Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Vent Blog: Why Mess With A Good Thanos?

If you know Marvel movies, then you know that the mid-credits and/or post-credits scenes that follow the awesome films are jam packed with foreshadows, spoilers, and Easter eggs. Therefore, at the end of the 1.5 billion dollar grossing superhero film The Avengers, I was genuinely mind-blown, freaked out and in awe of seeing the Mad Titan come to life on the big screen, if only for a few seconds. The man behind the amazing makeup prosthetics was none other than actor and stuntman Damion Poitier who's worked with Joss Whedon before in his shows "Firefly" and "Dollhouse" as well as working on "Charmed" and True Blood. As Thanos he looked amazing with a grin that could shatter worlds. The scene alluded to Thanos' presence in future Marvel movies and I was so excited! I started following Poitier's page for updates and found that the handsome actor is a genuinely awesome guy with an adorably geeky sense of humor with a love for two sweet pups. 

Imagine my surprise and anger to learn that in upcoming films such as The Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Age of Ultron, Thanos would be voiced and portrayed through performance capture by Josh Brolin. 

Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanos#Film

You can see Poitier in the top photo with eery, glowing blue eyes looking like a villain you could reach out and touch, but wouldn't want to because he'd crush you like a bug. The bottom photo is the performance capture Thanos, which to me is a disappointing and downgraded version. The muted purple tones and undeniable CGI-ness leave me shaking my head and shouting, "Poitier for Thanos!"
"Poitier for Thanos!"


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Mellow Mushroom: The Ol' Bait and Switch

Yesterday I trekked out to Mellow Mushroom’s Way Back Wednesday 40th Anniversary, flashback to 1974 prices. These prices were to include $2.50 small cheese pizzas, .30 Coke products, and .75 Budweiser, Michelob and PBR. I knew I was in for a wait; and a lot of people’s wait included a beer in hand. When I first turned into the parking lot there were cars everywhere, even along the sides leading into the main lot. Luckily I found an open spot recently vacated and didn’t’ have to worry about parallel parking just to get some pizza. The line was out of the door and the rain was coming down dousing prospective patrons, but also cooling down the outdoor wait. There wasn’t too much of a lag and my feet seemingly kept moving, even if only at a baby step pace. When I received my buzzer at 6 PM I was told it would be a thirty minute wait and I saw there were already people waiting in front of me, so I knew it was going to be a first come, first served situation. My friend wasn’t going to arrive until about 6:20, so the ETS (estimated time of seating) would work out well. The couple directly in front of me as we walked through the door and got our buzzers decided to seat themselves at a table that was recently wiped down. One of the servers told the wife that Mellow Mushroom was on a “wait” and that they were seating patrons that had already been waiting. The wife responded, “well, we’ve been waiting, too.” It was at this point that I scoffed in disgust and my head went side to side like a tennis ball as I watched this server professionally repeat to the lady that she would not be able to sit down until her buzzer went off because it was only fair to the patrons who arrived before her. The husband sheepishly stood behind his wife not contributing anything to the conversation. Mind you, they were directly in front of me in order and probably only had about 15 minutes left to go. Upset at the inability to seat herself, I suppose, the wife led her husband out of Mellow Mushroom.

I was very impressed with all of the Mellow Mushroom staff tossing up pizza dough, whizzing around with three to four pizzas stacked in hand, seating patrons, and maintaining composure and courteousness.

What I was not impressed with, however, was being told by our server, after being seated and ordering drinks, that they were all out of the small cheese pizzas that were advertised at $2.50. While I understand hundreds upon hundreds of people probably stopped by MM over the course of the day, the highlight of the day were the reduced prices (with no disclaimer of “while supplies last,”) so how is it that you run out the very thing that is marking the day?! And if you can make countless other varieties of pizza, why can’t you make a simple small, cheese pizza?! It felt like a classic bait and switch. At that point, after the driving, getting hungrier by the minute during half an hour or more of waiting, and finally being seated, how likely are you to walk back out through the crowd packing the doorway? Now, I have always loved Mellow Mushroom; there is one shop right down from my alma mater, so frequent trips were made. Therefore, I didn’t mind ordering from one of their many other delicious flavors at a medium size to split with my friend. Nonetheless, I was not happy about not knowing upon my arrival that small $2.50 pizzas were no longer available. A sign at the door should have been posted so people could make the informed decision to wait or not wait. Every so often I would cast my gaze upon the packed door and the huge line of customers continuously coming in and wondered if others would feel the same frustration. All in all: good pizza, bad tactics.

 

Monday, August 11, 2014

R.I.P. Robin Williams (7/21/1951-8/11/2014)

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/81-fall-tvs-biggest-stars-619818#3-cbs-crazy
Photo Credit: www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/81-fall-tvs-biggest-stars-619818#3-cbs-crazy
There are some actors and actresses you grow up with that you gain such a familiarity with their work that you can recite their lines back, word for word. One of those brilliant actors for many fans was Robin Williams. From his iconic roles as Popeye, Peter Pan, Mork from Mork & Mindy, to Mrs. Doubtfire, Genie, and his most recent TV work on "The Crazy Ones," Williams had an incredible filmography that will carry on for years.

Robin Williams' comedic timing was genius and you could only admire his dedication in throwing his body and his all into each and every skit, scene, interview, and stand-up routine. His stand-up, theatre, TV, Film, and charity work made him one of the most recognized names in Hollywood over the past 40 years.

Sadly, Williams was reported dead today of an apparent suicide due to a battle with severe depression. It just goes to show that you never really know what's going on in someone's life, and you have to appreciate and cherish every moment. I, personally, will miss the laughter Williams could incite. 

R.I.P. Mr. Williams

Sunday, August 10, 2014

True Blood 7.8 Recap - For Whom the Bell Tolls (Spoilers)

True Blood has fallen so far from its stellar, cohesive first few seasons that I think its ending will come as a refreshing release. Sookie and Bill back together feels forced down viewers' throats for the sheer purpose of closing out the show mirroring how their ill-fated love started in season 1. Even talk of Bill's past betrayal didn't seem to give Sookie any pause. Poor, sexy, shirtless Alcide. He never had a chance. Sookie has become a lackluster heroine for me who has replaced her former classy repartee with awkwardly timed 'f' bombs. I think I've even got Pam beat on my number of eye rolls when Sookie's on-screen.

Sarah Newlin gives herself up to Eric and the Yakuza as the cure to vampires suffering from Hep-V. The Yakuza plan is to synthesize her blood, but not to its full capacity. That will keep the money flowing in as the infected continue seeking out the 'New Blood'. A newly healed Eric tracks Sookie down at Bill's just to let her know that he is okay now. I guess he wasn't deterred by Sookie's scantily robed presence at Compton Manor. Although visibly shocked from learning that Bill has Hep-V, Eric chooses not to let Sookie in on the Newlin cure. After an impromptu trip to Fangtasia with some pseudo glamouring by Eric, Sookie tracks down Sarah in the Fangtasia dungeon-basement. "Even as the cure, you're still the f****ng problem." The Newlin's have always excelled at being thorns in sides.

Though she had her moments in the beginning of the season when I appreciated her sass, in the end, Violet was a whack job with a superiority complex and a horribly wicked sense of scorned revenge. However, she was the only legitimate villain of the final season and quickly met her true death at the hands of Hoyt. I suppose that was only fitting considering he unknowingly killed his mother's killer. Speaking of Hoyt, as a fan from the beginning of Hoyt and Jessica's romance, I loved seeing them back together with such instant on-screen chemistry. Apparently, even despite a glamour, Hoyt still loves Jessica deep down. And I'm all smiles! With Jessica and Jason seemingly tying up their complicated, sexual relationship as a "beautiful friendship," there is definitely hope that Hoyt won't go back to Alaska, or Bridget.

It took seven seasons for Tara's backstory to be fully revealed. She was killed in the first episode of season 7 as a main cast member only to be brought back as a recurring vision. Lettie Mae and Tara finally find the closure they need to allow them to both move on, albeit in different ways.

In the end, Bill chooses not to ingest Sarah's blood to save his own life. Season 7 has been the season of emo flashbacks of Bill's former life. Either the virus is affecting his reasoning skills or Bill is electing to succumb to the disease. Either way, I don't have the highest of expectations for these final two episodes. Oh, well - Hoyt and Jessica!!


Saturday, August 9, 2014

High Fashion Photoshoot - Summer 2014

Credit: StanChambersJr Photography
Credit: StanChambersJr Photography
As most of you may know, when I'm not working, dancing, or writing, I am a freelance model and a member of Models for Charity. A couple of weeks ago I took part in a Summer Photoshoot which brought together the talents of photographers, MUA/Hair stylists, wardrobe stylists, and models. We broke off into groups with specific photo and wardrobe themes. My group chose high fashion, and I think we did a great job of achieving that look. The photoshoot also provided the opportunity to network with others in the fashion industry. The setting was a downtown, Moroccan wine lounge with rich, warm colors flowing through every inch of the venue; from the brick backdrop and embroidered furniture, every photo popped with life and fierceness. I am very happy with the end result and I look forward to my next photoshoot when I'll have the chance to capture another stylish look!