Practice Makes Perfect

In eighth grade, I thought I was the only one who watched Freaks and Geeks. I would come to school the next day after a new episode had aired, and my excitement would fall on deaf ears. At least now I know that I wasn't the only one living vicariously through these kids. I mean sure, I was in a band, but I wasn't lucky enough to have gone to high school with James Franco. Only in my dreams...

True Blizzity

Snoop Dogg might be my favorite person right now. We just have so much in common! His love for True Blood obviously rivals mine, and I'm thoroughly impressed. If this isn't an argument to watch the show, then I don't know what is. He references so many details from the show, and pays tribute to protagonist Sookie Stackhouse in this catchy little diddy. You have to see it to believe it:

California Lovin'

Katy Perry's got some major competition! I really think that this version of 'California Gurls' is far superior to the original. In my opinion, dropping references to LOST and Star Wars is just so much cooler than shooting whipped cream out of your brassiere.

Lights, Camera, Murder

There are some films that make such an impression, that they stick with us for the rest of our lives. Maybe it's the shock of witnessing a groundbreaking style, or the excitement of meeting unforgettable characters that seduces us as viewers. Whatever it is, something about Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow Up is addictive even upon a first viewing. Of course the Mod elements of the film are enrapturing, but it's the subtle way in which mystery, suspense and sexuality are interwoven into the story that really inspires me. Great storytelling comes in many forms, but it's always eye-opening to look at the documentation of new and innovative ways to tell those stories. Even though Blow Up was released in 1966 it's still fresh and evocative, in more ways than one. I can't deny that this Yardbirds scene is eerily reminiscent of some Brooklyn shows I've been to. I guess some things never change.

A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream

R.I.P. Dennis Hopper

This Is The End

After the disappointment of the finale, I have to admit that I was angry. I didn't think that the episode was awful, but my mind swiftly dismissed any emotional satisfaction replacing it with resentment. The time I've spent mulling over theories with co-workers and friends seems to have been in vain. We didn't even get one solid answer. Although a small minority enjoyed the way the series ended (and in turn have produced some compelling recaps), I'm glad the guys at College Humor seem to feel the same way I do. At least I had my Dharma beers to help dull the pain.

Pie So Good It's A Crime

Cherry pie, coffee, mystery, murder, lust... hip hop? Yes! Behold Twin Peaks in a whole new light, performed by MC Chris and accompanied by remixed footage from the series. The Log Lady seems pleased, and I have a feeling that Agent Dale Cooper would tap his toes to this beat.

True Romance

This was a hard week for LOST fans. A collective "Nooooooo!" was heard across the blogosphere, so I was surprised to find this ridiculously silly video courtesy of ABC and the Cuse/Lindelof camp. I don't really get why the Muppets were necessary, but I guess I should stop asking for answers at this point. Regardless, it's worth taking a peek at, if only to dull the pain of our loss.

In Stitches

Few partnerships require the cooperation and selflessness needed to form a successful comedy duo. It's the ultimate yin and yang; a stage set to showcase malleability, and an ability to play off of each other. David Mitchell and Robert Webb have it down pat. Sketch comedy classic That Mitchell & Webb Look, and first person camera series Peep Show are finally making their way back to BBC America tonight, and I couldn't be happier. Apparently I'm not the only one, as New York Magazine interviewed one half of the "crass and clever duo" today in anticipation of the premieres. And let the British invasion continue...

Blood Brothers

Both Quentin Tarantino and the Cohen brothers have created films that span genres, and stoke controversy. Their films are character and dialogue driven, and usually peppered with sex and violence. Though often bloody creations, both Tarantino and the Cohen brothers explore thematic elements that dig deeper into the human experience. But sometimes you push that aside to sit back and watch the chaos unfold. Leandro Braga did just that when he spent thirteen days watching Tarantino and Cohen brothers films. He's collected 500 scenes in the following clip - now that's what I call a cinephile!

Via New York Magazine

Down The Hatch

The days of drinking at the office are long over, but that's not to say that things can't get a little crazy after hours. Office parties are always a great idea in theory, but the consequences of mixing alcohol and professionalism (or lack thereof) can lead to some awkward situations. Regardless, these communal drink-offs often end up turning into great moments of unity and bonding. It's pretty much guaranteed that if you put some beers, tunes, and co-workers together, you'll get one hell of a karaoke party. An internal video leaked today from the set of Mad Men, and in it we get a glimpse of cast and crew throwing a couple back while bidding adieu to the third season. It's great to see some of the cast out of character, and even better to see Peggy texting and Roger in a wig. Enjoy!

Via New York Magazine

A Meow Massages The Heart

Another "Why didn't I think of that?!" moment: Cute Boys With Cats.

Bad Romance

There are an endless amount of films that explore the relationships between men and women, but until the late 1960s it was rare to encounter a couple like Bonnie and Clyde. Young and rebellious, they acted out of desperation and recklessness. After all, it was the Great Depression and there were only so many ways to make a buck. They were both in their early 20s when they were killed in the infamous rural ambush, brutally memorialized in Arthur Penn's 1967 classic Bonnie & Clyde. Although many theories and controversies still surround their lives and their demise, they will forever hold their place in the annals of Americana. They were, after all, love addled outlaws - romanticized, demonized and forever scrutinized.

The real Bonnie & Clyde in March 1933.

The Video Vault

For those of you who don't remember the 90s, Damon Albarn hasn't always been the mastermind behind Gorillaz. Although always infectiously catchy, Albarn's music with UK Brit Pop sensation Blur was substantially darker and twisted. Taking a cue from other British pop outfits like The Smiths, their music may have seemed upbeat and innocent at first but what lingered beneath the surface was far more sinister. Through their lyrics and music videos, Blur managed to entrance listeners with sarcasm, realism, and a knowing glance. Sure they were cute and floppy haired, but never squeaky clean, and you didn't quite know what they were capable of. Their video for 'The Universal' with its Kubrickesque set design and mannerisms, was all an angst-ridden teenager could ask for.

The One-Two Punch

Even though everybody now knows him as "that guy from The Hangover," in my mind Zach Galifianakis is still that awkward bearded wonder working the NYC stand up circuit during my first summer living in New York. The crowd would go either way, you either loved him or you just didn't get it - I felt sorry for those who didn't get it. I've mentioned his Funny or Die show 'Between Two Ferns' before, and his latest installment is an interview with Ben Stiller. I don't think I've written this much about Mr. Stiller... well ever, but the following clip is well worth the key strokes. Watching Galifianakis and Stiller spar is like watching an old episode of Seinfeld: you can sense they're on the brink of losing it, but they somehow muster the self control not to laugh themselves to tears. Watch it and weep:

Mother Knows Best

I've been a fan of Korean cinema since seeing 2003's A Tale of Two Sisters, so I get really excited any time Korean flicks make their way to our shores. I have yet to see Park Chan-wook's vampire odyssey Thirst, but Bong Joon-ho's Mother has just made it to the top of my list. This is his first feature since 2006's The Host, and from the looks of it Mother has more real-life substance and power. Already being praised as a Hitchcockian masterpiece, Korean television star Kim Hye-ja is poised to freak out overbearing moms everywhere.

Via Flavorwire

Sugar & Spice

During my early teen years I decided that being girly wasn't for me. With that decision in mind, I started playing with edgier fashion, and I pretended that I wasn't still sleeping in a pink canopy bed surrounded by pink rose wallpaper. Suffice to say when I was a youngster I was mighty girly. I loved my pink bedroom with matching pink accessories, and I couldn't be separated from my pink Betty Boop sweatshirt that was fully equipped with a battery pack to power perfectly placed tiny red bulbs amidst her slinky dress. But more than all of those things I loved my Barbies - and boy did I have plenty. I had a plastic milk crate full of them, and I spent many of my summers making them tiny custom outfits with extra scraps of fabric my mom would give me. So of course upon reading today's New York Times article about the release of Mad Men-styled barbies, the little girl inside of me automatically thought: I want! Ok, maybe not just the little girl inside of me. You have to admit that these dolls are really amazing! With the approval of Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner and costume designer Janie Bryant, the dolls will hit shelves in July, an arrival that's perfectly timed with the beginning of season four. I'm hoping come July I can get my hands on Joanie, and she can take her rightful place in my apartment - I think she'll feel right at home.

Going To The Dogs

This has been making the interweb rounds for a few weeks now, but I still find it hilarious. I've tested out this theme song theory on The Boyz, but have found that their only reaction is to my obvious excitement in anticipation of watching an episode. I'm not exaggerating when I say that when I hear the theme song I get incredibly giddy. There's nothing like a great crime drama to relax me after a long day at work... not sure why that is but I'm still addicted to Law & Order even after all these years of watching it, and I truly dread the day when I will have seen every episode. Dun dun dun-dun-dun-dun-duuuun! Ahhhh that's the stuff.

From Dharmaville To Springfield

Via Springfield Punx

We Did It!

So Canada won Olympic gold, but before we get all nationalistic and teary eyed let's go back to in time to Canada in the 1980s... when things were equally as awesome! Joey Jeremiah I still love you, and this song triggers memories of not wanting to go to school on Monday morning. Ironically I now feel the same way about work.