"Toy Story 3"

I'm often skeptical when sequels come out. I believe in the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." When those brilliant Hollywood studio execs decide to remake a TV classic into a movie, I cringe. When they commission an SNL movie, I shudder. When they demand sequel after sequel, I gag. I was nervous about the third installment of TS, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I missed some of the toys, including Bo Peep, but I enjoyed Jesse and Bullseye. Once again, a supposedly cute toy is a vaillian. However, there were more laugh-out-loud moments in this movie than I expected, including the moment when Mr. Potato Head becomes Mr. Latke. I enjoy Estelle Harris a great deal and loved it whenever Mrs. Potato Head had a line.

TS3 was very sad, but I think it's a nice conclusion for an epic saga. I really hope that this is the end because to do future installments would do a huge disservice to the movie's premise (not to mention the fans). Good job, Pixar! Maybe you'll pick up on Oscar for this movie.

"Grey's Anatomy"

My neighbor came over last night, and we watched a few season 2 episodes of "Grey's Anatomy": episodes 16 and 17, "It's the End of the World" and "As We Know It." Though GA is still on, I never had an interest in watching the series (though I've read the articles surrounding the cast departures of Isaih Washington, Katherine Heigl, and T.R. Knight).

I have to admit that these episodes were very good because the A, B, and C plots were neatly tied together, and while there was tenuous drama, it was not overdone. The actors stayed true to their characters (from what I could tell), and the writing was pretty good. The patients were realistic as were the doctors (though I'm aware of the controversy surrounding the show because of how it tends to stray away from some proper medical procedures).

Will I continue to watch the show? I don't know. I might watch a few episodes online, but I don't think I'll be watching religiously in the fall. That's not happening until "Desperate Housewives" returns.

"Videocracy"

Italian television has been revolutionized for over 30 years, but perhaps not for the better. Silvio Berlusconi, television magnate and president, created a vast empire full of obsessive wannabes who devote their lives to becoming silent pin-up models for Italian television hosts. Based on what this documentary portrayed, the majority if Italian TV is female-centered. Most of the time, these women are half or fully naked and parading around lavish sets for the pleasures of millions of viewers. Auditions are a public experience with people cheering aspiring models.

"Videocracy" follows several subjects: a young man who is a TV wannabe (his mom is absolutely hilarious); Silvio Berlusconi; Fabrizzio Carona, the chief of paparazzi famous for taking pictures of celebrities in compromising positions and selling them to celebrities (i.e. extortion, which he is arrested for) and who enjoys attention, money, and fame; Lele Mora, the pupeteer of Italian television and close friend of Berlusconi who prides himself in discovering Italy's freshest talent; and Marella Giavonnelli, Berlusconi's neighbor who is the main photographer at all his events.

This documentary generated a lot of emotions. It was so candid yet not one-sided. "Videocracy" is an appalling but honest look into the world of Italian TV. Berlusconi and all the other subjects are so shallow and vain that it's painful. I have contempt for the majority of people profiled in this film. At times, I felt like I was watching a Hollywood movie because this reality in Italy is so unreal. I've never felt more angry after watching a documentary--and this is a good film. Everything I learned in my documentary class last fall is now coming to light; I'm experiencing what I'm supposed to and reacting in ways I never thought imaginable.

When "Videocracy" gets a more widespread release, I recommend checking it out. If you want to see a documentary that will provoke your innermost feelings and cause much debate, "Videocracy" is therefore the film for you.

"Crimes and Misdemeanors"

I've always been a fan of Woody Allen films because I appreciate his sense of humor and the Jewishness played out by every character in every scene. While "Crimes and Misdemeanors" is not a comedy per se, there are a lot of funny moments. Overall, this is a more serious film dealing with the implications of morality. Tonight, I had the opportunity to screen this film as part of Temple Israel's Summer in the City learning series.

I remember seeing C&M once before and enjoyed it as much then as I did tonight. The interesting aspect about tonight's screening was focusing on the movie's metaphor: eyesight.

*SPOILER ALERT*

Judah, an optometrist tries to help a Rabbi regain his vision while the Rabbi tries to help Judah deal with having a two year affair with a neurotic mistress and Judah's decision to have his brother hire someone to kill her. Both men fail to adequately help one another "regain" their "vision." This metaphor plays out in other aspects of the film: Woody Allen's character is blind to the fact that the affair he wants to have can never happen despite his feelings for his crush. His documentary film subject, an esteemed psychology professor, is blind to the positive opportunities that life has and consequently kills himself.

Until tonight, I never thought about watching the movie this way, but it was an amazing opportunity to see the film (and questions of Jewish morality) in a whole new light. The discussion following the film was dynamic in the differing opinions on ethics, each individual's moral code, Woody Allen's stance on the issue as the writer and director, and addressing other related ambiguous questions.

If you haven't already seen "Crimes and Misdemeanors," I highly recommend you check it out.

"I Am Love"

One of the perks of being a college student living in Boston during the summer is keeping up to date with all the events happening in the city. Thanks to e-mails from going.boston.com and JewishBoston.com, I've been on the go for the past week traveling to screenings, exhibitions, and social events. Tonight, I attended another screening at the MFA with a friend: "I Am Love," an Italian romance film that will be released in a few weeks.

"I Am Love" stars Tilda Swinton as Emma, a married woman in Milan who struggles over her identity as a mother and housewife when she meets her son's friend Antonio. I don't want to give the plot away, but I do want to comment on the elements that made this film so spectacular. The director (Luca Guadgagnino) favors high angle shots. At first, I couldn't understand why he insisted on using them, but once the ending is revealed, his shots make sense because they deeply penetrate into Emma's psyche, and her actions and motivations become increasingly clearer.

The acting itself was top notch, and Tilda Swinton is extremely convincing as a Russian-Italian housewife. She has a strong command of both languages and is really enveloped in her character. Moreover, she seemed very calm and in touch with her character during her nude/love scenes. Comfortable with her body, Tilda has no shame baring all, and her love scenes were tastefully done.

Though the movie is in Italian, the translated writing is strong and poignant. The characters are cleverly written and develop nicely over the course of the film's duration. Special effects, clever editing, and fantastic lighting also contribute to the magnificence of this movie. I strongly suggest people see it when it's commercially released.

Commuting

As much as I love my internship at WGBH, my commute isn't so wonderful. I used to go from my apartment to Park Street, switch to the red line to Harvard, then wait for the 86 bus to drop me off near the station. On a good day, it would take me up to 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to work. Luckily, I learned that there is a free shuttle that takes employees directly from the Coop in Harvard and near BU in Kenmore.

I decided to travel to Kenmore because it's a bit closer to my apartment. Granted, I could walk 30-40 minutes to get to the location of the shuttle, but I'm in no condition to do that much walking in the morning (especially in the afternoon ). Even by taking the T one stop to Kenmore, it's still a 10-minute walk to Hynes, a 3-minute train ride, and a 5-minute walk to the shuttle (followed by a 10-15 minute ride to WGBH).

I'm glad I found an easier way to commute, but I'd rather find a way to apparate to work everyday.

Great Internships

Tonight's post is going to be short, but I wanted to take a moment to write about my internship at "Antiques Roadshow." I've only worked there a few days, but I love it so much. The people I work with (and for) are extremely nice, down to earth, and appreciative of every task I do for them. What's also great is that they don't want to reduce the interns to doing grunt work--and that includes making coffee (though it is a plus).

I don't mind stuffing envelopes, sitting in front of the copy machine for eons, or fetching mail twice a day. My internship is exciting because it's production season. On Thursday, everyone leaves for the first production in San Diego (the executive producer and some staff members will fly out Wednesday). I'm so excited for them and really wish I could accompany them. Alas, someone has to stay in the office to hold down the fort. Although there is another intern who comes in on Thursdays and Fridays (when the crew normally flies out), I also have a pay job that I enjoy just as much.

I hope the good times keep coming at AR.

Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Suss

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is currently screening some of the best selections from November's Boston Jewish Film Festival. This afternoon, I had the opportunity to watch a documentary on the director of "The Jew Suss," a highly controversial and anti-Semitic film made during the Third Reich.

Veit Harlan was commissioned by the Nazis to make a movie depicting Jews in the most negative light. Harlan's wife, Kristina Soderbaum, co-starred in the film as a woman who drowned herself after the Jewish banker (Oppenheimer) raped her. Clips from "The Jew Suss" were included in the documentary, and consequently, it was very hard to sit through those scenes.

"Harlan" contains interviews with the director's immediate family: sons and daughters from different marriages as well as nieces, nephews, and grandchildren (including Stanley Kubrick's wife). Most of the interviewees expressed their varying degrees of shame over what Harlan did, and the documentary chronicles their struggles and how they came to feel the way they do. There is tension throughout the film because siblings respond to each other's interviews. I found Jessica Jacoby to be my favorite "character" because of how she renounced her grandfather and proclaimed that he should've been found guilty for war crimes (Harlan was tried and acquitted twice over abetting Nazism during the war).

I enjoyed the film overall and highly recommend that everyone see it. There is discord among the family members, including son Thomas who publicly denounced his father. It's a film about shame, guilt, history, and different definitions of family. It's a part of our history as well.

Keeping Up Appearances

"The Bouquet residence, lady of the house speaking!"

I love "Keeping Up Appearances," as well as many other Britcoms. I owe my appreciation of these classic shows to my grandmother, who first introduced them to me a few years ago. In addition to KUA, I also enjoy "As Time Goes By," "Fawlty Towers," "Waiting for God," and the Inspector Morse/Lynde/Miss Marple mysteries. One day, I want to start watching "Upstairs, Downstairs."

KUA, though 20 years old, doesn't age. I just hosted a marathon with a friend last night, and we were laughing at every episode. Hyacinth's determination to have her name (Bucket) be pronounced Bouquet and to mingle and become a part of aristocratic society is sheer gold because Patricia Routledge plays her with comic genius. All of the characters are great, including man-hungry Rose, clumsy Elizabeth, and Hyacinth-fearing Emmet.

I hope Patricia Routledge is around for a long time; I would love to do a scene with her. While I own all the KUA episodes, I'm grateful that PBS continues to air the series weekly.

Rue McClanahan Died Today

I recently read the sad news: Rue McClanahan, better known as Blanche Devereaux on "The Golden Girls," died this morning from a massive stroke. It's really sad because Estelle, Bea, and Rue all died within a year of each other. Thankfully, Betty White is still going strong and will continue to remain in good health. I hope we can get her to host the Oscars next year!

Rue acted in a lot of programs, including "All in the Family" and "Mama's Family." A few days ago, I caught an episode in which she played Grandma Irene on "Charles in Charge." Rue displayed a charm when she acted, and she clearly had a presence on screen and on stage (you should check out a clip of her performing "Nunsense" in 1996; it's on YouTube).

RIP, Rue! I'll be holding a "Golden Girls" marathon this weekend to celebrate your wonderful life!

Laughter

I like laughing. I bet you do, too. After coming home from a long day at work, it's nice to kick back and find entertainment. In my case, I have Hulu, YouTube, and a stack of Golden Girls DVDs as my source of entertainment. I love laughing at loud because it makes me become more of an active participant with the show. It's also a great stress reliever (not that I have any, but it's a good distraction from cleaning the apartment or making my lunch).

Here's to many more years of the funny stuff!

Education

I value the importance of education. Curiosity is an essential part of being human, and I believe it is important for us to embrace curiosity and our desire to learn more. What fascinates me is that education does not stop after you graduate high school or college. There are times when I find myself looking up miscellaneous facts about calculus, chemistry, or a book that I wish we read in my British literature class but didn't. I read through AP and SAT exam prep books just to learn more about these subjects (and at times often wonder what it would have been like to take more advanced classes).

For the longest time, I wanted to be a teacher. History enthralled me the most because there are many ways to connect the past, present, and future by examining economics, primary sources, historical documentaries, and learning how to understand how previous events shape current policies. I always preferred European history because of the continent's unique cultural developments. I enjoyed public speaking and jumped at any opportunity I had to deliver a presentation. Challenging my peers to think critically was invigorating because it was as much of a challenge for me as it was for them. I wonder if teachers experience this on a daily basis.

I am also aware of the fact that children in particular are very impressionable. Anyone can call him or herself a teacher and impart "knowledge" to someone else. What exactly are we teaching each other, especially the younger generations? Now that I'm legally an adult, I often think ahead to when I have children. In addition to a standard curriculum of math, science, English, and physical fitness, I want my kids to know that it is okay to be different, to embrace individuality, to treat everyone else with equality and respect, and to embrace differences of opinion. I want my children to be aware that there are multiple sides to every issue, and I would encourage them to examine each argument and come to their own decisions.

Going into television, I realize that I have the power to educate and entertain, to shape and to alter. Storytelling gives me a platform to impart my views and opposing opinions, to showcase the real emotions of real people in real settings, to fixate on the interplay between personalities and philosophies, and to ignite debate over controversies. Reactions will vary, but it is my goal to force audiences to think about their lives and to reflect on reality and even the "What if?" scenarios. If teachers have the power to influence students in classrooms, then I also have the same power as a teacher in a visual medium to influence my audience, my classroom.

This is part of an ongoing and exciting adventure.