IMBT Birthday Shoutout: Jeremy Irons

So handome.  So sexy.  LOVE that voice.  Especially when he presents at award shows and has to say "THE FIGHTER" over and over.

THE FIGH-TAH!!

30 Things Before 30

Dudes.  I'm getting fucking OLD.

I was at a dinner the other night with a 19 year-old and three 22 year-olds.  I wanted to cry.

I've been having back issues.  Like pains and tightness.  IN MY BACK.  That is something old people have!

Tomorrow I turn 29.  As mentioned previously, I've been fortunate to have traveled quite a bit and have had many incredible experiences (jumped off a cliff and swam with sharks in Palau, surfed and sailed in Australia, saw the Mayan ruins in Mexico, hiked the Great Wall in China, floated in the Dead Sea in Israel, etc.).  But for some reason THIRTY seems like a deadline by which I need to make a lot of check-marks on the grand ol' bucket list.  So I've decided to make a list of 30 things I need to do before I turn 30 in order to feel ready for my next decade.  Some of these are general goals I've had for a long time, some are things I feel I need to leave behind in 20's, and some are things I feel will prepare me for my 30's:

1. Eat at Providence
2. Book a trip to Africa
3. Leave current job / start a new job
4. Drink the champagne in the fridge that I've been saving for a "special" celebratory occasion
5. Run - actually RUN - in a race (even just a 5K)
6. Use the cooking class gift certificate my boss bought me for my LAST birthday
7. Get some sort of waterproof casing for either my iPhone or my Rebel so that I can document it when I...
8. Swim with whale sharks
9. Re-read The Great Gatsby, and read 3 other classics for the first time
10. Attend a beer fest
11. Try snowboarding or skiing for real
12. Test-drive the Tesla
13. Develop a proper regimen for taking good care of my skin (e.g. using face cream - ick)
14. Go a whole month without eating any meat whatsoever
15. Buy a pair of Louboutins or a designer bag
16. Watch at least 10 more of AFI's top 100 (I've seen 32 from the 2007 list)
17. Help an animal give birth OR be present during a surgery
18. Create something (e.g. a full script, short story, painting, etc.)
19. Learn how to make the perfect dirty martini (yum)
20. Go through all the junk in my room at my parents' house (and get rid of most of it)
21. Shoot a gun (at a target range)
22. Buy a new, carefully-chosen bicycle
23. Have a meeting with a financial analyst
24. Keep a plant alive for more than 2 weeks - preferably lavender
25. Go back to Best Friends
26. Try absinthe (the real kind)
27. Assemble an earthquake kit
28. Plan a reunion / vacation with my besties from college (this may already be in the works).
29. Answer the phone "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?"
30. Forgive.

Anything I missed?

Nananananananananananananana BATMAN!

I very much enjoyed THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, but having just gone back and watched all three Christopher Nolan Batman films, I think BATMAN BEGINS is actually the best one.  What do you think?

Channing Tatum: New Best Hottie

image source: peoplepets.com

I realize I am jumping on a bandwagon that has been running for a long time here.  But I never paid much attention to Mr. Tatum until recently.  To me he was just that beefcake from the STEP UP movies, and that's all I really needed to know.

But then, a few months ago, I saw 21 JUMP STREET and all that changed.  If you didn't make it out to the the theaters for this one - shame on you (just kidding) - here's the NSFW extended trailer:

Dude is hilarious, right??!!  The roommates and I were just discussing how much we'd like to watch this movie again and that we might buy the DVD.

So you can imagine how excited I am for MAGIC MIKE, which I will be seeing in 6 hours and 43 minutes (I may or may not be counting down).  I've always been a Soderbergh fan generally speaking, and am currently working on the Liberace project he's doing with HBO (so exciting!). (Perhaps this is the point where I need to say that though I am an employee of HBO, all these opinions are mine and mine alone, and are not representative of the company whatsoever.  Also, HBO and Warner Bros., the studio distributing MAGIC MIKE are both owned by Time Warner.)  ANYWAY, I'm looking forward to seeing his take on this *ahem* titillating subject matter.  Here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure:

HOLY HOTNESS BATMAN - and I heard it's actually really good too!!  As the Variety review said, "Tatum, Soderbergh and team appreciate the real reason audiences showed up, and the film provides just enough character and plot to validate the plentiful pecs and abundant buns that serve as its main attraction."


So to Mr. Tatum: I apologize for taking so long to appreciate you, but now that I have rest assured I will be showing up to all your films (provided that you promise either hilarity or shirtlessness ensues).


PS. Boyfriend, if you're reading this, I love you the most.

Quill: IMBT

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

ARE
YOU
KIDDING
ME???

I'm already crying.

The Return of "Mad Men": Tonight's BT

The draught is over folks.  (Metaphorically and literally - it's raining like crazy, again, and this time I'm so over it.)  "Mad Men" returns tonight with its first new episode in 17 months.  This has been a weekend of absolutely excellent entertainment (more on that tomorrow) and I am fully expecting tonight's two-hour premiere to cap it all of nicely.

Need a little refresher course before the big event?  Click here for a character-by-character rundown of where we left off from The Daily Beast.

Tonight, 9 pm, AMC.  Will you be tuning in?

THE HUNGER GAMES: Seemingly Everyone On The Internet's Best Thing [Right Now]

Remember back in September 2011 when I wrote about The Hunger Games books and couldn't believe how far off "March 2012" sounded?

Well guess what kids - THE DAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED.

Starting tonight at midnight the teens, tweens, and "young" adults (I'm in the latter grouping, no judgement please) will be flooding the local theaters to catch their favorite dystopian heroes fight to the death.  I will not be  attending a midnight screening - some of us have to work tomorrow - but I HAVE had my tickets for weeks to a showing tomorrow evening.

I'm obviously not the only one who's excited.  The internet has EXPLODED in recent weeks with HUNGER GAMES related consumables, sketches/spoofs, memes, etc.  In anticipation of the big event I've collected all the best for your enjoyment (be sure to click the links for videos where indicated) (also big thanks to roomie Jina who sent me a bunch of these - we may or may not be dressing up tomorrow night):

• For your pre-movie party:

Recipes for a Themed Feast & Cookies for Dessert

 

• Games inspired by HUNGER GAMES:

HungOver Games (video) & The Hunger Games Game for Teen Girls (video)

 

• Tired of your regular workout routine?  Want to be prepared in case our society implodes and you find yourself at a reaping?

 Train Like Katniss

• For all your HUNGER GAMES bedding and cuff-link needs:

"Official" Swag (That You Have to Pay For) & A List Compiled by Entertainment Weekly

 

• The magic of editing:

HUNGER GAMES-Disney Style (video)

 

• For the HUNGER GAMES fashionista:

Designers Sketch the Girl-On-Fire Dress and HG Nail Polish

 

• Because there simply can never be enough Ryan Gosling in our lives:

hungergamesgosling

• And finally, my absolute Very Best Thing found on the internet having to with THE HUNGER GAMES (from my new favorite Tumblr, whatshouldwecallme):

WHEN MY MOM IS BAKING AND ASKS IF ANYONE WANTS TO LICK THE SPOON 

 

To those who already have your tickets: enjoy, and to those who are planning on just showing up:

MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR!

Penguin Cam / "Frozen Planet": Two New Best Things

image source: dsc.discovery.com

A couple weeks ago a coworker of mine - who is super awesome and knows me (and my love of animals) quite well - sent me a link to a Penguin Cam:  a live feed of the "Penguin Encounter" at Sea World San Diego.  I love it, and click over to it any time I need a momentary breather from whatever I'm working on.  There are two views to choose from:  Topside Penguin Cam and Underwater Penguin Cam.  I prefer Topside because of the sound feed - squeak!squak!socute! - and they are just so adorable waddling around!!...  But on the other hand, Underwater definitely has that calming/soothing aquarium effect.

To check it out for yourself click here:  http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/frozen-planet/penguin-cam/.  If you watch closely you might catch all five Antarctic species:  emporers, kings, Adelies, gentoos, and macaronis.

The Penguin Cam was set up to celebrate Discovery Channel's new series: "Frozen Planet" which began airing on Sunday evening with a 2-hour premiere.  I set the DVR but ended up watching it live and was enthralled (obviously).

The show takes place in the harshest climates on Earth, and the filmmakers do an excellent job of depicting what life is like for the species that live there.  Understandably, there are "predation" sequences - sometimes resulting in a kill, and sometimes not - which are difficult for me to watch no matter who is doing the hunting (I had a hard time watching the seal go after the penguin, but I had an even harder time watching the Orcas go after the seal).

Similar to "Planet Earth" (and from the same creators), "Frozen Planet" takes the viewer to places and scenes they would almost certainly never experience on their own.  The sheer logistics of "how did they get that shot" are astounding to me and I can't wait for "The Making of Frozen Planet" on April 8th.  And if you, like me, are really into behind-the-scenes stuff, check out this awesome Q&A from Entertainment Weekly with series producer Vanessa Berlowitz and director Chadden Hunter:  http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/03/17/frozen-planet-qa/.  An impressive statistic from the article:  During four years of production, the temperatures went as low as -58°F and the winds as high as 148 miles per hour. In total, the crew spent 2,356 days in the field, 840 hours trapped in blizzards, and 134 hours filming under the ice.

Holy wow.  I'm currently re-evaluating my "I need to go work on one of these series" mantra.  (Though if offered the chance I'd still jump on it in a heartbeat).

Take a look at these breathtaking stills from the show:

New episodes air Sundays at 8 pm on Discovery Channel.

Paley Fest: IMBT

I realize this is brand new *shocking* information to you, but I enjoy television and watch a lot of it.

(I know none of you are the judge-y type, but just in case, this is all I have to say.)

One of the best things about living in Los Angeles (if you love film & television) is the near constant access to panels, screenings, events, etc. having to do with entertainment.  The WGA (Writers Guild of America) hosts panels about, quite indubitably, writing - I went to one back in 2009 with the writers of one of my all-time favorite shows, "LOST", which was fascinating.  The TV Academy hosts panels - often leading up to Emmy season - about current television programming.  I've been to panels featuring the executive producers and casts of "Mad Men", "The Office", "Glee", and many others over the years.  Similarly, the AMPAS (The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences - the same group that gives out the Oscars) hosts panels about all facets of filmmaking, particularly around Oscar time.  The individual guilds hosts panels as well - also back in 2009 I went to one hosted by MPSE (Motion Picture Sound Editors) about the Sound of STAR TREK.  To be honest, most of what was discussed went over my head, but J.J. Abrams was there which was pretty cool.

Mark P. Stoeckinger, left, J.J. Abrams and Maryann Brandon.

Photo by Mel Lambert|content-creators.com

If you just totally geeked out and want to read the some excerpts from the panel, you can actually do just that here.

ANYWAY, The Paley Center for Media (p.k.a. The Museum of Television and Radio) also hosts a series of panels over two weeks every spring - known as the Paley Fest - featuring mostly current hot shows and usually at least one "throwback" night (e.g. last year's "Undeclared"/"Freaks & Geeks" Reunion night).  As an attendee "you get to meet the casts and creators of your favorite shows, hear all the inside stories, and even participate in an itimate Q & A.  If you're a fan of these shows, or just are interested in how TV shows get from a writer's brain to your flat screen, you will enjoy these special evenings."  (Thanks KROQ)  I believe my first Paley Fest panel was the "Brothers and Sisters" one back in 2007 when it was still held at the DGA building.  Then "Gossip Girl" in 2008 at the Arclight, "True Blood" in 2009 at the Arclight, and "LOST" in 2010 (I was obsessed) at which point it had moved to the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills.

image source: fanpop.com

As ticket prices have gone up (almost all panel events in LA are free, with this noted exception), and I've moved further west (both home and office), it's been increasingly challenging to make it to the panels, especially on weeknights.  Fortunately for me (and YOU), the Paley Fest is streaming their panels live this year!!!  Not only can you watch all panels live for free, you can watch them in your pajamas while eating a bowl of mac and cheese!  (I am neither confirming nor denying that I've done such a thing.)  Additionally, if you really must insist on hitting the gym, a few of the panels will be posted on Hulu as well after 3/15.  Hooray!

image source: dailyactor.com

On Monday night I Livestreamed the "New Girl" panel.  As you may remember, I'm a big fan of the show and it was definitely interesting to hear them talk a little bit about the creative process.  They seem like they're all having a lot of fun working on the show, which in turn always makes the panels fun as well.  I had an event last night and wasn't able to catch the "Parks & Rec" panel, so I'm glad it's going up on Hulu (along with  Saturday's "Community" panel).  I've also set reminders in my calendar for next week's "Mad Men" and "Modern Family" panels.

Big props to the Paley Fest folks who made the decision to Livestream the panels.

Which ones will you be tuning in for?

REAL LIFE IS FOR MARCH

Last week both "30 Rock" and "Parks & Recreation" had special Leap Day episodes and tonight "Modern Family" will do the same.  Since when is Leap Day a thing?  I'm not complaining, it's cute, but besides for the disastrous Amy Adams barf-fest which taught me that "In Ireland, a woman can propose to a man on the 29th of February"* (which, side note, is an INCREDIBLY specific situation (especially if you don't already live in Ireland) and is also ridiculous and is ALSO detrimental to the entire Feminism movement), I don't think I've ever heard 2/29 referred to as "Leap Day" before.  So I repeat, since when is Leap Day a thing?  Has everyone always referred to it this way?

Either way, thank you to "30 Rock" for supplying the title of today's post.

In other news, I would also like to thank the documentary film UNDEFEATED for almost single-handedly helping me to win a total of $120 in two separate Oscar pools.  Almost everyone else I knew put down PARADISE LOST as the winner so this category really secured it for me.  I would also like to thank my "lucky" number 13 for helping me with the tie-breaker in one pool - we had to predict the running time of the telecast and I had it down to the exact minute (3 hours 13 minutes).  Woot!

Here are some photos of some of my favorite/best moments/things from the evening (images from LATimes.com):

Judd & Leslie - my favorite dress of the night

Zach & Will - perhaps the first presenters to enter/emerge from the orchestra pit?

Jim Rash/Dean Pelton impersonating Angelina

Rose & Melissa - continuing their drinking game from the Globes

Ben & Emma (my BFF) & Robert backstage

Esperanza & Gil - I loved her rendition of "What a Wonderful World"

Colin & Meryl - Oscar royalty

Jean & Uggie - I don't think it gets any more adorable than this

One final Oscar-related item before I can move on with my life:  This article about the connection between THE ARTIST Director Michel Hazanavicius and Producer Thomas Langman.  As a grandchild of four Holocaust survivors, this made me love the film even more (who knew that was possible?).  Thank you to my aunt for sending me the link.

And now, as we look forward to March, LET THE COUNTDOWNS BEGIN:

23 days 'til THE HUNGER GAMES!!!!!

image source: novelnovice.com

25 days 'til "Mad Men" returns!!!!!

image source: huffingtonpost.com

It's going to be a fun month, don't you agree?

The Oscars: Always & Forever MBT

As I mentioned yesterday, the Oscars are almost upon us.  I love the Oscars - I have since I was a little girl.  I love the gowns and the glittery jewelry, I love seeing so many huge stars in one room.  Of course, as I've gotten older, and especially as I've begun a career in the entertainment industry, my feelings about all the hoopla, for better or worse, have definitely changed.  But I will always love film and filmmaking and filmmakers, and I will probably always dream of one day accepting my own statuette.  In the meantime...

I just turned in my ballot, and I'm feeling really good about my picks this year.  The only one I'm not sure about is Documentary Feature.  The only nominated film I saw in this category is PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY*, and all the pundits/critics/"experts" are divided.  I noticed a slight lean towards the "feel-good" UNDEFEATED so I went with that one.

As for the Best Picture nominees, I've seen eight out of nine.

After I saw MIDNIGHT IN PARIS in June, all year long I kept saying, "MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is my favorite film of 2011 - you have to see it!"  I loved the magical elements and the dreamy whimsical-ness.  I loved that it was an original script.  I loved the nostalgia.  We also had just wrapped a project about Hemingway at work, and it was great fun watching another actor's take.



And then, about 6 months later, I saw THE ARTIST.  I wasn't sure what to expect - when I first saw the trailer I thought it was a joke.  When everyone started talking about it I thought, "OK, this is one of those films that only film-snobs love, but everyone else will find tedious."  Well, I don't consider myself a film-snob and I found THE ARTIST anything but tedious.  I loved Jean Dujardin (have you seen what he's up to next?), and OF COURSE Uggie the dog.  I loved how wrapped up I got in the story, and how little the lack of dialogue mattered.  The film-snob part of me (I admit there is a little bit in there) also loved the little details - the authentic aspect ratio, the authentic credits which showed Peppy Miller rising in the ranks, the great locations (for example, the scene where they're talking on the steps in the Bradbury building), etc.


I love that both MIDNIGHT IN PARIS and THE ARTIST were made for less than $20 million.

Most of all, I loved that both films surprised me in some way or another.  For someone who works in the business, it is rare for a film to come along that surprises and delights me the way these two did.

As I said, I've watched the Oscars for many years, and there have been quite a few times in which I didn't agree with The Academy's choices.  If either of these films win this year (everyone is predicting THE ARTIST will take it), I'll be happy.


If you haven't had a chance to watch all the contenders, don't you worry.  Here's all you need to know (in two parts):

Part 1:  MONEYBALL, THE HELP, TREE OF LIFE, EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS all in 2:38.

Part 2:  THE DESCENDANTS, THE ARTIST, HUGO, WAR HORSE all in 2:11.

"Puppy!"
That's exactly how I felt, kid.


I do have to say that I'm a little disappointed that the final HARRY POTTER installment didn't receive more love.  Wasn't the whole point of opening up the Best Picture category to include films with broader audiences?  Instead, TREE OF LIFE - a film for the snobbiest of film snobs - slips in instead.  Don't get me wrong - I thought TREE OF LIFE was absolutely gorgeous, but purely photographically.  It hands down should win for Best Cinematography, but it doesn't belong in the Best Picture race.  I also think Fassbender should have been recognized - not only was he haunting and mesmerizing in SHAME, he was in everything this year.  I suppose there's always the MTV "Breakout Performance" award.  *sigh*

Who are you rooting for this year?  Which snubs are you most upset about?  What delicious Oscar-themed foods are you making for your Oscar party?  Let me know in the comments!!



*PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY was produced for and aired on HBO, my employer.  The opinions expressed in this post (and my entire blog) are mine and mine alone, and do not necessarily represent those of HBO.

Overcoming Red Carpet Fatigue: IMBT

Hollywood's Big Night will soon be upon us (check back tomorrow for an in-depth Oscars post).  FINALLY, right?  I know we're all fighting awards season fatigue, but I promise this red carpet interview is the best red carpet interview you will ever see:

SHE GOT TO INTERVIEW SOOOO MANY OF MY FAVES!!!

If your taste is more G-rated (as opposed to PG - GET IT?? - "PG" kind of sounds like "piggy" if you say it out loud), Sophia Grace and Rosie have been "working" as correspondents for Ellen on the red carpets at music award shows.  (If you don't know who Sophia Grace and Rosie are or why they would be at these events, watch this first and then watch this.)  My favorite is their trip to the AMAs:

SG:  "WE'RE SO EXCITED, AREN'T WE ROSIE?!?!!??!?!!!!!"

R:  "Um.......  yeah."

This one is a few years old, but it's about as classic as internet videos from late-night talk shows can get (with the possible exception of Triumph's visit with the people waiting in line to see ATTACK OF THE CLONES - but I'll save that for another time):

Only a few more days folks!!

(Wait, did we seriously just get an Emmy screener already?!?!  Oh geez.)

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! It's EVRYONE'S best thing! (2/10 Edition)

I've been having a rough week.  Let's get right to the fun stuff:

Jealous on so many levels.

Mama wolf is so protective!  Speaking of wolves...

MEEEEEEEEP!!!

One more too-cute animal pair:

That kitten reminds of what my cat looked like when he was a baby!  I wish he had a doggie friend.

And finally:

How brave and awesome!  While I obviously would've wanted to do the same thing, I definitely would've been scared because the animal was clearly distressed.  Glad he was able to help!  Speaking of rescuing whales, guess what this weekend is?...........

If you guessed BIG MIRACLE, congratulations - you guessed correctly!!  John Krasinsky + Whales = <3  Seeing it on Sunday - can't wait!

Happy Friday everybody!!

The Puppy Bowl: OBVIOUSLY IMBT

GUYS.

The starting line-up was released today.  I haven't been able to get past the first picture:

This puppy's name is Aberdeen.  Aren't you just DYING of cute?  I love the fun facts for each puppy - Aberdeen's is that she's saving to buy a sailboat.

Whoever at Animal Planet came up with this inspired bit of counter-programming is a genius.  I will actually sit and watch the entire show from start to finish.  Did you know that all the puppies that play in the Puppy Bowl are available for adoption?  I'm sure the applications come pouring in right away.  And if puppies aren't your thing (really? who are you?) there's always the kitty half-time show, the chicken cheerleaders (they used to be bunnies - I wonder why they made that change?) and the hamster blimp pilots.  SO MUCH CUTE!

Wondering how it all comes together?  Check out this little behind-the-scenes video:  http://animal.discovery.com/videos/puppy-bowl-vii-behind-the-scenes/

I've been invited to what sounds like an EPIC Super Bowl party this year, but I'm considering not going because I'd rather stay home and watch the Puppy Bowl in my pajamas.  Decisions, decisions.  In the meantime, which is your favorite puppy?

IMBT: Really GOOD Commercials (Especially If They Have Dogs In Them)

In our house we almost NEVER watch live TV.  We watch lots and lots AND LOTS of recorded TV, but almost never at the time it actually airs.  This means we get to skip all the commercials and get through 3 hours of programming in about 2.5 hours.  Awesome!  But I have a secret:  I'm one of those rare people who actually enjoys watching commercials.  Not every commercial - because there are a lot of crappy ones out there - but definitely the really good ones.  What does "really good" mean?

A) The commercial features a dog or other really cute/funny animal doing something cute/funny.
B) The commercial references a movie or television show in an interesting/funny way.
C) The commercial features an awesome song (that I can sing or hum along to).

I realize that this is all, of course, completely subjective, but let me give you a few examples.

This post was inspired by this "game day teaser-commercial" (since when is that a thing?), which I saw yesterday when it was posted on FB by the American Humane Association:

What's great about it (besides for the dog dressed as the AT-AT at the end) is that it doesn't even mention Volkswagen until the very end, but you already know what it's for because it reminds you of this incredibly genius ad from last year:

I also happen to really love the commercials for the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.  Here's the one that airs frequently (isn't the song great?), followed by a longer, much more expensive/difficult to produce version:

Here's another fave:

And how about this classic from the late 90's:

You just can't go wrong with horses and dalmatians.

What are some of your faves?  Let me know in the comments and maybe I'll do a follow-up post!

Friday the 13th: It's Boyfriend's Best Thing

No, he's not superstitious, he just really loves the Friday the 13th movies.

I'm not going to even try to write about them because horror movies are NOT my best things and I pretty much avoid them.  But for those of you who are interested, the first and sixth installments are playing tonight at the Vista theater in Hollywood.  More info here:  http://www.creaturefeatures.com/2011/12/friday-the-13th-screening/

Have fun!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! It's EVRYONE'S best thing! (1/6 Edition)

First:  A huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! to my roomie Aaron (who will probably never read this).

Me & Aaron - probably at least 4 or 5 years ago

Second:  IT'S BAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!  America's favorite Guidos & Guidettes and the inspiration for this blog returned to TV last night.  Did you watch?  Did you catch these gems from PaulyD and The Situation?:

"I'm tanorexic!"
"I just have unbelievable genetics."

Truth be told, it wasn't the most exciting or interesting episode.  The most surprising part was that they picked up *right* where we left off with them departing from Italy and returning directly to the shore house.  No wonder the break seemed so short.  But frankly I'm getting tired of Mike starting fake drama - who gives a sh*t at this point whether or not he hooked up with Snooki?  Let's move on please.  I just hope Vinny doesn't leave for good - the show just won't be the same!

image source: mtv.com

Third:  Has anyone out there been watching the HBO* Sports Documentary Series "24/7Road to the Winter Classic"?  The last of four episodes aired last night and I just want to say how much I enjoyed it.  The series follows the two teams who have been selected to play in the NHL Winter Classic - an outdoor hockey game played on New Year's Day (or in this year's case, the day after) - in the weeks leading up to it.

image source: projects.accessatlanta.com

Boyfriend first got me into the show last year (in it's first season) when it featured the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals.  As you know, he's a huge Pens fan and was understandably very excited for both the show and the Winter Classic.  I didn't expect to like it, but the storytelling - both the stories themselves and the "how on earth did they get those shots??" moments (I'm referring primarily to camera, but also to hockey) - just sucked me in.  Since Boyfriend had managed to get tickets to the Winter Classic (being played at the Steelers' stadium in Pittsburgh), and since I was driving down from Cleveland to go with him, I was extra invested.

This year featured the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers - two teams I knew NOTHING about, but now can name at least 5-10 of the players & coaches off the top of my head.  Once again I was sucked in by the superb storytelling, only this time I didn't have any biases going in.

image source: tonightshealthyscratches.com

My favorite moment over the four episodes was probably when my new crush, Rangers Center Brian Boyle, dressed up as Buddy the Elf (see left) for the Rangers Christmas party.  They used the soundbite of him yelling out "SANTAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!  I KNOW HIM!!!" at least twice, which made me very happy (I love that movie so much).  The show also followed him to his family's Christmas dinner where we met his TWELVE siblings!!  And then of course my least favorite moment was when they showed him making out with his date(? hopefully not girlfriend?) on NYE.  Vom.

I'm dying to know what they shoot on, as it looks f*cking amazing.  The interviews in particular are lit SO WELL - huge props to the DP and camera teams on this show.  I'm also dying to know how many crews there are and how the producers map out when to shoot and who to follow.

By the way, I'm not the only one who finds the show fascinating.  Check out this write-up in the New York Times, this write-up on ESPN.com, and this write-up on NHL.com (who I guess kind of have to like it, but whatever).  The bottom line, as ESPN puts it, "For a fan of the game at any level, the HBO experience gives us the game shot through a completely different prism.  At its best, the HBO series continues to tell us hockey stories in terrifically unique ways and show us things that even those of us intimately involved in the game don’t see."

If you missed the series and want to see what all the fuss is about, sign on to HBOGo - there are a few short, promo-y videos and the full Episode 1.  The rest of the episodes will undoubtedly be added soon.  Trust me, you won't regret it.

*An an employee of HBO I am required to say: These are my own views and they donʼt necessarily reflect the views of HBO.

Last:  I leave you with this incredible selection of photographs - hopefully it will put a smile on your face as we break for our first weekend of 2012.  My favorite is below.

Happy Friday Y'all!!