I think I have an addiction...

So. I mean we all knew this was coming. Well maybe not me. Maybe everyone knew I was sick (especially after the BBCS). But I didn't. I thought it was under control. I mean... I can quit anytime I want. In fact, I did quit. Twice. Denial must be a symptom.

I mean I sometimes did it for the homage value, but not cause I really liked it. And I always made fun of it while I secretly loved it.

I have now realized that I cannot quit anytime I want. I am sick. I have an addiction. And since the first step is acceptance, here goes.

My name is Smurftastic, and I'm addicted to boy bands.

Phew. I got that off my chest. I am a 24 year old woman who hearts boy bands. I have hearted boy bands since I first listened to my sister's New Kids on the Block tapes. Then I suddenly became EXTREMELY anti-boy band. All through grade school and junior high, I was "too good" for boy bands. I liked "quality" music (apparently that sometimes meant crap like Limp Bizkit... but whatever). Stuff that the cool kids listened to. And while I would NEVER give up that period of my life (I mean it introduced me to the Beatles, after all...) it's not me.

All it took was 1 Disney Channel In Concert Special and a summer in a new town where I had only 1 friend (who was obsessed) to suck me right back in. And that is when NSYNC entered my life. And made it infinitely better. First concert I ever went to... NSYNC. I may have cried. I know I peed at least 10 times before the show because I was so excited. I even had a sign. A crazy fan threw a Chris Kirkpatrick pin at my head. I think i might still have it somewhere.

Boy band obsession then came full circle (or so I thought). Jordan Knight opened for NSYNC during their "Boys of Summer" tour. Yes, they took my "New Kids forever" sign away from me (but that was really just for ironic purposes, right?) but I still had a fabulous time and thought I was a winner as a 15 year old who knew both NSYNC and NKOTB... and even felt superior to those poor 8 year old girls who didn't know NKOTB. Seriously. Judged them for not understanding the history. Well the rest of high school is self explanatory. 3 more NSYNC concerts, a Backstreet Boys concert, an Aaron Carter concert (seriously), and a 98 Degrees and a 5ive CD. By that point, my mother could name all members of NSYNC including their middle names (with a little prodding, she can still do it).

Then, as soon as it started, it ended. Justin went solo. JC tried. Lance acted. I moved on. Sure, when I'm sad, nothing brings me up like a good NSYNC song... and when I'm excited, they're good too. And yes, I have been known to do the full on dances in public (preferably bars or at karaoke)... but it was an homage to my past, right? Just recognizing where we came from? I got more into country music. And rap. And classic rock. And 90s rock that I missed out on while being obsessed with boy bands. I was expanding.

And then. And then. The reunion tour was announced. THE reunion tour. New Kids on the Block... of course. I fully intended to go but it was "for humor value only" and because "I owed it to 2nd grade Smurftastic", etc. I thought I was totally over it when I watched their premiere video and laughed my head off at how ridiculous it was. I thought I was too grown up. And then, and then... I went to the concert. Before the show, I was excited, but it was the kind of excited that is like "I can't believe I'm actually doing this..." not "OMFG IF JORDAN KNIGHT SMILES IN MY GENERAL DIRECTION I WILL PEE MY PANTS!" I recognize that they have kids and are grown up. I'm technically grown up. I get there and laugh at the old ladies in puffy painted T-shirts and intend to drink to get through it if they play too many new songs instead of the old stuff.

And then something in me changed. As I saw Jordan, Joey and the others up there I stopped laughing hysterically and started smiling and giggling. And the beast was awakened. Texts were sent declaring "THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE" and I took more pictures than would fit in a standard facebook album. I jumped up and down and clapped. I screamed a little. I am 24. The worst part... 5 days later, I purchased their new album.

I, Smurftastic, own the 2008 New Kids on the Block CD release. And it's not a greatest hits album (I already owned that one). It's ALL NEW. First time I listened to it, I thought it was the worst crap... ever. Now, just a few weeks later... I love it. I can't help it. I know it's "bad" music. I know there is a song that literally makes a Baby, Swayze, Dirty Dancing reference. But I love it. I could sing most of it right now.

When I went home last weekend for Homecoming it really came to my attention that I have a problem. It was the moment when I made my mom listen to the CD in the car on the way home from the airport. Her response was "Wow, this is really boy-bandy. Like really." My response, "No, no it's not... it's... it's..." My mom gently says "I thought you grew out of this."

I didn't. I didn't and now I realize that it's not my fault. I love boy bands. My all time favorite band was technically a boy band (The Beatles, duh), and the oldies I like are mostly boy bands (Jackson 5, the Monkees, etc...). Why had I not seen it? Is it genetic? Is this curable? Is there rehab? Support groups? Am I the only one with this affliction? How do I get rid of it? Do I even want to? I had some hard times after my realization, and then realized, as long as it doesn't run my life, I can handle it.

Tonight, my friends, tonight, I'm starting to wonder whether or not I can handle it. Now, although I am a boy-band fan, I consider myself a boy-band snob. There are good boy bands, and there are boy bands that are complete shit - devoid of the talent and the producing and writing needed to make something good. Like O-town. They were awful. I mean I have a song or two of theirs, but only because they were ridiculous (sound familiar?). I was anti-Hanson until they came out with the "This Time Around" album... which had some good songs... but I was never a fan of MmmBop. Throw something as obvious as "Boyztown" at me and I will judge you, and possibly punch you. At least try to disguise it. Honestly.

Tonight, I realized I am not as "high brow" as I thought. A Friday night at home and I get bored with my Netflix date for the night and decide to research my Halloween costume. I am going as Hannah Montana (most likely)... but have never seen a single one of her shows or heard one of her songs. No harm no foul, right? Have to make sure the costume is accurate, right? This RAPIDLY progresses to watching every single Jonas Brothers video on YouTube... just to see what the fuss is about, right? "Wow this is awful!" I say, while I watch another video and buy another song from iTunes. And now, and now, I HEART a few of their songs. But their songs aren't that good... But here's the weird part... I don't really think they are hot (I guess that's good because that means I'm not a pedophile...), but if their songs aren't good and they aren't hot and they don't dance... why am I listening?

Well, here it is, I think. I like dudes that sing like girls. There, I said it. I think it's so when I sing along, they are in my range. Girl artists get too high for me, and deep voiced dudes go too low. Also, I find 5-part harmonies soothing. They put me at peace. Hence, NSYNC and NKOTB are my favorite boy bands of the modern boy-band era. Also, choreography is fun. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The obsession may sleep again, but I need to be prepared that it will surface again. After all, NSYNC is still under contract for 3 more albums. And by then, maybe I can be one of those 30-something women peeing themselves at a boy-band concert. A girl can dream, right?

Wow. I'm glad I got that off my chest. Acceptance is the first step to recovery. But can you recover if you don't want to?

An homage to classic hotness and real movie stars

So I'm a little tired, cause I stayed up late to watch the Bears' victory over the Eagles, but I wanted to acknowledge the loss of one of the greatest movie stars. Ever. Paul Newman died on Saturday, of lung cancer (HINT, if lung cancer can take someone that awesome down, it can probably take you down)... In my range of hotties, he was the upper echelon, age-wise. Now Harrison Ford will have to take the top spot. But Newman deserves to be honored, because he made great movies, and, I'm told, great spagetti sauce. Plus my mom and sister met him once. RIP Paul... you'll be missed. And now for the eye candy:

60th annual Emmy Awards - live commentary

60th annual Emmy Awards:

At thins point, we all know that I’m obsessed with awards shows. Even better than regular awards shows are awards shows that honor some kind of big anniversary. Like 60 years of the Emmys. Why are they awesomer? MORE MONTAGES. Montages of the past… featuring big stars and great shows. Some of which we may have forgotten about. So in anticipation of many montages to come ahead, let’s get this Emmy commentary started. Will also be featuring rando comments from my sister.

The hosts make their first appearance after an intro by Oprah (who, my sister and I agree, looks huge)– all 5 reality show host nominees. All wearing suits. Even Heidi Klum. Jeff Probst isn’t wearing a tie. C’mon man. Even Heidi’s in a tie. Lame. Howie Mandel’s “soul patch” is RIDICULOUS. He’s really fallen off since Bobby’s World. And by fallen off, I mean that was the only decent thing he’s ever done. Oh god, in talking about Klum wearing something not slutty, William Shatner of course comes on stage to strip her. Ugh. I’m pretty anti Shatner, namely because he’s so overexposed.

First award presented by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. She is super cute pregnant. Award is best supporting actor in a comedy. I would like to see this one go to Rainn Wilson or Neil Patrick Harris. They are just SO AMAZING. Stinson over Dwight though. Well, goes to Jeremy Piven. Again. He’s awesome on Entourage, and a personal inspiration to me… but he just doesn’t make me laugh out loud like NPH and Dwight do. Barney Stinson is my personal hero. Ari is just my professional hero.

Getting pretty excited about Josh Groban performing 30 of television’s theme songs. I can’t even begin to guess what all they’ll have.

Now best supporting actress in a comedy series: I’d like to see this one go to Amy Poehler or Jean Smart… mainly cause those are the only two whose shows I’ve seen. Jean Smart gets it… she is hilarious on Samantha Who. I love her. I wish I watched that show more, cause every time I’ve seen it I’ve really enjoyed it.

Ads for David Blaine’s new stunt… it’ll either be his best stunt, or his last. Let’s hope it’s his last. Not that I want him to die, I just want him to stop living.

Women’s montage! YES! Nope, that was a trick… just Desperate Housewives. Best supporting actor in a Drama. I’d like to see this go to Ted Danson or John Slattery, just because he’s awesome. I don’t watch any of the shows with actors nominated, but Damages and Mad Men are the only two I’d actually like to see.

Ricky Gervais… hilarious. Again proving my point that British people are better than regular people. And mocking his American counterpart, Carrell… well done to keep a straight face. I’m impressed, Michael Scott.

Conan slams Katherine Heigl. Love it. I’m hoping the best supporting actress in a drama award goes to Chandra Wilson from Greys. She’s way better than Sandra Oh and on the only show I watch. Dianne Wiest gets it. I love her, because she was in Footloose. Well done.

COLBERT REPORT gets its first writing award. Couldn’t be more thrilled. I heart Colbert.

Steve Martin has aged well. As has Tommy Smothers.

Is it really necessary for Josh Groban to change his voice for each theme song? Weird. MR. ROGER’S NEIGHTBORHOOD! Yess… He did a great job with South Park though. He actually sounded like Cartman. BAYWATCH! YES! AND FRESH PRINCE! This may be the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced! Wow… Ed MacMahon doesn’t look good. Losing your house must be rough. Can’t believe he didn’t sing Cheers. That is too bad. And I officially just downloaded the theme song to Baywatch. I judge myself.

Baldwin is wearing Tina Fey Glasses kind of. He looks a bit like Harry Carey too… weird. Outstanding Actress in miniseries – should go to Laura Linney… mainly cause she’s awesome. Good call, me, good call.

Outstanding musical, comedy or variety series – I hope this goes to Colbert or Daily Show. This Laugh-in lead in is a little long… Daily Show gets it… well deserved, but I still favor Colbert.
I’m pretty offended that Lauren Conrad is allowed on stage at the Emmys… but Guest actor/actress for comedy series… I think I want it to go to Will Arnett and Carrie Fisher or Elaine Stritch. But I was wrong.

Martin Sheen! I love that man, and not just because he brought Emilio Estevez into the world. He wants us to vote. I was planning on it, but thanks for the reminder.

Grey’s anatomy cast – Sandra Oh looks so much better in person than on the show. I would pay money to run my hands through Patrick Dempsey’s hair.

John Adams wins for best miniseries. I kind of wish I watched this, it was supposed to be awesome… I just don’t know if I have the energy/time for a historical miniseries.

NPH appearance! And he mocks Howie! I knew I loved him. Another nomination for Colbert – individual performance… I think he deserves this. Though Stewart was awesome on the Oscars. And Don Rickles wins. The old people always beat out my Stephen.

Kate Walsh makes an appearance. I have a total girl-crush on her. And love her new haircut.

Paul Giamatti totally snubs his real wife. Though I’d thank Laura Linney above her too. Wifey looked pissed, though.

Alec Baldwin wins for best comedic actor. Though I’d have preferred Steve Carrell… I love Jack Donaghy in 30 Rock. He’s awesome.
Dead people montage: If they leave out Roy Scheider again, I’m gonna be pissed. DUDE HE WAS REJECTED AGAIN. THAT’S IT MAN. IF OSCARS FORGET HIM, I’M WRITING A LETTER. SEAQUEST WAS ON TV. IT WAS A GREAT SHOW. FOR 3 WHOLE SEASONS! LAME!

Glad that a smaller show won for best lead actor in a drama… mainly because it’s not James Spader. Enough with Boston Legal already. Tina Fey wins for 30 Rock. God that’s a great show. I think I’m developing a girl crush on Tina Fey.

Best Reality Show host – Jeff Probst. Makes sense, he’s the original. Betty White is eerily similar to my grandma.

Tom Selleck appearance: My sister “Tom is still hot”. Me “I would totally do him.” Mad Men wins. I officially resolve to start watching that show. All in all, a decent Emmy awards. Great leadup to the biggest TV premiere week of the season. Can’t wait. Sorry this wasn’t that exciting of a blog, but I’m pretty tired/distracted by baking cookies for DJ Victorious’ birthday. Have a good one!

DANCING WITH THE STARS STARTS TOMORROW! GO LANCE!

DID YOU MISS ME? Summer recap and Fall TV preview

Hey all - realize it's been a while since I've posted anything... but it's been a busy summer. So I thought I'd recap it for you. First of all - I am watching the premeire of the new 90210. I have a few comments.

Kelly and David Silver's little sister is the "bad girl" who goes only by the last name Silver. Joe E. Tata is back. The best part of the first seventeen minutes is that the grandma on the show plays pretty much the same character as Gangy from Arrested Development. Bonus. The kids are TERRIBLE actors. It's like a show filled with Marissa Coopers. This really just makes me miss the OC. "Welcome to Beverly Hills, bitch" doesn't have the same ring. Where are Ryan Atwood and Seth Cohen? At least there's some diversity with the adopted black kid. Oh and apparently the students and teachers go to the same club (which is called "The Pit", obvi). Good casting on Aunt Becky's daughter (and no I'm not bothering to learn her 90210 character's name), they look exactly alike. I'm giving this show till my regular TV shows start... then I make no guarantees.

OK so the biggest news stories of the summer (besides politics, which I won't get into) are the Olympics. Everything has already been talked about ad nauseum, but here are some of my thoughts:
- No way more than 2 of the Chinese Gymnasts were over 16... my question is... why is this such a big deal? It's not new. Is it just because they beat the US that we're getting whiny? Chinese Gymnasts in no way are the appropriate age. Just like there was no way the old Soviet athletes didn't use roids. It's a commie thing.
- It's really shady how the US women's soccer team still gets less attention than the men, cause the men blow. Now I'll NEVER pretend to be a fan of female sports (WNBA = eeew), but still, women's soccer is one of the most watchable women's sports ever made. Start giving them their props. They won the gold, for craps sake.
- Very proud of the US Men Gymnastics and Basketball teams.
- Michael Phelps swims fast. Never thought I'd think a guy looked hotter in a swim cap than without. Weird.

Other big sports stories:
- Big year for Spain. They win the European Championships (over Germany and Michael Ballack's bad ass bloody jersey) and Nadal wins the greatest Wimbledon final of all time to overtake Federer for #1 in the tennis rankings. I feel like there was something else, but I'm not sure I care enough to look it up. My problem with Spain is that Nadal wears male capri pants, and it offends me. That and Michael Ballack is hotter than everyone on the Spanish soccer team, combined. I had to find someone else to cheer for in Euro because England didn't make it.
- Tiger Woods is out for the season and the Cubs have the best record in baseball.

Movie recommendations:
- Go see = Dark Knight, Tropic Thunder
- Don't see = Mamma Mia. Meryl Streep was OK, and Amanda Seyfried was FABULOUS, but the terribleness of Pierce Brosnan ruined it all.

Fall TV preview - this is going to be a great TV season. At least it'd better be after waiting through the writer's strike last season.
- Grey's Anatomy: Not gonna lie, last season was subpar. Plus there were all those rumors about Katherine Heigl being a total bitch about her character angle, that there are now talks of a storyline this season that's anything from a brain tumor to a huge romance (not George). Derek and Meredith are finally together, but it's Derek and Meredith, so it'll get whiny. Should be a good season, at least to start out they have a lot of big stories coming out.
- How I Met Your Mother: Just got into this show during the writers' strike last year, and it's pretty awesome. Who would have thought that a character played by Neil Patrick Harris would become my personal idol. I'm hoping for lots more slap bets/givings. I don't really care who the mother is, but I'm a bit worried that now that Barney is in love with Robin, he'll be a little less legen (wait for it) dary. I hope not, because then the show is not really worth watching.
- House: Amber died (thank God), but it may be a huge problem for the already testy (hahaha testy) friendship between Wilson and House. Not gonna lie, I don't watch this show for the ongoing character stories, I watch to look at Hugh Laurie and to figure out cool medical mysteries.
- Private Practice: I'm really ready for Addison and Pete to get together. I love Addison, and I love Tim Daly. Bring it on. I'm glad that Dell manned up and kissed Naomi as well. I don't remember much else about the finale because this didn't come back after the strike, but Cooper and Violet need to hurry up and fall in love too.
- The Office: Even though it saddens me both that Jim Halpert is not real and is not single anymore, he and Pam are just so amazing together. I foresee problems in their future because they haven't gotten engaged yet and she has to go out of town for her graphic design class, but it's Jim and Pam... it'll work out. Angela and Dwight and Andy triangle is gonna be awesome, namely because Dwight and Andy are so amazing when they are at each other's throats. Glad Ryan went to jail, cause he's pretty douchey. Mostly in the upcoming season, I hope the new PR lady thinking Kevin is mentally retarded continues, because that was one of the funniest things. Ever. I thought nothing could replace the Toby-Michael hatred. I may be proven wrong.
- 30 Rock: I'm glad they're starting to explore the relationship between Jack and Liz, this could keep things interesting. Plus Jennifer Aniston is guest starring. Bonus.
- Raising the Bar: I'm gonna watch it, because my professor wrote it and Zack Morris is in it. That's all.
- Dancing with the Stars - this is going to be one of the BEST Dancing With the Stars seasons, EVER. Lance Bass, Cloris Leachman, Misty May Treanor, Kim Kardashian's ass... the list goes on. It's gonna be RIDICULOUS. I don't think I'm going to watch the Bachelor, but I WILL be watching this on Mondays.

OK this blog was lame, but I was distracted by the terribleness that is 90210. I can't handle it's awfulness... at least not for more than a couple of weeks. Ugh. OH! Kelly Taylor has a son... do we think it's Luke Perry's or Jason Priestley's?

Oh good, two episodes in a row... I hope they show more Gangy. Peace though.

ESPY awards commentary

So by now we are all aware of my love of awards shows. And my love of sports. And my love of NSYNC. What better way to celebrate such things than to watch the ESPY awards and share my thoughts with you. Get. Excited.

I'm already loving this because the images are giving me the chills. And my apartnemt is hot as balls. AWESOME.

So the Brett Favre retirement videos... don't you think they should have changed it since he's most likely coming back now? Nnot that I mind... cuase he's hot... but still.

AND JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE COMES OUT TO THE 90s CHICAGO BULLS ENTRANCE MUSIC... amazing!!!!!!

Oh Patriots zing... pretty lame. But the Kobe-Shaq double zing was respectable. HAHAHAHAHA mocking Eli for being lame and finally seeing a woman naked = awesome. Justin may have been flirting with David Beckham. I think I might be a bit turned on.

First award. Danica Patrick presents. Her hair looks like shit. Best upset award - if it ISN'T Appalachian State... I hate everyone. OK... the NY Giants win for the Super Bowl. Obviously the best Super Bowl I have ever witnessed, but compared to App State, it wouldn't be the same unless like the CFL beat the Patriots. Or a Pop Warner team. And if I hated the Patriots nearly as much as I hate Michigan. D bags.

So Favre is making jokes about coming back. I'm starting to genuinely feel bad for Aaron Rodgers... even though he's in no way as hot as Favre.

Oh god. JT is about to sing a song with Greg Oden on piano. Damn you Buckeyes... but this has potential to be ridiculous. The song is obviously inappropriately cheesy... then he strips down and goes all Billy Crystal and sings about what happens... OH HOCKEY REFERENCE! And he mocks Jessica Simpson. AGAIN. Not as good asw the SNL edition... but awesome. Referencing Janet Jackson's boob. This is really lame. I'm bored.

OK WHY IS TOM CRUISE NARRATING THE TOMMIE SMITH JOHN CARLOS BLACK POWER SALUTE MONTAGE? Other than Michael Richards, I really can't think of anything more ridiculous. Big ups to the Forrest Gump theme as soundtrack... I approve.

Tyree's Lord and Savior Jesus Christ won the SuperBowl. Obvi.

OK I'm giving up on this live blog. It is lame. WAIT DAVID BECKHAM IS TALKING!!!!! OK I'm bored again. Later.

UPDATE: I definitely started to cry when Kevin Everett came on stage to accept the Jimmy V award of perseverence... Wow... I know I say it a lot... but that guy actually for real pisses intensity. No lie. Big ups. I am inspired. What a champ.

AFI's 10 Top 10... a Smurftastic Rant/commentary

Sooooo... last week, CBS aired the American Film Institute's 10 Top 10 Films, counting down 10 Top films in 10 genres. You can check out the full list at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI, and more info at http://www.afi.com/10top10/, including descriptions of why these movies were chosen.

Because of my love of all things pop culture, entertainment, countdown and judgment related, I of course tuned in. And, I must say, I agreed with the countdowns... for the most part. I'm not going to lie, though, some movies were GLARINGLY absent from their respective categories... and the choice of categories itself is a little weird.

So here, my friends, are my comments on the lists, including which movies should have been higher, which should have been left off, and which prompted me to scream at the TV "What the eff!?!?! Why isn't XYZ on the list?!?!? LAME." Pretty much those exact words too. It was fun. In addition, I will be providing you with my personal picks for said categories, and mini-lists for genres which weren't included in the Top 10. Your agreements and gratuitous praise (as well as disagreements) are welcomed in the comments.

Category 1: ANIMATION

Winning movie: SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

My first issue with this movie is... shouldn't it be "Dwarves?"

I completely understand why this movie made the number 1 spot, as it was the first full length animated feature, Walt Disney's entrance into our lives (and thus near complete domination of this category) yada yada yada... but I'm not a fan. There. I said it. I like the story... but MY GOD the voice of Snow White was SO high pitched it makes me want to cut my ears off, Van Gogh style. It ruined the whole movie for me.

As the countdown started with #10, Finding Nemo, my first thought was "I will stab someone if they have Finding Nemo on this list but not Toy Story." That thought was echoed, but more passionately so, when Shrek came in at #8. Now I enjoyed Finding Nemo enough... but Shrek, not gonna lie... thought it was overrated. It was entertaining, but I didn't appreciate the more adult jokes thinly masked in a child's story... at least in Disney movies, it was less obvious. I just don't understand why the world goes apeshit for Shrek movies.

Finally, Toy Story makes it in at number 6. Fitting that it outranks both the other "Pixar-style" movies, because it was the first of it's kind. Plus, it's AWESOME. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen make a great team... and I still to this day can be heard quoting from the movie ("you are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity.") Awesome.

Lion King makes number 4, and I honestly think it should be higher. Cinderella & Fantasia should also be higher. Movies which should have beeen lower but still on the list = Pinocchio, Bambi (too damn sad... but Thumper is awesome).

Movies not on the list that should be - Peter Pan, Aladdin.

One of my favorite animated movies that shouldn't be on the list but is awesome = The Emperor's New Groove.

Category 2: ROMANTIC COMEDIES

Winning Movie: CITY LIGHTS

Well. Um. Nothing to say about this movie cause I've never heard of it. I don't even think there was speaking. And sorry, but Charlie Chaplin, while inarguably talented, is not a leading man for a romantic comedy. Based on it's high ranking and what people said about it, it should probably still be on the list, but not number 1.

Movies which should have been higher - When Harry Met Sally. Not for the orgasm scene (that makes me uncomfortable)... but that is one of the best movies (not just romantic comedies) of all time. I think what makes a great romantic comedy is that it appeals to both men and women, and many men I know happen to really like this movie. I'm not sure WHMS should beat out Annie Hall, but I haven't seen Annie Hall (though I really want to).

I'm not entirely sure Sleepless in Seattle should be on the list (and before you flip out, let me explain why). I watched it 5 days ago on TV, cause I couldn't remember if I'd ever seen it all the way through. It's good. But it's not really a romantic COMEDY... something about a guy in a deep depression because his wife dies doesn't scream comedy. This movie should def be on some sort of Top 10, but we'll get to that later.

Movies which should DEFINITELY have been on the list and weren't: Pretty Woman, Love Actually. Everyone has seen Pretty Woman, so I'll only say this... if a movie is responsible for bringing to light one of (if not THE) greatest romantic comedy leading lady of all time... it needs to be on the list. If you haven't seen Love Actually, definitely watch it. It is one of those gems that appeals to both men (hello boob shots) and women. It's heartwarming, dramatic, but still makes you laugh out loud in parts. Plus the multiple stories keep things interesting. And British accents. Those are key.

Movies that would be on MY top 10 list, but probably needn't be on the official one: Two Weeks Notice, One Fine Day, the Cutting Edge.

Category #3: WESTERN

Winner: THE SEARCHERS

I in no way care about westerns and have seen zero of these movies. Though there is a western movie I could handle (American Outlaws) which featured Colin Farrell. Moving swiftly on.

Category #4: SPORTS

Winner: RAGING BULL

OK... I liked Raging Bull... but as a sports movie enthusiast, I'm not sure it should be the number 1 sports movie of all time. Should DEFINITELY be on the list... it was a great film... but that's a lot of boxing and drama and black and white. I think it should be in the 4 spot instead of Hoosiers, and Rocky or my WTF movie (see below) should be #1.

Pride of the Yankees at #3 is a solid move. Haven't seen the movie, hate the Yankees, and couldn't care less about baseball, but it's supposed to be awesome. I actually want to see it. There's a 95% chance that I will cry, and I like that in a sports movie.

Why on earth was Breaking Away on the list? A) I've never heard of it. B) It's about bike racing. Ok think about it. Bike racing. Who wants to see that? LAME. On that note, The Hustler probably shouldn't be on the list. I LOVE Paul Newman, but billiards is not a sport. Along the same line... peace out, National Velvet. Horse racing is lame. And sports movies shouldn't star girls (except A League of Their Own, which wasn't on the list... but should have been).

Good call on Jerry Maguire at #10. It's one of my favorite movies of all time... but it's not good enough to be higher on the list.

Ok. Now for the biggest "What the eff" moment of this entire countdown. You know what WAS NOT on the list? Wait for it. You'll be offended. Rudy. Effing RUDY, not on a list of the greatest sports movies of all time? Yet a movie about BIKING makes it? SERIOUSLY? This is one of the biggest countdown-related travesties of all time. Rudy deserves the number 1 or 2 spot, no question. I challenge any American male or female (who is not a complete waste of space) to watch that movie and not at least agree it should be Top 5. IT'S RUDY. If AFI didn't provide me with so much countdown related fun, I would tell them to die in a fire for this omission.

I was also offended that Field of Dreams wasn't on the list, but we'll get to that shortly.

Other movies which could/should have been on the list: The Mighty Ducks, Remember the Titans, Miracle, The Sandlot (I'm not a huge Sandlot fan, but most people I know love that movie like I love Mighty Ducks, so I respect that.)

Movies that I love which shouldn't be on the list: Rookie of the Year, Little Giants, D3: The Mighty Ducks. Coach Gordon Bombay is god.

Category #5: MYSTERY

Winner: VERTIGO

I have seen zero of these movies. Moving on.

Category #6: FANTASY

Winner: THE WIZARD OF OZ

Undisputed that this should be the number one. If you disagree, please tell me what movie you think should be higher, so that I can call you an idiot with more specific arguments to back it up rather than just punching you in the face.

Number 2 is the first Lord of the Rings movie. I understand that this is the first one, but Return of the King was SO MUCH BETTER. They were all good, and this is from a Harry Potter purist who only saw the first two because that's what people in her dorm were doing. I don't think any of the LOTR movies should be as high as #2, though.

It's a Wonderful Life should be #2 instead of 3, but it also could be in a different category, which will be discussed later.

Field of Dreams is included on this list... which is a solid move as it is both Fantasy and Sports. There are so many good sports movies that it works to move it here.

Movies which shouldn't be on the list: King Kong, The Thief of Bagdad. I know King Kong was a marvel of it's time, but man it looks hokey and lame. And the clips of Thief of Bagdad looked RIDICULOUS.

Big should have been higher. That is a phenomenal film, and a great starmaker for Tom Hanks.

Movies which should have been included: Hook, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Liar Liar

Category #7: SCIENCE FICTION

Winner: 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

Wow... it's 7 years after when the "future" was supposed to be. I'm old.

I don't really care about Science Fiction movies, but I totally agree with Star Wars (original) on the list at #2, though I do like Return of the Jedi and Empire Strikes Back better.

ET should totally be on the list, but I must say, I'm not a fan. Never got into it. It was scary and sad when I was a kid, and I guess I never grew out of it. Though Reeses Pieces are delish.

Back to the Future should be ranked MUCH higher. Marty McFly can't be beat.

Category #8: GANGSTER

Winner: THE GODFATHER

Never seen it, but it's definitely on my list.

I like Goodfellas at #2, mainly because I've actually seen it and liked it. I'm not a huge fan of gangster movies and haven't seen many of them. I need to see all the Godfathers first... but I'm just not sure I can dedicate that kind of time.

Movie I love that shouldn't be on the list: Dick Tracy

Category #9: COURTROOM DRAMA

Winner: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Definitely on my list of movies to see. I totally agree with this call.

A Few Good Men should be higher on the list, because the cast is phenomenal, the plot is great, and the courtroom scenes are second to none. In my trial prep class, my teacher brought it in as an example of the ideal way to cross examine. This is one of those movies that if it is on TV, I will watch it, even if I was already watching something else, despite the fact that I've seen it at least 20 times. It's SO GOOD. Plus quotable, which I totally support. Plus it's the only one of this list I've seen, and I'm in law school.

Category #10: EPIC

Winner: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

This a great list, and probably the one I have the least amount of problems with. I think that Gone With the Wind (at number 4) should be moved up to the 1 or 2 spot... but otherwise, no significant problems. Gone With the Wind is AWESOME (beautiful scenery, great story, overdramatic, THE COSTUMES, quotable, and hot guy... what more do you want?)... and the movies on the list I haven't seen, I definitely want to. Epic movies are what make going to the movies so much fun. I would be intrigued to see how "Epic" is officially defined, but other than that... solid effort AFI. Almost make up for not having Rudy on the sports list, but not quite.

One movie which probably should have been included... but I don't know what it would replace = Forrest Gump

Why weren't these categories?

I noticed that there were some pretty broad categories left off the list, which leads to great movies being left off, simply because they don't fit. Plus a lot of the categories were SUPER specific. So here are mini lists of the categories they DIDN'T have, and what movies should have been included:

Action:

Die Hard

The Fugitive (one of those that I watch WHENEVER it's on, no matter what)

James Bond (Casino Royale, Dr. No, most of the ones with Roger Moore)

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Mission: Impossible 2

Air Force One (so I have a thing for Harrison Ford, so sue me)

Romance: - I find pure romance movies to be pretty lame, but they are quite separate from romantic comedies... so here's what I would assume should be included

Undisputed #1 - Casablanca - seriously... how was it NOT one of the 100 movies on the above list? That, my friends, is why their categories were messed up. Casablanca isn't just one of the best romances of all time, it's one of the best movies of all time.

Sleepless in Seattle

Ghost

Brokeback Mountain

The American President

Sabrina

The ones I haven't seen which would probably end up on the list:

An Affair to Remember

Love Story - I have zero desire to see this.

The Notebook - I refuse to see this movie. I don't care how good everyone says it is. Just the thought of it makes me want to vomit. And I really enjoy both of the leads (Gosling in Remember the Titans was amazing). But NOT seeing it.

Comedy

Old School

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Wayne's World

Billy Madison

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Zoolander

Clueless

Three Men & a Baby

Father of the Bride

American Pie

Ghostbusters

Big Daddy

Drama (generally)

Casablanca (if not included on general romance)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (man, Jimmy Stewart was AWESOME)

Forrest Gump (if not an epic)

Goodwill Hunting

American History X

Stepmom

I am Sam

Cast Away

Cool Hand Luke (Newman = great)

Finding Neverland

Ones I haven't seen which would probably end up on the list:

Shawshank Redemption

Citizen Kane

Grapes of Wrath

Holiday: - check out explanations here - http://somepeopleknit.blogspot.com/2007/12/more-holiday-fun-greatest-holiday.html

It's a Wonderful Life

A Christmas Story

White Christmas

Miracle on 34th Street

All I want for Christmas

Elf

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Home Alone

Kids' movies (non animated, non sports)

Now & Then

Camp Nowhere

The Goonies

Stand by Me

Casper

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Musicals (non animated)

The Sound of Music

Grease

Phantom of the Opera

Across the Universe

Chicago

Hairspray (2007)

Fiddler on the Roof (just kidding, that movie and musical BLOW)

Wizard of Oz

Mary Poppins

Ones I haven't seen that should probably end up on the list:

My Fair Lady

A Hard Days Night

Sorry this post was so long, but I hope you enjoyed it! Comments are welcome and encouraged!

They can't be serious... can they? UPDATE

Sooooooo approximately 1 minute ago, the season premiere of the new New Kids on the Block video aired on VH1. Number of times I laughed out loud = 4. Number of times I felt uncomfortable = 3. I'll leave futher judgment to you... pretty much cause I am at a loss for words...



... this is not to say that I don't love NKOTB... Don't get me wrong. I have tickets to see them in concert. I just hope it's less awkward than this and/or that they concentrate on old songs. And Jordan. Jordan is still hott in this video. Don't deny it.