Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Kanye West is a Machine!

After his hiatus from the music business, when he interrupted Taylor Swift at the VMA's last year, Kanye has some catching up to do. He has apparently vowed to release a new single or remix every week from now until Christmas. So far he's right on track! Check out the tracks below and let me know which one is your favorite in the comments!


Power (Remix) featuring Jay-Z and Swizz Beats

Runaway Love by Justin Bieber featuring Kanye West and Raekwon

Monster Remix featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver and Nicki Minaj

Monday, August 30, 2010

The Walking Dead: Official Comic-Con Trailer

While I missed The Walking Dead panel at Comic-Con, now I can finally see what all the buzz was about! AMC released the official trailer than ran during Con earlier this month, and I am just blown away. AMC already brings a certain expectation of quality, with it's exceptional work on Breaking Bad and Mad Men, but this being a genre show had me a bit skeptical. The 4 minute trailer put all those doubts to rest! Watch it below:



The Walking Dead will premiere on AMC on Halloween at 10pm. Set your DVRs or go out after, because you won't want to miss this!

Music Monday: Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is on a roll! With collaborations on hits like "Billionaire" and "Fuck You", it's no wonder his own single is climbing up the charts. Give "Just the Way You Are" a listen below:

Sunday, August 29, 2010

2010 Emmy's: Jimmy Fallon's Musical Tribute

While not every song that Jimmy Fallon performed was a success, the tribute to the top three shows that ended their runs this season was my favorite. Doing impressions of Elton John, Billy Joel Armstrong, and Boyz II Men he said goodbye to Law & Order, Lost, and 24. Watch the number below:

2010 Emmy Winners

What a refreshing show! This year there were many upsets and happy surprises. Jimmy Fallon did a stand up job of hosting, peppering in a good amount of humor and musical numbers. If you didn't catch the show, the list of winners is below.

I was most surprised by Juliana Marguiles NOT winning for Best Lead Actress in a Drama. The Emmys have loved her previously and all of the critics had predicted her win. And for it to go to Kyra Sedwick? If you're not going to give it to Juliana, I feel it should have gone to Connie Britton for her amazing work on Friday Night Lights.

I was also very happy to see Jim Parsons finally be recognized for his work as Sheldon. He is what makes that show work and it is a really hard role to play.

Beside the awards, there were plenty of musical numbers and skits. My favorite skit was with Modern Family and George Clooney. Luckily, it's already online!



Complete list of winners at Sunday's 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards:

— Drama Series: "Mad Men," AMC.
— Comedy Series: "Modern Family," ABC.
— Actor, Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad," AMC.
— Actress, Drama Series: Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer," TNT.
— Actor, Comedy Series: Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory," CBS.
— Actress, Comedy Series: Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie," Showtime.
— Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Aaron Paul, "Breaking Bad," AMC.
— Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Archie Panjabi, "The Good Wife," CBS.
— Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family," ABC.
— Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Jane Lynch, "Glee," Fox.
— Miniseries: "The Pacific," HBO.
— Made-for-TV Movie: "Temple Grandin," HBO.
— Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Al Pacino, "You Don't Know Jack," HBO.
— Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Claire Danes, "Temple Grandin," HBO.
— Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: David Strathairn, "Temple Grandin," HBO.
— Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Julia Ormond, "Temple Grandin," HBO.
— Directing for a Comedy Series: Ryan Murphy, "Glee," Fox.
— Directing, Drama Series: Steve Shill, "Dexter," Showtime.
— Directing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Mick Jackson, "Temple Grandin," HBO.
— Directing, Variety, Music or Comedy Special: Bucky Gunts, "Vancouver 2010 Winter Games Opening Ceremony," NBC.
— Variety, Music or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show," Comedy Central.
— Reality Competition Program: "Top Chef," Bravo.
— Writing for Comedy Series: Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd, "Modern Family," ABC.
— Writing, Drama Series: Matthew Weiner and Erin Levy, "Mad Men," AMC.
— Writing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Adam Mazer, "You Don't Know Jack," HBO.
— Writing, Variety, Music or Comedy Special: 63rd Annual Tony Awards, CBS.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

2010 Emmy Predictions: Drama Categories

Tomorrow is the Emmy's! And while I don't think they get the winners right nearly as often as The Oscars and The Television Critics Association Awards, they do pack a lot of clout when it comes to public perception.

This could be the year that many Emmy favorites and repeat winners will be unseated. With so many new shows and actors in the running, it is almost anyone's game! I'm hoping the Emmy's will reward talent over big names like Tony Shaloub and Julianna Marguiles. They are all very talented, but it's time to get some fresh blood in the mix!


Best Drama Series
Lost
Breaking Bad
Dexter
Mad Men
True Blood
The Good Wife

True Blood finally gets some award recognition! With Lost and True Blood in contention, my genre loving heart is content. I'm glad some fantasy/sci-fi shows are getting finally get recognized for their accomplishments instead of instantly being regulated to second class work. If only they would have recognized so many other shows that were just as qualified (Buffy, Battlestar Galactica, etc.)

While Mad Men has won for the previous two years, Dexter just wrapped it's best season yet. With critical buzz and fan appeal, this could be their year. Also, with the John Lithgow a strong contender to win, Dexter buzz has been at a fever pitch this awards season. While I love True Blood, I just don't think it will take the category. It really is just an honor that they're nominated. LOST also has a strong chance since it has yet to win the big award, despite the mass appeal and it's lasting effects on scripted broadcast television. With this nomination for its last year, it could win as a statement to it strong work for the past six seasons, similar to Lord of the Rings' Best Picture win at the Oscars in 2004.

But in the end, I say that Mad Men is still going to take it home. While I would love for the Emmy's to shake things up, this is one where I think the incumbent is still the champion. If Mad Men doesn't take it home, Dexter would be the front runner.

Outstanding Actress in a Drama
Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)
Mariska Hargitay (Special Victims Unit)
Glenn Close (Damages)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)
January Jones (Mad Men)
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)

This is a tough category to pick a clear winner. There are the award veterans of Julianna Margulies and Glenn Close, along with popular new nominees. However, with a strong performance on a series centered entirely around her character, Juliana Marguiles will take the statue home. I wish Connie Britton would win, but while Friday Night Lights is a critical darling, no one is watching.

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Hugh Laurie (House M.D.)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Matthew Fox (Lost)

Sad to say it, but you can pretty much count Hugh Laurie, Matthew Fox, and Kyle Chandler out of this fight. Again, it was such a pleasant surprise that Kyle Chandler was even nominated. Jon Hamm and Bryan Cranston are strong contenders, with fantastic AMC shows centered around their performance, but Dexter had such a great season that this is his year. While having its strongest season yet, Michael C. Hall upped his performance to go toe-to-toe with John Lithgow's disturbing performance as the Trinity Killer. And I hate to think of it this way, but his recent battle with cancer probably garnered him a few sympathy votes.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama
John Slattery (Mad Men)
Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)
Martin Short (Damages)
Terry O’ Quinn (Lost)
Michael Emerson (Lost)
Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age)

I fear that the two LOST nominees will end up splitting the vote, which would be a shame since this was Terry O' Quinn's finest season. He did a fantastic job of playing both roles of The Man in Black and alt-verse Locke.  I don't watch Damages and Breaking Bad (I'll be fixing that eventually, I swear), but have heard strong buzz about both Martin Short and Aaron Paul. In the end, I think the Emmy will go to the more recognizable name, Martin Short, since that's how things usually turn out.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama
Sharon Gless (Burn Notice)
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
Rose Byrne (Damages)
Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)

My biggest girl crush at the moment is Christina Hendricks. She's got such a beautiful face, an amazing body that is making curves sexy again, and is a solid actress to boot. However, I don't think she'll be winning tomorrow. It's hard to predict this one since the double nominations for The Good Wife and Mad Men may split votes, but buzz seems to be in Christine Baranski's favor. As The TV Addict said, "the amount of levity and romance she brought to her scenes with special guest star Gary Cole, turn[ed] what very easily could have been a one-note character into one character to remember."

Stay tuned here for my thoughts on the Comedy Categories, and follow me on twitter (@kristal_bailey) during the show for my thoughts in real time! 

Friday, August 27, 2010

Guess Who's Back



I'm back from the epic road trip! Thanks goes out to my lovely guest bloggers - Karlee, Ashley and Cody!

I'll try to do a bit of catch up on the Emmy's before the show tomorrow. Also, the TV season will be gearing up soon so expect a lot of updates as shows start to air.

Thanks for sticking around!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Music Monday: Fuck You from Cee-Lo

This video has become a viral video smash. A simple video with a simple message will stick with people. Watch the video below and let me know what you think of the song in the comments!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Hi, I'm a DC...and I'm a Marvel: The Musical



I think this sums up the comic book movie war quite nicely.

(GUEST POST) Justin Bieber's Hidden Beauty

As far as young adult pop culture goes, I'm pretty out of the loop. I had no idea what Hannah Montana looked like until I was on a 13 hour flight last year and was forced to watch her movie on loop. I also do not know much about Justin Bieber, I only know that he may be a lesbian and he (she?) has the same hair cut as my roommate. Recently, my J.B. haired roommate shared this internet gem with me and I have to admit, my view on the Bieb has changed because of it.

Gawker slowed down Bieb's single, "U Smile" by 800% and they made his poppy beat an Enya meets Deerhunter 36 minute odyssey of pure beauty. You can listen to it here:

http://tv.gawker.com/5614901/what-happens-when-you-slow-down-a-justin-bieber-song-by-800

Please note, Bieb sped up by 800% was found to be terrifying by Gawker, and I will openly admit that I agree.


http://tv.gawker.com/5616860/justin-bieber-sped-up-800-is-horrifying?skyline=true&s=i

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The LXD: Season Finale

The first season of The LXD draws to a close with the 10th chapter. Watch the episode below:



Have you been watching this season? I loved the season despite its sometimes clunky pacing and dialog. Just like dance movies, a dance webseries is only as good as its routines. And with the title The League of Extraordinary Dancers, it absolutely lived up to its name with amazing numbers covering styles ranging from krumping to robotic popping and now even tapping.

I'm excited to see where Season 2 goes, since this was obviously the origin story of the league and its members. What do you guys think? Will you tune in when/if it returns?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The LXD: Chapter Nine



No time to comment. Just watch it! It's awesome! And, check out Step Up 3D sometime too. Great dancing and the best use of 3D since Avatar. Seriously.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: Comic Book Trailer

Are you guys as amped for Scott Pilgrim as I am? After the epicness of the entire Scott Pilgrim vs. Comic Con Experience, I've been anxiously awaiting its release. Despite being on a road trip and constantly traveling city to city these past couple weeks, KT and I are planning to drop everything to see it this weekend.

And now, there's a new trailer for the flick! No, it doesn't have any new footage. However, it's a pretty awesome recreation of the original trailer, using panels from the comic book! Check it out below.

(GUEST POST) The Hamburglar Strikes Again- This Time, She Wants Nuggets

According to a police report filed in Toledo, this woman tried to attack a McDonalds worker when she found out that McDonalds does not serve McNuggets at 6:30 AM.

There's no sound so the beginning is kind of dull, so start watching at 1:17- when McFists start to fly.

Monday, August 9, 2010

(GUEST POST) Re-Cut Trailer Fun!

By Karlee Johnson (@KarleeJohnson)

I haven't seen too many fantastic re-cut trailers in a while, but here are some that are pretty good.

And you thought Jerry Seinfeld was going to hell for making out during Schindler's List:








Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

So You Think You Can Dance: Mad World

I'm so behind on the episodes since I'm traveling. Since I'm in Kentucky, we've had a bit more down time thanks to the heat and the fact that this is more of a rest stop than a sightseeing stop. Laundry has been done and now I'm caught up on my blogs and hulu watching, ha.

The Top 6 (again) performed and overall, I thought it was a mediocre episode with all the routines being solid, but not as memorable as previous weeks. Below is my favorite routine from the episode. There's a better quality video HERE.



Set to one of my favorite songs, Mad World by Gary Jules, it was a great commentary on the discrepency between economic classes. I thought it was Billy's week between this, the Bollywood routine, and his solo, but obviously America disagreed. He just never had America on his side this season as compared to other dancers like Kent and Lauren. Maybe America was tired of hearing about his talents since he was on last season, I don't know.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Eva Mendes Sex Tape



While escaping the humidity of New Orleans, I caught this on Huffington Post and had to share. Hilarious!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The Avengers: Teaser Trailer

Greetings from New Orleans! The teaser trailer for The Avengers that premiered at Comic-Con is finally available online, in non-bootleg format!



The movie hasn't started filming, with the final Avengers casting being announced just hours before their panel at Comic-Con. With a star-studded cast that includes Scarlett Johannson, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson, this is guaranteed to be the summer movie of 2012.

(GUEST POST) Short Film: Welcome Home Kurt

A bunch of my friends and I got together a few weeks ago and did the San Diego 48 Hour Film Challenge. For those of you who do not know what that is, it's basically a competition where you have 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit a film. You're given a specific genre and have to make a film according to that genre including a character, a line of dialogue, and a prop they give you. We got period piece for our genre, which was AWESOME because I really wanted to a 1970's thing for our project.

So far, we've placed top 15 in San Diego and we'll know later this week if we won anything!! Yay!

Please watch our film and comment on it, I would love to hear your thoughts about it.


Welcome Home Kurt from Jose Troconis on Vimeo.
This film made for the 48 Hour Film Project 2010.


Thanks!

(Guest Post) This Scrooge McDuck Comic Seems Familiar...

This seems familiar to me. Then again, Scrooge McDuck was (is?) a very rich duck, and could most definately afford any sort of dream-stealing technology available in Duckworld.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The LXD: Chapter Eight

Greetings from Austin, TX! I should be sleeping now, in preparation for the 9+ hour drive to New Orleans, LA tomorrow, but I had to stay up to watch the latest installment of The LXD.

Featuring Harry Shum Jr., "Other Asian" of Glee fame, Chapter Eight is another strong installment that doesn't waste it's time with dialogue. After the now expected introduction by the old man, it goes straight into the dancing which features some fancy footwork. Watch the episode below, then let me know what you think in the comments! I think my favorite installment is still Madd Chadd's, but this is a close second.

Monday, August 2, 2010

(GUEST POST) Music Monday

I've recently entered the stage of my life where I am perpetually floating along. I graduated from college on Wednesday and now my biggest concern is trying to find a second minimum wage job and decide if I should cut my hair shorter. In spirit of my floating feelings, I've decided to give you all some music from The Graduate, but with a little twist. Here's my boy Sungha Jung covering Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson".



This 14 year old boy from South Korea has been winning hearts of millions with his covers of classic songs along with his own original music. Check out his website (http://www.sunghajung.com) to hear more of his music. You won't be disappointed.

Now... I'm going to go back to floating.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

(GUEST POST) Lisa's Getting Married!


Sup blogverse, I'm Cody, yet another guest blogger while Kristal explores America. Couple weeks ago, there was a hoax about "Back to the Future" day, where someone photoshopped in that day's date to correspond to when Marty & Doc went forward in time.

Today, August 1st, 2010 is, however, the day where Lisa Simpson is set to marry Hugh St. John Alastair Parkfield. I hear the happy couple is registered at Kwik-E-Mart.