The Next Big Singing/Talent Competition? -Veda Rains

It seems like everywhere you look, there's a new singing competition on American TV. The Voice has slowly been building momentum over the past two seasons, and this year its ratings have proven it to be a show to reckon with. I admit, I've been sucked into the show when channel surfing quite a few times this season. But I'm not here to tell you about The Voice, but rather-yet, another-singing competition show: Duets!

So What is Duets?

From the email I received: Duets is a one of a kind singing competition that takes the superstars out from the judge's panel and onto the stage. Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie, and Robin Thicke are on a journey to find undiscovered talent worthy to be their protégés. Through a series of competitions, each superstar will choose two singers to be their duet partners. Together, the Superstar and their protégé will take the stage each week and perform in front of a live studio audience. In the end, only one duet will be at the top of the charts and the winning amateur will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

I'm a fan of Kelly Clarkson, so I'm intrigued. The show will premiere on ABC Thursday, May 24, at 8/7 Central. Check out the video below to get a sneak peek:

BONUS: On Camera Audiences

I was first made aware of the show, Duets, by On Camera Audiences, a television audience company that lets you know about shows you can actually go see for free (in the LA area)! My dad told me about their website when I was living in LA and he had heard that Carrie Underwood was taping a Christmas special. On Camera Audiences was setting up people with tickets to go to the taping-and I got to go! When you're broke in LA, it's nice to know you can get hooked up with free stuff like shows/concerts. Just a few weeks ago I got a notice to go to an American Idol taping and this past week I was offered a chance to go see Duets.

If you're in the LA area,  and want to join the waitlist for a chance to see the show and the artists live in action, go here: http://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/Duets

Alterna-tainment: 

Cardboard Warfare & Olan Rogers - Joan Finch

     I have become a huge youtube fan over the last year. If it wasn't for Doctor Who I'd probably chuck cable altogether. Who needs it. Youtube is a bustling community of entertainment-makers and the variety of videos is almost infinite.  There are some great vlogs, short films, tutorials, shows and odd finds I'd like to share. 

     To start check out Cardboard Warfare 2 from youtuber pwnisher.  There are three shorts in the Cardboard Warfare series but this is the absolute best.  It's a war flick with guns, tanks, planes, etc. made out of cardboard and yet it's exceptionally well made.  Some how you forget the props are harmless cardboard and get sucked into the action.  Trust me, its a completely startling realization in the end. Very cool. Truthfully, the villian looking sixteen is the most awkward element. 

     I've also got to reccomend a vlogger because the best content comes from the inspired regular contributors. And while the the term vlogger covers a great deal, the most entertaining have there own unique signature.  I've recently come across the hilarious Olan Rogers.  His videos are varied and include shorts, games, and the story telling vlogs that make you pull muscles laughing.  I spent almost 2 hours solid laughing over Olans videos.  He also has a part in Cardboard Warfare 2 which is cool too. 

     If you have any recommendations of your own, let me have'um.

GIRLS - "The Short of It" Review by Veda Rains

Last night, the HBO original series, GIRLS premiered to stellar reviews! Being someone who had a chance to tune in and watch the latest effort from multitasker extraordinaire, Lena Dunham (Tiny Furniture), I was happy to see all of the positive comments on the show this morning. I really enjoyed it and could relate (despite being a rural Midwestern girl-an unrealistic fear some reviewers pointed out that could cause alienation to some viewers).
The show follows four young women in New York City trying to find themselves and navigate the adult world. Lena Dunham takes the lead as Hannah, an intern (two years after graduating from college) who is suddenly financially cut off from her parents and subsequently fired from her internship when she tells her boss, working for free ain't gonna cut it. The situations and conversations are incredibly relatable and realistic-save for the scenes when the girls pile into the bathroom to bathe or go pee. How many women have actually experienced this? Pretty funny, though.
While the show has some room to grow comically, all of the characters are fresh and real and I'm really excited to see where the gang goes from here. Watch GIRLS Sundays at 9:30 Central on HBO if you're looking for a humorous and realistic take on young adults living in the Big Apple.

IMDB Page: GIRLS

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) - Joan Finch

     I don't have too much to say about this film which shouldn't be interpreted as a black mark on the film itself. Truthfully I feel ambiguous about it. Neither dull or exceptional it comes immediately to mind as calculating. It's like walking the circumference of a large abstraction, trying to figure out its purpose. 

     Tinker Tailor was originally a novel adapted previously for television in 1979 by the BBC.  The story is set in the Cold War era of the 70's concerning the investigation of a double agent inside the British Secret Service. You've probably heard about it and if you've seen the trailer then you know it has a stellar cast. 

     It's the type of story with long pauses and little dialogue which means you sometimes have to explain the subtext to your fellow movie goers. This is the same with the frequent flashbacks. There is a lot to like about Tinker Tailor including some suburb acting. 

     It felt long and thats the worse thing I can say about it. As I realized I had fifty minutes of runtime left I just thought 'Really?'.  'They can keep this going for another hour?'. And they did. Even at the resolution there was no rushing. Discovering the identity of the trader was over in a moment. There was tension but no action, no fight. This is not Bond after all.  It worked though and all the elements of the film make sense.