My video obsession for the day is something that require a bit of explaining if you haven't seen the original video.
According to Wikipedia, in 2007, prisoners in the Cebu Provincal Dentention and Rehabilitation Center, a maximum security prison, started putting up videos of their choreographed dance numbers up to YouTube. The one that received the most hits was "Thriller."
It became a HUGE viral video, making it all over the web. Well, now, in honor of King Michael's passing the prisoners got back to it and made an almost 10-minute long, epic tribute to the King of Pop including "Ben" "I'll Be There," and "We Are the World." It is all at once touching and incredibly odd, particularly the painting portraying Jackson as a knight in chainmail and sword.
Enjoy!
www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
BOOK REVIEW: I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle
I am a sucker for 80's teen comedies. Actually, I'm a sucker for comedies. So, a year ago, when I picked up and purchased Larry Doyle's novel on a complete whim, based on premise alone, little did I know that I was picking up something that was right in my wheelhouse: hilarious and heartwarming.
I Love You, Beth Cooper centers on Denis Cooverman, high school valedictorian, debate team captain and overachiever who, after he leaves high school is on his way to Northwestern. But, with his speech, he feels he must say something memorable. Ergo, he says the one thing that, if left unsaid, he will regret not saying for the rest of his life: "I love you, Beth Cooper" Beth is the cheerleading captain and hottest girl in school. The additional cast include Rich, Denis' maybe-gay-maybe-bi-maybe-neither, movie-quoting best friend; flighty Treece and sarcastic Cammy, the other two members of Beth's high school Trinity of Hotness; and Kevin, Beth's Army boyfriend on furlough and his two lackeys. After the aforementioned declaration of love, a series of events occurs that is at times unfortunate, at times incredible and always hilarious and relatable.
Doyle, a writer for The Simpsons, also is a lover of the 80's teen comedies. But the book doesn't quite turn out to be an outright homage to films like The Breakfast Club, Ferris Beuller's Day Off and Weird Science and more of an update that doesn't feel like one. All of the tropes of the genre exist in full form...
- Hot girl vs. nerd
- Triumvirate of hot, bitchy, kinda slutty, kinda dumb girls who are all hiding something
- Witty best friend
- Angry ex
One of the blurbs on the back of the softcover edition says that Doyle never forgets that humor needs heart too. I can't say it any better than that. We want to see Denis win. We want to see Kevin lose. And, in the end, we might not want to see Denis with Beth, but, if nothing else, we just want all of these characters we've come to love over 200 pages to wind up happy in the end. And while we all know the various Denises, Riches and Beths in our lives, we want to be a little part of this one, if only for a second, so we can help
everyone through their last night of high school and first day of their unsure futures.Doyle leaves the ending somewhat open (there are no spoilers there, I swear), something which might get alleviated when his adaptation of I Love You, Beth Cooper hits screens next month with Hayden Panettiere playing Beth and Paul Rust playing Denis. I hope Chris Columbus, who is still catching undue crap for a valiant, completely watchable adaptation of Rent, leaves it to us though, because, in the end, Doyle has created a perfect mix of old and new comedy.
www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Adding to My Media Empire
Some updates to where you can reach me and how I am slowly becoming more dependent and exposed on the Internet.
Phil
www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
- I now own www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse. You can always get to me via Facebook.
- You may have noticed that this blog has gone by the wayside. I think that can be attributed to the awesomeness that is Twitter. I am constantly posting to Twitter and have been for over a year. If you're unsure about Twitter, as to what it is, if you would enjoy it, etc. please contact me and I will explain it the best I can. Or, go to www.twitter.com and look at their ever-so-informative video explaining the concept.
- I know have linked my Twitter and this blog with a service that most people have used forever called Twitterfeed. Now, if you start following me on Twitter, which I reccomend everyone does at www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse, you can always be alerted when I put up something new up here. What I'm hoping is that knowing that my Twitterfeed will send out my posts, I will put more up here at the blog.
Phil
www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Video Bonanza
Now, I am going to dive back into my Google Reader and comment on the videos that I watch for the next little bit. Boring? Maybe. But, there might be a hidden gem in all of these video game previews, TV commercials, viral videos and, as always, film trailers.
1. "Star Wars: The Old Republic" trailer.
This is a trailer for the latest "Star Wars" game. I don't know much about it beforehand, so let's check it out.
So, this is apparently the "Star Wars" massive multiplayer game we've heard rumors about and, I must say, it looks incredible! This looks like a lot of fun and an awesome backdrop for a ton of attacking and strategy, teaming up with other people. It also looks like a game that some 10 year old is going to kick my ass in if I ever play it.
2. "The Final Destination" trailer
We have had FOUR "Final Destination" flicks. The last one was in 3D and included a DVD where you could choose your own ending! Let's see if this one can stand without gimmicks.
The Final Destination trailer in HD
OK, so I thought that the last one was in 3D, but apparently I was wrong. Anyway, anything with death by NASCAR earns a video rental from me.
3. Fox Fall Series Trailers
"The Human Target"- Looks pretty entertaining. One of the series I'm excited about next year.
"Past Life"- Looks pretty dumb. While the concept has originality, it's unnecessry. It doesn't add anything to solving crimes. A show has to look pretty dumb for it to be a procedural and NOT have me hook line and sinker.
"Sons of Tuscon"- This looks damned hilarious, although that it's sad that "Reaper" had to go to get Tyler Labine to star in this bad boy. Fox is batting 2 for 3 right now.
"The Cleveland Show"- "Family Guy" spinoff FTW. Looks hilarious like everything Seth MacFarlane poops out.
"Brothers"- Sitcoms are hard to predict, but I might try to give this a shot. I like everyone in it and watching it unfold and mix heart and laughs could be fun...or cheesy and poorly done.
4. "New Moon" trailer
I never saw/read "Twilight" so, we'll see.
Actually looks interesting. I doubt I'll try to bat away the hoards of screaming teenagers to see it in the theatre, but it definitely makes me more excited for the phenomenon.
5. "Yo Teach!"
This is a viral video for Judd Apatow's new flick, "Funny People."
This is a pitch perfect parody. I was already looking forward to the movie, but if this type of "Tropic Thunder" viral ad campaign is what we're going to see, color me excited.
6. "Mr. Nobody" trailer
I have no idea.
Mr. Nobody trailer
I still have no idea.
7. "Star Trek" "Sabotaage" clip
So, according to the fine folks over at /Film this all plays into the song "Sabotage" being played in JJ Abrams "Star Trek" flick, which is a must-see for EVERYONE, I swear.
So, Shatner can't say the word and I guess the tape of him screwing it up, along with Orson Welles not being able to talk about peas, made the rounds over the years. Hilarious.
8. "Need for Speed: Shift" trailer
The "Need for Speed" franchise returns to form, after "Underground" and "Burnout".
Even though I've liked a lot of the later "Need for Speed" games that left the track, I'm happy to return and get to racing.
9. "DJ Hero" Demo
So, "DJ Hero" is the new creation from the people behind "Guitar Hero" where you control a turntable and all of its intricacies. I'm skeptical.
So, it looks to be a lot of fun...if you're good at it. I feel like the learning curve would have to be HUGE for that to happen. I could, and probably am, wrong, of course.
10. "Saw" Demo
So, this is a video game based on the "Saw" films. I wonder if it a) can avoid the stupidity of the last 20 installments of the franchise b) return to the creepiness of the first flick and c) distinguish itself from being more than a glorified "escape the room" game.
This could actually be fun. It definitely has a "Bioshock" feel of being open-world but linear at the same time. Might be a rental shot.
11. "Shadow Complex" trailer
"Shadow Complex" is a combination FPS/Sidescroller that will be on XBOX Live Arcade, which is where games for the 360 are downloaded directly to the system.
This game looks like a lot of fun, but maybe a little thin on story (which some, maybe most, would enjoy). Would depend on price for me.
12. "Modern Warfare 2" demo
No idea. Let's check it out.
I'm not a war games kind of guy. But this looks like a lot of fun, if not really challenging. I definitely might rent this and give it a go.
13. Pan-Man Cereal Ad
Guess if you can pick out the foul-mouthed action star in this ad.
That's right, it's everyone's favorite, Christian Bale! I swear.
14. "Blur" trailer
Apparently, this is a racing game where you get to shock people. Sounds like fun to me.
15. Whack-a-Kitty
What can I say, simply adorable!
16. NPH Doing Letterman's Top 10
Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) is hosting the Tony's, so he's going to be on Letterman tonight doing the Top 10 list. He's always funny, so let's see.
Yep. Funny.
17. Meet the Cast of "Glee"
This is an exclusive from my good friend Kath over at www.givememyremote.com featuring my new favorite show of the season, "Glee" and it's wonderful cast.
"Glee" is amazing, plain and simple. I hope that we can keep the awesome momentum from the pilot premiere a couple of weeks ago into the fall, when it will debut.
18. "The Answer Man" trailer
Jeff Daniels plays a man who once talked to God. So, then he secluded himself. Lauren Graham plays...Lauren Graham.
Looks like a lot of fun, actually with a hell of a supporting cast.
19. Wearable Towel commercial
Wow. All I can say.
Well, that's where I bid you all adieu...for now. DUN DUN DUNNNN!
www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
http://philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
1. "Star Wars: The Old Republic" trailer.
This is a trailer for the latest "Star Wars" game. I don't know much about it beforehand, so let's check it out.
So, this is apparently the "Star Wars" massive multiplayer game we've heard rumors about and, I must say, it looks incredible! This looks like a lot of fun and an awesome backdrop for a ton of attacking and strategy, teaming up with other people. It also looks like a game that some 10 year old is going to kick my ass in if I ever play it.
2. "The Final Destination" trailer
We have had FOUR "Final Destination" flicks. The last one was in 3D and included a DVD where you could choose your own ending! Let's see if this one can stand without gimmicks.
The Final Destination trailer in HD
OK, so I thought that the last one was in 3D, but apparently I was wrong. Anyway, anything with death by NASCAR earns a video rental from me.
3. Fox Fall Series Trailers
"The Human Target"- Looks pretty entertaining. One of the series I'm excited about next year.
"Past Life"- Looks pretty dumb. While the concept has originality, it's unnecessry. It doesn't add anything to solving crimes. A show has to look pretty dumb for it to be a procedural and NOT have me hook line and sinker.
"Sons of Tuscon"- This looks damned hilarious, although that it's sad that "Reaper" had to go to get Tyler Labine to star in this bad boy. Fox is batting 2 for 3 right now.
"The Cleveland Show"- "Family Guy" spinoff FTW. Looks hilarious like everything Seth MacFarlane poops out.
"Brothers"- Sitcoms are hard to predict, but I might try to give this a shot. I like everyone in it and watching it unfold and mix heart and laughs could be fun...or cheesy and poorly done.
4. "New Moon" trailer
I never saw/read "Twilight" so, we'll see.
Actually looks interesting. I doubt I'll try to bat away the hoards of screaming teenagers to see it in the theatre, but it definitely makes me more excited for the phenomenon.
5. "Yo Teach!"
This is a viral video for Judd Apatow's new flick, "Funny People."
This is a pitch perfect parody. I was already looking forward to the movie, but if this type of "Tropic Thunder" viral ad campaign is what we're going to see, color me excited.
6. "Mr. Nobody" trailer
I have no idea.
Mr. Nobody trailer
I still have no idea.
7. "Star Trek" "Sabotaage" clip
So, according to the fine folks over at /Film this all plays into the song "Sabotage" being played in JJ Abrams "Star Trek" flick, which is a must-see for EVERYONE, I swear.
So, Shatner can't say the word and I guess the tape of him screwing it up, along with Orson Welles not being able to talk about peas, made the rounds over the years. Hilarious.
8. "Need for Speed: Shift" trailer
The "Need for Speed" franchise returns to form, after "Underground" and "Burnout".
Even though I've liked a lot of the later "Need for Speed" games that left the track, I'm happy to return and get to racing.
9. "DJ Hero" Demo
So, "DJ Hero" is the new creation from the people behind "Guitar Hero" where you control a turntable and all of its intricacies. I'm skeptical.
So, it looks to be a lot of fun...if you're good at it. I feel like the learning curve would have to be HUGE for that to happen. I could, and probably am, wrong, of course.
10. "Saw" Demo
So, this is a video game based on the "Saw" films. I wonder if it a) can avoid the stupidity of the last 20 installments of the franchise b) return to the creepiness of the first flick and c) distinguish itself from being more than a glorified "escape the room" game.
This could actually be fun. It definitely has a "Bioshock" feel of being open-world but linear at the same time. Might be a rental shot.
11. "Shadow Complex" trailer
"Shadow Complex" is a combination FPS/Sidescroller that will be on XBOX Live Arcade, which is where games for the 360 are downloaded directly to the system.
This game looks like a lot of fun, but maybe a little thin on story (which some, maybe most, would enjoy). Would depend on price for me.
12. "Modern Warfare 2" demo
No idea. Let's check it out.
I'm not a war games kind of guy. But this looks like a lot of fun, if not really challenging. I definitely might rent this and give it a go.
13. Pan-Man Cereal Ad
Guess if you can pick out the foul-mouthed action star in this ad.
That's right, it's everyone's favorite, Christian Bale! I swear.
14. "Blur" trailer
Apparently, this is a racing game where you get to shock people. Sounds like fun to me.
15. Whack-a-Kitty
What can I say, simply adorable!
16. NPH Doing Letterman's Top 10
Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) is hosting the Tony's, so he's going to be on Letterman tonight doing the Top 10 list. He's always funny, so let's see.
Yep. Funny.
17. Meet the Cast of "Glee"
This is an exclusive from my good friend Kath over at www.givememyremote.com featuring my new favorite show of the season, "Glee" and it's wonderful cast.
Meet the Cast of GLEE from Give Me My Remote on Vimeo.
"Glee" is amazing, plain and simple. I hope that we can keep the awesome momentum from the pilot premiere a couple of weeks ago into the fall, when it will debut.
18. "The Answer Man" trailer
Jeff Daniels plays a man who once talked to God. So, then he secluded himself. Lauren Graham plays...Lauren Graham.
Looks like a lot of fun, actually with a hell of a supporting cast.
19. Wearable Towel commercial
Wow. All I can say.
Well, that's where I bid you all adieu...for now. DUN DUN DUNNNN!
www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
http://philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
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