Watched This Week ~ Jan 24th to 30th

Movies:

Transformers 2 ~ I let one of my students watch it on my laptop because he was done all his work and it was a double block today. Of course the others all wanted to watch too! So we all watched a bit. I'll have to watch the rest another time.

Couples Retreat ~ Not as funny as I thought it would be. There were some funny moments and usally I like Vince Vaugn's schtick, but this time it was a bit much. All the guys were pretty obnoxious (on purpose I'm sure). Of course they all had to step it up in the end and become better men for their women, but it was awfully contrived and forced. I hoped there would be a bit more fun in the movie, but the characters were too one dimensional and irritating to like. Rating: 2/5

The Road ~ This was a tough movie to watch. I know it's been critically acclaimed as a movie and a novel by many. I thought the acting was tremendous and I appreciate the cinematography and atmosphere created. Maybe I'm not deep enough to appreciate this kind of desolate hopeless type of movie. I realize there was a sliver of hope at the end, but really what kind of life was there to be had? Rating: 3/5

Hockey:

Monday Jan. 24th ~ Vancouver Canucks (3) vs Buffalo Sabres (2)

Wednesday Jan 26th ~ Vancouver Canucks (3) vs St. Louis Blues (2)

Saturday Jan. 30th ~ Toronto Maple Leafs (3) vs Vancouver Canucks (5)

TV Shows:

>> American Idol (S09E5&6) ~ Not my favourite part of the show. I'd rather hear the good singers. The guest judges this week were: Katy Perry (who constantly clashes with Kara), Avril Lavigne (didn't add much to the judging panel except to seem spoiled and bratty) Neil Patrick Harris (who squared off with Simon) and Joe Jonas (maybe uttered 3 or 4 words that they showed anyway). I still think someone needs to put us out of our misery with Randy - the "dawg" is pretty useless. It's going to be terrible once Simon leaves. I can't imagine who would replace him.

>> Better Off Ted (S02E11) ~ The great thing about this show is that there is always something that makes you laugh out loud. The characters are quirky in a way that isn't trying too hard, too cutesy, over-the-top or annoying. This show is meant to be a satirical look at our corporate megolomanic society, but it doesn't shove it in our face or try to be too clever which makes it work. I know this show is on the bubble, but I really hope it makes it. It could be a staple in the Wednesday comedy line-up on ABC. Come on ABC don't throw this gem away!!!

>> Burn Notice (S03E10 &11) ~ Lots of action, Michael Weston is back!

>> Castle (S02E13&14) ~ Watching Nathan Fillion is always a treat.

>> Chuck (S03E05) ~ Chuck has his first solo mission - usual hijinks occur. Chuck is definitely ramping it up this year in order to survive. They have added a new lease on life with the new intersect that Chuck had implanted. It allows for more possible story lines. I'm glad they still have the Buy More element to the show and I've loved having Captain Awesome being pulled into Chuck's missions.

>> Deep End, The (S01E01) ~ New series about lawyers that doesn't take itself too seriously. The characters seem a little campy (especially Billy Zane) and it's all about who's sleeping with who (like Grey's Anatomy used to be). It's not too bad so I'll probably keep watching.

>> Grey's Anatomy (S06E12) ~ Love is tough. I wonder if this means that Izzy is going for good this time?

>> Leverage (S02E 11&12) ~ Great crime caper show. Jeri Ryan has been a good addition.

>> Life Unexpected (S01E02) ~ New series about a foster child finding her birth parents.

>> Private Practice (S03E12) ~ Harsh, not a lot of warm fuzzies in this episode.

>> Psych (S04E10) ~ I love these guys. The little ad libs and facial expressions are priceless. It's sad that there is only 13 episodes per season. Hey, I just found out there are 16 this year. Whoo Hoo!!

>> Scrubs (S06E10&11) ~ The show is better with Zach Braff, but it still has some funny moments.