The Twilight Of My Youth

I am an unapologetic fan of the “Twilight” Series. I have read all four books twice and own the first movie on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Copy. What do I like about it you ask? The story, the characters and of course… Edward.

I saw the first movie before I read any of the books.  And although the film-lover in me thought the movie was terrible – I also fell in love with it (truthfully, him) immediately. I could write a huge list of the things that were terrible about the movie or the acting or the special effects – but I didn’t care about those things. The movie reminded me of the crushes of my long vanished youth and I was addicted to it.

In beautiful serendipity – I saw the first movie right before I was going on a 2-week cruise. It inspired me to purchase all four books and bring them on my journey. I read them all in the first 5 days of the trip. With 10 more days to go, I had nothing but time, so I read them again. And I loved them even more. Let’s be honest though, they are not great books. No offense to Stephenie Meyer, but she is not a great writer. You could probably cut out over a third of each book for the excess prose – and in my opinion “New Moon” should have been a short story not a novel, but that doesn’t matter, because again, while not a great writer – she is a great storyteller. And I love the Cullen family. I find these characters fascinating – and of course most of all I love Edward. Edward is the perfect man. He is a handsome teenager with the maturity of a man (a centuries old man in this case). He is patient and romantic and did I mention handsome. Most importantly, he risks it all for a girl of no importance or amazing beauty. This is why women all over the world have fallen head over heels in lust/love with him.

“New Moon” is a better movie than “Twilight”. Clearly getting a bump in budget with the success of the first movie – it is dressed up in every way to be better than its predecessor. Unfortunately it can’t get out of the way of the story. Or lack thereof. It doesn’t matter if you are on Team Jacob or Team Edward – the hook to these stories is the incredible romanticism of the Edward/Bella relationship. And let’s face it – when Edward and the Cullens disappear 30 minutes into the movie – so does my interest. Without the romantic relationship of Edward and Bella – there is really nothing to latch onto. Nothing against Jacob – but we know, even if we haven’t read all the books – that Jacob will never be anything more than a great friend. Edward and Bella are meant to be together – and this is very firmly established in “Twilight”. So there is no “will they or won’t they” excitement. No passion, no longing and most importantly no romance. Those of us that are Team Edward find it insane that she could even consider Jacob*.  There is just no real comparison. And what I think gets lost, is these books are not popular because they are vampire novels. They are popular because they are romances. The romance is the most important element – the vampirism is a fantastic way to bring the “from different sides of the track” conceit to its highest level.

*[Spoiler - Jacob/Taylor does get his moment to stick it to Edward/Robert late in the movie. When Edward removes his shirt in Italy to provoke the Volturi, it doesn’t have quite the visceral impact it should, and no pun intended, pales in comparison to Jacob and the rest of his pack in all their tan and muscled glory.]

But we shouldn’t judge “New Moon” by the standards of Shakespeare and Scorsese. Overall – the movie was fun. I went with some girlfriends from work on opening night and the vibe in the air was electric. The theater was 95% women, 4% gay men and 1% straight men dragged by their girlfriends – but most people knew this was a movie to see with a group of friends that understand your obsession.

As the lights dimmed and the movie started – the screaming and cheering began, and never let up. Although it was a little creepy at first – the audience continued to cheer for the shirtless Jacob and his lupine brothers and it quickly became laughable. As was most of the movie.

[Spoiler Alert] My favorite laughable moment was near the end when we are deep in the bowels of the Volturi encampment. Aro the main speaker for the Volturi grabs Alice’s hand to see her vision of Bella as a vampire in the future. As we witness this vision – instead of a sexy vampire moment – we get Bella and Edward running through the woods together in what looks like a tampon commercial. I almost peed my pants laughing.

There were some good moments too. The improved special effects were really strong in the Victoria chase scene. Unlike in “Twilight”, the jumps, darts and movement that Victoria made in the woods near the search party really made you feel that she could be a threat – which is a nice setup for “Eclipse”.

I could go on and on about the good, the bad & the ugly from “New Moon” – but really – why bother. The movie has already made well over $200 million in two weeks and has done more to prove women are a viable consumer at the theater than any other movie in recent history including “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Mamma Mia”. Coupled with The Blind Side – the last two weeks have seen female centric films in both actor and theme at #1 & #2 at the box office, making this the best two weeks for women in the history of film  (or at least for as long as I can remember). I may see it again if work stays slow during the holidays and I will definitely own it on at least one format if not all three! But most importantly – I have started the countdown to “Eclipse” (my favorite book in the series) which opens on June 30, 2010. And in between, I may just read them all again.

All She Wants To Do Is Dance

I know, I know - it's been a while. I don't have a good excuse - just life getting in the way.

There have been many things I have wanted to discuss - the excellent new season of Fringe, every week of Flash Forward, how Glee has stepped back up and is really turned itself into the perfect show full of humor, great music and truly touching moments. I could have devoted entire discussions to the crazy balloon boy family or the Jon & Kate saga - but quite frankly they aren't worth the trouble of typing.

So now that we are in full swing of the TV season - I am back on the dancing bandwagon. Who knew - years ago - that not just me, but America, would be so entranced by reality dancing television shows. I don't even think I truly understood professional dancing existed until Baz Luhrmann's excellent "Strictly Ballroom" - and let's face it - although a great movie - it certainly doesn't paint dancing in the best light.

But over the past few years I've become addicted to "Dancing With The Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance", and if loving them is wrong - then baby I don't wanna be right.

When both shows premiered - i remember snobbishly thinking "you've got to be kidding me." I was confused and thought they were on the same level as a show like "The Singing Bee" or "Deal Or No Deal" - not that they aren't entertaining - but easily the kind of show you watch while cooking dinner or paying the bills - they don't require your whole attention. I was wrong.

"Dancing With The Stars" takes "B" and "C" level stars and makes them relevant again - which is the ultimate feat in hollywood.  Actors and musicians who haven't had a hit in years - suddenly find themselves back on the top of their game  We see athletes off the field and out of the stadium and suddenly we understand why they are masters of their domains - their determination and work ethic speaks volumes towards their success. It's no wonder the Olympians and football players always place highly and have in fact won many times.

The "stars" let us see their struggle and their sweat, they sustain physical injuries and bruised egos, we see them succeed and we see them fail and we love them all the more for it. But more than that - we actually love the dancing. Never did i think i would understand the difference between a Rumba and a Samba, a Fox Trot and a Viennese Waltz or even more be able to judge, if not the technique, then at least the performance of a Paso Doble. We route for the underdogs but also like to see hard work rewarded. This particular season has been a little lackluster in terms of a super standouts like Brooke Burke or Gilles Marini -  but still absolutely watchable (even though i can't stand that Samantha Harris).

Although not the best dancer - I'm routing for Kelly Osbourne who deserves a nice win after how cruel the public was to her during her awkward teenage years.

"So You Think You Can Dance" on the other hand is all about talent and art - and who thought anyone would ever say that about a show on Fox. This show has captured the beauty, emotion and expression of  dance unlike anything i've ever seen. I am often driven to tears by the beauty of the performances. The choreographers work to create stunning new routines that both feature the dancers strengths and push them to a higher level than they thought possible. It's hard to say who i think deserves to win at this point there are so many standouts. Jakob the contemporary dancer whose lines and leaps are fierce. Legacy, the breaker who has transformed into an incredible dancer. Ryan and Ashleigh - husband and wife ballroom dancers who have had my two favorite performances of the season - neither of which was in ballroom (Mandy Moore's cane routine from last week and Travis Wohl's routine from this week). These routines are not just watchable they are memorable. Ask any SYTYCD fan about the breast cancer routine from last year or Mia Michaels doorway routine of the year before (or any Mia Michaels choreography for that matter) and they will not only know what you are talking about - but will gush equally about some of their favorite routines.

I truly believe this is one of the most artful programs on television. I often watch with my 2-year old daughter who routinely asks to watch the "dancing show" and I am glad that she is being exposed to something she loves so early in her life. Next weekend she has her first dance performance in the Nutcracker - and while i don't care if she pursues dance as a career (although i think it is less a career choice and more a way of life) - i am extraordinarily grateful that these shows have exposed me and my family to an art form i never really understood before they were on television.

Poppy Cultura is watching and sometimes maybe even dancing a bit too.

Inside All Of Us Is A Wild Thing

"Where The Wild Things Are" is a breathtakingly honest meditation on how all of us, but kids especially, are often unable to convey our true emotions. What we really want is somewhere to belong, to know that we are loved and to love in return. Spike Jonze along with co-screenwriter Dave Eggers have taken a seemingly simple children’s story and turned it into a reflection of life. Filled with beautiful images, incredible performances and the whimsy and adventure of the original story, Jonze has fleshed out WTWTA in all the right ways and has made this film less of an adaptation and more of a read between the lines. This film is the perfect embodiment of the human experience as told from the perspective of a young boy who is just a little bit wild and a whole lot scared.

It is true – inside all of us is a Wild Thing.

Poppy Cultura is watching.

(A more detailed and thorough review will be coming – but first you should enjoy the film for yourself)

Flashforward? I think I will.

I finally caught up on the first two episodes of Flashforward. And I am so glad I did.

Not since the pilot episode of LOST has a scripted drama gripped me so completely from the very first episode. It starts out innocuous enough, just a bunch of people going about their lives. Then the blackout happens and life as the world knows it changes.

Here are 10 reasons why I already love Flashforward. (spoilers ahead from first two episodes)

1. The concept: I love a high concept show – and this is definitely that. This is not a show for the casual observer. To be a part of this show is a commitment and it seems as though the producers are aiming for that. The first two episodes are full of so many clues and potential story lines that I can imagine at least two seasons worth of episodes that could form from all of the threads. Even more intriguing as much as I can foresee – I know I’m completely blind. And that makes for exciting TV.

2. The production: It looks like a feature film. Just like LOST when it premiered, three things immediately stood out, the acting, the writing and most of all the production value. In the beginning of the episode, a helicopter hits a building in LA presumably because the pilot blacked out with the rest of the world. The production value of this is impressive because you don’t just see an explosion of the building – you actually see the helicopter fall to the ground. This is a 5 second moment that could have been excluded – I’m sure it was costly – but it is so important because immediately that image makes your brain think about all of the other planes, trains, boats and cars that must have crashed– and right as you are imagining this the camera pans out to show the freeways just riddled with cars. The image was as powerful as the first images we got of a desolate New York in “I Am Legend”.

3. The writing: I love smart writing in TV. I love it when the writers don’t dumb down to the lowest common denominator. This show expects that if you are watching, you can keep up. Multiple characters, zig zagging story lines, clues, plots, subplots, lies, questions and that is all in the first 20 minutes. The dialogue between characters is believable and sets the stage for many curveballs to come. Not everyone likes the future they see. Aaron Stark (Brian F. O’Byrne) says to Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes) “You’re worried your future is going to come true - I’m worried mine won’t.” Even throwaway lines are good, at the beginning of the first episode there is a casual conversation between Olivia (Sonya Walger) and another doctor discussing their kids and which is easier to raise, boys or girls. Olivia says to the other doctor who has a son “You only have to worry about one penis, I have to worry about all of them.” What does this have to do with the show? I don’t care – as the mother of a little girl – I can totally relate.

4. The characters: Already well developed, the characters play more like actual humans than untouchable heroes and heroines. Mark Benford is an FBI agent with a loving wife and daughter. He is also a recovering alcoholic. In his “vision” he sees himself in the future investigating the blackout referred to as “the mosaic” and also drinking from a flask. It is clear he has fallen off the wagon. His wife is Olivia Benford, a surgeon and the mother of their daughter. In her vision she sees herself in their home, but with another man and you immediately know this is very intimate. Is she cheating on Mark? Are they divorced? It’s only 6 months in the future – their marriage seems solid today. Already both characters are interesting and flawed and have depth. And I want to know more. I’m immediately involved and want to know what happens(ed) to their relationship. Mark says to Olivia after she has told him about her vision “it’s going to take a lot more than fate to keep me from you.” And I believe him.

5. The cast: The cast is comprised of many familiar faces including Joseph Fiennes (Elizabeth, Shakespeare In Love), John Cho (Star Trek, Harold & Kumar), Sonya Walger (LOST), and Courtney B. Vance (ER, Law & Order: Criminal Intent). The cast are all top notch and imbue the show with the sincerity and believability that this concept needs in order to survive. If they deliver a false note – it will immediately take you out of the moment. But even those in the smallest of supporting roles so far have delivered top notch performances.

6. There’s a kangaroo in downtown LA. Why? I have no idea. But I like it.

7. The details: The details create a deeper sense of reality and possibility to the events taking place. Mark is in a car crash during the blackout, and when he comes to as he pulls himself out of his overturned car he burns himself on the muffler of another vehicle. A simple, small detail that didn’t need to be there – but it adds a little bit of extra believability to the moment. Simultaneously Bryce Varley (Zachary Knighton) a surgical intern that works for Olivia is about to commit suicide on a Venice pier when the blackout happens. As he comes to, he sees a big bouquet of balloons floating in the sky above. A beautiful visual, it also immediately suggests the person selling them on the pier has blacked out and let them go. A necessary detail? I don’t know, but a great detail for sure. The question I have in a post LOST world is - are these details irrelevant like they seem– or do they contain a meaning I just don’t yet understand?

8. The mythology: Those of us that like these kinds of sweeping high concept dramas with a mythology have been burned in the past. Heroes Season 1 is still a fantastic example of cool, exciting, innovative and riveting television. All subsequent seasons – not so much. LOST Season 1 is brilliant and groundbreaking and I was so enthralled I was willing to go anywhere with them, “there’s a polar bear on the island – ok - tell me more…” Unfortunately, like Heroes, Season 2 & 3 of LOST stumble. Ironically it is in Season 3 of LOST that the producers/writers create their own “flashforwards” that turbo charge the show and propel the story to its eventual conclusion. I think these shows slump because the narrative starts to spin out of control. The producers of LOST have admitted that until they had an end date for the show it was challenging to continue to spin the stories without direction. I have high hopes, based on the first few episodes, that Flashforward has learned these lessons from their predecessors and are going to keep the mythology moving quickly. The “Mosaic” board is chock full of clues and we are trying to uncover them right alongside the characters and we already have two persons of interest Suspect Zero and "D. Gibbons". 

The use of the “Mosaic” board reminds me of the brilliant film “Memento” (if you haven’t seen – you must netflix immediately!). It feels like the producers and writers already have the first season written and the next three outlined. It’s all on that mosaic board – if only we could understand it.

9. The Flashforwards: While the show has some deep and meaningful flashfowards (Mark and Olivia’s mentioned above), not all of them are so clear.

FBI Director, Stanford Wedeck (Courtney B. Vance) sees himself on the toilet having a bowel movement and reading the paper. Ironically – he is on the toilet when the blackout happens. Question: Are the stories in the newspaper significant? What are the chances of him being on the same toilet both times?

Agent Janis Hawk (Christine Woods) although single and unattached sees herself getting an ultrasound. She is told she is 17 weeks along and is having a girl. Questions: Is she now in a relationship? Is she happy about the baby? Who is the father? If she is still in Los Angeles, why is she having an ultrasound at 10pm?

Demetri Noh (John Cho) has no vision during the blackout. Question: Does this mean he is dead?

10. The super background: Ok – this could fall into the details – but these are the super background details that are so far back it is only thanks to HDTV and a 42” screen that I probably even catch them. Just after the blackout, Mark passes a bus with a billboard that reads “A Better Tomorrow.” Surely not a random element. A small wink to the concept maybe? It is details like this that make me want to watch each episode of Flashforward twice. Once for the upfront story, a second time for the details. And in a time when network TV is seeing ratings dip with the availability of so much other entertainment – hopefully that means “A Better Tomorrow” for us all.

Poppy cultura is watching

You can too on ABC - Thursdays at 8:00pm.

Crime & Entertainment

Like the rest of the world, I have been watching the Roman Polanski extradition story since it broke. Ironically arrested in what is known to be "neutral territory," Switzerland, Polanski was arrested for fleeing the country to avoid final sentencing. He is not technically being held for child rape - even though this is the crime he committed 32 years ago, to then 13 year old Samantha Geimer. (although victim names are now withheld from the media, this was not the case in 1977, additionally Ms. Geimer has publicly spoken about this case on a few occasions.)

Those in favor of extradition seem to be vehemently in favor because of the rape. And although 32 years have gone by - make no mistake about it - it was rape. A heinous and lascivious act done to a child. The problem is - Polanski payed his "debt to society" for that crime.

Was it enough time - in my opinion, NO, but that's not the point. The point is he served his time for that case - and however repulsive he is as a human being, no matter how grotesque his actions were - we should not judge this case by those circumstances.

Now to fleeing the country. Yes he did it and yes it is punishable by law. According to the news, Polanski had entered into a plea bargain where he plead guilty to the crime in exchange for time served. This means that he should have been a free man.

But the trial was a circus with a judge who allegedly cared more about the limelight than serving justice. Polanski was allegedly tipped off that the judge was going to revoke the plea and convict him with a much steeper sentence. And so he fled.

Was it fair. No.

Was it just. No.

Was it right. No.

But it seems as though nothing in this trial is any of those things. As with any celebrity trial - the public interest is exaggerated and the media coverage is ubiquitous. Should Roman Polanski be vilified - for the rape - yes - for the evasion - i just don't know.

What bothers me the most is what this does to the true victim here, Samantha Geimer. She was 13 when she was violated by Mr. Polanski, but that was one night - this has gone on for 32 years. Regardless of why Polanski is in the press (Oscar nomination or extradition case), each time he is, so are all the sordid details about the rape. You can even read the entire original grand jury testimony on The Smoking Gun if you are interested - i did.

Ms. Geimer is now a 45 year-old mother that would like nothing more than to forget the past - but we just won't let her. Everytime the story comes up, the paparazzi come out. On the few occasions that she has publicly spoken about the case, she asked us to let this just go away, she has condemned the action and not the man, and she has even spoken in defense of allowing him to accept an Oscar for his award-winning film "The Pianist" in person. She has also discussed the damage this constant "story" has done to her and her family. But just like when she told Polanski "No" on that fateful night in 1977, no one is listening.

Everyone of us who continues to show interest in a case that should no longer be interesting is culpable in her violation. Even with this blog - i just did it again.

There's just too much here that is too titillating for us to let it go. It could be the pitch for the kind of movie Polanski might even direct, i can hear it now.

"Ok - picture this. He's a former Jewish refugee of Nazi occupied Poland, whose mother died in a concentration camp. After the war he studies film and becomes a ground breaking director. After curbing his playboy ways he settles down with an actress (Sharon Tate). She is pregnant with their child when she is viciously murdered in their home along with a couple of other people by a well known mass-murder (Charles Manson) and his cult "family" in a murder spree that grips the nation. He continues to direct films and later is found guilty of the statutory rape of a 13-year old girl, which by the way, just to up the ante, takes place at the home of a very famous actor (Jack Nicholson) and his girlfriend who is also an actress (Anjelica Huston). To add to the story the actress is a potential witness (not to the actual act, but to the protagonist being in her boyfriends house with the girl at the time of the rape.) After fleeing the country to France he continues to work and almost 30 years later accepts the Oscar for Directing a movie that touches on his youth growing up as a refugee during the war. So he's a hero right?"

Suddenly it's not a crime, it's entertainment.

And unfortunately, we are all watching.

Fall into Television

Everything tells me it is Autumn. The stores are stocking Halloween items, school buses have joined the freeway gridlock, and my facebook friends keep talking about beautiful fall days. Outside, here in Northridge, the weather is a festering 100 degrees - and it doesn't feel like fall at all - but inside is where the fall season is at its finest. The new television season has begun.

Ah, one of my favorite times of the year. I love television and I am not ashamed to admit it. The return of my favorite shows is like reconnecting with a high school friend on facebook. Although not someone I kept in touch with for the past 20 years (or in the case of Grey's Anatomy - a disappointing 5th season) I am strangely excited and fulfilled to have them back in my life. I missed my favorite residents and their ridiculous romances. Nothing says love like a post-it note - just ask Carrie Bradshaw.

My favorite shows are the ones that while the same, seem to reinvent themselves every time they come back. Comfortable to wear - but with a fancy purse and new shoes. Survivor is this show, and i thank god for Mark Burnett. After the wacky insanity of last season's Dragon Slayer, I thought casting would have a tough time finding an immediate stand-out character. Happily, I am wrong. Russel is a self-professed millionaire - he says he's not there to win the million, he's just there to mess with people. And mess with them he does. I don't know if he is crazy smart or everyone else is a complete idiot - but not only does he get the only two women who were hip to his sculduggery kicked off in the first two episodes, but he finds the hidden immunity idol at camp, without a clue, in front of the entire tribe - and NO ONE notices. Casting must have been peeing in their pants when this guy's tape landed in their inbox. Thank you again, Mark Burnett - if you are ever hiring - let me know - i think you are a genius.

Another genius entry by Mark Burnett is Shark Tank. A good "American Dream" show that is equal opportunity for great or crazy ideas. I like the sharks, they sound like they know what they are talking about and if the credits are true - they are using their own money to invest. The show allows us to get attached to winners and losers and until the sharks start talking, we're never sure which side of the investment fence they are going to land on. I especially like when they revisit people that did get investments. Mr. Tod although i think your mascot is goofy - i really wanna buy one of your pies!

Speaking of food and reality tv, let's get to Top Chef. I'm hungry, but Ashley, your hair makes me not want to eat your food - no matter how tasty your dishes might be. Bryan, how can you be so unbelievably boring - have you ever put inflection in your tone? Your brother, Michael seems to know how to emote. By the way, I'm still hungry.

The Bravo also ran, Project Runway, is back after a very long absence, a law suit and a network change. Do i care? Not so much, that is why i have a DVR - it will pick up the show no matter what channel it's on. I always enjoy the creativity on display on the runway - but i don't really care about any of the contestants this year. There is no Christian Siriano or Chris March that has the personality to match their clothing. Speaking of Siriano - he has a shoe line at Payless shoes. For an up-and-comer, I'm sure the payless money is good - but doesn't that hurt your red carpet credibility? Do we have to wear payless shoes instead of louboutins with your couture creations?

Let's take on a few new shows this season.

Loving Glee. Although it hasn't managed to capture the sublime perfection of the initial show that aired last spring, i'm still diggin' it. There are lots of characters to enjoy and this week's "Single Ladies" episode, although light on the singing was rich in heart. I believe there might have been a tear in my eye during the final scene between Kurt and his father. I haven't seen a gay highschool kid this convincing since Rickie from My So Called Life. But my deep, heartfelt request to the creators of the show is take care of Sue. Her perfect one-liners from the first episode have been replaced by not-so-perfect one-liners that are quickly turning her into a caricature. As the stand-out character from the first episode, she is slowly disappearing due to the plethora of other great characters like Emma, Kurt, Rachel and even Josh Groban who by the way "loves a blousy alcoholic."

I am also loving The Vampire Diaries. This show makes it official that I have regressed to the age of 16, or maybe even 14. Along with my total infatuation of Edward Cullen I have started an infatuation with anything vampire related. This show is definitely included. While not as romantic (yet) as Twilight and not as ballsy and dirty as True Blood, this show is definitely filling the void in my vampire-loving heart. Speaking of void - i miss you Eric almost as much as i miss Edward. Is it possible for you to visit Forks so i can see you both in the same vampire canon?

There are a lot of new shows and new seasons of old shows that are on the DVR that i haven't yet had a chance to watch. Having a full-time job and personal responibilities do get in the way of so much great tv. But hopefully i will catch up on the new Amazing Race, Dancing With The Stars (nice work Kelly Osbourne - i still hate you Samantha Harris), So You Think You Can Dance (too soon?), and the brand new, Modern Family, the good wife, the forgotten and the much anticipated (at least by me) Flashforward. If you've seen a show that you love, don't hesitate to let me know - it is just a season pass away.

Until next time, I'm watching...