Even more exciting, Rob Sheffield (the mixtape master himself, author of "Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time*," and the most rockin'-est man in a sweater) has lent to the book his humble offerings, "You Got the Peaches, I Got the Cream:" a story about loving a girl destined to run. This one entry alone has the power to make Cassette not just a necessity but a given right. Was that too much? Too bad, Sheffield rocks. Period.

Laced throughout the entries are useful, fun articles to help keep the art of mixtapes alive.

Collected into 224 pages Cassette from My Ex: Stories and Soundtracks of Love Lost was released October 27

*Run out and get it along with Cassette

Adam Lambert : Not for My Entertainment

Adam Lambert, of American Idol and boys kissing boys glory released the cover art for his highly anticipated album, "For Your Entertainment."

I don't know about you guys, but this cover reminds me of the many wrongs of the 80's. Lambert says he knows that the cover is ridiculous (and I couldn't agree more.) While I do appreciate his nod to cheesy glam and the trashiness of it all, but the cover's poor photoshop makes it look like my twelve year old sister could have done it. Not that glamorous.

Some fans apparently "don't get" Lambert's decidedly campy genuis, Lambert wrote on his twitter en quote:

"Thank you to those who appreciate and understand that the album cover is deliberately campy. It's an homage to the past. It IS ridiculous. For those that don't get it: oh well. Glad to have gotten your attention." He closed with, "Androgyny. Rock n roll."

To be fair, it's not his fault. American Idol covers are pretty much the cheesiest, bland, misguided covers in the bunch. Lambert has a great glam face, if he wanted to pay homage to the glam rock era of a time gone by, he should have went for it.

My remedy: Ditch the horrid graphics, hire Marilyn Minter and let the sexiness begin.

Grade: C

Playing 'Russian Roulette' with Rihanna

Way too much alliteration in the title, but I do what I can.

So, "the wait is ova" apparently, as the Rihanna machine has released her latest single, "Russian Roulette."

It's not what I was expecting at all, "Russian Roulette" is a gigantic sized ballad about a love that's dangerous. Many were probably expecting based on the title that "Russian Roulette" would have been some crazy energetic single with thumping production and some kind of trademark chorus--but no.

"Soldiers pull the trigger" she sings dramatically over Ne-Yo's swelling production and some critics are even speculating that the song is about her on/off relationship with fellow entertainer Chris Brown.


Other than the speculative subject matter and the really tacky barbed-wire boob cover shot, there's not much to say about this single. I should also mention that the single closes with a random gunshot (probably to be consistent with the title of the song) but like I said it's random. It will probably resonate with many for personal reasons, but, for a flagship single for her new album "R Rated," this single is surprisingly tame.

Cover Grade: D (Seriously BARBED WIRE! Tacky even for me.)
Single Rating : C
Average: C-

listen to it here

Britney Spears - 3 {Single Review}

"Living in sin, is the new thing."

So says the new Britney Spears single, "3." "3" is the latest single by the pop-tart Queen just in time for Jive to release a new singles collection in November. But it's only been a couple of years since the last Britney collection, "My Prerogative." Even if she's in a mess, Ms.Spears can churn out synthy dance singles like it's never going to go out of style.

"3" is not a departure from Britney's latest pop style. It's cool, detached and choppy with a production that borders on schizophrenia thanks to long time producer, Max Martin. Martin also helped Spears with the outrageously silly, school-yard neumonic device "If U Seek Amy" (do we really have to spell out what it means?) and "3" is no different. The single might strike up controversy, which is nothing new to Britney's brand of pop. The pop star is flirting with the idea of a menage-a-trois, even going as far as alluding that Peter, Paul and Mary were "getting down with 3."

I wouldn't say that.

The single doesn't stand out though apart from it's subject matter. We're used to Ms.Spears discussing sex, more sex and the possible idea of sex. That's what makes her songs really addictive, while not outright implicit, the idea is there. It's something that her entire career has been marketed by. The vocal production of "3" continues the trend of editing her vocals so much that the line between the effect and her actual voice is almost unrecognizable. Martin stretches her vocals it as far as she can go. Musically, she's stepping up her game with the sole new single from the singles collection, trading in pop stylings for a very aggressive dance stomp. In the clubs it won't be so much a suggestion but an outright demand.

What I've come to enjoy about Ms.Spears releases is that they mark a cultural zeitegeist, love her or hate her, the sexual political atmosphere of America can be summed up in a Britney song.

The only question is how long can her career sustain on being the proverbial tease?

Rating: C


Listen to it here

Fall TV: The CW

I noticed that a lot of the new shows I've been trying out are on The CW, so I thought I'd do a breakdown of some of The CW's fall line-up and review it.

90210



While not completely new, but hardly old news, the latest incarnation of 90210 is still fresh.

Good teen drama is hard to come by lately, and this show doesn't do much to break the mold. Having said that, the plot draws audiences in whether they want to or not. The show has covered a plethora of cliche teen issues, such as teen pregnancy, drug use, back stabbing, boyfriend stealing, and oh yeah...mental illness. There seems to be enough twist to make it watchable (i.e. Lovestruck virgins first paying for his long time crushes rehab then planning on marrying her to help raise a child he didn't birth).

Not to be outdone, the second season seems to just be warming up on all the emo goodness of growing up rich and privileged. Sexting was introduced as this seasons plot device for the yet again downfall of Annie Wilson, as if she needed anymore bad press. But this weeks episode seems to be the hour of the horrible sibling as well. With Naomi's manipulative, self-centered older sister (where to begin? Slept with Naomi's boyfriend Liam to put her in check, she's using the English teacher Mr. Matthews to look like she's not a gold digger to another suitor with money, stole another girls college essay or something like that when she was in high school) and Dixon's lack of support for Annie while she's going through a tough time is enough to make me chuck a shoe at my TV.

Hey, the whole school hates her and she committed a hit and run that killed a man. She isn't perfect but he's still her brother darn it! Finally, only after the sext was sent (anonymously by Naomi; that will teach her for leaving her wrap on the floor so Naomi's sister can frame her for the Liam thing!) does Dixon even show that he cares by punching out the dude who took the picture in the first place. Oh, and Mr. Matthews...I hate your new hairdo.

And don't get me started on my poor Silver. Dumped and ignored by her long time boyfriend (guess who? Yep, the ball of sunshine Dixon) after some douche of a new character told on her about Ethan texting her (and kissing her last season). Dixon is being a total jerk I say! Silver loves him, she chose him, and he goes and dumps her for getting a text? ARGH! BTW, the douche was there when Annie hit the guy (dun dun DUN!)

So as you can see, I'll keep watching ^_^


Melrose Place

I honestly don't know what I'm doing watching this drivel. It has an annoying couple taking the next step by getting engaged, and the neighbor publicity agent who's in love with they guy, some "sweet faced" (gag) new-in-town character, played by Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, who it turns out is a freaking psycho, a med student forced into becoming a call girl to pay her school tuition, an art thief (turns out he lived a tough life in San Bernardino before living with his rich, inattentive father), an ex-alcoholic chef, and the murder of there landlord within the first five minutes of the show.

Needless to say, it's a horrible hot mess of a car wreck.

The Beautiful Life: TBL

Now, I like the actress playing the main character. She's cute, but the leading male on the show really is not. At the most I can say he has a beautiful jaw line. No, I wanted to watch the show for Corbin Blu, who's character fittingly is trying to get a more adult career after being a success as a kid. But the whole story was dry and stale. Cliche, cliche, cliche! It seems like the whole show is a vehicle for Mischa Barton to make her comeback on TV.

Basically, Marissa Cooper is back from the dead as a washed up, model with a baby.

The Vampire Diaries


I didn't want to watch The Vampire Diaries at first. But all the talk and questions of whether I was going to check it out made me cave. Lucky for me, the show is interesting and a little endearing. I might even check out the books.

The whole story follows Elena and this Vampire dude Stefan's Eward-like obsession with getting to know her. But this isn't Twilight, Stefan's brother wants in on the action too. With a vampire-human-vampire love triangle, and Elena's witch/psychic best friend Bonnie, the show is just different enough to work, but similar enough to have a built in audience.


Will we continue this ill-fated CW romance once Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds resumes? I guess we'll find out next time. So be sure to tune in suckas :P

Review - Were the World Mine

Last night was the LOGO network premiere of the "queer rock musical" Were the World Mine. The legacy of queer rock musicals is a small, but strong one with the definite highlight of this genre "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."

The premise of "Were the World Mine" is something that could have came right out of a YA novel, mixed with an element of Shakespeare. A small-town gay teen, Timothy (Tanner Cohen) is in love with a studdly football player. Sounds like a cliche, but it's a cliche that is true because it happens quite frequently. Falling in love with a football player is an American pasttime, it's a mixture of self-effacement and longing altogether. People can relate, and people gay or straight will relate to "Were the World Mine."

The gist of the movie is if you could make anyone fall in love with you, would you?
Is an interesting question to pose.

Recall Aladdin, when the Genie tells Aladdin his three wishes pro quos. One of them being,"I can't make anyone fall in love with you." In the fantasy world, dealing with love is a very complicated matter.

"Were the World Mine" addresses that, as Timothy uses a love potion to make the football player fall in love with him. As his relationship with the player progresses, the homophobic townspeople are up in arms about the relationship, namely said football player's girlfriend. Even the jocks on the football team are homophobic, usually teasing Timothy as a "fairy."

Well guess what? He turns into a fairy.

What's funny about the townspeople falling in love, is that it happens to everyone. Girls who were shouting out homophobic slurs quickly turn into card-carrying members of the sapphic club.

Without giving away it happens in this film, the movie is shot gorgeously. Lustrous blues, glittering silvers and dark greens make the film look like a slice right out of Fairyland. The film also adapts Shakespeare's "Mid Summer Night's Dream" which appropriates more than just that play's themes.

Although, many might say that the film is lacking in addressing the real issues of being a gay teen, and that Cohen is too good looking to actually take serious, this is all warranted. Yes, the movie glazes over real incidents of hate crimes, and pacifies the tensions of being gay in high school, but director Tom Gustafson makes the film endearing. Gustafson showers it with love and patience.

And no review of this movie would be complete, without a review of the music. The music isn't necessarily rocking as in 'Hedqig' but it does it's job of being upbeat and beautiful. The cast for the most part does the singing in the movie, and they have decent voices. Cohen's voice is clear and not overtly feminine nor masculine.
Getting the soundtrack would be a wise move. My personal favorite was "He's Gay."

The song sequences in this film are done wonderfully, like mini music videos. One visit to YouTube and you can find the majority of the songs available for listening.

Rating : B

Book Review - Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd

I was very lucky to get to snag a free albeit unfinished copy of Geektastic at this years Comic Con and have a short chat with Castellucci (there may be a third installment to Plain Janes? You don't say)... as well as get a very cool personalized autograph for Corinne (it's the only one she did that day so I have to brag at our awesomeness, mine and Corinne's sheer awesomeness!) Anyway....

Geektastic is a collection of short stories put together by Holly Black (Tithe, The Spiderwick Chronicles) and Cecil Castellucci (The Plain Janes, Boy Proof) with contributions from some of the best fiction writers of today. The book offers a variety of tales with insight into the different worlds within the nerdom (Nerd + Kingdom=Miss Clever likes to mix words darn it!). It all started with Black and Castellucci entertaining the thought of a pair of star-crossed lovers containing a Klingon and a Jedi while at the San Diego Comic Con. This became the books first story "Once you're a Jedi, You're a Jedi All the Way."
Knowing that there were not many publishers willing to put out a story about a Jedi and a Klingon falling in love despite their friends not getting along Black suggests an anthology “so that we can have a home for [their] story.”
Thus, Geektastic is born!
From the awkward and alienated (“The Truth About Dino Girl,” “Quiz Bowl Antichrist”) to stories of community within geek culture (“I Never”), and even from the perspective of the high school “in-crowd” as the outsiders looking in (“One of Us”), Geektastic provides a quintessential overview of what it means to let your geek flag fly.
It does not go without saying of course that there are a few duds among the pack. “Secret Identity” is a bizarre story of a young girl who is meeting her beloved online boyfriend who thinks she is her sister at a hotel that is holding a dentist convention as well as a real superhero convention (with sidekick tryouts and all!).

While “Secret Identity” deals with a different reality Scott Westerfeld’s “Definitional Chaos” brings the reality of an online game into the real world. The story is confusing and the characters are unlikable. Maybe Westerfeld’s story makes perfect sense to others out there; it’s just not my cup of tea I suppose.
Saving the best for last is an understatement with Libba Bray’s “It’s Just a Jump to the Left.” The story is one of the best works of fiction I have read in a long time. The story centers on Leta and her best friend Agnes and their obsession with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The theme hit home right away, drawing my memory to a time when my group of friends where just as obsessed. Beyond the simplicity of connecting together in freaky unity with a bunch of weirdoes who like a strange film with no plot whatsoever (no matter what the stories Miss Shel—I mean Amy says), it’s about why the movie and the experience means so much of Leta.

The story progresses into a myriad of different themes. The most prominent dealing with loss of innocence, boys (obviously!), and dealing with a broken home as well as broken hearts. It’s a story of becoming who you will be as well as the struggle to hold on to who you were.
Geektastic, just like geek culture itself, is full of diversity in a single genre with many facets of interest and levels of loyalty to the cause (it’s that important folks); Whether you are a geek, freak, gay lit boy, supportive cheerleader girlfriend, or internet liar, nobody is safe from the title: Geek!
And it’s totally Geektastic!

Single Review - Aubrey O Day "Party All The Time."

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Who would ever want to remake Eddie Murphy's cheeseball classic "Party All The Time"? Aubrey O Day, that's who.

The former Danity Kane singer/actress has teamed up with Snl (D.Woods's cousin) to remake that 80's song. O'Day, who rose to publicity in her turn with P.Diddy's "Making the Band" was fired from the group after many clashes with P.Diddy over her image. She's no stranger to ragmags like UsWeekly and many gossip sites, and she also brews up controversy when on shows like "Wendy Williams," "Chelsea Lately" and "Hannity."

But this is not a review of Ms. O'Day's bisexuality, her political views or anything else, like everything else of "Shennantics" this is about her music.

That being said, this is not a bad single. It's what they call a "club banger" meaning in audio terms, it's thickly produced with synthesizer and early shot outs to the guest appearances. The production here is nothing entirely new, and still has remnants of the original song which makes it clear that it is a remake. Both Snl and O'Day have strong vocals that are not filler vocals, which is a relief.

Also keeping in tact with the original version is the subject matter of the song. Instead of changing the gender pronoun to "My boy wants to party all the time," it still is "My girl wants to party all the time." The song decidedly flirts with lesbian tendencies as O'Day sings "She likes those girls that are like me." O'Day is not a demure type of person, and in the club atmosphere that this song addresses it makes sense. It also helps clear up those pesky grey matters of her sexuality. O'Day can't seperate her personal life from her music.

Whatever her motives, the single is catchy.

If the single can pick up radioplay, it more than likely will be one of those singles that everyone is talking about, for better or for worse.

Rating : B

Listen to it here

Keep Your Eye On This Blog

...because it's going to be awesome, we're going to cover indie comics, girly comics, manga, music, movies...everything pop culture...everything that embodies "shennantics."

We probably wont get underway until at least fall....but I'm excited.

The Hamster Dance

A couple of weird things happened on Saturday, I had my photo taken (someone thought I was cosplaying?) and I was prompted for "free hugs." If you offer hugs for free then it's a cheap hug AND hugs in poor quality are just in bad taste.

So on to the panels, it was a Batman kind of day. The CAC panels for Is the Joker a Psychopath and Becoming Batman/Batman Becoming definitely offered up a slice of academia into panels full of mega movie stars, glitz and CGI effects.

Most would think that this panel (Is the Joker a Psychopath?) would be a one minute panel, but you can always get knee-deep into comic folklore. After all, comics are sort of a postmodern myth for people. The panel included psychologists as well as Jerry Robinson and a surprise guest from Adam West. West provided stories from the set of Batman that many people probably did not know.

Steve Engleheart also phoned in to basically sum up, that yes, the joker is insane. However, his specific diagnosis is uncertain. What piqued my interest was the question posed by the panel itself, if the joker is insane, then on the flip side of the coin is Batman also?

The question is complex so is the answer. The panelists all left it up to the audience to conclude. Interesting sidenote: Robinson went on to say the reason there is no solid "origins story" for the joker is because it would kill the mystique. It's easier to predict someone if you know where they've been, then you know where they're going.

Becoming Batman/Batman Becoming was a very heady experience. I love the Batman series and I love the layers that the comic has brought to many fans. This particular panel hosted by E.Paul Zehr and Gearoid O'Brien proved that you can indeed use the skills you've learned in physics, anatomy, psychology and philosophy to enjoy as well as deconstruct your favorite comic.

If this all sounds a bit too much like schoolwork, simply put to become Batman you probably needed to have started at the age of three. Furthermore don't expect your career to last more than 2-3 years.

My favorite part of this panel, though was the intricate panel by O'Brien. Although, most of the terms he used to deconstruct the Batman mythos I will need to look up it did pique my interest. Words like Apophenia floated around as well as name checks to Foucult, Darwin and Nietzsche.
Nietzsche and Batman? What a combo.

In random notes:
A quick way to block an entire aisle of Comic-con goers---host a hamster dance conga line.
Anime fans of all ages, began (on cue!) to dance in almost perfect synchronization to high speed eurobeat music the end result : hilarity.

And now for my short list of "Things YOU can't do at Comic-con"
(Well you could do them, but, I rec
1. Cosplay as Ryu
I know, I know he's the greatest--but until someone can bring this character justice, I propose no one do it until they are certain that they can.
2. Make fun of the Twilight Nerds
Talk about the kettle calling the pot black.
3. Being Rude
It's called courtesy, pass it on.

And I pose this question, can someone please explain what is Steampunk, exactly?

Everyday is Halloween (if you're at Comic Con)

The Art of Immersion Part 2: creepy goodness

Since I was jokingly dubbed the leading goth correspondent I think I should mention just how wonderful Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland looks (yeah I know, I'm totally a day late on mentioning this). Admittedly I originally didn't have high expectations for the project and I do hope that Tim Burton will forgive for losing faith.

Luckily (thanks to the moderator Patton Oswalt), I got to see the trailer not once, but three times so it's burned in my memory pretty good.

The oh so very short teaser trailer was filled with loved characters from the classic tale but as to be expected with a fantastic, sweetly spooky take. As per usual, my favorite but often overlooked part of any Burton film are the trees which look awesome. Add Burton's imaginary friend Johnny Depp to the mix and you have a very noxious combinations culminating to lots of sold out theaters coming 2010...not to mention all the new dreadful Hot Topic merchendise we'll be seeing unleashed upon the world and teenagers alike.

It's already online too; but ye be warned, it won't be the best quality since it was in 3D.

But tomorrow brings new life with the promise of Gerard Way and Roman Dirge panels, and you can bet you're entire Siouxie collection all be there!

Soundtrack: "Come Saturday" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

"Funny thing happened on my way to Hall Hell"

Friday's Report


It's late as I blog this, but that's because I just got back from Angel of Death the Paul Etheridge assassin-shoot'em up blood fest that stars the awesome Zoe Bell (Death Proof). It was a late showing with a preliminary quick and easy Q&A panel ( I even got to pose a question to Bell) which was full of jokes from the lively cast as well as the full length screening of the movie. Anyone who likes "high octane" action should check this out, it doesn't have all the CGI eyecandy effects of some of the big budget films, but it's satisfying, not to mention it's great fun.

Moving on from the high octane, today was the day I spent most of my time in line or cruising for a panel to get into another panel. If you head over to Tim's blog, he can probably offer up an amazing review of the Warner Bros. panel, but for the most part the only thing I can sum up is The Box will definitely be worth seeing.

On that note if you plan on *ever* attending a panel in Hall H, (Hall Hell is more like it) keep in mind---you may want to show up the day before Black Friday just to secure your tent spot. Waiting in line is probably my next favorite activity to---next to nothing. Bring with you a sense of humor and an endless supply of junk food.

I managed to miss the G4 Attack of the Show panel, that line was c-r-a-z-y. It's sad to see a thousand people lined up and to realize that only a good third of that number is going to fit inside the actual room. My fangirl dreams of seeing Olivia Munn and Kevin Prereira up close? Denied.

Yet, when one Comic con door closes another is surprisingly just opening up. Instead of seeing AOTS, I decided to do something "artsy." Shameless promotional plug alert!! I draw in my spare time, and not to sound self-aggrandizing but I think I'm pretty good. Showing up to the CBLDF (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund) with Camille D'Errico (Nightmares & Fairy Tales), David Mack (Kabuki) and Amanda Palmer (Who Killed Amanda Palmer?) opened my eyes up to the unique experience of watching artists in action. Amazing stuff here, folks. Did you know? Camille D'Errico does her work in the glorious blue ink of a Bic Pen. Awesome.

In other news, the Fear net panel for Fear Clinic starring Robert Englund probably the best panel of the day. Why? full of passionate people and well thought out answers. It couldn't be avoided, someone did bring up the proverbial elephant in the room, how does he feel about the slated remake of Nightmare On Elm Street? Englund's answer cleared up any rumours that might be circulating of unfriendly fires towards the remake, he summed it up as it's "show business." Also adding that he respected the new Freddy, Jackie Haley.

Before I round off this very random blog, let's close it as if you've never gone to a Klingon Lifestyles Presentation, you don't know what you're missing.

Wake Up

Okay, lets make this short and sweet:


May I present (da da duh da!): The art of immersion part 1

It seems to me the whole goal of Comic Con is to be immersed in everything entertaining; to lose yourself in whatever you so chose. Be it sneek peaks in movies, upcoming events in television, or just a really good costume the folks here are all for it. With that said the participants of this years San Diego Comic Con have immersion down to an art form.

So today I received a crash course in immersion as I went to Hall H for the first time Thursday. Now, I thought I was almost a pro this being my fourth year, but oh how naive of me to think such things. What with all the Twilight fan girls, and hardcore Tron enthusiatist I was lost in a crowd of excitment that felt electric to the touch. The whole thing was just terribly overwhelming after awhile. I salute the people who stick it out all day in Hall H, they are real troopers!

Alright, I'm off in search of a tea party!