My New Moon Teaser

Wasn't a fan of the first one and after all this time in between shoots, you'd think Kristen Stewart's acting chops would get less nauseating. Guess again. Do we need to suffer through scenes like this again? Skip to the 2:40 mark....

My Celebrity Crush of the Month (v.5.30.9)

January: Rebecca Hall, for being the heart as Vicky and the longed for as Varya.

February: Will Chase, for being Thomas Weaver in another short-lived musical.

March: Joseph Cotten, for a screen presence that's still vibrant after all these years.

April: Nora Arnezeder, for making my jaw drop with her angelic voice.

May: Ellie Frederickson, for capturing my heart in the mere minutes she was onscreen.

My Levi Johnston Sympathy

So, I guess I'm suppose to feel sorry for the guy now. Levi Johnston's media tour continues after his breakup with Bristol Palin. I find it fascinating the angle GQ went for in this article. It just simply depicts Johnston as your regular good-o'-boy who was innocently thrown into the media spotlight when Sarah Palin herself was thrown in with her VP candidacy. Letting readers into his world of everyday life, Johnston shows us how normal his life is. Yes, normal... except for one thing:

Those are his mentor and lawyer/publicist. Because nothing screams normal for a "redneck" like having guys who look like they belong in an Outkast music video as your mentor and lawyer/publicist. (GQ)

My Total Tennis

 "I want to go to there."

My 9 Dollar Flight

I sense a "5-dolluh footlong" jingle coming for the new airline JetAmerica when they announced the first 9 to 19 seats on each of their flights will cost nine bucks! Sure, there are the additional fees such as bag checking, 9/11 security fee, airport fee and etc, but even with that it can't escalate to more than $50 each way. So where does this subsidiary of JetBlue fly exactly? Midsize towns such as Lansing (MI), Melbourne (FL), Toledo (OH), South Bend (IN), St. Paul (MN) and Newark (NJ)... Hmm, all these cities seem to be awfully close to a grander city. So one can make a case for traveling from Central Florida to, let's say, New York City for $100 being a bargain, no? ::snickers:: (Yahoo)

My Series Links

- Strange Culture continues with the fascinating series about 'What Movies Christians Want?'

- Tom O'Neil continues to annoy me with his interview with Amy Poehler over at The Envelope.

- Playbill breaks the news that Hugh Jackman AND Daniel Craig will be headlining a new Broadway play next season. 

- The Film Experience glams it up once more with the Vanity Fair's Hollywood series. 

- Talking even more about Emmy ballot, The Ausiello Files made a dream ballot. 

My 'Tuts My Barreh'

Over dinner tonight with a group of friends, we were sharing some more Youtube videos and this one tops it all. It apparently has been making the rounds getting more than 1 million hits, but this guy singing Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body" with the running English subtitles is plain hilarious. I was laughing so hard I almost coughed up the orange creamsicle flavored frozen yogurt. My favorite line? "I'm up on my beegees like a windy interview". 

My Restaurant City

Yes, I've been occupied with a Facebook application. Though I've never got into 'Scrabbulous' or 'Mafia War', the first 20 hours of 'Restaurant City' has been addictive to say the least. Part-'Sim City', part-'Rollercoaster Tycoon', this simple game has you building up your restaurant with updating menus, redecorating dining area and maintaining the kitchen staff. If you have as much free time as I do, I encourage you to go check it out. 

My Super Rich Friends

I didn't think such a thing exists, but I kinda like the fact that it does- similar to a secret society that is going to save the world from itself. Fun.

My Unaired Pilots

Every television pilot season, there seems to be a show that doesn't get pick up by the networks that puzzles the entire community. In years past, we've seem a very bankable 'Aquaman' squandered by The CW, the sitcom 'New Car Smell' starring Brooke Shields passed over and 'The IT Crowd' an Office-esque comedy set in a technicians office. 

This year, there were a couple of head scratchers as well. NBC opted to not pick up David E. Kelley's ('The Practice', 'Ally McBeal' & 'Boston Legal') comedy starring Kristen Chenoweth titled 'Legally Mad' and in another attempt to become non-significant and a step towards below mediocrity, The CW decides not to pick up their one pilot with any brains 'Body Politic' that would cater to their demographic while giving them a slight bit of credibility. 

I know I've never ran a network but if what CW Programming Director Dawn Ostroff for the past few years produced only one hit show ('Gossip Girl') while shooting the rest of the network down the rating spiral, isn't time for a change in the game plan? 

Check out what could've been The CW's small step towards ditching the "white people with problems" stigma below. And think about how shows like 'Melrose Place 2.0', 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'The Beautiful Life' are going to be on the air instead of this. 

My Blogging Contribution

It was a privileged when Brian over at BK Southie asked me contribute to his blog about life on this side of Brooklyn. After some time to prepare and contemplate my first entry, I've finally made my mark. So go do me and Brian a favor and clickity-click-click. 

My French Open Seedings

Darn it. I was hoping when the draw came out for the French Open this weekend, I would see Novak Djokovic on the same bracket as 4-time defending champion Rafael Nadal. But instead the top-ranked Nadal will only have to face the unproven Brit Andy Murray on his way to the finals. I could imagine Nadal feels a bit relieved that both Djokovic, who gave him a 4-hour match last weekend in Madrid, and Roger Federer, who beat him in the final the following day ending Nadal's 33-win streak on clay, will be offing each other in a potential semifinal matchup. (ESPN)

My 3D Theatre

I'm not sure if I would attend a showing of 'The Light in the Piazza' or 'Billy Elliot: The Musical' in movie theaters in 3D. Seeing a taped performance of a live stage performance is already iffy but add to the fact we have to put on silly glasses while soaking in emotionally wrenching scenes from shows seem extra silly. Off the top of my head, I can only think of a few shows currently on Broadway that can pass the transition- 'Wicked', with its uber amounts things flying at you, and 'Shrek: The Musical', with its source material already being a '3D' film. (Playbill)

My Hideous Haircut

So you're trying to tell me this is the haircut all the suburban housewives want? It's a little heinous and silly, don't you think? How practical is it to have such a high maintenance hairdo that needs to be combed and styled to perfection every morning when you're a mother of eight?

 

My Post-American Idol Hits

So all the birdies are telling me tonight is the season finale of 'American Idol'. Though I've watched maybe 20 minutes of the entire series in my life, the combination of Facebook statuses, media outlets and friends yapping about it kept me up to date as to who's still in. While I'm still skeptical as to how winning this competition translates to success (only 2 of the previous Idol winners went on to have to successful music careers), it's almost certain one talent, usually not the winner, from each season emerge as a breakout. Here's my take on the five best post-Idol tracks sung originally by former contestants.

5. 'Before He Cheats' by Carrie Underwood. Picking up the 'country pop' tag a decade after Faith Hill and Shania Twain, Miss Underwood's track does a fine combination of pleasing country music listeners while capitalizing on the pop world's redneck stigma of country songs. 

4. 'Crush' by David Archuleta. Prior to this song, I had no idea who this guy was. With a very unmarketable last name (sorry, truth bomb), it would almost seem wise go the Disney route. Instead, young Archuleta was given this infectious pop ballad that has the makings of a perfect tween hit. 

3. 'Love You I Do' by Jennifer Hudson. A little bit of a cheat here, but overshadowed by her rendition of '... And I'm Telling You' in her Oscar-winning performance is this hidden R&B gem from the same musical. Fun and showy, the track boasts a fine sense of playfulness and divaness.

2. 'Home' by (Chris) Daughtry. The fact that he broke the notion all post-Idols' first single needs to be a straight pop song is already enough, but add to that a reflective song that can be played during any montage and you have a hit. Just don't cross that fine to the annoying 'Kid Rock/US Marines ad' territory. 

1. 'Since U Been Gone' by Kelly Clarkson. The ultimate pop single. It even has a 'U' where 'you' should be! Easy and fun to sing along to, jump up and down with and feel young about when you're around the MTV generation, the track got Clarkson shook the tag 'American Idol winner' when introduced to the world.

My Bad Artwork

Coming across this banner ad for 'Valkyrie', I couldn't believe how bad this art image of Tom Cruise looks. It looks almost nothing like him- it looks more like a young Marlon Brando. To make it worse, the ad has actual footage streaming right next to it. 

My Glee Tuesday

It's finally here! After months of high anticipation, Glee will finally premiere tonight! Hopefully that post-American Idol slot will do it some good. (NYT)

My Yankee Creampies

The Yankees seem to be having fun these days- something new for a club whose mentally of 'business first' has carried them into playoff contention for over a decade. With the last three victories coming from walk-off at bats, and four(!) players receiving the whipping cream pies to the face, something I've never witness for the Yankee clubhouse, there's this looser sense and atmosphere even a fan watching can pick up on. Winning also helps.

Yes, the hiring of Joe Girardi is still in question, but one thing is for sure- he's slowly shredding the "seriousness" in the clubhouse to somewhat positive effect. Adding youngbloods such as Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and a growing favorite of mine- Brett Gardner, into the mix helped just like the addition of younger players usually do. 

I hope this "funner" atmosphere translates tonight when I go to my first game at the new Yankee Stadium tonight. I would LOVE to see a fourth consecutive walk-off another creampie from resident joker AJ Burnett. 

My Brooklyn Nets

current image of the Atlantic Yards

So things are finally cleared for Bruce Ratner to go ahead with his much delayed Atlantic Yards project that would bring the current New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn. The heavily debated project will no doubt send a herd of traffic to downtown Brooklyn, which is already a little more crowded than it needs to be with BAM, Atlantic Terminal Mall & countless amount of dodgy, hipster bars on the other side of Atlantic Avenue. 

I'm still split on rather or not bringing some traffic to Brooklyn (given, it's northern Brooklyn) is a good thing. Brooklyn is slowly becoming more and more like Manhattan with each calendar year and while I adore all the beneficial factors that come along with it, I'm just not sure if I'm prepared for all the damage it's going to bring as well. One thing is for certain though, I am kinda excited to see my borough to have its own professional sports team- even if it's basketball. (ESPN)

My Open Letter to Ewan McGregor

Yes, you should look pissed off, Ewan. You should be mad no one is offering you the leading roles you deserve these days but instead you're stuck in what appears to a complex one that only concludes to waffle thin material. I've seen your career go through song-and-dance, a galaxy far, far away, a literal toilet and 1950s Art Deco New York. I know you've got the chops! Let's hope your upcoming role in Amelia is not just the suffering lover but something more- because, Ewan... dude, I love you but don't you think it's time to do independent films again where you've excelled? I'm sure you'll find the characters you get to play will be more to your liking as well.

Big fan,

Peter

P.S.- I love that you also predict the Oscars. 

My Coney Island Friday

Originally, my plan was to attend the opening of Festival By The Sea at Coney Island. But once I got there, I was notified the festivities has been postponed until next Friday so I guess I'll make my contribution then. Making the most of my first visit to Coney Island in about ten months, I decided to venture and while I'm at it, snap it a few photos- and boy, was I glad I did. I ended up taking of my favorite Brooklyn picture ever:

A man repainting his food stand by the boardwalk in preparation for the upcoming season of Coney Island's unique combination of the ghetto and an amusement. There's something where simple and elegant about it.

Even though the area looks just as desolate as it does in the winter, there are many traces and anticipation for the summer. Tourists are already lining up for their Nathan's Hot Dogs, swimmers are already trespassing the beach and of course, the mechanics are checking the carnival rides. Maybe next Friday, more things will open.

My Nine Trailer

And now for the sexiest trailer of 2009. Geez, can this trailer be anymore beautiful? And speaking of beautiful... OMG... Nicole Kidman...

Oh so purty.

My Teaching Irony

While on set yesterday, I noticed the proud achievements of the household's resident student. If only the same can be said about the teacher. Maybe she should take her own advice and study since "studying helps".

My No Television Experiment Begins

For something new, me and my remaining roommate have decided to cancel our television service as a solution to cut costs around the apartment. Why fork over the extra 80 bucks a month when 90% of the things I watch is available on the internet? The only thing I'm missing are the live shows (ie. sporting events, award show) and I've already subscribed to MLBTV for the season. We'll see how long this lasts... 

My Skins

So where was I the last few days with plenty of time to relax and wind down from my much needed vacation? Besides the occasional tennis sessions and flower shopping for my now emptier apartment, I've been watching the British television sensation, Skins. I've heard great things about the series and I was interested in how twisted and cliche the Brits can make teen dramas compared to the American counterparts such as 'Gossip Girl' and 'The OC'. And after all, this was the show that got Dev Patel cast in Slumdog Millionaire. 

It took awhile to get used to weird, dry edits but once I broke through, I could see why this show can be so addictive. I mean, I did watch 19 episodes in two days! That's almost '24-esque'. You have bunch of junkie teenagers who all have some degree of morality inside them and yet they know they're young and it's okay to screw up (intentionally) because of it. Yes, there are very cliche and overdramatic story arcs such as:

- Resident gay teen has a straight stalker who's sleeping with the teen's best friend.

- The good girl gets pregnant by the party boy.

- Best friends fighting over the same it-girl.

And of course, drugs, alcohol and more sex. The only thing missing here is the jock. I tried not liking the series and any of the characters but with just 19 episodes, the show managed to get me not to continue watching the third season because the creators revamped the show and cast a brand new group of characters and I was not quite ready to let go of the ones I just digested. Yes, Tony and company will leave a positive mark in my memory for the time being, but for how long?

Watch a very intense scene about a bad boy who's getting his due here. 

My Mother's Day Clip

Even if this clip is how your mother regularly behave, wish her a Happy Mother's Day.

My New Beginning

It's emptier, but cleaner and drama free.

My Upcoming Trailers

I've always thought Woody Allen is at his best when the characters are just over-the-top enough without crossing the fine line of wacky silliness (see 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'). I'm sad to say Allen's latest, Whatever Works does not look so good. It seems like it's a film FILLED with crazy characters and only connection to the audience being Larry David playing what is essentially his character from 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'. We shall see...

Another highly anticipated summer flick is Julie & Julia marking Meryl Streep's second collaboration with both Stanley Tucci (LOVE these two together) and Amy Adams (though doesn't share a scene together). Judging from the trailer, it seems like it's part 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood', part 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and part 'Ratatouille'. Sounds fun enough for me. Also, are they seriously going to go through with cutting Meryl Streep's role in this to a supporting one? (gasp!)

My Po Lin Temple Pictures

Forget what I said about the cable car at Ocean Park being the best I've ever seen, the 5.6 kilometer ride to Po Lin Temple is by far the most breathtaking cable car ever. It even has a glass bottom! Once you're up there, you're treated to a giant Buddha on top of 400 or so stairs and a Buddhist temple where you can only eat vegetarian foods. 

View from the top.

Me and my veggie platter. True story- a child was complaining how he wanted chicken nuggets and his parent's response was "If you have chicken nuggets, the buddhists will kick you down the hill." The child was then content with his honey tofu, which was actually quite good.

My Hong Kong Disney Adventures

One of the two places I wanted to visit during my stay in Hong Kong was the spankin' new Disneyland Theme Park. While there are A LOT of criticism surrounding the lack of entertainment value from locals, I couldn't help but get caught up in the nostalgia of it all. As soon as the 'A Whole New World' played through the speakers, it was as if I was transformed back to my childhood. Blame the magic of Disney.

The very spacious entrance to the park.

The railroad staple to every Disney park.

'The Lion King' done to Broadway-esque perfection AND in under 30 minutes!

Highlight: 'The Golden Mickeys' combine my love of award shows and live theatre from various Disney musicals.

Apparently, it's Sleepy Beauty's castle that lies in Hong Kong, not Cinderella's.

First "ride"- Dumbo.

I'm actually going a lot slower than this picture might indicate.

The park even has its own state of the art subway station...

What a magical day.

My Glee Characters

Yes, more 'Glee' coverage. Only SIXTEEN more days!

Previous immature 'Glee' obsessions here.

My ScarJo Directorial Debut

So apparently everyone wants to direct these days... Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut short film was reportedly so bad and unwatchable that it was cut from the upcoming collection of shorts titled "New York, I Love You." This only makes me curious how a Kevin Bacon/ScarJo movie can be unbearable.... (snickers). No worries, I can catch it on DVD as promised by the film's producers as a special feature. (NYP)

My Day At Ocean Park

Photo Blog- Amusement Park #1 This Week: Ocean Park

Beautiful day for an amusement park adventure

Ocean Park boasts my favorite cable car ride because....

it takes you over hills and you get views like this.

Log flumes has always been a must for me.

A coaster next to the misty Hong Kong seas.

It took all my will power not to purchase one of these things.

My Segway Experience

Reason #41 Why I'm Not Badass: In my bravest imitation of Gob Bluth, I still have to wear a helmet.