Everything CW

Twilight: New Moon

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:01:05 GMT

The second installment of the Twilight Saga: New Moon comes out today, and like an anxiously giddy fangirl, I bought my ticket a couple of weeks in advance for the midnight showing (as in late last night).

I did all of the necessary prep work, re-reading the book cover to cover, listening to the film’s soundtrack on non-stop repeat, and even putting aside the usual routine of watching my precious Vampire Diaries (sorry my TVD friends), all in order to get ready for what was to come.

With new director, Chris Weitz, at the helm and a bigger budget, New Moon has definitely taken on a different direction from its predecessor. Even with Bella moping around for most of the time, the tone is noticeably more upbeat and fun, with the film even daring to take a few funny jabs at itself. The visuals are bigger and better, standing out with colors that are more vibrant, grander scenery locales, and the inclusion of some stellar CGI effects.

What sticks out most about the New Moon novel is the absence of Edward Cullen. Although the character himself is not actually there for a good portion of the film, members of Team Edward will be delighted to hear that he has a constant presence as a stunningly looming apparition. You see, no need to fret, plenty of RPatz to go around!

As much as we love our beautiful bloodsuckers, this story was all about the rise of the werewolf. With Edward out of the picture, the blooming relationship between Bella Swan and recently-turned wolfman Jacob Black took front and center. I don’t want to get all nitpicky about what did or didn’t transpire between the book and film, but I can’t help but feel that the connection between the two BFFs wasn’t as strongly conveyed as it could’ve been. In the book, the bond between the two is built through a long series of special and tender moments, but I know with the limited time constraints, it’s kind of hard to include all of that. A little more time spent on that development would’ve gone a long way (plus, more of a shirtless Taylor Lautner wouldn’t have been half bad either).

If you’re a fan of the books and the previous Twilight film, you’ll probably end up loving this one, as well. For the most part, the final product stays true to the basics of the book.

From the nonchalant slow-mo struts to the half-naked chiseled bodies glistening in the rain (because let’s face it, that’s we came for), New Moon delivers on all the hot studly action to be expected and more.

The third chapter of the Twilight Series, the Eclipse movie, is scheduled to be released June 2010. Already looking forward to it!

Cobra Starship @ The Warfield

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:53:01 GMT

There I was, a 21-year-old college student, stuck in a sea of teenybopper girls dressed in day-glo apparel, screeching at the top of their lungs, “I make them good girls go bad...” You’d think that I’d be above this, right? Well…no. Actually, I was singing right along with them.

I’ll probably get a sh*tstorm for saying this, but I love pop-punk and Fueled by Ramen bands. So, when asked to cover the Cobra Starship/Boys Like Girls show at the Warfield, I was like, “Hell yeah!”

As soon as Cobra Starship’s stage was set up, with their neon glow-in-the-dark “Get Awesome” signs, you knew what kind of show you would be in for. The gang pulled out the big guns early by kicking off their set with “The City Is At War,” immediately whipping the crowd into a dancing frenzy. Lead vocalist Gabe Saporta came out looking all trendy with his plaid shirt and trucker cap, and the others looked just as snazzy.

The bulk of the set consisted of songs from their most recent album Hot Mess, but they also managed to squeeze in some of the old goodies. Before playing their huge debut single “Bring It (Snakes on a Plane),” Gabe gave props to the man, the myth, the legend—Samuel L. Jackson. Cranking up the Snakes on a Plane love, the lively front man then commanded the masses to put up their best Cobra signs, and they were more than happy to oblige. In the middle of the song, the band mixed in parts of Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” creating a surprisingly awesome medley.

Gabe worked the crowd like a pro, giving off charisma and confidence, and he had them eating out of the palm of his hand by the end of the set. The Cobra crew capped off the night with their latest hit “Good Girls Go Bad.” Sadly, there was no Leighton Meester (Blair from Gossip Girl who handled lead vocal duties on the recording) but Keytarist Victoria Asher stepped up to the plate, doing an impressive job filling in for the Gossip Girl.

Where the Wild Things Are

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:22:22 GMT

On Tuesday evening, I had the chance to view an early screening of “Where the Wild Things Are.” As a child, I was a huge fan of the book, and the trailers made me want to go see the movie even more. Not even the stormy Bay Area weather could stop me from going to the theater.

Spike Jonze’s live-action adaptation stays true to the illustrations of the 1963 children’s book by Maurice Sendak. Turning to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the film combines the use of costumes, animatronics, and CGI effects to bring these furry creatures into life. The result is a refreshing and imaginative take on these beastly beings. They look incredibly real and their faces as humanly expressive as could be. The soundtrack, brought to you by Karen O. and “the kids,” does a superb job of complementing the amazing visuals, adding some delightful depth and a vibrant touch.

There’s no doubt that the movie is a visual feast for the eyes, but it seems to be lacking a fulfilling story. The movie doesn’t have much of a narrative structure. I guess, even with the help of talented author Dave Eggers, it’s still not easy adapting a story of only 338 words into a hefty screenplay. It seems that all the creatures do is mope around and bicker amongst one another, seeing who could make the other feel more terrible. It doesn’t help that the main character Max isn’t so likeable, coming off as a brat with anger issues.

Despite the not-so-satisfying story, I still recommend watching this movie for the uniquely stunning visuals and awesome soundtrack. Just don’t expect to have much fun. I came in looking forward to a lighthearted and adventurous children’s tale, but instead left with a heavy heart and a feeling of melancholy.

“Where the Wild Things Are” comes out in theaters this Friday, October 16.

Anna Ternheim @ Slim’s

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:09:41 GMT

Anna Ternheim is a superstar, or at least she is in her native country. The Swedish singer-songwriter has won many awards for her music, including Best Female Artist and Best Lyricist from the Swedish Grammyjury. Although Anna isn’t as well-known around here, her latest release, Leaving on a Mayday, produced by Bjorn Yttling (of Peter Bjorn and John) is sure to grab some attention. Recently, I had the chance to check her out as the opening act for Loney, Dear and Asobi Seksu at Slim’s.

The platinum blonde songstress came out on stage looking very chic and sleek with her all-black get-up, sporting an oversized blazer and a pair of liquid leggings. She also had these very cool mid-calf motorcycle boots, which I absolutely fell in love with. But even more than a fashion statement, she wanted to share a piece of her mind with the crowd through her music.

After opening up with “Let It Rain,” she went into “Black Sunday Afternoon,” introducing the song as “a song about missing and kidnapped children.” From the get-go, Anna established a serious tone, only stopping a few times between songs to say a polite thank you. This girl meant business! She switched things up a bit by playing the upbeat, cowbell-tinged “What Have I Done,” getting the mostly peaceful crowd to groove along. I felt that the performance could’ve used a tad more cowbell, but that’s just me.

Anna was backed up by fellow Swedes Loney, Dear. The band did an awesome job, playing like they’ve been backing her up for years. The set came full circle, as Anna ended on a bittersweet note with “No I Don’t Remember.”

Leaving on a Mayday was released on August 11, and is available through Amazon and iTunes.

Vampire Diaries - "Friday Night Bites"

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:50:28 GMT

In "Friday Night Bites", Stefan joins the football team and we learn that behind the evil exterior, there's a big softie inside of Damon. Aww. Let's touch up on some new developments from this week's episode:

Not-So-Sweet Caroline
Last week's episode ended with some naughty foreplay, as Damon took a big chunk out of Caroline’s neck. This week, we found out that Caroline wasn't dead, after all. After making a grand entrance as couple during cheerleading practice, we later learn that Damon had been using his power of “compulsion” to control Caroline all along. At first, Caroline seemed harmless, but now it looks like she has become a dangerous weapon for Damon to use. I wonder if Damon is going to continue on this route, building a whole army of skanks to do his bidding. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Trailer Trash Triangle
Is anyone else getting tired of the whole triangle between Vicki, Tyler, and Jeremy? It seems to be the same thing over and over again. Tyler is a big douche. Vicki is foolish for going back to Tyler all the time when he treats her like crap. Jeremy has way too much angst and booze in his system (can somebody say, rehab?). I guess the only thing they were good for this week was almost blowing Stefan’s cover, when his hand was cut by glass, trying to stop the fight between Tyler and Jeremy. I guess, if anything, this whole triangle slightly moves the plot, so I’ll give them that.

Human or Monster?
Now, on to the most important matter this week- Damon. This whole time, he’s been putting himself out there as this dark, sadistic, and heartless monster of a vampire. We learn that behind this tough exterior is perhaps a fragile and humane being. In the confrontation between the two brothers, Stefan called out his brother, saying that he only puts up this devious front, but still has some humanity left inside of him, and wouldn’t hurt Elena because he cares for her. Out of spite, Damon took a huge bite out of Coach Tanner, exclaiming, “If that’s my humanity, then what’s this?” (Damon has the best lines) By the end of the episode, as Stefan wrote in his journal that he had lost all hope in his brother, we saw Damon caressing the side of Elena’s cheek as she slept. A touching moment. I think this is definitely a big indicator of Damon’s true feelings towards Elena. What are your thoughts on Damon? Do you think he actually cares for Elena or is he trying to win her over to spite his brother?

Ian Somerhalder is superb as Damon and seems to be really stealing the show. Though Damon is awesome, the show is starting to get a bit one-sided, with Damon taking over. Let’s hope that the other characters’ plotlines get more interesting. I have a feeling that they will! Catch Vampire Diaries on Thursdays @ 8PM on the CW.

VD: Team Stefan or Team Damon?

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:35:22 GMT

On Thursday Night, the Vampire Diaries finally gave us what we've all been waiting for-- the monumental, earth-shatteringly epic first kiss. Okay, so we're only two episodes into the series but leading up to that first kiss moment felt like forever. I don't know about you, but throughout the episode I found myself yelling at the TV screen, "Kiss her!! Darn it, kiss her already!" So now that they've gotten that out of the way, we can be rest assured that Elena and Stefan will live happily ever after, right? Wrong! Not if Damon has anything to do with it.

The Salvatore Brothers take sibling rivalry to a whole new level. And you know after harboring that hatred for a couple of centuries, their rivalry is bound to be that much more intense, like beating-each-other-into-a-bloody-pulp kind of intense, especially now that Elena is in the picture. This begs the question: Whose side are you on? Team Stefan or Team Damon? There's no better way to settle this than a good ol' categorical duel-off:

Superpowers
So far, we can assume that both brothers have similar powers: super strength, super speed, mind control, disappearing/reappearing out of nowhere (totally creepy!). Yet, Damon seems to have a slight edge when it comes to using his powers. In the first episode, Damon totally kicked Stefan's butt during their showdown. Also, in the second episode, during the rooftop scene, Damon effortlessly hypnotized Vicki into thinking Stefan was responsible for her attack, as Stefan helplessly watched, not able to do a thing or overturn the spell. However, in the end, Stefan had control over the situation, as Damon backed off and made Vicki forget. Though Damon seems to be the more powerful one, Stefan has this underlying control over Damon. Brotherly Pwnage.

Winner- Stefan

Looks
Obviously, Stefan and Damon (Paul Westley and Ian Somerhalder) are both enticingly gorgeous and have deliciously ripped bodies. As for style, both seem to have a penchant for leather jackets and black v-necks. So they're equal in that respect. But if you ask me, Stefan is looking a little too much like an Edward Cullen carbon copy, especially with that spiky hair. I'm not sure if that's intentional or not, but, in any case, the unoriginality is definitely a turn-off. Also, Damon's evil little smirk is enough to set those hearts a-flutter (sigh). So cute, yet so...devious.

Winner- Damon

Personality
Both brothers are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to personality. Yin and Yang. Damon is the quintessential bad boy- arrogant, brash, dark, reckless, sadistic. He's definitely a lot more outgoing than Stefan, not being afraid to approach the ladies. Stefan, on the other hand, is calm, cool, collected, sweet, introverted, and not to mention uber sensitive, dabbling a bit on the -dare I say it- emo side, with journal at-hand. I don't know about you but I'd rather have a fun night out with Damon, than stay in, wallowing in my self-pity with Stefan.

Winner- Damon

Vampire-ness
Stefan and Damon both have quite differing views when it comes to living their life as a vampire. Damon loves being a vampire. He bites anyone wherever and whenever he pleases. He let's it all hang out. Cool. In contrast, Stefan is ashamed to be a vampire, keeping it a secret from everyone, and, as a result, closes himself off so no one will ever know of it. You got to give it up to Stefan, though. He could easily feed on people, but he doesn't and that takes a lot more effort. So, props to Stefan.

Winner- Stefan

Looks like we have a tie here. Oh darn. Catch Vampire Diaries on Thursdays @ 8PM on the CW to see who will win over Elena's soul.

Gossip Girl Season 3 Premiere

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:02:16 GMT

Gossip Girl Season 3 Premiere: The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good

Last night, Gossip Girl season 3 premiered with some new make-overs, juicy drama, and hot hook ups. Let’s do a little recap here, but let’s save the best for last, starting with the ugly:

The Ugly: Hair-Raising Looks

I can appreciate that Vanessa and Jenny are being adventurous with the long-hair, but those do’s are looking frumpy and horrible. V looks like she’s trying to grow some dreads, and Little J’s blonde tresses look as if they got eaten up by a lawnmower. Those cheap weaves have got to go, either that or they need to get some new hairstylists.

The Bad: New Season, New Drama

Serena returns from Europe with a baggage of scandals, from going topless on yachts to taking body shots with Prince Harry. She becomes a paparazzi-loving camera-whore in order to get the attention of her father, who doesn’t want anything to do with her. Oh Serena, you and your daddy issues! I wonder what crazy stunts S is going to pull next. Throw her bad-boy beau Carter into the mix, and you’ve surely got some trouble about to go down.

Speaking of trouble, I can smell the family drama a-brewin’. Looks like the whole Humphrey and Van der Woodsen dysfunction is about to get even kookier with the arrival of Rufus and Lily’s love child, Scott. It gets even weirder when we learn that he’s involved with Vanessa. Does Scott really like V or is he just using her? If you ask me, I don’t really care if they get together because I don’t feel the chemistry between them. In any case, Scott is likely to be the talk of the town.

The Good: Chair Get-Together

After enduring two seasons of will-they-or-won’t-they, Chuck and Blair (or the newly dubbed Chair) finally get together (hooray!) and kick things off with some kinky love games. Who knew that the two would be into role-playing? Well, I guess it’s not that much of a surprise. Too bad this perfect coupling of Chair won’t last. Let’s face it, Chuck Bass is, well Chuck Bass, and Blair is going off to college, meaning lots of new boy-toy temptation. Let’s not forget the all those rumors of Chuck’s steamy same-sex rendezvous. Can’t wait to see how that unfolds!

What did you think of the season 3 premiere?

Skills Beat At His Own Game

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:48:24 GMT

One Tree Hill actor Antwon Tanner has officially earned a placement in the annals of celebrity crime!

The TV star pleaded guilty today to illegally selling social security cards in exchange for $10,000! How classy!

Now it is up to the federal court to decide whether Tanner, who plays the genuine and loyal “Skills Taylor” on One Tree Hill, is really that sweet and innocent in real life.

In court, Tanner described his involvement in the social security scam as a “middleman,” selling numbers that he had received from a third party—knowing all the while that they would be used for fraudulent acts.

The maximum jail sentence for a crime of this nature is 10 years in jail and $250,000 fine, but prosecutors said that Tanner is likely facing only 6 to 12 months in jail since there is no actual evidence that the numbers were used to dupe anyone. Plus, celebrities don’t do jail!

Why successful actor would stoop that low beats me, but I’m sure he has his (habits) reasons. Lame!

An All-Star Affair

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:31:23 GMT

For her upcoming album, Christina Aguilera has recruited a beat-happy army of indie collaborators to help freshen up her sound!

Apart from laying down the beats with Goldfrapp, Sia, and Lady Tron last year, Christina has also snagged indie-faves M.I.A and Santigold for a jam session or two! With this slew of amazing artists, the pop star is expressing her love for the ever growing indie-electro genre on her new record.

“The overall versatility of this record is truly something special for,” Christina told MTV. “I experimented with so many different types of textures and sounds with my voice that I’ve never showcased and that I never really knew I could do.”

Light & Darkness will be Christina’s fourth studio album and is due for release in the fall. With the creative genius of M.I.A and co. to help pen and produce her songs, I have a feeling that this will be her edgiest release to date!

What do you think of the new direction X-tina’s has taken?

Sonic Youth on the Upper East Side!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:13:19 GMT

Expect nothing less than a great musical moment when the legendary NYC noise rockers of “Sonic Youth” take over the Upper East Side!

Digging through their collection of hits, “Sonic Youth” have polished up an old treasure-the band will deliver an acoustic revival of their 1986 single “Starpower” on the upcoming season of Gossip Girl!

Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon and the rest of the band are set to mingle with the scandalous socialites during a very “special” event during the fifth episode. According to GG executive producer Stephanie Savage, “It’s a big event that involves (engaged adults) Rufus and Lily.” Hmmmm.

Though this is the band’s first appearance on Gossip Girl, Thurston has already contributed a song to the show’s soundtrack. Together with Jemina Pearl of “Be Your Own Pet,” Thurston recorded a cover of the Ramones’ “Sheena is a Punk Rocker,” used during Jenny Humphrey’s guerilla fashion show last season!

I wonder if this will beat last season’s “No Doubt” appearance! Who would you like to see guest-perform next?