Review #6 - Please Don't Hit Me One More Time

Remember the days when Britney Spears was your adorable little girl next door? When millions of little girls around the world wanted to be just like her? When she was on top of the world?

Seems like a whole other lifetime, doesn't it?

When I was younger and I heard Baby One More Time for the first time, I loved it immediately. I'd wait in anticipation for it to come on the radio. I'd come running whenever the video was on TV. I knew all the words (or at least thought I did).

Boy, do I sound sad or what?

Now that I am older, I'm not like that so much. Okay, not at all. Do I still like Britney Spears? Sure. Her songs are catchy. Who doesn't like at least one of her songs? And the best part is that once you get sick of her latest single, she's out with another one. How awesome is that?

But back to Baby One More Time.

This video is the definition of a pop video. Choreographed dancing, the wardrobe, innocent schoolgirl pining away for a jock, pigtails...it's everything a cheesey pop video should be. That's why it was popular. Sure, the obvious lip syncing does get annoying after a while, but the song was so darn catchy, wasn't it? And little girls around the world aren't that bright. How else would you explain Hannah Montana? (Seriously, that show is sooooo bad, but I won't get into it now.) That got me thinking...

Was Britney Spears the equivalent of Miley Cyrus back then?

They both started off as good girls that turned bad. It just took Britney longer to get there, as she was still a sweetie pie when she was 17, unlike Miley who was pole dancing at 16. But again, I'll save that for another time.

What else? They both date cute guys, with Miley's new Australian co-star, Liam Hensworth, and Britney and Justin Timberlake.

They both have a lot of lovers and a lot of haters. That's for sure.

So, was Britney the Miley Cyrus of 2000?

I don't think so. If, over 10 years later, she's still making money, Britney, for some reason, has staying power. Miley, on the other hand, is (maybe it's just wishful thinking) on the way out with little kids as she is kissing Hannah Montana goodbye and embracing Miley: Girl-Who-Pole-Dances-On-Stage.

Besides, Britney had a very good reason for being weird. Or is Miley bipolar too?

Anyway, let us all sit back, watch Baby One More Time, and reminisce about the good times when Britney wore pompoms in her hair and was just learning the art of lip syncing.

Mini Review #5 - Help me, Batman!

Batman. One of the most famous comic book characters in the world. Arch rival of some of the best comic book villains of all time, such as The Joker. I don't think any other comic book character has had so many movies created about him/her. From that one with George Clooney (which many say nearly ruined the Batman franchise for good) to the one with Heath Leadger (which, partly thanks to the tragic nature of one of the main character's death, is now one of the highest grossing movies of all time, and earned an oscar for the performance of Ledger as the Joker), Batman is no doubt a popular subject for film makers, not to mention the various video games, TV shows, and action figures based on this popular pop culture icon.

In class I had the privilege (I guess) of watching Batman Begins, as well as reading Batman Year 1, which is the official graphic novel chronicalling Batman's early days, which the movie is based on. We watched and compared the two, which were very similar.

Batman Begins is obviously more action-packed than a comic would be. One thing I did not like about it was that Bruce Wayne didn't have to undergo much training to perfect his Batman skills. He tripped once during a getaway, but other than that he was mostly the smooth Batman we all know and love, while in the comic he was clumsy and nearly died during his first few outings as the black-clad vigilante.

One thing the comic was missing was a totally unrealistic but high octane car chase involving the Bat-Mobile, a.k.a. the coolest car ever. Guess what? The movie just so happens to include a rooftop car chase. How nifty!

The comic had a relatively quick start, with the first few pages documenting Bruce's return to Gotham. The movie, apart from the tragic death of Bruce's parents, had a very slow start. I was bored, actually.

Which one do I think was better? I honestly can't say. The comic was more realistic, but it did lack a car chase, which is vital in any comic book themed anything. Would I watch the movie again? Only if I skipped the first few scenes. Would I read the comic again? Yes. Hmmm, I guess I answered my own question. I guess I liked the comic better than the film.

Then again, I have always been more of a Spiderman girl myself.

Spice Girls: C'Mon and Spice Up Your Life!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLIiF15wjQ - Wannabe

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgDdeBrGrro&feature=related - Spice Up Your Life

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ro0FW9Qt-4&feature=related - Say You'll Be There

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsNbhwSXDB8&feature=related - Mama

I have never been one for fads. When I was growing up, I never got a Furbie or a Tamagotchi pet. It's not that I didn't want to fit in. I did, especially since my friends were all into fads. Imagine being the only 8 year old girl in class without a Furbie to bring to the playground at recess? But there was one fad I really got into.It happened in Kindergarten. There I was, just another cute little 5 year old. Almost every girl in the class had on a cheap little ring with a picture of one of the Spice Girls in the middle. I had one as well. Of course, Baby Spice was the coolest Spice Girl. So what does my mom do? She goes out and buys me a Posh Spice ring. Posh? Really? Baby Spice was the only Spice at my school. But I loved the Spice Girls so much, so I wore that ring all the time. My walls were covered in Spice Girls stickers, I had some Spice Girls Barbies and figurines. I had the CD. Even now, I still picture them when passing the salt (or any spice, really). The Spice Girls were awesome, and I will prove why.

The Spice Girls showed the world the true meaning of girl power. By 1998 the band had already racked up an outstanding 6 consecutive #1 hits. Their single "Wannabe" made them #1 in 31 countries. More than 23 million copies of their first album "Spice" were sold, making them the best selling female group of all time, ranking #37 on a list of 100 most successful albums of all time. According to biographer David Sinclair, "Sporty, Baby, Posh, Scary, and Ginger were the most widely recognized group of individuals since Paul, George, John, and Ringo." (Wannabe: How the Spice Girls reinvented pop fame) In 1997, the Spice Girls even released a movie entitled "Spice World". I have not seen it. I was a super fan, but come on, even an 5 year old has standards. Little girls all over the world became addicted to the Spice Girls. Every girl in school had some sort of Spice Girls memorabilia. No one could argue that they were a major success. Or as Posh would say, "That's so major!"

The Spice Girls were seen as wholesome. Mothers would allow their daughters to listen to them. Fathers would not mind one bit taking their children to see 5 hot women singing in tight outfits. There was something for everyone. If your daughter related to Sporty Spice, it taught her that it is okay to be a Tomboy. If she liked Posh, she was destined to work in fashion. If her favourite was Scary, she was a bit of a wild child who loved to be different. If, like me, she liked Baby, then she was the perfect little angel of a daughter. And if she liked Ginger, well, trouble was ahead. (Ginger was the naughty one, in case you didn't know.) A band that appealed to little kids and adults was a smart idea.

In 2007/2008, the Spice Girls kicked off a reunion world tour in L.A. BCI was abuzz with conversation about the tour, as there were several Canadian shows planned. I knew some girls who even went to go see them. Alas, I could not go, and cried myself to sleep for many moons. Was the tour a success? The first London concert date sold out in 38 seconds. I will let you decide for yourself.

Due to the success of their past tour, the Spice Girls are thinking of embarking on a massive new world tour complete with a new album. The only thing holding them back is Victoria Beckham, a.k.a. Posh, who is not yet sure whether she wants to sign on board. Using my brainwaves, I am urging her to say yes. I'd love to see what kind of songs they will come up with. It's almost as exciting as the New Kids on the Block reunion! (Seriously, that was soooo exciting. Again, I never got to see them. I cried for many more moons.)

Although clearly a casted, industry made band, the Spice Girls can be considered good. Their lyrics had positive messages, so parents and children alike could listen to them. These ladies (most of them) can actually sing. No technology helped them hit their notes, unlike many artists today. Some of the songs, such as Mama (my personal favourite) actually have substance and are, in my opinion, actually good songs. The Spice Girls weren't just fun entertainment. But admit it, their songs were catchy.

Come on, I said admit it!

.....

....

Good.

And those are some reasons why I think the Spice Girls are awesome. They were the highlight of my 90s childhood, that's for sure. I still even have the Spice Girls Barbie my mom bought me. Of course, again, she got be Posh. I told her a million times I liked Baby, but for some reason I always got stuck with Posh. But I'll save this conversation for my novel.

Mini-Review #4 - Owl City: A Band or One Dude?

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my fourth review, which you shall read, mostly because I said so and not because I have any real power over you. Ahem. Anyway...

My fourth review is on the band Owl City. (Gets a call)

"What do you mean it's just one guy? Are you sure it's not a band? What kind of name is Owl City for just one dude, anyway?"

Sorry about that, folks. It seems I am mistaken. Owl City is not a band, but just one dude who goes by the name of Adam Young. It seems he calls himself Owl City because he suffers from insomia and can not sleep at night, just like owls. Interesting...or not.

Here is a picture of Owl City, who is just one dude by the way, and not a band.

Owl City had a big hit recently with his single (I'm sorry, but calling one guy 'Owl City' is too weird. I'd understand Owl, but Owl City? No.) 'Fireflies', which is about...umm...fireflies, I'm guessing? I don't know, since he only mentions fireflies once or twice in the whole song, his video is about a bunch of retro toys wasting batteries and energy during the night (does he turn on everything in his room when he can't sleep? If he does then he is bad!) and the rest of the lyrics make me think of recycling or world peace or something. They don't make sense to me, much like the name Owl City for just one guy.

Okay, after looking it up, Adam Young himself said he wrote this song after eating Taco Bell (eeeewwww) and says it is about bugs (ewww again) and not being able to sleep. Still makes no sense to me.

As you can probably tell, I am not an Owl City fan. Personally, I dislike electronic voices in songs. I also think that all of Owl City's songs sound the same. They all have the same electronic bubblegum sound, and I think, "Is this that fireflies song?" when I hear the intro to each one. If a person can't distinguish one song from the other until the chorus, then there is no originality. True, I have never heard music like this before. Owl City's songs are very different from other songs, but not different from each other. It's like Adam Young is ripping off his own songs. Plus he probably can't sing if he has to get a robot to do it for him.

I'm just sayin'.

#3 - The Big Lebowski (I was too lazy to think of something more interesting)

In the film 'The Big Lebowski', both genders are portrayed very differently. Which one comes out on top by the film's end? Let's take a look, shall we?

Why yes, yes we shall.

FEMALES

The women in the film are portrayed as more powerful. Then again, it's not hard to be more powerful than a bunch of bowling-loving-losers.

Maude, the daughter of the Big Lebowski, seems very in control. Emotionless, but in control. Her surroundings are crisp and neat, as is her hair and her personality. She obviously knows what she wants, and will get it, no ifs ands or buts. For example, she wants a child, but she does not want a father. What does she do? Try to conceive with the Dude. She doesn't try to seduce him, and she does not hide her intentions. She shows up and they make a baby. She has the power. She also has money, which gives her power. She even has control over her father, since she gives him an allowance.

Bunny is another character who has power. She uses sex to get what she wants, and since men are portrayed as not-too-bright, they fall for it.

MEN

The main men in the film are bums. They have no jobs, they are obsessed with Vietnam, and they spend all their time in a lonely little bowling alley. Bowling itself is an uncool sport (if you can even call it a sport), so it makes the men in the film even more lame.

However, even though the Dude is a bum, he did manage to figure out Lebowski's plan, and Bunny got home safe and sound (even though he had nothing to do with it). He heroically fights the Germans, and does not end up dead, which to me means the whole altercation was a success (except for the friend dying, which put a damper on the victory).

Not even Lebowski himself is successful, seeing as he gets his money from his daughter and he is a business failure who likes to put in airs.

The only successful man in the film is Jackie Treehorn. But he makes his money off of porn, making him kind of like scum, so he didn't come off as a likeable character.

Overall, the women (as shallow as they are portrayed) are the more powerful gender in this film. They've got drive, and are apparently even willing to cut of toes to get money/power. Interesting.

MR#2: Psycho - Finally, a Movie I Can Relate to!

Pysco is the controversial thriller directed by the famous Alfred Hitchcock and realeased in 1960. Almost everyone has seen or heard of some part of Psycho, whether it is the infamous shower scene or the ominous name of the Bates Motel.

I have watched Psycho and I found it to be a very entertaining thriller. It doesn't have the blood, guts, and gore that many people want to see in a movie today, but that is what I liked about it. I find blood, guts, and gore (and people who love it) completely morbid and disturbing. Ewwww.

In this movie, Alfred Hitchcock manages to create suspense without the overblown special effects and gallons of fake blood necessary to create a horror movie today. Luckily, I managed to avoid all talk about this movie until I actually got to see it in full, and I was glad I did. Although I had jokingly guessed the 'surprise twist ending', I never thought I would actually be right and was actually very surprised.

The two best aspects of this movie (in my humble opinion) were Anthony Perkins' chilling performance as Norman Bates and the suspenseful music that played during the movie. Anthony Perkins' understated interpretation of the character Norman Bates was amazing. Even though you knew he couldn't be good, he seemed to innocent and trustworthy, an intresting mix of sinister and sweet. And the music that played throughout kept you on your seat and is what made the movie the suspenseful thriller that it is.

I can see how many people of this generation won't like it. For one thing, the lack of blood and guts could be a problem. Also, if a movie isn't in colour then it is not worth watching. While I did not find this movie scary (and believe me, I am scared VERY easily), I still thought that it was an amazing movie. I loved the plot and I loved the music and I loved how it was black and white. Colour makes everything less spooky.

One thing I didn't love about the movie was the story of Norman Bates' mother. Even though it was explained at the end of the film, I still thought it was a bit of a stretch and a bit odd. I also found the scene directing after the murder, where Norman takes his sweet time to mop (don't you just love a man who mops?) the blood up, to be a bit slow-going.

Overall, I thought Psycho was an awesome movie and definitely worth watching, even if just for the scary 'knife murderer' music that everyone knows and loves...or not. It's up to you.

Yo, Kane! Imma Review You!

For the past 3 days in class, I have had it very rough. I have been worked to the bone, almost. You would not believe the backbreaking work they make us do in this class! What have I been doing, you ask?

I have been WATCHING A MOVIE!

*gasps of horror* "Oh, the cruelty!"

Yes, I have been watching CITIZEN KANE, the movie that film nerds/snobs everywhere hail as the greatest movie of all time. It is a fact that AFI named CITIZEN KANE as the #1 movie of all time.

Do I agree with this title? I have no idea.

Now, don't get me wrong. I thought CITIZEN KANE was a good movie. But personally, the title of best movie ever made jsut sets this film up to be a disappointment. With this lofty title to uphold, first time viewers expect to be amazed and entertained for every second of the movie. With such an immense and intimidating reputation, viewers expect magic. Because of this title, I was left somewhat unsatisfied at the end of the film. If, say, the movie was given the title of worst movie ever made, I would definitely have enjoyed it more. The higher your expectations are, the more disappointed you will be. Isn't that the rule?

(This is your cue to say, "Why, yes it is! How insightful of you!")

For me, the best part of the movie was the twist ending. I am now able to understand all of those 'rosebud' jokes that I see on TV all the time. The world makes sense now.

Although the film's plot jumped back in forth, it was surprisingly easy to keep track of. This is something that I, hailing from what is known as the 'lazy generation', can definitely appreciate.

I liked Orson Welles in the lead role as Kane. After doing some research on him I discovered that prior to taking this role he had only done theatre and radio before, which is clearly evident when watching his theatrical acting style throughout the film. The fact that he was only 25 when filming the movie is remarkable. It really puts The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to shame. Welles aged without CGI help!

In the end, I found this movie quite sad. Kane is a character so desperate to be loved, yet he wants to control the love of others, which made love impossible and ultimately ended up in him dying alone. How depressing.

Oh well!