Once upon a time, there were three little girls....

Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith in a naughty publicity shot of the first season of Charlie's Angels

To say Aaron Spelling's masterpiece, Charlie's Angels was a TV milestone would be an understatement. The show premiered during a time when feminists were on the war path and men dominated the work place. A time when women would actually spit at men who opened the door for them. The show was far ahead of it's time, placing women in a job that was dominated by men. Charlie's Angels, in many ways, had a great impact on television. With Farrah Fawcett's death, I thought I'd blog about one of my favorite TV shows, Charlie's Angels.

Smith, Fawcett and Jackson remained close friends even after the show ended.

Aaron Spelling had two hit detective TV shows, The Mod Squad and The Rookie. Spelling had an idea that would appeal to younger demographics. It began with him imagining beautiful women kicking ass. Spelling essentially wanted to build the series around Kate Jackson who had starred his TV show The Rookie, a show that focused on male police officers. Spelling fans will note the opening of Charlie's Angels is very similar to The Rookies, this was an inside joke between him and Kate Jackson. In Rookies Kate was a minor character, but in this she was at top billing.

Kate Jackson hated wearing gowns and fancy clothes. In the second and third seasons she mainly wore jeans or pants.

Jackson was the first to be cast in the show, it was actually Jackson who helped come up with the name. Spelling wanted to call it The Ally Cats, but Jackson saw a painting hanging on the wall of the room they were sitting in and suggested calling it 'The Angels." Spelling loved it, after much debate, they came up with the name 'Hugo's Angels.' Spelling called Jackson later that night, he just realized there was already a show on air with the name Hugo in it. "Think of a name of the top of your head!" he told her, Kate's reply was Charlie. Thus "Charlie's Angels" became the title. Farrah Fawcett-Majors was casts next, but for the third they wanted a red head. Spelling fell in love with Jaclyn Smith, though not a red head, she was perfect and was cast as the last angel. They made up the original Charlie's Angels.

Although Angels became a hit, Farrah became a phenomena.

Farrah became a HUGE hit. Her hairstyle was mimiced and her poster sold out at shops everywhere. She was the perfect combination of the girl next door and the glamorous blonde sex symbol. Farrah's husband Lee Majors didn't like Farrah's new found fame, pressure from him and the need to branch out made Farrah quit the show after only one season. The show was thought to be dead, that is until Cheryl Ladd stepped in.

What many fans consider as the best cast of Charlie's Angels: Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith. To break the ice on her first day of work, Cheryl Ladd wore a Farrah Fawcett T-shirt.

These were my favorite episodes! Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd. Kate Jackson left after two more seasons, and after that the show spiraled down. It lasted two more seasons until the network pulled the plug. Jaclyn Smith was the only Angel to stay all the way through. Farrah went on to have a successful career in movies, as did Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson. Cheryl Ladd also had a lucritive career of her own.

Kate Jackson grew weary of the show after three seasons. Spelling also refused to let Jackson out of her contract to play the lead role in Kramer Vs. Kramer, a role which Meryl Streep won an Academy Award for. Jackson admited to being difficult during her last days as an Angel.



The 4th season brought model Shelly Hack to replace Kate Jackson. She was poorly recieved by viewers and her acting left something to be desired. She later admitted that she hated her time on the show.


The 5th and final season brought the first non-police academy graduate character to the mix, but Tanya Roberts role as an Angel ended when the show was cancelled in 1980.

I love the show for so many reasons. I loved that these beautiful women totally kicked bad guy ass! I also love it because to me, Charlie's Angels was the ending of the Leave It to Beaver era of TV where women were potrayed as eager, pearl wearing, toilet scrubbing, dinner cooking, smiley housewife drones and instead shown as glamorous beauties who worked in a job that had been dominated by men. I think Charlie's Angels showed little girls across the world that they could grow up to be more that just a housewife or a mother, but anything they wanted. For that, the show will go down in TV history as one of the greats.

Cruel Intentions

Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar in Cruel Intentions

Okay peeps, I decided to tell you want I think about a rather old movie by the name of Cruel Intentions. I was talking to some of my friends last night and they commented on how 'lame' the movie was and how the acting was terrible. I've heard this from quite a few people, so I'm going to take some time to defend my beloved Cruel Intentions.

Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn and Ryan Phillippe as Sebastian

The movie revolves around two very wealthy step-siblings, Kathryn and Sebastian. Kathryn is a manipulative coke addict who has everyone fooled into believing that she is a wholesome, well rounded young lady, while Sebastian is more upfront about his behavior. He's known as a player and womanizer. When Kathryn finds out that her ex-boyfriend has dumped her for the all American girl next door, Annette, Kathryn hatches a plan to destroy her using Sebastian. Sebastian and Kathryn make a deal, if he doesn't sleep with Annette before summer ends then Kathryn gets his beloved car, but if he succeeds, he gets to screw Kathryn.

Ruining lives, seducing step-brothers, it's all in a day's work.

The movie has many twists and turns in it, but it's easy to keep up with. Cruel Intentions is actually a modern remake of the 1988 movie Dangerous Liaisons. Both films were based upon the 18th century book Dangerous Liaisons written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Laclos was a French aristocrat. His book was never meant to show the extreme indulgence and decadent, selfish lifestyle of the French elite, but after the Revolution, people viewed the book as a work of politics, showing that the Revolution was necessary. Both movies follow the same plot as the original book, but Cruel Intentions brings the book to a new generation by modernizing it and setting it in 1999 Manhattan as opposed to the 18th century French Court.

And they're out!

The acting in this is very well done, especially by actors so young. Sarah Michelle Gellar's performance stands out amongst others as the wicked and corrupt Kathryn. Gellar was actually filming Buffy the Vampire Slayer at the same time, and for her to separate herself so well from the character that millions of fans adored proves that she can pretty much act her ass off. I think this was one of her many movie rolls that proved that she can separate herself from Buffy. Sarah changes her character constantly in the movie. She has to go from goody-tu-shoes to evil bitch in a matter of seconds.

Nice shoes....

Ryan Phillippe's character goes under a dramatic change in the movie as well. His acting, while not his best, is better than anyone else could have done. His character goes from a complete nasty, perverted, devious boy to a stand up guy. He is actually able to redeem his character in the movie which is not easy to pull off. It almost reminds me of Sean Connery's character in Marnie.

So serious

Selma Blair is good as the little innocent gal gone bad, but her act does seem to go a little over bored at times. I have to give kudos to Selma and Sarah Michelle for their stellar acting during the kissing scene they have together. Sarah does an amazing job at acting like it's no big to do it, she stays in character well. The director commented on Sarah's professionalism through the entire thing. She didn't crack up once or get uneasy.

Selma Blair and SMG in Cruel Intentions

Selma Blair and SMG in the now infamous kissing scene.

Christine Baranski! Oh how I love her! She does an excellent job as the wealthy mother of Selma's character. Many people don't like how Christine has been type cast as a rich, indulgent woman in all her work, but she doesn't seem to mind, so more power to her!

Christine Baranski (in the middle)

Someone I was not a huge fan of in the movie was Reese Witherspoon. Sorry Reese! Normally I love her in everything, but I found her acting to be stale and not up to par with her previous work. She was great in Pleasantville, Twilight and who could forget Fear?! For some reason she was just not feeling this part. Toward the end she's great, I'll have to give her chops for making me cry. Her heartfelt goodbye to Sebastian was tearful.

Reese looking lovely as always.

The movie is beautiful to look at. The set designer wanted to bring the French Court into Manhattan and it worked. The luxurious penthouse that these two devious teens live in is decorated to the nines. The beauty of their surroundings contradicts drastically with their personalities. It's almost as if all the decor radiates with light. Kathryn's room, in particular, is beautiful, and it's the darkest painted room in the entire movie, this gives you a hint that all the characters are redeemable, except for her. Cherries are also seen through out the movie, symbolizing the loss of innocence.

The devious step-siblings in the luxurious room.

The wardrobe department also deserves some credit. All of the characters have their own personal style. Sebastian wears blazers and button up shirts, perfect for a playboy in Manhattan. Kathryn wears lady like dresses and chic Jackie-O suites to hide who she really is. Annette's wardrobe is conservative and plain. There's one scene I remember where the wardrobe stood out. It's a train station scene where Annette is leaving. She's wearing a red cardigan, as she's about to leave she sees Sebastian wearing a bright blue shirt. Everyone else in the station is wear neutral or darker colors. I thought that was really sharp. Another scene, Kathryn is wearing a plain, black suite while having tea with someone she's trying to impress. When that person leaves, Kathryn unbuttons her coat to reveal a corset looking top underneath pushing her breasts out and up.

The train station scene

All in all, I think the movie is wonderful. This movie is great and I highly recommend it for those in a devious mood. My final piece of advice that I've learned from this movie is don't hide your cocaine in a crucifix.

"Zydrate comes in a little glass bile..."

Alexa Vega proves shes not a 'Spy Kid' anymore in Repo! The Genetic Opera

I thought I'd blog about a movie that hasn't been talked about as much as it should have been. Repo! The Genetic Opera. Repo was a small little film that had hardly anything going for it in the beginning. The director of Saw II-V, Darren Lynn Bousman wanted to do this movie for some time. It took him several years to finally get the green light for Repo. Highly inspired by 70's rock opera musicals and old fashioned horror, he decded to combine the two, making it a Rocky Horror Picture Show on steroids.

"Zydrate comes in a little glass bile!" Terrance Zdunich as the Graverobber

20 years before this movie took place the world suffered a major catastrophe. Widespread organ failure infected the globe. Millions die, but out of the terror comes a savior, GeneCo. GeneCo has mastered a way to create artificial organs that function just like real ones. At first people rejoyced. The organ failure epidimic ended and Rotti Largo, the owner of GeneCo, became the most powerful man in the world. Unfortunately, the joy GeneCo brought was soon overturned by the horror they inflicted upon those who have their organs. If someone is unable to pay, GeneCo will send a Repo Man to 'collect' their property. Now it's the year 2057, we follow a widowed doctor with an ill daughter, Shiloh. Soon Shiloh finds out their are dangerous secrets hidden within her family. She sets out on a Wizard of Oz-ish journey to find the truth.

Oooh nooo! The Repo Man got em!

First off, let me say that I fell in-love with this movie! As a graphic designer, I can't help but notice the color scheme and art within the movie. The whole movie is a gothic fantasy story book come to life. The designers of the movie have even invented their own style for the posters that plaster the walls throughout the movie. They're a cross between Russian Propaganda design and Andy Warhol-ish pop art. They even use their very own custom type face throughout the movie.

Example of the kick-ass graphic design posted throughout the movie.

The world that this movie creates is so complex. In this world people are obsessed with their looks, and have plastic surgery often to keep up to date with fashion. They have a pain killer called Zydrate that is highly addictive. People who are unable to afford the legitimate plastic surgery from licenced professionals turn to the streets. Zydrate is also a hot comodaty. People are addicted to this stuff and will do anything to get their hands on it.

"I can't feel nothing at all!"

The characters are so well written and they are all exceptionally acted. I have to give a shout out to Paris Hilton. When I first heard she was in it I was skeptical, even the director refused to see her for the role, but Paris won it. Her character has become a victim of the times, she plays a plastic surgery obsessed rich girl who is addicted to Zydrate, a HUGE stretch for Miss Hilton.

Paris Hilton looks good in hooker boots...and a push-up bra

My favorite actress in the movie was Sarah Britghtman. This was her film debute and she stole every scene she was in. Terrance Zdunich does an excellent job as the Graverobber.It was actually Zdunich who did art for the entire movie. Alexa Vega(Spy Kids girl) proves that she can seperate herself from the kiddy pictures and play a more serious role. The actual Repo Man is played by Anthony Stewart Head(of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame.), who proves he can belt out a toon with the best of them.

Sarah Brightman has her some creepa eyes!

This is a definite must see movie, especially for those who love both the musical and horror genre. Repo has awesome music, my favs are "Chase the Morning" and "Zydrate Anatomy." The movie does have gross stuff in it too. There is a lot of blood. This film is a hop, skip and a jump away from a modern Shakespeare tragedy. By the end of the movie, it's a literal blood bath with bodies piled up.

"And Amber Sweet is addicted to the knife!"

All around wonderful entertainment which will be enjoyed at midnight screenings for years to come! I predict that it will be just as big as Rocky Horror Picture Show... well maybe not that big, but it already has a major cult following and it will continue to grow. Just remember kids, don't do Zydrate.

Alexa Vega in her goth outfit with some totally sweet poster art in the background.

Danger Zone

"We are in a mess, a danger zone, What will happen next, you never know"

I normally try not to blog about politics, I leave that up to my friend Brian, but I feel like I need to this morning. As I listened to talk radio this morning, I couldn't help but think of that Gwen Stefani song "Danger Zone". Barrack Obama has completely fooled us all, that's how I feel. I have no problem with Muslims, NOT AT ALL, but through out his campaign Obama constantly denied that he was a Muslim, or ever was one. Now all of a sudden he's saying that he was born Muslim and he was raised Muslim! WHAT?!?!?! I mean, why would you lie about something like that unless you're ashamed? Further more, why would you lie to people you supposedly claim you care about?

"Now we share the closet, now you've let me come inside And now you're finally undressing, and I feel like I might die"

I feel like I've been duped, fooled, made a mockery of! He also claims that we're a Muslim nation now! Who the hell does he think he is saying something like that!?!?!

I don't live in a Muslim nation! I live in the USA! I don't know what nation he's living in! In a way the voters have accepted him and let him lead them, but now that the truth is out, they're beginning to wonder what they've done. Many people have been saying they want their vote back. I don't blame them. 

"Are your secrets where you left them Cause now your ghosts are mine as well I think it's time I met them and I think it's time you tell"

So to me, it feels like we're in a "Danger Zone" so to speak. What will he say next? He's already bowed down to the King of Saudi Arabia which is a bog no no in my book. I'm sorry but if you're a king you shouldn't bow down to another king, it sends the wrong message, am I getting this right? I mean, that's just what I think. I could be completely wrong(I doubt it), but it's possible... not. Any-who, that's what's on my mind this morning. Thought I'd share that. 

"And you should have told me when you met me All these things I should know I should have asked, we should have talked About this so long ago"

DVD BITCHES!!!

Okay peeps, it's been a while since I've posted. I've been working hard on my school work and on my new blog Sterling Court which is an ongoing story I've been writing online. Its nice to write about fictional people's drama and not worry about my own. So this is what's on my mind for tonight.

OMG!!! I've noticed lately that when I rent or buy a DVD, I can't fast forward through some of the commercials and the opening like... you know those animated, flash logo thingys that movie studios put before they start the commercials, then they show it to you again before the movie! It's ridiculous! I mean, why can't a fast forward through some of the commercials and their weird flash logos? That really rubs me the wrong way! It should be my decision! If I don't want to watch the freaking commercials I shouldn't have to! I'm sorry I shouldn't! I'm sure our forefathers who fought for this country would not want me to sit through these commercials and flash logos! They fought for my freedom and I should be able to skip through them! That's how I feel!