I saw this Bob Dylan movie on Saturday night and can't stop thinking about it. I basically agreed to see it because of Christian Bale and Heath Ledger, but ended up loving every minute.
Bob Dylan is portrayed by six different characters each that, in theory, are based off of different characteristics/time periods of Dylan's life. In the array of Bob Dylan's that we see, we have an ADORABLE little boy (played by Marcus Carl Franklin), a variety of hot middle age Bob Dylans (played by aforementioned actors), an older Billy the Kid character (played by Richard Gere), and the somewhat older Bob Dylan played by Cate Blanchett.
Two things I want to discuss. First, Cate was incredible. At first, it was a little tough for me to get over that it was here playing Bob Dylan. To some degree I think this is the issue I have with any big name actor in a movie - I'm always going to think of them as the tabloid personality before the character. When I saw Jennifer Aniston in "The Break Up", I looked for the Jennifer Aniston i read about in US Weekly as well as Rachel from friends. When I saw Vince Vaughn in "Fred Claus", I delighted to see the Vince Vaughn from "Old School" and "Wedding Crashers." But once I was willing to suspend disbelief, I saw that she was simply incredible at this part. The hard sell wasn't that it was a woman playing a man, just Cate Blanchett; Her incredible acting made it easier to believe. The wardrobe choices, loose yet tailored suits, helped to create the silhouette of a man. Her mannerisms, although somewhat effeminate, seemed totally appropriate.
Second, multiple characters playing one person. Although many people will likely discuss this in their much more well thought out and written reviews, I think this movie makes an interesting discussion point for philosophical studies of the complexity of identity. I understand that Todd Haynes justifies this by saying that Dylan was a complex person who constantly reinvented himself. Am I the only one was under the belief that we are all complex people? We all reinvent ourselves with new time periods, significant events, insignificant meetings, etc. I don't meant to belittle the effect this had on his depiction of Dylan. Instead, I mean this to say, why don't we use this more often? This should become the new film thing just like film montages and the real time format (a la "24").
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Sorry, sorry, sorry
It's been so long, ugh! Well, more random musings.
First, Top Chef. Its been months since it ended, but thank goodness Hung won! I know people say Tre broke the streak, but loyal readers, I think people are creating causal relationships without knowing all the facts. The prevailing theory was whoever won the first elimination challenge won Top Chef. That's only because all of those theorizing didn't realize the REAL causality; whoever I get a crush on during the first episode wins Top Chef! It was just correlation, and not causation, that Harold and Ilan won the first elimination challenge. Although, for the record, I still can't believe Tre was knocked out so early. Totally ridiculous.
Don't believe me? I've got more proof of my gut reaction on these chef elimination shows. "The Next Iron Chef" had a variety of very talented contestants with Peshe popularly called the front-runner. My favorite was Michael Symon; Michael Symon won! And he won his first challenge, too!
For now, loyal readers, what shows should I add to my DVR? I'm especially looking for recommendations from the non-prime time networks so I feel like I'm getting my money's worth from my outrageous cable bill.
First, Top Chef. Its been months since it ended, but thank goodness Hung won! I know people say Tre broke the streak, but loyal readers, I think people are creating causal relationships without knowing all the facts. The prevailing theory was whoever won the first elimination challenge won Top Chef. That's only because all of those theorizing didn't realize the REAL causality; whoever I get a crush on during the first episode wins Top Chef! It was just correlation, and not causation, that Harold and Ilan won the first elimination challenge. Although, for the record, I still can't believe Tre was knocked out so early. Totally ridiculous.
Don't believe me? I've got more proof of my gut reaction on these chef elimination shows. "The Next Iron Chef" had a variety of very talented contestants with Peshe popularly called the front-runner. My favorite was Michael Symon; Michael Symon won! And he won his first challenge, too!
For now, loyal readers, what shows should I add to my DVR? I'm especially looking for recommendations from the non-prime time networks so I feel like I'm getting my money's worth from my outrageous cable bill.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Top Chef - Season 3
As always, I'm blogging as I go. Spoilers everywhere, so beware!
Quickfire -
Hung should have picked up the shellfish from the floor, but is that really that bad? And seriously, since when did Top Chef turn into Fear Factor? Getting their own shellfish? Having to open them? It's like all this super gross stuff that in theory
Shellfish and white wine can be done by a monkey, according to Hung. If that's true, can I get a pet monkey who will cook that for me? If you read my previous post about animals in Evan Almighty, you'll remember my adoration for personified animals. So, Hung, if you read this, I'll pay you real big bucks for the cooking monkey, especially if that monkey is snuggle and can talk.
The guest judge, , seemed very positive. "its an acquired taste" - is that a euphemism for "how are you still on this show?"
Healthy elimination challenge -
This is quite an homage to the previous seasons challenge to do a low calorie meal for the kids camp. I really really like these challenges because it kind of refocuses them away from just cooking with favorite ingredients and heavy sauces and butter. Plus, I would love to go to restaurants and order healthy food that isn't just green salad. However, are there no guidelines for "low cholesterol?"
Did NONE of these contestants watch previous seasons to study up? Instant mashed potatoes? Hello, remember in season 1 during the Wedding challenge when the cooks got flack for using cake mix? And that was the cake when none were pastry chefs, etc. AND Dale is going to use precooked chicken? Wow, wow, wow.
Too bad Lia failed to execute, I liked the general idea of her way to update frank and beans.
I love the facial expressions of the judges. Its so obvious they hate a bunch of these dishes. Howie's dish looked the most delicious - made my stomach growl for sure.
Top two AGAIN? This shouldn't really bug me, but it really bugs the beegebus out of me. And Howie clearly is the better chef of him and Dale since Dale USED A MIX! So glad that Howie won and he finally got a real prize - a trip to work with a chef, etc, as oppose to just a big pile of autographed books.
Bottom five? I know they were unhappy, but c'mon. I think it was kind of obnoxious to bring in Brian just to lecture him about using lobsters. I don't think Tom was rude or mean, but still. Lia apparently didn't do much, Sara's food was apparently awful, CJ's meal was apparently a little blah, and Micah's food was bad - plus she was so haughty and "above" meatloaf. Clearly CJ and Lia aren't going home - they're food wasn't bad. I'm glad Micah went home since her food was the least favorite of the people - and she was totally obnoxious.
Okay so Hung and Marcel are friends. Hung and Marcel are given a hard time by the other cooks, unfairly so. I kind of wonder if at least part of it is the editing. Do we have to have a villain every time? Stephen, Marcel, Hung - all talented, arrogant, young cooks who make enemies quickly. All three have a huge explosion early on with someone who seems to be a strong personality. Stephen, however, apologized and redeemed himself at the reunion. Since there was no reunion for season 2, I guess those folks never had a chance. I guess my point here is - are all overly confident but yet talented cooks total jerks? Or does Bravo just find the real gems? And are they really as bad as they are edited to look like? Not exactly ground breaking questions, but seems like the pressing question for loyal TC fans.
Quickfire -
Hung should have picked up the shellfish from the floor, but is that really that bad? And seriously, since when did Top Chef turn into Fear Factor? Getting their own shellfish? Having to open them? It's like all this super gross stuff that in theory
Shellfish and white wine can be done by a monkey, according to Hung. If that's true, can I get a pet monkey who will cook that for me? If you read my previous post about animals in Evan Almighty, you'll remember my adoration for personified animals. So, Hung, if you read this, I'll pay you real big bucks for the cooking monkey, especially if that monkey is snuggle and can talk.
The guest judge, , seemed very positive. "its an acquired taste" - is that a euphemism for "how are you still on this show?"
Healthy elimination challenge -
This is quite an homage to the previous seasons challenge to do a low calorie meal for the kids camp. I really really like these challenges because it kind of refocuses them away from just cooking with favorite ingredients and heavy sauces and butter. Plus, I would love to go to restaurants and order healthy food that isn't just green salad. However, are there no guidelines for "low cholesterol?"
Did NONE of these contestants watch previous seasons to study up? Instant mashed potatoes? Hello, remember in season 1 during the Wedding challenge when the cooks got flack for using cake mix? And that was the cake when none were pastry chefs, etc. AND Dale is going to use precooked chicken? Wow, wow, wow.
Too bad Lia failed to execute, I liked the general idea of her way to update frank and beans.
I love the facial expressions of the judges. Its so obvious they hate a bunch of these dishes. Howie's dish looked the most delicious - made my stomach growl for sure.
Top two AGAIN? This shouldn't really bug me, but it really bugs the beegebus out of me. And Howie clearly is the better chef of him and Dale since Dale USED A MIX! So glad that Howie won and he finally got a real prize - a trip to work with a chef, etc, as oppose to just a big pile of autographed books.
Bottom five? I know they were unhappy, but c'mon. I think it was kind of obnoxious to bring in Brian just to lecture him about using lobsters. I don't think Tom was rude or mean, but still. Lia apparently didn't do much, Sara's food was apparently awful, CJ's meal was apparently a little blah, and Micah's food was bad - plus she was so haughty and "above" meatloaf. Clearly CJ and Lia aren't going home - they're food wasn't bad. I'm glad Micah went home since her food was the least favorite of the people - and she was totally obnoxious.
Okay so Hung and Marcel are friends. Hung and Marcel are given a hard time by the other cooks, unfairly so. I kind of wonder if at least part of it is the editing. Do we have to have a villain every time? Stephen, Marcel, Hung - all talented, arrogant, young cooks who make enemies quickly. All three have a huge explosion early on with someone who seems to be a strong personality. Stephen, however, apologized and redeemed himself at the reunion. Since there was no reunion for season 2, I guess those folks never had a chance. I guess my point here is - are all overly confident but yet talented cooks total jerks? Or does Bravo just find the real gems? And are they really as bad as they are edited to look like? Not exactly ground breaking questions, but seems like the pressing question for loyal TC fans.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Evan Almighty
I loved this movie. I'm pretty sure this makes me a HUGE dork because it was mostly a cute flick with lots of corny jokes. It's everything that you would expect, but I mostly want to make two points - Steve Carell is the new Adam Sandler and all movies should have personified animals.
Anyone out there remember when Adam Sandler was churning out funny movies like crazy? Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy, etc. They were hilariously ridiculous movies with a cute kind of moral. Steve Carell offers us 40-year Old Virgin, Evan Almighty, etc. Seems to follow the same career progression. I do hope that Steve Carell will avoid the Adam Sandler mistake of making repetitive movies. The other strong similarity is that both seem to be great about making movies consistent in their ridiculous corniness. In Billy Madison, or example, the dancing penguin is throughout and it seems very consistent in the world of the babble at dinner, the 20 something in kindergarten, and the creepy classmate with the kill list. In Evan Almighty, the homages to Carell's days on the Daily Show, the reference to 40-year Old Virgin, the bird poop, and witty comments from Rita (Wanda Sykes) all keep this movie well into the family humor genre.
Secondly, can EVERY movie please find a way to integrate in cute animals? (Spoiler warning), when those monkeys were drinking out of glasses, I like almost lost it they were so cute. There are SO many scenes where these incredibly cuddly animals act like people, and every time it makes me wish I could have one as a pet/roommate that would watch movies with me, sit around in the sun chatting about books, etc. I know, I know, none of the animals spoke, but they helped to build an ark, they fetched refreshing beverages and they literally shat on a republican - its not unreasonable to think they could learn to talk.
Anyone out there remember when Adam Sandler was churning out funny movies like crazy? Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy, etc. They were hilariously ridiculous movies with a cute kind of moral. Steve Carell offers us 40-year Old Virgin, Evan Almighty, etc. Seems to follow the same career progression. I do hope that Steve Carell will avoid the Adam Sandler mistake of making repetitive movies. The other strong similarity is that both seem to be great about making movies consistent in their ridiculous corniness. In Billy Madison, or example, the dancing penguin is throughout and it seems very consistent in the world of the babble at dinner, the 20 something in kindergarten, and the creepy classmate with the kill list. In Evan Almighty, the homages to Carell's days on the Daily Show, the reference to 40-year Old Virgin, the bird poop, and witty comments from Rita (Wanda Sykes) all keep this movie well into the family humor genre.
Secondly, can EVERY movie please find a way to integrate in cute animals? (Spoiler warning), when those monkeys were drinking out of glasses, I like almost lost it they were so cute. There are SO many scenes where these incredibly cuddly animals act like people, and every time it makes me wish I could have one as a pet/roommate that would watch movies with me, sit around in the sun chatting about books, etc. I know, I know, none of the animals spoke, but they helped to build an ark, they fetched refreshing beverages and they literally shat on a republican - its not unreasonable to think they could learn to talk.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Top Chef Season 3 Episode 2
Watching it on reruns, but I have avoided any news of it. Let's see how this season goes.
I do wonder, though, what happened to Kenmore. Now the kitchen is GE Megasomething. Did Kenmore not want to give them a big kitchen? Did the Top Chefs not appreciate it? I wonder if Harold was able to use that kitchen in his new restaurant.
Also, I think they should create a Top Chef Restaurant guide. So in x city, what restaurants are run by former Guest judges or contestants. That way, when I'm in Orlando, I turn to that page, and can visit one of their places, etc. I think this is a genius idea. Anyone agree? I wonder if I can sell it to Top Chef in exchange for a free meal at some of these places.
The quickfire challenge seemed kind of cool - lots and lots of citrus. The display did look really nice. Hung is turning out to be very pompous, though, and may not stay as my favorite for very long. I know he and Tre are good - they were on the top of the first challenge, but they keep editing him with these ridiculous quotes - (and I paraphrase)" we're clearly the favorites" and after winning the quick fire " I didn't expect anything less." C'mon. Every time CJ is on screen it is kind of awe-striking how tall he is. He is clearly literally the top chef. I also loved the amount of alcohol in the quickfire - a tequila hinted smore, a mojito, a Grand Marnier drink. The guest judge, Van Aken, was very blunt with the contestants, but I thought his being critical comments all seemed like they could be helpful.
Champagne Barbecue - the sheer name of the challenge makes my stomach growl. And high end barbecue, I actually think this seems like something a Top Chef should have to do!
I love Tre - in the kitchen he quickly switches away from Shrimp quietly, smartly as he sees that others are doing it. He just seems so nice. Hung continues to be intense and kind of annoying. I am, however, surprised there was no coordination between the contestants. Maybe there was no time, and maybe barbecues don't require it, but they could have eliminated repetition, made sure there were some drinks, etc.
The barbecue itself is kind of boring. Everything looks fairly tasty, but nothing seems amazing. Part of it, though, is some of the people are getting so little screen time. Camille, for example, is not getting a lot of screen time. Makes me think she's not going to be the best or the worst this challenge. Someone who is getting a lot of face time is whiny Joey. Why is Joey so upset about Hung's Watermelon drink? They aren't allowed to make a beverage with the same fruit? You'd think Hung stole the watermelon literally out of Joey's hands.
SO Sara was a surprise. I thought the whole episode that she was going to be eliminated - she has trouble with the quickfire with shrimp, orders the wrong amount of protein until Hung corrects her, she doesn't know what her peppers are, can't start a barbecue. Micah being in the top, though, is frustrating since she was annoying all day.
Again with the bottom 4. Total insanity.
Joey needs to watch more Top Chef. Picking other people to be eliminated is not a smart idea.
I like that their decisions are made on a definitional question of what is up scale barbecue. However, I am really touched by everyone's reaction to Sandee's departure. She must have been really great to be so well loved after so little time.
Another episode down. I'm lukewarm about this season. Nothing turning me off, but nothing really getting me invested in these chefs either.
I do wonder, though, what happened to Kenmore. Now the kitchen is GE Megasomething. Did Kenmore not want to give them a big kitchen? Did the Top Chefs not appreciate it? I wonder if Harold was able to use that kitchen in his new restaurant.
Also, I think they should create a Top Chef Restaurant guide. So in x city, what restaurants are run by former Guest judges or contestants. That way, when I'm in Orlando, I turn to that page, and can visit one of their places, etc. I think this is a genius idea. Anyone agree? I wonder if I can sell it to Top Chef in exchange for a free meal at some of these places.
The quickfire challenge seemed kind of cool - lots and lots of citrus. The display did look really nice. Hung is turning out to be very pompous, though, and may not stay as my favorite for very long. I know he and Tre are good - they were on the top of the first challenge, but they keep editing him with these ridiculous quotes - (and I paraphrase)" we're clearly the favorites" and after winning the quick fire " I didn't expect anything less." C'mon. Every time CJ is on screen it is kind of awe-striking how tall he is. He is clearly literally the top chef. I also loved the amount of alcohol in the quickfire - a tequila hinted smore, a mojito, a Grand Marnier drink. The guest judge, Van Aken, was very blunt with the contestants, but I thought his being critical comments all seemed like they could be helpful.
Champagne Barbecue - the sheer name of the challenge makes my stomach growl. And high end barbecue, I actually think this seems like something a Top Chef should have to do!
I love Tre - in the kitchen he quickly switches away from Shrimp quietly, smartly as he sees that others are doing it. He just seems so nice. Hung continues to be intense and kind of annoying. I am, however, surprised there was no coordination between the contestants. Maybe there was no time, and maybe barbecues don't require it, but they could have eliminated repetition, made sure there were some drinks, etc.
The barbecue itself is kind of boring. Everything looks fairly tasty, but nothing seems amazing. Part of it, though, is some of the people are getting so little screen time. Camille, for example, is not getting a lot of screen time. Makes me think she's not going to be the best or the worst this challenge. Someone who is getting a lot of face time is whiny Joey. Why is Joey so upset about Hung's Watermelon drink? They aren't allowed to make a beverage with the same fruit? You'd think Hung stole the watermelon literally out of Joey's hands.
SO Sara was a surprise. I thought the whole episode that she was going to be eliminated - she has trouble with the quickfire with shrimp, orders the wrong amount of protein until Hung corrects her, she doesn't know what her peppers are, can't start a barbecue. Micah being in the top, though, is frustrating since she was annoying all day.
Again with the bottom 4. Total insanity.
Joey needs to watch more Top Chef. Picking other people to be eliminated is not a smart idea.
I like that their decisions are made on a definitional question of what is up scale barbecue. However, I am really touched by everyone's reaction to Sandee's departure. She must have been really great to be so well loved after so little time.
Another episode down. I'm lukewarm about this season. Nothing turning me off, but nothing really getting me invested in these chefs either.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Spiderman 3
Spoilers beware, but really this movie sucks so bad, it shouldn't matter if I "ruin" it for you. I think this movie proves that restraint when writing is crucial. Three outside villains, a personal struggle against evil, and another woman. That's like 8 movies, not one almost THREE hour long movie. As a result, none of these plots were well explained. What happened with Gwen? Where did the black stuff come from? Why does it hate vibrations? Why did it wait to make a move until an hour into the movie? And why did it only affect the Spiderman suit at first? Why was Topher Grace's character such a jerk? Why did Kirsten Dunst just forgive him? Didn't she care that he HIT her in public? And she forgave Harry quickly too? And why, in the name of all that is holy, did the butler suddenly walk into the secret room and tell Harry about his father's wound? The butler couldn't have mentioned this earlier? And Harry suddenly decided to believe him and put down the vendetta? And his father's spirit just went away? And who is inheriting all that money??
I've got a billion plot questions left from that awful movie. But to be fair, the first hour would have been a great movie. Kill the sandman. Be upset about it. Wam, bam, thank you writers, done. I even think it'd have been cool to show Topher Grace get the black stuff and then end the movie there. We come back for Spiderman 4 where there'd be some more development of Harry. The butler's revelation could have been less of a random aside, and they, together, could have had the end battle scene that was mediocre. (Um, the Sandman just goes away? That makes zero sense) In exchange, they could have explained a bit more in Spiderman 3 and put in more jokes.
Despite the bad reviews, I went to see this in the theater thinking that the battle scenes and the special effects would make this worth seeing on the big screen. Yeah, I was wrong. Wait for it to come out on DVD, pay the rental to see the movie, and hate it for cheaper.
I've got a billion plot questions left from that awful movie. But to be fair, the first hour would have been a great movie. Kill the sandman. Be upset about it. Wam, bam, thank you writers, done. I even think it'd have been cool to show Topher Grace get the black stuff and then end the movie there. We come back for Spiderman 4 where there'd be some more development of Harry. The butler's revelation could have been less of a random aside, and they, together, could have had the end battle scene that was mediocre. (Um, the Sandman just goes away? That makes zero sense) In exchange, they could have explained a bit more in Spiderman 3 and put in more jokes.
Despite the bad reviews, I went to see this in the theater thinking that the battle scenes and the special effects would make this worth seeing on the big screen. Yeah, I was wrong. Wait for it to come out on DVD, pay the rental to see the movie, and hate it for cheaper.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Top Chef Season 3 Premiere
After watching Season 1's top 4 defeat Season 2's top 4, I couldn't wait for Season 3. This season is a make or break it deal for me. Season 1 was awesome (especially thanks to Harold!), but Season 2 was a huge disappointment. Sam should have been in the finals, Elia was ridiculous, and Marcel - victim or victimizer - who knows and really, who cares?
Okay, but Season 3 seems more varied in terms of background and personality. Lot of interesting hairstyles, at minimum. (Spoilers begin - beware)
I love love love that the first quickfire begins during their party. It's like the ultimate "left over" challenge (unlike that pathetic attempt in Season 2 where they had TONS of stuff in a fancy hotel's kitchen). I do think its a bit outrageous that they don't have utensils, an ability to heat, etc. Also, does anyone care about hygiene? Did they wash their hands before preparing that food? I hope none of them give one of the judges a cold! The "Tuscan sushi revisited" by Micah looked impressive and tasty. Clay's gazpacho, however, seemed kind of pathetic. Apparently not small enough, but also just gross, not soupy, etc. It kind of disappoints me that we didn't get to see all of the quick fires, though. Of the 6 we saw, though, I want to point out that I liked Micah's the best. (I'm blogging as I watch, so on my honor, I thought it was the best even before Colicchio called it.)
Season 3's digs are outrageous. If i were Season 1 or 2, I would be writing to complain. Season 1 and 2 were able to trash talk in smaller quarters, why does Season 3 get a hot tub to talk about how each of them is the best chef EVER. (Hello, has anyone picked up that a little humility goes a long way on this show? At minimum, so you don't get beat up).
The Surf & Turf elimination challenge is kind of gross. I am kind of surprised, though, that they didn't use Ilan as a guest judge. I liked that Harold was the guest judge last season for the first challenge - it acknowledged that the best of the previous season might have something to share. I am a big fan of traditions though, so who knows.
Howie fails to put his second protein on the plate. Wow. This is the kind of drama that made Season 1 a must watch. (Anyone remember when Dave forgot to make a third dish for the Cirque performers in that semi-finals?) I am embarrassed for Howie that he has to show an incomplete dish. Clay's dish is, however, inedible. Better to finish or better to have good food? That'll be the judge's table for sure.
On an aside, Brian, is an idiot. So he doesn't finish his dish. It looked done. There was a lot on there. Why not just present the positive things instead of saying "oh and I am bad at time management." This hurt Marcel in the finals when he mentioned that his Heart of Palm dish was suppose to include carpaccio. Do these chefs not study up before going on the show???
Okay, so judge's tables and there is only a top two? Not a top three? Well at least the top two are my early favorites as people.
Hung - I love this guy already. He's my pick to win (hey, and last two seasons, I fell for the top chefs during the first episode, so all you gamblers out there, put you money on Hung!) This does run in direct contrast with the trend from the last two seasons that the person who wins the first elimination challenge wins the show.
Tre is favorite, too. Apparently his cooking is excellent, just like Hung's, and they seem to already be pals. Tre complemented Hung's cooking, which I like.
TC exec's are keeping us on our toes with a bottom 4, and a jerk judge.
Asking Howie "What is your major malfunction?" C'mon, that's rude. Howie knew he screwed up. He was awesome in the way he was standing up to the judges. I like this guy's gumption, but someone needs to teach him time management skills.
I just can't help but feel like Clay was set up as the poor dumb southern kid. He looked like he was going to cry. But, to vote Clay off stands in the face of the rules of the game.
They were told to prepare two proteins.
Howie didn't.
Period.
It shouldn't matter how good his first one was. Really, what if someone had said - screw it, I'll cook one of these SUPER well and just not do anything with the other one? This decision allows for unfair strategic calculations. This should be a TKO.
And on a total tangent, Joey seems like a real character. He doesn't like Micah's mothering of Clay. He is a time freak. He was shown wielding a big knife. This guy could turn out to be the catalyst for a lot of interesting behind the scenes stuff. That being said, can we eliminate the awful bickering from Season 2? The end of the show already shows clips of that fighting. Just edit it out! Please! Don't ruin a great show. So, I think the premiere is great. But I'm a little suspect of the season still.
Okay, but Season 3 seems more varied in terms of background and personality. Lot of interesting hairstyles, at minimum. (Spoilers begin - beware)
I love love love that the first quickfire begins during their party. It's like the ultimate "left over" challenge (unlike that pathetic attempt in Season 2 where they had TONS of stuff in a fancy hotel's kitchen). I do think its a bit outrageous that they don't have utensils, an ability to heat, etc. Also, does anyone care about hygiene? Did they wash their hands before preparing that food? I hope none of them give one of the judges a cold! The "Tuscan sushi revisited" by Micah looked impressive and tasty. Clay's gazpacho, however, seemed kind of pathetic. Apparently not small enough, but also just gross, not soupy, etc. It kind of disappoints me that we didn't get to see all of the quick fires, though. Of the 6 we saw, though, I want to point out that I liked Micah's the best. (I'm blogging as I watch, so on my honor, I thought it was the best even before Colicchio called it.)
Season 3's digs are outrageous. If i were Season 1 or 2, I would be writing to complain. Season 1 and 2 were able to trash talk in smaller quarters, why does Season 3 get a hot tub to talk about how each of them is the best chef EVER. (Hello, has anyone picked up that a little humility goes a long way on this show? At minimum, so you don't get beat up).
The Surf & Turf elimination challenge is kind of gross. I am kind of surprised, though, that they didn't use Ilan as a guest judge. I liked that Harold was the guest judge last season for the first challenge - it acknowledged that the best of the previous season might have something to share. I am a big fan of traditions though, so who knows.
Howie fails to put his second protein on the plate. Wow. This is the kind of drama that made Season 1 a must watch. (Anyone remember when Dave forgot to make a third dish for the Cirque performers in that semi-finals?) I am embarrassed for Howie that he has to show an incomplete dish. Clay's dish is, however, inedible. Better to finish or better to have good food? That'll be the judge's table for sure.
On an aside, Brian, is an idiot. So he doesn't finish his dish. It looked done. There was a lot on there. Why not just present the positive things instead of saying "oh and I am bad at time management." This hurt Marcel in the finals when he mentioned that his Heart of Palm dish was suppose to include carpaccio. Do these chefs not study up before going on the show???
Okay, so judge's tables and there is only a top two? Not a top three? Well at least the top two are my early favorites as people.
Hung - I love this guy already. He's my pick to win (hey, and last two seasons, I fell for the top chefs during the first episode, so all you gamblers out there, put you money on Hung!) This does run in direct contrast with the trend from the last two seasons that the person who wins the first elimination challenge wins the show.
Tre is favorite, too. Apparently his cooking is excellent, just like Hung's, and they seem to already be pals. Tre complemented Hung's cooking, which I like.
TC exec's are keeping us on our toes with a bottom 4, and a jerk judge.
Asking Howie "What is your major malfunction?" C'mon, that's rude. Howie knew he screwed up. He was awesome in the way he was standing up to the judges. I like this guy's gumption, but someone needs to teach him time management skills.
I just can't help but feel like Clay was set up as the poor dumb southern kid. He looked like he was going to cry. But, to vote Clay off stands in the face of the rules of the game.
They were told to prepare two proteins.
Howie didn't.
Period.
It shouldn't matter how good his first one was. Really, what if someone had said - screw it, I'll cook one of these SUPER well and just not do anything with the other one? This decision allows for unfair strategic calculations. This should be a TKO.
And on a total tangent, Joey seems like a real character. He doesn't like Micah's mothering of Clay. He is a time freak. He was shown wielding a big knife. This guy could turn out to be the catalyst for a lot of interesting behind the scenes stuff. That being said, can we eliminate the awful bickering from Season 2? The end of the show already shows clips of that fighting. Just edit it out! Please! Don't ruin a great show. So, I think the premiere is great. But I'm a little suspect of the season still.
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