Justin Timberlake

I remember seeing Justin Timberlake's solo debut at the 2002 MTV VMAs. I sat there with judging eyes, thinking he must really like Michael Jackson, because he sure sounded like him. He even wore a signature King of Pop hat and gloves, and proceeded to glide across the stage doing moves only Michael Jackson would do (care to try the Moonwalk, anyone?).

For a long time I was weary when it came to mainstream music. But what I failed to see was that I was missing out on some really good, fun music. And I don't like being judgmental, anyway. So now that I've spent some quality time with Mr. Timberlake's music, I'm amazed at how talented he truly is.

Yes, he is clearly influenced by Michael Jackson. His first album, Justified, contains a lot of signature Jackson sounds. But a few songs on the album reveal that Stevie Wonder made an impression on him, too. And although Timberlake draws inspiration from some of the most talented artists of our time, he also proves to us that he is fully capable of supplying us with some high-quality, original work. To top it off, Timbaland and the Neptunes produced the album, making it an equation for success.

In case ya'll don't know, Timbaland is responsible for that breakthrough hit Up Jumps da Boogie back in '97. Since then he has collaborated with other eye-catching (or should I say ear-catching?) artists like Missy Elliot, Ginuwine, and Aaliyah. I had to do a bit of research on the Neptunes, but once I did, I was like, "Ohhhh." I'm too lazy to share. Do your own research. Click on the link above. C'mon, just do it.

On Timberlake's second album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, he works yet again with Timbaland, and it is, yet again, another solid piece of musical genius. The beats are heart thumping, the changes groovetastic and unpredictable, and Timberlake's remarkable vocals reveal that his influences have led him into his own fully-developed style and voice, one that's unique, super catchy, and totally worth calling yourself a fan of.



I simply cannot wait to hear any future sounds, involving sex and love or not, from Mr. T & T.

Film Review: Buck (2011, USA)

Buck is a real-life documentary about the life of Buck Brannaman, a modern day horse whisperer.

Buck was severely abused by his father, lost his mother in childhood, and spent a significant portion of his young life with a foster family. In the documentary, we witness a wisdom surface from his struggles, one that transmutes his trauma into a deep understanding of his own emotions. He applies that to his interaction with horses, understanding their sensitivities and establishing respect with them - and he teaches others how to do the same through the clinics and workshops he offers across the nation.

Seeing that humans can be compassionate toward animals made me all watery-eyed. There is a deep love that smashes any border, even the one between animal and man. Instead of beating or intimidating horses into submission, Buck shows us that they can learn to respect us when we respect them, and when respect is established, we have the duty to guide them in a loving way. He takes that lesson even further, showing us that we can do the same with each other - and even ourselves.

Film Review: Friends with Benefits (2011, USA)

If romantic comedies aren't your thing, then maybe the prospect of watching two beautiful people come together on screen will sell you. If it doesn't, maybe a star-studded cast with Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Woody Harrelson, Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman, Shaun White, Andy Samberg, and Emma Stone will. And if that doesn't sell you, well then, screw you.

Friends with Benefits is a refreshing treat. I've been a fan of Kunis since the That 70's Show days, and a fan of Timberlake since I saw his knack for acting in Blacksnake Moan. 

To put it simply, this movie does employ romantic comedy cliches, but somehow it doesn't seem over-the-top, even though it kind of is. It's light, funny, and reveals that the best relationships are those built around friendship, honesty, and just being yourself. Oh yeah, and that when you find love, you best fight to keep it.

Film Review: Black Swan (2010, USA)

The first time I watched Black Swan, which was about a year ago, I was left unmoved and dissatisfied. But over the course of a year, I've had time to reflect on what it is I witnessed on the screen. And then a few days ago I noticed it was on my mind. So I took the liberty of watching it again. And what happened, you ask? Well...I absolutely LOVED it.

I suppose it's safe to say that it took me one year to process the depth of this film. In my eyes, that means it's one hell of a moving art. When something sneaks up on me, or upsets me, or makes me think, even if I don't like it or initially like it, I feel it's done its job as a good film.

Not only do we have an amazing cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and Winona Ryder (and more!), we also have the wonderful director Darren Aronofsky, who is responsible for those strangely dark and beautiful films Pi (1998) and Requeim for a Dream (2000) (which, if you haven't seen, are definitely worth your time).



So yes, Black Swan is about ballet, and yes, Black Swan shows a lot of Portman perfecting the art of it. But what I failed to see the first time around is that it's more than Portman's character struggling with her newfound role as lead dancer. It's more than the beauty of the art of ballet. It's deeper than that, and real, too, as so many of Aronofsky's films are. Black Swan digs deep, revealing our own personal struggle of allowing both the dark and light, the yin and yang, the good and bad of ourselves to be there, to unite. It's about our own internal struggles and the tendency to regulate our lives and experiences with unnecessary control...how it's often harder to just let go.

All of this in a movie about a revamped ballet. It's worth it to watch, even if it takes you a year to get.

Film review: Griff the Invisible (2010, Australia)

Want a super cute movie that reminds you about the importance of playing and being yourself? Griff the Invisible is an Australian flick that does just that. Wonderfully cast with True Blood's Ryan Kwanten (Sookie Stackhouse's brother) and Australian actress Maeve Dermody, I was rooting for both characters the whole 90 minutes on screen, and also found that I was rooting for myself, wanted to play, and find a love that understands and appreciates my idiosyncrasies, too. Check it out. It's a film that will keep you light on your toes, smiling, and feeling refreshed.