especially DANCE reality shows. There’s no end to them: So you think you can dance, Step it up and dance, etc. They aren’t filmed right and they mix too many different types of dancers together. Can a hip-hop dancer really compete with a formally trained ballet dancer? doubt it.
But there is one ray of hope. America’s Best Dance Crew was a hit with its first season. It’s filmed so that you can really see the talent of the dancers, and the crews are truly artists.
The second season has started up, and there are some really interesting groups. I have to admit I am a little biased because I have a friend on one of the crews, but even if I didn’t I would still love this show. Check it out Thursdays at 10 pm.
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a film, and I am going through withdrawals, so I thought I’d whip out my thoughts on my latest viewing, Lars and the Real Girl.
I remember hearing about this movie when it was out in theaters back in October, and again when it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Screenplay, but I somehow missed it. So, Netflix provided me with yet another reason to love those little red envelopes of love (sidenote: did you know red envelopes are also a traditional way to give money in Chinese culture?)– a second chance.
When explaining the plot of the movie as “a guy who has a life-size doll as his girlfriend,” it’s pretty easy to assume it is a cheesy, low-blow joke movie of the “Dumb and Dumber” genre. But that is far from the case. “Lars and the Real Girl” is so great because while it runs the risk of being over the top, the writer succeeds in making a beautiful, sweet film instead. That’s talent.
Ryan Gosling plays Lars, who lives in the garage of the house he shares with his brother and pregnant sister-in-law. He’s a little odd- anti-social and maybe obsessive compulsive. He hates to be touched, and isn’t the most social guy. But then he gets a girlfriend, sort of.
Gosling is one of the few actors who could have really made this role sing. He’s endearing in a deer-in-headlights sort of way. It’s perfect for Lars.
The magic of this movie is the way an entire universe is created. Where a town loves Lars so much that they go along with his delusion. And learn something along the way. It’s a really smart film.
At times, the interactions with the doll reminded me of when I was a kid and barbies had their own world. I really believed they were real, for a while. And maybe that’s why this film is so great. We are right back where we were when we were six- anything’s possible.
It’s come to this. As I search for my future job, I have decided that a little cultural luck can’t hurt. Say hello to my little friend, money tree.
In Asian cultures, these Money Trees are associated with good fortune. There’s some tale about a man praying for money (I hear you man!) and then getting one of the trees and making a fortune off its seeds. I’ve always believed I don’t need a fortune, just enough to get by, so here’s to the tree!
It’s over 100 degrees in several spots in California this weekend. It’s hot. Really hot. This is the time to think about a few things, so here I am to give you some much-needed commentary.
I am all for hydrating ourselves. Drink that water. Carry around a water bottle so that you always have water handy. However, I am so tired of seeing people water their lawns in the middle of the day. Really, it is so selfish. I think they should start handing out tickets for that. Seriously.
A few months ago, I did some writing for a new website called Trazzler. It is a smart travel website that gives you unique suggestions for trips to take local to your area. The site is up now, so go ahead and take a look. I wrote about Hawaii, but there are plenty of wonderful, wild places to see!
I spent some time at Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the U.S., asking people about their views on the presidential election. While the audio isn’t perfect, here is a little clip I put together.
Or see it here on Huffington Post.
Or here at the Navajo Times.
Because of all the attention the Native American vote is beginning to get this election season, Colbert had Winona LaDuke on his show last night. LaDuke is a Native American activist, and was also Nader’s running mate. See it here.
After spending a week interviewing Native Americans on this subject, it is just great to see I’m ahead of the wave on this one.
Today is my last day in New Mexico. I returned from Navajo Nation today. I got my story, which was my ultimate goal, but I also got an eye-opening experience after visiting Navajo Nation. I had a great guide to take me around. It is difficult to put into words the conditions that exist on the reservation. Some people don’t have running water. Some live right next to an electricity pole, but don’t have the money to get it installed in their home. Meth abuse is on the rise. Domestic abuse is nearly twice the rate as in the general population. Their local government is fighting corruption.
There are some amazing people working hard to help those around them. And there are some amazing things going on. But the level of poverty is overwhelming.
There are plenty of people in the country who complain about having it tough. I hear it everyday at home. But after traveling to the reservation and seeing the struggle between living in the present and still respecting their cultural pasts, I am sure that the Navajos are some of the strongest people out there.
My guide actually helped out with an episode of a FX show called 30 Days. The premise of the show is about this filmmaker who spends 30 days with people in different living situations. So, he goes to Navajo Nation. I can imagine that it will be a great learning experience. Check out the episode on July 8 at 10 pm.
I was watching local TV news in New Mexico today and saw a story on a group of local Santa Fe people who are fighting to have wireless internet services banned in public areas. They say they are allergic to wireless signals.
Really?
I know the technologies of today could always have the possibility of causing some side effects tomorrow, but I find it hard to believe that the wireless signals are making people’s legs go numb.
