Students of Hailsham are special.

I took m'self on a date tonight.

I was pretty charming, and really old fashioned, paid for everything, opened the door for myself, and at the end of the night I tried to get a little fresh, and...well, a girl never kisses and tells.

Too far? ...too far.

As a kick start to my fall break, Duncan (my stud of a Jeep) took me out to see Mark Romanek's Never Let Me Go. I've been very intrigued by this film since seeing the exceptional trailer. (Seriously. Click that thing. It makes me all teary.) Directed by Mark Romanek, the man behind handfuls of famous music videos, as well as the Robin Williams-fronted One Hour Photo, this film was, in short: often poignant, but missing something.

First off, the good (great, even):

The cast? Incredible. Stand up performances across the board- Carey Mulligan leading the way, proving herself capable of an Academy Award someday. Soon. Next up, the popularity ladder quick-climber: Andrew Garfield. You know him as the Social Network's Eduardo Saverin, and coming soon, the new Peter Parker. Another one to keep your eye on, as I predict he will soon, very, very soon be cradling an Oscar. Garfield is profound as Tommy, meticulously acted, he gives a heartbreaking performance...eventually. Then there is wildly overrated Kiera Knightly, who should also be proud of this performance. This one performance. Maybe two others. Maybe.

I digress...

Really, the only negative things I can say about the film reside in the story.

Some of the characters decisions don't make sense. The plot surrounds a love triangle between three childhood friends, who grew up in a very interesting manner. Watching it unfold felt inauthentic. Sometimes too obvious, mostly just disingenuous.

Also bothersome: there is a sci-fi undertone introduced almost immediately, which was carried throughout the film in small details, which are never really explained. It wasn't enough to distract me from the bigger picture Romanek wanted me to focus on, but it was distracting. No doubt in my mind they were things that the readers of the novel, written by Kashuo Ishiguro, understood and appreciated, but the lack of explanation for the rest of us was frustrating.

For me, the story had holes, and lacked some heart. But that's not to say I didn't enjoy it. Everything else about the film was absolutely beautifully done. From performance to cinematography to score, it was flawless. If that story were patched up a bit, you would've had a crier on your hands, Romanek. So close.

My Rating: 8/10.

For British Eyes Only.

Hey there. Hello to you. Howdy.

Well, well, well. It's been some time. You look great... have you lost weight? Changed your hair? Veneers? Wow. Good for you.

I come forth this beautiful, crisp, Albuquerque evening with an eye swollen shut and a severed knee cap. (Actual Injuries: eye is unnoticeably and inexplicably a touch swollen, and I hit my knee on my desk. Minor bruise soon to follow.)

All semester long I've been cheating on this blog. Not by choice. By brute force. Brute, brute, GPA fueled force, and I'm not proud of it. If you'd like to see everything I've turned in to my very first IFDM class, including terrible sketches and mass amounts of inspiration, visit me over there at:

meshellmendiola.wordpress.com

If you could care less, let's move on.

I miss you guys. Completely my fault. I've been brainstorming on topics to blog about that aren't media related. I'm trying to tone-down my pop culture references, as they've gotten out of hand. I've got one foot out of reality at all times. I suppose I'm like Community's Abed in that way. ...shit.

So, that being said. Ideas for blogs are appreciated. My mind is poisoned by popular culture. Not one single original idea swimming around up there. (Kidding. I hope.)

However; as none of you know, because I have told only my father, I've added a minor in Media Journalism and Mass Communication. To abide by my mothers rules, "the more you do, the more you'll want to do, and the better you'll be," I'm going to use this bloggy bloggerson as an outlet for some personal film reviews, while I'm just getting to know the process.

Hopefully, if even one person reads this someday, we can even begin doing some film discussions and such.

Don't worry your pretty little head, possible reader.

My countdowns and Riff Raff aren't going anywhere.

I know you've lost countless hours of sleep wondering when I'm going to count down my ten favorite pairs of celebrity bifocals. So soon. (That was a joke, but now... Stay tuned.)

For now? I've got an eye to hold a warm compress to, a knee to complain about, and a cozy bed shouting at me. I must heed the call.

Until next time, which will not be in 3 months...

à voir!

You're so strong-ish.

Lads. Lassies. About a month ago, my favorite show, a little ditty I like to call "Party Down," was cancelled. Starz and I are currently on the outs because of this situation. That bitch.

If you haven't seen the show, please, resort to your Netflix accounts and instant watch the crap out of---oh. Wait a minute. Starz removed Party Down from Instant Watch also. Where insult meets injury, Starz thrives.

Okay, all bitterness aside, I'm due for another top 5 performance list, and I'm using Party Down's cancellation as an excuse to make the subject of that top 5 list Martin Starr. But who am I kidding? You love him, I love him, even my father adores this fella. I've been ready to make this list for some time.

Put that Hard Sci-fi novel down, shampoo that beard, and steer clear of all peanut products...

The countdown time is: Now.

5. Simon.

"You're really hard to talk to. I think you should know that."

4. Martin.

"Oh, another beard joke. Fuckin' hilarious."

3. Joel.

"What's the point of being an artist or writer anyway? Hermann Melville wrote fuckin' Moby Dick, he was so poor and forgotten about by the time he died that in his obituary they called him Henry Melville. You know, like, why bother? They're just going to forget our fucking names anyway."

2. Roman DeBeers.

"Magnicifent!" (No. Not enough. Roman needs some clips.)

1. Bill Haverchuck.

"It wasn't the sound of Vinyl squeaking. It was the sound of cheese being cut."

(Also-not enough.)

There you have it. The man can do no wrong. I get increasingly excited to see his next career move. Maybe a little bit of writing, Mr. Starr? Yes please.

Tell me, folks. What are YOUR favorite Martin Starr performances? I am interested.

Wang Chung tonight, or I will kick your ASS.

I've lied. I'm a liar. A dear friend of mine often uses the term, "lying sac." That's me. I'm one of those. A lying sac.

Maybe you remember this little number: "I promise to write more frequently, and on a better variety of things in the next few weeks."

Whoops.

But let's you and I forget about my false promises, leave the past where it belongs, and instead talk about great things.

Before we do that though, quick question: Remember t.a.T.u.?

...it's alright. I do too.

Friends. It's been so long. What have you been up to? That sounds super fun. Me, myself? I've been watching a lot of embarrassing television. Not, "rot my mind, epitome of everything that is wrong with society," television, like the kind that features those Ray J, Kardashian, and Tila Tequila characters...the other kind. The kind that spotlights over-privileged teenagers and the outlandish drama they find themselves in...sometimes those teenagers also private detectives. But don't worry about that.

Television and movies like these lead me to believe I am capable of things I am not.

No. Wait...

Television and movies in general lead me to believe I am capable of things I am not.

This is 100% okay with me. Why? Because I live my life certain that I have the competence, guts, and wit to do an incredible amount of things.

I'm here to tell you about the kind of things I am absolutely capable of, because movies and television have indirectly told me so.

If you'd like this post to be more entertaining, you can guess which movies/t.v. shows led me to believe such nonsense. Then take a shot...or something.

I both can, and absolutely will:

-Use Shakespeare quotes to insult you.

-Get away with: putting co-workers belongings inside Jell-O or vending machines, filling handset's with nickels, and sending faxes from the future.

-Outrun the beast, considering I own the correct shoes.

-Crash an important dinner party with a guerilla fashion show, then become famous, because my designs kick ass.

-Be a Tenenbaum.

-Fall in love with a celebrity by spilling orange juice on them.

-Convice a parade float to let me sing Danke Shane during a parade.

-Learn so many skills so quickly, in a montage-like manner.

-Be cool and confident while I kill zombies creatively.

-Solve serious crimes, generally committed by spoiled rich kids, while making off-the-cuff witty remarks about pop culture, making out with my super hot boyfriend in the girls bathroom, and still making it to my English class on time.

-Sweep the leg.

-Win a dance battle. In the rain.

-Slay vampires. Easy.

-Forge checks, then get rich.

-Save Latin.

-Stick to my soul-skating ways, even if someone is offering to sponsor me as a professional skater. Damn the man.

-Travel back in time and hang out with my parents.

-Maybe become some kind of superhero, considering some kind of supernatural thing bites me or something.

-Uncover that my friend used to be a Canadian pop-music sensation.

-Be a nobody. Then make out with the most popular boy in school.

-Fall in love with a vampire. And Werewolf. ...then have them fight over me. No big deal.

-Sneak this guy I like out of detention by dazzling the teacher with my...wits. Or showing him my boobs.

...what can you do?

I'm gonna leave you with this, because I like it very much.

Here is something to think about.

This post exists solely to prove a point in an argument taking place outside of my blog. Sorry.

I saved latin. What'd you ever do?

People. I'm a terrible blog owner...my apologies. I promise to clean up my act and post more frequently, and on a better variety of things in the next few weeks. You have my word. My typed, to be trusted, world-wide webbed word.

This post was suggested by a dear, well dressed, polite, and supportive of white jeans friend of mine and yours, Christopher McDermott.

(I'll be doing this. "Posts suggested by..." blogs. Get ready.)

Christopher and I have many things in common when it comes to arts and entertainment. We love great things. Almost exclusively too, if it weren't for high school private detectives and girly country songs ruining our reputation. Whoops.

ANYWAY. This fella they call McDermott asked me to list my top 5 favorite Jason Schwartzman performances. Whelp, can't say it took much convincing to make this happen...if you've read ANY of my previous blogs, you know I love that man.

Instead of some cheesy explanation behind character traits and such, I'm just grouping them with my favorite quote of his...I feel as though that's more fun. If I'm wrong, sorry. But I'm probably not. ...I'm definitely not.

So, here goes: Top 5 favorite performances of Mr. Schwartzman.

5. Ash.

"There's a lot of attitudes going on around here. Don't let me get one."

4. Jack.

.

"How can a train be lost? It's on rails."

3. Mark Taylor Jackson.

No. He needs a clip. Here:

2. Albert Markovski.

"Yes. No. Uhh, time, not space. No, I have no idea what you're talking about."

1. Max Fischer

"I like your nurse's uniform, guy."

"These are O.R. scrubs."

"O, R they?"

There you have it lads 'n' lassies. My Jason Schwartzman top 5 list.

I promise to not talk about him anymore. Well. For a little.

More top 5 performance lists to come!

Tell me your favorite Schwartzman movies. DO IT!

DISCLAIMER:

I'm a list maker. It's what I do. If you shuffle through my phone, you'll find a hearty 'to do' list (as in errands. Not people. Pervs.), 'to watch' list, 'to listen' list, and a 'to read' list. If you go through any kind of scholastic notebook I own, you'll find pages riddled with 'favorite _____' lists in every one. There is no better thought organizer than lists.

This being said, I want you to know how hard I am trying to be a responsible blog owner. I feel like responsible blog owners express themselves in paragraph form, and only use lists as filler blogs for rare occasions.

I'll tell you now, I do not think my fate as a blogger falls under that "responsible blog owner" file. I will abuse the unspoken list rule with this blog, and that is a promise. I love lists.

Alright, since we've discussed this situation, now I can sleep at night, and also get on with this particular blog. You guessed it you ol' chum, a list blog. This time, of things that I'm loving more and more as the days go by.

Fact: If you aren't spending all conscious hours listening to Mumford and Sons, you might be an idiot.

(Big thanks to Mr. Foxworthy for that headline.)

Fresh out of London, it seems as though Mumford and Sons came to the US by storm; their sad, folky, irish drinking-esque songs in hand. I dare you to listen and tell me you don't like it. With songs like, "The Cave" and "White Blank Page," these boys continuously break my heart, only to lift my spirits again with the next track change. For that, I thank them.

Below are some acoustic tracks, which are fast becoming my favorite recordings of these songs.

Have a listen. Please.

But what I REALLY want to do is sing.

One of my least favorite things: When great actors think they can be great singers. Generally to that I say: No. No you cannot.

One of my favorite things: When those actors prove me wrong.

Below are three examples of my flawed logic.

Dead Man's Bones

Ryan Gosling, world's most successful lady killer, and friend Zach Shields started this band in 2008. Two years ago, all the fellas had to offer was the video below, alongside a slightly less impressive video entitled, "Where You Sleep." In October 2009, they released a full length album of semi-spooky tunes, backed with Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir group vocals.

Fun fact: In the studio- anything that took over three takes to get right, got the boot. I love that. And this:

She and Him

It was no secret that Zooey Deschanel has an incredible voice. Chances are, if you've seen any of her major-release movies, you've also heard her voice, due to brainy directors milking the girl for every ounce of talent she's got. In 2008, Deschanel paired up with M. Ward to make a "for fun" album titled Volume One. This album was a major success, which eventually led to the duo making a second volume-released earlier this year.

I envy her jazzy, vintage vocal stylings. Also, she's beautiful. How annoying.

Coconut Records

My favorite of the three, Mr. Jason Schwartzman. Starting out in 'the biz' as a musician, this guy went from drumming in Phantom Planet, to acting, to solo side-projecting while acting. Coconut Records' first album, "Nighttiming" was released in 2007, and featured some guest vocals from Kirsten Dunst and Zooey Deschanel. In 2009, his second album "Davy" was released. Blah, blah, blah, boring facts, boringfactsboringfactsboringfacts. I love him. This man can do no wrong.

I am a waiter like Einstein was a Patent Clerk.

Alright, alright. Moving away from music...another thing that I can get enough of: a little show called "Party Down."

In it's second season now, Party Down is fast becoming an all-time favorite.

The premise of the show: aspiring actors/writers working as caterers in LA to pay the bills until they hit the big time. Hilarity ensues.

With a cast that includes Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Martin Starr, and now Megan Mullally-and recurring appearances by JK Simmons, Ken Jeong, and Kristen Bell, you've got to AT LEAST be intrigued. Not to mention the fact that the show's end credits read names like Paul Rudd, Fred Savage, Rob Thomas and Bryan Gordon.

Oh. Did my name dropping not entice you? Here. How about the show's second season trailer:

Would you like a season one clip also? Alright. You've convinced me.

Okay. That's all I have for you right now, folks.

Until next time, happy...hunting, I suppose.

I've got a mild case of folliculaphilia. Just with beards.

Folliculaphiliac: An individual who is only attracted to men with mustaches.

I like a bearded man. Sue me. My friends and family just LOVE making fun of me for this little attraction. I can't tell you how many times I've found drawings of Burt Reynolds and Chuck Norris left on my door to greet me when I return from class from my lovely, lovely dorm mates. (For the record, I'm not into Burt Reynolds OR Chuck Norris. Yikes.)

However, I do appreciate a good beard. I've seen a beard list or two, but I figure- why not post a list of some of MY favorite celebrity beards, get this whole blogging thing off the a fun and attractive start. Get ready for a lot of top 10 lists. I love them a whole bunch.

Alright, who's with me!?

You are. I know it.

Let's do this thing.

10. Zachary Quinto.

I know it's not quite at beard status in this photo, but you know he's capable. I bet that guy has to shave his tongue.

9. Jake Gyllenhaal

Is there a better looking bearded man on earth? No. No is the answer to that question.

8. Judd Apatow

10 bucks says Leslie Mann buys him special conditioner for it.

7. Ryan Gosling

Yes please.

6. John Krasinski.

So, The Office post season 4 is painful to watch...he isn't.

5. Paul Rudd

A normally overlooked beard. For more of Mr. Rudd's beard, check out Diggers. It's great. Promise. I wouldn't lie to you.

4. Jason Schwartzman.

When he was a mere 17 year old, he (as Max Fischer) saved latin. Now his face is capable of that. That's just good karma.

3. Martin Starr.

Though clean shaven while playing Roman in Party Down, this guy can beard with the best of 'em. I'm into it.

2. Zatch Gaspifinaski.

Because all other beards cower in the presence of it.

1. Conan O'Brien.

My Favorite Beard of them all. Conan 'Redbeard' O'Brien. Incredible.

Tell me who your favorite beards belong to. I'm genuinely interested.

My Mother raised her children on a handful of phrases. Since I can remember, she's had an answer to every life question right in her back pocket, ready to hand over. I'll divulge more on that later on I'm sure, but for now, I tell you this solely to explain my reasoning behind building this here blog.

"The more you do, the more you'll want to do," she says. Well, I want to get back to relying on writing. I'd like to be good at it again. Even moreso than that, I'd just like to be able to look at a blank screen and fill it with ease like I used to.

According to Mommy Dearest, all I need to do is start doing it again. So, I made this blog.

Please folks, be kind at first. This is going to be a rocky start, guaranteed. Especially because I haven't ANY idea what the heck to talk about in this thing. Not a damn clue.

Bear with me. <---that's proper. It doesn't feel like it. But I looked it up. You can trust the internet.

Testing testing, one, two, thray.

Learning about how these shenanigans work. I'm not good at this. On m'way, though. Just. You. Wait.