The e-mail that rocked my World...

I just got an e-mail from TVShowsonDVD.com (we're close), informing me that they are finally releasing Season 4 of the show that was Friday night for me and my friends during our pre-teen years. That's right, TGIF fans - the only teen dramedy that got better when the main characters went college, Boy Meets World, is finally getting the DVD treatment it deserves!

I have never understood why ABC only released the first three seasons of Cory, Topanga and Shawn's awesome adventures through adolescence. I mean, those weren't even the best seasons. Things got really juicy when Feeny and the gang hit high school in Season 4.  Just think about - that was the season Topanga cut all her hair off, Shawn and Cory turned Mr. Feeny's house into a B & B and Shawn dressed up in drag. And the show just got better after that. Season 5 introduced us to those legendary opening credits, not to mention the best episode in BMW history - "And Then There Was Shawn" - or as it might be called in Friends-speak, "The One With Jennifer Love Fefferman". 

If you watched Boy Meets World then you know about "And Then There Was Shawn". It was an epic episode which veered outside BMW's the typical teenage situational dramedy curriculum and took a field trip to my favourite genre of the 90s: teen slasher flicks. The concept seemed simple enough - Cory, Topanga, Shawn and Angela get sentenced to late-night detention with Feeny. But it got scary-awesome after the lights mysteriously flickered off and the gang's classmate, Kenny got a pencil to the head (cue the timely "He killed Kenny!" jokes). The episode just got creepier (and in the mind of a certain I Know What You Did Last Summer-loving nine-year-old, cooler) from there (see: the shady janitor, the eerie music flowing out of the PA system, the hooded figure running by in the background, the random phone calls coming in from the hall payphone), but the highlight had to be the guest appearance by the scream queen of the 90s (and my tweenage idol), Jennifer Love Hewitt.

When Cory, Topanga, Shawn, Eric, Jack and Angela went into the hallway to investiage the creepy goings-on, they encountered John Adams' newest student, Jennifer Love Fefferman (also known as Feffy - which I always thought was a sly reference to that other teen drama that made 90s TV so freakin' cool - Buffy). Horror-themed hilarity and awkward Eric moments ensued - and the result was spoofy sitcom gold. I remember loving this episode so much that my friends and I would try and recreate it on the playground during lunch. While the other kids were playing soccer, tag and you know, being kids, we would hang out on the grass and pretend to be high school kids hiding from a masked murderer. I was always Feffy.

I could go on about Feeny and the divine Miss Fefferman for days - but I won't. Just watch the episode and feel the 90s love for yourself.

*Photo - Boy Meets World DVD*

Mood Music: Sabrina the Teenage Witch - The Album (Yep,  I TGIF-ing love 90s nostalgia.)

Creature of the Night Moves..

(Photo: Hot Topic)

I'd let this beautifully broody trench-coat rockin' and wife-beater wearin' creature of the night into my personal space any day! (That's what Buffy said - until they had serious smoochies and he went all evil Angelus and you know, killed Ms. Calendar, tortured Giles and almost sucked the world into a hell dimension and stuff.)

P.S. - Please forgive my rando Angel heart-on. I stumbled upon this fangtastic (it never gets old) tee while surfing for New Moon merch (see: last post) and almost died of Whedonverse-wonderful overload. After I composed myself, I decided I had to share.

Also, I'm considering giving Angel a try again so I thought it seemed like a semi-topical choice for the bloggy. I never liked the show much because it rarely featured the original scoobies (Cordy and Wesley do not count in my books!). But I love the vamp-boy so much that I feel like I should make more of an effort. Bill and Edward eat your hearts out! (Don't actually though. I know you like blood and all that fleshy jazz but, there's no need to get the fangs out and commit vampicide. The fangirls need you.)

Mood Music: "Everything You've Done is Wrong" by Sloan

Bang on!

(Oh, geek love. Photo: fanpop.)

After a year or so of brushing it off as Two and Half Men go geek, I decided to give in and give the first season of The Big Bang Theory a go this weekend.

Having been very anti-BBT for quite some time, I did not make this decision on a whim. In the spirit of the show's science-loving characters, my choice was a result of weeks of careful research (mostly just reading reviews and asking people what they thought of it). Well, that and season 2 of Flight of the Conchords was already out at Videoflicks on Friday and I had a jonesin' for a giggle.

At first, I was hesitant to laugh at Leonard and Sheldon's geektastic adventures, afraid that I might actually like this more than it's partner in Monday night half-hour hilarity, How I Met Your Mother. But as I kept playing episode after episode, I began to warm up to the nerds. Eventually, I was even laughing out loud. In fact, in the hilarious haze of Star Trek references, awkward social situations and jokes about the Doppler Effect, I managed to finish the entire season. My conclusion? It's like what I imagine it would be like if Sam, Bill and Neal grew up, found an Indian BFF, relocated to California and moved across the hall from Elle Woods. In other words: AWESOME.

I am sure part of the reason I am feeling the love for this show is that geeky guys seem to be my weakness, or kryptonite if you will. (Is it just me or is Leonard kind of totally adorkable? I am into his whole boy-in-hoodie with curly hair and thick glasses look.) But when it really comes down to it, I think my heart-on (much love, Michael Scott) for BBT comes from the fact that I kinda identify with Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Rajesh. I'm a nerd too. Just not when it comes to string theory and Dr. Who. But just mention Buffy or hyperboles and I'll geek out faster than a speeding bullet.

Mood Music: "Maybe This Time" by Kristin Chenoweth and Lea Michele

Oh no. I gotta go. Back to schooooool. (AGAIN!)

School started today and while many of you have already been entranced by the reality of the strangely comforting feel of new textbooks, fresh Hilroy lined paper, mechanical pencils that are actually filled and highlighters with ample ink, I can't seem to get my mind off movies.

The beginning of the school year always kickstarts my cinematic libido because just days after we step back into our respective classrooms (or labs if you're science-y), the Toronto International Film Festival starts. Although TIFF pretty much owns my (and now, many of my friends') soul in September, you don't have to go a big film fest to get your movie fix before school actually gets hard.

When I'm not perusing and schmoozing (near) the red carpet scene, I like to indulge in some classic school themed flicks and TV shows. Even though most of us hated at least part of our high school (or university) lives, there is something wonderfully homey about getting all nostalgic and looking back on growing up. Even if involves reminding ourselves that we were a brain, a basket case, a princess, an athlete or a criminal back in the day.

In honor of one of my favourite genres (if not my favourite), here is a list of my top 10 shows/movies that will teach even the most angsty teenager that high school can be the most bittersweetly awesome place to re-visit. Wedgies, pop quizzes, awkward crushes and all. Enjoy em' while you don't have five essays to write.

1. My So-Called Life

In my humble opinion, this series is not for everyone. If you have adverse reactions to excessive amounts of plaid, Jared Leto or introspective reflections, then you will hate everything about Angela Chase and her so-called friends Rayanne Graff and Rickie Vasquez. But if you've ever hung out with someone you parents didn't like, referred to your crush by his full name (and only his full name), slipped up on a test, felt completely ugly because of a tiny pimple, turned your back on an old friend, or dyed your hair a obscure shade of red because your raggedy old one was holding you back, then you will have a time with this show.

2. Freaks and Geeks

Judd Apatow gave the endlessly lovable (and recognizable!) misfits at McKinley High School Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" as a theme song but, this show is anything but poorly regarded. Freaks and Geeks is a cult favourite, and with way too many reasons to count. From the first minute of the pilot, when the camera pans away from the unrealistically lovesick quarterback and his cheerleader gf on the football and down to a group of most likely stoned guys ranting about parents and the importance of Led Zeppelin, you know this is a special show. And it just gets better from there. Well not really. Nothing goes right on this show. Teachers don't treat everyone equally. Parents don't stay together. Romances don't blossom gracefully (try not to cringe when Linsday and Nick (Linda Cardenelli and Jason Segel) goes from sweet to helplessly awkward in the span of one Styx song). Parties aren't really that fun. Best friends don't last forever. It sounds upsetting, but with Apatow and Paul Feig at the helm, it's downright hilarious.

3. Election

I am incredibly biased because I pretty much worship Reese Witherspoon, but by god, why didn't the woman get an Oscar for this movie? I mean, she played a mean June Carter but, this performance is even better. She IS Tracy Flick in this movie. And Tracy Flick is not a likable person in any way shape or form. Very unlike Reese.

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV series)

You either get Buffy or you don't. But if you get it, you're head-over-heels in love with it. And how can you not be, really? The whole fighting demons gimmick is really just a metaphor for dealing with all the crap that high school throws you. But it's so much more kickass when the crap comes in the form of assorted creatures of the night.

5. The Breakfast Club

Don't you forget about this movie. Only a neo-maxi-zoom-dweebie would, and you my friend, are not a neo-maxi-zoom-dweebie. Well, that is if you've seen this movie. If not, then I really can't save you from geekdom. Just accept your fate and maybe one day someone will write a really great movie or show about your life set to a wicked Simple Minds song. (R.I.P. John Hughes.)

6. Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Sean Penn was really a funny laidback guy once. Hard to believe, I know, but it's true. Just ask Mr. Hand. Oh, and when you see him, say aloha for me, m'kay?

7. Clueless

I first saw this movie the summer between Grade 1 and Grade 2. My parents were stupid and let me choose the movie. They said I could see pick either The Great Panda Adventure or Clueless. To my six-year-old self, the choice was obvious (The poster had three cool older girls wearing boas and talking on cellphones! Like the pandas had a chance! As if!). The minute movie started, I wanted to be Cher Horowitz (The girl had a computerized outfit selecter!) so I went out and bought myself a fluffy pink feather pen and started saying things like "I'm outie!", "Whatever!" and using terms like "Betty" and "Baldwin" in my day-to-day life. I was sure if I started then, I'd be so ahead of the game when high school actually came around. Once I hit Grade 9, however, fluffy pens were out, the Baldwin bros weren't hot anymore and Alicia Silverstone was barely on anyone's radar. But even though my dreams of becoming Cher have been crushed forever, I love the movie more now. Watching it as an adult is totally different. I actually get the jokes.

8. Donnie Darko

Time travel. Giant Bunnies. Wormholes. Patrick Swayze. Sparkle Motion. Genius.

9. Heathers

WARNING: This isn't another fun teen romp. It's about suicide, Diet Coke-heads and underage sex. And it's absolutely hilarious. Heathers certainly isn't for everyone but I say if you can't handle sharp dark humour mixed in with your teen love triangles and cafeteria gossip, then what's your damage?

10. Glee

I've only seen one episode of this musical-dramedy but I'm in love with the witty High School Musical goes Freaks and Geeks vibe it's giving out. They are showing the second episode tomorrow night on FOX so it's the perfect time to catch up!

BONUS: Grease 2

Okay, so I know everyone is crazy about the first Grease, and I totally get that (I dressed up as a Pink Lady back in Grade 6.). But Grease 2 tackles some issues Danny and Sandy wouldn't have even dared to talk - let alone sing - about when they did their stint at Rydell. I'm talking musical interludes about reproduction, the best ways to turn bowling terminology into sexual innuendos, rock-a-hula-luaus and masked biker dudes. Oh, and a snappy number about going back to school. What's not to quote endlessly?!!

Mood Music: "Church Clothes" by Matt Nathanson

And Buffy kills Edward. The End.

Edward: "You're like my own personal brand of heroin."

Buffy: "What, are you twelve?"

What would happen if Buffy Summers met Edward Cullen? Let's just say Mr. Hunky and Sparkly wouldn't be getting very many smoochies from the Buffster. In fact, the only date I think this Angel-Lite (I don't care if Stephenie Meyer has never seen Buffy, the boy's just a trenchcoat and a couple 1,000 kills away from getting cursed by a pack of gypsies) would get in Sunnydale would be with Mr. Pointy.

P.S. - In other Buffy news, am I the only one totally pumped for the Once More With Feeling at the Bloor?

Mood Music: Oh! Sweet Nuthin' by The Velvet Underground