Charley's World

I love a good cartoon. Excuse me, a digitally animated motion picture. The technology is really incredible these days...making it all the more noticeable when a movie falls flat. Disney's Pixar has certainly set the bar high in this regard, and Wall-E lived up to all expectations. Vanguard Animation, however, just doesn't stack up.

Vanguard previously released "Valiant" and "Happily N'ever After". I did not see either of those...which is odd considering I have a seven year old and see most any family-friendly movie that is released. After seeing "Space Chimps", I won't be rushing to the video store to find the others.

The storyline of the movie follows Ham III...a descendant of the first chimp sent into space. Unlike his famous grandfather, this Ham has ended up a circus perfomer...but has dreams of something bigger. He joins two other astro-chimps for a dangerous mission through a black hole to an inhabited planet. They have to figure out how to get back home, and help rid the planet of its tyrannical ruler.

The script is okay, but just okay. Kids in the theatre (including my own) giggled here and there, but no long-lasting laughs. I thought they tried too hard to involve the adults--at one point there is a David Bowie reference. I think a good script for kids can be a good script for adults without alienating either one if written well. And maybe I'm thinking too much here...but I learned long ago that monkeys have tails and apes do not. Chimps are apes, not monkeys. I'm not sure these filmmakers understood that rule.

But the "look" of this movie is what really falls flat. Maybe Pixar has spoiled me, but I expect more than what I got from Space Chimps. At times, it almost looked like it wasn't finished yet. The aliens on the far off planet seem like an after-thought. Their texture and movements are too simple, and not up to today's standards. The Earth landscapes also had a half-done look to them.

I know I'm being picky here. At the end of the day, it's a fine movie to take your kids too. And if you are just looking for a good 90 minutes out of the sun, then this flick will fill the void. My daughter enjoyed it, and didn't seem bothered at all with any lack of production value.

I just expected a little more.

-Charley

The summer movie season is already in full swing...with Indiana Jones, Iron Man and Speed Racer all battling it out at the box office.

Now we add Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha! The Sex and the City girls are back, and this time on the big screen. This is one of the most anticipated films of the summer season. Women are to Sex and the City has geeks are to Batman. (I put myself into that geek category as I can't wait for the new Batman movie this summer!)

But Sex and the City isn't just a chick-flick. Am I the only guy willing to admit I not only watched, but enjoyed the TV show? Granted...I probably watched for different reasons. I don't know one name-brand shoe from another...I've never ordered a Cosmo at a bar...and I do not live vicariously through those "big city girls." I do, however, enjoy good writing. I always thought the TV show was well written, and enjoyed the myriad of characters. I also liked the fact they pushed the envelope of good taste now and again.

If you go see Sex and the City, let me know what you think. Start a blog here on the website, and give me your review. Every Friday on Good Day Tampa Bay, I will be talking about What's Happening at the movies...and I will from time to time include your comments and opinions on TV. Anytime you see a movie, log on here and let us all know what you like and what you don't.

The only other movie opening in wide-release this weekend is The Strangers starring Liv Tyler. It's billed as a terrifying suspense thriller about a couple whose remote getaway becomes a place of terror when masked strangers invade. Yikes! Sounds creepy!

Next weekend looks like a good one for the movies...with Kung Fu Panda opening, along with Adam Sandler's new comedy You Don't Mess with the Zohan. I'm not a huge fan of Sandler....so I'm looking more forward to Jack Black as a Panda Bear.

Stay Tuned!

-Charley

Let me start off by saying I really do think these remaining three singers deserve to be there. They all have distinct talent, and it will be interesting to see what they do next.

Here's how I break down the final three:

David Archuleta: I thought his first song was good. Very solid, and what you've come to expect from David A. I really did not like his second song. I give him credit for trying to do an up-beat contemporary song...but it was quite awkward. His final song put him back where he needed to be. He definitely has a great voice, and a unique sound.

Syesha Mercado: I really enjoyed her first song. I thought she did a great job with "If I ain't got you." She looked stunning, and had great stage presence. And while I enjoyed her second song, "Fever", I did not think it was a great choice for her. The performance seemed too cabaret, and not relevant and contemporary enough. I was just a bit indifferent about her last song. I had never heard "Hit me up" before. I thought she did a fine job with it...but she really needed a knock-out punch with that last song, and that just didn't happen.

David Cook: I thought it was a joke when I heard Simon chose "First time ever I saw your face" for David Cook. However, I thought he did a great job with it. I did not enjoy his second performance nearly as much. People keep saying he was "pitchy." I don't know about that...as my ear is not as trained musically as some others...I just know what sounds good to me and what doesn't. I really enjoyed his last song. Aerosmith was the perfect choice...and I liked seeing him rock it out.

So at the end of the day...I think we are in for a David vs. David finale. I have great respect for Syesha and her talent, but I think she will go home tonight.

As far as who wins...hmmm...I'm not sure. I would have told you a week ago that David Archuleta is a shoe-in to win. Now, I'm not so sure. David Cook could come up and take it away from him. I do think whatever the finale song is...it will fit more of David A's style. The finale song tends to be a big ballad. But Cook has proven he can take any song and make it his own.

Either way, I think we're in for a treat next week. I leave Sunday for Hollywood. I will have all the Idol happenings for you all week long...during Good Day Tampa Bay...in the 5:00 and 6:00 News...and even in the 10:00 News!!

So please....Stay Tuned!

-Charley

Here's how I break down the final four:

David Cook: (song 1) I wasn't a fan of this performance. In fact, as much as I like David Cook, this was probably my least favorite of all of his performances on the show. I don't know...I was just expecting more. I was thinking he would really pick a great rock song and make it his own. I'm surprised he chose Hungry Like the Wolf, and bet he regrets that choice looking back on it.

(song 2) David rallied nicely. I thought he did The Who proud. Really nice job, and he proved he deserves to be there.

Syesha Mercado: (song 1) I enjoyed her version of Proud Mary, although I think she should have chosen a different song. I liked her dancing, and thought she looked great.

(song 2) I thought she also rallied nicely. What an emotional performance. You could tell whe was really feeling the song. I think Syesha has proven she belongs in this competition...and deserves to make the final three.

Jason Castro: (song 1) I'm sorry Jason Castro fans...but he was not good at all. It almost seems like he's given up on the whole thing. It just didn't seem like he was that into it. He's obviously the kind of person who is happiest when he's doing his own thing...even if it doesn't go along with everyone else. I respect him for that, but I think his run on the show is over.

(song 2) Poor guy. I do feel a bit sorry for him. He must have been rattled after such harsh criticism...because he really lost his lyrics. I was enjoying the song before he blew it.

David Archuleta: (song 1) I will always give credit where credit is due....and last night was David Archuleta's night. Both of his songs were nicely done. Stand By Me was a great choice for him, and he did a nice job with it.

(song 2) You're always going to win me over if you sing Elvis...especially if you do it well! You could complain that this kid always sings slow ballads...and rarely goes up-tempo...but he knows what he does best. Overall, he was best of the night.

So there you go....I'd say Jason Castro goes home tonight...and the final three really are the best of the rest.

So what do you think?

-Charley

It was a night that had everything: classic songs, solid performances, and the most awkward moment of the entire season! We'll get to that in a moment, but first...let's breakdown the performances. Here are my opinions:

Jason Castro: I'm done with him. Sorry to be so blunt, but it's that time in the competition. He was one of my favorites early on, but just hasn't grown into anything memorable for me. I would still probably buy his CD once it comes out next year...but he's not the American Idol.

David Cook: His first performance brought tears to my eyes as I listened to the words. And yes, I know I am VERY biased when it comes to David Cook...but I couldn't help but think of his brother...and my daughter...while he sung "I'm Alive". The song talks about the fact there may be yucky things going on in the world...but we should all be thankful for things like life and love. His second song was great as well...as he turned on his sultry side for "All I really need is you."

Brooke White: I did not like "I'm a Believer" at all. I didn't think the song fit her, and didn't think she did a good job with it. I did enjoy her second song much better. I thought "Iam...I said" suited her perfectly.

David Archuleta: I was glad to see him sing something upbeat, and I thought he did another solid job with his songs. But still...after all these weeks on the show...I don't feel like we have any clue regarding what the "real" David Archuleta is really like. He is a good singer, though...do doubt about it.

Syesha Mercado: Okay, give it up for the Sarasota girl! I really like her...and I think she's getting better each week. I absolutely loved her version of "Hello, Again." It sounded like something right off the radio. Her second song, "Thank the Lord for the Nighttime", was really good too! I think she's pretty...funny...has a great voice...and could be a great entertainer. I would love for the final two to be David Cook and Syesha Mercado. But that's just me.

On to other news now...Paula Abdul. Yikes.

I'm sure you saw it...the singers had sung once...judges were asked to comment...and Paula miraculously had heard two songs in her head!

Here's my theory: Paula has admitted in the past that she likes to watch the final dress rehearsal. I have a feeling she took notes during rehearsal...so she wouldn't have to bother with it during the live show. She tried to play it off like she was just reading ahead to David Cook's notes...but that doesn't make sense. She was saying the song choice was bad, and how Jason Castro was not acting like he wanted to make the final four...she never said anything like that to David Cook.

Bottom line: the show was everything you've come to expect from American Idol: some good, some bad, and something crazy coming out of Paula Abdul!

Who goes home tonight? Brooke or Jason.

Jason gets my vote.

Stay Tuned!

-Charley

I'm a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs. Over the years, I have gained an appreciation for musical theatre. So I was excited to hear Sir Andrew's songs sung on American Idol.

Here's how I break down the top six:

Syesha Mercado: I'm telling you...this girl can sing...and may very well be the last female standing when all is said and done. I thought she did a great job.

Jason Castro: I just didn't like it. "Memory" from Cats? Really? Dude. Nice try, but it just didn't work. I bet he's in the bottom group this week...and really needs to show something more or his days are numbered.

Brooke White: Here was the real drama of the night. She starts singing, forgets the words, then stops and starts over. I'm sorry...but I don't think you do that. Ever. I'm not saying I would be able to do what she's doing .... but I'm not on American Idol!! I know it's tough...I know it's stressful...but you must push through somehow. You simply cannot forget the words. If you do...you lose. It's that simple. I do feel bad for her...I know she's embarrassed...and I know that affected her entire performance...but...that's why you rehearse over and over and over and over.

David Archuleta: Good, but boring. I'm starting to think David is a robot built by Disney. Or maybe a muppet...with someone just inside the David Archuleta suit. His constant smile, his lack of any true emotion...it's starting to be a little creepy. He has a great voice...but the rest of it is just plain weird.

Carly Smithson: This was my favorite performance of the night. I really enjoyed it.

David Cook: I wondered what the rocker would do with Andrew Lloyd Webber night...but I think David Cook proved he is not easily defined. I thought he did a great job with Music of the Night. I look forward to hearing the studio version of that song on Itunes.

Speaking of that....if you haven't done it yet...I highly reccomend it. Itunes has all of the finalists' performances...but done in the studio. Many sound MUCH better than the live performances.

So....those are my opinions. I'd say Brooke goes home tonight.

What do you think?

-Charley

I was not expecting to enjoy Mariah Carey night. I'm not a huge fan of the pop diva, and thought her songs would be less than compelling to fill an hour of primetime TV. But I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was a solid show...with good performances from every contestant. I will admit...I felt a little like Paula Abdul...because I liked everything!!

Here's how I break down the top 7:

David Archuleta: Mr. Consistent does it again. Another strong performance. I still want to see him act like a teenager...and sing  a fast song, lighten up and have some fun...but I thought he did a nice job with "When you believe."

Carly Smithson: Another good job by Carly. I enjoyed her performance...but I'm not connecting with her as much as I did earlier in the competition.

Syesha Mercado: I really liked her performance. I do not understand how the judges can criticize her for choosing a song that is not as popular....they have said that last two weeks she picked songs that were too familiar....poor girl can't catch a break.

Brooke White: Again, another solid performance. Even though she is sticking close to her safe zone...sitting at the piano...it works for her. I thought she did a good job.

Kristy Lee Cook: I was thinking this is where KLC falls flat again, but she proved me wrong. I thought she did a really good job with "Forever."

David Cook: Wow. Simply incredible. When I heard he was doing "Always Be My Baby", I cringed. The fact he took that pop hit, and completely made it his own rock song, was absolutely amazing. In my opinion, by far the best of the night. It was interesting, original, and entertaining.

Jason Castro: Again, he did what we've come to expect. A scaled down version of a bigger song, and he did well. I gave him the "worst of the night" award...only because I felt his performance got lost in a night of big songs.

So who goes home? After last week...I'm afraid to even guess. I would assume Syesha or Carly. But you never know.

We'll all find out together.

Stay Tuned!

-Charley

The top 8 of American Idol had to choose a song that inspired them...and then hoped to inspire you to vote for them.

Here's how I break down the top 8 performances:

Michael Johns: I thought he was pretty good...but what's with the ascot? Two weeks in a row? He is a solid singer...but I don't know why I'm just not connecting with him anymore.

Syesha Mercado: I thought this was another good performance. I agree with the judges that she didn't sing it with the same emotion Fantasia did...but I thought it was good.

Jason Castro: He's not showing a tremendous amount of range, but what he does...he does well. I really enjoyed this performance...one of my favorites of the night.

Kristy Lee Cook: I thought she did a good job. She didn't blow me away, but did a fine job. Let's face it...she's not the best female on the show...she won't win...but she did okay.

David Cook: At first...I thought "Oh no." I didn't care for the way the song started...it sounded a bit muddied...but once he got going...I loved it! I admit that I am extremely biased (especially when he puts the orange wristband on his hand, because he knows his long sleeves may cover it)....but I was truly inspired by the end of his performance.

Carly Smithson: She is my favorite female on the show...but her performance was a bit too angry, and didn't seem to fit with the rest of the night. I think she's in trouble this week.

David Archuleta: This was his genre, and he did not disappoint. One of my favorite performances of the night.

Brooke White: I didn't care for her version of "You've Got a Friend." I thought it was boring, and she seemed too nervous and uncomfortable. I wouldn't be surprised if she was once again in the bottom three.

So that's how I see it....Syesha, Carly and Brooke make up my bottom three...with Carly or Syesha going home.

What do you think?

-Charley  

It was interesting to see Dolly Parton put her style into American Idol. You forget just how many classic hit songs she wrote, co-wrote or performed. She lives up to her title "Queen of Country."

Here's how I break down the performances from last night...and I didn't see eye to eye with the judges this time.

Brooke White: I like her, but thought her version of Jolene showed little, if any, emotion.

David Cook: I loved his new haircut, and enjoyed hearing his "softer side" with this song.

Ramiele Malubay: Fine. Not bad, not great...I think she finally finds herself in the bottom three this week...and could be in danger of going home.

Jason Castro: I really enjoyed his performance of  "Travelin' Thru."

 Carly Smithson: Another great performance from Carly.

David Archuleta: I know he's the most popular contestant, and I think he did a fine job, but am I the only one who wants to hear him sing a fast song for once? I'm tired of the ballads. He's a teenager...let's see him have some fun!

Kristy Lee Cook: Here's my take on KLC...this was her genre...her night...and she was good, but not great. I think she should have been far and away the best of the night, and she simply wasn't. Her time on the show is running out.

Syesha Mercado: Okay, let the debate begin. I applaud Syesha for having the guts to take on "I will always love you", and I think she did a great job. Who says only Whitney can sing that song? I liked the slow version at the top, then belting out the end. I really thought she did a nice job.

Michael Johns: Good, solid performance...enough to keep him around.

I still believe David Archuleta, David Cook, Michael Johns and Carly Smithson are the best four on the show.

I would not be surprised if Kristy Lee Cook or Ramiele go home tonight.

Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know about it!

Stay Tuned,

-Charley

The top ten took the stage and sang songs from the year they were born. Here's how I break down their performances:

Ramiele Malubay: I thought she was okay...not great...not awful.

Jason Castro: I really liked him at first, but his act is wearing thin. He needs to step it up.

Syesha Mercado: Her best performance so far. She was great last night!

Chikezie: I didn't like it. I think I like him singing fast songs. The slow ones don't show off his true personality enough.

Brooke White: She looks great, and is really coming into her own...but she's another one who I think stays too close to her comfort zone. How many times can we see her sitting at the piano singing ballads? She does it well, though...and I think deserves to stay awhile longer.

Michael Johns: He bounced back with this performance. I really liked it.

Carly Smithson: The Irish beauty has stumbled the last week or so...I think being in the bottom three last week has affected her confidence. She needs to get back to her A game.

David Archuleta: Another solid performance. Not stellar, but strong. He's still the frontrunner.

Kristy Lee Cook: Brilliant strategy. Choosing "God Bless the USA" was a great move, and she sang it quite well. I think that will remind country fans that she is "their" contestant, which should show in the amount of votes she gets this week.

David Cook: Wow. He was just fantastic, in my opinion. I wasn't sure when he first started...I have never heard that version of Billie Jean before...but once he started rocking, he blew me away. Many of the other contestants come off like they are singing karaoke...but David performs like he's appearing in concert. I do admit that I am biased when it comes to David Cook...but I really think he turned in the best performance last night.

So what did you think? Feel free to agree or disagree with me. One thing for sure...I felt awfully old after being reminded of their birth years!! Michael Johns was the oldest, born in 1978!! And little Archuleta was born in 1990!! I'm pretty sure I have shoes older than that.

Also...have you noticed this year how American Idol really wants you to get to know these contestants? We haven't had any mentors yet...and that was done purposely. Producers felt the audience didn't connect with the contestants enough last year. I like the way they are doing it this year. After all....it's all about the singers.

Who goes home tonight? Hmmm. We'll all find out together!

Stay Tuned!

-Charley

Here's how I break down the remaining eleven as they made another attempt at Beatles music:

Amanda Overmyer: I'm just not a fan of hers. I did like this song better than last week, but I agree with Simon...her act is growing old fast.

Kristy Lee Cook: Again, better than last week...but, again...she just doesn't have what it takes to last a long time in this competition.

David Archuleta: He's back! After a lackluster performance last week, the contestant some of my friends call "The Puppy" is back in great form. I liked his performance.

Michael Johns: Biggest disappointment of the night for me. I really like this guy, but he needs a "wow" performance soon, or he's going to get lost in the shuffle.

Brooke White: She's been solid, but was weak last night. I didn't care for her song.

David Cook: I thought he was great! I really liked the rocked-out version of Day Tripper. I think Simon was critical because of Cook's confidence...but he's a rocker...he needs a little attitude while he sings.

Carly Smithson: I liked what she did. She has proven to me, week in and week out, she's by far the best female in the competition.

Jason Castro: His act is growing thin for me as well. I really like him...but he needs to step it up.

Syesha Mercado: I thought she did a great job with "Yesterday." I was happy to see the Sarasota girl turn in a solid performance when she needed it most to make the top ten.

Chikezie: Hmmm. Not sure what to make of his performance. I kind of liked it at first, but when it took the hard left turn, he lost me.

Ramiele Malubay: I really like this girl, but I haven't been impressed with a performance by her in a couple of weeks now. I'm worried she'll go home if she doesn't really shine soon.

So....what did you think?

-Charley

Lennon/McCartney night was an entertaining one!

For the most part, I think the singers proved they are one of the best groups of singers American Idol has ever seen.

Here's my breakdown:

Syesha Mercado: Just okay, not her best performance.

Chikezie: Biggest surprise of the night. Really liked it. Well done.

Ramiele: I thought it was slow and boring and didn't show off her talent.

Jason Castro: A bit of the same thing, but he's a solid singer. I liked it okay.

Carly Smithson: My pick for best of the night. She's very talented.

David Cook: Really enjoyed his performance. He's very good.

Brooke White: Eh. Just okay for me.

David Hernandez: I thought he was trying too hard. I didn't like it.

Amanda Overmyer: This rocker girl has lots of fans, but I'm not one of them. Didn't like it.

Michael Johns: I thought he was very good. Solid performance.

Kristy Lee Cook: Oof. She tried to do something different, but it didn't work.  Not good.

David Archuleta: Cute kid, weak performance. He actually forgot the words at one point.

I think Ramiele Malubay, Kristy Lee Cook and David Hernandez are all in jeaopardy of going home tonight.

What do you think? Who is your favorite? And why? How do you think this year's top 12 stacks up against previous years?

-Charley

Big night for American Idol...and I'm really looking forward to it.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote some of the greatest songs ever. I can only wonder what the talented singers in this year's top 12 of American Idol will do with them.

I will be on bright and early in the morning...talking about the best and worst. Feel free to comment on my blog here and share your favorites with me....or start a blog of your own. I will be going through them and reading some of them on the air.

Idol tonight...Good Day Tampa Bay tomorrow morning.

Stay Tuned!

-Charley

Let's change the name of the show. The performance was that good.

Archuleta Idol.

Okay...one performance does not win a competition...but wow...that was really good. I bet David Archuleta's version of Imagine is quite a popular download on Itunes today. If you missed it...check it out. It's worth it.

The rest of the show was rather blah for me. Very mediocre. There were a couple of standouts...kids I really liked...like David Hernandez, Chikezie, and David Cook. Although, both David Cook and Chikezie irritated me when they tried to "zing" Simon Cowell. Don't these singers get it yet? Most of America LIKES Simon Cowell...and they tend to AGREE with Simon Cowell! Arguing with him like that costs them votes every single time.

I also really liked Jason Castro again last night. He's the dreadlocks guy. The judges didn't like him, but I did. I really want to hear him do a Jack Johnson cover...or Jason Mraz...or even attempt some Dave Matthews.

I was let down by my Australian favorite Michael Johns. He wasn't awful, but not as great as last week.

But the night certainly belonged to David Archuleta. That smile, that voice, that demeanor...I agree with Simon...it's his competition to lose at this point. It's early yet...and there's a lot of singing left to do...but he's good.

He won Star Search when he was 12. Not bad. I'm surprised that didn't pave the way to a recording contract, but then again, 12 may have been a bit too young.

Some say his "aw shucks" attitude and goofy grin will wear thin...I'm not so sure. I think little girls think he's cute...mothers think he's cute...and grandmothers want to pinch his cheeks. And let's face it...win over the women of the world, and you've got it made!!

Speaking of the ladies...they sing tonight. Let's see if anyone can challenge young Mr. Archuleta.

Stay Tuned,

-Charley

The longer I watch this show...the less I know.

It seems like everytime I thought the judges would crucify a singer...they loved her. And everytime I thought they'd love a singer...they didn't.

And overall...I thought the guys were better than the girls...but the judges have the opposite opinion. I guess that's why they get paid lots of money to be ON American Idol...and I get paid considerably less to WATCH American Idol.  

Anyway...here's who I liked:

Alaina Whitaker was actually my favorite. I know, I know...you're probably saying "Now, which one was that?" And to be honest, I'd have a hard time telling you. She's one of the cute blondes. I liked her voice and her energy.

I also enjoyed Kady Malloy's version of Groovy Kind of Love. The judges didn't...and that made for one of the most uncomfortable moments of the night. They went on and on...and Simon ended up calling her a pencil. Odd night.

I also liked Alexandrea Lushington (even though Simon didn't), Ramiele Malubay, and Syesha Mercado.

They loved Asia'h Epperson--I wasn't that impressed. They were split on Carly Smithson...and while I like her...I didn't enjoy her song that much.

The rest were just okay...with Amy Davis taking honors of worst of the night. Joanne Borgella is a really funny and nice girl...but she blew it last night.

I'm glad they're getting voted off four at a time...let's get down to the nitty-gritty when we can get to know these kids better...and hopefully the shows will be more interesting.

We'll see....

Stay Tuned!

-Charley