Atlanta Takes Tokyo

Posted on January 29, 2019 by myhollywoodhangover

and Marlo loses her bag …

If my favorite thing about watching Housewives is the reunions, then my second favorite has to be cast trips. The ladies of Atlanta are currently (well currently on the show) visiting Tokyo, Japan.

The looks have been on point, the antics have made me laugh, and the drama has been reeeeal!

“She gonna murder one of us tonight; I can feel it”

Eva vs. Everything

Sweet, hippie Eva can’t seem to catch a break this trip. First, she gets into it with Porsha regarding the shady comments Eva’s been making all season. What I took from Porsha was that Eva needs to just own when she’s been shady, because as Nene was saying, if you’re going to throw shade in this group of women, “someone will call you out” on it.

However, Eva owned it all when she went up against Marlo, which honestly has been a long time coming this season between these two

I was proud of Eva for standing her ground against Marlo, plus Eva needed a win after receiving the horrible news regarding her grandfather. We need to keep Eva in all our prayers because re-watching and reliving it back now for her probably really sucks.

Nene

I think this trip is showing Nene in one of her most honest lights. By that I mean, Greg’s health is breaking her down, and the Tokyo trip is her breaking point. First, there was her argument with Tanya, where I kind of saw both sides. I thought Nene’s comment about “marrying someone else” at the temple could’ve been taken as rude. I also think the reason Nene stormed out of the sushi restaurant was because she couldn’t really defend her comment; it was ill-mannered. At the same time Tanya girl, get thicker skin. But, maybe Nene left because she was tired and just over it all. She made a comment and didn’t mean anything serious by it, or that’s how she defended it. For once, with this “feud” I saw all sides, mostly because a) I’m (overly) sensitive like Tanya, but b) I know Nene can say whatever she wants to people regardless of consequences. If this disagreement tells us anything, it’s that Tanya may not be cut out to be a housewife and Nene (as mentioned) is breaking, if not already broken.

Speaking of Nene, she got left! Porsha’s comment about her murdering someone could not have been more real; I was terrified for that sweet tour guide, who not only had to endure the back and forth between Eva and Marlo, but basically had to babysit these women the entire trip, telling them to be quiet and to be on time. WHICH, I just can not get over that the ladies had the audacity to be 30-45 minutes late the first day, after specifically being told the night before to be on time. In the end, sweet tour guide didn’t come to play when she finally left Nene.

Final Thoughts & Next Week …

Closing, I loved how Porsha announced her pregnancy and I’m excited to see her journey the rest of the season. I totally related to Kandi regarding food on the trip; I’ve traveled to China before and like Kandi, I do not have an exotic pallet. Lastly, how great was the Xscape karaoke moment between all the women? I loved that they were bonding, getting along, and singing Kandi’s song!

Next week Tokyo continues for the ladies and looks to include strippers, samurai, probably more sushi, a breakdown from Nene, and a spilled secret from Kandi about Dennis.

One Thing Before We Go …

THIS. WAS. THE. MOST. EPIC. EVENT. I. NEVER. THOUGHT. COULD. HAPPEN. AND. DIDN’T. KNOW. I. NEEDED. TO. HAPPEN!!!

From Rinna screaming at all of them to dance, to Kyle’s dirty suit at the end of the night, to the overall amazing and beautiful guestlist. It was just a magical adult version of a fairy tale and solidified, SOLIDIFIED my Housewife love!

Battle of the Beauty Queens — Bachelor Recap

Posted on January 22, 2019 by myhollywoodhangover

“I feel like I’m in a Bachelor tornado …”

What I mean by that is … the show has been coming at me fast and I haven’t had time to really process it. I don’t know any of the girls’ names, I barely watch the show live or live tweet, and I have yet to decide how I feel about Colton. It’s moving too quickly to absorb … and plus, I find myself just not caring. I’d rather watch reruns of Vanderpump than a new episode of Bach.

BUT!!

I’m committed to you all and I know you’re waiting to hear my thoughts on Colton’s season!

Colton as the Bachelor

I struggle with Colton because of his past with the show. It seems too convenient that he would go from meeting/hooking up with Tia, to being on Becca’s season, to Paradise back with Tia, to finally dump her in the end and become the next Bachelor (see: Colton is the Worst).

I’m going to try really hard to not let those feelings bleed into his season, so I paid extra attention to Colton on this week’s episode to see if my feelings about him changed. Here is what I came up with:

He is insanely easy to read. You can tell which girls he really likes versus the girls the producers are telling him to keep around.
He also just tells the girls, “I like you” so maybe that’s why he’s easy to read??
He’s emotional; I can’t tell if it’s the good amount in a partner or the whiny amount that would annoy me.
Yes, Colton works with kids and is a human teddy bear around them, but my cynical side thinks it’s another way for him to promote himself … I know I know, that makes me sound like a terrible person, but in the safe space of my computer I’m not afraid to admit it.
I think Colton needs an older woman, not just because I love Elyse so much (see below) … but I like what she brings out in Colton. I like him with her … and that’s my first time (ever) saying I like him.

The Girls

My initial favorite was Miss Alabama Hannah, until that treacherous one-on-one from last week where girlfriend couldn’t even muster up a toast. Aren’t you a pageant girl? Can’t you make up some BS on a dime? Then this week she discussed Caelynn with Colton, and you just don’t talk about other girls with the main dude. Ever. While so much of this show is edit by edit, pieced together to create either a story line or drama, I truly don’t think Hannah has been edited that often; I think she’s really as insecure, not poised, and crazy as she appears. Guess I now have to pick a new favorite. Sighhh.

As far as any in the running for my new fav, I like the other Hannah, who also happens to be from Alabama? She got the first impression rose, and while I would like to say comes across genuine, I’ve clearly been burned by one Alabamahannah this season and we’re only three episodes in. So who knows.

As mentioned, I la la la love Elyse! I would actually like to see her as the next Bachelorette, with guys in their late 20s – 30s vying for her … less douche canoes. I mean, if she doesn’t end up with Colton, because as said, I kind of like them together. However, nothing I want ever happens on this show, so moving right along.

For all holy entertainment purposes, I hope he KEEPS DEMI FOREVER!! “I don’t want to be another one of those yo ho ho’s …”

I don’t think I’ll ever love Demi in the way that I loved Jordan (despite his ridiculous ways). I also don’t think I will ever root for Colton to propose to her, especially when she’s up against girls I like, buuuuut she’s so funny and entertaining, she can stay for a while longer.

I don’t know who all annoys me. Maybe Tracy? Is that her name? The one who Demi keeps antagonizing, and who claims to be a stylist, even though she can’t even dress herself. I struggle with liking Onyeka too. Obviously I’m down for a big personality, and while I loved the “drowning in bitches” comment, she’s just too too much and annoying AF.

This Season

I usually like the craziness and cat fights in the early episodes, but for some reason, this time around, I’m ready to get down to like, the final five. I’m curious to see what Colton’s really looking for and how the finalists will interact with one another when it’s the end of the line (and what their families are like too!). Guess we’ll find out soon enough!

Who’s Watching this Season of VPR?

Posted on January 16, 2019 by myhollywoodhangover

Who am I kidding? What a dumb question! Of course we all are watching the newest season of the best show on Bravo: Vanderpump Rules. With only a few episodes in, drama has already ensured, but first, “let’s gooo back … back to the beginning.”

“I feel comfortable using Hilary Duff lyrics in everyday life”

Jax and Brittany’s Engagement

After finding out this summer, or whenever, they got engaged via social media, I could not WAIT to see it happen on the show. I genuinely genuinely believe Jax was nervous in the moment and that nothing was staged or faked. Since the engagement, I have been a strong follower of these two, mainly to watch Jax’s every move. It’s not that I’m suspecting him to ruin this current good thing with Britt, but we’re all a tad cautious he may screw something up, right? However, I get no greater joy than seeing them as a happy couple. Since their engagement, they’ve been traveling everywhere (mainly with Lala and Randall; and btw, who else lives for the Jax and Randall bromance??), plus Jax and Britt are seriously wedding planning (Kentucky castle, hello!).

I plan on enjoying the rest of the season with them in a joyous bliss, so Tom Sandoval can step off for thinking this isn’t true love, but rather Jax being in an emotion cloud linked to his father’s death.

Introducing Beau

If I follow Jax and Brittany like hawks on social media, then I follow Stassi and her new man like a stage 5 clinger; my love for them is mad real. I’ve been Team Stassi ever since season one when she was a spoiled, little B. But I go totes hard for her now. I’m so proud of her for maturing and leaving her selfish ways behind in her 20s (I re. late. on another level to this), but one of the biggest changes in her life has been the presence of her new beau, Beau.

On Instagram, I love watching all their European adventures, their blossoming friendships with the entire cast (Stassi and Ariana besties? DREAM COME TRUE!), and Beau has even got Stassi into football. Last week’s episode proved it’s not always aperol spritz and sunshine for the two, but I’m confident nothing can break them up!

James’s (continued) Role as the Villain

I think James is a good person. There I said it. You can see it through the financial support he provides his family, plus the pure love he has for them. I also think he realizes he has a role to play and that role is the pot stirrer, trouble maker, villain if you will. He’s taken over for Jax. Am I excusing all the horrible things James has said about the cast, especially the females?

But I also have an extremely hard time believing he’s that way deep down as a human being in his daily life; I really do think there is some sort of alcohol dependency, mixed in with a need for some serious counseling.

Listen, I love seeing everyone get along. Believe me, I’d rather have an entire season with no fights because I love this group of people so much and I want them to all be best friends and live happily ever after forever. But come on, that doesn’t make for good TV. The reason VP has become so successful is credited to all the madness these people have gone through together over the past seven seasons. James is here this season to continue said madness (because it doesn’t seem like they’re going to be having it anytime soon with each other).

Finally …

I will not talk poorly about anyone’s mother, so in regards to this week’s episode and Stassi’s mamma drama, I plead the fifth. However, I do have a few thoughts on everything else that took place:

As previously mentioned above, Beau and Stassi are the greatest. This episode solidified how Beau could not be more perfect. Don’t believe me? Go listen to her most recent podcast ep as well!
I applaud Lala for meeting with James and giving us another chance to see his human side. She said it best about how they need to be two humans who just have hearts and are showing kindness.
I had NO IDEA Robby Hayes from the Bachelor World would be on the show, let alone this week! AND come to find out, he’s Adam’s roommate? Scheana girl, what are you doing? No one thought she could look more desperate than last season with Rob, yet here we are!
I’m excited to see the girls host the Tuesday GNO at Sur on the next episode. If I remember correctly from social media, it was a pajama party and Billie Lee had some words for them on Twitter. Eager to watch it all unfold!

“And the Golden Globe Goes to …”

Posted on January 8, 2019 by myhollywoodhangover

I’ll never understand people who don’t love award shows. I have been staying up past my bedtime on the Sunday nights of award season since I was a little girl to see what beautiful gowns the actresses would wear and what movies everyone would be talking about. I remember in the 4th game, once a month we would play a current events Jeopardy-like game. I was always picked to answer any movie question, especially if one had recently one an award!

I mean we all want a peek into Hollywood, and award shows are the closest Hollywood parties for us regular folk to be invited to. If you need further explanation, you can read my thoughts on last year’s Globes (75 Years of the Golden Globes!!). Anywhoooo, welcome to the 2019 Award Season!! Let’s GO!

First Up: The Glam

These four right here were my best dressed! Sandra epitomized Hollywood glam on the red carpet, especially with that hair! Constance Wu can never do wrong for me, but she especially glowed in her feminine, cream dress with the burst of color red bow. I can only hope to age as well as Julia Roberts (and I always love me a well done pants outfit on the red carpet). And finally, Lupita Nyong’o POPPED in that blue, and had the perfect hourglass shape!

I loved Nicole Kidman’s maroon number, as well as Taraji P. Henson’s velvet dress. A few celebs (I feel) didn’t hit the fashion mark this year included Lucy Lu, Lili Reinhart, Amber Heard (ugh, especially her hair!) , and Lady Gaga (you can look up their dresses to see the awfulness). However, I did learn Lady Gaga payed homage to Judy Garland (visit my Instagram to see the comparison), and if so, then she gets a pass!

Next: The Hosts

I love the both of them, so I was already rooting for Sandra and Andy to win … and I think they did! My favorite bit was the mocking of Lady Gaga’s “100 people may be in a room … 99 may not believe in you…” because, unless you lived under a rock, you saw an interview where she said that quote. I also really liked the fake roast of celebs, the flu shots, and the mini montage to themselves! Finally, I just appreciated how genuine they both seemed, truly happy to be hosting, while not forcing jokes either. Bring them back next year!!

The Winners

**Please note: A majority of this post was written after the Globes aired, while predictions and hopes below were written prior to the awards airing.**

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

Prediction: Black Panther … I’m actually torn here because the film did so insanely well, but did it do well enough to earn a superhero movie its first ever major award?
What I hope wins: A Star is Born (find my review here: Movie of the Week: A Star is Born)…it was also the only movie nominated that I saw ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Actual winner: Bohemian Rhapsody

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

Prediction: Nicole Kidman … she wins everything!
Who I hope wins: Lady Gaga (Can we please talk about Lady Gaga?)

Actual winner: Glenn Close

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

Prediction: Rami Malek or John David Washington
Who I hope wins: Bradley Cooper …while I may have not viewed the other noms’ films … Bradley Cooper was out. of. this. world. with his transformative performance of the troubled singer, Jack!

Actual winner: Rami Malek

BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Prediction: I think any film except Mary Poppins or Crazy Rich Asians could take this one!
What I hope wins: Crazy Rich Asians and once again, please check out another review by your girl: Movie of the Week: Crazy Rich Asians

Actual winner: Green Book

Are you noticing a trend?

I seem to only want the winners to be films I’ve blogged about. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
As far as others I’d like to see win, the list includes:

Constance Wu
Claire Foy
Timothee Chalamet
“Shallow”
Jason Bateman

However, actual winners included:

Richard Madden for Bodyguard … I have an episode and a half left of this; I really didn’t think he’d have a chance to win, but I’m so glad justice for Rob Stark was finally served!
Patricia Arquette won for some limited series, where I really would have liked to see Amy Adams for Sharp Objects or Connie Britton for Dirty John
“Shallow” –> yaaaaaaaassssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!
That Sandra Oh win!! Gah the entire night was her night and I was HERE FOR IT!
Christian Bale and Glenn Close … Bravo! Brava!

Final Thoughts on the Show

I’m a bit disappointed in myself on my lack of preparation this year. I had to heavily research the movies nominated, and last year I had watched all but one of the television shows nominated for Best Drama (and I watched The Crown twice!); this year the total was zero. I did start Bodyguard … maybe I’ll find some motivation to finish it (especially since Richard Madden won Best Actor). Plus, my husband does like to start watching the Oscar nominated movies … so I’m sure we’ll start that list soon.

As far as the overall show, I was entertained, even if I didn’t know a majority of the nominees (I do have a homework list now!). I love love loved the Carol Burnett award, that we saw a montage of her show, and that this now brilliant award, named for her, will be passed on to television actors of my generation, who I grew up with and continue to watch!

Congratulations to all the winners! I definitely have a list of binge-worthy shows, and many new movies I can’t wait to watch, then review for you! As always, always, go find me on Twitter for even MORE fun, honest, real, brilliant, and hilarious thoughts on another great Golden Globes! (@myhollywoodh)

Movie of the Week: Aquaman

Posted on January 1, 2019 by myhollywoodhangover

I love a good superhero movie at Christmas …

Don’t you? Every year around this time, the hubs and I pick something worthy of a $10 movie ticket and head to the theaters. In 2018, this movie was Aquaman. I’ll say we picked it because there wasn’t much else to choose from; he’ll say we picked it because I have a undeniable liking for Jason Momoa.

Okay, he’s right. Ever since Momoa played the great Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, there has been mad love there. I mean, didn’t everyone have a soft spot for Khal? Maybe he was “rough” in the beginning of his relationship with Daenerys, but he figured himself out, right? Plus, he was very sweet in the first book, well as sweet as Khal Drogo can be …

So yeah, I’m a Jason Momoa fan. Although, now that I think about it, what else do I even like him from?

Oh yeah, from his face.

However, we aren’t here to only discuss Momoa, but rather his newest film, Aquaman, in which he reprises his role of the famous sea hero, first seen in Justice League back in 2017.

The basic plot of the movie is this:
Aquaman’s mother is ocean royalty (played by Nicole Kidman) but his father is human. It’a a little Hercules-esqe; similar “half-breed” drama without the spousal cheating. Aquaman isn’t accepted by the sea people and while he may be considered a hero by the humans, he’s still different (I mean, this “feeling left out in the human world” is in every superhero movie, is it not?).

Anyhoo, all the kings of the sea decide they’re going to band together and destroy humanity for polluting the oceans with garbage and sunken ships. So get excited, this isn’t just an action movie, but rather a call to action to clean up our water!

Because he’s both human and sea god, Aquaman is the perfect person to save the humans, and maybe rule the ocean as well … according to Mara (Amber Heard’s character, who we’ll get to shortly). All this fighting, and journeying, and cool underwater scenes take place, with you guessed it, Aquaman saving the day in the end.

My husband isn’t one to live and die by superhero movies, so I was curious to hear his thoughts on the film. Mine were that Jason Momoa is fantastic at everything he does, even delivering cheesy one-liners these movies tend to have. Also, the fact that a majority of the scenes were underwater was cool to me. Other than that, the film had fighting and weird creatures, which I also thought was, as the kids say, bomb, tight, epic … perhaps even, badass?

Hubs said he felt the film was superbly done visually and I agree.

As I just mentioned, the fact that a majority of the film took place underwater was something new and exciting to watch. Hubs did say he felt some of the movie was cheesy, obvs. I, especially, didn’t like the whole Manta/Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plot line. I understand that it established Aquaman’s desire to help the humans, plus set up **spoiler alert** a story line for a second film (anyone stay post credits?) … but I still thought it was unnecessary to the majority conflict (aka, a stupid subplot).

The last aspect of the film I want to discuss is the Amber Heard of it all. Raise your hand if you’ve seen an Amber Heard film?

Okay, now raise your hand if you only really know Amber Heard from her marriage to and divorce from Johnny Depp?

Heard is on the January cover of Glamour and I only bought it because I thought it was Lili Reinhart. Once I read the article and put it all together that it wasn’t Betty Cooper and was also the girl from Aquaman, I saw Heard in an entirely different light thinking back on the film. She did a great job portraying the love interest/sidekick … ?? Honestly I thought her role was kind of stupid because it seemed like she was only there to eventually fall in love with Aquaman, but it’s always refreshing to see a female lead kick some booty in a superhero film.

Her red hair was totes fun too!

All in all, the movie was the perfect one to see post-Christmas, pre-New Year before we all get back into the grind of life. Speaking of grind, MHH’s 2019 New Year’s Resolution is to post once a week. This year is going to be a crazy one for me (I’ll reveal more in future posts), but as I always always say … I appreciate every single ounce of support from those of you who receive my posts via email, read them for fun, or follow me on social media! Cheers to a bright and fun new year!

My Hollywood Hangover

pop culture thoughts from a Midwest girl

Month: January 2019