Just in case you're wondering, PoP (Proselytizers of Pop) is where I review everything I've read, heard, or seen during the previous week. Yay!
Books
How To Teach Filthy Rich Girls, by Zoey Dean
Privileged, the new show on the CW, is based off of this book, which peaked my interest. Having a movie based on your book is one thing, but a whole tv show? Whoa.
Basic Concept: Megan Smith has to teach two snotty teens. (They're filthy rich, in case you were wondering.) If the girls pass the SAT, the twins' grandmother will pay off the Yale grad's redonkulously expensive loans. I can't blame her for taking the offer, but she's far too trusting of the orphaned Sage and Rose. It was amusingly scandalous and smarter than the average chick lit, although it did suffer from the stereotypical plot line of "Oh noes! I have a boyfriend but this other guy likes me, too. How will I choose?" I haven't really watched Privileged--anyone like or dislike it?
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore
It's been a long time since I was so deeply engrossed in a book like Graceling. Katsa is gifted/cursed with the Grace of killing, which her uncle exploits to torture those who go against his rule. She defies her uncle to go and resolve a larger mystery with her newfound friend and companion, Po. Each interaction with Katsa and Po positively crackles with electricity. Katsa is a strong, unique, and sometimes irrational female lead who is still easy to relate to. The scenery, action sequences, romance, and supporting characters are all gorgeously rendered. I feel really good about placing his sumptuous fantasy debut next to the likes of authors Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley.
The Loser's Guide to Life and Love, by A.E. Cannon
A.E. Cannon lives here in SLC--she's a newspaper columnist, novelist, and a great speaker. In this book, she's combined A Midsummer Night's Dream with teenage hormones and hidden identities. Ed likes Ellie and Ellie likes Sergio (Ed's alter-ego). Ed has two best friends--Scout and Quark. Scout likes Ed, Quark likes Scout. Hilarity ensues! It's a quick read and there were many self-indulgent chuckles on my part. As it takes place in Utah, it references the Mormon sub-culture, but usually only to clarify bits of the plot--all teen readers will love it.
Music
Pretty in Pink soundtrack
As a certified mix tape compiler (not really, but I deserve to be certified), I love and appreciate soundtracks more than the average music lover. It's all about rise, fall, and the pairing of really good tunes with a really good theme. Based on those qualifications, this is a great mix. Classic 80's--synth-pop and orchestral groove. Plus, it conjures up memories of Blane McDonough, which is never a bad thing.
Vampire Weekend, self-titled
In a string of Ivy League alt-indie-rockers, Vampire Weekend leads the way. Most of the tracks are edgy and full of allusions. These guys know they're smarter than you and aren't afraid to show it. The result is pretentious, but it's deserved. "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" is a blast, in a self-aware, East-coast kind of way.
Movies
Laser U2
You know that scene in Freaks and Geeks where the Freaks go to the Pink Floyd laser show, except it's actually Southern Rock night? Laser U2 actually played U2, but the disappointment was the same. The lasers were lame-dash-o and the graphics were genuinely weird. My friend summed it up most aptly by saying that it was like watching a screensaver for 45 minutes. I adore U2, but what the heck?
Eagle Eye
There's a menacing threat to the government and two "ordinary" citizens are forced into saving the world as we know it. So begin the majority of action flicks and Eagle Eye doesn't waver from the format. Just like the rest of those movies, the dialogue is painfully weak and any pseudo-feel-good moments are eclipsed by explosions. Newsflash: Billy Bob Thornton really isn't that funny. Michelle Monaghan is young enough to be hot, but old enough to avoid any bizarre sexual tension with Shia LeBeouf. (Well, it's mostly avoided.) Speaking of dear Shia, for some reason they thought it would be a good idea to have his face be all scruffy. I assume this is to make him more appealing to my age-demographic, who will always remember him as Louis Stevens. Instead, he looks like a 38-year-old man who's behind on his child support payments. But if you're interested a second opinion, the Lil' Bro thought the movie "rocked so much" and "can't believe" I didn't like it.
Happy Banned Books Week, everybody! I don't know about you, but it's one of my sincerest desires to write a book that will be placed on the Banned Books List.
Books
Kick Me: Adventures in Adolescence, by Paul Feig
The emotion you feel when you realize most of the gags on Freaks and Geeks actually happened to Paul Feig is something akin to pity mixed with mirth. Kick Me covers Paul's life from kindergarten through high school and holds a very high cringe factor. There's this one story where he finds a Nazi flag his father brought back from the war and I won't spoil it, but just know that it's classic. My only gripe was that the fifteen or so stories are all one-shots, so some of the characters get introduced multiple times. Instead of trying to forget everything about adolescence, Feig remembered every single, painful detail and is now using it for his own benefit. Paul is also co-producing Greg Daniel's new show and was recently grilled by The New York Times. It's a great interview--I suggest reading it even if you aren't a fan of his.
Rapunzel's Revenge, by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale
You know how I worship Shannon Hale, New York Times bestselling author? Yeah, we're tight. (Seriously, she knows who I am, either because of the sparkling comments I leave on her blog or the fact I stalk her at signings. Hopefully both!) RR is a collaboration between Shannon and her husband. Nathan (no relation) provides the delicious illustrations to this re-telling of the Rapunzel story. It's a graphic novel, which is essentially a long comic book. Once you begin, it's easy to swallow up the story in no time at all (and it leaves you with that feeling of "wait, it's over?"). Everything about it screams clever. If you have kids (or likely nieces and nephews for most of you), you've got to give this as a gift.
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
When I first picked it up, I was all, "Oh, this is a lot shorter than I thought it would be." In hindsight, that's actually a good thing. Nick & Norah is so intense and lusty that 180 pages is more than enough ground to cover the topic. There's no way I'd let really young teens read it and it's probably too explicit for most conservative types. From what I've seen of the previews, there was lots of liberty taken with the storyline. I'll go see the movie and all, but the book didn't live up to the hype.
Music
The Cars, Complete Greatest Hits
A couple of weeks ago, I had this epiphany that I really like The Cars. Based purely off the radio hits, I thought I'd look more into their past songs. They have a formula that worked for them, so I don't think I'll go more in depth with their anthology. In small doses, The Cars are lots of fun.
Dan In Real Life Soundtrack
One of the many things I loved about Dan in Real Life was the music. Sondre Lerche provides both instrumental and vocal tracks for one of the best soundtracks I've heard in the past year. You get the feeling that this is a man that understands romance and heartbreak. The strings are bold and the brass is understated--a refreshing change as it's usually the other way around. There's a cover of "Fever" by A Fine Frenzy that feels somewhat incongruously tucked in the middle, but otherwise it's all superb. The real treat was the duet by the always coy Regina Spektor and Sondre. I listen to most of my music from the library and this is one cd I plan on adding to my permanent collection.
The Watson Twins, Fire Songs
I was worried about Fire Songs because the divine Ms. Jenny Lewis wasn't helping out this time around (see: Rabbit Fur Coat). Don't worry, it's all good. And I mean all of it. The album is kind of like pop/indie/flamenco/The Cure/alt-country amazingness packed into eleven songs.
Movies
Ghost Town
I was so stoked to see this that I went on opening day. TOTALLY worth it. Ricky Gervais could carry the show by himself, but Greg Kinnear and Tea Leoni multiply the humor exponentially. And I don't even like Tea Leoni, so you know I'm not kidding. There was so much laughter packed into every minute that my stomach hurt just a little at the end. Also, my heart hurt from the few gripping and serious scenes. Apparently, this movie was painful but only in the best way. Every single kind of comedy is employed successfully. If I handed out ratings, I'd give Ghost Town four stars.
Even though it's a downer to not have any good tv aired from May to September, summer is a great time to watch the shows from seasons past. So for this edition of PoP, I thought it'd be fun to review my television selections from the summer.
Freaks & Geeks, The Complete Series
I ended up watching this whole thing twice because it's just that good. Set in 1980 Midwest USA, F&G so completely encapsulates the high school experience that it's painful to relive those memories again. I usually have no problem with watching awkward scenes, but during the course of F&G it was common for me to pause an episode half-way through just so I could make it through the rest. I mean that in a totally positive way, as the total sum of writing, situations, and peer relations adds up to one heck of a tv show. In case you ever need any insight into my personality, you only need to look no further than Lindsey Weir (Linda Cardellini). I have never found a girl more like myself in any form of media. Lindsey has a more developed rebellious streak, but had I been placed in her situation I would have turned out exactly the same. Exactly. Not even kidding, you guys. From the sarcasm, to the begrudging academic talent, to the desire to do something else, anything else with your life, and two well-meaning but sort of clueless parents and adoring younger brother, she really is my tv twin. To sum up: Watch this show for the realism. Watch it for Bill Haverchuck and Neal Schweiber. Watch it to remember just what it was like to be a teenager.
Wonderfalls, The Complete Season
As irritated as I get when good shows are canceled, there is something to be said for single-season masterpieces. Typically complete storylines, these shows are perfect gems, untainted by shark-jumping or meddling network execs. Wonderfalls is a prime example of this. Jaye Tyler is a Brown graduate with a degree in philosophy. Therefore, she now lives in a trailer park and works at a Niagra Falls souvenir shop. Disaffected 20-somethings represent! Oh yeah, and inanimate objects talk to her. Her family is Bluth-esque in that they're very bizarre and loveable at the same time. A larger budget and more episodes would have been nice, but it's quite good as is.
How I Met Your Mother, Season One and Two
I got into this show with the intention of watching a fun sitcom--one where I didn't have to troll for spoilers or worry about watching the episodes in a certain order. A tv show without commitment? Awesome!
Yeah, that worked out well for about six episodes or so. I fell head over heels in love with HIMYM. It combines the best elements of Friends and Scrubs to maximum effect. HIMYM is irreverant, witty, and the greatest thing to grace CBS since maybe ever. Ted Mosby, can I be the mother of your children? Please?
Wipeout, Select Episodes
My goodness, what a ridiculous concept for a tv show. "Let's have cash-hungry America be humiliated in as many ways as possible on the World's Largest Obstacle Course!" But of the few episodes (including, sadly enough, the faux awards show grossly called "The Wipies") I caught, I laughed so hard I maybe couldn't breathe. Lame. But super hilarious. I kind of hope it comes back for a second season.
Pushing Daisies, Season One
I hold so much affection for this little show in my heart. I watched it last fall, but recently snatched up the DVDs and managed to view all nine episodes this last weekend. It will forever be in my top five tv shows and not just because of Ned/Lee Pace.
PD is an expertly balanced blend of twee and macabre, kind of like the illegitimate love child of Tim Burton and Betsey Johnson. In the special features of the DVD, they talk about the importance of color. Everything is heavily saturated and relies on reds, golds, and greens, which represent life, spirituality, and growth. Gorgeously crafted and straight out of a fairy tale, it is all too wonderful to embrace the world of The Pie Maker. Chuck's inability to touch Ned is very easy to relate to, as I can't hug or kiss Ned either. I feel your pain, sister! Bryan Fuller is a master at blending the worlds of life and death. Heads up: Have pie at hand--you will crave it like crazy.
Currently watching: My So-Called Life and Dead Like Me
Seen anything good lately? I still plan on watching Buffy and probably Felicity after that. (Edit: Oh, and Alias! Thanks to AllTheWine for reminding me about that one.) Lost is going to wait until the end of the series. Also, I only saw a couple episodes, but Doogie Howser, M.D. is insanely funny. No, really!
(One of these days I'll get a full-fledged logo and everything...)
Counting down things in any form makes me feel a bit like Casey Kasem. (For you younger folks, he was kind of like Ryan Seacrest but with a better voice and not so ahem flamboyant.)
Books
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
This one caught my interest long before I even knew what it was about, because my ancestors come from the Isle of Guernsey located in the English Channel. Written solely through letters and telegrams, this book is awash in history, war stories, and romance. The main character, Juliet, is so likable that I wish the whole thing had been narrated by her. The diverse cast provides some genuine hilarity, which is balanced out with the memories of World War Two.
Love is a Mixtape, by Rob Sheffield
To be honest, I thought this book had been the definitive volume on mixtapes for years. Turns out it's only been out since early-2007. Thankfully, in about twenty years this will still be the definitive volume on music and love. You have to be a music geek to truly appreciate it, but it's more accessible than Perfect From Now On: How Indie Rock Saved My Life, which is what I'm reading right now. Rob's connection to his wife Renee is so palpable that it's heartaching to read at parts. Someday, I'll buy a copy and instead of storing it with my books, it will go on the shelf with my favorite albums.
Violet on the Runway, by Melissa Walker
There are endless versions to the "small town/awkward girl becomes overnight sensation," which in the book's case, transfers to the realm of modeling. For technically being a YA novel, there was a surprising amount of drug references and language. It's amusing, but not a stand-out. On the other hand, I do have to tip my hat to Melissa Walker for perfectly executing a Rivers Cuomo/Buddy Holly/Clark Kent joke overflowing with snark. Also, I tried reading the sequel but Violet was being so unbearable that I didn't get very far.
Music
She & Him, Volume One
I have such a huge girl crush on Zooey Deschanel, the "She" in the band's title. The "Him" is M. Ward, whom (who? whom?) I don't know much about. I don't see how anyone could not like this CD. Zooey's signature quirky style shines through in every song. Her lyrics seem simple at first, but there's lots of meaning once you really listen. I was impressed by her cover of "You Really Got A Hold On Me," but her rendition of The Beatles' "I Should Have Known Better" didn't thrill me. Call me a purist, but I'm wary of every single Beatles' cover out there. There's a strong country element that harks back to Patsy Cline, as well as a titch of the 50's Doris Day sound. My mother would also like to point out that she loves this cd and occasionally has to admit I have good taste in music.
Joshua Radin, Simple Times
If you absolutely can't wait for the store release on September 30th, go buy it from iTunes. That's what I ended up doing and I don't regret it at all. Joshua's signature "Whisper Rock" sound has never sounded better. Simple Times deals with break-ups and bad dreams and environmentalism, but the overall tone is cheerier than his first album We Were Here. There's a strong theme of moving forward which I really need in my life right now. Mmm...he makes me melt. I don't care when or where you buy it from, just please buy it.
Television
30 Rock, Season Two
It about near kills me that 30 Rock doesn't come back until the end of October, because of all the shows on television, this one weathered the Writers' Strike the best. Ignore the guest spots by Jerry Seinfeld and David Schwimmer and focus on Carrie Fisher, Al Gore, Matthew Broderick, and Edie Falco. There are maybe only two weak episodes out of fifteen--that is one superb track record for a season of tv. The characters are more developed in Season Two, as is the flow of humor. The best musical scene in the history of television very well may be Midnight Train To Georgia, as seen in Episode 210. We also get to see the return of Floyd, Dennis Duffy, and Devon Banks. 30 Rock, you are truly made of WIN.
Movies
Get Smart
I'm not going to lie, I had really high hopes for this one. About an hour into it, I was still all, "Um...what?" Then it picks up at the end, but my expectations were dashed by that point. Anne Hathaway is hot and Steve Carell is funny when he yells. That's it.
Big Dreams, Little Tokyo
Okay, this is more like it. Dave Boyle (a Utahn--holla!) wrote, directed, and starred in this delightful little indie flick. Here's the synopsis from IMDB, because it's getting late and I'm getting drowsy. "Big Dreams Little Tokyo is the story of Boyd, an American with an uncanny ability to speak Japanese. Boyd aspires to succeed in the world of Japanese business but finds himself mostly on the outside looking in. Meanwhile, his roommate Jerome, is a Japanese American who has always felt too American to be Japanese but too Japanese to be American. He aspires to be a sumo wrestler but finds his weight and blood pressure are thwarting his dreams. Together they struggle to find their place in a world where cultural identity is seldom what it seems." Boyd is nebbish and awkward, yet still charming. Jerome was freaking hilarious and their Japanese friend Mai is so perfect in every scene. The amateur filming comes off more skilled than one would expect. I smiled more than I laughed, but sometimes that's a really, really good thing when it comes to entertainment. You might have a hard time finding it, but pounce if you get the chance.
Um...so remember how I said I was going to start a review blog? I was planning on bringing it out in the open this week until I had an epiphany. I've really got too much going on in my life right now to maintain a second blog. (Remember my now-defunct word blog? That was actually pretty funny while it lasted.) I even had an email account set up and the layout was semi-decent, but it's important that I stay, you know, sane. Maybe at some point in the future, but just not for now.
One of my favorite/least-favorite things about myself is that I'm deeply rooted in so many interests. I could easily start a blog devoted to photography, fashion, webcomics, indie music, books, writing, cooking, or TV. The only issue is deciding which of those I'd write about, since I feel so strongly about each of them. Hence, most of it gets directed here. There is always an underlying theme about things that matter to me in my posts, but otherwise it's all very hodge-podge.
BUT. I can't let go of the review concept yet, so instead I'm starting a weekly feature on this blog. It'll be called "Proselytizers of Pop" from this fantasticly true quote from David Palladino.
"They are proselytizers of pop, as all rock 'n' roll lovers are, because when you love a band or a song, you want others to love it too, you need them to love it, they've got to love it, or else, or else--well, or else you'll try again another time with a band that you have to share with them. Once you get caught up in this never-ending cycle of proselytizing, you never get out. You don't want to get out. Not until the word's been spread."
Gilmore Girls Soundtrack Liner Notes
The feature will usually run on Tuesdays, starting this next week. I'll give brief reviews of all the books, CDs, TV, and movies I've consumed during the past week. This will allow my inner-critic to be let loose a little more often and maybe some of the recommendations will pique your interest.
Next week, you can expect to see mini-reviews of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, She & Him's "Volume One," Joshua Radin's "Simple Times," and 3o Rock Season Two.
I also plan on writing recaps for The Office once it starts up again. (Did you see those new promos? Wowzer! That show can't come back soon enough.)
If all that meta-blogging was too boring (don't worry, I know it was), will a funny cat video make it up to you? (Via Daily C)
