LIcense To Drive (1988)

After the change in the software for Netflix for Wii, I didn't know what to do about this humble blog. The entire concept was blown, its one topic status up in the air. So, I figured I'd roll with the punches and just fake my way through despite Netflix's changes. I can't knock them because the software is much faster than its predecessor.

I make buttons for bands, artists, etc so I watch TV a bunch when I'm working on them. I even have another blog dedicated to that. I can't remember who I was making pins for, but I decided to watch "License To Drive" after not seeing for a long time. It was once a cable TV staple, receiving airplay pretty frequently. 

The movie definitely doesn't hold up. I read a few reviews, (I'll research a movie after I've watched it usually) and they mention the second and third act of the movie sorta fizzling out. Very true. I wondered if maybe there were some jokes I didn't get watching it when I was younger that I might understand now that I'm 29, but there weren't too many. I guess maybe the exaggerated portrayal of drinking I understand more since I probably wasn't at the legal drinking age last time I saw it. 

It was interesting to recognize some of the actors. For instance, "Fresh Prince Of Bel Air"'s James Avery as Corey Haim's (who was only 38 when he died) DMV passenger with a hard on for burning hot 7-11 coffee in a styrofoam cup "filled to the brim". Also, Michael Manasseri as the Corey's nerdy 3rd wheel, but I remembered him as Wyatt on the TV version of "Weird Science". I used to watch that on USA when it aired. Right after that, we'd change the station to the local channel, 16 (which I think was WMFE or PBS) and they aired "The New Twilight Zone" with the theme that scares the hell out of me. I talk about that a little more in my button blog. Also, there's Heather Graham as "dream girl" Mercedes. She did "Drugstore Cowboy" after this which I haven't seen in forever, but I remember Matt Dillon yelling at her to never put a hat on a bed. 

100 pounds?! I wish! 

Wii's Software Update

Netflix has updated their software for the Wii. There is longer a "Retrieving Screen", but a solid black "Loading" screen instead.

Hot Bubblegum

"Hot Bubblegum" is a pretty entertaining and crazy Hebrew language (although overdubbed in English in this case) teen flick with lots of sex and swearing. Among the rampant profanities are good 1950's rock'n'roll (mostly Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" at every possible opportunity), cool clothes and almost every "Popsicle Girl" in an elastic waist belt. Here, we find main character, Benzi chasing the manipulative, slutty, shiny lipped Niki (played by Orna Dagan instead of Anat Atzmon who was Niki in "Lemon Popsicle") in a cloud of blind love. Supposedly, the "Nikis" are two separate characters. I haven't seen, "Going Steady" which is the film that's right before this one, so I may be a little lost of the continuing story line. 

Be sure to check out a fansite from the UK called "Lemon Popsicle Forever" that has a thorough overview of all the movies in the "Popsicle" series.

Again with the funny Netflix created box covers, they use this image here:

BUT, as far as I could tell, this image is not from this movie. 

Here's the original poster art:

Party Down

"Party Down" is hilarious, although, I think the best episodes are with Constance (Jane Lynch who left the show for "Glee"). I've heard it has similarities to "Veronica Mars" and "Children's Hospital" but I haven't seen either of those. They share some cast and crew members as far as I know, and the same goes with "Freaks And Geeks" who share Martin Starr and Lizzy Caplan. 

RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 3)

This show is so much fun to watch. I wish the first season was on Instant. I'm excited about the fourth season. This picture is good timing. 

Skins (U.K.)

This is my second viewing of the original U.K. version of "Skins". The first season is the best season with the most likable group of characters in the show's 6 season run (so far). The second and third seasons are okay, but not as infectious or dreamy, and even the clothing is better in the first. I also could have done without the Cat Stevens' "Wild World" montage sung by some of the cast in the season finale (the first season I think). *barf*. 

I haven't watched the American, MTV version, but I can't imagine it even coming close. Especially since the British version is unrated, with lots of swearing, sex, nudity and rampant drug use. 

Mad Men

I started watching "Mad Men" maybe just last month. I don't have cable, so I wasn't swept up in the fury of a revival of the early 1960's like the rest of the country hinted at. It sadly hasn't taken over the horrible excuse that is the fashion trends of today (leggings and tights as pants, dolman tops, ill-fitting, cheaply made clothing in general). Everything worn in this show is well made, tailored to fit and none of the characters would be caught dead at the mall in pajama pants with large words scribbled across their butt. Bleecchh.

I stopped watching at episode 30 (I think) because I watched past where my husband left off. I thought he didn't like the show, so I kept watching, wanting to see what happens next. It's definitely a well written show, but I can't seem to figure out why I'm so hooked. It is because it takes place in the early 60's? If it was present time, would I feel the same way? The plot lines would be different in modern times for sure. I also like that Tim Hunter (writer of "Over The Edge" and "River's Edge") is involved. 

So, to tide me over, I've been watching my "Bewitched" DVDs. There's actually more than a few others online who made this same comparison. Darin Stephens (Dick York's character on "Bewitched") is an ad executive on Madison Avenue, New York just like "Mad" Man, Donald Draper. That's basically the gist of it, all the advertising talk and such that occurs in both shows. Of course, "Witch", Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) is the main character in her show, whereas, Betty Draper (January Jones) is placed fourth in the credits.