America's Got Talent Review (Season 5)

     In the age of reality television and "underdog stories", people are always on the lookout for the next big star.  It all started with the enormous success of American Idol, the massively popular talent search show that has reigned as the number one show in America for half of the last decade.  Similar shows have launched to find the next great model, fashion designer, and even chef.  One of these shows in search of the next big star is one on my guilty pleasures, America's Got Talent.  What separates America's Got Talent from other talent competitions is in its sheer scope.  While other shows feature a distinct occupation, such as a "model" or "chef", there is no limit to the kinds of "talent" that can be featured on America's Got Talent; which produces a madness that is incredibly entertaining.

     While America's Got Talent is nowhere near as popular as similarly themed talent competition American Idol, it has managed to reign supreme as the number one summer show for the past few years.  For people unfamiliar with the format of this type of a show, America's Got Talent is a talent competition, in the simplest definition of the word.  People from all over America travel to certain cities in order to display their talent.  If they make it past this stage, they get to audition before three celebrity judges, more on them later.  If the judges like the act, they will vote them through to Las Vegas, and if not, they are sent home.  The acts that make it to Las Vegas compete for a spot in the "Top 48", and a chance to perform on live T.V. in order to win the grand prize of one million dollars and headline show in Las Vegas.  At this point, the judges stop and America takes over.  After each episode, viewers vote for their favorite act, and only a certain number of performers can make it through every week.  The Top 48 is ultimately filtered down to 4 finalists to a smaller and smaller number, until only one act remains: the winner.  The journey in between the auditions is often wacky, thrilling, disgusting, repulsive, wonderful, beautiful, hilarious, heart-breaking, boring, exciting, and even sometimes...magical.



      This season, promoted as "the biggest season yet" (I can't wait until the day when a show promotes their "Smaller-than-last-season" season) truly was big in every way.  Big in talent, big in spectacle, big in disappointments, and big in entertainment.  The audition process featured the usual big talent, and the big blunders.  Nothing different then previous years here.  There was no big "Susan Boyle" or "Kevin Skinner" discovery this year, but there was still quite a wide variety of talent.  Some of my favorites include Prince Poppycock (Male Operatic Singer), Taylor Matthews (Male Singer), Antonio Restivo (Fire Illusionist), Airpocalypse (Air Guitar Band), Jeremy VanSchoonhoven (Extreme Cycist), Haspop (Dancer), Carlos Apponte (Male Operatic Singer) and Fighting Gravity (Blacklight Performers).

      The Las Vegas Callbacks were mostly uneventful.  Another change in the format of who makes it through to the Top 48 this season.  Ten acts went straight through without a second performance while the remaining acts were split into two groups.  The first group, the "judges picks" were given the first chance to perform for the remaining 38 spots.  The second group was allowed to perform for whatever spots the first group didn't fill.  I liked this, because it gave all the groups a second chance to make it to the live show, instead of automatically sending some home like they did last year.  The worst part of this part of the show was the fact that they sent one of my favorite acts, Carlos Apponte, home.  I think he would have done very well in the competition, and I will never forgive the judges for sending him home.

    Speaking of the judges, what is a talent competition without the wacky celebrity judges?  Piers Morgan returned for his fifth season as America's Got Talent sharp British tongue, Sharon Osbourne returned for her fourth season as the sweet motherly judge, and Howie Mandel replaced David Hasselhoff (Thank God) as the hilarious witty and sarcastic judge.  Piers Morgan is my favorite judge because, just like Simon Cowell, he is unafraid to tell it like it is.  If an act is good, he'll let them know, and if they suck he'll let them know.  America pretends to "hate" Piers Morgan, but everyone knows that his opinion is the only one that matters, and once an act wins Piers' approval, then they are in good shape.  Sharon is indifferent, and I just love her cookiness.  Howie other, is a bit of an enigma.  On one hand, he replaced David Hasselhoff, so for that he will forever have my gratitude.  He is also hilarious, and he brings some modern sensibility to this group.  I love his "rivalry" with Piers, and it's becoming one of the best judging teams on television.  That being said, I think Howie Mandel is an idiot.  Granted, this was his first year as a judge, so he is a little inexperienced at this kind of thing.  However, he is a poor judge of talent, and his advice to the contestants was either obvious or....pointless.  His criticism of dancing duo Anna and Patryk was completely inexcusable.  Now that he's gotten some experience on judging, I really hope that he is a better judge next year, because he is truly very funny.  He is just a poor judge of talent.

    The Top 48 was appropriately diverse.  While some acts did not belong there and were only placed there in the name of "diversification" (I'm looking at you Ronith), there were a lot of quality acts in the Top 48.  They narrowed down the Top 48 down to the Top 16, which weeded out a lot of the extraneous acts who couldn't handle the pressure or just weren't good enough for the show.  Then they did the YouTube auditions, which can be marked as successful since it introduced the world to Jackie Evancho, who will probably be the greatest star that show ever produces.  They had a "Judge's Pick" week, where they gave eliminated acts a chance to return for another spot on the show, which was great, because it meant that dynamic dancing duo Anna and Patryk got to return and eventually make it to the Top 10.

     One thing that I enjoyed was during the results shows, to help increase the length of the show, they would bring in various acts in to perform.  Sometimes the act was just whatever popular singer they wanted to bring in, but often times they brought in successful Vegas acts to come in and perform, which is one that makes this show stand out.  Some even included former acts, such as one of my favorites from last season, Recycled Percussion.  It just goes to show that you do not to need to win this show to go on to have a successful career.

    The finale was appropriately entertaining except for one thing....Michael Grimm won.  Don't get me wrong, Michael Grimm is a very talented singer with a wonderful soulful voice, and a great stage presence as well.  But, there is absolutely no way that he beat Fighting Gravity AND Jackie Evancho.  Fighting Gravity was the most original Vegas-made act this show has ever had, and Jackie Evancho was perfection, the pinnacle of American talent.  These two acts represented and reflected the American dream, and deserved to win.  Michael Grimm, was a singer, very similar to last year's humble winner, Kevin Skinner.  I do not see how this was possible, and I might be starting to believe that this show is rigged in someway.  In any case, Fighting Gravity will go on to have a Vegas show, and Jackie Evancho will go on to be a superstar.  I wish Michael Grimm the best.
    Some people may question why I watch this show.  It seems pretty silly and cheesy,and overly sentimental.  And probably rigged.  Let me tell you why I watch this show.  I watch America's Got Talent because I believe in dreams.  I am a big dreamer, and a fervent believer in a following one's dreams.  As exploitive and heart-crushing as this show can be, it also gives a select group of people an extraordinary chance at making their wildest dreams coming true. There is something magical about that that just touches the dreamer in me, and that's why I love this show.  Despite all the misused opportunities, all the poor judging, all the stupid talent, and all the negative aspects of this show, I can't help but love watching people's dreams come true.  And that, is what it is all about.
"Ya know, I want to say to every kid out there that feels picked on and feels like an outsider, I want you to believe that life is magical and I want you to look at me right now and understand that dreams can come true" - Prince Poppycock

The Town Review

Director: Ben Affleck (Gone Baby Gone, Good Will Hunting)
Screenplay: Ben Affleck (Oscar for Good Will Hunting), Peter Craig, and Aaron Stockard
Starring: Ben Affleck, Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Rebecca Hall (The Prestige), and Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker)
Gross Revenue: $40,222,000 (As of September 25, 2010)
Rotten Tomatoes Tomato meter: 94%
IMDB Rating: 8.3
      Before there was TomKat, before there was Brangelina, there was one of the most notorious celebrity couples of the modern age: "Bennifer".  The union of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez was the center of the tabloid attention for nearly two years.  It produced two mediocre movies (one of these Gigli, is universally considered one of the worst movies of all time).  Ben Affleck's reputation as one of Hollywood's top leading men was seeimingly forever tarnished.  After a rough divorce, he largely disappeared from the public eye.  He reappeared starring in mostly dramatic roles, and two years ago, directed his first movie to mass critical acclaim Gone Baby Gone.  The Town is his first movie in which he both starred AND directed and proves that Ben Affleck's first movie was no fluke; he is a skilled director, as well as a consumate actor.

     The Town takes place in a Boston suburb named Charlerstown.  A snippet at the beginning of the movie tells the viewers that Charlestown experiences more bank robberies more then any other town in America, in terms of robberies per capita.  The Town is a crime thriller about 4 life-long friends: Doug McRay (Ben Affleck), Jem Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), Gloansy Magloan (Slaine), and Dez Elden (Owen Burke). They work together as very efficient bank robbers, working for one of the local neighborhood drug dealers.  When one of their heists go south, they take one of the bank tellers (Rebecca Hall) hostage.  Despite simply driving her away and dropping her off at a beach, they feel worried that their identities could be exposed when they find out she is a local.  Doug McCray takes it upon himself to tie up "loose ends" with her.  However, he starts to fall in love with her, which causes him doubts about his life of crime.  Meanwhile they are ruthlessly pursued by amoral FBI Agent Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm).  It is an exciting crime thriller, with heart and heists to spare.
    Let me first say that I really enjoyed this movie.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I went in, but I came out pleasantly surprised.  This is one of those feel good movies, that always makes you feel better after you see it.  I have yet to see Gone Baby Gone, but I have seen Good Will Hunting, which is he and Matt Damon's award-winning screenplay.  Both of those movies are thematically similar.  They are both about Bostonian men, who after meeting a certain individual, changes their outlook on what they once viewed as an acceptable life.  These people, whether a psychologist or a girlfriend, teach these men that there is more to the world then this small town.  In the case of The Town, it is an escape.  Doug McCray is not happy with his life as a bank robber, and is looking for a way out, which his new relationship provides him.
       The Town doesn't "reinvent the wheel" in terms of storytelling, but since it is anchored by strong performances, that's ok.  Ben Affleck shines in this movie, and we are reminded of why he used to be a Hollywood A-lister.  Jeremy Renner also makes a star turn as Doug's increasingly violent best friend "Jem", who feels threatened by Doug's new relationship with the one person in the entire town who might be able to identify them.  Whenever he is on screen, you always feel a little uncomfortable, a little on edgem which is exactly how you are supposed to feel.  Jon Hamm turns out a marvelous performance as an FBI Agent that is easily on the biggest jerks I have ever seen in a movie.  His performance really blurs the line between "good and evil" which I find really interesting.
    Ben Affleck helped to write the screenplay.   The best thing about this movie is the characters.  I love how even though Doug McCray is a bank robber he's the "good guy", and Agent Adam Frawley is a FBI Agent and he's the "bad guy".  I really like how the movie blurs the traditional line between good and evil.  Though the story itself is fairly straightforward, the characters are interesting enough and the dialogue is good enough that I am entertained.  The movie features three bank heists and all three are very exciting and viscerally thrilling.  From beginning to end, this movie is a treat for the eyes and the heart.
    The Town is a very good movie.  It features solid performances, exciting heist sequences, and layered characters that one can relate to.  Whether in a bank heist or a quiet romantic scene, Ben Affleck shows his skills both in front of and behind the camera.  I very much look forward to his next movie.  The Town is a straightforward crime thriller, anchored by interesting characters and strong performances.  A good time at the movies.  3.5/5
"I'm thinking about making a change..."

Super Size Me Review

Director: Morgan Spurlock
Screenplay: Morgan Spurlock
Starring: Morgan Spurlock
Gross Revenue: $20,641,054
Rotten Tomatoes Tomato meter: 93%
IMDB Rating: 7.6
 Everyone knows that fast food is bad for the body.  It is high in saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium, and other things your body doesn't need in mass quantities.  But what would happen if someone ate nothing but fast food, McDonald's to be specific, for 30 days?  That is the question that journalist Morgan Spurlock sets out to answer in his youth-oriented documentary.  What follows is an interesting, albeit predictable journey into the dark world of fast food.
     Morgan Spurlock was inspired to do this documentary, after watching a news broadcast about two girls who were suing McDonald's for "supposedly" making them fat.  What an interesting concept.  Why sue the fast food companies for something that is a conscious decision based upon the will of the consumer?  No one is making someone buy the fast food, it is based on their own free will....supposedly.  However, this same argument could be used in arguments against the tobacco companies, which were successfully sued against...and the companies lost.  So is fast food any different?  And how bad is fast food....really?  After interviewing THREE different doctors, Morgan is told that eating nothing but fast food for 30 days should not have any major effects on his body.  And thus the experiment begins...
     The results are quite alarming.  He gained around 20 pounds, and his cholesterol and several other body levels shot up to very unhealthy levels.  He started having heart and liver problems.  Continuing past the 30 day mark could have severely endangered his life.
    Despite the alarming findings, I am a little skeptical of Morgan Spurlock's opinions.  I am not convinced that there is a psychological addiction built into the food like there is in drugs.  It is undoubtedly unhealthy, but no sane person would eat that much fast food in such a short period of time.  (He was told he ate the same amount of fast food that normal people eat over an eight. year time span...in one month).  I do believe that fast food companies are contributing to the massive obesity problem among America's youth, and need to provide healthier alternative options, (which as of this writing, they do) so that kids aren't bombarded with an unhealthy message.  However, I believe that it is ultimately the responsibility of the consumer what kind of food they put into their mouth, and it is not the fault of the fast food companies that one eats so much fast food that they become overweight.

    Morgan Spurlock's documentary style is perfect for a younger demographic, ranging from pre-teens to teenagers.  His subject is directly related to youth concerns (fast food) and does not contain concepts and themes that are too dark or heavy for a young audience.  It even contains cute little aniamtions to help better illustrate Spurlock's talking points.  Another feature that I enjoyed is Morgan's interaction with the camera.  He was very much the subject of the documentary, which helped guide the narrative.  The methodology of the documentary was also ingenious.  Consuming fast food for 30 days is a much better hook for viewers then a simple expose on the fast food industry.  It separates it from the average run-of the-mill documentary.
    In summary, despite some disagreements on the main points, Super Size Me is an enjoyable documentary. Morgan Spurlock is very dedicated to his subject material, as noted by his consumption of McDonald's for 30 days.  His witty commentary combined with the relatable subject material makes for an educational and entertaining documentary for all ages, but particularly the youth.   3.5/5
"Who do you want to see go first?  You...or them?" - Referring to whether Americans want to see fast food companies die first, or the people.

HOBY Speech to the Women's Club

      On Tuesday September 14, 2010, I received the great fortune to give a speech about my HOBY experiences to the Women's Club of Linthicum, a local HOBY sponsor.  Two of my fellow North County High School HOBY Alumni, Nicole Jackson and Amanda Streeter, were also there to present their testimonials.  Here is the copy of my speech.

  

     "My name is Chris Frye.  I am a current 11th grader at North County High School and during Memorial Day Weekend 2010, I was fortunate enough to participate in HOBY 2010.  HOBY stands for Hugh O' Brian Youth.  Hugh O' Brian is most  famous for his classic T.V. show The Adventures of Wyatt Earp, which you may be familiar with.  Hugh O' Brian strated this organization to encourage stewardship and service among high school sophomores.  The conference has run annually in all 50 states for over 50  years.  There are over 180,000 alumni, including such distinguished individuals as former Republican presidential nominee Mike Huckabee.  He's a '71 HOBY.  HOBY strives for excellence and leadership in youth, and to encourage service in the community.  When I was asked to give a speech about HOBY, I was unbelievably ecstatic, but also incredibly nervous.  How can I sum up the astounding life-changing experience that was HOBY, in 5 minutes?  Impossible.  HOBY is impossible to explain to a "non-HOBY".  There is nothing like it on Earth.  I could talk about all the inspiring teachers, the provoking group sessions, the awe-inspiring talent show, all the great life skills I learned there.

     But events like these fade from memory, and are eventually forgotten.  I want to talk about something that never fades away.  Friendship.  Family.  Companionship.  Loyalty.  My good HOBY friend Matt Coplai was once asked "What does HOBY mean to you"?  And his simple words have really left an impression on me.  "HOBY means that I will always have a family".  I couldn't  have said it better myself.

     Never in my life have I ever felt closer to a group made up largely of strangers.  I feel a connection to these people that is more then just a platonic connection; it is something different.  It's almost as if we share one spirit, the "spirit of HOBY".  There are people that I met at the HOBY conference nearly 3 and a half months ago that I still talk to every single day.

     These are the kind of people that I can talk to whenever I need to, when I'm feeling down lonely or depressed.  The kind of people that are always there for me, no matter what.  How often can a guy say that?  True friends are very scarce these days, and many people go their entire live without having that one true friend, who is there for you no matter what, who will stay up with you and talk with you until 2 am about your problems, and will be there through the good times and bad.  Because of HOBY, I feel like I have nearly 200 of these friends, who are always there for me, through thick and thin, and whenever I need a hand.  I don't know about you, but that to me is very reassuring, and fills me with hope for the future of the world.

     I am very thankful for the HOBY experience.  It inspired me to be all that I can be, to be a leader among my peers, and to give back to my community.  It made me believe impossible things, and dream impossible dreams.  But most importantly of all, it gave me a family.  A family that doesn't just exist here in Maryland, or even in just this country, but all over the world.  There are "HOBYies" all over the world, numbering over 100,00.  And they are all part of the HOBY family, my family.  And that is what makes it all worthwhile, what rings most true for me.  HOBY, for me, means that I will always have a family.  Thank you.

Here is a video of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv7b6o52L1U

I look so dorky in this video.  :O

   More and more frequently, I find that life surprises me.  I went to this event not expecting much, especially when I saw that the club was populated by older women.  I was in fact, the only male in attendance.  I didn't expect much from the event that day, and resigned myself to a boring day.  However, as this club meeting drew on and on, I enjoyed it more and more.  There is a lot that can be learned from the elderly, for they have many more years of life and experience then we silly youth.  What really left an impression on me was the closeness of this group of Women's Club of Linthicum.  It was really sweet, to see all these people to find comfort and companionship even in their old age.  I was also touched by their willingness to serve their community.  What excuse do I have to serve, when these 60+ years women are out there doing it?  Really inspiring.

    The sense of community also reminded me of HOBY.  A group of people coming together to organize events that improve their community?  Pretty much HOBY in a nutshell.  It just really made me hopeful for a future where me and my HOBY buddies are 60 years old, and still out there cleaning up sidewalks and picking up trash.
   I'm really glad I went to give my speech to the Women's Club of Linthicum.  It was a humbling and inspiring experience, and I hope to be asked back.  If any of you are reading this, thanks so much for the opportunity! I learned more from you then you did from me.

America's Got Talent Top 10 Reaction

    As someone who watches America's Got Talent religiously, I have always wanted to share my thoughts on the world's "Biggest Talent Competition."  This will be the first of two blogs I will write about America's Got Talent. This one is an analysis of the Top 10: my thoughts on them, whether I think they deserve to go all the way, etc.  I will write another blog soon about America's Got Talent Season 5 as a whole, which will include my thoughts on the judges, auditions, finals breakdowns and more.  This blog is strictly reserved for my opinions on the Top 10 Finalists.  The finalists are in no particular order.

10. Studio One Young Beast Society (Dance Group)
Studio One Young Beast Society Performance      
Studio One Young Beast Society is a dance troupe that is unique in its performances.  It combines hip-hop style dancing with acrobatic stunts and dangerous tricks.  Watching them perform is very exciting.  They were the only dance group to make it this far into the competition and it is obvious why.  Not only are they great dancers, the tricks they perform are absolutely stunning, and that's what sets them apart.

9. Christina and Ali (Sister Singers)
Christina and Ali Performance
Christina and Ali are sister singers, both who suffer from cystic fibrosis, a lung disease.  Despite the damage to their lungs and being told they would never be able to sing, they have overcome great obstacles in order to make it this far.  Their story is inspiring for people of all ages for people who were ever told "You can't do something".  However, despite their inspiring story, these two are my least favorite act in the Top 10.  This is simply because I don't think they are that great of singers, and because they beat out far better competition to get this far.  They are definitely good, I just don 't think they are great, and I think they have gotten here because of their cuteness level and their story.  Least worthy of a Vegas act in my opinion.
8. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven (Extreme Biker)
Jeremy VanSchoonhoven Performance 
Jeremy VanSchoonhoven is one of my favorite contestants on this season's America's Got Talent.  He has one of the most unique and original acts this show has ever seen.  He turns biking into an art form.  Taking his bike and jumping on, off, around, and over all these obstacles, it is simultaneously exhilarating and dangerous.  In the semi-finals round, he took a bad fall that left him hospitalized for several days.  But he always gets back up, and always keeps going.  Jeremy is a fighter and a crowd-pleaser, a potent combination.  Extremely likable and talented, he is one of my favorite acts in the competition.
7. Taylor Matthews (Male Teenage Singer)
Taylor Matthews Performance

A favorite among the ladies, Taylor Matthews is a teenage male singer.  He has only managed to get this far based upon the overwhelming teenage girl vote, but that is not meant to undermine his talents.  Indeed, during the audition process, he was one of my favorite contestants.  His audition is still among my favorites.  What makes him so popular is not only his boyish charm, but also his ability to re-fit songs from various styles of music to fit his own, a talent not to be underestimated.  He has shown considerable range throughout the duration of the competition, and will probably go on to a successful career as a male pop star.

6. Ana and Patryk (Ballroom Dancers)
Ana and Patryk Performance
Ana and Patryk are without a doubt among the most talent performers in the competition.  Originally sent home but then brought back as a wild card act, it turned out to be one of the judge's better decisions.  The best technical dancers on the show, they have incredible talent for two 12 year old kids.  They rival some of the world's best ballroom dancers, and their performances are always a delight to watch.  Great choreography, great chemistry, and great dancing combine to make a powerful and dynamic duo.

5. Fighting Gravity (Dark light Spectacle)

Fighting Gravity Performance 

Fighting Gravity is my favorite act in the competition, and easily among the best this show has ever had.  What they do is hard to put into words, and is something that has to be seen to believe.  What I do know is this; these guys deserve to win this show more then any other act.  A bunch of college kids from Virginia Tech that threw this together in their garage, they have a tailor-made Vegas act.  Their act is so original, so unique, and so wonderful, that watching them perform is something one never forgets.  I really want these guys to win, and I would see their Vegas show tomorrow.  Cirque du Soleil.  Blue Man Group.  Fighting Gravity.

4. Michael Grimm (Male Singer)

Michael Grimm Performance

Michael Grimm is the dark horse in this competition.  The last time a soulful singer armed with his guitar competed on this show...he won.  Though Michael Grimm looks more like a performer more then Kevin Skinner originally did, there is still the correlation there.  Michael Grimm is probably the best regular male singer in this competition, and it is a great performer.  His performances really speak to the audience, and he has a great, soulful voice.  Even if he doesn't win, he'll go on to have a successful music career.

3. Michael Grasso (Magician)

Michael Grasso Performance

Simply put, Michael Grasso is awesome.  Probably the best magician ever on America's Got Talent, he is a classic Vegas showman.  His show is very slick and professional, and brings to mind classic magicians like Harry Houdini and David Copperfield.  His tricks are always surprising and leave th

2. Prince Poppycock (Operatic Singer)

Prince Poppycock Performance

Prince Poppycock is probably the best showman in this competition.  It wasn't enough for him to have an amazing operatic voice, his performances are also amazing.  His costumes and make up bring his over-the-top character of Prince Poppycock to life, and his performances are mesmerizing.  Prince Poppycock is one of my favorites.  Each of his performances are always uniquely different, and are always a spectacle to the eyes. Truly a wonder to behold.  He is the best male singer in the competition, and I can't wait to see him on Broadway someday.

Cloverfield Review

Director: Matt Reeves (Felicity, the upcoming Let Me In)
Screenplay: Drew Goddard (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, LOST)
Producer: J.J. Abrams (Alias, LOST, Fringe, Star Trek (2009)).4
Starring: Michael Stahl-David, T.J. Miller, Jessica Lucas, and Odette Yustman
Gross Revenue: $170,764,026 worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes Tomato meter: 76%
IMDB Rating: 7.4
     People often complain of unoriginality in modern cinema, and how every new movie is a "remake" or an adaption of another material.  People refute the quality of modern film making and just seem disappointed with every new release.  Well, Cloverfield is a purely original film.  Taking a new and modern approach to a familiar concept, it relaunches the monster movie genre in exciting new ways.
     Cloverfield is a monster movie with a unique twist; it is told entirely from a hand-held camera.  No professional camera moves here, it is shot as if one of the main characters was shooting it.  I don't want to give too much away, because I believe in being surprised when watching a film for the first time. (Or even the second or third re-viewing).  Basically, a group of college-age kids are attending a party, when a giant monster attacks New York City.  One of the party-attenders, who was video taping the party, decides to record their venture as they try to survive the night.  It is a visceral and emotional thrill ride.
    What I love about this movie is how unique the camera work is.  It literally looks like one of the main characters shot it.  (In actuality, many scenes of the movie were filmed by the actors in order to generate authenticity).  This even includes mundane things, such as the camera being pointed away from the actors' faces, and the screen being crooked and sideways.  It really transports one to the center of the action, and it makes it feel as if the one is there experiencing this whole adventure.  In response to claims of  that the movie uses too much "shaky-cam" I say that it is what makes the movie work, and places it in a more modern context.
    The acting is spot-on all around.  J.J. Abrams made sure to cast only unknowns in the movie, so as to make the experience seem even more believable, which is does.  It is hard to suspend one's disbelief enough if George Clooney was the one on screen, filming the monster through his home video camera.  Unknown actors make it seem much more authentic.  They really deliver authentic and natural performances that really add to the creepy feel of the movie, and make it seem more "real."

    The movie succeeds as a horror movie.  It is not a big "in-your-face" horror movie, neither is it a gore-fest. It is much more a psychological picture, focusing on the reactions of these people then the big destruction of New York City.  Watching this group of close-knit people respond to all the death and destruction around them is quite heartbreaking and often times quite scary.  The "guerrilla film making" style also adds to to the scares by making all the creatures and destruction seem so close and personal.  It really is the modern day monster movie.
    This is a great film, loved by critics and audiences alike.  J.J. Abrams (In my opinion, the smartest man in entertainment today) really knows how to get audiences excited about a movie.  He continues to make movies that are smart, funny, original, innovate, and supremely entertaining.  His T.V. shows and movies are both incredible works of entertainment, and every new project he announces gets me very excited.
    In summary, Cloverfield is one of the best modern day horror films, and one of my favorite of all time.  It is an exciting and visceral emotional thrill ride, with a unique and exciting way of film making.  Movies like Cloverfield give me confidence in modern cinema, and make me look excited to go the movies.  9/10

My Reactions to the Emmys

     Sorry for the week delay guys.  I have had a ton of schoolwork, and have just now gotten time to write this blog.  So here it is...
    The Emmys.  The biggest night in televison.  The "Oscars" for T.V.  The most prestigious award for American television.  Not only were there satisfactory nominations as well as wins, the award show itself was entertaining, which is a refreshing change of pace in comparison to award shows in the past.  It is also worth mentioning that the show came in at EXACTLY three hours, which almost never happens.  This blog is going to be divided into two parts; my reactions to the award winners themselves, and my reaction to show and the way it was presented.  My reactions will only be for the major awards, and will not include directing, writing or awards for miniseries or television movies.  Enjoy.

Reactions to the Winners
Outstanding Drama Series: Mad Men.
This is the third consecutive year that Mad Men has won the prestigious award, a record only beaten by Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, and The West Wing.  Even though I do not watch this show, I know this show deserves the award.  I do wish LOST would have gotten a trophy for its excellent sixth season, but the finale was very polarizing, so I understand why the Academy did not give them the award.  Everything I hear about this show is incredibly positive, and I plan on watching it in the future.


Outstanding Comedy Series: Modern Family
I am extremely happy for this win.  Not only did it break the three-year hold 30 Rock had on this category, it also beat the powerhouse that is Glee.  Don't get me wrong, I adore Glee.  It is the most original show on television on years, and immensely fun.  However, it is a far from perfect show, and Modern Family is not only a much better show in terms of quality, it is just plain funnier.  Modern Family is my favorite comedy on T.V. right now, and I am thrilled that it won the award.


Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
This is the third consecutive year that Bryan Cranston has won this award.  This is a streak only beaten by Dennis Franz for Dennis Franz (NYPD Blue).  I find it interesting that the last major role he had before Breaking Bad was as the dad on Malcom in the Middle.  In any case, this guy has shown his acting chops.  In a highly competitive category that features the likes of Michael C. Hall, Hugh Laurie and Jon Hamm, he has beaten the odds to win again.  I personally think it might be compensation for Breaking Bad for losing the Best Drama trophy again, but its hard to argue that this guy doesn't deserve it.  Even though Matthew Fox of LOST didn't win, I'm just happy that his excellent six-season work on LOST was nominated in one of his stronger seasons.  Congratulations Bryan Cranston.



Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)
I don't know enough about Kyra Sedgwick or The Closer to comment on the win, but it seems like she deserved it.  She's been nominated every year for the past four years, so I guess she finally got her due.


Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Jim Parsons was the favorite to win, and he deserves it.  I don't watch Big Bang Theory, but it is one of the most popular sitcoms on television, so it makes sense for the Academy to award it.  Not that Jim Parson doesn't deserve the win.  The character of Sheldon Cooper had redefined "nerd" to the masses, primariyl due to Parsons' performance.  I honestly believe however, that is Ty Burrel of Modern Family had submitted himself in the Lead Actor category instead of the Supporting Actor comedy, he would have won.  Oh well.  Congrats Jim Parsons.


Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)
Ok, I have an excuse for not watching this show.  I don't get Showtime, so it's not my fault.  Anyways, I hear a lot of good things about Nurse Jackie online as well.  I think it is interesting to note that Edie Falco is the only person in history to win a Lead Emmy Award for both a Comedy and a Drama.  A unique feat for a deserving woman.


Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)
This award goes to a deserving man.  Of all the great and wonderful things I hear about Breaking Bad, 50% of them is about Aaron Paul.  From what I hear, it is one of the best, if not the best, performances on T.V. right now.  Though LOST got shut out twice here, both actors had previously won before, so I am not saddened.  I look forward to watch this show, so I can see for myself this award-worthy performance.


Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)
Another show I regret not watching.  In what is traditionally a very diverse category, a freshman nomination from a freshman series is a worthy feat.  This was anybody's race, and a first-time nominee from a show that I hear is one of the best network dramas left on television, is fine by me.


Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)
I am so very happy for this award! In a category that had THREE nominations from the same show (I hope this tells you how great of a show Modern Family is.  Sorry Ed O' Neill, you'll get them next year.)  it was kind of expected that someone from Modern Family would win.  He plays my favorite character on Modern Family, and he is one of the funniest people on T.V. right now.  This is his first nomination and win, and I am extremely thrilled for him.
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Jane Lynch (Glee)
Jane Lynch was the surest thing in Hollywood in regards to this role.  EVERYONE knew she was going to win.  Rightfully so, because she is playing perhaps the funniest character on television right now, and certainly one of my favorites.  She makes the character of the mean, over-bearing, psycho cheerleading coach funny and thrilling, as well as giving it unexpected depth.  Jane Lynch has been floating around the industry for a long time, and I am glad she is finally getting the recognition she deserves.
Outstanding Reality Competition Program: Top Chef
I am just glad that Amazing Race didn't win again.  For those that don't know, since this award was inducted in 2003, Amazing Race has won EVERY TIME.  Frankly, people were getting tired of it.  I don't watch either show, but I am thrilled that a show finally beat Amazing Race.
Outstanding Music, Comedy, or Variety Series: The Daily Show
As someone who has recently become a fan of The Daily Show, I am thrilled that it has won...again.  Even though it had has won every year for the past seven years, The Daily Show has managed to be culturally relevant and hilarious for the past seven years, and is utterly deserving of another win.
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brian was nominated more out of sympathy then quality I believe, and I am extremely happy that The Daily Show continues to be recognized for its excellence it television entertainment.

My Trip to National Public Radio

    This past Thursday, September 2 2010, I had two incredible simultaneous experiences.  Not only was I able to take a visit to the National Public Radio studio in Washington, I also got to meet the current Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.  I went as a representative of Maryland HOBY, and went with fellow HOBY MD representatives Amanda Streeter, Erin Deng, and Tommy Finton.  I also got to meet the host of Talk of the Nation Neal Conan.  We were not the only ones in attendance however, as there were other HOBY representatives from Virginia, as well as students from various Washington D.C. schools.  We were asked to participate because the producers of NPR wanted to have a "student question session", where students both in the studio and on air got to ask the Secretary various questions about his policies and goals, as well as general questions about the different aspects of education.  It was a rather memorable experience, and not only because I got to say "one million" on the radio.  More on that later.
     When I went, I honestly wasn't expecting to have a good time.  I thought it might be kind of boring, and a waste of time to drive all the way to D.C. so that I might be on the radio.  HOBY had taught me to be open to new experiences and I went open-minded but nonetheless felt it was probably a waste of time.  Boy was I wrong.  I had a wonderful time.  Not only did I get to get an inside look at how a radio broadcast is pulled off, I also got to meet an important government figure, the secretary of Education.  I also got to hear an interesting and different perspective on the future of American education, from the man who is in charge of it.  His words are largely the reason I enjoyed myself that day.

    I am now a big fan of Secretary Arne Duncan.  Just look at my Facebook page.  I had no idea who he was before, but now I think he is a great intellectual leader, and one who I have the utmost confidence in for reforming our broken educational system.  Very few of his answers seemed like "B.S.", and in fact seemed honest and well-thought out.  I agreed with most everything he said, and I thought that some of his ideas were ingenious and brilliant.
    For those of you that didn't get the opportunity to listen to the live broadcast, which is probably all of the people that read this blog, here's the podcast http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=3&islist=true&id=5&d=09-02-2010.  It's titled "Student's Quiz Sec. Arne Duncan".
     Arne Duncan's words really struck a chord with me.  As one who is currently enrolled in a rather diverse public high school, education is very important to me.  Secretary Duncan made it seem like he cared.  He cares about kids, and wants every single child in America to get a quality education.  This, for me, is the most important thing he said, because it showed that he really and truly cares about America's kids.
     Naturally, in a discussion about education, much was said about No Child Left Behind.  I, personally, am not a fan of No Child Left Behind because I think it lowers standards for students and teaches kids to a "test" instead of teaching them what they need to know.  He talked frequently about No Child Left Behind, and how it needs to be reformed.  He wants schools to be judged based on more then just test scores, but on things such as attendance, sports, and arts programs.  He wants a more comprehensive analysis, instead of a limited one.

    He spoke about teachers, and how the views of teachers differ all over the world.  In the U.S., teachers aren't held in a very bright limelight, and aren't paid very high in comparison with other professions.  In South Korea, teachers are referred to as "nation-builders", and are highly regarded among all professions.  In a certain European country, only 1 in 10 people who want to be teachers are allowed to be teachers.  What a difference to the way teachers are regarded in America.  One of Secretary Duncan's suggestions that I really liked was his idea to combat teacher shortages.  There is a shortage of Math and Science teachers compared to History and English teachers.  He suggested that Math and Science teachers should be paid more then English and History teachers, in order to recruit more qualified teachers.  This is a rather controversial idea and opposition has been voiced by, naturally, English and History teachers.  However, I think his idea makes perfect sense and is an ingenious solution.  In a capitalist economy, when you have a low demand for a product, you lower the price, to make it more attractive to consumers.  I believe this same principle applies to the workplace.  In order to hire more Math and Science teachers, why not raise the salaries of these positions in order to attract more people?  It just seemed like common sense to me, and I think that is a reflection of Arne Duncan's approach to leadership and education.  Taking a straightforward and natural approach to education, instead of something forced and foreign.  Arne Duncan's thoughts, opinions, and policies really impressed me, and it has really given me hope for the future of American education.

    In spite of this, the highlight of my excursion to NPR was definitely being on the radio.  Now before I overhype myself let me just say, I only say two words.  I didn't ask him a question or anything impressive like that, I just answered a simple question he asked.  Actually, I answered two questions, but you couldn't hear the first one.  The first question I answered was what is the percentage of high school dropouts in the U.S.  I correctly guessed 25%.  Again, he asked the audience how many new teachers will be needed in this country over the next ten years.  I correctly guessed one million.  Once again, it was the right answer.  I am not being dishonest when I say that I did not know the answers to either of those questions.  I just got really lucky.  The Secretary of Education called me a teacher's pet, but that's all right.  A quick shout-out.  My friend Amanda Streeter actually was on air for a good amount of airtime, and talked about her various endeavors in student government.  It's at the 30: 38 mark.
     In summary, I had an excellent time.  I learned new things about American education, and my hope and pride in the future  America was strengthened.  Also, I got to be on the radio, which is the highlight of any way.  I am very fortunate to be able to go, and I am grateful for the experience.