first off, i’m not much of an American Idol (AI) fan. except for the odd video clip every once in a while, i hardly ever stay long enough in front of the tv to finish one full-length episode. but this one, you can hardly ignore — it’s been all over the net.

crystal bowersox’s heartfelt and outstanding rendition of “People Get Ready” is already dubbed by some as one of the best AI performances so far. i don’t know if it deserves to be called that but it does stand well on its own. (one other performance that looms large in my mind is david cook’s definitive rendition of mariah carey’s “Always Be My Baby.”)

based on the AI judges’ (as well as the crowd’s) reaction, this one’s definitely a winner.

the trailer for the latest screen adaptation of Robin Hood is almost upon us. i know there has been an awful lot of them, but this time i am definitely interested because it is directed by ridley scott, who happens to be one of my favorite directors (Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down).

another compelling reason for me to watch it is because of its main stars: russell crowe and cate blanchett. the cast is rounded off by mark strong, max von sydow, and william hurt, among others.

Robin Hood is set to appear in theaters in may 2010. i say, bring it on.

here’s the trailer for New Moon, film no. 2 of the Twilight series that many genre fans have been waiting for…

i’m not exactly waiting for this movie with bated breath — i think that of all 4 Twilight books, only book 1 is actually worth re-reading (sorry Twilight, fans) — but the trailer leaves me wondering if the filmmakers are actually going to make film 2 more interesting than the book version. hmmm… i kind of like the fact that michael sheen is playing one of the Volturis (Aro). and, of course, dakota fanning brings her own brand of magic. not to mention rob pattinson, kristin stewart, taylor lautner, etc.

New Moon, directed by chris weitz, is expected to hit the theaters by november 2009. expect the promotional hype to build up.

i wasn’t able to watch the whole show but the consensus is neil patrick harris did an awesome job as this year’s host.

there are several rib-tickling moments in the show. here are a couple of ‘em:

this time, let jimmy fallon “do” (dance? mime?) the talking. (this cracked me up!)

and then, there’s the incomparable ricky gervais

p.s. i don’t know how long these gems will be available in youtube, but let’s enjoy ‘em while they last. nyeheheh