After another semester filled with hard work, stressful late nights, and learning experiences, I have finally ended my time in the broadcast sequence at the University of Texas. Though I still have another year before I bravely enter the working world as a reporter, I’ve compiled some of my best work from KVR News and Texas Newswatch, as well as some footage from my internship with KPRC in Houston. Please enjoy my updated news reel!
Below is my final package of the spring semester and of the Broadcast Sequence. Look for more (theatre-related) videos this summer when I’m in New York!
The top eight percent of Texas high schoolers are automatically admitted to UT Austin, but I report on a new admissions program for aspiring Longhorns in the ninth and tenth percent, as well.
The year is 2010 (give or take…), and for some unfathomable reason I am at the height of my Twilight obsession (or fangirling period however you look at it). I have read all four books at least once, I’ve seen the movies several times, and obviously anything and everything minutely related to this book saga is pure gold. So, ready for some new reading material, I picked up the extremely lengthy The Host by, you guessed it, the author of Twilight, Stephenie Meyer. And so our story begins…
In the most layman’s terms I can think of, The Host would be classified as a science fiction and romance. It takes places on Earth but way into the future. The planet has been taken over by an alien species, which hunt down humans and use their bodies as “hosts” in order to survive. The alien is implanted into the human brain, taking over their thoughts and feelings and having full control of their bodies. The story’s protagonist, Melanie, is on the run from these aliens when we first meet her. She, having lost her parents at some point during this alien invasion, is on the run with her younger brother, Jamie, and her lover, Jared, when she is captured and implanted with an alien called Wanderer. The catch? Melanie is just as alive as Wanderer, and is constantly fighting for control inside her brain to manipulate Wanderer to escape and search for her surviving loved ones. Without giving away too much, this is essentially the plot of The Host.
The format of the novel is very unique, because it is told in first person from Melanie’s point of view. Because Melanie and Wanderer exist in the same body, they communicate with each other. This communication is extremely easy to understand if you are the reader, as you are essentially inside Melanie’s brain and can figure out who is talking and/or thinking and why. The two can basically have an entire conversation without talking out loud, which made me question how this plot could ever be successfully turned into a film.
Yes, I am a Twilight fan, and yes, I enjoy the movies. This doesn’t mean I sometimes find the plot points and dialogue cheesy, because if you think the movies in the Twilight Saga are Oscar-worthy films you would be undoubtedly incorrect and most likely shunned from the world of film. However, despite the less than stellar screenplay writing and acting (here’s looking at you, Kristen Stewart), I can still enjoy the movies 1) because I enjoy (read: love) the books, and 2) the movies are decent enough to get by. My willingness to overlook Twilight’s flaws and call it a decent movie is a very important point in the blog post, because unfortunately, I cannot say the same about The Host.
By the time I saw the movie this weekend, almost three years had passed since I read the book. Unlike my experience with Twilight or The Hunger Games, I didn’t remember every detail of the book while sitting in the theatre, which I hoped would make me nit-pick less and better enjoy the film. I can say with absolute certainty that I was thoroughly entertained during the entire The Host film. In fact, my group of friends (none of whom had read the book besides me), as well as several people within the theatre, was laughing so hard throughout that we were in tears.
The Host is not a comedy.
You know when you read a book and love it so much that absolutely any adaption, however horrible, will suffice, because it’s still the opportunity to see the story and characters you love in live action on screen?
Even that mindset couldn’t save this.
The dialogue and pacing were the two biggest downfalls for me concerning this movie. Many of the lines were out of place and awkward, and the fact that they were said in such a serious tone for (what I assumed to be) dramatic effect made them literally laughable. The screenplay dedicated over half of the film’s run time to the exposition (which, from reading the over 500 page book was slightly understandable), then proceeded to make Nicholas Sparks movies like The Lucky One and A Walk to Remember, in which the characters fall in love after one date, look like long-winded courtships. Characters declared love for one another after less than a full conversation. Short relationships were established and first impressions were reversed within days, making even a reader of the book confused and judgmental towards this insufficient and poorly paced adaption.
The acting is hard to judge simply because of the horribly written screenplay. Saoirse Ronan, known for her portrayal of Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones (mind blown when I figured out that connection), did an admirable job portraying the challenging role of Melanie. The film chose to distinguish Wanderer’s voice through physical speaking, and Melanie’s voice through an echoed sound which *assumedly* was occurring within Melanie’s head. I admit, though the choice of communication was absurd, it was a challenging concept to portray onscreen, and Ronan’s performance was light-years ahead of any of Kristen Stewart’s acting. If you can understand her challenges in taking such an unintentionally humorous and hard-to-translate screenplay and trying to create two likeable and strong protagonists, then you too would applaud her performance in this mediocre film.
Diana Kruger plays The Seeker, who serves as a leader for the alien species and whose job consists of finding the human resistance. I personally like Kruger as actress, specifically from the National Treasure franchise, so I know she is a talented actress. Her determination and energy in this movie provide the audience with an intimidating and hated enemy, though Kruger is also plagued by poor dialogue and unintentionally hilarious interaction.
The two romantic interests, Jake Abel and Max Irons, were the highlight of this movie. They provide lovely eye candy, and, as a fan of romantic movies, I was willing to overlook the (insanely) rushed relationship and character development to try and enjoy the love stories that were present. At this point, however, I was looking for something (anything) to take this movie seriously.
Overall, I was very disappointed with The Host film. The book is so enthralling and detailed, and provides time to hash out and thoroughly explain every relationship and conflict. The movie, which somehow even felt long at 2 hours and 5 minutes, did anything but explain anything. For die-hard fans of the book, I’d recommend it only to see the characters and story you love translated on screen, but for anybody else, I’d say pass.
My verdict: Just catch it when it’s on cable. Or, you know, never.
Bright spot, the Imagine Dragons song in the trailer is pretty good. The score was also fantastic.
…entire family makes a cameo in this one! Enjoy.
While most seniors are focused on getting a job, a certain group within the College of Communication at UT Austin is more interested in giving back. I covered the Senior Gift Task Force and found out why they can’t wait to leave a legacy.
Disclaimer: I apologize for the inevitable typos. I am a sleep-deprived college student who just wrote the longest blog post ever. Be kind, please 
Hello, readers! I am back and ready to blog about this year’s Academy Awards. I must preface that I am simultaneously blogging for Stage Door Dish and tweeting for KVR News, so needless to say the Oscars are pretty much taking over my Sunday evening (who are we kidding, it would have my undivided attention regardless). It goes without (much) saying that I prefer the Tony Awards to the Oscars, but tonight I think we’ll get as close to making the Oscars theatre friendly as ever. With a Les Miserables tribute (can you say Aaron Tveit?!), a Kristen Chenoweth appearance, a Barbra Streisand performance, and many more, I think it’s safe to say Broadway is slowly but surely invading Hollywood, and I love it.
I am also very much looking forward to Seth MacFarlane as host. It’s obvious that he is absolutely hilarious, and he brings a new sense of humor to the show that is new, fresh, and unique. I love when hosts push the envelope, though I think being new to the Oscar scene, Seth may play it safe. If it’s half as funny as Family Guy, however, I am not at all worried. I watched *most* of the preshow on the red carpet (I’m a college student, you guys, I have homework and, well, napping to do as well) but I am all geared up to watch the entirety of the awards show! Make sure to check out my video blog recap tonight on Stage Door Dish as well as a recap on KVR News tomorrow night at 9! Have I covered all of my “pre-show” bases? Well, it’s 7:27 PM, so I guess there’s nothing else left to do but sit back, relax (who am I kidding, I’m blogging/tweeting for like 3 different outlets here), and watch the 2013 Academy Awards.
Okay, Seth, you already made Tommy Lee Jones laugh (with a joke about making him last)…definitely a good choice. I love this opening monologue. This usually doesn’t happen, but I was laughing out loud at almost every joke. I haven’t even seen every movie nominated (much to the shame of my mother), but I appreciated every joke. Forget everything I said earlier about pushing the envelope (or being afraid he wouldn’t, I should say). He is not only pushing, but exploding the envelope, and I am thrilled. Let’s be a honest, a song about actresses’ boobs in films at an awards show as classy as the Academy Awards is only something Seth MacFarlane could pull off. By the way, can I adopt the Gay Men’s Choir of Los Angeles? I don’t think I’ve seen a more adorable group of men with such beautiful voices.
According to Twitter, people are hating on Seth right about now, so I’m not sure if I just have the weirdest sense of humor or what, but I am thoroughly entertained. Except for that Flight sock puppet thing. Actually, I’m pretty sure the above paragraph raving about this opening monologue just jinxed it. When Joseph Gordon Levitt, Daniel Radcliffe, and Seth all sing (with great voices, I may add) in tuxedos and I’m not really paying attention, it’s time to change the script. And what is this sketch with Sally Field? I feel like I’m watching a bad SNL sketch right now. This little Star Trek-futuristic-preventing from being a bad host gag needs to end. Beauty and the Beast redeemed it slightly, but honestly I’m really not sure whether to be entertained, bored, or just very confused.
I adore Reese Witherspoon’s dress. She herself is adorable as well, but her beautiful dress doesn’t hurt. She also introduced Les Miserables (just a clip, but still). Whoever’s idea it was to play the JAWS music when a speech ran too long (ahem, Life of Pi visual effects team) definitely deserves so kind of raise. Pure genius (not to mention, hilarious). Sure, it demeans the classiness just a tad, but after whatever the second half of that opening monologue was it was very entertaining to have a nice laugh. Bravo.
I am also quite a fan of Jennifer Aniston’s beautiful Valentino dress. It is classy, elegant, and gorgeous, and I am insanely jealous that I do not get to wear it. Also, Channing Tatum in a tuxedo is never a disappointment.
Les Miserables has its first win! Sure, it’s makeup and hairstyling (why must we wait for the exciting stuff?), but a win’s a win! I am seriously hoping this is some foreshadowing for more awards later on in the evening. *Cough cough* Anne Hathaway? I know he’s not nominated by I’d gladly give Aaron Tveit an Oscar, too. Just because he’s Aaron Tveit.
Kerry Washington’s dress also is officially added to my list of dresses I wish I could own, or actually not even own just wear around all day long whenever I desire. Jessica Chastain’s beautiful gold gown is perhaps my favorite of the evening (the night, however is still young).
Okay, the movie musical tribute. I can’t, I just can’t even breathe right now. Yes, I am a Broadway fangirl and always will be and am not at all ashamed one bit. As was the opposite with tonight’s opening monologue this performance started great and just kept getting better.
Les Miserables: I was shaking. I felt like I was watching the Tony Awards and I absolutely love it and couldn’t have been happier. Of course the best moment (for me) came when the beautiful and beyond talented (did I mention beautiful?) Aaron Tveit appeared onstage, with his short hair in the classiest tuxedo singing in all of his Broadway glory. The entire ensemble did an incredible job. The only critique (and this is if I was forced up against a wall, here) was costumes would have made it (even more) golden. But, hey, Aaron Tveit in a tuxedo I am not complaining whatsoever. And I liked Anne Hathaway’s performance dress much more than the one she actually wore on the red carpet. If you know me, you know I can go on and on about things like this until the cows come home, so just watch my Stage Door Dish video tomorrow
Major props to the Sound of Music gag. Of course, you’d only understand it if you’re a pretty big fan (like me, obviously), but it was hilarious. More jokes like that one are appreciated, please.
Kristen Stewart, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Why are you a presenter? Presenters are supposed to be charismatic (that means you have some emotion) with stage presence. Also, people have to like them. I am the biggest Twilight fan out there, and I’m really wondering why you were asked to be a presenter. I honestly think people would have enjoyed me up there more. Just, no. Plus, your leg is broken (or something). If that’s not a sign you should have stayed home I don’t know what is. I do like your dress, but a smile wouldn’t kill you.
Barbra- I have nothing to say. Perfection. And even more Broadway love for tonight. And bringing out the Chicago cast was once again a stroke of theatre genius. I also fell in love Catherine Zeta-Jones’ beautiful and sparkling gold dress (how appropriate for the Oscars, right?). No Oscar ceremony will ever compete with this one not for the jokes, not for the nominees, but for the amount of musical theatre.
At this point in the evening the broadcast has run 8 minutes over (only a journalism major would understand the panic producers for the show are going through right about now), and honestly I am very tired. The last three and most important awards are next of course, so I’m looking forward to hearing that and then going to bed. Honestly this is the first time I’ve been very ready for an awards show to end. Of course, after the musical theatre tribute I sort of checked out (okay, okay, I didn’t), but this broadcast really feels much longer than usual.
I am so excited for Jennifer Lawrence’s win! She was amazing in Silver Linings Playbook and honestly seems like the most down to earth, nicest girl ever (which is much more than I can say fir a certain Bella Swan). Also, huge ego boost to The Hunger Games who now has an Oscar winning actress in the lead role (you go, Glenn Coco). Also, who else would have been so adorable almost falling on their face at the Oscars? http://twitpic.com/c6nbnc Um, Buzzfeed, this happened like ten seconds ago, what is this meme already up? Props to Hugh Jackman for also being adorable and helping her. You rock, Jean Valjean. We all know my thoughts on Lincoln, but Daniel Day-Lewis was 100% deserving of the Best Actor award. Of course the theatre fan in me is a bit upset for Hugh Jackman, but I predicted this win the minute I sat through the (what seemed to be extremely long) historical movie over Thanksgiving.
And *drumroll please…* Best Picture goes to Argo! I did not see it, but from what I’ve heard this award was extremely well deserved. And finishing with a Duet between Seth and Kristen Chenoweth (in like my one-hundredth favorite dress of the evening…that gold ballgown is incredible) is always a great thing. Seth…I give you a B+, but it was your first time. And (for the last time), the musical theatre tribute was well worth watching this over three-hour show.
For the past two weeks I’ve been tweeting about a Super Secret Project on my Twitter (follow it!) and today all will be revealed! I have been hard at work writing, shooting, and editing my entry for the E! Pop Culture Video Contest, and below is the final product! Let me know what you think
P.S. I just started producing biweekly video blogs for Stage Door Dish!, so make sure to check that out, as well!
Happy Sunday!
Remember to follow me @TheReelWendi for updates, entertainment and Broadway information, and some clues related to my upcoming Super Secret Project!
Below is my fourth video blog in which I travel home to Houston for a great weekend of musicals.
Disclaimer: I wanted to name this video “Baby Newsies,” but didn’t think it would catch on. Let me know what you think
Enjoy!
