Six TV characters with whom I’d like to share July 4th - VIDEO
So, did you hear that they did a poll they did to determine which presidential candidate people would like to hang out with at a barbecue? Obama won 52 to 45 percent over McCain, which may not mean very much in the long run, but the day before July 4th it made news.
The thought of barbecues and July 4th parties got me thinking about which TV characters with whom I’d like to spend Independence Day. I wouldn’t want them here at my place, though, I want to go to their places. I have high expectations, too, and a vivid imagination.
Here’s the six TV characters who could expect me to join them to watch the rockets red glare — if only they were real live folks and not just my fictional faves.
1) Ricky Ricardo, I Love Lucy
When Ricky and Lucy moved to Connecticut, one of the first things they did was build a beautiful barbecue. Remember? Lucy thought she lost her ring in the cement, but it was just Ricky teaching her a lesson because he’d pocketed the ring when he saw it next to the cement? Anyway, the Ricardos would be a swell place for the 4th because as a Cuban-born American (thanks to his marriage to Lucy), Ricky would blend the best of Americana with his Latin roots. He might decide to roast a pig in the Cubano tradition, and I could imagine him introducing the Mertzes to the tangy taste of a mojito. For fireworks, Lucy would surely take center stage, with or without sparklers and cherry bombs.
2) Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother
Barney with Ted, Marshall, Lily and Robin. On the 4th of July in New York City, it would be — wait for it — awesome. I would trust Barney to make all the arrangements — he’s got the Platinum Card to pay for the limo, the drinks, the good time. I’d even suit up for the occasion if those were the Stinson party rules. I don’t think I’m Barney’s type (damn that wedding ring!), but I’d be willing to swap Bob Barker stories with him and listen to his tales of the awesomeness that is Barney.
3) Hawkeye Pierce, M*A*S*H
Even when Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce, M.D., was stuck in Korea, he knew how to party. I would be willing to travel into a war zone just to take part in Hawkeye’s July 4th soiree. In my mind, he’d go all out, like the time he ordered ribs from Chicago. The place was called Adam’s Ribs and Hawkeye had to have some; he couldn’t stand the liver and fish that they were serving up in the mess tent. The way they described those ribs had me drooling. So, if July 4th plans are in order for the 4077, I’m voting for Chicago’s best ribs and I’m inviting myself. As far as fireworks, the North Koreans could be counted on to provide plenty.
4) JR Ewing, Dallas
They do things big and bold at Southfork. The Ewings would be sure to be grilling a side of beef — ribs, steaks, roasts and barbecued beef — in traditional Texas style. The spread would be lush, with white linen tablecloths and the finest china, no paper plates and napkins for JR’s clan. Since there was always a chance for conflict among the Ewings and Cliff Barnes or Ray Krebbs, I’m not going without a firearm. It might seem like a dream, but I’m not risking winding up shot like JR, even if he did survive Kristin Shepherd trying to kill him.
5) Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls
There wasn’t a season or a holiday that went by that wasn’t celebrated in Stars Hollow, Connecticut, home of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. The townsfolk, as quirky as they were, always did something special for the holidays and I know July 4th would be unique. Kirk and Taylor would man the fireworks, Miss Patty would design a dance in celebration of Independence Day. Mrs. Kim would wonder why they were making such a fuss. I’d be glad to stay at the Dragonfly Inn where Suki would cook up traditional and untraditional fare, because you can’t tell a chef like Suki to make hot dogs and beans for the 4th. However, if all else fails, Luke will be pouring the coffee and grilling burgers at Luke’s Diner where I could sit for hours — not using my cell phone — but trying to keep up with Lorelai and Rory’s rapid-fire dialog.
6) Monica Geller, Friends
It’s true that there’s not patio or rooftop in the building where Monica and Rachel and Chandler and Joey lived, and the fire escape only held two at a time, but Monica was a top-notch chef and she had really fun friends. July 4th would be a blast with them, especially since they could look out the windows and probably see the Macy’s July 4th fireworks over the East River. I’m sure that Ross and Phoebe would join us, and whether Monica chooses to make barbecued chicken or hot dogs, you know it’ll be delicious — just stay away from turkey because Joey may put it on his head. Remember this:
The rumor that never dies: the potential Friends movie
If there is one rumor that never dies it’s the one about the possibility of a Friends reunion. Since the series finale aired in May 2004, rumors about a reunion popped up here, there and everywhere. Sometimes the rumor takes the form of “there will be another spinoff” (remember Joey?) but most of the time it’s a “there are talks about a movie but one of the stars doesn’t want to commit.” This week’s revival of the rumor is of the latter kind.
According to Showbiz Spy, Courteney Cox Arquette, who played Monica on the hit NBC series for 10 seasons, is desperate for a big-screen adaptation of Friends. Yeah, I know, Showbiz Spy isn’t the most legit source out there, but being a Friends fan, I can’t help myself but wonder if it’ll happen or not even though I’m not too keen on a reunion now since I doubt it would live up to my extremely high expectations.
Wonder why I chose a picture from the show that doesn’t include Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston? Well, it’s because the Showbiz Spy article claims that Aniston is the only one not ready to reprise her role. Supposedly, the actress is afraid of being stereotyped by a movie version of the series and that it would prevent her from getting more serious roles.
Interestingly, David Schwimmer announced last September that he would not take part in a Friends reunion if there ever was one. So if the Spy article is legit, why did he change his mind? Is it for the big pay check that he would get from a reunion? Is it to get some exposure to be able to advertise his other projects? Who knows!
It’s no surprise that this rumor is revisited this week since the Sex and the City movie is currently airing in theaters and is not doing too bad at the box office.
So let me ask the question for the 1000th time, do you want a Friends reunion? If so, what type? Movie? TV special?
[via AOL]
Movie Review: The Host
Since it’s premiere at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, Joon-ho BONG’s new film The Host has garnered huge international buzz. So I went into the screening with unreachably high expectations and was not disappointed.
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Scott Wilson, Byun Hee-Bong, Park Hae-il, Bae Doona
Directed by: Bong Joon-Ho
Release Date: March 9th 2007
Genres: Thriller/Horror
Running Time: 119 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for creature violence and language.
Distributors: Magnolia Pictures
Havoc ensues as a creature climbs out of the Han River and begins to eat and crush the large group of onlookers. After eating a young girl named Hyun-seo, the creature disappears back into the river. The incompetent government believes the monster is spreading an unidentified virus. They refuse to listen to the people even after one father receives a phone call from his undead eaten daughter. The Host is the best creature thriller since Jurassic Park. When the Steven Spielberg epic first hit the multiplexes, many people were excited at the new possibilities that could be created with computer-generated monsters. Most of the films the followed looked like cartoons. The Host is not the best horror movie of the last ten years, nor does it have the best looking special effects. But the film just works where mot films tried and failed.
Some people are comparing the film with Spielberg’s Jaws. I think that comparison is weak. The monster in The Host is revealed and shown in full glory early on. It can swim, climb, and run on land. It’s a very different animal and movie than Jaws.
The Host is also not your typical shallow horror flick. It contains socially relevant-underlying messages, which you would normally expect from a smart dramatic film.
Leona Lewis Promotes “Spirit”
Leona Lewis Promotes “Spirit”
With a successful lead single “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis’ debut album Spirit (which hit stores today) already has high expectations. And the 23-year-old British songbird dropped by MTV’s Total Request Live yesterday to drum up a little publicity.
Lewis looked every bit the budding pop star as she exited the Midtown Manhattan MTV studios, sporting a big white wool coat overtop an all-black blouse/trousers ensemble, and smiling for the paparazzi.
And for a relative newcomer to the world of American Pop Music, Miss Lewis has already experienced some major landmarks in her career.
When asked how it felt to perform for Oprah Winfrey on her show, she replied, “It’s huge. My aunt nearly combusted when I told her I was going on Oprah. It was an experience I will never forget. And if I never do anything again, I’ve been on Oprah.”
As for her performance at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy Party (in front of the likes of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Janet Jackson) Leona described the experience as intimidating. “It’s one thing to be performing in front of people who know your music and sing along. But it’s another thing going in completely dry—a little girl from London and no one knows you and no one’s heard of me. I was just like, “Uh, hello. Hi there. I’m supposed to sing a couple of songs.”