The Fratellis - Here We Stand

For those of you who haven't heard of, or heard, The Fratellis you really must check them out. Their new CD Here We Stand is not a bad album at all. Now I can't say that I like it as much as their last album, Costello Music, but it is growing on me after each subsequent listening.

Here We Stand has very much the same British vibe that Costello Music had and it really makes you feel like you were listening to it in a pub. There is just an energy that flows throughout the whole album and you will find yourself going back for another listen as soon as the last track, Milk and Honey, finishes.

My recommendations for song choices on this one are: Milk and Honey, Lupe Brown, Mistress Mabel, and A Heady Tale. So the next time you are on iTunes go ahead and preview this one, you may just find you like it. I do.

Eric

27 Dresses

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride? Even the premise is obvious. No way that the girl with the 27 bridesmaids dresses is going to meet a handsome man, and actually get married in this movie! (oops! I ruined it... oh, wait, no I didn't... even a seat belt could predict that!)

Rented this over the weekend. If you go into this movie not expecting much I think you will like it more than I did. I had people telling me they loved it, so I was expecting a classic chick flick, that I would be able to watch over and over. (ie: While You Were Sleeping, Return to Me, You've Got Mail, Notting Hill) I liked this movie okay.

I am getting a little sick of watching a movie and being able to predict every single thing. This movie was funny in parts. But nothing I would talk to people about later and quote it. I know that some are going to disagree with me. But I have to say. It was not my favorite. I liked it once, but will never watch it again.

Cast includes Katherine Heigl, Judy Greer, Ed Burns, Malin Akerman, and James Marsden. I wasn't liking James Marsden in other things, but since Enchanted and this movie, he is growing on me. I enjoyed him in this part.

The movie left me feeling a little blah, and unfulfilled. I do have to say that it entertained me, and it was a nice distraction from cleaning my house. I am just glad I rented it. I also feel like had I seen it before anyone had told me anything about it, I would have liked it a touch better.

Should you rent it? Yeah, why not? It's worth a rent, and it was fun to curl up in bed with. Just don't go in expecting anything original. I think most girls would like this movie, but the men better stay away. Bob watched it for a second and quickly stepped out of the room to play video games. (shocking)

Caitlin

Okay I admit that I saw this movie as well. 27 Dresses was one of the movies on my flight to Hawaii and I stopped watching after about 2 minutes. Now this can not all be blamed on the movie as it was also a horrible flight but I was not about to make it worse by watching this movie, so I turned to the trusty iPod.

Well a few weeks later I was home sick and remembered that those who had watched this on the flight said it was okay, not great, but okay. Well I was sick and wanted to watch something I hadn't seen so I went this route. I have to say that I went in with low expectations, like Caity said this movie was very predictable. I don't really have a problem with that as most movies these days seem like they were all written from Screenplays for Dummies. But the redeeming factor for me was the humor. I wasn't expecting the movie to be as funny as it was or maybe it was just the fact that I was sick. Either way I was pleasantly surprised that I did not hate the movie and it made me laugh out loud a few times, which is all I really wanted from the movie. I mean it's not like the plot was going to provide any surprises or suspense, but when does a chick flick?

All in all I agree with Caity that this movie is good for a rental, especially if you are just looking for something to pass a few hours and take your mind off things.

Eric

Wall-E

The first thing you notice while watching Wall-E is that it is so life like you don't realize its animated. I am not going to give away any of the story here because any details about the plot might take away from your enjoyment of the movie. All I have to say is that this is one of my favorite movies of the year, right up there with Ironman. The animation is amazing! Oh, I already said that, well it really is that good that it deserves a second mention. The story is well written and by the end of the show you will all be wanting your very own Waste -Allocation-Load-Lifter-Earthclass. Wall-E is another smashing success from Pixar full of heart and amazing animation. One more mention!

If you have seen the movie, and I suggest seeing it on the big screen, then feel free to post your thoughts in the comments. I would love to know what you thought.

Also make sure you get to the theater on time for this one. The short film before the movie, Presto, is hilarious. Overall Grade: A-

Eric

Duffy

I know that I have posted about Duffy on my personal blog. But I can't help doing it. She is fabulous. I love how there is such a different sound to her voice. Most of you have heard Mercy I'm sure. They play it quite a bit on the radio. But the song that I am completely in love with is Warwick Avenue. (click to see videos). Everything about this song touches me. It's real, it's raw, and it feels like something you have been through.

The video is basic, but powerful. It's just a shot of her in the car singing. Some might say that it needed more, but for someone like me who loves simplicity, is was perfect. She is very honest with her singing.

She resembles Angelina Jolie, and she puts off a completely cool vibe. Her pipes are stellar, and she has what I love in a vocalist. A different quality. This entire album is worth the 10 dollars from ITunes. All of the songs are bluesy and soulful and will likely scrounge up some emotions while you listen.

If you like Blues, you will love Duffy and her cd Rockferry.

Caitlin

My Boys

Well once again summer is here and with it comes the on slot of reality TV. Don't get me wrong, I like a little reality TV every now and again (why isn't the Amazing Race on all the time!!) but it is nice to have some original shows. Luckily the cable channels have taken up the slack and started airing original shows during the summer. A few weeks ago I stumbled on My Boys on TBS. It is the story of P.J. and her group of friends. P.J. is your basic tomboy and is employed as a sports writer for a paper in Chicago. The show centers around her interactions with her group of friends and search for romance and has an early Friends feel too it.

Overall I have enjoyed the three episodes from the second season that are airing each Thursday on TBS. I even went online and watched a few episodes from the first season and enjoyed those as well. So, if you are tired of all the reality TV of summer and just want to laugh for a half hour I suggest checking out My Boys.

So You Think You Can Dance?

These two were booted from the show last night. I think everyone was expecting Chris to go home. (Although I was hoping that Thayne would go, because every time he opens his mouth he says something bizarre) I have to say I was a little surprised to see Chelsea go.

This show runs a fine line on who is the best dancer and who is the most likable and popular. The one thing that I love about this show is that America (well the % of America that watches) votes on who they like the best. And then the experienced judges pick which two individuals out of the three couples should go home. So at least we know that the professionals aren't letting someone go that doesn't deserve it.

Click here to see Chelsea's last dance with her partner Thayne and click here to see Chris's last dance with partner Comfort.

My top picks right now are Chelsie Hightower, Katee, Mark, Gev, Joshua, and Twitch. If you like dancing then you will love this show. You just have to try to ignore the sometimes weirdo judges.

Caitlin

Misc Movie Reviews

Before Caity and I started this blog I reviewed a few movies on my blog. If you would like to read my reviews for You Don't Mess with the Zohan, The Happening, or Get Smart you can do so at my blog by clicking here. These are just quick reviews and don't go into too much detail. Happy Moviegoing!

Eric

Kung Fu Panda

The first thing that I have to say about Kung Fu Panda is that it made me want to eat Chinese food! Kung Fu Panda is a story about....a Panda! Who saw that coming? Po, the panda, works at his fathers Noddle (Ahh the food!) store but dreams of being a Kung Fu master. Well he gets his chance to live his dream when he is accidentally chosen as the Dragon Warrior who is prophesied to bring lasting peace to the valley. You can imagine that this does not go over with the students who have been studying Kung Fu for quite some time. The cast here, led by Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman, do a great job and you really feel for all the characters. While the animation is not up to Pixar level it is much better than that of Shark Tale before it. Overall the movie is a fun ride and the kids it's aimed at will enjoy it, and at only 1 1/2 it is not too much for an adult to sit through either. Now keep in mind this movie is about Kung Fu so there is violence associated with it, but it is only cartoon violence. There is one fight scene that may scare those younger then 4 or 5. My overall grade on this: B

Eric

The Secret Life of Bees

I participate in a book club, and this months book was "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. It is a New York Times bestseller. You can also watch for it on the big screen as they are making it into a movie as well.

Set in South Carolina in 1964, the story is centered around Lily Owens. It introduces the relationship with her father, and how it is being without her mother. It shows her journey to Tiburon, South Carolina where she meets a trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced into their world of bees, honey, and Black Mary.

I couldn't believe how much I liked this book. Mainly because it has been pretty hyped up for me. It is on a lot of my family and friends favorite book lists. And I have to say that after reading it, it is definitely on mine as well. The way the author describes what the characters are seeing is amazing. I could see everything. I felt what the author was trying to convey. After reading this I craved to stay in the "bee house", to drink the Coca Cola and pour in peanuts, to sit and talk to August on the porch, and to wander to the stone wall and stream. In fact the first thing that popped into my head when I saw a cockroach at work was to grab the marshmallows! (too bad for the roach that my shoe was closer)

I loved how this story showed a female community and the strength they gained from each other. I identified with each of the female characters. I am telling you that if you enjoy reading, you will be able to appreciate this book. I would even recommend it to my dad. Oh and speaking of him, this book helped me realize how incredibly lucky I am to have a mom who is alive and one of my best friends and a dad who is my hero and in a million years would never make me kneel on grits!

I have concerns about the movie as I do with most movies inspired by books. I wonder if it will be possible to capture the characters, paint the picture of where it all takes place, and make me feel what I felt when I read it. I am going in skeptical, but hopeful.

Read this book!

Caitlin

Weezer (the red album)

Weezer has put out yet another self titled album. (released June 3rd 2008) It has already been nicknamed the "Red Album". The first single is Pork and Beans (click to see video) For any of you YOUTUBE fans, this video is right up your alley. It highlights some of the most popular videos to be seen on YouTube.

Since my husband is a record freak, we bought the "Red Album" on vinyl. I have loved Weezer for years, as has my husband so we buy all of their cd's. This album doesn't dissapoint. Some of it is classic Weezer and some sounds a little different. Probably because the other band members contributed to the writing and vocals.

Check out their song Trouble Maker. Apparently they were going to release this as their first single, but after meeting with their record company, decided to put out Pork and Beans. I love this album. Check out ITUNES to sample the album.

Caitlin

A Little About Eric....

I have always enjoyed movies. In fact my first two jobs were working with movies; at Starship Theaters and Hollywood Video. The problem with enjoying movies is that I rarely find a movie that I don't like. My motto has always been I will see any movie, twice. But this is not to say that I am not opinionated about movies and if I don't like one I will be the first to speak up and tell you why. As for TV it rivals my addiction to movies. Let me just say this, I have two Tivo's and use them both fully. Caity can attest to all the random shows on my Tivo's. To read my ramblings on many topics click here. So stick around and see what we have to say on all things entertainment. Enjoy!

Eric

A little about Caitlin...

I love movies, t.v., and music. I also love to blog. Feel free to link to my personal blog here. Eric and I have been friends since the 6th grade. We both enjoy the media so we thought it would be appropriate to put all of those hours we have spent watching and listening to good use. We are doing this completely for fun. Feel free to comment, disagree, and discuss. We hope to help people, as well as bring attention to movies, t.v. shows, and music you may have never heard of. I bring the female aspect to this duo. I think you will find I like a wide variety of styles and genres. Hope you enjoy! Caitlin