Movie Review - The Watchmen

The Watchmen - Released March 6th, 2009: "Not Your Typical Superhero Movie"

Starring:
Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan (yeah, I didn't know who any of these people were either)

Tagline: "Justice is coming to all of us. No matter what we do."

Plot:
The movie is set in 1985 during the tension with the Soviet Union. A decade prior to this a group of masked heroes were forced into retirement. When one of them is murdered the rest band together to investigate his murder which leads them to discover things they had not planned on uncovering. They must work together to not only save themselves, but the world. (I can't say anymore without possibly spoiling parts of the movie.)

Tamara's Take: B+
First let me say this, I understand why a large amount of people were disappointed by the movie. The trailer is very misleading and would have you believe that this movie is an action-packed superhero movie when it in fact is not. I am the first to admit that I am usually very annoyed when I am expected one thing and I end up getting another. This time I wasn't bothered by it at all.

I thought the movie was great. The action scenes were amazing, the choreography of the fight scenes was flawless and kept me intrigued. I am often bored by fight scenes. There WAS a lot of talking in the movie and the movie could have been about 30 minutes shorter but that still didn't make it a bad movie. This movie contained a large amount of imagery and small connections all throughout the movie. I LOVE stuff like this. I want to be challenged intellectually, I want to be surprised by the ending of the movie. This movie is not for those that want to just sit and watch some fighting and explosions. This movie is for someone that wants to use their brain, sadly not many people do.

The one issue I did have with the movie was Dr. Manhattan. Now I know he wasn't a regular human being and he could manipulate time and space but that DOES NOT excuse him from covering up his man parts. It was completely unnecessary for him to be strutting around with his blue thang swangin in the wind. What value did that add to the movie? NONE and it was quite disturbing.

Bottom line: If you like superheroes and also like movies that discuss social issues then check it out, otherwise don't.

Music Review - Album: "It's Not Me, It's You" by Lily Allen

“It’s Not Me, It’s You” – by Lily Allen
Released February 9, 2009

Track Listing:
1. Everyone’s At It
2. The Fear
3. Not Fair
4. 22
5. I Could Say
6. Back to the Start
7. Never Gonna Happen
8. F*ck You
9. Who’d Have Known
10. Chinese
11. Him
12. He Wasn’t There

Artist Background:
Lily Rose Beatrice Allen born May 2nd, 1985 is an English singer-songwriter. Her first album “Alright, Still” was released December 2006. “It’s Not Me, It’s You” is her second album. Her most popular single from her first album was “Smile” and it did fairly well on the charts.

Tamara’s Take: Limited Airplay

Lily Allen has said in several press releases that she wanted to take this album in a “new direction” and that she did. This album in notably less angry, less party oriented, more grown-up and more political/socially conscious. Sadly, I don’t think that I like this new artist she has become as much as I liked who she was on her first album. I am happy for that she has grown as a person, I just don’t think that I want to listen to that person as much.

The album is far from terrible because she is a good singer. I like her voice and the musical arrangements. The album is just too full of propaganda with songs about war, pollution, homosexuality, etc. There was some of this on her first album but nowhere near as much as there is on this album. There are a few songs I might put on my regular playlist but this isn’t an album I would just let play through.

Standout Tracks:
*It’s Not Fair – (There's just one thing that's getting in the way. When we go up to bed you're just no good)
*Never Gonna Happen – (Now I know you feel betrayed, but it's been a week since I got laid.)

Songs on Repeat:
The Fear, F*ck You, Who’d Have Known

Solid Songs:
I Could Say, Chinese,He Wasn’t There

Skip It:
Everyone’s At It, 22, Back to the Start, Him

American Idol - Wildcard Episode

I don't remember them doing this last season. Maybe I just didn't watch it. Okay so the judges get to decide this part. I would say I trust their judgement but we have one good judge and three idiots.

Contestants:
-Jesse: "Tell Me Something Good" - I really like her style. It is different from the other women on the show.
-Matt: "Who's Loving You" - I love this song and all of its versions. I think he sounded great and he looked a lot better tonight too.
-Megan: "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" - I like her but I don't know how I feel about this performance.
-Von: "?" - I'm not feeling the swoop thing going on with his hair. I just don't really like him but he does have an alright voice.
-Jasmine: "Refection" - So you just up and do the opposite of what the judges tell you to do. You don't deserve to make it simply for doing something like that. Geez and I really liked you. You still have a great voice though!
-Ricky: "Superstitious" - Waaaaaay better than when the Jonas Brothers did it.
-Tatiana: "Saving All My Love" - Didn't she already do this song? I just really don't want her to go through even though I have to admit that she didn't sound half bad this time....UGH, I hate that I actually kinda liked her performance.
-Anoop:"My Prerogative" - LOL @ him doing this Bobby Brown song. He did his thing though.

Those Still In The Running:
-Jasmine: I wanted her to make it through but I am a bit shocked because I don't think she was one of the best of the night.
-Megan: I think she has a good voice but I just don't think she should have made it through.
-Matt: He was great tonight so I'm looking forward to hearing more from him.
-Anoop: Whooo hooo, NC better rep!

Tamara's Train of Thought:
-I think these choices are really determined by the producer to get ratings.
-Those back-up singers are fly, LOL
-I guess my hope that the word "swagger" would be left in 08 was just crushed
-People need to stay in their lanes...you might THINK you have a big voice but that doesn't mean that you do
-Did Tatiana's accent change?? She is the worst. Maybe she thought since Jorge got through that it would help her out.
-LOL @ Paula calling Tatiana out about her manufactured accent that magically appeared out of nowhere
-"THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!"
-OK, so I'm even more convinced that Anoop grew up around black people.
-Randy you are sooooo corny, please stop it.
-That was nice of Paula to say those things to Tatiana. I could so see her having her own reality show. VH1 would probably give her one, I mean they did give Ray-J one.
-Umm soo they are going to have a top 13? I don't know how I feel about this.

American Idol - 3rd Group of 12 Elimination

I have a feeling this is about to be some BS......

Group Performance:
-HORRIBLE! LOL @ how they changed the words of the song from "bitch" to "girl". Ummm that changes the whole point of that lyric. That choreography was terrible. Katy Perry can't even really sing. It kills me when they do songs by people who are manufactured artists anyway. That chair dancing is just the worst. BOO to this whole mess. They need to go back to just letting the top 12 do group performances.

Still in the Running:
-Lil Rounds: Hells yeah!! OK, I really wanted her to make it and I'm super happy she did. I was going to be pissed if she didn't! She is the best woman in the competition.

-Scott: Hmmmm....so maybe he DID get some sympathy votes because he surely was not the best guy and he wasn't even one of the top 3 in my book.

-Jorge: Great. I'm glad that he made it because if he didn't then that woulda been some bullish. He is one of the best men in the competition.

Wildcard Performances Picks:
-Von Smith: I'm not surprised but I still don't like him.
-Jasmine Murry: I really like her so I hope she makes it into the top 12.
-Ricky Brady: I can agree with this one.
-Megan: Honestly don't even remember her.
-Tatiana: GTFOH- I knew it was coming. I guess she went off her meds because she's back to acting crazy.
-Matt: I liked him but I still don't think he'll make it to the top 12, I'd be okay with it if he did.
-Jesse: I really liked her so I'm glad she's getting a second chance.
-Anoop: pull up your pants please! NC is representing. Did you know he wrote a 60 page thesis on BBQ?? HAHA, funny


Tamara's Train of Thought:
-Ryan gets on my nerves.
-I don't know if I'll watch this show next season, it is just starting to get really bad
-I know I've said this before but they really drag this mess out.
-At least Nate took off that headband.
-Most of these guys look pretty suss.
-It is still funny how they really get into it after they know that they've made it.
-Stand up and look to the left and the right, pretty much all of you are going home.
-I'm not surprised that Arianna went home, she did suck it up in her performance.
-That jacked up dancing did Alex in.
-Shut the heck up Randy!
-Whew....Nate didn't make it through yet. I really hope he doesn't make it as one of the wild cards.
-2 out of 3, not too bad.
-LOL @ Ryen calling Simon Darth Vader
-HA! People were laughing at her in the crowd

American Idol - 3rd Group of 12 Performances

Same rules as last time.....OH yeah, I didn't blog about the 2nd round...so sue me! I just didn't really feel like it. It's not like anyone reads this anyway other than my wonderful friend Tiffany.

Simon's Quotes:
"You're like a little hamster trying to be a tiger."
"The awful Olivia Newton headband"

Contestants:

Von Smith: "You're All I Need To Get By" by Marvin Gaye - Umm hells naw. I never liked this guy anyway. He is murdering a classic and needs to sit it down. And he is still being extra which is exactly what Simon told him not to do. STAY

Taylor Vaifanua: "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys - At least she's cute. There were some parts that were pretty but she sounded pretty flat for most of the song.

Alex Wagner: "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" by Elton John- He has a pretty good voice, too bad he isn't very attractive and he made it even worse with all of that awkward dancing. GOODBYE

Arianna Afsar: "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA - Don't know this song and this version doesn't make me want to hear it either. She is cute but she has a weak voice and I just feel like it is lacking. She did okay with the big notes but if you can't perform the entire song then it doesn't really matter. Even her parents didn't look impressed. GOODBYE

Ju'Not Joyner: "Hey There Delilah" by The Plain White Ts - He should be eliminated because of his name...ughhh...people need to stop giving their kids these "exotic" names. I think I just don't really like him. He doesn't sound BAD but just not impressive enough to be someone I would consider an American Idol. Whaaaa??? You got a shot in your butt? TMI GOODBYE

Kristen McNamara: "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman - What the hell does she have on? She looks completely different everytime I see her. She has been my favorite woman so far tonight but that isn't saying much at all. GOODBYE

Nathaniel Marshall: "I Would Do Anything for Love" by Meatloaf - Why would you do any song by Meatloaf?? Are you trying to make yourself an even bigger joke? This guy just bothers me. I hate those tacky ass headbands he insists on wearing. You look foolish!!! STOP IT. Arrrggg. If he stays around I might have to stop watching for real. GOODBYE

Felicia Barton: "No One" by Alicia Keys - Very attractive girl but I don't think this was the right song for her. I don't know what is up with people trying to sing Alicia Keys songs, it just isn't going over too great. She just ended up sounding a hot mess. The judges liked it..hmmm...well I am tone death. GOODBYE

Scott MacIntyre: "Madonlin Rain" by Bruce Hornsby - Put on some shades! He has a nice voice but I just can't get down with him. I think the stylist need to do something different with his hair. It probably doesn't help that I think this song was wack. I wonder if he get sympathy votes. GOODBYE

Kendall Beard: "This One's for the Girls" by Martina McBride - She sounds alright but nowhere near as good as the original. I think she looks nice though and that can get you pretty far in this competition. GOODBYE

Jorge Nunez: "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" by Elton John - The accent is completely throwing me which isn't really fair to him but it is. Still he is the best person so far tonight. He can SANG, those others are just singing. Plus he has that sexy latin thing going on. STAY

Lil Rounds: "Be Without You" by Mary J. Blige - I have loved all of her stuff thus far and this was no exception. I think she did take a risk trying to do MJB who is hard to match. Even though I don't really think MJB is THAT great of a singer and I enjoyed Lil's version. I really hope they keep her around but we know how these things often go. STAY

Tamara's Train of Thought:
-I don't even want to watch this anymore because it is just becoming painful.
-I've just decided that the judges are pretty much full of shit and I don't know what they are listening to.
-Simon is a FOOL!!!
-Where are all the good singers? Have they decided not to participate any longer?
-I'm still convinced that Paula is on something
-LOL @ Simon not even remembering who one of the contestants is

Product Review: Mighty Mendit

I have come to the conclusion that when I am old as dirt become an old lady I will be one of those crazy little old ladies that has a large collection of crap useful gadgets I've ordered off of late night infomercials. Those stupid infomercials ALWAYS make me want to buy whatever they are trying to swindle me into buying. Right now the only thing that stops me from buying them now is my lack of money good sense, which I will probably lose when I get older.

This leads me to my most recent product review. Mighty Mendit. I'm sure you've seen the infomercial with that same guy that is in most of them screaming and being extra animated while he tells you how wonderful the product is. I had some pants that I needed to fix the hem in and I'm no seamstress so I decided to see if this stuff would do.

Tamara's Take: Great of Hems, Not for Parachutes

I purchased my bottle from Target out of their "As Seen on TV" section. It only cost $10 for a good sized bottle. If you have some fallen hems or torn seams to repair then this stuff is great. I fixed the hem in 3 pairs of pants. (I'm short, all of my pants are hemmed) It costs at least $10 to get one pair of pants hemmed at the tailor and it NEVER FAILS, I will get my stiletto heel stuck in the hem and tear it. This was a quick and easy way to fix the hem and much better than my previous method of using safety pins. Now my plan for future pant purchases is to have my cousin cut them to the correct length and then I'll use this stuff to hem them. Money saved! Hey, I got bills to pay it's a recession.

This stuff lasted through being washed and dried and ironed (the label says to avoid putting direct heat on it but I tried it anyway and it was fine). That being said, I wouldn't go around trying to fix parachutes or other things that your life depends on them staying together. That would just be foolish.

Music Review - Album: "19" by Adele

Track Listing:

1. "Daydreamer"
2. "Best for Last"
3. "Chasing Pavements"
4. "Cold Shoulder"
5. "Crazy for You"
6. "Melt My Heart to Stone"
7. "First Love"
8. "Right as Rain"
9. "Make You Feel My Love"
10."My Same"
11."Tired"
12."Hometown Glory"

Tamara's Take: Heavy Rotation

Adele is a fairly new singer from Enfield, North London. 19 is her first of what I hope is many more albums.

Since the Grammy's it seems that people want to jump on the Adele bandwagon. I think this is a good thing since she is an awesome singer. I have had her album since it first came out. I stumbled upon her song "Chasing Pavements" on youtube and fell in love with it immediately! I love her voice and the lyrics of the song. You all know how big I am on lyrics and this album has some great lyrics. You can feel the sadness in her voice which allows you to connect with her and really enjoy the music. This is a sad cd, most of the songs are sad which for me is great because I love sad songs. If you're looking for some "pick-me up" music then you probably want to listen to something else.

Stand Out Tracks:

*Best for Last - (Wait, do you see my heart on my sleeve?)

*Chasing Pavements - (If i tell the world,I'll never say enough, Cause it was not said to you)

*Cold Shoulder - (These days when I see you, You make it look like see-through)

*Melt My Heart To Stone - (And I hear your words that I made up, You say my name like there could be an us)

*First Love - (This love has dried up and stayed behind, and if I stay I’ll be a lie)

*Tired - (and for what and for what and for what, when i don't get nothing back, boy I'm tired)

Songs on Repeat: Crazy for You, Right as Rain, Make You Feel My Love, My Same

Solid Tracks: Daydreamer, Hometown Glory

Skip It: I wouldn't skip any songs on this album!