Mad About These Men

Considering the recent cover story in EW, I'm still surprised when I run into someone who hasn't heard of AMC's Mad Men. As an avid fan of the show from the first episode last summer, I still can't quite fathom why America hasn't fallen in love right along with me. And maybe it has to do with AMC, specifically the fact that it doesn't have the advertising of the major broadcasting companies. Had it not been for TV Guide, I would never have tuned into the highly-stylized show.
But with season 2 premiering July 27th, I've begun a word of mouth campaign, hoping to pull as many of my friends to appreciate one of the best shows on TV. The look and tone of the show, with clothing and props from the 50s and 60s giving it an authentic feel, should be enough. But the show is so much more than just advertising men womanizing their co-workers. Its so much more than booze and cigarettes. The characters, from the deceptive and dark Don Draper to the ignorantly ambitious Peggy Olson, are never purely good or bad, just interesting and complex. And the story has never come off as cheap, but rather completely realistic and true to the times. The rise of female empowerment has begun to develop, as Peggy becomes a junior copywriter and Don's neighbors deal with the single mother who recently moved in.
And did I mention the show is so damn pretty?

Finding Comfort in the Rain

No matter how many times I've seen "Singin' in the Rain," I still get goosebumps when I see Gene Kelly tapping down the street. But that feeling is trumped when I get the chance to see someone watch the film for the first time. There's something about watching a friend fall in love with a movie I've always adored that makes the viewing experience that much better. I am one of those people who glances back at you for every reaction shot. And I do shoot looks of disdain at friends who have never watched "Gone With the Wind" or "Philadelphia Story."
Sure, I come off as a film snob every time I spout off a list of the classic movies everyone should have to watch to appreciate film. But maybe it isn't just about preaching my views or educating my friends on film appreciation. Maybe it's all about getting people to understand and feel those emotions I experience every time I watch the movies.

I Haven't Kissed A Girl... But I Like It

Yes, the lyrics are awful. And sure, it can be interpreted as homophobic. But damnit, Katy Perry's song "I Kissed A Girl" is so freaking catchy I can't help but sing along. And truth be told, I'm excited about her upcoming album. When I first heard "UR So Gay" a few months ago on MTVU, I realized we finally had an American Lily Allen sans meltdown. While the video for "I Kissed" is boring quite frankly given the possibilities, "UR So Gay" smartly uses Barbies to tell the story of the metrosexual. Check out the video if you haven't seen it already.
Thankfully though, I'm not alone in my guilty pleasure. It's actually the second most popular song on ITunes, which completely boggles my mind. Yes, the beat is pretty sweet and the chorus is fun. But if this song becomes more downloaded than Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" (my current favorite song), I might just have a problem with Ms. Perry.

Wishing I'd Never Come to the End

I've learned not to ever believe the hype when it comes to literature. Considering the New York Times actually considered Curtis Sittenfeld's Prep one of the ten best books of 2004, I've been wary of critics for some time. But two books have blasted any expectations I could ever have: Marisha Pessl's Special Topics in Calamity Physics and Joshua Ferris' And Then We Came to the End.
Special Topics is about the relationship between a college professor and his daughter, Blue as well as the girl's experience with a selective group of students. The novel is filled with annotations and drawings, as Blue writes the story in the form of a lesson plan. Littered with hundreds of references to all forms of pop culture, Pessl creates a Noir story with a contemporary feel.
And Then We Came to the End is a book centered on employees in an advertising agency who are coping with downsiding. What struck me most about the novel was how well Ferris was able to utilize the first person plural narrative. By talking in terms of "We," I somehow felt that I was gossiping about the latest person to be given the boot right along with the rest of them. For anyone who loves the Office or Office Space, this novel is a gem.
Although the two don't have a single thing in common, save superb writing and wicked humor, both have easily become favorites. And I've been even more impressed by the fact that the novels were the first for both authors. It gives me hope, not only that quality literature is never fading, but that writing a good book is possible before 30.

Desperately Seeking Comedy

What happened to American comedy? Once, we were considered the elite. From the Three Stooges to Mel Brooks to Billy Wilder, everyone else attempted to emulate the American standard. In TV, we're borrowing from England every chance we get. But even worse is the state of comedy in film. I hardly recognize the supposed funny films the US has been putting out in the last few years. And this summer is no exception. With the Love Guru and You Don't Mess with the Zohan leading the pack of cringe-worthy movies without any smart humor, I can understand why a few of my friends have become obsessed with British programming. And I'm right there with them. Give me someone original like Russell Brand over a desperate Adam Sandler any day.
However, I won't dismiss all American comedy. I've become a loyal fan of Seth Rogan, especially after Forgetting Sarah Marshall. But for the most part, the most commercial comedies have been utter duds (I'm looking at you Will Farrell.)

So I Think I Can Be the Mole

Me and reality TV just don't get along. Never have, and considering the newest bash of trashy concepts, we never will. But that doesn't mean I don't have a soft spot for quality programming. There are some reality shows that I'm completely and utterly obsessed with, to the point where I check discussion boards on a regular basis. Shows that I'd be willing to debate with anyone on their awesomeness. Every year, while I passionately despise 95% of the reality programs, there are always one or two exceptions. From Murder in a Small Town X to America's Next Top Model (Damn those modelathons), I found programs that actually entertained me.
And this summer, I'm not embarrassed to admit I've fallen for two shows: The Mole and So You Think You Can Dance. Of course, I've been obsessed with both since their initial run, but that doesn't make me any less excited to see a new batch of contestants. With the Mole, I can't help but play along with the players, developing my own theories on the deceptive contestant (My money's on Craig, for the record.) And sure, no one can replace Anderson Cooper. But I still get excited during each execution without the steel fox.
With SYTYCD, I'm living vicariously through the dancers. I can't dance for shit. But I can appreciate the talent on the show. And even though I rooted for David Cook, American Idol doesn't have anything on the performances and quality of the show.
As much as I hate reality TV, everything is ok in moderation.