CSI: Las Vegas

I know he was only in two episodes (according to IMDB.com), but i really like Keppler. I hope he has more of a reoccuring role.

I missed the first ten minutes of last nights episode (i was relaxing in a bubble bath and totally forgot it was thursday), so i missed the whole set up. But i liked what i saw. I wasnt too crazy with the idea of 'reverse forensics' (have to do some research and see if there really is such a thing), and i really didnt like all the secrets. I didnt blame Nick for leading a mutiny to find out what all was really going on. And i dont blame him for still being mad at the end. They are supposed to be a team. That was nuts. But what was with the animosity between Sarah and Catherine? I know they have been at odds with each other in the past, but this was border line hostil. Maybe she blames her for Grissom leaving? And what is going on with Gregs civil case? I havent heard anything about that in three episodes.

I also missed the preview of next week, so i guess i just have to keep my fingers crossed that that darn miniture box on Grissom's desk gets opened and he comes back.

Oh and i wish Hodges would just leave. Or get blown up. That character so gets on my nerves.

I know there is alot of discussion online about the quality of the show compared to the beginning years. As with any long running show, whether comedy or drama, there is a progression in the characters, the plot, and a maturing of the audience. I dont think it's the show that's changed so much as the audience. In the beginning we were all captivated, everything was new, and we looked forward to gettign to know the characters. Now that we know them and know how the whole forensics process works, we're left without the climatic light bulb ending. I watch alot of the reruns of previous seasons and can honestly say I would watch them all again, even the current ones.

I do miss Grissom tho. Just thought i'd mention that.

American Idol 2007

For the past two years, we have sat down and patrioticaly watched every episode of "American Idol". We were riveted. We laughed, cried, yelled at the tv, and quoted the judges in the days that followed. And as much as I wanted to get into it this season, the spark is gone. It's just plain mean now. Yes there were always the freaks, the William Ho's, the put down by the judges, but this year, it seems like all they're showing are the freaks, the people who know they have no talent but want their 5 mintues of fame, even if it is geting treated like a piece of meat from a bunch of people who have no other meaning in life except to insult people. Of course there is the possiblity that America has run out of talent. Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler were the last of a dying breed. Now that just makes me want to watch more.

"The Illusionist"

There are some movies that you see advertised that you're like 'oh, that looks interesting' then you never hear anything about them again. You never hear when they come out, or how well the do at the box office, or even when they come out on dvd. "The Illusionist" was like that for me. I remember seeing the commercials, then forgot all about it til I walked into walmart last weekend. I almost didnt buy it, because I hadnt heard anything about it and thought maybe it wouldnt be any good. I'm glad I didnt listen to myself and bought it anyways. This movie was wonderful. It started out at the end, giving just a bit of a teaser, then flashes back to when the main characters were children. Very old fashioned style fade in and fade out on the flash back, classic. I love the set up of the story. The poor peasant boy with the gift of magic and the noble young girl who befriends him and risks being caught with him. After several years they are caught, and our hero leaves for 15 years. Flash forward to Vienna, the accalimed illusionist Eisenheim is performing for the Crown Prince Leopold, as villian as corrupt as most politicians/royalty of the day are portrayed as. Eisenheim asks for a volunteer and the Crown Prince volunteers his fiance, Sofie. The moment he sees her, he realizes who she is. The fact that the Crown Prince has her follwed by the police seems to not bother Eisenheim. He is warned by the chief of police (played amazingly by Paul Giamatti) about getting involved with this woman. But true love prevails, with our pair plotting to 'disappear'. A horrible murder is found, and the plot twists and turns so that the viewer is left in disbelief that this could be the end until the very end. I almost stood up and applauded when the police chief was standing in the train station clapping. A true love story like we havent seen in a while. Yes there was the appeal of the magic tricks, the typical villan, but the love story, truly classic. Definately a movie I will watch many many times.

On the other hand, while I loved it, Vinnie and Tony found it very slow. In fact Tony only set thru the first 30 minutes before he left the room. Vinnie admitted that it was pretty good, glad that he set thru it. Not a hang by the edge of you seat kind of movie, but suspenseful nontheless.