Wackiness in Georgetown

We had a lovely, spur-of-the-moment jaunt to Metro-inaccessible Georgetown this afternoon (hooray for the Circulator bus!). Walking to Clyde's for a dreamy lunch (try the chili and the apple salad, seriously), we passed a middle-aged guy in a suit, explaining very patiently into his cell phone, "Now, you understand why you are not a Jedi knight."

*Blink*

A bit later, we saw a sign for $5 palm readings and decided to try it out. When my sister visited me last year, we did this in Adams Morgan and were treated to surprisingly detailed, specific, accurate readings. This time, however, we were treated to a "psychic" who smoked the whole time and gave us each 60-second readings that were almost identical, obviously rehearsed, and wildly inaccurate.

But, undeterred by the grumpy psychic or the chilly drizzle outside, we spent some time in the 3-story Barnes and Noble, and then went to Big Planet Comics, which we'd been curious about for awhile. Like Fantom and Alliance, Big Planet impresses with its modern, inviting, boutique-style store design. You won't see fire-hazard stacks of comics piled on tables or against the wall like some comic stores I've seen; instead they're well-lit, open establishments that are set up well to feature independent titles and cater to a broader audience. And the person working there was extremely nice and helpful.

All in all, a fun jaunt despite the cold, drizzly weather.

Because nothing says "Christmas" like a bloody Sondheim musical

We saw Sweeney Todd last night, and I have to say I was deliciously delighted by it.

I preface this by stating I went into the film with a certain amount of tredpidation. I'm not a huge fan of very violent films (the reason I have yet to see, and never will see, Pulp Fiction or Kill Bill), and I'm even less of a fan of musicals.

But Sweeney Todd was awesome. And I'm not just saying that because I got to see Johnny Depp in a puffy shirt for two hours and Helena Bonham Carter wearing a wardrobe I desperately coveted for all my future Halloween costumes. I'm not even saying that for the blink-and-you'll-miss-it Anthony Stewart Head cameo that made me jump in my seat and squeak in an adorable little fangirl moment. No, allow me to enumerate for you the ways in which this film delighted me:

1. Its dark and quirky sense of humor
2. The music actually blended with the story, rather than stopping the action entirely for a song, which is what normally irritates me about musicals *cough*Andrew Lloyd Weber*cough*
3. The music was actually good!
4. The main characters are made to be simultaneously sympathetic and revolting, the accomplishment of some truly deft writing
5. It managed to redeem Sacha Baron Cohen as an actor (and singer!)
6. Its terribly poetic ending

For those wondering if Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter can actually sing, the answer is a resounding "yes." Though generally, they veered away from singing the score operatically (as it's probably usually done) and instead sang/spoke the dialogue in a way that matched better with the story and kept things gritty and realistic, but still left you humming afterwards.

In sum, I highly recommend it. Just know that yes, it is really bloody.

Christmas specials I'd like to watch today

It's the morning of Christmas Eve, and I'm flipping through the channels to find a Christmas special, but coming up empty.

So here is what I wish were on television right now.

The Muppet Christmas Carol
The first major Muppet movie after the death of Jim Henson, this feature-length movie was greeted with a certain level of apprehension by Muppet fans, myself included. But the sweet story, great cast, and great music endures.

A Muppet Family Christmas
I feel you can't adequately judge a Christmas special unless you've seen it in your adult years (just looking through the rosy lens of nostalgia doesn't count), so I can honestly say this one holds up, since I saw it a few years ago on video. Fraggles, a running joke about people slipping on an icy patch, and the building wackiness and silliness throughout make this a fun special worth watching years later.

Emmet Otter's Jug Bang Christmas
OK, you're probably sensing a Muppet theme right now. What can I say...I grew up in the 80s, and Jim Henson and Co. just plain make some good Christmas specials. This one, often overlooked and rarely played on television anymore, is heart warming and has great music.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
One quote sums up the awesome silliness that is this special: "Didn't I tell you? Bumbles bounce!" If you want to hear some weird factoids about this special, check out the "Not My Job" segment of Dec. 8 episode of NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me."

A Claymation Christmas Celebration
I may resort to this one today, because we do actually own it on DVD. Don't remember it? This may jog your memory: It was the only Christmas special to feature the California Raisins. It also featured a cool jazz version of "We Three Kings" sung by camels, and a recurring joke about people getting the lyrics wrong for "Here We Come A-Wassailing" (my favorite: "Here We Come A-Waffling"). Was it brilliant? Hardly. Was it so-bad-it's-good? Oh yeah.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated)
You can't top Boris Karloff singing. Classic.

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
I'm going to break my own rule here, because I haven't seen this one since I was a kid, but that's why I'd like to watch it today. I just barely remember it and I want to see if it holds up.

What are your favorite Christmas specials?

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting!

"Everybody was Kung Fu fighting! Those cats were fast as lightning! In fact it was a little bit frightning! But they fought with expert timing!"

A bit later than promised, here is photographic proof that I'm attending Kung Fu class. Shown here with my "older brother" and patient guide Matt, I posed for this picture today, our final session of the current term.

I could wax intellectual at length about what I've experienced during the last six weeks in class, both from a physical and mental perspective. It's an odd mix of good and bad, success and failure, elation and frustration. But I'll spare you the gory details. Suffice to say that I've much to learn in both arenas. I have come far, but I have so very, very far yet to go.

That's why I'm planning to return for another term when classes resume Jan. 3. Under the watchful eye of Sifu Thomas, and with the help of Matt and my other friends in class, I am eager to continue. I want to better my mind, I want to better my body, and I want to do some more Kung Fu fighting.

G.I. Joe cast tracker: Storm Shadow

In addition to the three "G.I. Joe" casting announcements from this morning, it seems another is in order. Byung-hun Lee is playing Storm Shadow.

According to IESB.net, Paramount Pictures confirmed this week that the little-known Korean actor will play the evil ninja. Lee is listed as having worked on several television and film projects unique to the Asian market, including the show "All In" (2003) and movies "Everybody Has Secrets" (2004) and "A Bittersweet Life" (2005). A cursory scan of his Internet Movie Database entry indicates "G.I. Joe" may be his first U.S. work.

I see Lee's casting as something of a mixed development for the upcoming "G.I. Joe" film. It's good that the movie's producers have such confidence in the brand and script that they feel known names are not needed to draw audiences. But at the same time, it's somewhat risky choosing an actor who has yet to prove himself to American audiences. Were more recognizable faces, such as my ideal casting, Jet Li, unavailable? Did they pass? Or was Lee director Stephen Somers' first choice?

I know no answers to these questions, but I do know I'll be able to judge the logic of this move come August 2009. Here's hoping the logic is sound.

G.I. Joe cast tracker: Scarlett, etc.

Some new recruits have been announced for the upcoming "G.I. Joe" film.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed today that Rachel Nichols, best known for her work in the fifth season of "Alias," will play Scarlett, a skilled martial artist. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who plays Mr. Eko on "Lost," has been cast as Heavy Duty, whose code name correctly conveys his affinity for heavy ordinance. Said Taghmaoui, who is known to me only through his guest spot on two episodes of "The West Wing," plays Breaker, the Joe's communications specialist. The Hollywood Reporter article also confirms earlier reports that Ray Park will play Snake Eyes in the film.

I'm left with mixed reactions to the castings of Scarlett, Heavy Duty and Breaker. I approve the choice of Nichols for Scarlett, but would have preferred to see Jennifer Garner in the role. Nichols, sadly, strikes me as a second choice, but given her work on "Alias," I imagine she'll do fine in the role.

The choice of Akinnuoye-Agbaje for Heavy Duty is somewhat telling of this movie overall. That this character and not the comparable but more relaxed Roadblock was chosen is evidence that "G.I. Joe" is ramping up the intensity and jettisoning its sometimes comedic roots. Now don't get me wrong. I think a serious tone is what this film needs. But even the best three minutes of "G.I. Joe" ever committed to film has a hint of slapstick comedy. (See: Bazooka's accidental attack at time stamp 2:13.)

That the role of Breaker, originally a southern boy, will be played by Taghmaoui is an obvious concession to give the team an international flavor. I have no real affinity for Breaker, one of the first Joes, so the switch does not agitate me, but I will be curious to see how this announcement goes over among other fanboys.

For those keeping score, we still have several key roles yet to be filled, including that of Joe field commander Duke, and the main villains, Cobra Commander and Destro. Here's hoping that we can soon get some names attached to those roles, as they really will be the make-or-break casting decisions for this film.

"I'm not dead yet!"

I seem to have turned the corner on this vitriolic virus of mine. I'm still coughing and suffering other residual effects, but I think the worst of it has passed.

By the count I gave yesterday, this would make today Day 6 of The Unnamed Virus, but a more accurate tally might mark this Day 9. You see, for two or three days before my throat ached, my nose was constantly and inexplicably running. I didn't think much of it at the time -- naive as I was -- but now see it was merely the prelude to my further suffering.

So be mindful. Should your nose start running, get your affairs in order. You'll have three days where the virus focuses on your nose, three where it tortures your throat and three more where it lives in your chest. Those middle three days are the worst, but none of this is joyful.

Pray you don't get this. Just pray.

Enter the supervirus

I distinctly remember a conversation I once had with a coworker about our medicinally inclined society, and how it's actually setting the stage for the emergence of super-viruses. I laughed at the time, thinking it would take generations for such things to occur.

I'm not laughing now.

As I type this, I am concluding Day 5 of my marathon battle against some kind of virus that has run me down like a supercharged steamroller. This is the longest I have been ill insofar as I can remember. My throat feels like sandpaper, my lungs feel like they're filled with lead, and despite frequent naps and snacks, my body feels like it's running on empty.

Come not near me, ye foolish mortals who dwell nearby, less you catch this vile virus of pandemic proportions!

*sigh* *cough, cough* *sniffle*

Make it stop.

Annie's Best and Worst of 2007

Best movies

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  This film took the Harry Potter series in a whole new, dark, and compelling direction. No more kiddie obsessions with rotating staircases and the like -- now the series turns it focus to the epic war between good and evil.

• Stardust
  This lighthearted and charming film reminded me of all the things I love about The Princess Bride -- it was magical, funny, and has lots of dramatic twists and turns.

• Waitress
  Half-dramatic and half-comedic, this "rom-com" came with an edge I found quite satisfying.

• Pan's Labyrinth
  Magestic and breathtaking, this film grabs you by the heartstrings and refuses to let go as it takes you on an amazing visual and artistic journey.

• Ocean's Thirteen
  This Ocean installment recaptured the fun of the first movie. A smart, sophisticated casino heist story.

Worst movies

• We Own the Night
  This movie basically consists of Joaquin Phoenix staggering around like he's hungover. And occasionally shooting things. And crying.

• Transformers
  I hate to differ with my dear husband on this one, but having recently watched the DVD I must say this film is brain poison. The plot holes, the horrid script, the sheer hokiness...ugh.

• Beowulf
  So over-the-top it was ridiculous.

• Epic Movie
  I was hoping for a clever spoof of the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter trilogies, but instead I got an unfunny, overly juvenile riff that focuses almost exclusively on The Chronicles of Narnia.

Movies I refused to see because the first iterations were painful enough

• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
• Spider-Man 3

Movies I want to see

• Enchanted
• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
• The Seeker: The Dark is Rising

Best music

• Mika
  My top new artist of the year. Mika kept me singing and dancing through 2007 with his dreamy disco beats and fabulous falsetto. The question is, can he successfully top his own freshman album?

• Sara Bareilles
  She opened for Mika and won me over with her perky, plonky piano and Fiona-Apple-esque vocals.

• The Donnas
  Their new album, Bitchin', features an excellent blend of styles and brings us back to their hard rockin' roots, after the divergence of their previous album, Gold Medal.

• The Nickelback song "Rockstar"
  Because God help me, I can't get it out of my head...or resist dancing to it when it comes on my iPod.

• The Feist song "1234"
  This peaceful yet upbeat melody had a fun and dramatic (one continuous shot!) music video that brought it to life.

• Keepon
  This little yellow Peep-meets-snowman danced his way into my heart, and made me love the Spoon song "Don't You Evah."

Best books

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
  Best book of the year. Enjoyable and breathtaking from the first page, through the unfortunate lull in the middle third, to the race-to-the-finish climax, to the ultra-satisfying ending. Well done, JKR.

• Thursday Next: First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde
  Admittedly, I'm still reading this, but it's a great fifth installment in the Thursday Next series. If you haven't read them yet, and if you enjoy literature and humorous mysteries, go find the first installment, The Eyre Affair, today.

Agree? Disagree? Post your thoughts in the comments!

G.I. Joe cast tracker: Snake Eyes

It's not yet official, but multiple movie news outlets are reporting that Ray Park has been cast as Snake Eyes for the upcoming "G.I. Joe" film.

Park, best known for his role as Darth Maul in "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," is perfectly cast as the Joe's masked martial artist. He was my top pick for the role, and I can't wait to see him bring the character to life on screen.

Slashfilm broke the news of Park's casting last week, and it has since been confirmed by IGN and other movie news outlets.

Slashfilm's report also included some tidbits new to me, such as the film's release date and plot synopsis. "G.I. Joe," slated to hit theaters Aug. 7, 2009, seems to be heavily influenced by the cartoon I grew up watching:

"From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite co-ed G.I. JOE team, based from it’s headquarters The Pit, deploys the latest in next-gen spy and military equipment to fight crooked arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious COBRA organization from plunging the world into chaos."

If this film is half the awesome I think it's going to be, I'm going to love Aug. 7, 2009.

Gay icon + President Bush = Christmas greetings

I was simultaneously stunned and elated this morning to watch this unforgettable clip from The Ellen DeGeneres Show in which President Bush's daughter, Jenna, makes like E.T. and phones home...



That the president took this strange opportunity to say he's "glad to talk to Ellen," and wish "merry Christmas" to the show's audience, was a classy move. So in the spirit of things, I say merry Christmas to you, too, Mr. President.

Merry Christmas to all.

Fruity Oaty Bar...turns a man into a mouse!

GLEE!

Here are two very geeky products I just found, one of which will be released in April...both depicting the "Fruity Oaty Bar," a fake commercial in the movie "Serenity."

Baby Doll Tee (available now)

Lunchbox (released in April)

Piratz redeems itself, and my friends are teh awesomez

For my birthday this week, our gaming crew joined us at Piratz Tavern for a little celebration. The Drunken Ferret T'Barnacle Choir was in fine form, singing all my favorites and serenading me with a couple birthday songs. The grog, as usual, was excellent, and the service was warm and friendly (thanks, One-Eye'd Mike!).

My husband, unbeknownst to me but knownst to my friends, conspired to surprise me with a mighty horde of balloons. He asked each member of our D&D group to bring a balloon to the birthday celebration. Long story short, there ended up being somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 balloons at the restaurant for me! I was floored! Many of them had pirate themes - including a very sassy Jack Sparrow balloon (ladies...). I was really touched.

Some of the balloons didn't make it back to our place, alas, falling victim to the night wind...including a really pretty flower mylar balloon Quinn got me. But at least we got a huge bunch of those fun "punch balloons," which were incorporated into one of the funniest drunken play-fights I've ever seen between Matt and Ozzie. In short, a good time was had by all. Thanks, everyone!