New Movies (and TV) for 2012

I'm planning on just consolidating all my movie watching and completed seasons of TV shows of 2012 here...

1. The Apprentice S1 - My boyfriend and I love some reality shows and this is one we can both agree on.  We wanted to go back and watch the beginning to see how it all started and see the infamous Omarosa on her original season.  We were not disappointed!  It definitely had a lot of "first season" qualities (lots of bad audio dubbing, some awkward challenges), but I loved some of the challenges and I liked that it showed the cast out and about, at restaurants, drinking, having fun, not just the competitive stuff.  Also, man, I *really* miss Carolyn Kepcher, who is (by far) my favorite person on the show.  I love her comments, which I always agree COMPLETELY with.  She is not free and easy with the compliments, so if she says something complimentary about someone, she really means it.  I miss her.  *sigh*
2. The Muppets - It's been so long since I saw a Muppet movie/show that I honestly forgot there was going to be singing in it.  BUT, it was fun, nonetheless... The songs were funny (and short), so perfect for my ADD.  We saw it at the Academy Theater in Pasadena too, where procrastination can be rewarded in the form of a movie ticket for $3/each and delicious popcorn for only $3.25. 
3. Terriers - OMG.  With so much bad TV out there, I don't understand how good TV like this gets BURIED by who the hell ever gave this show the stupid name.  From the name, you'd have *no* idea what the show was about - it's a buddy/PI/mystery show.  The main actors are great, the plots are interesting without being toooooo detailed and complicated.  It's just good.  I have no idea what the back-story is on this show and I wonder why it didn't get the fan following that it seems like it should have.  I would highly recommend this!  It's available on instant streaming Netflix, which may be the best invention ev-er.  Well, right after TV on DVD.  THEN, instant streaming... 
4. Morning Glory - Cute movie with Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford, who is grumpy as can be.  I'm not sure why I like the grumpy ones, but I liked him here.  I love her smile.  And I can't believe I haven't watched a movie since the Muppets, but that may be correct!  Just started Mad Men, S1...
5. Mad Men - I should've updated this sooner because I'm already on season 3.  It's surprising how fast it flies by...  This show is so tragic.  The overwhelming sadness of pretty much all parties involved is strangely compelling.  Everything is beautiful on the outside, but the characters all seem somewhat empty on the inside.  After watching this show, who would ever want to get married?  The men are drunks who cheat because they're trapped in an existence and life they don't seem to want or value, unless it's threatened to be taken from them.  I'm so thankful I wasn't born back then.  The chauvinism  is mind-blowing!  But I love it, even though I don't love all the characters.  It's quite addictive.  Why I never watched the S1 set that was loaned to me years ago, I'll never know, but thank goodness (again) for Netflix streaming!  A lazy woman's friend... Update around 6/1/12: Finished all seasons (1-4) available on Netflix and loving them.  Will probably splurge for the iTunes pass for the current season.
6. The Hunger Games - Read the book right before seeing the movie and loved the book.  The movie was pretty true to the book, so no complaints.  It was exactly what I expected.  
7. Hot Tub Time Machine - Silly comedy filled with lots of 80s and nerdy references (due to the time traveling).  I heart John Cusack, so thought this was pretty cute, although the ending was a little lame, but still okay.
8. Downton Abbey - SOOOOO good!  Love all the historical aspects, even though I have NO idea how accurate they are. We blew through the first season on Netflix in two days.  There are only 7 eps, so it's not too hard, but we totally enjoyed these.  Love the clothing, the different lifestyles.  I want some servants!  "What is a week-end?"  
9. Ted - Went with Mike to the DreamWorks free movie Monday on 7/30/12 and enjoyed the new Seth McFarlane movie, Ted.  If you like Family Guy, you'll love Ted.  not safe for kids. AT ALL.
10. 30 for 30 - Watched the one about how athletes go broke within a year or two of getting out of whatever sport they play.  As someone who is into personal finances as a topic, it's fascinating to see how much these guys spent on crap that didn't have value.  It was sad too to see how people just tried to take advantage of them every step of the way.  From their friends, family, management team, everyone!  Women trying to get knocked up because they think it's a payday.  Fascinating.
11. Moonrise Kingdom - Watched this as a screener with Doreen on 11/8/12.  Loved this movie. It's so sweet and touching in its innocence and capturing how everyone wants to be loved.  Having that steady love can be an amazing thing.
12. To Rome with Love - Also watched this one with Doreen on 11/8/12.  It had an amazing cast and full of love mishaps and adventures. I haven't seen hardly any of Woody Allen's older films, so not sure if they all have a fantastical quality about them.  I saw Midnight in Paris last year and loved that, partly because I love Paris and the film was gorgeous, so I thought I'd like this.  I did.  Rome looks beautiful.  Loved the acting and the little stories. The worst part for me was Woody Allen himself.  I didn't hate him, but I just wanted him to stop talking.  Ugh.  Why does he put himself in all his movies?  
13. This is 40 - Funny, but not nearly as funny as Knocked Up.  Maybe I'm not old enough to really appreciate this movie?

New Movie List for 2009

In 2007, I used to keep track of all the new movies I watched and I've decided to revive that for 2009! I think I'll count seasons of TV shows too...

1. It Happened One Night - 1/1/09. Watched this with Travis and for an old, black and white movie, it was pretty good. Clark Gable is young and handsome and I found out later that he started a "no undershirt" trend way back when...
2. The Office - Seasons 1-3 - January 2009. I am so in love with Jim! He's cute, kinda dorky and funny.
   
3. Misery - 1/18/09. Yeah, this is an oldie that I still hadn't watched. Kathy Bates is (a) young, (b) freakin' creepy and (c) pretty damn amazing...
4. Murder by Death - 1/25/09. This movie completely reminded of Edward and his Top Secret! love. Oh my. It was pretty damn and you really have to pay attention because the jokes fly by...
5. The Office - Season 4 - Stupid Netflix doesn't have Season 5 available yet!!! Boo. I've decided that Dwight is my favorite character. He consistently makes me laugh.
   
6. Weeds: Season 1 - I love this show. The drug suppliers are awesome and just every character is interesting. Shane loves Uncle Andy!
7. Weeds: Season 2 - Oh, it continues to be awesome!
8. Dexter: Season 2 - A little slower than Season 2, but still awesome. And that British chick was just insane deliciousness.
   
9. Watchmen - 3/16/09. I've never read the graphic novel, saw it in the IMAX theater. It was very visually interesting. I can see why people like it, but I wasn't totally sucked into it like others. Maybe because I didn't already have a deep-seeded love? Not really sure.
10. The Thing - 2/12/09. An old horror movie that I actually really enjoyed. It was scary too which I kinda wasn't expecting. It just seems like older movies won't be scary, although I don't even know why I would think that considering that some of my favorite scary movies are from the 70s! Kurt Russell is so freakin' young in this too. Man, he was a cutie!
11. Boyz N The Hood - 2/20/09. Oh, this movie was incredible. How have I never seen it before? These movies just tug at my heart strings. I can't imagine living or growing up in such an unstable environment. I love Lawrence Fishburn's character too.
    
12. Ocean's Eleven - 1/30/09. I love the plot in the movie, although I had a little trouble following it. There was a lot of pausing and questioning of certain parts because I was watching it with Chris and he's seen it before.
13. Star Trek -
    

From the TiVo to my iPod

I've been using the TiVo Desktop program for years. However, I just purchased the Desktop Plus program that allows me to convert programs from my TiVo at home to play on my iPod!! I'm so excited! I still haven't watched the Heroes premiere, so I've downloaded it to my iPod and I'm planning on watching it while I'm on the plane tomorrow morning, flying to Denver to see my sister! I'm so excited! I tested it out with an episode of Jeopardy and it works like a charm! This will be a great way for me to keep up with my TV watching when I'm on the go!

So far, I've transferred Heroes, Jeopardy! and Survivor: Gabon. I'm not usually a Survivor watcher, but Dave loves it so much, I gotta give it another looksie. We share the Amazing Race and Beauty & The Geek love, so I'm guessing I'll love Survivor too.

The View: Kill me now

I never really watch daytime or morning TV. If I do, it's because I'm sick and I'm usually watching "The Price Is Right," although Drew Carey ain't got NOTHIN' on Bob Barker and never will. His personality really falls flat.

That said, my roomie had "The View" turned on when I got out of the shower this morning. After about a minute, I asked her, "Women watch this show every day?! I've been listening to it for a minute and I'm ready to poke my ear drums out!!!!" Who watches that show? Wow. I figure it's gotta be women who are staying at home and don't have girlfriends to talk to? I don't get it. But then, I don't "get" women in general. I've been trying very hard to branch out and try to connect with women more. This morning I got up and went walking with some ladies here at Gulf Games. It was really fun.

Welcome me to 2001

I had heard so many great things about "24" (a show that started in 2001!) and when season one came out on DVD, my sister and I split the cost of it and she took custody of it first. She and her husband ripped through them and then gave it to me to watch. Which I finally started to do on Sunday. I'm at 4 AM and I can totally see why people love it. I totally want to watch another episode, but I really need to get some sleep!

Yes, get ready... 2001, here I come!

Signed up for cable AGAIN

Last year I had cable for about six months because they were running a special for about $40 for basic cable. Then it jumped back up to the regular price of $66 a month, so I canceled it. I just got a flyer in the mail about the cable company offering a package deal: Internet, phone service and cable for $90 plus taxes. I already spend $60 (including taxes) on my phone plus DSL, so I signed up for it. I figure it'll be nice to have Food Network again and be able to watch Heroes without the extreme fuzzies. Plus, if I stay home to watch TV, I could easily save the extra $40 a month it'll cost me. I just hope I can make sure my TiVo is all in line and ready to go.

Only one more day...

Only one more day to get my apartment cleaned up for my friend who's visiting for the weekend. I should've probably cleaned up for my couch surfer Sebastian, but bah, he was getting a free place to stay! And I didn't make time to do it. Oh, speaking of, if I have time tonight, I'll post some photos of me with Sebastian!

I pretty much put stuff away last night and tonight I have more laundry to do, dusting, need to clean the bathroom, change the cat box, and vacuum. Whew. And maybe squeeze watching "Beauty and the Geek" in there somewhere. If you're not watching that show, TiVo it!! It's sooo great. They have a girl geek with a hot guy this season. I can't wait. I was getting teary-eyed just watching the snippets of the upcoming season that they played at the end of the first ep. I wonder if the girls will start fighting over the guy hottie. We'll see! This show never disappoints. I love it.

Oh and we definitely are going to Belgium. I heard back from Reinhold and he has us set-up to stay with a friend. He's going to take us to some psytrance party on Saturday the 13th. I don't even know what psytrance is, but it sounds interesting. And he told me what he wants me to bring.... Mexican wrestling masks!! Luckily, I know someone who knows someone who is going to Mexico this weekend and I asked him to pick me up 15 to take with me. What an odd request! I certainly wasn't expecting that!

Heroes Season 2 Premiere

First thing that needs to be mentioned. Oh. My. Gah. If I thought Peter looked hot with the angry and that scar from that future episode last season, I was so wrong. With the haircut and workout regime he was apparently on during the off-season? Even hot-ter. I might be able to overlook that little sideways bottom lip thing he's always doing if they keep doing scenes without his shirt on! :-)

Other than that, I was very pleased with the season opener. Lots of questions to be answered and we're starting off with a bang!

I'm glad to see Mr. Bennet has a plan (as if there was any doubt).

And that Mr. Muggles is safe in hiding.

And that the man worse than the boogie man apparently is going to be a big part of this season.

Sylar, of course, isn't dead, but where's Nikki? I'm sure she's somewhere!

And who was the guy in the hoodie?

And Sark has really lost a lot of weight. I almost didn't recognize him!

And why is it that girls always fall for guys just like their (flying) dads?

Heroes Premiere Party?

Who's in for a "Heroes" season premiere party? Plan is we'll watch the original unaired pilot and the final episode before settling in and watching the first one of the new season. The only downfall? I don't have cable, so it will be a bit fuzzy unless someone else would like to host!!

Flight of the Conchords

Have you heard of this show? I don't have cable, much less HBO, so I haven't, but check it out! A friend recommended it and I've been cracking up at it ever since. I especially love the goofy dancing...

Heroes: Season One - Finished

I finally finished up season one of Heroes today. Wow. That show is so good. I can't wait for next season. I hope they don't mess it up! One thing this show has going for it... there is eye candy for everyone on this show. There is a rainbow of colors and types. Seriously. Someone for everyone.

Speaking of, I was smitten with Peter Petrelli at the beginning of the show. He's my favorite type: sweet, caring, Italian, thin, pale and dark hair! Well, that crush I thought I had for Peter Petrelli at the beginning of the show was exponentially magnified in the "Five Years Gone" episode. He's hardened, angry... bitter, even. And I love that scar down his face. Oh! He was way more sexy with those five years of attitude under his belt. I'm not usually into the "bad boys," but man, it worked wonders on him! I think this just points out the fact that I like the angry ones.

Online TV

Wow, now that I've been a little less busy during lunch, thanks to Erin, I found out that ABC and NBC have a lot of their shows online! I missed Heroes last season because it conflicted with something else I was TiVoing. I wanted to watch it once it came out on DVD, but now I don't have to wait! I've been watching the eps online!!! I love it! What a brilliant idea! I'm on episode 4. Friday Night Lights is next!

New Movie List for 2007

OK, since my resolution was to watch one new movie a week, I decided to chronicle my new movies for 2007 to see how many I watch! I'll add on to this list and keep it as one big post all year. So, scroll down for the most recent additions. I'm going to do the same for the restaurant and book resolutions. I also decided that seasons of TV shows are going to have to count as movies.

1. The Professional - 1/1/07. Pretty good, Gary Oldman makes an awesome bad guy!!
2. The Pursuit of Happyness - 1/6/07. I left this movie feeling (a) like a slacker and (b) grateful that I'm not broke!
   
3. The Notorious Bettie Page - 1/8/07. The movie looked good, but there wasn't much plot or anything. Gretchen Mol looked fabulous in this! I love all the clothes and stuff, I definitely have more the pin-up girl figure. Check out this pin-up girl clothing line!!
4. Where the Truth Lies - 1/15/07. I liked the story, but the thing that really struck me was the huge disparity in the ages of the men and women. Kevin Bacon's character is in his mid- to late-40s and he's getting it on with someone who looks young, even though her character is probably in her mid-20s.
   
5. Save the Last Dance - 1/27/07. Cute fluff. (I didn't say they had to be "good" movies did I?)
   
6. 21 Grams - 1/29/07. OK. Not nearly as depressing as I had heard it was.
7. Children of Men - 2/5/07. I liked the premise that is set-up in the beginning, but the execution/story was so-so. Probably better for a movie-type person who can appreciate all the camera work, etc. First movie I've seen with Clive Owen and he's hot!
8. The Maltese Falcon - 3/5/07. We laughed several times while watching this movie, but at spots that probably weren't meant to be laughed at. The dialogue and overly dramatic acting was quite amusing though. I have learned something about myself though. I can't watch black & white movies while tired. They put me right to sleep!
9. Stranger than Fiction - 3/12/07. We loved the graphics at the beginning of this cute movie. Has a lot of more subtle laughs, but pretty enjoyable! Maggie Gyllenhaal is so cute!!!
10. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind - 03/19/07. Really interesting story.
    
11. Miller's Crossing - 4/23 & 5/8. Good, but not as crazy good as I had expected. Gabriel Byrne is so young in this movie! And boy do they smoke!!
    
12. Spiderman 2 - 4/29/07. Watched it to get ready for S-3 coming out next week.
    
13. Spiderman 3 - 5/4/07. Not that great. Wait for video!
    
14. V for Vendetta - 5/8/07. I really liked this one.
    
15. Little Women - 5/13/07. So-so, book was better.
    
16. Persuasion - 5/20/07. Pretty good.
    
17. Pan's Labyrinth - 5/29/07. Dark movie, but I liked it.
    
18. BattleStar Galactica: The Mini-Series - 6/10/07.
19. Knocked Up - 6/14/07. SOOOO funny. I would highly recommend!!
20. Monster House - 6/30/07. Animated movie that's cute! Kinda scary in parts.
21. Serenity - 7/1/07. The movie based on the "Firefly" series. Pretty good! Just as good as the TV show. And after watching it, I'd say the movie might make a bit more sense having seen the TV show first, but it's pretty good as a self-contained unit. I love the subtleties of this movie!
22. Heroes Season One - 7/11/07. Read here about Heroes!
    
23. Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - 7/13/07. The fifth HP movie and it was great. We saw it at the Imax theater, so there was some 3D action. I liked it quite a bit, especially considering that it has been my least favorite book so far. All that teenage angst!
    
24. Once - 7/14/07. This was recommended by a friend who had recently seen it and said that it really moved him and was in his top 5 films of all time! With a recommendation like that, how could I *not* go see it? Well, I did. And I'll just put this warning out. There is lots of indie rock-type singing. Which, unfortunately for me, is not my cup of tea. I am not a big fan of singing in movies in general (unless it's hard rocking type stuff for some reason), so if I had known that I might've skipped it. But apparently some people REALLY love it, so you might want to check it out.
    
25. Nacho Libre - 8/13/07. This movie isn't that funny. It's more kinda the fart, gross stuff type humor. Not awful, but definitely don't ever need to see it again. I'm certainly glad I didn't see this in the theater! I like Jack Black, but oh well. Not the best.
    
26. Across the Universe - 9/29/07. It's the movie that is set to Beatles music and I loved it! The songs totally go with the story and the story moves. I normally don't like musicals, but I enjoyed this one for sure!
27. Black Knight - 10/13/07. Silly Martin Lawrence movie. I was in Belgium and there weren't many choices, what can I say?
    
28. Freaks - 10/14/07. OMG, this movie is awesome! It shows all these real freaks and it's weird. There is a guy with no arms and no legs and he lights his own cigarettes. The most surprising part was that in the commentary, it said that he had a wife and kids!!! Geez.
    
29. The Wanderers - 10/14/07. Movie from the late 70s about a high school Italian gang. Man those boys are cute. I think I like the Italians. :-)
30. Nancy Drew - 10/21/07. It was showing on the plane back from Germany. Cute, but not great as you'd expect.
    
31. The Amazing Screw-On Head - 10/22/07. Funny, but I was tired while watching it. Chris really enjoyed this one.
32. Murderball - 11/1/07. AWESOME! I highly recommend this movie!!
33. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - Pretty good. I enjoyed it. Philip Seymour Hoffman is so good.
    
34. Sahara - 11/4/07. Watched this with L&N in HD at their house. Matthew McConaughey's teeth are so freakin' white in this movie. He has a flashy smile. Movie was OK, not bad for the type of film it is.
    
35. American Gangster - 11/9/07. This was pretty good. I enjoyed the story and Denzel. He is one handsome man!