I am doing this...

Thanks to Darin

If you want to be in my 15 seconds of this masterpiece, let me know.

I am not going to do Eharmony...

...but I would totally do a video if it came out like this!

horrible

usually my blog is giggles and criticism, but today I had to post something different cause I can't stop thinking about it.
I read a news story today...This 4 month old baby is dead because some gang members got in an argument. Some petty fight over ridiculous gang crap has lead to an innocent life being taken away. This is horrific. This makes me sick to my stomach. Thinking about this brings up an anger from my core. I hope that these 2 murderers that committed this crime don't sleep tonight. I hope that they have seen this picture on the news. I hope that it haunts them. I wish they would walk into a police station with their hands in the air and tears in their eyes because every other scenario I think about involves retaliatory evil.

This week I broke up a little scuffle among a couple middle schoolers. They're good kids, and just got on each others nerves. We talked it out, and how it didn't need to get to the point where it's a fight. It was just pettiness and they didn't handle it like human beings. They were selfish and just escalated the situation by not bending. We can't all get our way all the time. We have to let little things go. This murder of a child is a product of the same thing that these two students dealt with. Unwilling to yield, having to prove your status, all of it has to stop. It has to stop at the start. We have to get in the habit as kids, and if we are grown then we need to see how we're acting like kids.

Sorry for babbling, but I am just so disgusted. I have compassion for the family that has lost this child, but my sense of justice is through the roof right now. Today is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. I long for a price to be paid here. I hold to hope for a day when these kinds of things will pass.

I hurt.

my mom says I have a good voice...

but this right here is why I don't record myself singing and put it on the internet. I have serious fear that I look and sound like this.


Get to at least 1:26 where she forgets the words for a second...priceless.

breaking news...Kanye West makes Taylor Swift look mature.

This just in, but not surprising at all. Kanye West has completely lost it and is a classless idiot. It's sad to see a talent like his with a personality like this...


I could care less about the VMAs or Taylor Swift, but this guy's out of control.

Apparently a lot of artists are calling him out. I'd quote them here but it'd change our rating from PG-13 to R. Seriously, this guys is nutty pants.

co-workers shirt...

Here's a shirt I designed for someone I work with. When you have a favorite co-worker, t-shirts are required.

Stealing...

I am going to steal a line from my friend Eddie directly...

WOMEN BE TRIPPIN!

I wanted to be a dad...

...so I can do things like this.



(awkward family photo)

On Point

Stewart Sums up my thoughts on this Hollywood Slop.

Trent Lewis is Something Worth Living For

apparently some dude that shares my name posted pictures of himself on youtube. I'd be lying if I didn't say I had thought of a pretty great response video.

Things I don't like yield humor:

I don't like forwards, especially from my great aunt (whom I've never met). I really don't like forwards from someone she plays bridge with in Rhode Island. (I initially blew this off as elderly spam.)

Also, I don't like denominational bickering. It is one of the most embarrassing things about the church that I hold dear and employees me.

With that said, this made me laugh.

Probably fake, but doesn't make it less funny.

It's often assumed...

...that because of my job, that I am a Fox News watching conservative. Well, spend some time with me and allow the topic of politics to come up and you will find that isn't the case. I am in the ambiguous middle. (A very fun place, we get to make fun of EVERYBODY!)

With that said, I am not a fan of 24 hour news or the impact its made on the journalistic integrity of the media. I'm often asked why I don't like Fox News. There are 100 different answers to that question. Here is one.



It's not JUST the ridiculous outfit and horribly pale legs. It's the idea that we're going to tear down this idea of a program's creed that speaks of working together. THIS is why I hate Fox News.

So this is love...

do do do do... so this is love...


NOTE TO SELF: When I get a lady, I need to get more denim.


(via: awkwardfamilyphotos)

I Loathe Beth Cooper

Hey, let's put the guy who is almost 30 in a polo shirt that was popular when he was in High School... that will make him young.

I loathe Beth Cooper. Now this isn't just a statement of disdain for the film but also for the main character. I hate to jump right in without a witty retort or a story of how I saw this movie. I usually try to avoid spewing hate towards films because I feel like it makes me just like every other blogger. But there are moments that I feel my sense of civic duty overrides my desire to be different or well spoken.

This movie is horrible. I confess I saw an early screening and they give us the speech that it isn't the finished film, but I don't think they could redeem this movie. It looks like they got the same director of photography as Twilight, giving it a TV movie feel. The actor/male love interest is 10 years older than the part he's playing and it's obvious. When this movie comes out on Blue Ray and is viewed on a 1080i tv, this fact is going to become even more obvious. The story is predictable and a bad version of a genre I love, the teen movie (even with the time constraints I love, a single night.) You never connect with the characters as they go from zany teen hi jinx to zany teen hi jinx.

The main culprit of this film is Beth Cooper, played by Hayden Panettiere. She is written as an unredeemed, obnoxious stereotype. She is played by an actress that in all that I have seen can not act. (Watching Hereos from a non-fan perspective, it's obvious.) The sad part for me is that Chris Columbus directed this movie: this guy wrote Gremlins and Goonies! He has had some duds (Bicentenial Man) and some hits (Harry Potter 1&2), but I expected more from him. I know he hit his stride directing a John Hughes written film (Home Alone) and from what I've heard he's always had a deep appreciation for John Hughes and his teen films of the 1980's. Well, unfortunately this movie doesn't deserve to be put in the same category as those films.

This movie is bad, I am appealing to friends, heck even teens, everyone, don't see this movie. Don't encourage them to make bad movies. With that said, I hope that Hollywood doesn't see this films failure at the box office as a sign that American's don't like these movies anymore. It should be a sign that American's don't like bad movies.

Moon

If I was an astronaut, I'd do something to make my moon suit stand out more so you knew it was me. Right now my ideas include a denim vest, a bowler hat or rhinestones.

A few weeks back I was hanging with my friend Eddie whose cinematic judgment tends to align with my own. We were talking about different movies coming out. He asked me if I was excited about Moon. I had no clue what he was talking about. He started to explain the premise and the trailer, which is never successful. He encouraged me to go home and watch it. Well, I forgot.

Then this last week I was talking with my friend Darin about seeing a movie. Darin is new to the area and we may become movie buddies. I respect Darin's artistic judgment and so far we have a similar taste in films. We were talking about seeing Public Enemies but then this Moon film came up again. I said I was interested but it was only playing at the Arclight, so it would be a hike. He asked if I'd seen the trailer and I admitted I hadn't. Well, right there we logged on to Apple.com and watched. Let me do you the favor of making it simple for you to watch the trailer.


You MUST watch this.

Ok, now you're a step ahead of me. After watching this trailer, I was amped about Moon. I wanted to see this movie very badly. Well, after seeing this film I must say I was not disappointed. This is definitely more of an indie movie than it is Sci Fi. Don't go into it expecting a laser battle/save the galaxy extravaganza, go for a character drama that's going to leave you asking questions. Not questions about what happened, because it doesn't leave you hanging. This was a great movie that moved along at a great pace. I loved the interpretation of the future and space; very realistic.

I really don't know how to proceed as I share my thoughts on this movie. I don't want to give anything away, and everything I want to discuss will do that. So, if you are into a good indie, character drama, find a theater near you and see this movie. I fear it won't get a super wide release, but hey a trip to the arclight isn't a bad idea!

In conclusion,

go see moon.

when I die...

Please don't put my name on your car, I don't want that as a memorial to me. This seems more fitting.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Waste of Time

Their look of confusion is fitting. This movie is so bad, it baffles the mind.

This movie is really not good. I just finished watching it and I feel like it was a complete waste of time and I got nothing out of it. So I picked up my computer and was committed to getting at least a blog post out of it. Interesting idea, good MacGuffin, lots of hipster music; I'm in. I like a good teen comedy and absolutely love Michael Cera. This movie disappoints on every front. The story feels like it never gets off the ground. It's full of cheesy dialogue trying to be sold as poetic musings of a teen lyricist. Just because you wear hip clothes and play a bunch of bands that aren't popular doesn't make your movie good.

In my opinion, Michael Cera needs to reconsider his choices with movies like this and Year One. Arrested Development and Juno are the kinds of films that he needs to make. This is like the generic version of Juno, missing the story and the soul. I'm sure his agent sold him on this film because it's a leading role but maybe he's not there yet.

Overall this movie goes into the, don't waste your time category. It's boring, trying to be current and not engaging. I hope you're able to save your time and money.

I joined a Mafia

For the last 9 months I've been getting a request twice a week to play an online game. It's an application through Facebook called Mafia Wars. I'm reading a book right now about the reason Facebook is so successful and they say it's because of the applications. When I first got Facebook I was hesetant to "install" any application. When I had a PC that was the cardinal sin that would give you a virus that no medication could fix. Eventually I let my guard down and understood that is was just a Facebook thing, not an install to my machine. Still, every week a request to join someones mafia.

Finally 2 weeks ago I caved. I went on there to see what the deal was. I spentsome time learning the layout and how to play and then I played the game. This took 10 minutes. After initial frustration I learned the beauty of this game. I can't play it for more that 5 minutes because that's how it's built. Sure I can play 3-4 times during my day, but that's it. I started timing my games and it was on average 2 minutes online for each session.

It's a simple little game about accumulating money and getting more skill points. This is done through a series of missions and fights. There is no skill required, no hand eye coordination, it's just managing your profile for a few minutes. I know I keep mentioning the time thing, because to me that's what makes the game beautiful and accessible. You're not getting into something that's a giant time suck. Instead, this is something that will be a fun distraction for a few minutes and leave you wanting more.

You may not be a fan of the game, this kind of thing isn't everyone's cup of tea. But if you'd enjoy a few minutes online while sitting at your computer then this is for you.

If you don't want to play but have a facebook, join my MAFIA! All you have to do is join, then turn off the notifications so you don't get the messages "so and so just gifted you an untraceable cellphone." Then you're helping people and making me quite happy.

Remembering Michael

I'm sure this is how he'd want to be remembered.

bye MJ.

This makes me really sad.

-trent

here's a link to an article I wrote last year.

Random: A discussion of governemnt

More or less government? Luckily the people at Fox News bring in these titans of politics to discuss.

Random: I should visit Iran

why math is nerdy...

This guy is no where near hip but I'm still amazed at what he does.

I usually don't watch Discovery...

Men vs. Wild with Will Ferrell - watch more funny videos

I need a house to watch Discovery Channel Tuesday Night... If you want me to visit you, TiVo this and I'll be there.

Who's on First?

This still makes me laugh. I remember listening to it when I was a kid. There is a reason these guys are legends. If you've never seen it, give it a listen it's classic American comedy.

UP (part 1)

Here I am at the Premiere Party with Emily, Jeff and Nikki. Emily's hanging on my arm and looking stoic into the distance. Jeff is pointing at the tubby little kid after telling a joke about his trumpet. Nikki is filled with glee at the prospect of giving the giant bird a wet willy.

I am a Disney Dork, we all know that. There really isn't any question of my passion for all things Disney. Pixar is like a whole new incarnation of the Disney Spirit and now that it's an official part of the Disney Company, it carries the Disney Brand as it searches to re-establish itself in the animation industry. My friend Jeff works for ABC Family and enjoys Disney but isn't at the level of obsession that I am, which always has me jealous of his work stories. One day I got a call from Jeff in the middle of the afternoon and he was beaming with excitement over a screening he'd seen of UP. It wasn't completed and much of the film was temporary animation, but they screen it early to the marketing guys like Jeff to get their brains spinning on how to promote the film.

Jeff is a tough critic. He's not uber-negative, but he's no push over. When he said that he was blown away and was overwhelmed with how good this film was, it had me REALLY excited. This was a few months ago and it had me even more anxious to see the latest Pixar offering. When I got a call a few weeks back to go to the premier, I gave an emphatic yes. Not just because Premiers are cool, but I wanted to see this movie so bad.

Let me give as strong of a reccomendation as possible for this film. If you have 2 free hours this weekend, it needs to be spent watching this film. Is it perfect? No, it's got a little pacing problem in the middle, but I feel like I'm nit picking. (Hey, I'm a blogger, that's my job, right?) Is it amazing? YES! I am going to see it AGAIN this weekend, but I'm suspecting it may be my favorite Pixar film.

I really connected with the story and characters... It's about an old curmudgeon who goes on an adventure with a neighborhood kid. I kind of want to leave it at that, because that's all I knew going in and it was a great surprise. This movie is probably a marketing nightmare, but everyone I talk to who has kids says their little ones are dying to see it. It shows that while something may not make sense on the surface, Pixar knows how to tap into a sense of wonder that kids have.

Within the first 15 minutes of this movie I was in tears. If you remember Toy Story 2 and the song "When She Loved Me", then you know that Pixar can pack an emotional punch... well that was nothing compared to this movie. (I put that song below, because it's just that good.) Little kids are going to laugh at the cute moments and be wowed by the prospect of making their house float. After sharing the same laughs, the grown-ups are going to learn a lesson and have a lump in their throat.

I've been away from the blog lately because of "post-finals writing" burn out. But when a commercial reminded me that this was the big release this weekend, I felt an obligation to get the word out. I've seen most of the big releases that have come out so far and I will write about them soon, but I had to write about this one right now. After a few weekends, giving people time to experience it on their own, I will talk in some more detail. For now, heed my reccomendation... SEE UP! In fact while writing this blog I'm so inspired, I'm heading out to see it again! I just text messaged my friends and we're making it happen.

Maybe next time I'll tell you about Trent on the Red Carpet: Meeting John Lassetter, Jon Voight, and signing autographs while acting like a celebrity. (I'm not sure Jeff will invite me again, but I had fun none the less!)

music makes the difference...

I learned this in intro to film, but this video is a great example of it.

Disturbing Strokes - watch more funny videos

Poor give more...

Most people would think the opposite with all the hype that large donations get, but it's not true. Interesting...



From OpenLeft.com:
The generosity of poor people isn't so much rare as rarely noticed, however. In fact, America's poor donate more, in percentage terms, than higher-income groups do, surveys of charitable giving show. What's more, their generosity declines less in hard times than the generosity of richer givers does.

"The lowest-income fifth (of the population) always give at more than their capacity," said Virginia Hodgkinson, former vice president for research at Independent Sector, a Washington-based association of major nonprofit agencies. "The next two-fifths give at capacity, and those above that are capable of giving two or three times more than they give."

Indeed, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest survey of consumer expenditure found that the poorest fifth of America's households contributed an average of 4.3 percent of their incomes to charitable organizations in 2007. The richest fifth gave at less than half that rate, 2.1 percent.

The figures probably undercount remittances by legal and illegal immigrants to family and friends back home, a multibillion-dollar outlay to which the poor contribute disproportionally.

None of the middle fifths of America's households, in contrast, gave away as much as 3 percent of their incomes.

One of the greatest sitcoms ever...

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Watching these interviews made me want to get the complete series on DVD. (I put it on www.trentlewis.com/gifts) I got the chance to see Cosby live and it was a pleasure. In my opinion, when it comes to social commentary, he's the Mark Twain of our time.

Great Final Show...

Great show, hopefully we get the right result.

I'm pretty busy right now, but today I came home from the library a little early and started texting like mad. I have unlimited texts for moments like this and have been going non-stop since 10. I realize I'm acting like a 12 year old girl, but I can't help it. I really want Kris to win. I feel like it will be a big moral victory. The broadway star who squeals is not a relevant artist.

Tonight's show in my opinion went to Kris. His opening song was stronger without a doubt and more original. The second song got undue criticism for being too low key, I think that's ridiculous, it was a Kris take on the song and I liked it a lot. I've heard Stevie Wonder sing with just a piano and vocals in that room and it filled it just fine. I will say that Adam had a better performance that round. With that said Simon Fuller picked great songs, clearly he's a talented producer.

Then the show ended with the another sub par idol song... just lame. Kara didn't write that, she gave it a pass after two other writers did all the work. I wish they'd let this concept go, unfortunately I think they make money so it's too tempting to force them to perform the same song back to back. I don't know, make it a pool of songs, that they can choose from... this is a dated concept.

The show moved along and was pure singing. It didn't feel drawn out, it didn't have the cheesy boxing intro like last year. It was song after song and brief commentary, great job producers. Tomorrows show is the 2 hour pomp and circumstance session and seems fitting.

So, I've gotta run, I have more texting to do. Hopefully good news tomorrow.

Parking Shenanigans

kudos to Jeff W for the link.

I loathe parking in Los Angeles. It's nearly impossible to find a spot. The idea of paying someone to park my car is obnoxious too. When I saw this, I was shocked. I've never wanted to be a vigilante superhero more than I do right now. I could wear a cape, and walk around removing these illegal signs, moving cars to different locations so the valets couldn't find them, and giving quarters to people so they don't end up tipping 50 cents to the guy charging $9.50.

I need a name, costume ideas and a sidekick. If you have any ideas, comment.

Fred Willard is Genius

Another great Mac Commercial

I am without a doubt a mac fanatic, so I am bias. This commercial is a response to all the buy a cheap PC commercials lately. Very very very funny.

WOW WOW WOW!!!!

Bye Gokey. You're beard couldn't give you enough "edge" to survive.
(Let's be honest, I'm jealous of your success and beard.)

Okay, things are nutty pants right now with school and work. Super busy, blah blah blah... BUT tonight when I got home from work, and I can't help but watch it. I'm beat and running on 5 hours sleep in 24 hours but goodness, I've got to take an hour to watch.

I fast forwarded through most of the result show, which was rare this student. In fact, reading some ratings this last week I found out that the Wednesday Shows edged out the Tuesday Night show. That's shocking and shows the talent of the producers. They said they'd make it different this year and Wednesday Night results have turned into a 45 minute American version of "Top of the Pops" and then the final 15 are the results. Tonight looked interesting and I felt like I was missing something. That says a lot about the results show, kudos to the producers because I didn't think they could do it.

Okay, anyway, back to the results. I'm just so busy this week, we're down to one blog. I was surprised and disappointed with last weeks show. Adam didn't do anything shocking, same old stuff. Although he absolutely tortured a great U2 song, it was just so bad...listen back, it was garbage. Danny was Danny and got a lame song from Paula and picked an old school song. Kris did par with apologize and then knocked it out of the park with Heartless. WOW, did he ever knock it out of the park. He scored within 1 million votes of Adam (possible more!) When it was announced that he made it, I literally screamed. SCREAMED with glee... I was so stoked to see my choice make it to the finals. Now, it was Gokey's song choice that killed him. While he got a bad break with Paula's choice, he chose an old song and it was fogetable to most of America. Sure he sang it downright perfectly, but this has never been purely a singing competition, it's also a popularity conversation.

In the last year there seems to be a movement of America to choose artists that they'd actually want to listen to. It was like Taylor Hicks was a wake up call and a few months after that finale, most of America said "Wait, I don't like that guy, he was just funny to watch." The last 2 seasons have produced artist that people are going to buy (Jordin Sparks and David Cook.) It's no longer about who has the best voice and would do good in a High School Talent Show, it's now about choosing an artist that is relevant.

Danny Gokey is someone that will sing a church song in a powerful and amazing way, but is he going to cut a record that is current and filled with tracks you'd hear on top 40 radio, probably not. Are people going to buy Adam Lambert squealing records, ehhh, they'll get the first single but then he'll wear on them and go the way of the $5 bin at Wal-Mart. Kris has a current style, Jason Mraz-y, and will interpret some good stuff. We haven't had an idol like him yet. David cook was a rocker, but Kris has potential to hit a market that Idol hasn't tapped into yet. I know I'm bias because this is my default music (the stuff I naturally go to), but I don't mind my bias. This is why I want him to win.

Now let me tell you why he IS going to win. "WOW, did he just say that?" YES HE DID... I've made predictions for a few years now and I'm pretty good at it. I'm sure I've made this analogy before, but when I watch the West Wing and see characters predicting the politics and understanding how one thing affects the other. American Idol is my political realm when it comes to West Wing style predictions. I have a keen ear and have a pretty good understanding of pop culture. So with that rousing endorsement of myself, let me share why Kris will win. (Or, at least why I think he will.)

It's called the swing votes. People, when faced with their second choice will likely go towards one of the two remaining people. Now, you figure there was a potential million vote defecit or surplus for Kris. Gokey was sure to have had far more than 1 million votes. I've got to think that enough of the people voting for Gokey were not exclusive to him. Kris' style and sensibility is closer in line with Gokey. They are both the loveable crooners, not the already performed on broadway, unaccessable rocker type. So those votes go to Kris creating a huge upset.

I can't wait for Wednesday for the big announcement. It's gonna be off the CHAIN! I am feeling like my logic is solid and willing to say I'm 90% sure I'm right. I know some people are going to disagree, but the numbers don't lie.

This has shaped up to be a great season!

What I'll be doing for the next 4 weekends...

I love covers & I love the beatles

So... I love this.

I was right, but it doesn't feel good.

1989 was when I wanted to see Paula perform live.
2009 I just want her to stop.

Paula's dance routine while her record played was ridiculous, but that was just the start of the show. By the way, I use to watch a total of 5 minutes of results shows but this year with the subtle changes and more performances live from various artists... I watch almost all of it! Good work producers, it almost makes up for the torture of 3 minutes of Paula.

So, I was shocked, absolutely shocked that Kris didn't get voted off. Once that was announced and it was down to Allison and Danny, I thought if its based on last night... Bye Danny but that's not how America usually works in American Idol. So when Allison was voted off, I was sad for her. She's a sweet girl with a lot of talent. Hopefully she grows into a great artist. It was great to see her huddle with the remaining contestants at the end. It made me feel like they were all friends and I like watching that.

I'm sad I was right because besides Adam, (who I've grown to accept, even though I don't think he should be there), I like everyone's voice and personality! Anyway... I'll probably get choked up next week when they visit their home towns. WHY AM I SO WEEPY!

Whatever, that's enough Idol for tonight! Comment away and we'll see you next week.

COME ON!

Let me make this clear, I'm not hating on her or her cause. I also am not saying that people can't make mistakes and then use their story to help others. I am all for that. I am not going to sling mud, because that's not my style. (Unless you're an American Idol contestant, then for whatever reason I feel obligated to.) But really...How do you not have an answer to this basic question!?! If you're going to go on a show like this, then you've got to be ready to be asked this question. She shouldn't have hired the same PR firm as her mom. (See the Katie Couric Interview that sank the republicans campaign.)

Rockin Idol

Idol moment by moment blog:

• Adam looks ridiculous.
• Wow, no dress rehearsal.
• Randy's wrong; I think about the fact that Adam was on Broadway. I think it's cheating.
  
• Kara and Adam are kind of matching.
• Um...Allison, Adam sabotaged you by sending you to his stylist.
• Allison singing Joplin is right up her alley. I wonder if this song is maybe not Rockin enough. It's not a power ballad, it never fully lifts off.
• Randy says "You can sing anything. Not sure this was the song for you." Randy, you're contradicting yourself in the same breath.
  
• Has Paula Abdul ever SEEN Janis Joplin.

• I love STYX
• Danny had a better song than Chris.
• Kris is doing the Beatles at the break? The TiVo can't go fast enough
• TiVo went too fast, I have to rewind.
• I would have peed my pants playing guitar with Slash. Heck, I'd poo my pants playing guitar hero with slash.
• Not sure he's doing enough different with this beatles song, it's too close to the original.
• He's mixing it up towards the end, but not enough. Ahhh, I'm nervous for my guy!
• Yeah, the judges weren't nice and America listens to the judges.... ahhh...
• My text is bounced back saying it's too late in my time zone.
  
• Calling friends in Hawaii and asking for a favor.
• Gokey not shaving to look edgy is canceled out by the fact that he's wearing my dad's glasses.
• Don't try and be Scream-o Gokey... it's not you and you aren't good at it like Adam.
• I think Kara is off in her Aerosmith Chronology, saying Cryin' is before Dream on.
  
• Everyone seems to be full of excuses tonight, but no dress rehearsal, I get that.
• Dream On- 1973 Cryin'- 1993
• Adam & Allison pick one of my favorite songs.
  
• The bass player looks like a chubby Ice T.
• Never mind Ice T never looked that ridiculous.
• They definitely matched up the rock duets like High School Basketball. JV first then Varsity.
• They could have picked a better song for them, not great in my opinion.
• Well, I'm worried Kris had the worst night.
• Wait Paula is performing... please tell me MC Skat Kat is there too!
• I would like Allison to go, but I'm guessing it will be Kris. It's been too long since he's wowed America and we forget fast.
• No word on MC Skat Kat, we'll find out tomorrow.

American Idol: Big Girls DO Cry!

It takes a big man to cry.
It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man.
-Jack Handy

So, I had a pretty heartless Idol experience yesterday. I was wiped out and I think it left me feeling like it was a bland week. Well tonight after watching Idol and getting teary eyed I realized I was either heartless last night or too emotional tonight. I was watching the Ford commercial, which I never do, but I had some video ideas so I watched. Anyway, I started thinking how much I liked the top 5.

Even though I don't like Adam, still he doesn't ruin it. These top 5 contestants are talented, fun, and interesting. While watching the food fight I was reminded how they all felt like normal people; down to earth. Even though I am sure that food fight was prompted by producers, it was a real food fight, total mess and real competition. I like that. (The whole give them the bill thing was silly. I could have cleaned that fight up and replaced broken items for 2,000; those maids were a rip off!)

As they all talked about what a great top 5 it was I just kept agreeing. When Matt left I was sad. Watching his video I got a little misty. No tears rolling down my cheek, but I was choked up. I guess I am enjoying this season more than I expected. I guess I will feel loss when everyone gets voted off (except Adam, that would be sweet justice.) By the way, how great was it seeing Adam in the bottom 2! I had my fingers crossed. Maybe next week he'll get the boot! Either way, next time I'll bring tissues.

American Idle

For me it wasn't a very exciting week, just kind of bland. I love standards but nothing gripped me.

Kris- Not your best night, but not bad. This wasn't your genre.

Allison- Showing off the pipes, but I agree that you don't display confidence when you sing.

Matt- I just didn't care for it. Sorry, just not that good. Simon was wrong.

Danny- This was right in his wheelhouse. Just fun, good energy.

Adam- Ridiculous close with that note, that was nuts. It's still just not someone I want to keep hearing. I feel like I'm never surprised by his performances.

My friend said "Adam Lambert win Dramatic Lighting Idol", in my opinion that's all he deserves.

My hope is Matt goes home, my guess is Allison.

I love classical music.

enough said.

A weird combination...

17 Again

State of Play

both seen the same day, back to back.

Now this is a random pairing, I know. If you've been reading for any extended time you know that I lead a pretty random life. It was late in the afternoon, I'm sitting on my friends couch and we all turned to each other and said, let's see a movie. Within 15 minutes we were at the theater buying tickets to State of Play. It seemed like an interesting movie with some great stars.

I wasn't disappointed, the movie was intriguing and kept me guessing till the very end. While I wasn't blown away because in many ways it felt like a combination of a few films from the past. But it was still entertaining, a great little movie that did its job of entertaining and making me think.

An hour and a half later I found myself sitting in the Arclight in Sherman Oaks to see 17 Again. Now a few hours earlier I didn't push my friends to see 17 Again, I lobbied to see the political thriller. Looking at the posters and ads for this movie, well it didn't seem like my kind of movie. As the movie started I was nervous about the impending doom. Within the first 3 minutes the following things happened.

1. Zac Efron was shooting free throws with his shirt off.
2. Zac Efron did choreography in his basketball uniform before the "big game".
3. Zac Efron said "We're in this together"; a line that is frighteningly close to a lyric.
   

What had I gotten myself into. If it weren't for my friends that picked the movie long before I was invited, I would have let this movie pass me by. But sitting in a row of girls surrounded by teenage girls, I was wishing I wasn't there. At the end of the film I was thinking about how thankful I was that I'd seen the film because I really like 17 Again. In fact, I enjoyed it more that State of Play. Now it's comparing apples and oranges, sure but 17 again was one great apple.

17 Again didn't take itself too seriosly, played great to its genre. Even though this whole man in a boys body has been done many times, it didn't feel copycat. They didn't go for the easy jokes. It also never got too creepy with Efron's 17 year old character (really, a 37 year old), dancing with his friends mom. It had a cute story, it was simple and ended the way you expect it to. It wasn't the premise or the ending that was fresh and new, it was the supporting characters.

Zac was great and never seemed like a distraction, other than the first 3 minutes which I forgave. But the best part of this movie was the surrounding Characters. The mother/wife, the best friend, the principal, all played by talented actors. They played basic characters but had great comedic timing and felt grounded in reality. And this is a Zac Efron movie about transformation. The best example was Thomas Lennon (Reno 911, The State) who played the nerdy best friend. His nerd moments were great and he made me laugh in nearly every scene he was in.

Overall, I'd reccomend both films, State of Play is a fun political thriller that says some great things about corruption and journalism. WIth that said, the movie that earned the stronger endorsement is 17 Again. If you want to laugh the way you did at Big when you first saw it, spend the money and enjoy.

Disco Idol

It's disco night on Idol!

So, I watched this weeks online and then directly looked up the results. Here's the play by play...

Danny: Great great great, I really enjoyed it. I liked it, the most I've liked Danny in a while. It was like a modern Michael McDonald, and I love me some Michael McDonald!

Anoop: It was a different arrangement and he has a good voice (though his last note was all over the place) but he is just hanging on, not a contender. Ouch, Simon drops the bomb on him.

Lil: Okay, America, this needs to stop. I am embarrassed when I hear the crowds cheering because it indicates that we have no musical taste. OUCH, judges are working her, and saying what needs to be said. I think the judges may have put a fork in her... she's done.

Matt: Now, this was a fun performance. Good arrangement with a Michael Jackson vibe. (Though a little reminiscent of the lounge band in Swingers, but that too makes me happy.) He definitely laid it all out on the floor tonight.

Allison: Ok, this girl can sing... she looks ridiculous, but her vocals are amazing.

Adam: I just feel like I start to like his voice and arrangement and then he starts squealing. Come on dude, really.

Kris: GREAT IDEA... it felt like I was at a Mraz concert and he was doing a cover. That's the kind of thing crowds just LOVE... I enjoyed it immensely...enough to download. I know he's my favorite so I'm biased, but he wins the night. WOW!

Ok, not surprised and downright happy with the results. That's exactly who needed to go home. Lil dug her grave by being Karaoke and being arrogant. Simon has a lot of pull, his words matter.

Okay, good stuff. I have a little bit of Idol fatigue, so give me some feedback if you're liking the posts... agreeing or disagreeing.

Last Minute Idol Blog

Google "American Idol Blogger" and this is one of the first images you'll find.
If this represents other people that blog about Idol...well,
one of these things is not like the other, and I am that one thing.

Okay, so I wake up this morning to an email from a complete stranger. Andrea found thoughtsoftrent.com from a friend (another person I don't know), and she was disappointed to not have my weekly post. She did some hunting and found a site that had clips of the show. Big thanks to Andrea for making this post possible.

-trent

Danny- Um...not bad. Simon's notes of that being a bit boring but still showing his good voice. It was touching when I realized he was thinking about his wife and I respected him even more when he didn't state the obvious.

Adam- He just yells and does what he does... no big woop for me. Paula said, "you dare to dance in the path of greatness" and it was the most ridiculous thing I've heard in quite sometime. Simon was right on, and I wasn't won over at all by this squeal session. I know he'll be in the top 3, but I still don't have huge buy in. I listened to last weeks after listening to the version was covering and I was reminded how he didn't do much different. Not as amazing as most think he is.

OKAY SIDE NOTE: What's with only 2 judges talking??? There are plenty of other places to trim the show back... not here.

Kris- Okay, I never say this but OMG! My favorite contestant sings one of my five favorite songs from the last 5 years. I watched this twice, I LOVED this. He kept the best parts of the original and made it his own ballad. More performing in a large hall than singer songwriter in a piano store in Ireland, but that's great. (By the way, have I told you about "Once", it's amazing...I blogged about it, right? Ahhh, I need to make a master list of the things I blabber about.) If he's really not in the top 3, then I will not be happy.

Allison- Just whatever, there are people that still need to go before she does, but I am not thrilled. She needs to grow up and live some life so she has layered emotions to sing about. Oh, side note: her hair is just silly, take that hat off. Oh, and fire the person that puts you in those clothes.

Lil- This was really boring, and if they didn't say it would take a gospel turn, I'd of probably turned it off. Then when it took a Gospel turn, it didn't feel like a young marketable artist doing a throwback to gospel. It felt like this copycat artist, just mixing up styles. I am ready to move on from Lil, I hope she goes. DON'T ARGUE WITH SIMON... YOU LOOK RIDICULOUS!!!

Anoop- Thanks for the flashback to 6th grade. Gosh, there was nothing Hollywood about these performances (other than Kris and Adam so far) that captured the feel of the film. I don't know, they could have had more fun with this. Anoop didn't sound bad here, but he's still Anoop. Ok, judges agree but clearly in their tone they are saying that he won't last. Also, worst jacket EVER!

Matt- Uhoh, those aren't good choices when it comes to tweaking the melody, it sounds off. You sound horrible, oh dude, not just a worn voice... Okay, I get why you got voted off only to be saved by the judges. Wow, great notes from Randy, he always surprises me in moments like these where he has good feedback.

So, a little bit of a let down for Hollywood week. Now, with the Judges save used, and Disco week this next week, well anything could happen. It should be interesting. I hope TiVo is more agreeable.

American Idol is thwarted by technology...

Okay, I am SO ANGRY at technology. I am living in a new place and don't have cable set up to the TiVo yet. American Idol isn't available online so when my back up DVR failed again and missed the recording of Idol, I was none too happy. I just looked it up on Wikipedia and found out Matt got saved. I didn't hear his performance, but I will say GOOD JOB AMERICA!

Hopefully next week Lil Rounds AND Anoop will get the boot.

I'm gonna start hunting online to find the performances.

-trent

not that far off...

This video was posted by my friend Darin and it's pretty good. Definetely where we are headed.

A slightly disappointing week on Idol

The top 8 from season 7 seemed more memorable.
I'm not sure I will remember half of the top 8 from this year.

This week, I'm blogging while I watch.

Danny Gokey- A little pitchy at the start. I hate this arrangement, it feels like something I'd of heard in my orthodontist office in 1991. It was just lacking for me, let's see what the judges think.

Kris Allen- "The instructor of the ferris wheel" someone can't speak properly. Not a huge fan of the horn section, I really like this song but this doesn't seem contemporary! Another thing, please have them perform on the stage, not on the floor. It feels silly.

Lil Rounds- Seriously, when are we going to stop this. Same thing every week, no one will buy a record from her. Judges agree.

Anoop Desai- forgetable, I mean not as bad as the past weeks but not good.

Scott MacIntyre- LAME! Stop stop stop stop voting for him America.

Allison Iraheta- I cracked up laughing when her dad seemed so uninterested in what her mom was saying. Very funny. Atleast she tamed her hair this week. Song wasn't bad, but Simon gave some really great advice.

Matt Giraud- I liked the song a lot, good version of a great song. It really showed off what you do well.

then, my DVR cut off, I thought there was at least one more and I realized it was Adam Lambert, so I googled it and found a copy of the performance online. Because the show ran WAY long (why?!?) the only judge that responded was Simon and he gave a standing ovation.

Now, I enjoyed this the most of any performance he's ever done. But It's just a great and amazing song. He did a really great job tailoring it to his voice and style. I don't like him after this, but I liked that performance.

Ok, American Idol producers need to get it in gear and get the show to not run too long. And everyone needs to step it up, this week was a bit of a let down. Come on NEXT WEEK!

AI quote

"if Broadway had a baby with an 80's hair band, it would be Adam
Lambert"

-trent

Sheep are fun...

usually, they are stupid but this video shows how they can be fun when you use TECHNOLOGY!

Beware of Dog

Don't mess with Disney Characters. Lesson Learned, tough stuff.

The original "The Office"

Best Dance Ever (in the non-child category) goes to Ricky Gervais.

Any astute viewer of "The Office" on NBC knows that this show started across the pond on the BBC and was created my Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant. While the first season of the US series was nearly a direct copy of the UK version, eventually the network allowed the writers to pursue their own vision of the show and it became wildly popular. Before that, it was a good show, but not a great show. That doesn't mean that it was copying a bad show, it just means that trying to be a direct copy isn't a good idea.

With that said, I am a big fan of the original British version, but that doesn't mean that fans of the NBC series are guaranteed to like the BBC version. David Brent (the equivalent of Michael Scott) is a much darker character. Carrell's character is well intentioned and a genuinely sweet guy and Gervais' character is more arrogant. The supporting cast isn't explored as much in the BBC version but this is likely due to the fact that they only have 2 seasons and one special (a totaly of 14 episodes.) Television in the UK is more crass than in the US so that makes it feel more like an HBO show, than a network series. The series ends in a great and artistic way, and has a satisfying revisit of the characters in the Christmas Special.

I really loved watching the show these last few weeks. It is so horribly awkward watching the socially inept boss, played perfectly by Gervais. He speaks in such a confident manner but is so clearly weak, and is the best car wreck to watch. The dynamic between Tim & Dawn just as endearing as that of Jim & Pam. The UK Dwight, known as Garth is not as quirky as Dwight and seems a little more grounded. If you even slightly like British Comedy, then check out this version. It's hard to write a series review, but I will say that this series is hilariously uncomfortable.

Possibly the best dancing kid EVER!

watch and enjoy the whole thing.

Okay, maybe it was because my good friends just had a baby that I am wanting to be a dad more than usual. But, really I think it was watching this video and the prospect of video taping my own offspring doing awesome dance moves. Yeah, that was it.

I watched the whole thing two times in a row, the kid is AMAZING and working it! Low low low low low low low low.

bye bye pretty lady...

America proves that song choice wins out over hotness.

She's beautiful and she seemed to be really goofy tonight, but she just kept making bad choices. When you have an opportunity to pick nearly ANY song (Top 40 week), you don't go with a little known Bob Marley/Lauryn Hill song. Kara's advice was right on. I think Megan self-destructed; she knew she wasn't going to win, and missed her baby.

It was time for her to go, not based on her talent, based on her giving up. Anoop is next on the list and then Scott needs to leave. After that it will get interesting.

American Idol is Back...

This is the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World.
Yet another reason for the readers of my blog to
collect funds and send me to Florida.

Well, trent is back to American Idol. It's good to be back. I'd missed last week because of President Obama, Lost and my Tivo not working together. Here are my thoughts on this week.

Anoop: Later, just not good and you looked ridiculous.
Megan Joy: I love that song by Lauren Hill but you sounded ridiculous.
Danny: Sounded great, wasn't as earth shattering as the judges thought, but it was good.
Allison: Song was just that song and your hair cut was WAY worse than your clothes.
Scott: Your new Mullett isn't fooling anyone, just doing a sub-par cover of a great 80's song has to stop.
Matt: The judges advice is right on, you need to stop trying to sing everything you like.
Lil: Celine Dion song, really? Just boring and not current.
Adam: I am not a fan and think your hair helmet is as silly as your squealing voice.
Kris: One of my favorite songs and a great rendition. Better than Maroon 5's cover. You're running away with it.

Random: Great Demetri Martin Quote

I found Demetri Martin's comedy central special a few years ago and it cracked me up. I was happy to see him on the daily show a few years ago, but then after a few episodes it became clear it wasn't a fit. Then his new show on Comedy Central showed up and it was lack luster.

I've decided it's a good show to have in the background while working on something. He's a funny guy and I like the format of the show, but quirky is not ALWAYS funny. Still, I do occasionally laugh. Here is Demetri updating some rules...

"Current Rule: Don't talk to strangers. Sure, unless you want to meet anyone ever."

Very funny.

Reasons I won't let my kid be a child actor...

#439

American Idol Catchup

K, so I just watched last weeks episode. Kris Allen's performance was so good, I immediately downloaded the song. Not only is that one of my favorite songs, but a beautiful version. I'm a little surprised about Alexis, but not sad about it. I think if the blind dude doesn't do something different this week, I am going to fast forward through his songs. Sorry to be mean.

Motown week is Wednesday (pushed back because of a press conference, thanks a lot Obama!)

Random: Late St. Patrick's Day celebration

I was gone in Texas and not blogging last week but I missed an important holiday. Here's what happens when cultures collide.

American Idol Blog postponed

I'm in Texas and don't have access to American Idol so we're gonna
blog double next week. Thanks for caring.

-trent

I care WAY more about the economy now!

If we don't act now, it may come to this.

Variety just reported that the non-profit company that makes Sesame Street is cutting 20% of it's employees. I didn't hear about Children's Television being one of the earmarks in this budget, so looks like a whole generation is out of luck. Sorry kids, that means 5.2 letters have to go. I would say A-E-I-O-U and sometimes Y; just because they are the in a little group. Sorry vowels, take it up with the sub-prime mortgages of the last 5 years.

Not Surprised...

Times, they are a changin'. They have all the contestants staying in a huge mansion, and it looks like they're going to do a little more "reality TV" stuff with them. I really could care less about that stuff, so I am a little skeptical. Although, this whole new house thing did provide the funniest moment of the show; They arrive at the lawn of the new house and cut to a close up of Scott, the blind guy as he looks over the house and says wow. Okay, that was so forced because they were 30 yards away from the house and unless mansions SOUND big, then I am not buying it. I'm not laughing at the blind guy here, I am laughing at the ridiculous choice of the director/editor.

This time, Ryan Seacrest refered to two of the contestants by their last names, like they had played football for years, it was awkward. Wait, that wasn't the biggest change... it was all about the "Judges Save" rule. In case you missed it, this was the new rule this season that at one point until the final 5, the judges can unanimously agree to keep a voted off contestant in the competition. THAT is FUN! I'm excited to see how that pans out. It is like double rejection for the contestants though. They sing their song while the judges discuss (or Paula flails around like my friend Alyssa's drunk step-mom.) I like this change and think it will be good for the show.

Okay, let's focus on the people voted off. I was half right. I think I forgot the I'm not surprised to be totally honest. These are two easy victims. With that said, they aren't horrible. I can remember horrible happening early on, (see below) and neither of these were that. It looks like we're off to a good start. I look forward to watching next week.


BOBBY BENNETT
He performed Copacabana and it was so horrible that I almost lost hope in the whole competition. It's why I blog after they elect the top 12. They add these people because they are personalities, but then most of the time America weeds them out.