5 TV Shows I Can't Stop Watching

We are living in a television Renaissance. Bold statement? Sure. But it's also true. The production quality of series like; The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and True Detective is incredible. With the inception of cable programming and services like Netflix, we are now witnessing the kind of deep characterization, intricate plot lines, and global cinematography that is rivalling, if not surpassing, their cinematic counterparts. The small screen also allows for character arcs (see: Jamie Lannister on Game of Thrones, or Alicia Florrick on The Good Wife) and, my personal favourite, good sub-plots (two stories for the price of one!). ...And while it's hard to choose from such an abundance of riches, I narrowed it down to the five I look forward to the most...

Longmire - I love a good Western. So it didn't take long for me to be taken in by this murder-mystery series set in a fictional Wyoming county, watched over by a newly widowed, old-school sheriff (played superbly by Aussie actor, Robert Taylor) - and his not-always-merry band of deputies. You quickly feel like you're on ride-along's with this dysfunctional little group, and admire the way they watch out for one another. I was surprised by how quickly I felt invested in the characters. The long standing friendship between Sheriff Longmire and stoic local restaurant owner, Henry Standing Bear (played by the sublime Lou Diamond Phillips), is particularly inspiring. Throw in a list of impressive recurring characters and guest stars like, Gerald McRaney, A Martinez, Charles S. Dutton, and Peter Weller - and you've got yourself an engaging, contemporary Western. Stand-outs: Starbuck alert! Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) is a blast to watch as Deputy Victoria 'Vic' Moretti, a brash Philadelphia transplant with attitude to spare. Did I mention Lou Diamond Philips is in this?? ...And the view from Longmire's front porch is unforgettable.

(Longmire, Seasons 1 & 2 are on Netflix, and Season 3 premieres on A&E June 2nd)

Fargo - There are good movie-to-TV adaptations (M*A*S*H, Buffy The Vampire Slayer) - and not-so-good ones (Clueless, My Big Fat Greek Life). Fargo is a great one. Written by Ethan & Joel Coen (who wrote and directed the film), this is a well-crafted, layered tale of how quickly things can spiral out of control - when a very bad man ends up stranded in an unsuspecting little town.

 While I love the music and stark-but-beautiful landscapes, this story is all about the characters. Billy Bob Thornton (as the malevolent stranger, Lorne Malvo) steals every scene he's in, but the lovely Allison Tolman (as Molly, the deputy who starts to put all the pieces together), isn't far behind. Rounding out the cast are Martin Freeman, Colin Hanks, Keith Carradine, Bob Odenkirk, and Oliver Platt - worth watching for their North Dakota accents, alone. The theme of good vs. evil is an ancient one - but seldom has it been so much fun to watch. The malicious influence of Thornton's Malvoy on the weaker characters is terrible and riveting, while his predatory presence seems to infuse the more innocent and noble townspeople with a necessary (and urgent) strength. I can't wait to see what happens next. Stand-out: Thornton. His quiet malice (and bad haircut) are reminiscent of Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men, but he also has some of the funniest dialogue on the show. A career-high.

(Fargo, Season 1 is currently airing Tuesday nights on FX)

Stay tuned for my reviews of Game of Thrones, The Good Wife, and Penny Dreadful (plus, some honourable mentions)...

Interviews With People Who've Never Been In My Kitchen: Matt Hastings

There's busy...and then there's Matt Hastings-busy. During the course of his career, he's composed, written, directed and produced episodes of series which include: Drop Dead Diva, Warehouse 13, Eureka, Alphas, Reign, and most recently (my personal favourite), The Originals. Matt and his lovely wife will be new parents soon and he's currently hard-at-work on The Originals set in Georgia. Yet he still found time to answer some of my questions -- proof that there are still some gentlemen left in Hollywood... 

YJ: How did growing up with a father and uncle in this business help prepare you to break into the world of film and television, and what was the most memorable advice they gave you?

MH: I think being baptized in this business since birth has had an immeasurable positive effect on my trajectory. My father is not only talented, but incredibly wise. When Hollywood came calling in his late 20's he asked what kind of guarantee they'd be willing to offer him. Of course, there were no promises, only the illusion of grandeur. My Pop chose to stay put on his soap (As The World Turns), and there he stayed for over half a century. That show afforded him a terrific lifestyle and allowed his four children to never want for anything. He's an outstanding provider and a remarkable fella and he's had a great life. That example has been the cornerstone of my belief system. Find good people, be decent and professional, make a good show and stay with it until the wheels fall off. The other piece of advice he gave me was to stay BEHIND the camera, even when I flirted with following in his footsteps. He really believed in my ability as an actor, but he had consistently seen the creative power behind the writers and directors and appreciated that side of the equation (my Pop wrote on ATWT for many years under the name Irna Phillips). Because of his encouragement, I now find myself enjoying a 15+ year career as a writer/director and producer.

YJ: Your show [The Originals], American Horror Story: Coven, The Walking Dead and True Blood are all filmed and/or set in Georgia and Louisiana. Why does the deep south seem to be such a natural setting for the supernatural?

MH: I think thematically it works. There's a mystery in the Bayou. A sexiness. An unpredictable vibe that supports the supernatural, that claws back to our origins as a culture born out of a melting pot. There's also an enticing tax credit that draws Hollywood to the region.  

YJ: What do you feel is the allure of each of the Originals?

MH: I think globally, The Originals is about family. While all the individual characters have fascinating components, it's their interaction that is compelling. Although they are vampires, their struggles are totally relatable, IMHO.

YJ: You've worn a lot of hats: writer, director, composer, producer - what's been the most challenging and what's been the most fun?

MH: Each job presents a ton of challenges, so breaking into a new show can be an arduous task. It's a lot like being the new kid at school. Typically, I parachute into a show that is having a number of issues, from creative mis-management, to personality conflicts, to pure chaos. It's my job to help the show get back on track, oversee all the creative elements and get to the heart of what's important - telling a compelling story in a positive environment. So, I'm kind of like a creative fire fighter. I love my job.

YJ: Which part of your body of work thus far, will you be most proud to share with your son or daughter some day?

MH: I directed a Christmas episode of Eureka called DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE that incorporated 4 different styles of animation - Looney Tunes, Stop Motion, CG and Anime. It was a herculean effort to bring that to the screen and it's something I'm very proud of. I storyboarded every frame with great care and love. In the end, it's really magical and certainly something I will share with my kids WAY before DECOYS or BLOODSUCKERS. ;)

Thanks, Matt! (You can check out Matt's IMDb page here - it's pretty impressive). The Originals airs Tuesdays on The CW and returns January 14th.

The Year of the Snake

I stopped making New Year's resolutions a while back. It's not that I don't think it's a nice idea, it's just that in my experience they have a way of starting off strong, then fading quickly. So I like to make a few quiet resolves, plan a little, keep it simple. Speaking of which, I have a new mantra. A wise man (and fellow writer) whom I follow on Twitter said this: "Writers write, while dreamers procrastinate." (thank you, Mr. Paul Inglis)  I should probably have that tattooed on my forehead, or at least inscribed with a permanent marker. ...And you have official permission from yours truly to quote that back to me if I haven't posted in a while.

A new friend of mine recently offered to teach me how to play the drums. I always thought it would be a blast and it occurred to me that I might actually be good at it. Maybe I've got it in me to be a female Dave Grohl...or Animal! It also occurred to me that there are many things I haven't tried that I might prove to be exceptional at. Perhaps I have a superpower that hasn't even been discovered yet. Granted, I might suck royally at any of the above, but isn't the thought of that unrealized potential and self-discovery exciting? Not unlike a brand new year stretched out ahead of you, full of hope and promise.

So I encourage you to be a little braver this year, try something new, volunteer somewhere awesome, listen more and talk less (I'm gonna work on that one), and do what you love.

It's a new year - make it a FANTASTIC one. :)

Now...without further ado, something I love...

MOVIE REVIEWS

On DVD:

Animal Kingdom -  This movie was stunning. An Australian crime drama centered around a teenage boy who suddenly finds himself in the midst of the potentially ferocious family his mother has shielded him from his entire life. Joel Edgerton (Warrior, Zero Dark Thirty) is charismatic and strong - the second coming of Russell Crowe, in my opinion. Jacki Weaver as the deceptively sweet matriarch with twisted maternal instincts, is the polar opposite of the mom she plays in Silver Linings Playlist and absolutely riveting. With a strong ensemble cast and the most influential musical score I've heard in a long time, this is a must-see. But be warned: it stays with you. ****1/2

Pitch Perfect - I saw this in the theater with a really fun movie buddy, which always helps. I then watched it again over the holidays and everyone in my family loved it - even Dad. Which is somewhat surprising, considering it's, as Chris Tookey put it on Rotten Tomatoes, "like a superior, wittier double-episode of Glee". Sharp writing, catchy tunes, lotsa girl-power and a strong cast, including stand-out, Rebel Wilson (I love this girl), help this one hit all the right notes. ****

In Theaters:

Silver Linings Playlist - This is about as close to perfect as a movie gets. Incredible performances. Bradley Cooper is going to knock people's socks off with his unflinching and seemingly effortless portrayal of Pat Solitano, a young man forced to move back in with his parents after a stint in a mental institution. He meets his match in Tiffany, an equally off-kilter young woman, played with unblinking honesty and brilliance by Jennifer "Katniss" Lawrence, who holds her own with Robert DeNiro and the amazing Jacki Weaver, no small feat. The two leads are so weird and wonderful and real, you can't help but root for them and be inspired. ...And man, they made me laugh. A lot more than I was expecting, and at one point, actually doubled over (that takes a lot, trust me). This is a true gem - see it now. I guarantee you'll be grinning from ear-to-ear. ****3/4

The Hobbit - I feel that the 'controversy' about the increased film speed in Peter Jackson's prequel to The Lord of The Rings is much ado about nothing. Personally, I was just delighted to be invited back to Middle Earth again, as dangerous and magnificent as I remember it (another love-letter to the diverse beauty of New Zealand). This time around we join Martin Freeman (our favourite, dry every-man from the BBC's The Office and Sherlock), a perfectly cast Bilbo Baggins, the exceptional hobbit who dares to leave the comfort and safety of his beloved hobbit-hole to embark on a grand adventure (haven't we all been there...?). He is joined by 13 dwarves, who are brave, loyal, and more than a little crafty. Just my kinda guys. They are led by the stoic warrior, Thorin Oakenshield, played by British actor Richard Armitage (or as I refer to him, the future father of my children). They are joined by Gandalf the Grey, who's a little more laid-back than Gandalf the White, and played by the consistently awesome, Magneto, er, Ian McKellan. They are up against no less than three foes, including Smaug the Dragon (voiced by the splendid Benedict Cumberbatch), who we will see a lot more of in the next two parts of this series, I predict. The talented Andy Serkis returns as Gollum, the pitiful yet menacing creature who challenges Bilbo to a nerve-wracking game of riddles, in one of the film's most memorable scenes. And while Thorin has great misgivings about Bilbo's part in their quest, the young hobbit ends up surprising not only his traveling companions, but himself - a heart-touching transformation to behold. A strong start to the series, but left me with an eagerness for greater things to come... ***1/2

Django Unchained - Quentin Tarantino loves movies and it shows. From the perfectly-chosen tunes and old-school opening titles to the surprise cameos and garish cartoon-violence, he knows his stuff. The teaming of Jamie Fox's, Django (the 'd' is silent, thank you very much) and Christoph Waltz's, Dr. King Schultz (a delight from beginning to end) is a constant treat to watch, as is Leo DiCaprio, having a ball as the sunny and sadistic plantation owner, Calvin Candie. I also think Samuel L. Jackson, as head house-slave, Stephen, was scarier than any monster in recent memory. Funny, graphic, stylish, and surprising. Classic Tarantino.
***1/2

Argo - Ben Affleck has come a long way. Another director who does his homework (did you know he majored in Middle Eastern studies in college and speaks Arabic?), tells the true story of a CIA expert who comes up with a plan to rescue 6 American embassy employees hiding out in Tehran during the Iranian hostage crisis ('79 to '81). Taken in by the Canadian ambassador (veteran Canadian actor, Victor Garber) and his wife after eluding capture when Iranian extremists stormed the American embassy, their time avoiding detection was about to run out. That is, until a CIA consultant comes up with an unlikely rescue plan that just might work... In Affleck's own words: "[That's] one of the themes of this story: the power of storytelling, whether it's political theater, relating to our children, or trying to get people out of danger. Telling stories is incredibly powerful." With a strong supporting cast, including Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights, Super 8), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), John Goodman, and Alan Arkin (whose turn as a jaded Hollywood rainmaker deserves every award nomination he gets), Affleck knows how to draw the best nuanced performances out of his actors, and never gets preachy or over-sentimental. This is also one of the most suspenseful films I've ever seen. I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat more than once, and anxiously gesticulating during one particularly harrowing scene. A superb piece of filmmaking from a talented director who is well on his way to becoming one of our generation's finest.
****1/2

I'll be back soon with reviews of Life of Pi, Zero Dark Thirty, and my take on this year's Golden Globes.

Happy New Year!

-YJ

Bond-ing With Banana

The only thing better than seeing the newest James Bond film - is seeing it with a Brit. Like Mr. Bond, I also have an 'M', whom I call 'Banana' (a nickname derived from the great kick I get out of hearing her pronounce the word with her fabulous accent). To say she was excited to see this latest 007 adventure is an understatement. She was chirping, exclaiming, and excitedly swatting me - and this was before we even got to the theater. It was so entertaining to watch her react to whatever was happening on the screen at any given moment. I've been told I'm quite animated when watching films, but I looked like I was napping compared to this woman. Her fervor was contagious, which made my movie-going experience a complete blast.
 As for the film itself, it definitely lived up to the hype. And in spite of my telling a friend that I was half-hoping it was a dismal disappointment so that I could entitle this review, "Skyfail", it couldn't have been further from the truth.
 There were so many images vying for our attention, it's hard to keep them straight -- Daniel Craig/Bond running ( I love watching this man run)! Q's hair! Kooky/blonde Javier Bardem! Voldermort in suspenders! Did I mention Daniel Craig running...?
 And I must agree with Entertainment Weekly's assessment of the exquisite Judi Dench as M: "the ultimate Bond girl" -- she had more chemistry with the superspy than the other two Bondbos combined (who apparently come without hips now!). She meets him quip-for-quip and has no time for his BS, but under her tough-as-nails exterior, you know she's fond of him and you can see parts of them in each other.
 There is also a grittiness to this Bond, that I also admired in Casino Royale. In spite of his constant state of coolness and impeccable wardrobe (Q must have designed those pants too, because there's no way trousers that tight can see that much action without so much as busting a seam), James is still a man. And not a young or infallible one, either. I love that we're allowed glimpses of his physical pain and emotional/mental frustration underneath that smooth surface - to see a man struggling to adapt to a strange new world instead of sadly becoming a relic from an old one.
 From an abandoned island fortress, to an exciting chase through the London Underground, and a thrilling showdown in the wild, barren beauty of the Scottish highlands, there is no lack of action. In fact, one of my very few complaints about the film is Albert Finney's inability to know when to turn off a flashlight (or 'torch' as Banana calls it). You'll see what I mean. ...Oh, and good luck getting that damn Adele song out of your head. ****/5

...And in case you're feeling nostalgic for Casino Royale, here's the review I did for Daniel Craig's Bond debut back in double-o-six.

Casino Royale

When Daniel Craig was chosen to be the next James Bond, many were disbelieving, if not outright opposed to the idea, not unlike the reaction to a little-known actor from down under, chosen to play Wolverine in X-Men. Hugh Jackman's career turned out okay, don't you think? I for one, was delighted. Craig is quiet, intense and oh-so-skilled, and while the piercing blue eyes and cut physique don't hurt, his greatest feat in the film is bringing humanity to 007. While most of us are familiar with the car chases, disposable hotties and countless gadgets associated with Mr. Bond, we know little of his origins as a spy and this helps to fill in some gaps. Eva Green is sassy and lovely and Judi Dench as 'M', is her incomparable, tough-yet-classy self. This is gritty, dirty, real-man Bond action, with tailored suits and gorgeous locales. Note to self: move to Spain, learn to play poker and buy a red dress. Plus, I love watching the guy run. Straight Flush.

Yo's Oscar Picks - 2012

Let's hope I call these better than the Globes...


Best Picture - The Artist


Actor in a Leading Role - George Clooney


Actress in a Leading Role - Viola Davis (but man, would I love to see Rooney Mara steal this one!)


Actor in a Supporting Role - Christopher Plummer


Actress in a Supporting Role - Jessica Chastain

Canine in a Starring and/or Supporting Role - Uggie


Directing - Martin Scorsese

Animated Feature Film - Kung Fu Panda 2


Writing (Adapted Screenplay) - Moneyball


Writing (Original Screenplay) - Bridesmaids


Art Direction - Midnight in Paris


Cinematography - The Tree of Life


Costume Design - The Artist


Documentary (Feature) - If a Tree Falls...


Documentary (Short Subject) - The Barber of Birmingham...


Film Editing - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo


Foreign Language Film - A Separation


Make-up - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2


Music (Original Score) - War Horse


Music (Original Song) - Man or Muppet (by Bret from Flight of the Conchords!)


Short Film (Animated) - La Luna


Short Film (Live Action) - Pentecost


Sound Editing - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo


Sound Mixing - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo


Visual Effects - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2


Have a wonderful Oscar night, everyone!

Golden Globes Review and 5 Shows You Should Be Watching

So as it turns out, my super power is not predicting award show winners. ;) I called 9 out of 25 of them, but I had great company who were just as entertaining as the show, so who cares. 
My highlights...

• Ricky introducing the "filthy Helen Mirren"
• Octavia Spencer's win and the awesome Martin Luther King quote
• the fact that so many women were wearing gorgeous hues of green (my favourite colour)
• the elegant Christopher Plummer winning for Beginners
• when Kelsey Grammer surprised us with his win for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series and my friend exclaimed, "Oh, Kramer."
• Laura Dern's surprise win for Enlightened - man, does she look like my sister...
• how we couldn't stop giggling when Seth Rogen acknowledged just how excited he was to be presenting with the lovely Kate Beckinsale (I love that she couldn't stop giggling, either). Low-brow and hilarious.
• my friends trying to find out "What's wrong with Jessica Lange's back??" (So glad she won!)
• Peter Dinklage doing anything
• Tina Fey photo-bombing fellow nominee and friend, Amy Poehler
• Ricky referring to Mr. Darcy, er, Colin Firth as "very racist"
• Michelle William's moving words about her and Heath Ledger's little girl, Matilda, in her acceptance speech
• upon seeing a scary-skinny Angelina Jolie presenting, my friend declared, "She looks like a BRATZ doll!"
• George Clooney stealing Brad Pitt's cane to give his well-spoken acceptance speech for Best Actor in The Descendants, and joking with Michael Fassbender about his full-frontal moments in Shame
• The Descendants winning Best Picture (Drama)

Now, for the first entry in my 5 Shows You Should Be Watching series (in random order), I give you...

Justified (FX) - just starting its third season, this is one of the coolest shows on television, and it just keeps getting better. Lead by the perfectly-postured Timothy Olyphant as a federal marshal reassigned to the eastern Kentucky county where he grew up, is part Hillbilly Whisperer and bad-ass old-school gunslinger. Unlike his character in Deadwood, Marshall Raylan Givens is laid-back, droll, and has a devil-may-care attitude that somehow blends perfectly with his classic cowboy bearing. Plus, that hat is almost another character by itself.

 The other reason I watch is Boyd Crowder. Played effortlessly by Walton Goggins, he has evolved from hillbilly racist to a seemingly repentant man who found God behind bars, into a charismatic criminal force to be reckoned with. His scenes with Raylan are a delight because in spite of being on opposing sides, they seem to share some strange bond and have saved each other's lives on more than one occasion. There is a mutual, if begrudging, tolerance (respect, even?) between them that makes all of their exchanges quite riveting.

With a strong supporting cast, tons of action, humour, and villains as colourful as hats at The Derby, what are you waiting for? Giddyup! 

(you can see Season 1 on Netflix Canada or catch up here: http://www.sidereel.com/Justified) 

2012 Golden Globe Predictions - Television

Best Television Series - Drama
Game of Thrones: the freshman year of this daring, fantasy series was strong enough that I believe it could take the prize. While multiple story lines can sometimes get convoluted, this show manages to entwine them in such a way that they remain fresh and keep the viewer thirsting for more (yes, it's that good).
Honourable Mention: Boardwalk Empire had a strong year too, so this could be a tight race. And I'm a little disturbed by how much I'm drawn to American Horror Story, frankly.


Best Performance by an Actress - Drama
Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife: her ability to juggle Alicia Florrick's roles of evolving, confident lawyer, concerned mom, and still have time for a sensual private life this season, was something to behold.
Honourable Mention: Mireille Enos - The Killing -a soft-spoken cop on her last day of work is called to investigate a missing girl and is pulled into a mystery the likes of which I haven't seen since Laura Palmer. One to watch. Madeleine Stowe - Revenge - as the matriarch of a powerful and deceitful Hamptons clan, Stowe is at her ethereal-but-venomous best.


Best Performance by an Actor - Drama
Steve Buscemi - Boardwalk Empire: Nucky Thompson showed some new (scary) sides to his personality this season and I can't wait to see what he's going to do next.
Honourable Mention: Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad is definitely the one to beat as this series nears its end, and Damian Lewis of Homeland does an excellent job of playing an American war hero/possible terrorist, considering he's actually British.


Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical
Modern Family: this show is just consistently funny and has one of the best ensembles ever.
Honourable Mention: New Girl is fun to watch and I'm loving the dynamic between sweet/loopy Jess and her 3 male roomies, Episodes is an entertaining show about a British couple who moves to LA to produce an American version of their hit UK show and experience the insanity that is Hollywood for the first time.


Best Performance by an Actress - Comedy or Musical
Tina Fey - 30 Rock: is there anything this woman can't do? Plus, her book made me laugh out loud. A lot.
Honourable Mention: Amy Poehler - Parks and Recreation - I would vote for Leslie Knope. Zooey Deschanel - New Girl - she's random and geeky and lovely and I sometimes relate to her in ways that surprise me. 


Best Performance by an Actor - Comedy or Musical
Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock: Jack Donaghy is quite simply one of the most magnificent characters ever created. Just ask him.
Honourable Mention: Matt LeBlanc - Episodes - playing himself in a way that is funny, but not in a Joey-kinda-way.


Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Downton Abbey: they should just call this Masterpiece Crack Pipe, because that's how addictive it is.
Honourable Mention: Mildred Pierce - Kate Winslet and Guy Pearce? Watch your backs, Grantham's!


Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Kate Winslet - Mildred Pierce: she's unstoppable.
Honourable Mention: Elizabeth McGovern - Downton Abbey - playing an American heiress in a noble family of Brits, she is at times, steely, delicate, manipulated and manipulative. Always fun to watch.


Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Hugh Bonneville - Downton Abbey: he's just so tall and well, properly British. I'd love to hug him,but it might appear unseemly.
Honourable Mention: this one's a neck-and-neck horse race, as well.


Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jessica Lange - American Horror Story: never mind the fact that she's Jessica-Freakin'-Lange, her role as aging Southern belle, Constance, is a study in old-world charm, delicacy, and ball-breaking fierceness.  
Honourable Mention: Kelly MacDonald - Boardwalk Empire - her character continued to surprise me this season, which I love. Maggie Smith - Downton Abbey - there aren't a lot of laughs in this series, but as the prissy, observant Dowager Countess of Grantham, she provides most of them, stealing almost every scene she's in.


Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Peter Dinklage - Game of Thrones: I've loved him since The Station Agent and his character, Tyrion, is one of the most interesting (and funny) characters to hit the small screen in a long time. Plus, he pulls off all the best lines.
Honourable Mention: again, this one's a crap shoot.


...And I can't believe I'm quoting Jessica Alba, but I liked what she said about Ricky Gervais hosting tonight:
You kind of have to just know that he's a comedian and he's poking fun and that's it and not take it personally. We play dress-up for a living, so at a certain point you can't take yourself that seriously.


ENJOY THE SHOW TONIGHT, FOLKS!