happy christmas and merry new year

hey y'all

i have no excuse for my hiatus, except that life is busy and can be messy, and i'm sorry. but i'm back, and i am preparing all kinds of fun things for the new year. my 2012 resolution is to be more diligent in getting the good word out to all of you. how does that sound? i thought you would like it.

most shows are on holiday hiatus as well, and i know the evening tv picks are slim, but hang in there. 2012 is going to be bringing us lots to talk about (shameless is back!), laugh about (new girl! happy endings!) and cry about (one tree hill: the final season!). i don't know about you, but i get goose pimples just thinking about it all!

anyway, i just want to send happy holiday shout outs to one and all. enjoy the down time, things are about to get crazy

but hey, that's just this girl's opinion

to rent or not to rent...

hey party people, here is your next grouping of movies i've seen of late. i should extend a thank you to Qantas and Air New Zealand first though...thank you both for offering movies before they are available in the US. you allowed me to take many off my netflix queue and for that i am extremely grateful.

so this list is quite long (many many flights to NOT sleep through) but it does contain a nice array of genres...

1. thor
RENT

although i found the acting to only be okay, the story is one i was impressed with. i wasn't that familiar with thor before this movie, but now i can't wait for the sequel. chris hemsworth was HOTT and i am a huge fan of sir hopkins, so both were a treat to watch. sadly, i wasn't so impressed with natalie portman's performance, but i guess we all have our off days. thor will also be featured in the avengers movie (due out may 2012), which is linked in this movie, in an after-credits scene.

2. scream 4
RENT

if you are a fan of the original film (i could watch it on repeat) you will love this outing. 4 brings us back to the original mystery and surprise that we haven't seen in 10 years. seeing the familiar faces back, in addition to some newbies, we are transported back to the crazy life of sidney prescott, and we welcome it. wes craven and kevin williamson did an amazing job captivating me throughout the entire film, and although i hate to admit it, i did have to cover my eyes a few times. bravo scream cast, welcome back!

3. water for elephants
NOT TO RENT

oh dear, where to begin. robert pattinson was great, absolutely no qualms about his performance whatsoever. the same can be said for christoph waltz. reese however, i'm just not that into you. i didn't feel any connection to the character of marlena, and you sadly didn't bring any chemistry to your forbidden romance. this is one of those books that definitely shouldn't have been transferred to the big screen.

4. arthur
RENT

or maybe don't rent, but wait until it's free on demand. although russell brand isn't dudley moore, he brings a newer flair to the character. i read all the terrible reviews and was surprised that i didn't agree with most. i found brand to be captivating, and his acting spot on. let it be said, i am not a jennifer garner fan, but i didn't find myself loathing her in this role. she portrayed the villain perfectly...maybe she's found her calling.

5. fast five
RENT

i am a HUGE fan of all of the fast/furious movies, and this one did not disappoint at all. the whole gang (characters from all of the movies so far) is back for this outing, coming together to pull off one last job. paul walker and vin diesel fall easily back into their roles. dwayne johnson was wonderful as the bad-ass government official sent after them. i would have put this first on my list above, but i couldn't resist putting fast five at spot number 5.

6. dilemma
NOT TO RENT

didn't like it. at all.

7. something borrowed
UNDECIDED

i can't say to rent or not, as i am genuinely perplexed by this movie. SPOILER ALERT-- i don't understand how the book series as been such a hit and has such a fan base. the characters in this book cheat on their best friend/fiance and then end up together? i don't care if they have known each other forever and have undeniable chemistry, this isn't right. as always, john krasinski is adorable, he makes you want to rewind to watch him over and over again. however, i am still just too confused by the plot line to take a stance one way or the other. if you've read (and loved) the book, i guess it's a RENT. but i can't be pulled in either direction for certain...maybe i need to read the book to understand what you all see.

8. hall pass
NOT TO RENT

i didn't like this movie so much, i don't even remember most of it. jason sudeikis i still love you.

9. source code
RENT

so great! jake gyllenhaal is amazing in this groundhog day-type thriller. even though you find out the ending can't really be happy, you are still rooting for it. trying to figure out who the bad guys are and what they are planning had me on the edge of my seat. this movie is fast paced and truly engrossing, you won't be disappointed.

10. adjustment bureau
RENT

i am still not quite sure i am fully getting the entire message, but this movie was great. matt damon once again shows us all what a gifted actor he is, and he's a pleasure to watch in this film. it's films like this that really make you think, and this one had me thinking that i am glad this is not our reality...

11. limitless
NOT TO RENT

bradley cooper is hot and nice to look at, but i wasn't impressed by this movie. a pill that gives you super powers? c'mon now, you had to know there would be a downside to a drug like that. robert deniro didn't get enough screen time, even if he is the pseudo-villain. i would have liked to see more of what ELSE the pill could do, not just enhancing the ability to rock the stock market.

12. you again
RENT

if you are in the mood for a funny rom-com, this is perfect. kristin bell is adorable and odette annable is hot. the high school rivalry revisited between 2 generations of characters made for a great base plot in this film. the movie is light hearted and fun, a great sunday afternoon pick (after football season is over)

13. the rite
RENT

very intense, but great. i am a sucker for possession movies (i mean, those are clearly the real true stories, right?). sir anthony hopkins was great in this movie, as the priest out to save the world. little does he know that he might be just a little too close to the action.

14. just go with it
NOT TO RENT

i was really hoping that the jennifer aniston jinx wouldn't affect an adam sandler movie...sadly, hope is lost. movie was eh, sandler is still funny, but aniston is not. don't waste the spot in your rental queue

well folks, there you have them. the movies that made my journey across the date line a little easier. none of my reviews are meant to be hurtful, just my thoughts on what's out on dvd now. i hope you see at least the RENTS, they are definitely worth it

but hey, that's just this girl's opinion

to watch, or not to watch...

overall, i am thinking that we are off to a pretty good start with this year's choices. there are a lot of great shows returning, as well as some welcome additions. i have tried to give everything a shot, and even watched 2 episodes of most to be fair. here are my thoughts on the NEW series...

1. ringer

WATCH (for now)

i am genuinely interested and excited to see where the writers are going with this show. Sarah Michelle Geller is always fun to watch, and it's a nice change to see her playing a different type of character. her portrayal of a woman on the run, thrown into a world she's not used to, makes for an interesting hour of television. it helps that she is surrounded by hot costars (hello kristopher polaha). i am not exactly sure how they will keep this show going for longer than 1 season, but i will continue to watch to see where it goes.

2. up all night

WATCH

christina applegate and will arnett are very funny as new parents trying to get a grasp on their new life. i love each of them individually, but together they are hysterical. maya rudolph as the cluelessly overwhelming boss is spot on. all the ingredients are there, they just need to step it up a bit if they want to make it on wednesday nights. the competition is stiff (anything going against Simon Cowell is going to be hit hard).

3. the secret circle

WATCH

teen witches who can't control their powers??? sign me up! this show has the makings of a vampire diaries-like following. the young cast is good looking, the older cast is good looking, what more can they ask for. i personally am so excited to see Gale Harold back to his devious character days (QAF viewers will appreciate that). Britt Robertson is adorable as the lead Cassie, trying to get a grip on her newfound powers. the romantic entanglements should make for interesting story-lines in addition to the mystery surrounding the circle of friends. i am excited to see where they can go, i think there is a lot to work with for the writers. i just hope their ratings stay strong.

4. 2 broke girls

NOT TO WATCH

i am so sorry Kat Dennings, i tried. i have now sat through 2 weeks of this and i can't take it anymore. the writing is there but the delivery isn't. the acting just isn't doing it for me, and the actor chemistry is lacking a bit. i will keep you in the dvr queue for now, but i don't know if i will make it much longer.

5. the playboy club

WATCH

this was not on my original "to watch" list, but i fell in love quickly. i am not the biggest Eddie Cibrian fan, but i am really loving the girls on this show. Amber Heard and Jenna Dewan Tatum are so cute as bunnies Maureen and Janie. the parties, the mob connections, i like the openings the writers are giving themselves to delve into different plot lines. this show makes the 60's look like such fun. it's a shame that the ratings are terrible and the show might not even make it to midseason.

6. new girl

WATCH WATCH WATCH

i said it before, i'll say it again...best show of the fall season. Zooey Deschanel is too cute for words as naive Jess. her upbeat shiny attitude makes everyone smile. the writing is great, the acting is great, the casting is great. the only thing wrong with this show is that it is only a half hour.

7. revenge

WATCH

interesting enough for now, but not quite sure how they plan on going more than 1 season. Madeline Stowe is great as the bitchy matriarch in this mystery plot. Emily VanCamp is also very convincing as the scorned daughter of a wrongly accused man. i was surprised by how much i enjoyed the first episodes, considering i wasn't planning on watching. i am enjoying the dead-on take of the Hamptons snobbery, as well as the two-faced dealings of the above women. i hope this show at least lasts through episode 13; that's when writers say a lot of the secrets are revealed. i guess we all need to stay tuned...

8. charlie's angels

NOT TO WATCH

i barely made it through the pilot. it's already been deleted from the dvr queue. the writing isn't there, the acting definitely isn't there. makes me a little sad that Drew Barrymore put her name on it, to be honest.

9. whitney

NOT TO WATCH

it bothers me when actors laugh at themselves when the audience is laughing. that happens in almost every scene on the first episode. i am not really sure what story this show is trying to tell. yes, some of the jokes are very funny. but some are really not. i will continue to record this, but not sure for how much longer.

10. pan am

WATCH

i love Christina Ricci, so that's an automatic thumbs up in my book. the first episode was a little disappointing, but i am going to soldier on. i have always thought the life of a stewardess to be fascinating and here's my ticket in. i just hope it's as interesting as i always believed it was.

11. hart of dixie

WATCH

i am also a huge fan of Rachel Bilson, and am so excited she is back on tv. although i still see some "summer roberts" in her, i really like her as the fish-out-of-water doctor down south. Scott Porter is lovable in almost any role he plays and Jaime King is devious as a southern belle. the story is there, and the writing is good. i am very interested in seeing where this goes, and love that there's a show back on the CW that's light-hearted (seriously still missing gilmore girls). i hope the ratings stay up for this one.

okay, so that's where we're at right now with new shows. all of those listed, in addition to returning favorites, have kept me quite busy. i plan to update again in a few weeks with the series that haven't started yet. i am keeping an open mind and giving everything a shot, at least for an episode or two. i hope you are all enjoying the shows as much as i am.

remember, take these ratings how ever you want. after all, it's just this girl's opinion

coming soon...

hey y'all, so as i promised when i returned from my trip, there is a large review entry coming your way, with lots of movies. i have no excuses for not filling you in yet, i guess life just gets in the way sometimes.

i will report some good news though...over the past week (and still going) i have been trying to watch as many SERIES premieres as possible, so that i can give you the best possible outline for the coming season. i have watched almost everything, and taken notes. pilots and premieres will continue through october, but i have no plan to wait that long to express my opinions. i will be starting this week, with everything i have watched so far

i hope you are all enjoying the beginning of the fall season so far, i know it's been an interesting one for me. well, at least, that's just this girl's option

fall tv is back...bring it on

once again, it is time to post the list of premiere dates for the fall 2011 season. as always, i have added a comment (or two), to express my thoughts on the show in question. as i say every year, a big THANK YOU shout out, to Kristin at e!online for providing the list. i apologize for the short-notice this year's post provides, here you go...

Tuesday, Sept. 6
Sons of Anarchy (FX) 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 13
90210 (CW) 8 p.m.
Ringer (CW, series premiere) 9 p.m. SMG IS BACK!!! DEFINITELY GOING TO BE CHECKING OUT, JUST FOR HER
Parenthood (NBC) 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 14
Survivor: South Pacific (CBS) 8 p.m.
H8R (CW, series premiere) 8 p.m.
America's Next Top Model (CW) 9 p.m.
Up All Night (NBC, series premiere) 10 p.m. WILL ARNETT, ENOUGH SAID
Free Agents (NBC, series premiere) 10:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 15
The Vampire Diaries (CW) 8 p.m.
The Secret Circle (CW, series premiere) 9 p.m. FIRST WE HAD VAMPS, NOW WITCHES...THE C-DUBS IS COVERING ALL THE BASES (WE'LL GIVE IT A SHOT)
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX) 10 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 19
How I Met Your Mother (CBS) 8 p.m.
Dancing With the Stars (ABC) 8 p.m.
The Sing-Off (NBC) 8 p.m.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS) 8:30 p.m.
Two and a Half Men (CBS) 9:00 p.m.
2 Broke Girls (CBS, series premiere)  9:30 p.m MUST SEE TV!
Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) 10 p.m.
Castle (ABC) 10 p.m.
The Playboy Club (NBC, series premiere) 10 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20
Glee (Fox) 8 p.m.
NCIS (CBS) 8 p.m.
The Biggest Loser (ABC) 8 p.m.
New Girl (Fox, series premiere) 9 p.m. ALREADY SAW THE PILOT, BRILLIANT!!! THIS IS THE BEST NEW SHOW OF THE FALL SEASON
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) 9 p.m.
Dancing with the Stars Results Show (ABC) 9 p.m
Raising Hope (Fox) 9:30 p.m.
Body of Proof (ABC) 10 p.m.
Unforgettable (CBS, series premiere) 10 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 21
The Middle (ABC) 8 p.m.
The X-Factor (Fox, series premiere) 8 p.m. I DIDN'T WATCH IDOL BEFORE, WHY WOULD I START NOW? WHAT? IT'S A DIFFERENT SHOW?..STILL NOT INTERESTED
Criminal Minds (CBS) 9 p.m.
Modern Family (ABC) 9 p.m.
Harry's Law (NBC) 9 p.m.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS) 10 p.m.
Revenge (ABC, series premiere) 10 p.m. NO THANKS
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC) 10 p.m. NO STABLER, BUT I'LL STICK WITH YOU

Thursday, Sept. 22
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) 8 p.m.
Community (NBC) 8 p.m.
Charlie's Angels (ABC) 8 p.m. NOT FEELING THIS ONE AT ALL
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) 8:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation (NBC) 8:30 p.m.
The Office (NBC) 9 p.m. NO MORE MICHAEL SCOTT, BUT JIM IS ALL WE NEED
Person of Interest (CBS, series premiere) 9 p.m.
Grey's Anatomy (ABC) 9 p.m.
Whitney (NBC, series premiere) 9:30 p.m. PROMOS LOOK AMAZING, THIS IS A MUST SEE
The Mentalist (CBS) 10 p.m.
Prime Suspect (NBC, series premiere) 10 p.m. MARIA BELLO, I'LL GIVE YOU A CHANCE TOO
Friday, Sept. 23
A Gifted Man (CBS, series premiere) 8 p.m.
Kitchen Nightmares (Fox) 8 p.m.
Nikita (CW) 8 p.m.
CSI: New York (CBS) 9 p.m.
Fringe (Fox) 9 p.m.
Supernatural (CW) 9 p.m.
Blue Bloods (CBS) 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Rules of Engagement (CBS) 8 p.m.
48 Hours Mystery (CBS) 10 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 25
60 Minutes (CBS) 7 p.m.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC) 7 p.m.
The Simpsons (Fox) 8 p.m.
The Amazing Race (CBS) 8 p.m.
The Cleveland Show (Fox) 8:30 p.m.
Family Guy (Fox) 9 p.m.
The Good Wife (CBS) 9 p.m.
Desperate Housewives (ABC) 9 p.m.
Boardwalk Empire (HBO) 9 p.m. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT
American Dad (Fox) 9:30 p.m.
CSI: Miami (CBS) 10 p.m.
Pan Am (ABC, series premiere) 10 p.m. I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A FLIGHT ATTENDANT, I'LL GIVE IT A CHANCE
Monday, Sept. 26
Terra Nova (Fox, series premiere) 8 p.m.
Gossip Girl (CW) 8 p.m.
Hart of Dixie (CW, series premiere) 9 p.m. RACHEL BILSON IS BACK, AND WITH SCOTT PORTER, I'LL CHECK THIS ONE OUT ALSO
Mike & Molly (CBS) 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 28
Suburgatory (ABC, series premiere) 8:30 p.m.
Happy Endings (ABC) 9 p.m. ONE OF THE FUNNIEST NEWCOMERS, CHECK IT OUT!!
Thursday, Sept. 29
How to Be a Gentleman (CBS, series premiere) 8:30 p.m.
Private Practice (ABC) 10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 2
Dexter (Showtime) 9 p.m.
Hung (HBO) 10 p.m.
How to Make it in America (HBO) 10:30 p.m. YES!!!!!!!!!
Monday, Oct. 3
House (Fox) 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 5
American Horror Story (FX
Thursday, Oct. 6
The League (FX) 10:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 10
Bored to Death (HBO) 9 p.m.
Enlightened (HBO, series premiere) 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 11
Last Man Standing (ABC, series premiere) 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16
The Walking Dead (AMC) 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Man Up!  (ABC, series premiere) 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 21
Chuck (NBC) 8 p.m.
Grimm (NBC, series premiere) 9:30 p.m.
Dateline NBC (NBC) 10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23
Once Upon a Time (ABC, series premiere) 8 p.m. LOOKS INTERESTING, WILL DEFINITELY WATCH THE PILOT
Sunday, Oct. 30
Allen Gregory (Fox, series premiere) 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov.3
Bones (Fox) 9 p.m. BONES PREGNANT?!? BOOTH THE DADDY?!?? I STILL LOVE THIS SHOW!
Wednesday, Nov. 23
I Hate My Teenage Daughter (Fox, series premiere) 9:30 p.m.

Note: i haven't listed the mid-season renewals or new series, as the schedules aren't out yet. i hope you are all as excited about the new season as i am. especially for NEW GIRL, i promise you, it is going to be one of the best shows to premiere in a while

but what do i know, it's just this girl's opinion

new background, new season, new just this girl...

so, it turns out that reviewing the 13 movies i watched while on my trip is taking just a bit longer than expected. thank you all for being patient, i promise, it's worth it

in the meantime, i hope you are all enjoying the *NEW* just this girl's opinion, and will be sticking around for all the new posts coming your way, today and in the coming weeks.

the new television season starts next week and there's lots of things for you to add and/or delete from your DVR

but you know, that's just this girl's opinion

crazy, stupid, lov...ing movies right now!

i finally got over my fear of bed bugs and have returned to the theater. yes, it took some convincing, but it was soooo worth it.

first up was harry potter and the deathly hallows part 2 (that's a mouthful). this movie was made so brilliantly, i am going to have to go see it again to take it all in. i went with my hp partner in crime (we started the films together so we ended them together) and we went to the IMAX 3D version...WOW. there shouldn't be any other way to see a movie.

the special effects were amazing, the acting was on point and the story was told exactly as i remember reading it years ago. bravo to the entire hp contingent on a job way beyond well done.

if you haven't see this yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!??

next it was crazy, stupid, love. i really can't begin to say how much i loved this film. julianne moore, i wanted to hate you, but couldn't. kevin bacon, i wanted to like you, but couldn't. emma stone, you had me at easy a, and that wasn't easy. ryan gosling... ... ... sorry, where was it?

oh right, ryan...i don't know if i was more spellbound by your abs or the dirty dancing lift, but well done my friend. you stole the show with your quick tongue and amazing apparel, and had us all wishing the movie wouldn't end.

the entire cast was great. newcomer, jonah bobo, was a riot, and made me root for the underdog (or in his case, the underage, underclassman, underdog). i truly couldn't find one thing i would change about this film. it's well worth the $13 for a ticket.

most recently there was friends with benefits. i think we could all benefit from having a friend like jt.

justin timberlake and mila kunis have chemistry, there is no doubt about it. right off the bat you believe them friends, and from there, well you can pretty much guess.

i really enjoyed the route this film took to get to it's happy ending. it was cliche a bit, sure. but all romantic comedies are these days. patricia clarkson is too great as a gypsy-type single mother, and jenna elfman is always a pleasure. i think my favorite part however, was the movie within the movie. this film took the time to mock the industry for filming movies in one location, and saying they are in another. as a native new yorker, i can appreciate such mockery, and i salute the writers.

this film is also worth the time and ticket price. although, i would see crazy, stupid again before i'd go for another round of "benefiting"

i am looking forward to all the wonderful movies slated for this fall, as well as the jam-packed winter we need to buckle up for (breaking dawn anyone?). until then, i look forward to the dvd release of crazy, stupid, love...i'm hoping for some hilarious dirty dancing out-takes, or even just some camera freezes on ryan's abs.

don't judge me...after all, it's just this girl's opinion

to rent or not to rent...

that is indeed the question these days. with all our favorite prime-time shows on summer hiatus, most of us are hitting the rental shelves. well, i have been doing just that and wanted to share some recent viewings with you. NOTE: spoilers on movies reviewed, please read with caution

1. charlie st. cloud
NOT TO RENT

first off, if you must see this one, it's on demand free on shotime right now, knock yourself out.
secondly, zac efron, you're hot and we love you...but who read this script and gave you the thumbs up?

the plot started off nicely; small town boy loses only brother in car accident, decides he can't face his future. i even thought it was nice, going off to a field everyday to play catch with said dead brother. but add the missing almost-dead girl to the mix...i'm a little lost. was this a drama or a supernatural movie? can charlie see all dead people? perhaps more time should have been spent developing the real relationship between boy and girl, rather than boy and almost dead girl...

2. robin hood
RENT

this one is also available on demand free (HBO) and is worth the 2 hours.

russell crowe plays our hero in this version of the tale, and boy does he play it. i'm not a big fan of mr crowe, but he can sure pull of the dashing, rugged, built, accented...i digress. ridley scott's take on robin and his merry men brings us to the beginning of robin's tale. the crusades are just finishing and king richard has been killed. robin returns to england along with richard's crown and becomes immersed in the lives of those being hassled by king john.

cate blanchett is wonderful as maid marion and mark addy plays friar tuck. this movie may not be "prince of thieves" (one of my all time favorites, hello costner" but it leaves you wanting more. too bad it didn't bring in the numbers at the box office, or we could have had a new franchise on our hands

3. no strings attached
NOT TO RENT

the good news is ashton kutcher is still as funny and adorable as ever. also, natalie portman definitely should star in more romantic comedies. however, this script wasn't good for either of them.

the chemistry between the 2 was convincing, and the acting wasn't bad. but the story didn't do it for me. natalie is not believable as a girl who doesn't do emotion. emotion is written on her face in every scene she's ever acted in. i would love to see these 2 play opposite each other, but in a more thought out script, and meatier roles

4. i am number 4
NOT TO RENT

alex pettyfer, you're hot and you're a pretty good actor with a bright future...don't let other people read your next project. this movie was bad; poor script, poor acting (aside from pettyfer and olyphant) and poor ending. i am still not quite sure what happened...

5. burlesque
NOT TO RENT

christina, stick to the music. cam, you're hot, tucci, I LOVE YOU. cher, you're getting on in years but you still got it

this movie was terrible. no review

so there you have it. my first 5 movies of the summer and i am off to a terrible start. i can't believe i haven't seen anything recently worth raving about! i hope this helps you next time you are scanning the "racks" at netflix, or tuning to channel 700 on your cable box (pay-per-view). back to the couch to see if there is anything on now worth paying attention to

but hey, that's just this girl's opinion

i am the worst!

i can't believe how long it has been since i last posted. i guess that's what they mean by "life got in the way"

i am working on a few posts that i am hoping to have up in the next few days. there's a little bit of review, a little bit of annoyance at the networks, and of course a LOT of opinions

so buckle up and get ready...this girl is BACK

but as always, that's just this girl's opinion