2008 VMA's

As far as award shows go the VMA's is probably the only one that can muster up any excitement in anyone under the age of 40. It's a night that is always full of unexpected events (the Britney/Madonna/Christina three-way kiss for example) and incredible performances. Unfortunately it is also usually the same thing every year; an award show that is more like a giant concert and party than anything else.

Knowing this is what I was getting into I eagerly watched this year (if only to see the rumored Britney Spears comeback part 2). The show opened weak with the ever annoying Jonah Hill trying to kiss Britney before she explained to us that it was the 25th anniversary of the show. She then went backstage and it was revealed that the opening act was Rihanna. She has some catchy songs, but that's about all there is to say about her...anybody could be Rihanna. Anybody could have opened the VMA's just as well.

Some other low points of the show include the Jonas Brother's whining their way through their latest single "Love Bug", Jordin Sparks calling Russell Brand a slut, and "McLovin".

There were some great moments though, such as the hilariousness of host Russell Brand (especially when he called George W. a "retarded cowboy", and his trying to win away the promise rings from all of the Jonas Brothers before the night ends). Also exciting to watch were the performances of Pink and Christina Aguilera. They were both fantastic and it reminded us why they have staying power.

Oh yes, this was an awards show so I guess I should make some mention of the awards: all of the right people won. Britney Spears (who has never won a VMA in her entire career won three tonight), and Tokio Hotel won the viewers choice award.

Overall I'm pleased with MTV and the entertaining two hours I spent with them tonight. With more events like this, I just might have to tune into MTV a little more often.

B+

Hamlet 2

Hamlet 2 sounds promising enough. Dana Marschz, a failed actor, settles for a job teaching high school drama and puts on stage performances of past Hollywood successes. And there are only two students in the drama class. And the program is being cut due to a lack of funding. So in a last hoorah sort of effort he writes an original musical to help earn the $6,000 needed to save the program. The musical, as I'm sure you're well aware is Hamlet 2 (complete with time machine).

Unfortunately, just because something sounds promising doesn't mean it turns out well. Instead of a hilarious movie what we get is a glimpse into the life of a man whose life is basically falling apart - with unhilarious results.

However, the movie does pick up its pace and becomes somewhat enjoyable during the third act, when the Hamlet 2 play begins. Instead of seeing a movie about some losers' life we see what could have been a great movie involving team work, second chances, and a sexy singing Jesus. Had the movie actually been a musical movie of Hamlet 2 the audience may have actually enjoyed the movie rather than seeming bored throughout the entire thing.



Along with the hilarious play itself there are some enjoyable performances by Elisabeth Shue and Amy Poehler - neither of whom is in the movie enough.

While the movie isn't unbearable and does have some amusing moments this is one that you should definitely wait to see until it's on DVD...or HBO.

C+