PudgyPandaMan Reviews

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Gosselins Go West (2007) Season 1, Episode 3

The BEGINNING of "all-expenses paid" FREE trips

[1/10 · 17 March 2009]

This episode is from Season 1 episode 3 and originally aired in April 2007. I just watched it recently on TLC reruns.

The episode starts with them discussing how much they are starting to travel and that it caused them to realize they need a will - if something should happen to them. Kate puts the kids to bed early and an attorney comes to the house to discuss their options, I'm shocked they aired this - this should be private stuff not shown to millions. They discuss that if both Kate and Jon should perish, how should the money go to the kids. The lawyer says some people include a phrase "remainder paid upon completion of college". Kate LOVES this idea and states she could still be controlling things from the grave. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? How MANIPULAITVE is this woman??!!! That comment really disgusted me. Jon mentions, but what if one of the kids wants to be a mechanic and doesn't go to college? The lawyer reminds them that Social Security would also be paying the kids benefits if something happened to both parents. Kate then remarks to Jon "Sounds like the kids would be in better shape if we were dead!" I'm beginning to think that myself (like a lot of the rest of the country). And Jon remarks. "Yeah, lets hope the kids don't kill us". After all the humiliation the parents have put the kids through on national TV (showing their poop, potty training, showers, accidents, meltdowns, etc), you never know!

The camera did some super close-up shots of Jon and Kate that were very unflattering. I guess the camera man was green or something. They quit doing this in later episodes, thank goodness. This is before Jon's hair transplants and he was going quite bald on top. Kate was not near as thin as she looks now and it was actually more flattering - she looked much younger and less "fake tan" than she does now.

They go to California to speak at a church. Only the twins accompany them for the trip. Their friend, Beth (who has since been expelled from the Gosslein's life- or maybe SHE wised up), kept the 3 boys and Alexis. It appears to be the first of the free "all-expenses paid" trips. I guess this is when something must have clicked with them that "Hmmm - we might have stumbled upon something here." They go to an orange grove and Kate is ready to take some oranges - until the LAW shows up and she quickly gets the girls to drop their "stash". Kate announces that she is not very "NATUREY" (she is known to make up strange words rather regularly now).

They go to a Sequoia forest. Kate announces that they have to leave because Mady is grouchy (great way to sell your child out on National TV). She says "We love Mady, BUT (pretty much just negates the "love" statement)... she is DARN DRAMATIC (I think that would be the pot calling the kettle black). Jon points this out to Kate and tells her "YOU are the EPITOME of dramatic!" And Kate says 'Well but I don't do it for the fun of it, its because I really FEEL it" (classic justification defense). Then Jon tell her "Well maybe Mady really FEELS it too." They then proceed to STEAL pinecones from one of the forest trails. Kate CLAIMS she didn't know that they weren't supposed to take them because there were no SIGNS. The camera even shows a sign "STAY ON THE TRAIL - walking off trail causes erosion and disturbs plant life". They went OFF-TRAIL every time to retrieve the cones. Way to go!

They show the church where they appeared for a series "From ordinary to extraordinary". They had a list of questions that they went over and REHEARSED their answers before they went to the church. How's that for honesty. Kate summarizes that their message is that "God will provide for you - no matter what." Especially if you are willing to humiliate your children and rob them of all privacy by parading their most private moments before a national audience. I don't think God would want to take credit for this one...

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Valentine's Day (2008) Season 3, Episode 17

Cute episode - my how they have changed since then

[6/10 · 17 March 2009]

I just watched this episode from Season 3. It originally aired March 2008. This episode convinced me about how much the family has changed since then. Not just in age, but more in attitude.

This episode showed what Kate does for the family for Valentines Day. She ACTUALLY goes to the trouble to get everyone INEXPENSIVE, but thoughtful gifts. She makes special food and puts out decorations. You can even see Jon and Kate being affectionate to each other in the interview segment. They sit close, their body language obviously expressing that they care for each other. Kate spoke much softer and seemed to have more patience. She puts together a treasure hunt for the kids - to find a big bin filled with more inexpensive goodies.

Fast forward to recent episodes in 2009. WOW!! They sit as far apart as they can in the interview couch. Their body language shows that they are repulsed by each other. It is so sad what has happened to the family. The kids are all acting out in one way or the other. Kate is never home but off on "business trips". The episodes are rarely about simple family interactions anymore - but have become a barrage of free trips to expensive places, and product placement (GAP, Juicy Juice, Starbucks, etc). Its all about the money and marketing this product that IS "The Gosselins". Poor kids.

The kids attitudes were different as well. Even Mady showed great appreciation for the simple Valentine's goodies and gives her mom a huge bear hug. I can't see that happening now. I wonder if the family goes back and watches old episodes and realizes how much they have changed - and not for the better. It's sad...

Smoky (1966)

Wonderfully wholesome family entertainment!

[7/10 · 16 March 2009]

This is a great film for the whole family to watch together. The boys and dads will like the cowboy, western setting ( and the pretty Diane Hyland). The girls will like the beautiful black horse, Smoky, and the handsome and fatherly Fess Parker.

Fess plays Clint Barkley, a ranch-hand at Julie Richards' (played by Hyland) ranch. They acquire a wild black stallion that no one can get near - except Clint. It's a heartwarming tale of a man's love for his horse.

This is a classic tale like they use to tell them. There is beautiful outdoor cinematography shot in gorgeous Technicolor. The scenery is truly breathtaking. Its all wholesome fun - even for the youngest in the family. There is one scene where a man is abusing a horse with a strap and it looks rather realistic. It is done at night and doesn't show any detail. But it might still be disturbing for very young children. The man is then stomped by the horse and dies. There is no blood or gore, but again, it nay disturb the very young.

I love Fess Parker and remember him best from the TV series, DANIEL BOONE. He has such a warm and honest on-screen charisma. I remember as a child watching DANIEL BOONE and wishing he was my father. He has a very reassuring and mesmerizing voice that I love listening to. So, to me, the film centers around him and the horse - everyone else is extraneous.

That's not to say the others don't deliver good performances. There are some good folk songs sung by Hoyt Axton, who plays a mysterious man from Clint's past that is full of trouble. I won't spoil the plot by revealing who he is.

Katy Jurado probably stands out most in her supporting role as the ranch housekeeper. She has such a distinctive Hispanic look and such expressive eyes. She never overplays her Mexican heritage but delivers it with authenticity. I remember her most from HIGH NOON - where she won a Golden Globe. She was the first Hispanic actress to be nominated for an Oscar in BROKEN LANCE (a feat not repeated again until 2003 by Selma Hayek).

You will see similarities in this film to Black Beauty - and I don't think it quite equals its quality. However, it is still a good film in its own right and one the whole family can enjoy.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Hawaii Here We Come (2008) Season 4, Episode 21

Shameless publicity stunt to squelch divorce rumors

[1/10 · 11 March 2009]

The family accepts ANOTHER free trip. This time from a resort in Hawaii (who is obviously hoping to cash in on the publicity). Kate states early on, "When they INVITED us to come, they didn't have to ask me twice!" In other words, she is on a free trip like a moth to flames. They decide it would be a good "opportunity" to renew their vows - because they originally wanted to get married in Hawaii. Kate says they didn't the first time "because family members either couldn't or WOULDN'T come". Translation - she is still holding a grudge for their ruining her 1st wedding.

When they tell the kids about the trip and renewing their vows, they pop in their original wedding video for the kids to watch. Kate looks NOTHING like she used to, Her whole countenance, body language and demeanor has changed. She actually looked sweet and kind in the wedding video. WHAT HAPPENED?! Kate explains to the kids that are renewing their vows because "mommy and daddy are going to stay together forever". Watch Jon's body language on the interview couch - he looks like he would rather be ANYWHERE but beside this woman. Kate says when she used to think of vow renewal, she always thought only OLD people renewed their vows and was some old "stuffily (where did she get that word?) thing to do that was boring, and ANNOYING (YES SHE USED THAT WORD)." I wonder what members of her or Jon's family were highly insulted if it was THEIR ceremony she was referring to. Does this woman EVER THINK BEFORE SHE SPEAKS?! But of course, HER CEREMONY will be anything but boring for the people whose arms they twist to attend (since they have alienated most of the family and have NO close friends).

The parents discuss who they like to sit beside on the plane ride. They both fight over Joel because he travels so well. Then Kate says nobody wants to sit beside Alexis because she has to pee every 5 minutes and has a meltdown before she falls asleep. Great way of insulting your child in front of a national audience. These kids have no privacy or secrets.

Kate is INVITED to Kleinfelds (location of SAY YES TO THE DRESS reality show) in New York City to choose her dress. She picks out a "pleaty, flowy thing" (again, her words).

Kate gives the twins pedicure at home and Mady whines and complains the whole time, which Kate is quick to point out to the camera. Kate shames her by saying "Boy, if MY mom would've given ME a pedicure I would have sat for 4 hours if i had to." I'm actually shocked Kate lowered herself off her pedestal long enough to do something unselfish for the kids. I'm surprised they didn't line up some spa to provide FREE treatments for the whole family.

Jon and Alexis are up at 4am the day they leave for Hawaii. They leave for the airport at 5:30 am with 9 pieces of luggage. Jenny (paid help - since they have no friends or family left who will help) travels with the family to help out. The kids went to bed the night before with their clothes on for the trip to help ease the morning routine. A private bus comes to pick them up. Jon calls Joel a traitor for wanting to sit next to Kate. Then they argue on the interview couch over who bribed who. Kate chastises Jon, saying "Don't make it hard for him to choose, that's mean". It's okay for HER to manipulate Joel, but its mean when Jon does it.

The trip is to be continued with the next episode, LEGOS AND SAFARIS.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Trip to the Vet (2009) Season 4, Episode 38

Whining, complaining and irresponsible pet owners

[1/10 · 10 March 2009]

Where to start on this episode. First off, Kate is VERY orange - obviously from either "tan in a can" or tanning bed. It is very distracting because it makes her look so strange.

Then there is Kate's NEGATIVITY about everything. She goes on and on about how much of a pain the dogs are. The constant feeding, cleaning pee and poop, letting them in, letting them out, etc. She threatens to take them away from the kids constantly - when she feels they aren't doing their share of caring for them. "Open invitation to return the dogs any time the kids don't help". How cruel - that's like taking a member of the family away from a child. Then she whines as she feeds the kids lunch - because she has to go do laundry and her HUGE laundry room isn't big enough (some people have NO laundry room- yet alone 2 sets of duet washer and dryers). She tells Leah to stop having meltdowns (guess where she learned them from). She constantly barks at the kids. She shows absolutely no caring or compassion to them.

Then their is the whole story about how Nala swallows a kids toy "while Kate was away on a business trip" and she was away again the next weekend (is she ever home with the kids anymore). They take her to the vet and they have to do surgery to remove a stuffed horse from her belly.

Jon and ALL the kids go to pick up Nala from the vet. The vet explains that she has to be kept quiet and still for 2 weeks. Mady whines because Cara gets to walk Nala out of the vet - and she refuses to hold the door when her dad asks her to.

Then Jon completely ignores the vets advice and lets Nala run and play outside with Shooka - when this could clearly cause her to rupture her stitches. How irresponsible as pet owners. His excuse is, "they are outside dogs". Well, they also do come inside the house. Why couldn't he crate her? If they weren't willing to take on the responsibility of pet ownership, they shouldn't have gotten a dog, yet alone TWO! Even one of the 4 yr old sextuplets saw when Jon let them out and says "OOOHHH, her stitches are gonna rip out!" Jon says he has spent his whole life cleaning other people's poop and now has the dog's poop to scoop outside. He says he is so sick of cleaning poop. Well, I guess he shouldn't have had 8 babies and gotten 2 dogs.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

"The men are eager because they do not know the taste of battle"

[7/10 · 9 March 2009]

I am a big fan of War and Military movies. I think this film rates up in the top tier for accuracy, information, and education on the events that led up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that ultimately thrust the US in WWII.

Be forewarned that film runs long at 144 minutes. But one can hardly fault that considering the wealth and breadth of material to be covered. I think it was insightful to show both the US and Japanese perspectives in the film. It helps one better understand the motives and strategies of both sides. The first half views more like a documentary. It's not until the last half that the action really gets going.

I think all the actors did a fine job portraying their characters. I'm glad they forewent casting big name heartthrobs and instead opted for lower key character actors. I think it was also a good decision to have the Japanese speak in their own language for a more realistic depiction. However, if subtitles bore you, this probably isn't the film for you.

It's interesting to note that this film was a flop when released in the US but was a huge success in Japan. This ties in with the fact that the US Navy office was inundated with complaints that they allowed US service persons to participate in the filming - they felt it glorified the Japanese aggression and showed the US as bumbling idiots that were unprepared.

SIDENOTE: Gotta love the "Decoding machine" and the officer's explanation of how it works: the Japanese transmission goes in here, whirls around inside this box, then comes out the other side decoded. Hilarious! Not bad for a quasi-computer in the 1940's!

Three Comrades (1938)

Great cast and touching story of love

[8/10 · 3 March 2009]

Margaret Sullavan shines in her performance as Patricia Hollman. No wonder she was nominated for an Oscar. She is aided by Robert Taylor, Robert Young and Franchot Tone who finish out the talented cast. They portray 3 WWI buddies that stick together after the war is over and become partners in a Taxi business.

Sullavan has such an easy charm about her and never appears to be acting. Her soft, low voice is just mesmerizing to listen to. Taylor, Young and Tone are equally convincing as best friends and genuinely appear to enjoy each others company. Sullavan's character marries Taylor's, but in the bargain gets the other 2 men as close friends.

As she becomes ill, they all rally to help her. What woman wouldn't want to be surrounded by 3 men who clearly adore her? The black and white cinematography is adequate. There are times that the studio sets and process shots (driving in car) are very artificial looking, but that is expected from the late 1930's.

Overall, this film left me with a good feeling about the value of true friends and true love. One is truly blessed if you can have both.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Twins Are Mommy for a Day (2008) Season 4, Episode 27

Screaming, meltdowns and temper tantrums galore

[1/10 · 3 March 2009]

I wouldn't classify this episode so much as entertainment as I would torture. I think this is what detained terrorists should be forced to watch in order to coerce confessions. Thirty minutes of this is enough to send anyone over the edge.

This episode is from Season 4 (#4.27) and originally aired Dec. 8, 2008. It starts out with an interesting enough premise: the twins get to be mommies to the sextuplets for a day. This should be a nice little case of role playing or playing house, right? WRONG! Not when this brood lacks discipline and manners towards each other. The other thing that I find hilarious, is that the idea is to show the twins (and the national audience) just how hard Kate works and what a job is it to be her. But what they don't take into account is the housekeepers, maids, cooks and OTHER help she has. They say they are doing it so Kate is freed up to change over the kids clothes in their drawers from summer to winter. But I don't know who they think they are fooling. They have enough hired help for other people to do this for them.

So, the twins start out the morning trying to get breakfast for the sextuplets. But Cara is whining because Mady is taking charge and not letting her have a say. Then Mady pitches a fit when the little kids don't want to listen to her. She SCREAMS orders at them - who would want to listen to, yet alone obey, that. All Mady wants to do is boss them around. Five minutes into it, Mady announces "THIS ISN'T FUN".

Then they do an art project with the little kids - which turns into more meltdowns when the kids want to start showing Kate their papers when Mady isn't ready. Mady literally screams at the top of her lungs. Kate says a hilarious line: "Mommies don't act like that." I guess she hasn't looked in the mirror or listened to herself.

They try to fix lunch and there is so much disrespect going on it's ridiculous. Jon tells Mady she is supposed to be mommy and to fill the cups, to which Mady defiantly says NO. Jon puts chips on the plates but Kate decides it's too much. She says in disgust "THINK like a grown up, not like a little boy." Then she adds sarcastically "You GOTTA love DADS!"

At the end on the interview couch, the truth comes out when asked if the twins had fun. Kate says no, they realized how much work it was. Then Jon adds "Grown-ups don't even enjoy it." How sad that he admits to not enjoying parenting his kids. No wonder when the roles were reversed and the twins were in charge - they imitated the exact behavior and disrespect they see from their immature and selfish parents.

So, if listening to non-stop screaming and whining for 30 minutes is what you consider entertainment - then this will be right up your alley.

The Express (2008)

"21 straight lines, 5 yards apart, that's a football field...but there are other lines

[3 March 2009]

...lines that aren't part of any game." These are the opening lines of the film. It's speaking of the lines of segregation that were so prominent when football great, Ernie Davis, was growing up and what he had to deal with during his short, but memorable, football career.

This is an inspiring story about a young black boy with great athletic ability that overcame many obstacles to rise to fame as the first black Heisman Trophy winner.

I think Rob Brown did an amazing job playing Ernie. He brings a real warmth and class to his portrayal. I also liked Omar Benson Miller as Jack Buckley ( I read he was based on a player named John Brown). Miller nails the part of affable and supportive friend with occasional comic relief. Its amazing that he is 10 years older than Rob Brown - his baby face makes him look younger than his 29 years. Dennis Quaid bears some resemblance to the coach he played - although they should have grayed his hair up some.

My biggest complaint is the amount of language in this film, even though it only had a PG rating. There were a ton of GD's that weren't at all necessary to the telling of the story. Okay, some will say that is the way coaches and players talk at the college level. Fine - then if you want the realism, then at least be realistic with the rating and give it a PG-13 or R. We watched this with my 12 year old son based on the PG rating.

Overall, I enjoyed the film but feel the director and writers could have done something to make it more riveting and emotional. Especially the ending with the sad fate of Davis - it just wasn't presented with much heart. It almost felt like a side note to the story. The movie, while good, doesn't rise to the level of REMEMBER THE TITANS or many other sports films with racial conflict.

The Guardian (I) (2006)

" There will come a time when you might have to decide who lives and dies out there."

[6/10 · 2 March 2009]

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. It kept my attention, even though it ran a little longer than necessary. I think it was good to bring the Coast Guard's story to the big screen. I grew up in a coastal town and heard many stories of the rescues they accomplished. It was good to see the behind the scenes training and dedication it takes to do what they do.

My biggest complaint is the choice of casting Costner in the lead role as the aging Rescue Swimmer. He was 50 when this was filmed and it just doesn't seem feasible that someone that age, regardless of past experience, would still be jumping out of helicopters in the freezing waters of the Bering Sea. Granted, they dealt with his age in the sense that he was nearing the end of his career, he had lots of aches and pains, took meds, etc. But I think he would have long since been forced out of active rescues.

The story has shadings of OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, and TOP GUN. I didn't mind this so much because they did a good job of developing the characters and relationships throughout.

My teenage daughter in the first 5 minutes stated she knew "the old guy would die in the end". So there is a little predictability here. Especially the way the start the movie with "There is a legend..." - and even the title THE GUARDIAN gives it away as well.

I loved the cinematography of the rescues scenes. Wow, those ocean swells at night were especially menacing and well shot. It showed what a truly unforgiving and devastating force the ocean is - not like the beautiful and calm beaches most of us associate with the ocean. The cave rescue was especially amazing.

I'm not a huge Ashton Kutcher fan, but he holds his own pretty well here. Costner's line delivery continues to be stiff at times as he is known for. But he does bring a sympathetic element to his role - but again, I had a problem with is age in general not being realistic.

Overall, still a decent movie in spite of the shortcomings. It really helped me better appreciate the many sacrifices the lesser known Coast Guard makes... SO OTHERS MAY LIVE.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Baseball Game with Daddy (2008) Season 4, Episode 20

Another shameless marketing plug and chance for more freebies

[1/10 · 26 February 2009]

This episode from Season 4, episode 20 originally aired Oct. 20, 2008. The Gosselins are "invited" by the wife of Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel, to attend the game. Jon takes the boys and Cara, but Kate and the rest of the girls don't want to go.

They arrive late and are escorted to a luxury box - so they don't have to sit in the stands with "regular" people. So that Kate doesn't totally get left out of the episode, they do the obligatory "interview couch". Kate proceeds to sing "Take me out to the ballgame" which had me seriously muting the TV until she was done. She just can't stand not to be the center of attention. Meanwhile, Jon rehashes all the great people they got to meet, like Phillies Prez David Montgomery, and Sr. VP of Marketing David Buck. Who cares? Jon must just like dropping names because he thinks it makes him look important.

The kids could care less about watching the game. But they LOVE all the junk food Jon "buys" at the concession - because Kate isn't there to scream "This isn't organic!". Then they go to the souvenir shop and get stuff for all the kids. The kids get to meet the mascot and attack him. I guess it is the pack mentality that gives them the courage to overtake a huge hairy beast.

When the game is over, they get to go on the field and meet Phillies Manager, Charlie Manuel. Then they get to run the bases. Joel doesn't even make it to first base before complaining that he has dirt in his shoe. They continue to run and play - all the while getting in the way of the field crew who are trying to do their job.

Then its off to the locker room, where the EXHAUSTED kids get to meet fellow Hawaiaan Shane Victorino. Jon gushes that he has ties to Hawaii because his mom was born there (funny how she was no where to be seen during the Hawaii episode when they renewed their vows). Shane offers to take a picture with them - to which Cara whimpers "I'm standing right here". Jon finally gets the kids home after 1 a.m. Another long day the office for the Gosselin marketing machine. When did the kids stop being your kids and start being your meal ticket and gravy train?

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Puppies! (2009) Season 4, Episode 36

"Potty training, WITH FUR!" - more Mady meltdowns

[3/10 · 24 February 2009]

So now that the family has a huge estate/farm, they need to fill the place up with animals. This is going to be a GREAT idea seeing that Kate is a clean obsessed CONTROL freak. Those poor puppies - not one, but TWO adorable little German Shepherd puppies are going to have to endure inhumane treatment from the QUEEN OF MEAN. Not to mention there is no way with 8 small children that they can ALL be properly supervised around the puppies. We have raised a litter of puppies - they are fragile and need constant supervision around kids.

What was this breeder thinking? I know he knows who this family is, because it says they met him while he was providing security detail for one of the Gosselin's "speaking engagements" at a church. Kate relates their meeting by saying this guy was talking to her about his dogs and how great they are with kids and Kate's response was "I wish this guy would stop blah,blah, blahing in my ear - I'm never going to call him." How rude - but what else do you expect. People pay (or give LOVE OFFERINGS) to hear them speak, and when they try to interact with her, they are viewed as an annoyance.

Mady is back in full force having her usual meltdowns. First, when they are told the surprise about getting puppies, she storms around the room crying. Then, when she can't help choose the name (because QUEEN has already chosen them), she cries more. How old is she now? Surely this type behavior should have stopped.

All the kids seem behind in their development. The boys in this episode look and act like 3, although they are almost 5. I am still concerned about what these kids are being exposed to as a result of this show. It is not affecting the kids in a positive way, that is for sure.

The only good in this episode are the cute puppies. SOMEONE please rescue them from a life with a screaming, manic Kate. Poor things - run, run like the wind, while you still can...

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Color Me Gosselin (2008) Season 3, Episode 18

Relax and let the kids have fun, Kate!

[3/10 · 21 February 2009]

Pennsylvania winter's are very cold and snowy. From November to April, it's usually too cold to play outside. So the kids and the parents get cabin fever. So they try to find fun indoor activities away from the house.

It's the first snowfall of the year and the kids want to make a snowman. Getting the kids dressed to go outside is an ordeal. It takes 1 1/2 hours to dress them, for 20 minutes of play. Jon takes them outside, while Kate makes hot chocolate and is on standby as the stragglers start coming in. The kids are 3 1/2 years old this year so the snow is more fun and they can walk better in their boots, too. As soon as they get dressed and outside, there is always 1 or 2 who have to pee - so its back to square one.

They take the kids to the Crayola Factory - where they make crayons and have fun activities for the kids to do. The kids watch the DVD player in the van in the drive over. Once they get there, they eat first so there are no "I'm hungry meltdowns" later. The potty breaks start and Joel announces he "has a wiener and daddy's have wieners." The innocence of children! The see a demonstration on how crayons are made. The sextuplets are into coloring so they are going to have a good time. Then its time for a potty break. Kate tries to get Jon's attention in a crowded room, so she screams at him and everyone in the room looks. Kate acts like its Jon fault, but he says she just walks off.

Then its time to make a project. Kate threatens the kids that they better not get anything messy on their clothes. Jon tells her to just relax and quit being so neurotic - to just them have fun. In the meantime, Collin unwraps some play dough (white fluffy stuff) and he starts to eat it. Kate goes ballistic. The kids want to start coloring with markers and Kate says absolutely not. Mady is upset and says she never gets to do anything. Jon says she shouldn't have dressed them in nice clothes, and Kate says they have to look nice. Misplaced priorities, maybe? It's more important that kids look nice instead of having fun? The next station is projects with paper - like paper bag puppets. Kate is overwrought and says this is for relaxed people, not her. Mady has a meltdown and has to sit out. Cara is upset that Kate asks the little kids what station they want to do and didn't ask the twins what they wanted. The meltdowns continue and Kate announces "We're done!" They realize as the kids get older, it doesn't mean the outings will get easier.

While I agree, I think Kate should relax and let the kids have fun without worrying so much about the mess. Let them wear old play clothes - or take paint smocks with you if you are too embarrassed that your kids don't look nice all the time. What will the kids look back on and remember when they grow up? How nice they looked or how uptight their mom was all the time?

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Gosselins Go Skiing (2008) Season 3, Episode 13

The Gosselins first ski vacation!

[7/10 · 21 February 2009]

After an excruciating 14 hour plane ride ordeal (that's featured on another episode) they finally arrive. Kate gets horribly sick the first night with a headache and throwing up. Her and Beth manage to make it to the spa the next day. Jon and Kayla, Beth's daughter, take all 8 kids to ski school. Mady is in a horrible mood before they even leave - no surprise there. The kids have to all get fitted for boots and ski's. The little kids can hardly walk in the boots. They have to walk a long way to get to a gondola that will take them to ski school. The kids all have meltdowns as they get there. But the instructors offer them hot chocolate and goldfish and they calm down.

The plan is for all the kids to do ski school the first day. Then the kids will decide if they like it and if they want to do it again. Leah and Cara did really well. However, the next day, only 4 out of the 8 kids wanted to go back to ski school - Cara, Leah, Collin and Joel - and went with Jon and Kayla. The other 4 kids stayed with Beth and Kate.. Leah gets a little insecure at ski school and asks for her "Hannah" as a security blanket.

Kate has no interest in winter sports and is happy to stay back at the house with Beth and the other kids. She's busy doing laundry, fixing food, and staying organized as usual.

Meanwhile, back at ski school, Cara is doing so well, she graduates to getting to ride the ski lift on just her 2nd day. Her dad is so impressed and they get to ski down a mountain together. He is excited that Cara is interested in Winter sports like him. Since Kate isn't, this may become his and Cara's "thing" to do together. Jon says it's nice for Cara to excel at something and come out of her shell a little bit.

Later, Jon and Kate go out to a romantic dinner while Beth and Kayla watch all the kids. They go to a nice Asian restaurant. Kate insists on sitting where she can see facing "out" (does she always put herself first? - that gets a little annoying). Meanwhile, back at the house, the kids are starting to meltdown from exhaustion because they have been getting up really early (east coast time). They try to get the kids fed so they can go to bed early. Mady is being bossy and hateful. Kate talks about how Mady and Beth have a large love-hate relationship going. She says Beth loves Mady and sees her issues and has her figured out. Mady tried to pull things on every adult but Beth doesn't let that happen and Jon and Kate appreciate that. The kids try to trick Beth - but it doesn't work, because Beth knows all the rules.

The next day, Kate ventures onto the mountain so she can see for herself how well Cara is skiing. Then that afternoon, everyone goes ice skating. The little kids use mini-walkers to help them learn to walk on ice. Cara, Mady and Collin all do pretty well. Kate tries to go on the ice but gets fearful of falling and being out of commission. Kate is glad that Mady is doing well at skating since Cara has gotten all the attention that week for her skiing.

For dinner that night, they ride in a horse-pulled sleigh to a mountain-top restaurant. They are sad when the vacation comes to an end. Everyone loves the house. Beth and Kayla fly home early and Aunt Jodi flies in - just to help Jon and Kate fly with the kids back home. Bless Jodi's heart!

At the end, they ask Mady what she liked about the vacation and she says " Uh... uh... nothing". Kate snaps back, "Well we'll just leave you at home in school next time" to which Mady protests greatly and finally storms off.

This is probably my favorite episode. the scenery is breathtaking. The family got to do lots of fun stuff and it was interesting to see which kids liked doing the different activities. I am so glad that Cara finally got to have her day in the spotlight, as she often seems overshadowed by all Mady's outbursts and attention stealing.

Above and Beyond (1952)

Very simplistic telling of a very complex story

[6/10 · 20 February 2009]

This film chronicles the life and career of Paul Tibbets, who dropped the bomb on Hiroshima. Far from getting heavy into the ethics or justification of that event, it mainly looks at the personal life of the man involved in this controversial bombing.

There is one scene early on when one of his commanders is trying to decide if Tibbets is right for the job. He asked him if he could end the war tomorrow and save half a million American lives and others but would have to kill 100,000 people in the process, could he do it. He hands him a buzzer, and asks is he could push it. Tibbits pushes it. And thus he is chosen to head the mission.

They go into a great deal of time in chronicling the relationship with his wife and the strain his "secret" mission put on the marriage. So it was interesting to see if from this personal perspective.

But overall I found it a simplistic approach to a very difficult topic. The film was made in 1952 and the country was still very much pro-war in regards to WWII. To be certain if the film were made today, it would look VERY different by the liberals in today's Hollywood.

Mucxh of the film is told from the viewpoint of Tibbets wife, played by Eleanor Parker. She in fact narrates much of the film to add necessary details. I suppose this tactic was used to make the viewer more sympathetic and forgiving of a difficult subject - and kept them from delving too deeply into the controversy.

There is one attempt at the end when, after the bombing makes news and Tibbets is revealed as commander, a reporter asks him what he felt personally about dropping the bomb. He doesn't want to comment, but when the reporter pushes with a "but my readers WANT to know!", he turns the question back to the reporter. He says "How do THEY feel about it?"

Don't look to this film for any in depth answers to difficult questions. But if you enjoy seeing the personal side of the story to those involved, then this is a well made film with an adequate cast.

In Cold Blood (1967)

"Don't people around here lock doors? THEY WILL TONIGHT..."

[6/10 · 20 February 2009]

This was a very engrossing true crime story based on the murder of the Clutter family in 1959 in Kansas. It starts out with very menacing music that sets the tone for a story that will cause most viewers to feel a great deal of discomfort.

Even though most films by this time were being filmed in color, the director insisted this be shot in black and white - and proved a great decision. It helps under gird the very dark tone of the film. There is a very memorable scene near the end when one of the killers, Perry (Robert Blake) is talking in prison to a preacher. He is silhouetted next to a window with rain falling. The reflection of the rain dripping down the glass forms what looks like tears falling down his face. It was nominated for an Oscar for cinematography but lost to BONNIE AND CLYDE.

The film starts out introducing us to the killers and the victims. It keeps switching back and forth between the wholesome, nice Clutter family who are as American as apple pie and the low-life criminals, Perry and Dick. You can't help but feel nervous as you know the fate awaiting this poor, nice family. They really did a good job of building tension in this viewer. The fact that the audience of the day was very familiar with the murders, it meant the plot was little surprise to anyone. But the writer and director still do a good job creating suspense and tension in spite of knowing what is going to happen.

Bad language - surprising for an old film from the 60's. Guess it was used to add to the shock value.

The Director went to a lot of trouble for authenticity. He wanted to use little known actors in the leads so people would focus on the characters and not the stars playing them. It was filmed on location in the actual town, and even used the house where the murders occurred.

There is no doubt to the premeditation and cold-bloodedness that went into these killings. It's shocking to me that film towards the end tries to paint the murderers in a sympathetic light. It reminds me of another similar movie, "I WANT TO LIVE", where another criminal (that time a woman, Barbara Graham) was painted in a sympathetic light in order to convict the death penalty instead of the criminal. There is no doubt what the director's intention was when you see the way he closes the film. After the final shot of Perry hanging on the end of the rope, the film closes with a final title screen: IN COLD BLOOD. There's no doubt he's referring to the death penalty, and NOT the senseless killing of the Clutter family. That was pretty cold-blooded to the Clutter family's memory.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Mr. Mom (2008) Season 4, Episode 18

OMG! Kate reveals a tender side!

[6/10 · 20 February 2009]

Kate has to go out of town for 3 days on a media tour. This leaves Jon alone with the kids to do everything by himself.

I enjoyed this episode more than others, because with Kate gone, there was more emphasis on the kids which is the main reason I watch the show. Lately, the episodes seem to focus way too much on Kate. With her gone, the kids get more camera time. You still see her after she gets back as her and Jon relay what happened during the interview segments.

Jon does a good job with the kids and takes time to play with them, even though he has to take care of them by himself. This is something Kate rarely seems to do. She is more concerned with "getting stuff done". Jon and the kids play outside and play tag ball.

Jon decides to get the kids to draw journals of what they did while Kate was gone and to video record messages to mommy (I'm sure the producers "helped" him with the idea). When he tells her about it on it the interview couch, they play the video for her to see for the first time. Kate is so touched that she tears up - I have never seen this sensitive side to her. But the kids messages were so adorable! Kate then has to strong arm Jon to admit how hard her job is and how much she does to help. But it seems like she is on the road mostly according to her travel itinerary?! According to the kids video messages on how much they miss her, I think its sad that they feel the need to travel all over the country away from the kids. They say it is "to give the kids a better life" - but what kids need most is their parents. They need to find a way to balance the two.

For September 11, Jon has the kids line the driveway with American flags in remembrance. I thought that was a nice touch and a good thing to instill in the kids.

Good episode - I wish they did more like them.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Backyard Campout (2008) Season 4, Episode 14

Family spends bonding time in backyard

[5/10 · 19 February 2009]

I will have to say that this episode is better than most I have seen lately. There is emphasis on having a simple, inexpensive good time by camping out in the family's backyard. The kids are extremely excited about it.

The family goes to the sporting goods store to buy tents, sleeping bags, lanterns and other supplies. Leah suffers a bloody lip when she runs into one of her siblings.

The weather forecast is dismal and it has been raining most of the day so they aren't sure they can make it happen. Jon doesn't want to disappoint the kids so he decides to set up 2 of the 3 tents in the garage. Around 6pm there is a break in the weather and he is able to set up all 3 tents outside.

They make a fire in a fire pit, roast marshmallows and make smores. There are several close encounters with the little kids getting too close or being too careless near the fire or with the hot marshmallow roasting sticks. But Kate emotes that "windows of the world" are opening up for them now that the tups are 4 years old. They couldn't have done a campfire last year when they were only 3. Kate is amazed at how large the campfire circle is with everyone seated around it. She sometimes forgets just how big their family is.

It starts to rain around bedtime and continues to rain through the night. Everyone sleeps well, although the girls in Kate's tent get wet. Mady and Cara had to go with Jon and the boys in Jon's tent because their tent leaked. So that meant 6 in Jon's tent and only 4 in Kate's - hmmm, does that surprise anyone? The twins wanted to go in Kate's but she told them to go to their dad's.

At the end, Jon and Kate talk about what a rewarding family experience it was. It was a great, "bonding unity thing" that they will always remember.

I like that there was emphasis on good family fun without it having to be some exotic, expensive trip. I still think there is too much Kate-time and not enough of the kids.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Soup and a Surprise (2009) Season 4, Episode 29

Kate is a hypocrite - she "talks over top" of Jon

[1/10 · 19 February 2009]

At the end of the episode, Kate does the very thing she crucified Jon for in "Home Sweet Home" (#4.35) - she interrupts while he is talking. I wonder why she is allowed, and Jon gets lambasted if he does? Oh, that's right - because she is Queen and he is her servant. They are talking on the interview couch about the "big surprise" - the fact that they are moving to a new house. Jon is telling how difficult moves are because they are so scheduled and organized and used to having... to which Kate interjects "having things at our fingertips". Well, this is the same type "interruption" she accused Jon of in episode 4.35. Here's a recap of what she said in that episode:

"Thanks for interrupting me,I LOVE when you do that...(she finishes her previous thought)... NOW would you like to speak? It's SO irritating that you talk over top of me. STILL. HOW long have we been doing these interviews? It's like you would've learned by now (followed by long moaning sigh)."

Back to this episode, Jon doesn't bat an eye when she interjects - as most people wouldn't in a dynamic conversation between two people. But Kate sees things differently when SHE is speaking - NO ONE must ever interject or interrupt. What a hypocrite. I wish Jon would've called her down on that.

This episode had very little of the kids in it. I am noticing that more and more the episodes involve mostly Kate talking. I wonder if that is at her insistence? I hate we don't get to see more of the cute kids. That is, as long as it is not of them doing things that should be kept private - like having meltdowns (#1.5, #2.3, #2.5) or learning to potty (#1.7, #3.4, #3.5, #3.10). But PLEASE show them playing, asking cute questions that kids do, learning new skills etc. I'm so tired of all the camera time Kate gets. Instead of Jon and Kate plus Eight, they should rename the show "Kate and Kate plus Kate".

This episode shows KATE doing her annual soup cooking day ( oh how exciting - like watching paint dry). It does show the kids playing a little bit outside with play-dough and on an inflatable slide. But Kate has to interject how cleanup is the thorn in her side. She whines that the kids can destroy a room in 10 minutes but NEVER cleanup. Last time I checked, ya'll were the parents - make the kids cleanup. Teach them responsibility or they will grow up with the same sense of entitlement as you.

Then they announce the big surprise at the supper table to the kids - they are moving FOR SURE. No surprise to the audience - we've been hearing rumors of the estate purchase for months. They go on at the end during the interview "how the kids SO deserve it" blah blah. That they will BETTERING the kids. They NEED the space for a family of 10. By the way, the OLD house had almost 4000 SF (Per Jon's own words in "SURVIVING SEXTUPLETS AND TWINS")w/ 5 BR & 2.5 ba. My grandmother raised 12 kids in a 3 BR 1 ba house that was maybe 1500 SF. The new house costs $1.3 million, has 6200 sf, 14 rooms, 24 acres, barn, pool etc. Guess they will have to quit telling people how poor they are and asking for "love offerings" at churches where they speak.

Little Men (1940)

Not nearly as good as Little Women

[4/10 · 18 February 2009]

I was a little disappointed in this one as it didn't live up to my expectations. It was not nearly as good as Little Women - also written by Louisa May Alcott.

Part of the problem was the poor quality of the film itself on TCM. It had lots of scratches and white spots, as well as a soundtrack that dragged at times (especially noticeable during music). There was also frequent jumping to the film which was distracting.

I wonder the reason they replaced Katherine Hepburn's character, Jo March, with Kay Francis? Hepburn made the character so spirited - whereas Francis played it like milquetoast. The only resemblance was when Jo says the familiar "Christopher Columbus!" exclamation.

Jo March is married now with children. Her and her husband run Plumfield School Boarding school for children. George Bancroft plays a former shyster, Major Hurdle, who is "bequeathed" a baby boy, Dan, from a former hoodlum who was murdered. He grows fond of the boy and tries to live straight. When he is finally made to enroll Dan in school, he takes him to Plumfield.

There is one scene that was meant for humor - but I didn't find it at all funny. Hurdle's crooked buddy that visits the school with him gets his coat stuck in the school safe when he accidentally opens it. They go on and on with him trying to get it unstuck, finally cutting his coat loose, then trying to even the coat up - yawn, yawn, yawn.

The best thing the film has going for it is an adorable boy named Teddy (Richard Nichols) and Elsie the cow, who has the biggest, most expressive eyes. Apparently she was quite famous from the New York World's Fair and Borden milk ads.

Overall, I found the plot boring and the pace extremely slow. Not much to see here - unless you are a huge fan of Alcott and want to complete more of her film adaptations.

Deja Vu (2006)

Things that make you go "hmmmmm"...

[9/10 · 17 February 2009]

I really enjoyed this film. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. At points, my head hurt from trying to figure out all the twists and turns - primarily from attempting to figure out the whole time travel aspect. Even though I've seen the film several times now, I'm still not sure I have it totally figured out. But I like when a film has me second guessing my own conclusions. It almost means you have to watch it multiple times to uncover things you may have missed the first time around. This film is definitely like that.

Denzel does a good job, but I wouldn't say this is one of my favorites of his performances. Although I do like him in this. I just think this film is less of a character story and is more about the plot itself of traveling to the past and whether we can alter outcomes. So my focus was always more on that, than on the characters themselves. It would have been neat to see Halle Berry in the role of Claire - I wasn't familiar with the girl that played Claire (Paula Patton). It creeped me out a little that the same dude (Jim Caviezel) that played Jesus in PASSION OF THE Christ played the terrorist here. Just doesn't seem right somehow.

There are some good action shots. I think it's great they chose to shoot in New Orleans as their economy definitely needed help after Katrina.

Go to the message boards if you want to try to analyze timelines, parallel universes, wormholes, paradoxes and such. I looked at some of that, and it just made me more confused. I say, just watch the movie and enjoy it for all the pulse-pumping, adrenalin-raising thrills!

Jon & Kate Plus 8: Home Sweet Home (2009) Season 4, Episode 35

"It's so irritating that you talk over top of me" - Kate to Jon

[3/10 · 17 February 2009]

I'll tell you what's REALLY irritating - when Kate constantly nags and corrects her husband and tells him how irritating HE is. Man-up Jon and tell her what you think! Don't just sit there like her whipping boy.

This episode from Season 4 is the continuing saga of the multi-million dollar estate/compound they have moved to "because the kids deserve it". This weeks episode has Jon and Kate going to the tile store to pick out new tile to replace perfectly brand new-looking hardwoods in the basement(WHY?). They obviously have more money than sense now. But wait - wasn't it just last week that Kate was screaming at Jon over not using a $20 coupon? "It's like throwing money away." I guess throwing away perfectly good hardwood floors doesn't fall in the same category?! Kate whines that she really wants the dark gray slate, which Jon hates. Kate reminds him that most men tell there wives "you pick what you want honey". But those must be the men who have wives that don't nag and criticize them incessantly on national TV. But I guess she forgot.

Then, they have hired a contractor to repaint the basement walls. And just to make his day, they let the sextuplets overrun his "job" and they get to try to paint the walls themselves first. All the while, the contractor is running around wiping up their paint spills on the baseboard he had already painted the previous day. I sure hope "Mr. Trim" gets lots of job referrals for all the hassle he had to go through.

The worst part was the interview on the couch at the end. Kate wants to tell her version of the day but won't even let Jon speak. She is explaining that is was great for the kids to get involved in helping, in taking ownership.. Then Jon adds "cause it's their house". And Kate just berates him sarcastically: "Thanks for interrupting me,I LOVE when you do that...(she finishes her previous thought)... NOW would you like to speak? It's SO irritating that you talk over top of me. STILL. HOW long have we been doing these interviews? It's like you would've learned by now (followed by long moaning sigh)." So Kate is the only one who can have the floor at any given time. No one is allowed to interject their 2 cents worth. YOU GOT IT JON?

The Gold Rush (1925)

My college class MADE me watch this movie...

[9/10 · 16 February 2009]

I was taking a History of Film class as an EASY elective. I was not excited when this silent film was slated on our itinerary. I thought, "Boy, I'll sleep through this one." But BOY WAS I WRONG.

It was the first time I had seen a Charlei Chaplin classic, and I instantly fell in love with his adorable character. I certainly KNEW who Charlie Chaplin was, but I had relegated silent film as an outdated technology. Sort of like extinct dinosaurs - no need to revisit that.

But there is great humor here, no matter what the year on the calendar. Her we are 80 years later and this stuff is still funny.

Who doesn't laugh at him dancing with the dog tied to his belt - or when he dances with the rolls. And the way he ate the shoe leather! He was a comic genius! If you were like me and judged all silent film as unwatchable and boring, you have to give this one a chance and you just might change your mind - like I did!

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

What if our souls were on display for all to see

[9/10 · 16 February 2009]

This unbelievably frightening tale originates from the mind of Oscar Wilde as written in his novel, PORTRAIT OF DORIAN GRAY. Without this book, there would be no film. It is a tale of a vain young man who decides it is better to sell one's soul if only he can stay young and the painting can grow old in his place.

The director did a great job of capturing the gist of Wilde's story on film. The first time I saw it when I was much younger, it scared the wits out of me. I still find it incredibly creepy after all these years.

There is wonderful imagery and subliminal hints throughout the film. Notice the butterfly that Lord Henry captures,and then poisons - just at the same moment as he is filling young Dorian's mind with poisonous philosophy of hedonism. Notice when, after killing the beautiful butterfly with mineral spirits, he hands it to "beautiful" Dorian on a card with a pin through the creature. This is foreshadowing to the ending when Dorian destroys the portrait, and ultimately himself.

Also, the whole story with Sybil Vane, played by Angela Lansbury, is an allegory. She sings "Little Yellow bird" which is about a wild sparrow finding a caged canary in a mansion, but is unwilling to give up her freedom. Dorian ends up giving Sybil a caged canary - and she later becomes imprisoned by his diabolical plot which results ultimately in her losing her freedom (life).

Also, right before Dorian kills Basil the artist - Basil is quoting scripture to Dorian and you can see a cross highlighted in the door frame.

The cinematography is amazing here and deserving of the Oscar it won. The sets and costumes are lavish and get the full MGM treatment.

George Sanders is quite effective in his portrayal of the villainous Lord Henry. It's not much of a stretch as he perfected the cad character over many roles. His clipped British accent which he delivered in rapid fire was difficult to understand at times. I wasn't sure of what to make of Hurd Hatfiled's portrayal of Dorian at first. He seemed quite mannequin and wooden in his delivery. But I guess that was supposed to show how cold-hearted he was after selling his soul - and a soul-less person would be devoid of emotion. But I wonder if there could have been a flicker of conflict in his emotions, it would have made the audience more sympathetic to his plight. Angela Lansbury was just perfect for the Cockney saloon girl and quite lovely. Her singing voice was beautiful as well.

As stated in the movie "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world but lose his soul?" This is definitely a morality tale told in a most creative and disturbing way.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: The Big Move (2009) Season 4, Episode 33

Kate continues her sense of entitlement

[1/10 · 16 February 2009]

I had quit watching this show since last summer as I just couldn't take the attitude of Kate anymore. The kids are adorable, which is why I started watching it in the first place. But it seems like more and more that the focus has become Kate and her ridiculous antics. This episode is no exception as the kids are on maybe 10% and Jon and Kate are the entire rest of the show.

Well I was flipping channels the other day and came across this episode and had to stop when it said "The Big Move". It got my curiosity so I decided, against my better judgement, to tune in.

Well, some things never change. From a family that hit the country, touring churches, telling everyone how much they are struggling financially and taking "love offerings (no doubt from people in much worse shape financially than they are - shame on you) - and now they are moving into a million dollar estate. You have got to be kidding me! Someone off camera asked Kate (as she is standing in the door or her new home) if she was excited to be moving in. Her blaise answer was, "well, sort of." Then she says something like "Welcome everyone in the whole world, welcome to my home" as she starts walking off, stating "That was so facetious." Are you kidding me - she moves into a million dollar estate and she can't muster even a little excitement? I think this all stems from her sense of entitlement Kate has had since the sextuplets were first born and she expected the State of PA to foot the bill for their care by hiring her a private duty nurse.

They have alienated everyone in there family. Beloved family friends who the kids adored, liked Beth, are also gone with no explanation. The kids are made to endure impersonal babysitters and nannies while the parents tour the country. It seems the only time they are together is when someone gives them a free vacation to some luxurious location. Even in the midst of the "Big Move" Kate was gone to LA "for business" leaving Jon (and I'm sure an army of hired help) to pack up everything.

Oh, and did I mention that Kate has one of her classic meltdowns because Jon bought some shower heads and Jon "DIDN'T USE A COUPON. WE NEVER BUY ANYTHING WITHOUT A COUPON". Kate, you're living in a million dollar home - you can quit with the "we're poor and need coupons" act now. As they retell the incident on the interview couch, you have to catch Jon's eye roll at Kate at the end. Trouble in paradise? Ever heard the proverb "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife" (Prov 21:9).

So, I don't care how big and beautiful that house is, poor Jon is still stuck with nagging Kate. She even admits in this episode that the only way she gets Jon to do stuff is constantly nagging him. Maybe if she didn't nag, he would be more inspired to help out more.

Kate closes the episode by saying the house search was worth it all in the end, because "the kids deserve it". But she really means herself.