Kacey Watches all 8 HP in One Sitting...

So I did it. I got up at 8:00am (Pacific Standard Time) on December 21^st (yay for school breaks!) and began my nearly 20 hour Harry Potter movie marathon. (Thanks to Jamie for owning all 8 films and letting me borrow the 6 films I do not own!) I began watching on the big screen in the living room of my parents’ home, but decided that it would be much more considerate of me as a roommate to move to my above the garage suite once the ‘rents came home from work. I completed this marathon of awesomeness at about 3:30 in the morning and have been thinking about how to share my thoughts since.

I thought about analyzing the differences between director’s style’s and changes in the setting or something, but why dwell on inconsistencies when I can focus on the high level of entertainment that these films provide for me. I mean I already have fallen in love with the stories and characters via the books, but the films are brilliant, particularly when they have to convey something in 30 seconds that it takes J.K. Rowling 30 pages to do (I know we all have moments of “I can’t believe they didn’t do ______” but overall they are well done). So as I watched I made about some favorite moments and lines with side notes of the lovely actors that deliver them. This is the result.

Movie 1:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 

First off important to mention that while I love Michael Gambon as Dumbledore… Richard Harris is truly my favorite, even if his presence in the first film is somewhat limited to “looks” he gives from the head table.

Favorite lines:

Dumbledore: “It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry, and forget to live.”

Dumbledore: “It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.”

(**This scene where he gives the extra point to Neville always makes me cry, which I promise was just the beginning of many tears shed throughout the marathon.**)

The first film overall is great, but has limited standout scenes. This is mostly due to the young acting. (Although the introduction of Seamus blowing things up is one of the best continued side jokes throughout all 8 films)

The main trio (HRH as I will call them) do manage to deliver some great lines and develop the early stages of these friendships.

My personal favorite:

Hermione: “Now if you two don't mind, I'm going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed - or worse, expelled.”
Ron: “She needs to sort out her priorities!” 

Movie 2:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of the Secrets

This might be the funniest film. Even though other films provide some pretty great lines (and with perhaps a little more grown up humor), this one still remains light without the scary undertones of impending doom (although big ass scary snake does damper things a little).  Plus there is more of the Weasley family by way of showing the Burrow (also known as my future home).

Arthur Weasley: “Now, Harry you must know all about Muggles, tell me, what exactly is the function of a rubber duck?”

Probably one of the reasons for high humor in this film is of course Dobby even if he does cause Harry some problems!  (**Almost started crying when he first came on the screen**)

Harry: Promise me something.
Dobby: Anything, sir.
Harry: Never try to save my life again.

(**Almost tears here… kind of foreboding.**)

Also the source of great laughs (and irritations) is Gilderoy Lockhart portrayed by the great Kenneth Branagh. When Ron’s broken wand causes him to lose his mind the amusement only increases.

Lockhart: “It’s like magic.

Moaning Myrtle (the lovely Shirley Henderson) always knows how to make Harry feel awkward by her forwardness.

Moaning Myrtle: “Oh, Harry? If you die down there, you're welcome to share my toilet."

Ron seems to be in constant fear throughout the whole movie between the flying car scene, his slight fear of his mother and of course- spiders.

Ron: “Why spiders? Why couldn’t it be ‘follow the butterflies’?”

While most of my comments regarding this film are about its humor it would be a shame to ignore the primer of Jason Issac’s portrayal of Lucius Malfoy which is mostly pure evil and absolutely brilliant (and increasingly complex in future movies).

 Another great quote from Dumbledore (and one of Richard Harris’ final scenes as Dumbledore)

Dumbledore: “It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices.”

Movie 3:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Welcome Michael Gambon as Dumbledore!

This film has more stuff to “sort” than fighting Voldemort (well actually the book does, so in turn so does the film).

Enter Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) and Remus Lupin (David Thewlis). The reuniting scene in the Shrieking Shack is a great bromance sort of moment. Particularly the comments shared when they are reunited:

Lupin: “Finally, the flesh reflects the madness within.”
Black: “Well, you'd know all about the madness within, wouldn't you Remus?”

Moments that do make me laugh in a kind of otherwise somewhat emotional heavy film:

Ron’s continued fear of spider:

“Ron: [sitting bolt upright in bed] Spiders... the spiders... they want me to tap-dance. And I don't want to tap-dance!
Harry: You tell those spiders, Ron.
Ron: Yeah, tell them... I'll tell them...”

Snape (the BRILLIANT Alan Rickman) dressed in Neville’s grandmother’s clothes.

(**Not sure why I haven’t mention Alan Rickman before- but really the epic stuff comes a little later.**)

Trying to tell the future in Trewlawney’s (Emma Thompson does “mental” well):

Ron: Oh yeah... well, Harry's got a sort of wonky cross... that's trials and suffering. And, uh, that there could be the sun, and that's happiness, so... you're gonna suffer... but you're gonna be happy about it...

(Noticing that many of the more humorous quotes tend to come out of Ron’s mouth)

BEST moment: Hermione punches Malfoy. So it totally rocks in the book as well and so much about book 3 in my mind is about how awesome Hermione is anyways. But the punch is bloody brilliant and needs to be mentioned.

Movie 4:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

This is where I get to make some sort of joke about sparkly vampires as Hogwarts’ golden boy but really the best moment is when Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson) first comes on screen and Hermione and Ginny exchange a “look.” And with that we have teenagers… hormones and all. 

Ron and Harry must find a date for the Yule Ball and begin their first real adventure with girls… This distracts them from their “studies” and Snape (who has a limited role in film) continues to gently “remind them” to stop talking. (He hits Ron and Harry on the back of the head Gibbs style). Snape makes the scene hysterical without saying one word.

And then it occurs to Ron:

Ron: Hermione, you’re a girl.

Although he’s not the real (spoiler alert) Mad-Eye Moody (wonderfully played by Brendan Gleeson) the character is awesome. The Ferret scene makes me almost giddy:

McGonagall: “Professor Moody! What are you doing?”
Mad-Eye: “Teaching.”
McGonagall: “Teach - is that a student?”
Mad-Eye: “Technically it's a ferret.”

This seems to be my first mention of the magnificent Maggie Smith as McGonagall and although some of her more epic scenes come later I do love the dancing scene.

First she describes the Yule ball as a night of  “well mannered frivolity.”

But then insist:

McGonagall: “The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizarding world for nearly ten centuries. I will not have you, in one night, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons!”

I love a little awkward bromance action too when Ron and Harry fight, but more importantly make up in less-than climatic sort of way.

Hermione: “Boys.”

Despite these funny, uncomfortable teenager moments for the HRH trio we are finally introduced to evilest of evils- a fully functional Voldemort (fabulous Ralph Fiennes). Who while being horrifying still does not forget a little bad guy banter:

Voldemort: “Come now, Harry, the niceties must be observed. Dumbledore would not want you to forget your manners.”

Movie 5:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Okay I know I said I wasn’t going to talk about technical and visual stuff, but two things must be noted: the flying through London scene at the beginning is awesome and I much prefer Harry and Ron with shorter hair.

Now enter “Emo Harry.” (I learned that from Jamie)

Dolores Umbridge is a hateful, spiteful woman and I think I might like Voldemort better than her (Imelda Stauton does a great job). I think it’s the teacher in me and when she says things like:

Umbridge: “It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge will be sufficient to get you through your examinations, which after all, is what school is all about”

Although it seems that Harry is angry most the movie, he finally meet Miss Luna Lovegood who points things out in her amazingly awkward and prophetic way.

Luna: “If it’s just you alone, you’re not as much as a threat.”

And eventually Harry does start to get a little inspirational:

Harry:” Working hard is important, but there's something else that's even more important: believing in yourself. Look at it this way: every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than we are now - students. If they can do it, why not us?”

Still the wonder that are girls baffle Ron and Harry in the film.

Hermione: “Just because you have the emotional range of a teaspoon”

I think this character gets too few lines in the films, because this is a real gem:

Kingsley Shacklebolt: “You may not like him, Minister, but you can't deny: Dumbledore's got style.”

Fred and George are always there to break tensions when Harry gets too tense and the best scene in the whole movie coincides with the best part in the book as well- Fred and George’s exit from Hogwarts.

(** At this point I moved to my suite above the garage, which was good because the tears were flowing with Sirus’ death and I knew it was only going to get worse.**)

Movie 6:

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Now we’re getting to the really heavy stuff, but the 6^th film does have some pretty great scenes that make it a little less intense.

There are a few lines in this movie I like because they almost poke fun at what is happening. Lines such as:

Dumbledore: “You must be wondering why I brought you here.”

Harry: “Actually sir after all these year I just sort of go with.”

Ginny: “Why is it he’s always covered in blood”

(Referring to Harry)

And one of my favorites:

McGonagall: “Why is it, that whenever anything happens, it's always you three?”
Ron: “Believe me, Professor. I've been asking myself that same question for the past six years.”

McGonagall makes sure the boys stay focused on school no matter how much they try to slack off:

McGonagall: (to Harry) “Take Weasley with you, he looks entirely too happy.”

And ultimately, despite the looming fear that Voldemort is back and Dumbledore giving Harry new responsibilities, Ron and Harry still manage to find themselves perplexed by girls. What they decide is that Ginny and Hermione both have “nice skin.”

(They’ll get there eventually)

I’m a little unsure which is funnier- love potioned Ron or Harry on Felix Felicis. However, the Felix Felicis scene is a little more drawn out and ends with a drunk Hagrid and Professor Slughorn.

Slughorn: “Well that's life, I suppose...you go along and then, suddenly...poof!”

And then stuff gets real serious, real fast and Dumbledore is dead.

(**And guess what, I cried - again. Damn you Snape for playing your part so well.**)

Movie 7:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Okay now stuff is about to get really real. The last two movies are really just full of epic awesomeness (accompanied with lots of tears, of course.)

The intensity is there from the get-go, only to be broken a little by the great scene of the “7 Potters.” 

Mad-Eye: Fair warning, it tastes like goblin piss.
Fred: Have lots of experience with that, do you, Mad-Eye?... Just trying to diffuse the tension."

And then Mad-Eye dies, but as always Fred and George provide us with a little smile.

Fred: “George! How do you feel?"

George: “Saint-like.”

Fred: “Come again?”

George: “Saint like. I'm holy... Holey, get it?”

Fred: “The whole world of ear-related humor, and you go for, "I'm holy"? You're pathetic.”

George: “Reckon I'm still better looking than you.”

Silly Hermione, even after 7 years she is still getting her priorities a little mixed up.

Hermione: “We didn't celebrate your birthday, Harry. Ginny and I... we'd prepared a cake. We were going to bring it out at the end of the wedding.”
Harry: “Hermione... I appreciate the thought, honestly. But given that we were almost killed by a couple of Death Eaters a few minutes ago...”
Hermione: “Right. Perspective.”

So glad Neville wasn’t left out of the film, because he is so bad ass.

Neville: “Hey, losers. He isn't here.”

I hate when Ron leaves. But it then if I didn’t hate when he leaves I wouldn’t love when he comes back. I love that Hermione gets pissed at him and he pretty much does whatever he can to get her to forgive him.

Ron: “How long do you think she'll stay mad at me?”
Harry: “Just keep talking about that little ball of light touching your heart, and she'll come 'round.”

Dobby=sadness… all I’m going to say.

(**Many tears**)

 Movie 8

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

(**At this point in my movie watching I was starting to feel emotionally drained and tired because it was 2:00 in the morning. This may have somewhat influenced just how invested I was in watching the final film and everything just seemed so epic that it needed to be noted.  There are just so many fantastic scenes in the movie! And of course- lots of tears**)

 The HRH trio breaks into Gringotts- chaos. Harry pretty much sums it up when they decide to then go to Hogwarts.

Harry: “We have to go there, now.”
Hermione: “What? We can't do that! We've got to plan! We've got to figure it out...”
Harry: “Hermione! When have any of our plans ever actually worked? We plan, we get there, all hell breaks loose!”

The whole group of Hogwarts students reunited with the trio. Ron is a little disappointed with Ginny’s reaction.

Ron: “Six months she hadn't see me, it's like I'm a Frankie First Year. I'm only her brother...”
Seamus: “She's got lots of them, but there's only one Harry.”
Ron: “Shut up Seamus.”

McGonagall is a total-Hogwarts protecting- order giving-badass. I freaking love her.

McGonagall: “That doesn't mean we can't delay him. And his name is Voldemort, so you might as well use it, he's going to try and kill you either way.” 

Longbottom: “Are you really giving us permission to do this?”
McGonagall: “Yes, Longbottom.”
Longbottom: “Blow it up? Boom?”
McGonagall: “BOOM!... Why don't you confer with Mr. Finnigan? As I recall, he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics.”
Seamus: “I can bring it down!”
McGonagall: “That's the spirit, now away you go.”

The best line in the whole movie might be Maggie Smith’s “boom!”

Neville: “Ya, you and whose army?”

Then Boom!

The whole build up to the castle’s protection being infiltrated is super intense. And the last real moment we see some of the beloved characters alive.

Lupin: “It is the quality of ones convictions that determines success, not the number of followers.”
Shacklebolt: “Who said that?”
Lupin: “Me.”

Alan Rickman is so awesome as Snape. I just have to say that again, because this film is when the real mind-blowing stuff goes down… I mean-come on- SO GOOD (in a really sad sort of way.)

Snape: “No one... can know.”
Dumbledore: “That I shall never reveal the best of you, Severus?”

(**I cry**)

One scene that really gets me is when Harry turns over the stone and sees his parents, Lupin and Sirius.

Harry: “Why are you here, all of you?”
Lily: “We never left.”

(**I sob**)

The King’s Station scene with Dumbledore is well done in the movie and doesn’t leave out some of my favorite lines from the book.

Dumbledore: “You wonderful boy. You brave, brave man.”

Harry: “Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?”
Dumbledore: “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

Then the finality of it all. Neville is a wickedly awesome once more and Tom goes down.

 And thank you filmmakers for not leaving out the best:

Molly Weasley: “Not my daughter, you bitch!”

(**I cheer!**)

There you have it. It’s was pretty great and a total worthy use on time during my winter break. If you decide this is time worthy make sure you plan ahead (as not to be interrupted), get a good night sleep the night before and be prepared to be a little more emotional than watching the movies separately.

Now if only I could master the art of speed reading I could read all the books in one sitting…

Jamie talks Christmas on TV

I’m not talking about the annual airings of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Charlie Brown Christmas.  Those are very important, but that’s not what this post is about.  Instead, it’s about how some of my favorite TV shows have celebrated the holidays in the past, let’s say 15 or so years.  Here are some of my favorites:

That 70s Show – Whether they are stealing toys meant for poor children or putting on a pageant, there is a never a dull moment for Eric Foreman and friends when the holidays come around.  I would argue that the holiday episodes are among the best for this sitcom.

The O.C. – Love it, hate it, or roll your eyes, how can you not love Seth Cohen’s enthusiastic celebration of Chrismukkuh?  Seriously, try and watch the Chrismukkuh episodes of this ridiculous (but lovable) show without falling in love with Seth Cohen.

The West Wing – While the show always seemed to get into the spirit of the holidays, the best by far is "In Excelsis Deo."  You’re laughing, then you’re crying, and when it's all over you feel like you’ve been a part of something truly special.

Friends – Do I really need to say more than the Holiday Armadillo?

The Big Bang Theory – Christmases come and Christmases go, but only on "The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis" do we see a truly overwhelmed Sheldon carry multiple bath gift baskets from his room for Penny, only to ultimately realize that the only thing he can do to show his appreciation for her epic gift, is hug her.

How I Met Your Mother – While “How Lily Stole Christmas” is certainly a favorite, I have to say that I was incredibly impressed with this year’s Robin-centric Christmas episode.  Not only for the emotional performance from Cobie Smulders, but for including an ACDC light show in the apartment.  Come on, ACDC light show equals instant classic.

Glee – Obviously, there is singing.  Christmas singing. So that's awesome. But nothing tops the gang’s efforts to help Artie walk just a little, not so much for Artie, but so that Brittany will continue to believe in Santa.  It’s cool Brittany, I believe too.

Doctor Who – I’m talking "The Christmas Invasion," the first full episode with 10^th Doctor David Tennant.  The Doctor accidentally starting to quote the Lion King is pretty quality.  Also Christmas, aliens, good times.  I'm sure there are others, but I've only watched a few Doctor Who seasons, so this is the one that I love.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer – I just watched the Christmas episode from season 3, "Amends," the other day, and I must say it is a wonderful episode.  A little intense with our first introduction to The First, but then there is snow!  In southern California.    

My So-Called Life – Let’s call it saving the best for last. In the most touching episode of the short lived series, we see Angela helping a homeless Rickie on Christmas with the help of a homeless girl (or angel?) played by Julianna Hatfield.

I'm sure I've missed some classics (and new classics)... what else do you love?

Jamie's Fall 2011 TV Review

As shows wrap up for a brief (or in some cases long) hiatus over the holidays, I am offering up my two cents (or a little more) on how my favorite shows, old and new, started off their 2011-12 seasons:

1) The Big Bang Theory - The word for the season is consistency.  In its fifth season, this show continues to be laugh out loud funny week in and week out.  Highlight: Yet another brilliant performance by Laurie Metcalf as Sheldon’s God-fearing mother in what has got to be one of my all time favorite episodes.  The scene in the church where they each talk to God was one of the best ever.


2) How I Met Your Mother - We’re getting a little real over at HIMYM.  Last year it was Marshall losing his dad and Barney meeting his, and this year it’s all about Robin & Barney as they deal with all kinds of issues, both individually and together.  Thankfully this show keeps us laughing between the occasional tearjerkers. Highlight: The most recent episode where Robin talks to her fictional children.  I thought it was incredibly well written with a great performance by Cobie Smulders.  Also, there was an ACDC light situation.  Epic.

3) Parks & Recreation - I wrote about my undying love for this show in my last post, so I will say that while I continue to love it, love Leslie & Ben, think it was wise to give them a little relationship obstacle, I’m hoping to move beyond the episodes centered around their relationship.  Hoping that the conflicts in the rest of the season come from outside of their relationship (and I think it will in the form of this city council race).  Highlight: I loved (tears!) her team stepping up to run her campaign in the Christmas episode.  Ben showed his support in the prior episode, so it made perfect sense to have this be about her Parks & Rec team (plus her BFF Ann, of course) giving her the best gift ever.  

4) NCIS - This show is always great, but I will say I miss having that season-long story happening.  I am sure that the stuff from the premiere with Scott Wolf’s character will come back around and so I am anticipating an exciting second half for this show.  Also, I think we could use a little more Abby, but really, who doesn’t think that. Highlight: I think that Dinozzo has been very solid this season.  And I love the addition of Jaime Ray Newman. I hope she sticks around.

5) Castle - Continues to be the show that I wish was on 7, or maybe even 8 days a week.  If they wanted to make that many episodes, I would watch them.  All.  Okay, maybe that’s a little excessive. (but it's not)  Highlight: Beckett.  Her falling apart in the episode with the sniper shootings was fantastic, I mean, the performance, it's not great that Beckett is dealing with this, but it's so good... you know what I mean.  Stana Katic’s performance was riveting in the best episode of the season.

6) Hawaii 5-0 - Who knew, when we first saw the commercials last season that I would continue to tune in weekly for more than just Alex O’Loughlin’s shirtless moments?  Definitely not me, but this show continues to impress with intriguing storylines plus excellent casting additions - making Masi Oka a regular cast member was brilliant.   Highlight: The best bromance on television, Steve & Danny.

7) Glee - I’m totally jumping on the bandwagon of saying “Glee is back”!  Not that I think it really went anywhere, but the first half of season 2 was certainly a little shaky and only with the focus on Kurt and the bullying, plus the addition of the adorable and multi-talented Blaine, did it really come around last year (specifically the Furt episode, which makes me cry, and Darren Criss’ Glee debut singing Teenage Dream, which is far higher on my iPod alltime played list than I care to admit).  While some episodes have been stronger than others this season, I think the whole thing just feels more coherent (thank you Marti Noxon perhaps?).  Highlight: Mike Chang - Not only can that boy dance, but the storyline with his parents is incredibly touching.

8) Bones - It’s been brief, but it’s great to see the team at the Smithsonian back solving murders, and I think they have handled their two leads suddenly being very much together and pregnant very well.  Looking forward to the next step, Booth & Bones with a baby.  One question: What happened to Parker?  Will we see him when the baby is born? Booth does remember that he already has a kid, right? Highlight: New intern Finn.  A great addition to the rotating cast of interns, which I think was a great choice for this show post-Zach.

9) New Shows - The New Girl, Once Upon a Time, Hart of Dixie, & Two Broke Girls
    The New Girl - Can’t stop laughing. Highlight: Any time the boys step it up to support Jess
    Once Upon a Time - Totally hooked. Highlight: Getting a new piece to the puzzle each week.
    Hart of Dixie - Stop judging me, I love this show. Highlight: Lavon’s pet alligator, Burt Reynolds.     Also, Wade.
    Two Broke Girls - I just hope that isn’t the last we see of Chestnut. Highlight: Why is Kat Dennings only just getting her own show? She is one of the funninest people on TV, and absolutely the reason I watch this show.

Jamie loves Parks & Rec

Okay, I am finally going to try and put into words what it is that I love about Parks & Recreation, in an effort to convince Kacey that it should jump to the top of her Instant Watch priorities. 


Here's my best attempt at 5 reasons why you should change the channel to NBC immediately following Sheldon on Thursday nights:


5) It's not The Office.  Before the show even started, there were comparisons made with The Office, which, don't get me wrong, is a great show.  It's funny, well written, well acted, etc.  But it never really caught my attention in a "I must watch every single episode of this show and tell everyone how much I love it" kind of way.  Steve Carrell is a wonderful actor, and Michael Scott is a great character for him, but there has always been, for me, too much of that "oh my god I can't watch this train wreck" stupidity with the show, mostly with Michael.  At least for me to want to watch week in and week out.  So, when Parks & Rec started I resisted because I wasn't interested in that type of show.  But it is so not like that.  Yes, it uses the same mockumentary style (like both the Office and Modern Family), and the characters all work together, but that is where I think the comparisons stop.  While the crew at Parks & Rec is dysfunctional and incompetent at times (okay, a lot), there is never that feeling that they won't be able to overcome the obstacle, or that there won't be a heartfelt attempt.  Even when they don't care about the task at hand, they care about each other (or one person in particular) to make it work.  But if you (like my mom) assume you will not like this show because you don't like the Office, well, give it a chance.
4) Brilliant ensemble.  I'll highlight some individuals later, but this is definitely a show that relies on every member of the cast contributing each and every week.  If you picked up any one of these characters on their own, I'm not convinced they would work.  But put them together, and it's near perfection.  Aziz Ansari's wannabe Tom Haverford is beyond annoying, but it works because everyone else laughs at him.  Chris Pratt's stupid but adorable and sincere Andy is too dumb to believe, but you fall in love with him right along with... um... everyone else.  And Nick Offerman's government hating Ron Swanson and Amy Poehler's government loving Leslie Knope need each other, and so does the Parks Department (if only people with opposing views worked so well together in Congress) 
3) Adam Scott, i.e. the addition of.  I have to be perfectly honest, I have a huge crush on Adam Scott, and an even bigger crush on Ben Wyatt.  I don't know where it came from exactly.  Perhaps the first part of that one Veronica Mars episode where he was the teacher that everyone loved but was then accused of having an affair with a student, and I just tuned out the end where he did actually have an affair with a student.  Regardless of where it started, it was definitely increased by the brilliant Party Down (which you should watch immediately if you haven't, but that's another blog entry all together).  He is the perfect cute nerd (if he played Nate Silver in a movie I would see that movie many, many times), and just avoids being a hipster.  I loved the first two seasons of Parks of Rec, but when they added the character of nerdy, former teenage mayor turned government wonk Ben Wyatt, they hit a whole new level of excellence.  No offense to Paul Schneider, who did a fine job in the first two seasons, but with the addition of Ben (and to a lesser degree Rob Lowe's overwhelmingly optimistic Chris Traeger), I barely remember Mark Brandanawicz.  And again, I loved the first two seasons.  They were awesome.  It's just that Ben is there now, and he makes it more awesome.
2) Ron & April.  These two together are hilarious.  The way that the writers and these actors have developed this father/daughter-like relationship for the head of Parks & Rec and his now-assistant is comedic gold.  Every time they have a scene together, I know I'm going to laugh.  Plus, their negative attitude are what make it possible for me to unapologetically love....
1) Leslie Knope - Like I said, this is an amazing ensemble, but there is only reason this rag tag group of government employees can pull it together, and it is the one and only Leslie Knope.  She's crazy and energetic to the point of annoyance, but her ambitious is contagious and she's just the type of unyielding person you wish would work in your local government.  Her co-workers (except Ben & Chris) find her enthusiasm to be draining, if not horribly annoying, but like the audience, they can't help but root for her.  When the shit hits the fan, they are all there to chip in and make sure that things get done for Leslie.  Even if they don't care about the project or whatever is happening.  They do it because Leslie is a genuinely good person who takes care of everyone else around her. She loves her job, her friends, waffles, and most importantly, the town of Pawnee.  So much that it makes you kind of love the town of Pawnee too.


This is why I've resisted writing this, even though I love this show week in and week out.  When I get down to it, it sounds so sappy and that is not the show at all.  People far more cynical than I am love this show.  I mean, just watch a few minutes of any scene with Ron Swanson (especially if there is a Tammy involved), and you'll see what I mean. 


Basically, I just love this show as much as Leslie loves waffles.  And you should watch so you understand how much that is.

Jamie has Questions about Once Upon a Time - Already!

I am still trying to put together my thoughts for a blog the properly conveys my new found undying love for Parks & Recreation so that it doesn't contain any significant spoilers for Kacey since she hasn't watched it yet, but makes her neglect her life to catch up on Netflix.  However, while that is still in the works, I wanted to write a little bit about how much I am enjoying Once Upon a Time, the new fairy tale show on ABC.  The show is aesthetically pleasing (beautiful visuals!) with great characters (excellent casting) and a plot that I am already trying to figure out (even scouring the internet for what other people think).  I love it when I am left asking questions and wondering where all the pieces fit in, not to mention I get to discover this whole new world with its own rules and structure. I could not be more excited.  Here are my questions/thoughts so far:

1)  Does Regina remember that she is the evil queen or not?  I assumed that she did following episode 1, but after last week there was some ambiguity that made me think her spell may have had some unforeseen circumstances that resulted in her being a little bit clueless. 

2) Mr. Gold! Talk about the key to the whole curse.  We learned so much last week despite his minimal screen time, but he is clearly the puppet master.  Does he know everything in this new world, or just enough? I'm sure it'll come back in part to the power of names, but I am definitely intrigued.

3) Who did the Evil Queen lose?  I was thinking that it was a child, which is why she clings to Henry, but this week it seemed that Henry was more a fill in for her father, so perhaps it was a love interest/husband.

4) Where does the show go from here?  This is honestly my only concern, how long can this go on?  Of course, since everyone is making Lost comparisons (fair, since the creators came from there), I will note that one of the reasons I didn't watch Lost when it started was that I wasn't sure how long they could drag out people on a deserted island. I mean eventually they had to get rescued, right?  Given that I was wrong about the rescue meaning the end, I'm sure that the creators have a plan for our fairy tale friends.  And if nothing else they can just call up their friend JJ and use some red matter to start an alternate timeline. 

Kindergartners boost the ego

This week I was told I was genius by one student after explaining the simple act of peeling off the crayon paper to help the coloring process. Then I was told that I "know everything" after I explained what an oil pastel was to another student.

What is there to conclude from this week in kindergarten? We do a lot of coloring.

Jamie Confesses to Watching (& Liking!) Hart of Dixie

When I saw the preview for a new Rachel Bilson show on the CW about a young New York City doctor who is forced (by whatever circumstances the writers invented) to move to Alabama, I rolled my eyes and gagged a little.  I mean, it was called "Hart of Dixie."  But then on the night it premiered, I was flipping channels (because no matter how many times Ashton Kutcher gets naked, Two & a Half Men cannot hold my attention that long) and stopped, just to check it out. 


Before we continue and I confess to enjoying this cheesy new show far more than I should, I need to tell you two things.  First, I love the movie Sweet Home Alabama.  A sassy Reese Witherspoon gets to choose between New York with the dreamy politician's son Patrick Dempsey, and Alabama with the ruggedly adorable Josh Lucas.  It's a win-win.  Plus the supporting cast, especially Candice Bergen, is fantastic.  I can't actually listen to the song Sweet Home Alabama anymore without thinking, "show some respect y'all," which is a little ridiculous for this Pacific NW native.  So there's that.  And, I love Rachel Bilson.  While I could take or leave (well, mostly leave) the Ryan & Marissa part of the storyline on the O.C., I kept on watching for Seth & Summer.  I've already covered my love of Seth Cohen (nerds are so hot, and so is Adam Brody), but I'll just add here that Rachel Bilson managed to make what could have been an annoying and ditzy character, absolutely lovable, so that we were able to approve of her having won over our favorite nerd.  I have been a little disappointed with some post-O.C. efforts from Bilson, namely I thought her first guest appearance on HIMYM was overhyped and the episode underdelivered (not really her fault, and her follow up appearance was much improved), and that horrid ice cream commercial where she steps on the cars for a Magnum ice cream bar (seriously, who names an ice cream bar Magnum?).  Okay, that explanation got a little long, but to sum up, 1) love Sweet Home Alabama, 2) love Rachel Bilson.


So I start watching, and I'm hooked.  Bilson's Dr. Zoe Hart is awkward, doesn't fit in with the town, but we can see that she is a good person and a good doctor, just completely unfamiliar with small town life and country issues.  The supporting cast of characters is solid.  There's the nemesis: Lemon, the girl you hate (and who despises Zoe), and her father Brick, the doctor who owns the other half of the practice that Bilson has inherited, both of whom make you cheer a little harder for Zoe than you might have otherwise.  Then the ever important potential love interests: Lemon's fiance/Zoe's crush, George, the golden boy who has returned home to marry his high school sweetheart after a stint at a big law firm in the NYC, Wade, the somewhat attractive, slightly redneck, obnoxious jackass who rents the place next to Zoe on the mayor's property, and the mayor, Lavon Hayes - former NFL player and more importantly to the people of Bluebell, former Crimson Tide star player (on the latter, they seem to be keeping Lavon & Zoe as friends, and I hope that continues because I like that dynamic between them).  The helpful new friends, aka my favorite characters: Rose & Mrs. H, the latter being the nurse at the clinic and the former her daughter.  It seems that Mrs. H, played with a great deal of charm by Nancy Travis, may have been a guest spot, but I am hoping they find a way for the big city, podcast and comic book loving Rose to stick around.  Her interactions with Zoe are my favorite, and on episode two, her interactions with Wade made for one of my favorite moments.  The best part of episode two, however, was the ladies on the bench gossiping, which I hope they will continue in the coming weeks because it is hilarious.


So we've got our big city doctor trying to make it in a small town, which sounds just about as cheesy as the title, Hart of Dixie, implies.  But for some reason, it works for me.  In both episodes they've managed to make me root for our heroine, as she learns a little more about the town and how to be a good doctor.  Each episode (well, both episodes) combines the drama of the small town and her trying to fit in it with her extra efforts to help those few patients who are willing to see her instead of Brick, from the pregnant girl with the awful mother to Brick's own niece who hasn't told any of her family & friends in Bluebell that she has MS.  So I think I'll keep watching it, I've got to stick around at least until George breaks up with Lemon.  She really is awful.


But the name is ridiculous, so I'm just going to call it the new Rachel Bilson show.  At least for now.

Kacey makes apple cider...

Last weekend my family gathered in a barn in the country (at my aunt and uncle's house) and pressed apples into cider. Jamie was not present, as she lives a fair distance away and doesn't drive, but Sarah was there along with some aunts, a few uncles, my awesome cousins and pretty much the dopest grandparents ever. We rocked it.

As I helped chop apples and fill jugs with apple cider I couldn't help but wonder- "who does this?" In modern day American who sits in a barn for a few hours, with their extended and presses apples into cider. The Amish? Even more so, who does it and ENJOYS it? Okay, so yes there are probably others out there- but it's rare.

To get some perspective of my weekend activity my mind wonders to some of my favorite families and I wondered- would they?


The Huxtables:
There is one obvious reason this classic 80s family wouldn't be found in a country barn making cider: they live in the Bronx. However, they did have a small backyard and could see it as one of Cliff's crazy ideas that all the kids would grudgingly do. Then they would probably invite over some wise, old friend of theirs like a poet, musician or professor (from Hillman of course) and all the kids would listen respectfully as they told stories and made fun of Cliff. It would be awesome.

The Tanners:
Again here we have to problem of a city family. But, that aside, the Tanners would possibly plan a cider making day. However, it would be major drama. DJ would get mad at Stephanie and need a talk from Danny; Joey would just make some joke and annoy Uncle Jessie, and Michelle would just do something cute and be totally useless. Then cue the music... the dramatic reconciling... and then maybe some cider would be pressed.

The Foremans:
I was originally thinking that the Bradys would be a good choice to reflect on, but I honestly know very little about the Bradys and in terms of 70s era families I think the Foremans better represent. The apple cider making would probably never happen at the Foremans unless Kitty insisted. While Eric got in trouble from Red because he was being a dumbass, Fez and Hyde would concoct a plan to ferment the cider, and ultimately Kelso would cause the whole thing to fall apart. Then they would do that thing where they all sit in the circle...

The Bennets:
I not sure if cider making was something done in 19th century England, but I would imagine it was somewhere. However, Mrs. Bennet would probably NEVER allow her daughters to partake in such an activity unless they is resulted in one of them getting married. Not that would stop Elizabeth, who would probably enjoy something like that (and Jane would as well). Plus the house hold staff would probably do most of the work.

The Weasleys:
Yes they would make cider. But it would be done of course with magic after Mr. Weasley would have figured how to charm a muggle apple cider press. However I foresee something going wrong, maybe with some help from Fred and George, and ultimately they wouldn't get very far. (Important to note- apple cider pressing takes place in the fall and all the kids would be at Hogwarts anyway, so it depends on what sort of timeline were talking.)