So You Think You Can Dance: Top 9

This week the top 3 girls and top 6 guys dance with the All Stars to stay alive on the show. This is the first week where the contestants will be dancing solos; it will be nice to see them dance on their own again without sharing the spotlight with the All Stars.

Adechike with All Star Lauren
Dave Scott Hip Hop
"HOT-N-FUN" by NERD featuring Nelly Furtado
That routine was fun, but not so much hot. Adechike finally showed some personality in this performance, he was smiling throughout!

Ashley with All Star Ade
Dee Caspary Contemporary
"Cosmic Love" by florence _ the Machine
That was intense! While this was contemporary again, this was a very different dance from her previous routines. It was a great routine and she had palpable chemistry with Ade. While I want her to get some variety, this week she danced so well that I didn't care that this was her 3rd contemporary/jazz routine. Mia had some very high praise, saying she was a cut above the other female dancers.

Solo: Billy Bell
"Something Bigger, Something Better" by Amanda Blank
His lines are just amazing. His back bends...I just didn't think men could do that.

Robert with All Star Courtney
Sonya Tayeh Jazz
"XXXO" My MIA
While I always like Sonya's routine, this one definitely is not among my favorites. I can't pinpoint what was missing for me, but Mia suggested Robert take ballet to ground his movements.

Solo: Jose Ruiz
"Superbad" by James Brown
His b-boy moves are amazing. Sick freezes and awesome windmills.

Melinda with All Star Pasha
Fabian Sanchez Salsa
"Magdalena, Mi Amor (Quibara)" by DLG
Her second routine with Pasha and I personally think it was a disaster. Her dress got caught on her shoe in the beginning, and it just didn't get any better. Every trick seemed like a struggle, every step seemed like she had to think about it. I agree with the judges - they made a mistake in keeping her and letting Christina went home.

Solo: Kent Boyd
Down (Candlelight Remix) by Jay Sean
His flips are fantastic - he just flys!

Solo: Alex Wong
"Rule the Planet" from the Planet of the Apes (soundtrack)

Lauren with All Star Niel
Joey Dowling Broadway
"Let Me Entertain You" by Debbie Gibson
The story of the routine is that Niel is a newspaper boy day dreaming about a 1940s star. Her dress broke in the middle of the routine! That wardrobe malfunction could have been the second coming of nipplegate! Luckily, she held it together (both the dance and the dress!) and put on a great performance.

Solo: Ashley
"Royal T" by Crookers featur Roisin Murphy

Billy with All Star Kathryn
Stacy Tookey Contemporary
"Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri
That was beautifully danced and I just can't believe how good Billy is. The judges didn't feel his connection with Kathryn was as strong as it could be, but I completely felt it.

Solo: Robert
"Hold You in My Arms" by Ray Lamontagne

Jose with All Star Anya
Demetri Samba
"Long Time" by Shakira
It's so hard for the guys to dance with Anya - she just draws the eye way more than they could they did a good job of following Jose more with the camera to make up for it, but I still found myself watching Anya more. Nigel nailed it - Jose has charisma that can't be taught.

Solo: Melinda
"Empire State of Mind" Part II by Alicia Keys

Kent with All Star Allison
Mandy Moore Jazz
""Heartburn" by Alica Keys
What I noticed even more than the dancing were the girls screaming randomly throughout. The girls love him.

Solo: Adechike
"Ruthless Gravity" by Craig Armstrong
I think this is the same song he danced his Vegas solo to, but the dance itself seemed different.

Solo: Lauren
"Unchained Melody" by cyndi Lauper

Alex with All Star Twitch
NappyTabs Hip Hop
"Outta Your Mind" by Lil Jon and LMAO
THAT WAS AWESOME! Standing ovation from the judges and the audience is going wild, chanting his name. I loved the story behind it (therapist and patient) and they even threw in some in-jokes on his ballet background. Twitch is a beast of hip hop and Alex completely held his own.

Favorite Routine: Alex and Twitch by far! Distant second goes to Ashley and Ade.

Prediction: Melinda is going home this week, no doubt in my mind. Robert will be down there with him with either Jose or Billy rounding out the bottom 3.

Rango: First Trailer

Johnny Depp and Gore Virbenski are hoping their partnership can lead to treasure once again. While the Pirates of the Caribbean films have their low points, the first one is still one of my favorite summer blockbusters. I saw that movie three times in theaters, I loved it so much. 

Their latest project is Rango, about a chameleon who is having an identity crisis. Watch the trailer below:

Old Spice Man is Back!

While I don't think it's as good as the first one, because originality goes a long way, it's still funny.

AT-AT Day Afternoon

[via Cinematical]

Gamera Explained & Free Movies

Here’s another flip cam video of my friend explaining the cult classic, Gamera.



This was the first I’ve heard of the Asian beast, but it also just so happens to be part of a free screening series here in LA!

While you can see 80s and 90s classics at Westfield Century City and The Grove, only at the Natural History Museum/La Brea Tar Pits series can you see B-Movies that are scary, hilarious, and terrible all at once. Check below for the full summer schedule. For Gamera, stop by the Natural History Museum on August 15!

Movie Dates:
June 26: Encino Man: Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits — Hancock Park Lawn
July 17: It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955): Natural History Museum — South Lawn
July 24: The Killer Shrews (1959): Natural History Museum — South Lawn
Aug 1: Gorilla at Large (1954): Natural History Museum — South Lawn
Aug 15: Gammera the Invincible (1966): Natural History Museum — South Lawn
Aug 29: Caveman (1981): Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits — Hancock Park Lawn

[via Free Fun Guide]

Good Deal: Free Coffee Bean

Stop in to your local Coffee Bean to enjoy a free iced beverage! It's unseasonably chilly here in LA, but it's always a good time for a cold drink.

Mad Men’s Fresh Start

Season 4 of Mad Men starts on July 25th and it will be a whole new ballgame for the returning characters.

Last season we saw many of the characters on the brink of starting anew: Betty off to California and our favorite Ad Men created Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.

Watch a preview below.

A Fresh Start for Peggy


Their ad campaign is genius. It uses old footage as not to give anything away from the new season, but gives you hints at what they will face.

For more promos for the new season, visit Televisionary.

How I Met Your Mother: We're Fans

I got a flip cam and decided to test it out by asking my friends for their opinion on various pop culture/entertainment topics. Check out what my boyfriend has to say about How I Met Your Mother:

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: First Trailer

The trailer gave me chills! I'm so excited for this!

I got in a discussion with my boyfriend though if it really can be considered the film "of a generation." I think it qualifies because I personally, along with many others, grew up reading the books and watching the films. I remember going to midnight releases of the books and was even in London for the release of the 6th book. I went to the movies every opening weekend and remember just falling into this magical world fully realized.

Do you think this film qualifies as as a film of a generation? Or do you think Twilight, Lord of the Rings, or something else entirely would be it?

Music Monday: Break Even by The Script

LXD: First Trailer

The League of Extraordinary Dancers promises to bring drama and the highest caliber dance together like never before. I'm excited to see how the fuse the storyline with all dance, if it'll make sense within the storytelling of it'll be thrown in like a musical uses songs.

Will you tune in?

The Social Network: Teaser Trailer

When I first heard about this movie, I was a bit more the skeptical. However, the more casting news that came out, the more I heard about the development, the better it sounded.  With Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) writing and David Fincher (Fight Club) directing, my expectations have been raised.

Check out the teaser trailer below. It's a teaser that actually doesn't give everything away before we see the film. It definitely piques my interest.

Linkulous: Hipsters, Scott Pilgrim, The Daily Show

The Evolution of the Hipster 2000-2009 - I didn't realize I was a hipster back in 2001...

Director Edgar Wright, Actor Michael Cera Crack Wise About Scott Pilgrim

The Daily Show's Woman Problem

Be Cautious When Using Free Airport Wi-Fi

The Runaway General

Bill Murray: The Man Who Knew Too Much

Filmmakers on Twitter Do's and Don'ts

The Pathetic Punishment of Twitter

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 10 Results

It's time to narrow the field once more and reduce our Top Ten to Top Nine. 

Top 10 Opening Performance
Crookers by Hold Up Your Hand featuring Roisin Murphy
Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh
Robert was highlighted a lot during the routine, and for good reason he was fantastic.

Adechike was safe again this week, thus proving that I have no idea what America likes. I pegged him as the one to go home these first two weeks and he hasn't even been in the bottom three.

With Melinda and Christina in the bottom again, despite great performances last night, I just don't know what they can do to get in America's favor over the other dancers.

And while Billy had the worst performance of the night, he still remained safe because he is such a fan favorite. With only Top 10, it feels more like a popularity contest than previous seasons.

Guest Performer: Brian Gayner and Remote Control
Agnus Dei by Eskmo
Brian auditioned this season, but due to his spinal injury he wouldn't be able to partner well during the competition. However, he and his dance crew were asked to perform. I'm so glad they 
That was amazing! The amount of control they have over their bodies is just insane.

I don't have video of their performance from today, but check out this recording from a previous performance of theirs:


Solos
Christina: Quimbara by Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco
Melinda: Heels by Q-Tip
Robert: Everywhere I go by Lissie

Guest Performer: Debbie Nova performing Drummer Boy
It's great to see the All Stars dancing during her performance. It definitely makes me care more about it than if it was just her tour dancers. I had never heard of her or heard her song, but it's a catchy tune that reminds me of Shakira.

The judges had the hard task of cutting another dancer. After deliberating, they weren't unanimous but agreed that Christina should be the one to go home. While it would have been nice to have a guy go home to balance it out a bit. Christina had two solid performances so I'm surprised to see her go before Melinda who faltered during the first week.

And now we are down to three girls and six guys, with a likely cut of Melinda next week unless she can pull off a top notch performance (and even then I'm not so sure).

So You Think You Can Dance: If I Were a Boy

This was my favorite routine from last night, without a doubt. It reminded me of Season 4 favorites "Bleeding Love" and "No Air."

Danced beautifully by Dominic and Lauren, I really felt the emotion and connection between them. While Lauren had a cold performance last week, this week she took the criticism from the judges to heart and grew so much in just one week. She's my favorite girl in the competion and hope she sticks around for many more weeks.

Futurama Returns Tonight!

I'm excited for the return of one of my favorite animated series: Futurama! The show went off the air years ago, but similar to Family Guy it proved too popular to fade away quietly. With stellar DVD sales and a resurgance of fans thanks to Adult Swim, Futurama is back and hopefully just as smart and hilarious.

Watch a sneak peek from tonight's episode below:

Tune in to Comedy Central tonight at 10pm EST/PST.

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 10

This week the remaining ten contestants perform with the All Stars to try to survive another week. The camerawork is already much better than last week – the intros are well timed and we can actually see their dance moves.

There already only 4 girls left, with all six guys. I hope another girl doesn’t go home this week; I don’t want to see an all male finale.

Dancers: Christina and Pasha
Style: Paso Doble
Choreographer: Jean-Marc Genereaux and France
Song: “Ira Deorum/Sanctus” by James Dooley
The lighting is really working with the song to make it so much more dramatic. The dance was sexy and powerful, full of drama and passion. Christina did a great job of keeping up with Pasha, making it hard to tell who was the All Star, which is a great compliment to her.

Dancers: Adechike and Allison
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Mandy Moore
Song: “Listen to Your Heart” by D.H.T. featuring EDHEE

This dance is all about emotion, which is a challenge for Adechike. Last week his main criticism was that he lacked an emotional connection. The dance was beautifully choreographed, and there was an improvement in him showing emotion. While he still had a straight face during the harder moves, he did smile during the pauses. “Dance is an artform, but it’s a HEARTform.”


Dancers: Alex and Lauren
Style: Broadway
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: Summertime by Sylvester
In this Fosse inspired routine, they were supposed to have a “quite fire” in their movements. Alex just flies when he jumps and leaps. While his movements were solid, he didn’t convey that internal fire. He was too smooth.

Dancers: Ashley and Mark
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Travis Wall
Song: “Wonderful”by Annie Lennox
The story is that Ashley broke up with Mark, but realizes she wants him back. While it seemed more like a contemporary routine, it was still very well danced. However, because it was contemporary, we haven’t seen Ashley do any variety so far on the show.


Dancers: Billy and Comfort
Style: Krumping
Choreographer: Lil C
Song: “So You Think You Can Krump” by The J-Squad
Billy Bell becomes Billy B Buck for this hard-hitting routine. Considering how far out of his repertoire, he did a decent job. He didn’t get down into the moves, didn’t have as much punch, but he definitely tried to pull of the moves.

Dancers: Robert and Anya
Style: Argintine Tango
Choreographer: Jean-Marc Genereaux and France
Song: “Libertango” by Bond Quartet
They looked great with strong chemistry between them. Robert could have been a bit more dominant and powerful, but he had beautiful footwork and partnered well.

Dancers: Melinda and Ade
Style: Contemporary
Choreographer: Stacy Tucci
Song: “Squander” by Skunk Anansie
The dance has Melinda as Mother Earth and Ade as Mankind. The judges loved her lines; she pulled off contemporary extremely well considering how different it is from tapping.

Dancers: Jose and Kathryn
Style: Bollywood
Choreographer: Nicoul
Song: “Marjaani Marjaani Kasame (billu barbar) soundtrack
The dance tells the story of a genie in a bottle. Bollywood is fast and intricate movements with high engery. Jose definitely had the energy and performed really well. He didn’t have all the intricate details, but the routine was fun and good enough that the judges and I didn’t care.


Dancers: Lauren and Dominic
Style: Lyrical Hip Hop
Choreographer: Tessandra Chavez
Song: “If I were a boy” by Beyonce
The dance is about an abusive relationship, sending a message to all the women out there who need help. Lauren’s performance and emotion were incredibly improved this week! She pulled off the hard hip hop moves and of course did the lyrical part beautifully.

Dancers: Kent and Courtney
Style: Jazz
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: “Amy Amy Amy” by Amy Winehouse
This dance is about the couple who’s on-again, off-again full of desire. A sexy routine, but Kent is a bit too cutesy for it to fully work for me.

Favorite Routine: Lauren and Dominic's hip hop had the "wow" factor that most of the other routines were lacking. While all were danced, I truly believed their emotion and connection.

Bottom Three Prediction: Adechike, Christina, Robert with Adechike going home. I predicted he'd be the one to go last week, so I could be wrong again.

Dinocroc vs. Supergator: Sneak Peek

Roger Corman's latest SyFy Original Movie airs Saturday June 26 9/8C.

If it's anything like the last Roger Corman SyFy movie, Dinoshark, I know I'm going to love this.

[via @SyFyMovies]

The Fellowship of the Vuvuzela

In honor of our stellar last minute victory over Algeria, here's some World Cup humor: 



[via Real TV Addict]

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: Avatar Creator

You can create your own custom Scott Pilgrim image by visiting their Avatar Creator.

What a smart idea! It's getting the fans to promote the film for them in an interesting, fun, interactive way.

Jimmy Fallon: Robert is Bothered

Robert is bothered once again! This time, the world cup is getting on his nerves and he's ready to explode. Check out his rant here:

Star Trek Likes to Party

The Green Hornet: First Trailer

While I remain skeptical of this film - Seth Rogen as a superhero? - this trailer looks interesting. While having all the superhero cliches, having Michele Gondry at the helm makes me believe it'll be unique. Will you be checking this one out?

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: Soundtrack Listings

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World hits theaters on August 13th. The soundtrack is available August 10. Tracklist courtesy of Pitchfork: 

01) SEX BOB-OMB (Beck): “We Are SEX BOB-OMB”
02) Plumtree: “Scott Pilgrim”
03) Frank Black: “I Heard Ramona Sing”
04) Beachwood Sparks: “By Your Side”
05) Black Lips: “O Katrina!”
06) Crash and the Boys (Broken Social Scene): “I’m So Sad, So Very, Very Sad”
07) Crash and the Boys (Broken Social Scene): “We Hate You Please Die”
08) SEX BOB-OMB (Beck): “Garbage Truck”
09) T. Rex: “Teenage Dream”
10) The Bluetones: “Sleazy Bed Track”
11) Blood Red Shoes: “It’s Getting Boring by the Sea”
12) Metric: “Black Sheep”
13) SEX BOB-OMB (Beck): “Threshold”
14) Broken Social Scene: “Anthems for a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl”
15) The Rolling Stones: “Under My Thumb”
16) Beck: “Ramona (Acoustic)”
17) Beck: “Ramona”
18) SEX BOB-OMB (Beck): “Summertime”
19) Brian LeBarton: “Threshold 8 Bit”

I'm definitely going to have to check this out. Metric! Black Lips! 

Good Deal: Free Orange Chicken

Enjoy Free Orange Chicken from any participating Panda Express after 9pm.

[thanks for the tip ARod!]

Music Monday: Oh Sookie by Snoop Dogg

Linkulous: Tiffany's, More QuarterLife Crisis News, The Boyfriend Myth and more

The List: My 28 favorite episodes from the 2009-10 season

Tiffany & Co. Brings Engagement Ring Shopping to the iPhone [VIDEO]

Oh, the Places You'll Actually Go!

Two Men and Two Paths

Long Road to Adulthood Is Growing Even Longer

Facebook fuelling divorce, research claims

The Boyfriend Myth

Oprah gives magazine staffers iPads, $10K to celebrate 10 years

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 11 Results

Last night So You Think You Can Dance had to make its first cut. With only a Top 11 this season, instead of the usual Top 20, the cuts are already so hard to predict and every dance that goes home is amazing.

Before the elimination though, we got a great routine set to Kelis' Acapella, choreographed by a new choreographer Tessandra Chavez. The dance had it's moments - like the two guys using a girl as a jump rope, but the highlight for me was the song. I hadn't heard it before and now I can't get it out of my head. Check out the official music video from Acapella by Kelis:



The results show also featured a performance by Usher singing his new summer hit OMG. I don't love the song, but Usher knows how to dance and perform. Then we got the world premiere of Justin Bieber's new music video: Somebody to Love featuring Usher.



I loved the performances by ABDC Crews Beat Freaks and Poreotix! Did you guys spot any other dance crews?

Then, in the end, it was Alexie who was sent home. Sad to see her go after auditioning and trying for so long to make it on the show, just to go home in the first week.

California Dorks

Now this song I can get behind! Katy Perry's summer anthem of "California Gurls" doesn't accurately depict me...this is more along my lifestyle choices, ha. "Disneyland like four times a week" - if only I could go that often!

America's Got Talent: Alice Tan Ridley

While you know her daughter, Gaborey Sibide, you will soon know her. With pipes like these, I'm surprised she wasn't discovered earlier! What a talented family.

ToyWire

Toy Story meets The Wire. Who knew such different storytypes could mash up so well.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader: New Trailer

While I didn't see The Caspian Prince, this trailer has my interest piqued for the 3rd Narnia film. Maybe I'll catch up before it's release...

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: New Trailer

Despite the Michael Cera backlash, I'm excited for this and expect it to pull in a good amount of money.

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 11

This is the first time we’re seeing how the All Star competition element works. This season, now even the competition show is live. And I can tell they’re a bit rusty from the hiatus – the cameras took at least 3 introductions before they got the timing and framing right. This also means less or no replays when the judges are critiquing.

Instead of bottom three couples, now it’s just the bottom three contestants that will be in danger during tomorrow’s result show.

Billy with All Star Lauren
Song: Footloose by Kenny Loggins
Routine: Tyce DiOrio Broadway
That was a really fun routine! It was definitely one of the fastest Broadway routines they’ve had on the show. Billy has amazing lines and his kicks and jumps are fantastic. I love Shankman as a judge, he gave Billy some helpful advice on how to improve throughout the season.

Christina with All Star Mark
Song: Starstruck by Santigold
Routine: Sonya Tayeh Jazz
Great opening image of Christina around Mark’s shoulders like a snake. If this All Star thing leads to Mark dancing Sonya routines every week, I’m all for it! Christina did a great job of holding her own, which says a lot considering how outstanding Mark is in this genre.


Jose with All Star Comfort
Song: Beautiful Monster by Ne-Yo
Routine: NappyTabs Hip Hop
Two predotors going after each other, but who will win out? It’s awfully convenient that the hip hoppers/breakers always get hip hop their first week. Jose did a great job with an solid routine. The running jump with Comfort was very impressive, I was worried she was going to kick him in the face. And Jose found his monster face in the end, that last pose and face was scary! Apparently, the music had to be changed out the day of the show, probably because of legal issues. They did a great job and I wouldn’t have had a clue without NappyTab’s tweet.

Adechike with All Star Kathryn
Song: Addicted to Love by Florence + The Machine
Routine: Travis Wall Jazz
Kathryn is looking sexyyyy. While not one of my favorite Travis Wall routines, it was still solid choreography with a lot of prop use that I’m sure is a lot harder to pull off than it seems. This is a routine that needed more chemistry for it to really spark with the audience. The judges were a bit too harsh, while lacking in chemistry it was well danced. By making him a punching bag, I feel like he will get some sympathy votes that could keep him out of the bottom three.

Melinda with All Star Pasha
Song: L.O.V.E. by VV Brown
Routine: Tony & Melanie Jive
That may have just been my favorite routine yet. She had excellent an excellent performance and of course Pasha was fantastic. The camera work was pretty terrible since we missed a lot of the footwork, and maybe that’s why I disagree with the judges so much on this one. I didn’t see the pigeon-toed, shoddy footwork that Nigel and Mia mentioned. The flip over his shoulder was awesome! This routine had a couple very memorable moments which is more than I can say for some of the other routines tonight.

Alex with All Star Allison
Song: Halleljah by Jeff Buckley
Routine: Sonya Tayeh Contemporary
Ok, THAT was my favorite routine of the night. The judges gave him a standing ovation and even Nigel was in tears. That was so beautiful and just stunning. I loved that song before, but now partnered with that routine that could be a stand out of the season already. They were just so in sync and not only danced it but performed it body and soul. The judges had nothing but the best possible praise – best dance ever danced on their stage, a new standard for the show, etc.


Alexie with All Star Twitch
Song: Butterfly by Jason Mraz
Routine: NappyTabs Hip Hop
While a solid routine, any routine would seem mediocre after Alex’s routine. She had good presence and worked with Twitch well, but nothing stood out for me.

Lauren with All Star Ade
Song: Oh Yeah by Yello
Routine: Mandy Moore Pop Jazz
This song just oozes sex. Maybe it’s because my associations with 80s comedies like The Secret of My Success and Ferris Bueller’s Day off. Lauren’s split lift off the couch was amazing! Mia said that “technically and athletically [she’s] flawless” and I have to agree. Her lines, splits, jumps, etc were incredible. The major problem with this routine was the chemistry, just like with Alexie and Adechike, and I don’t know if that will improve as much as previous seasons with this new format. In previous seasons, they had 5 weeks to get to know their partners and build up their chemistry before they were switched every week. Now, it’s sink or swim week in and week out and I just don’t know the contestants will be able to get to the necessary chemistry levels for every performance.

Kent with All Star Anya
Song: Lady Marmalde by Diva Invasion
Routine: Tony & Melanie Cha Cha
This routine just showed me how hard it will be for any male dancer that draws Anya. My eyes were just drawn to her and found it really hard for me to focus on Kent who is the one competing. From what I saw, he did a good enough job. He just needs to loosen his hips and roll a bit more. He committed to it and had fun, you could see it on his face. I liked Adam’s comment grouping him with Gev and D-Trix – fighting to stay in the competition and attacking every style no matter how hard or how far out of his comfort zone.

Ashley with All Star Neil
Song: For All We Know by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
Routine: Tyce DiOrio Contemporary
Another beautiful routine, another routine lacking the chemistry/emotion for me to feel it the way it was meant to be felt. The jumps where Ashley ran into his arms were tremendous, to steal a word from Nigel, but overall it was a pretty forgettable routine.

Robert with All Star Courtney
Song: Norweg by Cirque du Soleil
Routine: Sean Cheesman African Jazz
Robert is only a “dark horse” because the show edited him out of the audition episodes. It will be tough for him to build a fanbase like Kent, Billy, or Alex because of that. He danced it well and it was an interesting routine, but this was another instance of subpar chemistry.

Overall, it was a really strong performance episode. There were no weak routines or dancers, no duds or complete misses.

Favorite Routine: Obviously, I have to go with Alex and Allison on this one. Just beautiful, powerful, and emotional – a great accomplishment, especially during the first week!

Bottom Three Prediction: Melinda, Adechike, and Ashley with Adechike going home. Although, his solo could be strong enough to save him therefore causing Melinda to go home.

What do you guys think? What was your favorite routine? Least favorite? And who do you think had the weakest routine?

So You Think You Can Dance: Catching up with Twitch

The folks over at Give Me My Remote got a chance to sit down with the All Stars. See what Twitch had to say about So You Think You Can Dance and how he feels about being back:




For interviews with the other All Stars, visit the original article at Give Me My Remote.

Tune in to a new episode of So You Think You Can Dance tonight at 8pm EST/PST.

The Gates: Sneak Peak

ABC has posted the first 17 minutes of their new Summer Series The Gates. Watch it below:



While it probably won’t be all that quality programming, it’s summer and pickings are slim. I’ll definitely be giving it a shot.

[via Sci Fi Wire]

OK Go: End Love Music Video

I wonder how many hipsters in solid color outfits will be hanging out at Echo Park now.

But seriously, I love their creative music videos. I'm so glad they found a way to continue making them and allow them to be shared.

Google TV Explained

Music Monday: Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever) by Muse

The first single from The Twilight: Eclipse Soundtrack:

Glee Invades The Tonys

While I didn't watch the Tony Awards last night, I knew I couldn't miss the performances by Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison (that's Rachel and Mr. Shue to us Gleeks!). Watch the performances below:



This just proves that Mr. Shue needs to do more than rap! Stop doing Thong Song, Bust a Move, Gold Digger type songs and do more of the Dream On, Don't Stand So Close to Me, and even Endless Love type of songs.

They both turned in solid performances, but I loved Matthew Morrison's because it was something I hadn't seen him do before. And where was Jenna Ushkowitz's performance? She was a broadway regular before the show too. Jenna/Tina deserve more love!

Recap of Futurama

Futurama	Weeknights, 9p/8c
Recap-O-Rama
www.comedycentral.com
Futurama New Episodes Futurama New Episodes Ugly Americans

Before the series returns on June 24, watch the video above to get a quick recap of what has happened so far. 

Orbit Ad: Mini Arrested Development Reunion

BP Spills Coffee

While the oil spill going on in the Gulf is depressing and the worst oil spill in US history, Upright Citizen's Brigade found a great way to highlight BP's shortcomings in a humorous way.



For other humor at the cost of BP, you should follow BPGlobalPR on twitter.

Linkulous: TV's Anti-Mom, LA Food Trucks, World of Warcraft, and more

The rise of TV's 'Anti-Mom'

Do You Suffer from Sexsomnia? You're not alone. 

Fox Sells 80% of Super Bowl - It's Only June, but Marketer Interest Is Spurring Unusual Ad-Sales Pace for Big Game.

12-year-old uses World of Warcraft skills to save his sister from moose attack

Food Trucks & Other Mobile Eateries that Twitter - comprehensive list of all the LA gourmet food trucks.

TV Viewers Watch Different Shows Online

'Glee' sings to a forgotten generation - Journey, Young MC and Cyndi Lauper. The show grooves to the '80s while turning stereotypes on their head. Finally, the music of tail-end boomers is heard.


Glee Shows Dangerous Signs of Ryan Murphy Syndrome - I've been worried since the back 9 started to falter. 

So You Think You Can Dance: Top 11 Showcase

Tonight the Top 11 finally take the stage to show us what they are capable of. I'm so excited for the competition to begin! The show opened up with a great Wade Robsen routine and didn't falter once. I have no idea who will be the first contestant to go home, all of the Top 11 are just so strong. It'll definitely depend on the luck of the draw until we get more familiar with the contestants.

Along with the change of having the All Stars, the show is in HD and got some girl power behind the scenes with Nikki Parsons, the new director. There's also been a switch with the permanent judges, now consisting of Nigel, Adam, and Mia. I'm interested to see how the judging goes without the Mary "hot tamale train" Murphy.

Now, let's take a look at the routines:

All Stars & Contestants
Song: Fame by David Bowie
Routine: Wade & Amanda Robsen Jazz
I loved that it started with just the all stars and then the newbies came out. The My Fair Lady/Country Club theme was great and it was impressive how much prop work there was and how in sync they all were throughout. It was a little hard to keep track of who was doing what since there were 22 people on stage. I think that was the most there's ever been for the show, since there's never been more than the Top 20 dancing together on stage.

Lauren & Kent with All Stars Mark and Kathryn
Song: Paris is Burning by St. Vincent
Routine: Travis Wall Jazz
The routine really reminded me of Sonya with the creepy, jerky movements and Gothic costumes to the hauting music. Kent's jumps and flips really stood out and made me focus on him more thoughout the routine. Overall, it was fantastic! Great work from the All-Stars and contestants alike. I loved the story that Travis put forth afterwards: it's set in 1920s in Paris, about the dark and twisted people at night coming together to celebrate the fallen empire.


Alexie & Melinda with All Stars Allison and Lauren
Song: There's Gotta be Something Better Than This from Sweet Charity
Routine: Tyce Diorio Broadway (with a heavy contemporary influence)
Like Nigel, I couldn't always tell who was an All Star and who was the competitors. While it was well danced, I wasn't as engaged or enthralled by it. Again, have to agree with Nigel that they lacked that fire in their eyes. I think these two will benefit more when it's just a partner dance.


Jose "Full Deck" Ruiz with All Stars Dominque, Twitch, and Comfort
Song: Din Daa Daa (Distrtic 78 Remix) by George Kranz
Routine: NappyTabs Hip Hop
the booty move from comfort then the reversal w/ jose doing it.
That was a great routine to really showcase the new contestant. All the other routines blended the contestants with the All Stars while this one gave the contestant the spotlight. Some great moves were the flip and roll by D-trix and Jose, with the hoodie removal, and the booty moves by Comfort and Jose. It was hilarious when he reversed it and did the booty move and then the other fellas had to stop him. 


Christina with All Stars Anya and Pasha
Song: Work (Freemasons Radio Edit) by Kelly Rowland
Routine: Jason Gelkinsin Latin Ballroom
That was one sexy routine! Even before Pasha took his shirt off! Christina did a great job of holding her own against the All Stars. However, there were some moments where her legs didn't quite match Anya's. But this is the first week and she's only going to grow from here.


Alex & Billy with All Star Ade
Song: This Bitter Earth Dinah Washington
Routine: Mia Michaels Contemporary
Mia explained it as a routine about time, the journey of life, and how it goes by in a flash. It was beautiful, just beautiful. They did a fantastic job of living their roles in the storyline; Billy especially was perfect as the child.


Adechike, Ashley & Robert with All Stars Niel and Courtney
Song: Freak by Estelle feat Kardinal Offshall
Routine: Sonya Jazz
Another great routine! It was intense and energetic with that weird twist that makes it signature Sonya. They did a great job, but I feel like Niel outshone the guys. Ashley and Courtney were great and I had a hard time telling them apart at times, which is a big compliment to Ashley.

Favorite Routine: Travis Wall's routine with Lauren and Kent was definitely my favorite routine, but NappyTab's Hip Hop did a better job of showcasing the contestant.

Prediction: It's super early, but I'm going to say the final four contestants will be Kent, Alex, Alexie and Lauren.

What did you guys think of the showcase? Did you love the Travis Wall routine as much as I did? Who do you think will be in the finals? Let me know in the comments!

Disney's Tangled: New Trailer

Disney is giving its roots a modern twist! They're taking the traditional fairytale of Rapunzel and giving it the Disney makeover, but it will be in the 3D. Set to be released on November 24, it stars the vocal talents of Zachary Levi (Chuck!) and Mandy Moore. While there's no musical numbers in the trailer, I believe this will be a musical similar to Princess & The Frog.

Watch the trailer below:

So You Think You Can Dance: Season 7 Top 11 Revealed!

Last night marked the end of auditions and revealed the Top 11 for this season of So You Think You Can Dance. With narrowing it down to only a Top 11 instead of a Top 20, there weren't that many underdogs let in to the competition. Also, it definitely diminished the variety with only 1 ballet, 1 tap, 1 ballroom, 1 hiphop, and 7 contemporary/jazz dancers. I know contemporary and jazz are different, but to me they are too similar to distinguish and have very similar fundamentals and training.

Below are the top 11...

Alexie Agdeppa, 26, Rowland Heights, CA - Jazz
Billy Bell, 20, Palm Beach, FL - Contemporary
Kent Boyd, 18, Wapakoneta, OH - Contemporary
Lauren Froderman, 18, Phoenix, AZ - Contemporary Jazz
Ashley Galvan, 19, Burbank, CA - Contemporary
Robert Roldan, 19, North Hollywood, CA - Contemporary
Jose Ruiz, 21, Miami, FL - Breaking
Ana 'Cristina' Santana, 24, San Diego, CA - Salsa
Melinda Sullivan, 22, Culver City, CA - Tap
Adechike Torbert, 23, Queens, NY - Contemporary
Alex Wong, 23, Miami, FL - Ballet

Are you surprised by any of the choices?

I'm sad that Anthony (contempoary, NYC) didn't make it over Adechike. Adechike was on thin ice in Vegas while Anthony looked like a man among boys, as Nigel said. I hope he comes back next season with a 100% healthy hamstring. I'm sure he'll blow the judges away when he's able to perform at his best.

Work of Art: The Next Great Artist Episode 1 Recap

Bravo’s latest show, Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, gathers 14 promising artists to New York City to try to find the next great artist through 10 challenges and shows. The winner gets a $100,000 prize and a solo show at Brooklyn’s Museum of Art. China Chow, model and art collector, hosts with the help of Simon Du Pury stepping into a similar role of Tim Gunn on Project Runway.

The artists cover all types from painters, architect, sculptors, etc. ranging from small town kids like Abdi to seasoned artists who have been on the scene for years, like Nao and Judith. Each artist had to submit a self-portrait, which also tied into the first challenge. After sizing up the competition, they have to work in pairs to create portraits of each other. The trick of a good portrait is to capture their inner spirit, not just their likeness.

But before they get started, Sarah Jessica Parker, Executive Producer, popped in for a visit! I usually associate her with fashion, not art, but apparently she is very involved in art collecting.

While some pairings actually sat down and talked through the project, others took a cursory glance at their partner and their partner’s self-portrait and went straight to work. Miles and Nao took this approach and it proved to work better for one than the other. Already, Nao is the biggest personality on this show. She said herself that she may be “too big for this show” given her previous experience in the art world and her attitude does not lend well to judging or challenges. Miles felt “the only way to get a handle on her was to her make her dead” with death portraiture. While an old subgenre of photography, he put a modern twist on it with his silk screening.

Other notable pairings were Mark and Erik, Amanda and Jamie Lynn, and Abdi and Ryan. Mark produced a great photograph that showed Erik’s fun and aggressive side. Erik however, couldn’t stay at the same level as the more trained artists with a creepy easel of Mark as a clown. Amanda took the portrait assignment to a too abstract level, while Abdi and Ryan produced fantastic realistic paintings. Abdi’s especially captured Ryan’s essence.

After all the portraits are displayed, we meet the permanent panel of judges, which include Jerry Saltz (senior art critic for NY Mag), Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn (art adviser/gallerist), and Bill Powers (co-owner of Half-Gallery).

Abdi, Eric, Amanda, Mark, Miles, and Nao are called out by the judges. They’ve called the best and the worst of the group to explain more about their work. Nao is too cocky for her own good and doesn’t really take in any of the judge’s comments on her work.

The judges put Miles, Abdi, and Mark at the top this week. After deliberating, the judges decide that Miles gets immunity and cannot be eliminated this week.

Nao, Erik, and Amanda are in the bottom and one will be going home already. Ultimately, Amanda’s piece was too abstract to work as a portrait and she’s the first to leave the show.

Tune in next week when Erik explodes and the artists try to shock the audience. Work of Art airs on Bravo every Wednesday at 10 pm EST/PST.
----

I originally wrote this for another site, but due to a miscommunication the show was already recapped by someone else. So here's my recap of last night's episode, just so that work wasn't for nothing. I'm not planning on recapping it regularly, but if there's an interest in it I might.

If you watched the show, let me know what you think of the portraits in the comments!

Glee: The “Journey” is Over

Last night was the last episode of Glee until Fall (and I already miss it!). And while the season has had its ups and downs on the road to Regionals, it definitely ended on a high note.

The show moved at such a fast pace, I thought I had missed something. We get a few minutes leading up to Regionals, when we find out the dreaded Sue Sylvester will be one of the “celebrity” judges, and then suddenly we’re there!

The Journey medley was fantastic and I loved the Finn/Rachel moment just before they started singing. I don’t think it made sense for them to be together so soon after the egging incident; I would think Rachel would have trust issues for a while, but I guess this is a light-hearted show that doesn’t want to get bogged down with reality.

Vocal Adrenaline’s Bohemian Rhapsody was fantastic, but soulless just as New Directions said it would. The ballet dancing and piano interludes didn’t really work for me, but maybe that might be because I don’t think anyone can do Bohemian Rhapsody as well as Freddie Mercury did. I loved the intercutting of Quinn’s labor with it, even thought that must have been the fastest birth in history for the glee kids to make it back for the award announcements.

I’m glad the pregnancy and Shelby’s storylines are wrapped, I wasn’t too pleased with either throughout the season and now the writers can start fresh for season 2.

While sad that New Directions didn’t place, it wouldn’t have made sense for them to win it against Vocal Adrenaline’s performance since theirs had such more complicated staging, choreography, and was just overall a better production. The singing of both groups was amazing, thanks to those broadway trained voices, so when it comes down to spectacle, Vocal Adrenaline had it in the bag. I just wish we had seen some of Aural Intensity’s performance to know if they truly deserved to beat out our favorite Glee kids.

The reveal of Sue being a big ole softie was cute, but a little out of nowhere. With this and last week’s sudden infatuation with Will, it seems the writers are just trying to use her wherever they can because she’s such a fan favorite.

The celebrity judges were too cartoony for me, but I guess they had to be in order to push Sue to do the right thing and vote for New Directions. I was surprised there wouldn’t be a conflict of interest reason for her not to be a judge, since she works at a school that is competing. Oh well, trivial matter that I can get over it.

After the loss to Vocal Adrenaline, Glee had some tearjerker moments with the serenade to Mr. Shue with “To Sir, With Love.” At the heart of the show, beneath the showy numbers and ridiculous love/pregnancy plotlines, it’s all about finding who you are through the arts. Without Mr. Shue believing in these kids, there would be no glee club and therefore no friendship between this group of misfits.

And now we get to enjoy them struggle through sectionals and regionals all over again. Sue said that she'll "relish the thought of another full year of constantly besting" Will and the Glee clubbers, and I'll be watching it every week. 

Overall, it was a great ending to a solid season. While the show started out fantastic and then faltered, it was able to regain its footing in the end.

Random odds and ends:

• My favorite quote: "Your hair looks like a briar patch. I keep expecting racist animated disney characters to pop up and start singing about the Bayou."
• I would totally read Sue’s book “I'm a Winner and You're Fat.” Apparently Glee is releasing tie-in books this summer, please let this be one of them! “I’m a Winner and You’re Fat” and “Sue’s Diary” make so much sense as releases than the prequel that they announced. 
• My favorite musical number from the night was, of course, the Journey medley! Watch it again below: 

What did you think of the finale? Or the season a whole? Let me know in the comments!

America’s Got Talent: Fighting Gravity

I don’t normally watch America’s Got Talent. I feel like it’s an unnecessary reality show (redundant phrase?) given the current landscape with American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and America’s Best Dance Crew. Many of the finalists for this show are usually singers or dancers, and there’s just too much of an overlap in talent for me to care about this show as much as the others.

But every once in a while, there’s an audition that makes the show seem worth it. This act, Fighting Gravity, wouldn’t work on any other reality show because it is so niche. It doesn’t quite fit into the dancing mold that would put it on shows like America’s Best Dance Crew. A group of fraternity brothers who spend their days studying Business or Engineering, came up with a great routine involving black light and suspended tennis balls. I wonder if this is an act they would bust out at their frat parties to lure in the ladies? Check out the routine below:

Glee: Season Finale is Tonight!

Tonight is the final episode of Glee's first season, and I really hope it's a marked improvement over last week's "Funk."

Tune in to Glee on FOX tonight at 9pm EST/PST.

Then come back and let me know what you think in the comments!

AMC's Rubicon

AMC has a solid record when it comes to original programming - Mad Men, Breaking Bad - and they're adding another show to their schedule.

After watching that trailer, I may have another summer show to add to my schedule.

Lady Gaga: Alejandro

The Goonies Turns 25

Today marks The Goonies 25th Anniversary! It's one of my favorite 80s flicks, which says a lot since I'm a huge fan of teen comedies in the 80s like Better of Dead, Sixteen Candles, The Lost Boys, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The 'Burbs, etc.


Goonies Never Say Die!
The Goonies came out 25 years ago, but it still has a lasting impact to this day. Without sequels, spin-offs, and only limited merchandise it's managed to remain on our pop culture radar. The movie produced two recognized actors - Sean Astin and Josh Brolin. Sean may be Samwise Gamgee now, but to me he'll always be Mikey - the kid who flubed cliche phrases and had asthma. Josh Brolin’s career didn’t exactly skyrocket after The Goonies, but he’s really come into his own now with leading roles in No Country For Old Men, W., and Jonah Hex which is coming out June 18.

There are current pop culture references that still bring up The Goonies from time to time. The band The Fratellis, popular for songs Chelsea Dagger and Flathead, took their name from the evil brothers in the movie. The truffle shuffle lives in Family Guy jokes, Olivia Munn’s rendition, and countless youtube versions of it.





Hey You Guuuuyys!
While today marks the anniversary, the DVD and Blu-Ray special editions come out in November.

Warner Home Video has announced that The Goonies will be making its Blu-ray debut on November 2, 2010, in two different packages. The standard release will include the film and all its bonus features, while a ultimate collector's edition release also available on DVD will additionally include a Goonies board game, collectible storyboard prints, a 1985 souvenir magazine and a 2009 Empire Magazine article on the cast and Richard Donner and Steven Spielberg.
On-disc bonus features include the following:

• Deleted scenes
• "Making of" documentary
• Commentary from Donner and the entire cast
• Cyndi Lauper music video 'The Goonies ‘R Good Enough' 

Music Monday: Bulletproof by La Roux

I've been singing this for days.

Comic-Con: First News!

I'm so excited for comic-con this year! I've been before, but this is the first time I'll be going for all 4 days. I've got the hotel booked, the tickets in hand, and am starting to try to plan out my time there.

The first news of who will be attending are starting to leak and I'll be posting news here as soon as I find it.

@MoRyan from The Watcher (Chicago Tribune) has a list of confirmed (mostly) attendees:

• "Archer" (FX, July 23)
• Possible panel: "Being Human" (BBC America)
• "The Big Bang Theory" (CBS)
• "Burn Notice" (USA)
• "Castle" (ABC)
• "Chuck" (NBC)
• Possible panel: "Look Around You" (BBC America)
• "Psych" (USA)
• "Hawaii Five-O" (new CBS show)
• "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (FX, July 25)
• "No Ordinary Family (new ABC show)
• "Sons of Anarchy" (FX, July 25)
• "Spartacus" (Starz, July 23)
• "White Collar" (USA)

I'm looking forward to No Ordinary Family already, if you haven't noticed.  I'm also super excited to be catching a Chuck panel, since they have always put on a great show with information on the upcoming season and sometimes even a performance by Jeffster!

I'll blog as much as possible while I'm there and will bring my new FlipCam to capture the excitement! Will any of you be at Comic-Con this July?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: New Trailer

I missed the MTV Movie Awards last night, so I didn't catch the highlights until later. My favorite moment - more than the same-sex kisses, cussing, and Twilight mania - was the new preview for Harry Potter. Watch it below!

Baby Gaga

I don't know if I love this for how fun it is, or hate it for how creepy it is to have a baby dancing like Lady Gaga. What do you guys think?

2010 TCA Award Nominees

Yesterday the Television Critics Association announced their short list of nominees. While these awards don’t get the fancy ceremony that the Emmy’s do, they’re just as important. I’m glad to see so many quality new shows recognized!

Some top honored shows include Glee, Modern Family, and Party Down. I’m also glad to see the last season of Lost get a nomination, since I don’t know if the Emmy’s will give them the same treatment.While Glee got the Emmy's and the SAG awards, I'm hoping the critics award Modern Family more since it is just so consistent. Always hilarious, with a storyline and characters that ring true.

The full list of nominees is below, with my choice for the win highlighted.

Program of the Year:

"Breaking Bad" (AMC)
"Friday Night Lights" (DirecTV/NBC)
"Glee" (Fox)
"Lost" (ABC)
"Modern Family" (ABC)

Outstanding Drama Series:

"Breaking Bad" (AMC)
"Lost" (ABC)
"Mad Men" (AMC)
"Sons of Anarchy" (FX)
"The Good Wife" (CBS)

Outstanding Comedy Series:

"Glee" (Fox)
"Modern Family" (ABC)
"Parks and Recreation" (NBC)
"Party Down" (Starz)
"The Big Bang Theory" (CBS)


Individual Achievement in Drama:

Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad," AMC)
John Lithgow ("Dexter," Showtime)
Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife," CBS)
Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad," AMC)
Katey Sagal ("Sons of Anarchy," FX)

Individual Achievement in Comedy:

Ty Burrell ("Modern Family," ABC)
Jane Lynch ("Glee," Fox)
Nick Offerman ("Parks and Recreation," NBC)
Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory," CBS)
Eric Stonestreet ("Modern Family," ABC)

Outstanding New Program:

"Glee" (Fox)
"Justified" (FX)
"Modern Family" (ABC)
"Parenthood" (NBC)
"The Good Wife" (CBS)

Outstanding Movie, Miniseries or Special:

"Life" (Discovery Channel)
"The Pacific" (HBO)
"Temple Grandin" (HBO)
"Torchwood: Children of Earth" (BBC America)
"You Don't Know Jack" (HBO)

Outstanding Achievement in News & Information:

"30 for 30" (ESPN)
"America: The Story of Us" (History Channel)
"Life" (Discovery Channel)
"The Daily Show" (Comedy Central)
"The Rachel Maddow Show" (MSNBC)

Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming:

"Dinosaur Train" (PBS)
"iCarly" (Nickelodeon)
"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (Cartoon Network)
"Word Girl" (PBS)
"Yo Gabba Gabba" (Nick Jr.)

Career Achievement:

James Garner
Bill Moyers
Sherwood Schwartz
William Shatner
Dick Wolf

Heritage Award:

"24"
"M*A*S*H"
"Law & Order"
"Lost"
"Twin Peaks"

[via Televisionary]

Linkulous: More Lost, Happiness, Donald 4 Spiderman, and more

Happy Friday! After grabbing a donut, enjoy these articles from the week: 

A Disappointed Fan Is Still a Fan
How the creators of Lost seduced and betrayed their viewers.

An Anonymous Fan Re-Edits Season 6 of Lost to Remove the Flash Sideways 


Chris Klein rebounds from viral video hell
An epic "Mamma Mia" tryout made the actor the butt of the joke. Now, he's getting the last laugh

Online Buzz Doesn’t Equate to Ratings

Happiness May Come With Age, Study Says - looks like 85 is the golden age

Could 'Community' star Donald Glover play Spider-Man?

Placing the Blame as Students Are Buried in Debt

Yelp Integrates OpenTable for Restaurant Reservations


How to Hack Your Brain - if only I could get away with taking 20 minutes naps throughout the work day.

Heartless: The Story of Tin Man - great short film about the origin of the Tin Man


"FlashForward" fans plan a mass blackout in front of ABC offices - it's not going to save the show, but good try.