TV Dish: Scandal "Seven Ffity Two": Huck's Life Sucks, Olivia Is Still Mad, and Fitz Does Not Care *Spoilers*

752, 752, 752, 752……if you haven’t gotten that number engrained in your head right now, then congratulations and lucky you.

After 3 weeks of waiting, tweeting, and pretty much sitting on our thumbs, Scandal came back in full force with a new episode. Bed ridden Olivia Pope (who looked all kinds of pissed off) continues to leave Fitz in the cold as he tries to reconcile and  make amends. As she questions his love for her, Jake lurks in the shadows, keeping an eye on the couple. Only in TV land can

Olivia have a concussion, be in the hospital, and still have perfectly blown, straight hair (I'm sorry, I'm bitter. I just spent an hour putting my hair in curlers....)

Then we have poor Huck who is still getting kicked in the balls by life and is traumatized by the storage unit incident. As each member of Team Gladiator give their life story, Huck continues to repeat Seven Fifty Two, Seven Fifty Two, Seven Fifty Two…...

Flashback to several years, where we find out that Huck was not always the lovable, puppy eyed-looking hobo, that Olivia Pope picked up off the street. Huck was a solider, a husband, and a father.  Of course, this is Scandal and a character can’t be happy for long without some kind of drama or tragedy. Huck is thrust into the life of a professional killer and you see him going full on Dexter with saran wrap, tools, and all that jazz. Creepy stuff.

Okay, can we first talk about how frustrating Liv and Fitz are right now? These two. I can’t even begin with them. They just need to meet up at a local Starbucks, order a couple of grande chai lattes and just hash it out. These yelling fits in hospitals and on the phone will get them NOWHERE. It just leaves frustration for them and for us who have to sit through it. Makeup, make out, and lets move on!

Then poor Fitz, bless his soul, is clueless to the fact that only hours ago, his right hand man, Jake, was doing the freak nasty with his woman (and was the reason she’s hurt in the first

place.) And Cyrus, who was totally the jealous ex-wife when he was introduced to Jake, is all kinds of salty, because he is slowly being pushed out of Fitz’s life. Jake better watch it, because Miss Cyrus is a cobra who will attack when he feels threatened (he almost took out his own husband.) The guy is ruthless and no one is off limits (not even his frenemy, Olivia Pope.)

Now we scoot over to Olivia Pope and Associates where it is Fix Huck Day (bring your own drinks, because you’re going to need it.) Abby, Harrison, and Quinn try to talk to Huck (but really it was just an excuse to give them a monologue) in hopes of bringing him back to reality. However, Huck was not having it and 752 kept going and going (I wonder what Guillermo thought when he saw the script for this episode. Was he like “Sweet! All I have to do is repeat 752? Psh, nice!")

*When it was finally revealed what 752 (or 7:52) meant I literally felt like I got tackled on the 50 yard line by an entire football team. Way to make the feels real, Shonda. Can we just give all the aawrds to Guillermo Diaz? Emmy, Oscar, Teen Choice Award, VMA Award, CMA Award. Just all the awards. He was in rare form tonight and he brought it. So good. This episode also made me feel really bad for the many times I have walked passed homeless people asking for change. I could've found my own Huck (probably not, but I really should start keeping change in my pocket...)

Olitz lovers got all in a tizzy when Liv and Fitz’s song theme song played in the hospital room. For people who don't know this is a warning for a huge flood of Olivia and Fitz loving, which will lead to either sex, kisses, sweet words of love, or angsty moments of Olitz turmoil (or all of the above.)Everyone freaked while I was here thinking “Oh, you can not seriously have them going at it in the hospital in broad day light! CODE BLUE! CODE BLUE! It’s going down!” In typical Olivia fashion, she stops the passionate embrace and leaves poor Fitz blue balled, sad faced, and alone (she does that a lot, doesn’t she?)

But, oh, let’s not forget Mellie who has had it and is ready to let the shit hit the fan. She’s done, she’s tired, and so over it. And honestly, I don’t blame her. You just can’t hate on her for being

upset. She’s looking like a chump at the White House while Fitz is with Olivia. And I love Fitz and all but this whole "nothing else matters but Liv" attitude is getting really old. If he’s willing to drop everything, every time something happens with Liv then I don’t think he should be leading the country. I know we’re in Shondaland where reality and realism gets dropped kicked out the window, but COME ON. Homeboy is talking about re-election, but he is so deep in the River of Liv that there is no way that he can continue acting like this and still consider running for a second term. He needs to make a choice. Fitz, you and I are cool, but I’m done making excuses for you. Shape up and fly right!

Honestly, I don’t know whom to trust anymore. Everyone seems to be connected with someone else and it’s slowly building to this weird 6-Degrees of Kevin Bacon sort of deal. It’s giving me a headache. I will be very interested to figure out who Jake is working for and how this all connects with Huck. I’m not convinced that he’s the bad guy that fans think he is. That would be way too obvious to pin him as the mole. We will see! See you next, week Gladiators!

 *I should've known that 752 was a time. They weren't saying seven hundred and fifty two like  a normal number. Silly me.

The Search For Tarzan

Who will don the notorious leopard skinned loin cloth? I have always found it interesting when the names of actors who audition for certain parts are leaked. Usually, it's very hush hush except when it's a part that a lot of people are vying for (and the search for Christian Grey continues...)

With that being said I was rather surprised by the shortlist of actors who could possibly play Tarzan. Charlie Hunnam, Tom Hardy, Alexander Skarsgard, and Henry Cavill, were named as the top casting choices for the jungle man and according to Anne Thompson of IndieWire, director David Yates is already meeting with Hunnam, Skarsgard, and Cavill while Warner Brothers is eyeing Hardy.

Now I am fond of Skarsgard, Hunnam, and Hardy as public figures while I feel that Cavill has potential to be a great leading man (waiting for 'Man of Steel' to see how he does. I hear some say he's great while others have called his performances 'wooden'.) Since I am more familiar with 3 out of the 4 actors, I have my own personal opinions on who I think could benefit and pull off this role. David Yates is best known for directing the past 4 Harry Potter films so the guy knows his stuff. I don't think this is going to be some cheesy melodrama with a beefcake leading man with a waxed chest and oiled pecs. I can see a darker Tarzan. More rugged and less kitchy. I mean when you have Tom Hardy as your top choice you know this isn't going to be a Jungle version of Nicholas Sparks.

Let me just start off and say what I think about the possible candidates:

Hunnam: Yes.
Hardy: No.
Skarsgard: No.
Cavill: Yes.

Whew. That was easy.

Hunnam: I started catching up on Sons of Anarchy this summer and I was immediately hooked. The quasi-Hamlet driven plot line has so much blood and action it's downright twisted. However, the show's success can also be pinpointed to the show's lead Charlie Hunnam whose deep guttural voice (which tries-sometimes in vain-to hide an accent that can only be described as 'one of a kind') and intense glares has won over a sub-section of fans (mostly women.) You see Hunnam is a rare bird. If you read his interviews throughout his career he seems to be all too aware of the dark side of the entertainment industry and it's 'bullshit'. He's an artist. He's not in it for the fame. He aspires to be low key like Daniel Day Lewis (don't we all wish we could be like Daniel Day Lewis, sweetie?) He's the type of actor who could've been big by now, but has chosen his roles with the utmost procession (in other words he didn't choose every script that has been thrown at him.)  He's got the physicality and the emotional depth to play the part. He keeps in shape and would probably have no problem doing his own stunts. He also is a good actor. Despite his ever changing accent on Sons of Anarchy he can be mincing and dangerous one minute and bring on the water works the next minute. If given the part I can see Charlie definitely making the character his own. VERDICT: YES.

Hardy: Oh how I adore Hardy. Handsome, insightful, talented, recovering from a dark past, and a sense of humor which reaches the epitome of British wit. The man rocks. Which is why I'm not surprised that Warner is itching for him to take the role. His career is hot right now and you can't blame the company for wanting a piece of the action. Hardy has one thing that the other 3 don't have. He is appealing to both men (gay and straight) and women. He's a guy who isn't afraid to show his sensitive side but will curb stomp you to the ground if you act up and push his buttons (Hardy is a total hood by the way.) He hasn't had a leading man role yet (this will change when Mad Max comes out....or at least manages to finish filming on time.) However, out of all the guys Hardy is probably the safest bet on box office success. The guy is always trying something new and I could totally see him as Tarzan. However, the guy is BUSY. Super busy. Like every 2 weeks he's attached to some kind of project. Something tells me that he isn't going to try and open his schedule to make way for a Tarzan remake. Also, I just can't see him wanting to do it. This role totally seems like a role for an up and comer and not an established A-lister like Hardy. Maybe a few years ago when he was just breaking out, but now he has joined the big leagues. VERDICT: NO.

Skarsgard: I watch True Blood for Alexander Skarsgard. If the show had killed him off I would've been out by now. He is the sexy blonde viking which has millions of women watching every week in the summer. Being the oldest offspring of Stellan Skarsgard, he has made a solid name for himself in the entertainment community. With one quasi-high profile relationship and a big blockbuster under his belt he is still climbing the ladder. Alex has all the fixings of a Hollywood golden boy. Tall (so tall), handsome, blonde, charismatic, and a goofy, but charming smile. It's all there. However, in my opinion, he has yet to shine or showcase what he can really do outside of True Blood. Something physical like Tarzan could do the trick, but I just can't see it. Maybe, because he's getting up there in age or maybe it's because of something else I can't pinpoint, but when I see Alex, I don't see him as 'wild' like Hardy or Hunnam. Even when he's scruffy, he still seems so clean cut and, dare I say it, a tad generic to me. I really do like Alex and I am excited to see what he does after True Blood ends, but I personally don't think Tarzan is it. VERDICT: NO.

Cavill: Now here is a name that I can definitely go with. British export Henry Cavill who will being making a big debut in 'Man of Steel' has already started some chatter in the film community. I don't  know much about him, but I do sense that he is so fresh on the scene that it may be good for him. He's a blank slate. This could give him a chance to broaden his target audience and launch his career. He is the youngest of the bunch which I think gives him a slight advantage (again they may want a fresh, new face) and if 'Man of Steel' takes off then the studio would've hit the jackpot with him. Also, he is extremely handsome w/wo facial hair so playing a jungle man will def. bring out the women at the very least. Not sure about the men, but I think Cavill has a very masculine air about him which I think will draw men as well. VERDICT: YES.

What do you think?

Drive By Reviews- 11/3/12 "Drive" "South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut," "Heathers"

3.5/5- Giggled a lot and enjoyed the songs (which is why Trey Parker and Matt Stone should write more musicals. Book of Mormon is a revelation.)

3.5/5- Can see why this is a cult classic but I thought it was decent. Enjoyed the 80's fashion and its always nice to see Winona Ryder in her prime.

4.5/5- The visuals, the camera shots, the action, the suspense (which totally reminded me of 'No Country For Old Men'), and the acting. I loved it all. I get the Gosling hype. I finally get it. Of course the director is the same person who directed one of my favorite films "Bronson." Tres Bien.

W./E. Film Review

The story is about the passionate love affair of American-born Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII. As history goes when forced to choose between his throne or Wallis, Edward (we're going to be calling him David since that's his nickname in the film) gives up his title and his future just to be with her (and may I say thank you because we wouldn't have Prince Harry naked pictures if it wasn't for that.) The film's other storyline is based in modern day where we have our lead Wally Winthrop who is married to a super rich British psychiatrist. Wally is having her own issues due to her struggle to have a baby and her husband's wandering eye. As the film goes on we are given an insight into both Wally and Wallis Simpson's life and how they endure their individual obstacles.

The main issues I had with the film stems mostly from the modern day storyline. With 50 Shades of Grey styled dialogue we are introduced to Wally's sad, pitiful life. We see these exaggerated yuppies come up to her, telling her how lucky she is to have a husband like hers who is so successful, handsome, and British (all this while he's practically mouth groping some blonde's ear.) Wally plays the dutiful wife ignoring his indiscretions and pumps herself up with hormone shots to increase her chances of pregnancy. All this would be fine and dandy if the lead actress played by Abbie Cornish wasn't so bad. I want to believe it’s the dialogue she's been given but she just comes off as a dead fish, flat lining most of her lines. You can play aloof and closed off without being a sopping wet blanket. Also Wally seems to have a thing for touching 18th century items in museums (something that is brushed aside because apparently it is totally okay to take off an antique dress worn by one of the most famous people in history and have NO ONE stop you or arrest you.)

The film itself is all over the place. Extremely inconsistent and no sense of flow whatsoever.

Maybe it’s due to Madonna's musical prowess but W./E. tends to play like a chic music video. It’s trying to be innovative and edgy with close up and out of focus shots. I found some of the transitions to be extremely uneven. 

This is definitely a vanity project for the Queen of Pop. See! Look what  I can do with a camera. Aren’t I amazing with my minimal, black and white styling? Huh? HUH? Can you believe this is my first time making a film? Yes, Madonna I can tell this is your first crack at film making. And I am totally cool with artist trying out different outlets and the film is decent for a first time.  I'm just saying that there is a reason why this didn't sweep the Oscars and The Kings Speech did.

The film is very disjointed as it flips back and forth from 1930's Wallis Simpson and modern day Wally. First it’s about her having a baby, then it’s about her obsession with Simpson and David, then it’s her husband who is probably cheating, and the list goes on. And I could care less. I wanted more Wallis and David. It was their love story after all. The film was trying so hard to pull a “Julie and Julia” and failed miserably.

I LOVED Andrea Riseborough who played the role of Wallis Simpson (which is funny because she stars in one of my least favorite films Angel.) I don't know much about Simpson but Riseborough totally portrayed the character as a strong female who I was rooting for the entire time. When she and Cornish were together it was like day and night. Which is why I scoff whenever they tried to parallel the two stories. Of course you feel sympathy for Wally when she is being physically and verbally abused by her husband but I have the distinct feeling that the real Wallis Simpson would roll her eyes at her. As Wally lives vicariously through Simpson the film makes her seem pathetic and a tad obsessive. They try to throw a weak reason onto why she is so invested in the story (she was named after Wallis Simpson, I guess) but that alone doesn't support some of her actions. How can Wallis be compared to this limp bag of potatoes Wally who slaps on Chanel and some Black House White Market clothes and think she's emulating Simpson. Not even! In one scene which has Wally magically transported (in her mind) to the 1930’s Wallis tells her to “Get a life." Wow, some ones actually telling this girl what she needs to hear.

The thing that I did enjoy about this film was definitely the style (because I feel that the movie focused more on looks then actual content.) The cinematography is stunning and the set pieces and costumes were gorgeous. Also there were times when the camerawork was very interesting (but like this movie it was inconsistent and was all over the place after awhile.) Another little touch that I enjoyed were some of the song choices. Madonna tries to incorporate different genre of songs into the film to give it a certain edge. One song in particular called "Love, Love Alone" by Blind Blake is used very cleverly. Listen:

The song is great. However, it is used at the worst place in the film. Their are even times when dramatic scenes are accompanied with peppy upbeats that belittle and dilute the drama. It's like she had a bunch of songs that she desperately wanted to use and tried to crow bar them into scenes where it was not needed.

The story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward is very interesting. Being a history buff myself, I was so intrigued. I wanted more information. When did they start falling in love? How did Wallis meet her second husband? What was David’s relationship like with his brother (this was shown unsuccessfully by a random spurt of the two playing together, once again, at the worst possible time in the film) and etc. I was hungry for this information and when it started getting interesting it would flip back to modern day, to Wally, who I could give two flying flips about.

Now I do have to give Madonna credit. The movie was not a failure by any means. If this was directed by anyone else I’m sure the reviews would’ve been a tad kinder. I think the style of the film was beautiful. Some of the shots were very lovely and it was a very interesting way to tell a story so aged. However, her inconsistencies come through. Their was one scene which involved booze, drugs, and the Sex Pistols, but the film doesn’t know whether to be edgy (kind of what Coppola did with Marie Antoinette) or stay classic, sophisticated, and chic. It jumps back and forth and their seems to be no clear vision.  

The film could've been so much more.  If only they had nixed the modern day storyline and kept with Wallis and David's story (or at least focus more on them and less on Wally's story.) The style alone is one of the films few saving graces but it can't hide the flat story being told. The film is beautiful on the outside but hollow on the inside. No depth whatsoever and left me feeling disenchanted. C-

 

One Man's Pain Is Another Man's On Camera Treasure- 3,2,1...Frankie Go Boom Review

3,2,1...Frankie Go Boom can be summed up in one German defenition.

Schadenfreude: enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others 

You see, you have Bruce, a recovering drug addict, who is obsessed with making films. Not just any films. Films that involve real life situations involving the people close to him. That's where Frank comes in. Frankie is Bruce's youngest brother who has secluded himself in, of all places, Death Valley, California. Since they were kids Bruce has always documented Frank's most embarrassing moments (sometimes caused by Bruce, himself. There is a scene in the beginning involving a picnic blanket which is priceless.) Thinking that Bruce has changed his ways, Frankie meets a girl (more like runs into) named Lassie played by Lizzy Kaplan (not to be confused by the 1950's heroic collie.) One thing leads to another and they eventually hook up, but not before Frank experiences a humiliating moment of impotence. Later on, Bruce reveals that he recorded their entire night on film and gave it to his drugged up, producer friend Jack. This poses an issues since Jack is Lassie's father. The video circulates around and soon Bruce and Frank are racing to get the video before it reaches Lassie and potentially ruin Frank's relationship with her.

I have been this film's cheerleader for awhile now, because I am a fan of most of the actors in this film (plus I love when small movies do well.) I even made a post on why I was excited for 'Frankie' (check it out HERE.)

When you first watch this, you can tell that this was film with a low budget. However, the level of name actors tied to this is not only astonishing, but pretty damn impressive. You've got Chris O'Dowd who has been getting a steady stream of work in the US thanks to the success of Bridesmaids. Then there is Charlie Hunnam who is probably best known for his role as Jackson Teller on Sons of Anarchy (he looks surprisingly baby faced when you take the facial hair away.) Then you have Lizzy Kaplan who once again uses her brilliant comedic talents to make a nice addition to an already eclectic ensemble. And then you have Ron Perlman in a dress.....yeah no need to say anything on that one. You just have to experience it for yourself.

The stand out by far is Chris Noth who just completely rips off his Mr. Big persona, throws it on the ground, kicks it, shoots it, and tosses it into the trash. The man is hysterically, whacked out of his mind and he plays skeezy so well. In my opinion, he was hands down the best part of the film.

It was extremly refreshing to see Hunnam  play such an innocent character. Watching him portray such an average Joe riddled by past humiliation and grief was great. His accent did slip in and out at some points, but overall it was a solid job. You truly felt for Frank and really wanted him to come out on top. Hunnam is also great in his comedic moments. When he is with O'Dowd he just gets in the zone and together they bounce of each other. The bickering between the two, ecspecially had me in fits of giggles. They really convinced you that they were brothers. I loved the actors who played their parents. Every moment they had on screen was golden and I wished they had more camera time.

The great thing about 'Frankie' is that amongst all the craziness that the story provides their is still a very touching story that follows a long. I plan on seeing this again when it hits theaters. Watching it with a full audience and not a dimly lit dorm room, will def. give me a new prospective of the film. In my opinion, is you enjoy raunchy humor with some heart then go check out this film. 3 1/2 out of 5 BONERS!!!

Something Boozy, Something Bloody, and Lots of Coke-Bachelorette Review

Riding high from predecessor films such as Bridesmaids and The Hangover, Bachelorette has the sort of unabashed, witty, humor that has made this specific subgenre so popular. In the movie you have 3 best friends (each one representing a specific high school stereotype) who all reunite for their best friend's wedding. You have Regan (Kirsten Dunst), the super assertive, maid of honor and wedding planner, who is in turmoil over not being the first of the friends to wed. Gena (Lizzy Kaplan), the drug addled, hot mess, who must comes to terms with her past when she sees her ex-boyfriend Adam Scott (who I love.) Katie (Isla Fisher), the super perky, bubbly, hopped up, ginger whose main goal in the film is to stay sober for more than a minute and not get herself killed. And then there is the bride, Becky, (played by the hilarious Rebel Wilson) who deals with her own emotional issues before the big day. The night before the wedding, chaos ensues when the three bridesmaids get wasted on booze and take some specially prepared coke from Gena. In their dazed stupor they decided to mess with Becky's wedding dress, completely ripping it from the side. In compete hysteria, the girls race around to find the means to fix it. However, not before dealing with some of their own personal issues, too. It's a race against the clock to get the dressed fixed, washed, and back before Becky realizes what's going on.

Off the bat, I was immediately drawn to the characters. To me their interactions felt very authentic and each one had their own little quirk that made them stand out. Granted, Isla Fisher, is sort of playing the same ditzy character she did in The Wedding Crasher, but she is just so good at it that you don't even mind. Lizzy Caplan's humor is, as usual, on point. However, she really held her own when it came to the more dramatic scenes. In fact, I was really surprised by how heavy her storyline got with Adam Scott (which I think sort of separates Bachelorette from The Hangover, more or less, and veers straight into Bridesmaids territory.) The good thing is the dramatic moments didn't feel crow barred or forced. Even Dunst does great when paired up with comedic actresses like Fisher, Kaplan, and Wilson. Her Tour-de-Force of "No, bullshit" completely moved this film along for me and ended in a way that I felt was appropriate for this kind of story. The movie is not long, and I appreciated the fact that they didn't stretch it out and fill it with silly, unrealistic adventures to reach their goal.

You will see a lot of recognizable faces in this film. You have James Marsden, Andrew Rannells (Book of Mormon), Kyler Bornheimer, and Hayes MacArthuhur. Rebel Wilson fans don't expect to see a lot of her. She makes an appearance in the first and last 20 minutes of the movie. I loved that the film had Rebel being the one getting married to the rich, handsome guy. Sure, the film has her doubting her self worth and wondering if she's good enough, but the film ends on a very positive note.

I love this cast. I love this sort of comedy. Even the parts that I thought were a tad cheesy didn't bother me at all. This is a fun film to watch in a mixed group of men and women (I'm sure it will spur some interesting discussion topics.) Was it perfect? No. But it did surpass my expectations. B+

My Guilty Pleasure: Awful, Cheesy, Elvis Movies

In honor of the 35th anniversary of Elvis's death I have compiled a list of my favorite Presley movies. Now, if you have never seen an Elvis Presley film then I must warn you-- most of them are bad. Like REALLY bad. His films followed a specific formula. Elvis is always the dashing hero in some way shape or form, who happens to sing (crow baring at least several songs), surround himself with half naked girls gyrating around, and in the end saves the day. Top this with a paper thin plot and you have a typical Presley movie. These films are the equivalent of our Step Up movies. No one really cares about the story, they just want to see the dancing (or in this case, Elvis's singing.) Since, Elvis was under contract with MGM at the time, he had no real say on the type of films he was given (mix that with a slew of other things that were going on in his life and you have a reluctant Elvis practically sleep walking through half  his films.)  Elvis hated the roles he was being offered and around the end of the 60's it showed. However, the man was extremely good looking and believe it or not was a good actor when given the right material. If he had, had the chance to take on roles that would've strengthen his creativity (he was offered the role of Tony in West Side Story and opposite Barbra Streisand in A Star is Born) who knows what he could've done.

However it wasn't all bad films. Presley made some solid films in his career. Here is the list of my top Elvis films (cheese and all.)

Love Me Tender (1956)

Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Follow That Dream ( 1962)

It Happened at the World's Fair (1963)

Viva Las Vegas (1964)

Double Trouble (1967)

Change of Habit (1969) 

Something To Brighten Your Day...

These never get old.