Merry Christmas From Reality by Rach!

Tis' the season guys... for crappy holiday day music and movies; well, not everything is crappy!  My Christmas gift to you is some of my favorite holiday movies and TV specials.  So while you're taking a break from all that holiday family bickering and roast beast, check out some of my holiday faves.  Also, be sure to let me know what some of your favorite holiday movies and TV specials are!





A Christmas Story

What a hilarious depiction of what Christmas really is.  It's not a freakin' Folgers commercial, it's fuses blowing and lights going out on the tree and really... I mean REALLY hideous pajamas!  I love this film that became an instant classic and look forward to the marathon on TV every Christmas Eve.

Home Alone 2

"Kevin!" The second you hear that shrill scream from Mrs. McCallister you know that means trouble for our mischievous, wide-eyed main character in Home Alone 2.  What I love about this movie is that it epitomizes exactly what Christmas is all about, miracles and being with family.  Also, I believe that this film is the sole reason that people venture to that over-populated island every year around this time.

Elf

Is there anything more adorable or more hilarious than Will Ferrell in an Elf costume?  I think not.  A six-foot-tall man believing that he an Elf is where the magic lies within this film.  The innocence that Ferrell possesses is really endearing "Santa! I know him!  I know him!" always cracks me up.  Plus we can't forget the rest of the wonderful cast consisting of Bob Newhart, James Caan and the always adorable Zooey Deschanel.

Now what would the Christmas season be like without awesome TV Christmas episodes?!  Here are a few of my favorite TV specials...

30 Rock-LudaChristmas

Basically, when Liz Lemon's (Tina Fey) boss (Alec Baldwin) decides that he likes her super friendly family more than his bitter and cynical own mother he attempts to spend the holiday with them.  However, when they all go out to dinner things take a ridiculous turn.  Also, one cannot forget the office Christmas party fondly know as LudaChristmas.

Nip/Tuck- Reefer

Leave it to creator Ryan Murphy to bring us his twisted version of Christmas and have us still find it somewhat funny.  In Nip/Tuck's fourth season Sean, who is going through a divorce and spending his first holiday without his children plays a bitter (and very drunk) Santa for charity and disillusions many of Santa's following.  But as always there are some outrageous twist that really make this episode great!


A Charlie Brown Christmas

Who doesn't love the classic Peanuts cartoon.  It's a great way to pass the afternoon or evening and escape into the great soundtrack of the animated Christmas Special.


The Year Without a Santa

Finally, what is Christmas without those silly claymation characters wishing us a happy holiday.  I LOVE these TV specials that are almost ALWAYS airing on ABC Family.  The songs are so damn catchy and the stories are super cute!   My favorite part by far is the Heat Miser and Snow Miser duet!

Maroon 5 Gets Animated for New Video "Hands All Over"

Well it looks like the boys of Maroon 5 have decided to give us an early Christmas present!  They have recently put together their latest video for the funky hit, "Hands All Over".  The video is definitely pretty cool however, I was expecting something a little closer the M5's "This Love" video.  I guess I'm just so use to frontman Adam Levine hooking up with hot chicks in every video that this caught me off-guard.  Check it out!




Source: JustJared

Black Swan: A Dizzying Mix of Dreams and Reality

**Spoiler Free Review**

After seeing Black Swan, I've gotta say I'm SO glad that my parents let me quit ballet when I did.  Director Darren Aronofsky (The Fountain, The Wrestler) shows us that ballet is pain; both physically and more importantly, emotionally.  In his over-the-top artistic endeavor, Aronofsky takes us on the journey of Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballet dancer in one the most prestigious companies headed by the oh-so-pretentious director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel).  Although I'm not familiar with Cassel's work, he had quite the presence on screen and there was feeling of familiarity and comfort watching him.  Which makes sense given his extensive career spanning well over a decade.  We watch as Portman's character struggles in the lead role of the Swan Queen not only on the stage, but off it as well.




Nina's battle with fellow dancer Lilly, played Mila Kunis, is truly entertaining.  Kunis has some hilarious lines including one about that epic sex scene that by now we've all heard of.  "Was I good?" Kunis comments after Portman attempts to talk about the situation with her after the fact.

However, Winona Ryder really stole the show as the old hag of a dancer at the age of 40 something and proves why she is such a fantastic veteran actress.  Although she doesn't say much throughout the film, she doesn't have to.  Ryder has this incredible way of just saying it all with a stone cold stare.

My only real bone to pick with the film is that it is outrageously over the top.  Emotions are heightened and almost every shot is composed of black and white, right down to how the characters dress throughout 80 percent of the movie!  For some, that may be the charm of the film.  Also, the film doesn't come into its own until halfway through.  But when it does, it is great.  Portman really commands the role of the Black Swan and that, is where the magic lies in the film.  So this big question, is this thing worth all the Oscar buzz it's been receiving?  When a director leaves us floating between the dream world and reality the way Aronofsky has, I have to say yes, it most definitely is worth all that buzz.  I give Black Swan a solid B+.

John Krasinski and Emily Blunt Travel and Look Awesome While Doing So

These two are just so damn cute that I had to share this with you!  Krasinski and Blunt were married this past July and seem to be enjoying every minute of it (when they're not busy working".  The two were spotted at LAX over the weekend getting ready to travel for the holidays.   Blunt commented earlier in the week,

“I’m gonna go to Boston with the in-laws, [The city] is wonderful. It’s like a Dickens novel.”

Check out more photos after the jump!

Source: OhNoTheyDidn't

They have to wait in line just like us

Celebs have to take all their crap off and throw it in those unsanitary tubs just like the rest of us as well

Shit You Missed This Weekend 12/17 -12/19

Hopefully most of you out there are getting ready to wrap your busy works schedules and get ready for that last minute holiday shopping with Christmas right around the corner!  I for one, plan on drinking plenty and eating lots of good food!  Anywho, here's some stuff to keep you entertained while your bored and surfing the internet this upcoming week!

In this installment of Shit You Missed this weekend there are some box office surprises, some epic political news and some new Christmas music to get you in the mood for the holidays.  Check it all out after the jump!




So wait Tron is better than Black Swan??

So if you were to pick between an Oscar nominated directed as well as a cast consisting of Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Winona Ryder or a bunch of flashing lights and a plot contrived of being stuck in a video game which would you pick to be the better film?  Clearly, the first one....right?  RIGHT?!  Well, apparently this is not the case. So how does Tron fare better than Black Swan at the box office this weekend? Now that I just can't wrap my head around.  The only thing I can say (since I haven't seen either one yet) is that perhaps Black Swan is one of those movies that everyone thinks you should see rather than it actually being good where as Tron is something that just happens to be a pleasant surprise.  Check out what eonline and the Pittsburgh City Paper  had to say about the films.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repealed

Lady Gaga supporting the repeal of DADT

Now, I'm not very political and try to avoid the topic of discussing politics however, I thought it was crucial to inform those of you out there who my not have heard yet that the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law was repealed over the weekend.  For those who don't know exactly what that is, it's a law that was set in place that made it impossible for gay men and women serving our country in the armed forces to be open about their sexual orientation.  The bill was introduced in 1990 by President Clinton (correction, introduced in '93) and basically while it disallowed anyone to out a fellow officer it also allowed anyone that came out while serving to be discharged as being gay was deemed "incompatible" with serving in the army.  This is a huge deal and sadly something I never thought I'd live to see.

Source: Eonline

More Holiday music than even Buddy the elf could Handle!

So if you're like me you haven't gotten nearly enough Christmas music yet.  So here are some new holiday tunes to check out courtesy of eonline!  There's everyone from Kanye (yeah I don't really get that one either) to Mariah Carey and the Killers?  My personal favorite this holiday season has been the holiday soundtrack created by the cast of Glee.  I just can't get enough of their cheesiness and their talent.  Happy Holidays, enjoy!

A Random Shia Appearance

Now I know Transformer's 3 doesn't out until the Summer but here's something to keep you warm until then!  Recently, the star of the film, Mr. Shia Labeouf himself was spotted in and around LAX waiting for a flight.  Check out some sweet pics of our lumberjack looking Shia after the jump!

Stieg Larsson's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, A Swedish Version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

While she may not have the "Scooby" gang backing her up like in Sarah Michelle Gellar did in Buffy, Lisbeth Salander (the main character in the Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson) does have a reporter full of integrity to have sex with every now and again.  In Steig Larssons' The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo there are most definitely some similarities to a little show back in the late 90's called Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Now I know what you're thinking, this chick is ridiculous!  But stay with me now as some of the amazing similarities of the characters get dissected after the jump!

Both Buffy and Lisbeth have super powers:

Now granted, Lisbeth doesn't have "slayer" strength in order to stake vamps but she is one hell of hacker and maneuvers through your personal stuff online like a group of soccer moms' stealthily maneuver through a mall on Black Friday.

Both characters have strained relationships with men:

Buffy just can't seem to maintain a steady, healthy, relationship throughout the seven seasons of the hit show!  She dates everything from vampires to secret agents!  Lisbeth can't really bring herself to get close to men after seeing her mother abused.

Despite their flaws and setbacks, both women remain powerful and save the day:

In the end, Buffy saves the world from evil and while not quite on the same scale Lisbeth equally does her part by saving Mikael when he gets too deeply involved in the mystery he's solving. 

So why is it so easy to draw such compelling parallels to these iconic female characters?  I think that the answer lies with the men behind the creation of these dynamic women.  Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy and Stieg Larsson, creator of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo have masterfully created women that we all aspire to be; strong, intelligent, sexy and don't take shit from anyone.  Both men are better feminist than any woman could EVER be.  They have shown us that women can posses many qualities and don't have to sacrifice one attribute for another in order to be a perfect woman, everything that they are made up of is what makes them the perfect woman.

Gleeful Reactions to Golden Globe Nominations

It's no surprise that the show that has dominated the small screen for the past 2 years would be nominated once again for a Golden Globe award but cast members nominated this were certainly pleasantly surprised to hear the good news.  Cast members Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer talk about the nominations, HUGE upcoming Superbowl episode and tackle one another...?  Check out the interviews after the jump!

Source: OhNoTheyDidn't












I gotta say, I didn't expect Lea to gush so much over Chris Colfer!  Not that it's undeserved but it just goes to show she's as much much of a cut throat butch as most of the media portrays her to be.

Scarlett Johansson is Back on the Market??

Wow, I don't think I can say it any than how the peeps over at OhNoTheyDidn't responded,
"What is going on Hollywood?!"  Over the past few days a number of celeb couples have split.  The list includes Dexter stars, Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens now Scar Jo and Ryan Reynolds?!  The couple released a joint statement saying,

"After long and careful consideration on both our parts, we've decided to end our marriage," they say in a joint statement. "We entered our relationship with love and it's with love and kindness we leave it. While privacy isn't expected, it's certainly appreciated."

Apparently spending epic amounts of time apart is the cause of the split.  

Source: OhNoTheyDidn't

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are SO Dunzo

Whaaat? The long time couple of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens call it quits.  The Disney machine throws another couple our way that doesn't work out?  The really need to stop match making and these their stars choose their partners rather forcing them to play nice.  There's really no scandal, it is being said that the couple just felt that their time has ran it's course.  All I can say is if the twosome really were in love that this is most definitely some sad news.  Zac is handling the break-up as any man would... by going on a man date.  Recently, he and Kellan Lutz snapped a photo with Saints' player Alex Browns' family at the Saints/Rams game on the 12th, the two are both in Louisiana right now working on movies.

Source:  Gawker, HollywoodLife

The King's Speech Kicks Ass, Receives Most Golden Globe Nominations of 2011

Besides Bridgette Jones' Diary does Colin Firth make bad movies?  Proving this theory his most recent project The King's Speech earned seven nominations for the 68th annual Golden Globes!  Brought to us by director Tom Hooper (John Adams miniseries) and writer David Siedler comes the compelling story of King George VI and his relationship with his speech therapist as well as his time of rule during dramatic times.  At first, I definitely thought the idea of the story sounded quite boring however, after viewing the trailer I'm pretty compelled to see it.  With an all star cast including Helena Bonham Cater and Geoffrey Rush I think The King's Speech will keep not only our ears but also eyes engaged.  What do you guys think??

Source: OkMagazine

Merry Christmas From the Hanson Brothers

For all 12 of us Hanson fans this is certainly one way to brighten up out holiday season.  Recently, Zac, Taylor and Isaac graced us with a holiday special in which they rocked some ridiculously hideous Christmas sweaters.  So for those of you who don't know this, the group still tours and makes new music!  Check out some new Hanson music and pics of the guys in their holiday attire after the break!

Hanson - New Music - More Music Videos

Source: OhNoTheyDidn't, Mtv

Shit You Missed This Weekend 12/10 -12/12

So this weekend we've got a wedding, some royally great engagement pics and a guy with one really big....hammer?  Check out what you missed this weekend while you were busy doing other, more important things like...drinking spiked eggnog and passing out in front of your Christmas tree.

Check out what you missed this weekend after the jump!

First up, Joel Madden and Nicole Richie got married.

Yes, I know I thought they already were too.  Especially since they already have two kids.  The were about 130 guest in attendance in Los Angeles where the event took place.  The vibe was described as having a,

"Old Hollywood, glamorous feel"

Of course Richies' famous father, Lionel Richie was in attendance but one ginormous guest included an elephant?  Oh celebrity weddings, go big or go home right?

Source: People

Speaking of weddings, Prince William and his bride to be Kate Middleton's official engagement photos were released this weekend.

The photos were taken by Mario Testino a fashion photographer who has a long standing relationship with the family after capturing many photos of Dianna. The couple got all cute and cuddly in their pics which didn't come off all stiff and formal as I would have expected.

Source: People

And lastly, news we may actually give a shit about.  The trailer for Thor was released.

The first in a string of Marvel films to be heading our way starting in May Thor's plot is described as,

Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the epic adventure, “Thor,” which spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogantwarrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

The film directed by Kenneth Branagh, mainly know for his work in Shakespeare adaptations stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg and Colm Feore. 

Source: SlashFilm, Yahoo

Behind the Scenes with the Stars of Glee!

So recently Matthew Morrison graced the cover of Details magazine and inside the issue he dises on Glee, his solo career and fitness.  Morrison also shared with us that he paddle boards in his free time.  Now, I know a lot of you out there are thinking, "can this pretty boy really hold his own out in the ocean", well check out the behind scenes video of his photo shoot to see if Morrison is the real deal.



More Glee stars behind the scenes stuff after the jump!

Source: Details,  GQ



Speaking of Glee, you guys remember that uber controversial issue of GQ in which Corey Monteith, Lea Michele and Dianna Agron graced the cover.  Well check out the behind the scenes video of the Glee groups shoot here.  (And for all you guys out there that read Reailty by Rach, you're welcome.)

Another True Blood Post: Eric is Bill's Bitch!

There's SO much great True Blood news floating around right now; new cast members, the start of filming for season four, but more importantly, Eric is Bill's bitch!  (But of course we all knew this anyway)!  Whether you're Team Eric or Team Bill you can definitely agree that True Blood stars Stephen Moyer and Alexander Skarsgard taking time out of their schedules to do a charity event is pretty awesome.

The fangtastic twosome hosted an event called Battle of the Fang.  The vampire team that earned the most got the privilege of picking slogan's for t-shirts that the stars would wear.  Together the stars earned around 70,000 dollars!  Moyer's went to Gulf Aid while Skarsgard's went to SOS Children's Villages.  It just goes to show that vampires aren't all bad!  As you can see by the shirts Team Bill came out victorious!

Source: EOnline

Glee Gets Us in the Christmas Spirit with a Very Glee Christmas

Although there wasn't anything particularly outstanding about the Christmas episode of Glee it still ended up being quite charming.  As always, the song selection was pretty interesting, deciding to open with "The Island of Misfit Toys" was really fitting.  The show decided to go the whole "teach the real meaning of Christmas" route and managed to look like a Gap ad while doing so.

In their Christmas special the Glee kids attempt to raise money for those less fortunate by caroling from classroom to classroom which of course, at McKinley High doesn't bode well and makes for a hilarious scene of hostile students and one very violent shoe throwing teacher.  Sue, who embodies the attitude of the Grinch year round decided to act  on it and portray the character to its fullest by stealing all of gifts the glee kids had got for the underprivileged kids.  Will is giving Emma the cold shoulder for running off and marrying Carl, her dentist, which I think is pretty well deserved.  Rachel and Finn are finally done after in typical Rachel fashion, she pushes Finn to forgive her for cheating on him.  Also, there is the issue of Brittany still believing in Santa and asking him to make Arty able to walk for Christmas.  However, when Brittany loses her Christmas spirit when she comes to the realization that this can't happen is given a Christmas miracle when Coach Beast anonymously gets a device that allows Arty to be able to walk occasionally and leaves it under Brittany's tree.  In the end, keeping in the spirit of Christmas all ends well with Sue giving back the presents and decorating Will's apartment with the glee kids so that he won't have to spend Christmas eve alone.


The music selection as I mentioned before was a unique choice.  As always, glee provided a great soundtrack to the episode as well as our holiday season.  The song selections included hits like Wham's "Last Christmas" and classics like"We Need a Little Christmas"and "Merry Christmas Darling" but what really caught my attention was Kurt and Blaine's duet of "Baby It's Cold Outside".  What I really appreciated about the choice of having two guys do the song was that it really put a twist on the classic song that could have easily been done by any of the guy and girl couples on the show.

After watching several of Ryan Murphy's other hit show Nip/Tuck's Christmas episodes I really had an appreciation for the dark and twisted sense of humor he presented in the episode.  For me, it was very much a Ryan Murphy Christmas and I loved every minute of it!  I give this episode a solid B.

Glee Star to Soon be a Movie Star?

Chris Colfer who plays the outrageously vibrant Kurt Hummel on Fox's hit show Glee will be taking the leap from the small screen to the big screen in the movie Lightning.  Colfer also help to write script for thre film as well.  With his presence bursting through our tv sets it was only a matter of time before Colfer made a move to the big screen.  


Lighting will be executively produced  by Glenn Rigberg who manages Colfer.  It is said the project "captures the spirit of movies penned by the late John Hughes."  Since Colfer received an Emmy nomination for his role as Kurt he should have no problem transitioning and commanding the big screen.  Filming is set to start over the Summer while Glee is on hiatus.


Source: OhNoTheyDidn't

True Blood Season 4 Casting News!

As I've recently mentioned I wasn't necessarily the biggest fan of last season's True Blood but none the less am anticipating its return.  Casting news for season 4 has recently been released.  And while the names aren't huge any True Blood news is good news and fuels excitement for the upcoming season.  Check out who'll be joining the cast after the jump!

Source:OhNoTheyDidn't


Christina Moore

Her credits include, That 70's Show, 90210 and most recently TNT's show Hawthorne.
She will play Suzanne McKittrick, a WASPy Texas housewife who possesses certain special abilities. 


Neil Hopkins

Hopkin's had a recent stint on Lost and will be playing Claude, Claudine’s mysterious brother.

 Chris Butler

Butler is currently on The Good Wife and will be playing,  Emory, a prissy and conservative shapeshifter with his own agenda.