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Trust The B in Apartment 23 and “Dawson” For Quirks & Laughs: Don’t Trust The B Apartment 23 with Krysten Ritter, Drema Walker & James Van Der Beek

Posted on November 17, 2012 Written by ripitup

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Krysten Ritter as the B**** in Apartment 23.
Krysten Ritter as the B**** in Apartment 23. Image via amazon.com

 

Don’t Trust The B Apartment 23 tells the adventures of the self-centered, party-loving, popularity-obsessed, politically incorrect and proudly insensitive New Yorker Chloe (Krysten Ritter), and her new roommate June (Dreama Walker) from Indiana who despite her initial shock and repulsion, has gotten to like Chloe, and proven to be a worthy adversary/friend/roommate.

But Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23 is more than just a severe clash of cultures/morals/personalities. It also makes fun of fame, celebrities, success, careers and life struggles in general- all without the annoying laughing tracks and the boundaries of a sitcom. Oh, and its biggest fame/celebrity-teasing tool comes in the form of its third starring actor – James Van Der Beek, playing the post-Dawson James Van Der Beek in the most amusing fashion.

For anyone who has been a teenager during late 90s and early 2000s (1998-2003), Dawson’s Creek was the familiar teenage drama/romance series starring Van Der Beek (as Dawson), Katie Holmes (best friend/the girl next door Joey), Joshua Jackson (best friend Pacey) and Michelle Williams (pretty new girl Jen). And even though the series was named after his character, he had the leading role, scored a huge fan base and having scored roles in movies before, during and after the series, Van Der Beek never got to be “Dawson” again, at least in terms of playing such a popular lead in a hit series, or being in a hit movie.

Joshua Jackson was somewhat suffering from a similar fate until he got one of the starring roles in the sci-fi/drama/mystery series Fringe and became Peter Bishop instead of Pacey for 5 years, and we will see which character will remain more popular or if Jackson will finally become an A-lister starring in more films. He has the talent, the looks and the girlfriend (Diane Kruger). But he has also suffered from the Dawson’s Creek curse.

Katie Holmes went from being in the shadow of Joey to being in the shadow of Tom Cruise. Oh, yes, she shared tons of spotlight and got more coverage than the entire Dawson’s Creek cast combined, but let’s face it-it was because she married Cruise. We’ll have to wait and see if she will prove herself to be more than Joey.

And last but definitely not the least- we have Michelle Williams-who got the luckiest break of all. She did so many diverse roles in so many diverse movies, she kept us in the present. The youngest Creek cast member starred in Brokeback Mountain alongside Heath Ledger, Jake Gyleenhall- and won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination. We could never lose focus on her career since she went on to score 2 more Oscar nominations, leading roles alongside Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling, Leonardo di Caprio, Kenneth Branagah and more.

But James’ career seems to be the most puzzling. He’s good-looking, has done many more different roles opposing to his romantic dreamer Dawson and never quite stopped working. But he couldn’t shake off Dawson. And what better way to poke fun at your career while reminding people of your popularity, show a whole new side of you while still starring in a new show?

Just like Matt LeBlanc, aka Joey from Friends mocked himself and his career by playing a womanizing, politically incorrect jackass-y version of himself in Episodes, won back the spotlight, popularity and reminded people that he can be more than just Joey, Van Der Beek is milking “Dawson”, once again- in a very successful way.

How does Dawson Leery aka James Van Der Beek fit in with the girls? He is Chloe’s best friend- a rich, popular and self-centered actor who is sick and tired of being remembered as Dawson despite his talent and other accomplishments. But he constantly fluctuates between self-pity/anger and feeling happy to be adored.

Sometimes Van Der Beek’s ego provides for some one-liners and sub-plots, sometimes it becomes the center with June and Chloe.

Granted, the show is more about Chloe, June and their relationship- but at least 50% of the jokes, and probably the fan base, wouldn’t have been there without “Dawson.”

I don’t know about you, but having been a movies-obsessed, romantic female teenager in 8th grade, I was a big fan of Dawson’s Creek-and Dawson was my favorite character- at least for the first 2 seasons. I hated the fact that the whole story became about friends rotating each other in dating and sex, and the once lovely teen drama/comedy/romance turned into a very obvious soap- but I stuck around like many people would when their relationship lost the passion but couldn’t shake the habit.

And despite all the boring romances, Dawson was still Dawson. He grew up, became a little less naïve and optimistic. But he was still a dreamer, a movie enthusiast who wanted to make in Hollywood and a romantic. And guess what? 9 years after the show ended, I grew a very cynical side, did some things I said I’d never do (like falling for a friend, or liking two guys who happened to be friends-life imitating art and all that) but I still am a romantic movie addict who’s trying to make it as a writer.

You see, Dawson was my favorite character – not because I thought he was boyfriend material (though he was), but because he was the character I identified with the most. And 9 years in life didn’t exactly go the way I planned-but despite growing up, I’m still me. Despite all the complaints, and having lived in a big city (as opposed to Dreama’s small town character June), I did watch all episodes of Dawson’s Creek.

I honestly didn’t think the concept could be funny before I knew who Chloe’s bff was. Then I saw the trailer.

It is always over the top with the quirks and pretty much impossible to identify with James or Chloe. But it is entertaining, with some episodes making you laugh more than the others.

You don’t have to have watched Dawson’s Creek to enjoy this one, but it is funnier if you have loved or hated (or both) the show with passion at some point in your lives.

Episodes to watch out for:

Season 1

Episode 1 – how Chloe proves to be a friend by proving June that her fiancé is a cheater- by being caught on the act with him to June!

Episode 2- Chloe sets June up with her hot “friend” Scott (Michael Landes) who turns out to be a little more familiar with Chloe than June thought. And no, Chloe and Scott never hooked up. When I say familiar, I mean…

Episode-4 Chloe gets jealous of June becoming BFFs with James, so she crashes June’s friend’s wedding with Kevin Sorbo (played by Kevin Sorbo)-who she has brought under completely false pretenses.

Season 2

Episode 1- Attempts at a Dawson’s Creek reunion.

Episode 2- And Chloe meets her match

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Filed Under: TV shows Tagged With: dawson james van der beek, dawsons creek, dawsons creek cast, don’t trust the b in apartment 23, don’t trust the bitch in apartment 23, dreama walker, james van der beek, Joshua Jackson, katie holmes, krysten ritter, krysten ritter apartment 23, krysten ritter don't trust the b--- in apartment 23, michelle Williams

The Shadow Dancer starring Joshua Jackson, Claire Forlani and Harvey Keitel

Posted on December 20, 2009 Written by ripitup

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The Shadow Dancer, starring Joshua Jackson, Harvey Keitel and Claire Forlani
The Shadow Dancer, starring Joshua Jackson, Harvey Keitel and Claire Forlani

Jeremy Taylor (Joshua Jackson) is a young writer sent to Tuscany, Italy by the publishing company. His mission is to find Weldon Parish (Harvey Keitel); a seasoned and well-respected writer who hasn’t been writing for some time and to help his writer’s block disappear and get him to write again. But Weldon doesn’t want to write. He has lost his wife sometime ago and he keeps his (writer’s) office under lock. He enjoys the country and the company of his three daughters. So at first he doesn’t take Jeremy’s intrusion well and puts the young man to several weird and amusing (to the audience) tests. But Jeremy’s persistence pays off. Weldon starts letting him hang around. He is also having fun with the fact that Jeremy is falling for his daughter, Isabella (Claire Forlani).

Jeremy and Weldon challenge one another and each wants the other one to write. They both have their reservations and their friendship leads to lovely decisions on both sides.

The film is a romantic drama with some funny events attached. It is set in the ever beautiful Italy. Harvey Keitel is wonderful as always.

Joshua Jackson has grown up and proving that he can take on different roles rather than just teenage rebels. If you are in your 20s, you have probably watched Dawson’s Creek at one point. I did, although I do feel some level of guilty pleasure admitting it. The first seasons had hit home with the characters’ angst and disappointments and expectations. Joshua Jackson played the rebellious and sarcastic Pacey. He came a long way from dating his then co-star Katie Holmes (now Mrs. Tom Cruise). Last time I checked, he was living with his elegant girlfriend Diane Kruger (Troy, National Treasure). Sure, Joshua had to go through all the phases of a popular (and cute) young actor had to go through: teen-slashers (Urban Legend, were-wolf movie Cursed), Scream 2. But thankfully, he got the chance to show versatility. He played in Gossip (2000). It is a very solid thriller and it is definitely not a teen-slasher. He also played in Cruel Intentions (1999); a modern adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons. Now, Cruel Intentions is decent and very appealing with its sexy power plays but Joshua got the most colorful role. He plays the gay best friend of the lead character’s best friend. So yes, it seems like Joshua Jackson is not doomed. He can shake off the “curse” of Dawson’s Creek and move on.

Claire Forlani is a good actress. She is not the best out there but she is lovely and very pretty. I first saw her in Meet Joe Black (co-starring along Brad Pitt). It looks like she is a little doomed: she just fits in with emotional parts. But hey, she does pull off romance well. And in this movie, she just looks at home in Italy. After all, she is half-Italian in real life.

My favorite character in the movie though has to be Father Moretti; played by Giancarlo Giannini. You might remember him as the traditional father from A Walk in The Clouds, giving Keanu Reeves’ Paul hell.

Back to the movie at hand: The scenery is beautiful, and the story is lovely. The movie is a little slow but it is still fun to watch. Just don’t watch it if you are in the mood for something fast.

Favorite scene: The dance scene between Jeremy and Isabella. Written and directed by Brad Mirman (2005).

Other Posts on Joshua Jackson

Cursed starring Christina Ricci, Joshua Jackson & Jesse Eisenberg

Cursed Movie Cast & Crew Trivia Feat. Joshua Jackson, Christina Ricci, Portia De Rossi, Kevin Williamson & More

Fringe starring Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv & John Noble

Fringe Trivia: 13 Facts About Fringe Cast, Crew, Plot Feat. Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, Mark Valley…


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Filed Under: Movies and Actors Tagged With: Claire Forlani, Diane Kruger, Harvey Keitel, Italy, Joshua Jackson, katie holmes, The Shadow Dancer, Tuscany

Tom Cruise: The Actor Movie-Goers Love to Hate and Hate to Love

Posted on August 15, 2009 Written by ripitup

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tom-cruise-2
Tom Cruise

I thought about writing a “what on earth happened to you” sort of article for Tom Cruise, just like I did with Mel Gibson, but I thought it wouldn’t be fair. Because although Tom makes us question his sanity with his extreme commitment to Scientology and all the weird gossips going on around him, I still like him as an actor. Unlike Mel, Tom has not appeared in many movies that I don’t like, because apart from Eyes Wide Shut and War of the Worlds, I pretty much like all his work. His appearance also improved as he got older- from cute to sexy and attractive. In fact, the only problem I have with his appearance is his height. His 170 cm.s (5’7″) is not exactly star material. But hey, the guy is one of the richest in Hollywood and I believe his movies deserve that popularity.

Before
Before
My fav. look on Tom
My fav. look on Tom. Can be seen in Mission Impossible 2 and Vanilla Sky.

I started to question his sanity after he broke up with Nicole Kidman. Sure heightwise they weren’t the most compatible, Kidman being 179 cm.s (5′ 10″) but lookswise, hell they looked so beautiful together. And they were married for what? 11 years? I know relationships go awry all the time and marriages are even harder but still…If they stuck together that long in Hollywood, there must once have been so strong between them. Now he is married to Katie Holmes.

Tom with Kidman
Tom with ex-wife Nicole Kidman.
Tom with Holmes
Tom with Holmes

If people are going to complain about Matthew McConaughey or Kate Hudson or Ryan Reynolds taking on the same roles, playing the same people, they should really take Katie Holmes to the top of their list. When I was  about 14 or 15, I liked Dawson’s Creek. First 2 seasons or so were good-until it became a partner-swapping story. Oh, you know: three guys, 3 boys. Intra-group dating. You imagine the so-called drama and the complications. And Katie Holmes’ pouting. Oh my God, she was- and is- so annoying. She really has one facial expression. Her movie roles did not bring out anything new and for me, Tom’s marrying Holmes seemed like a step down. Nicole’s beauty and versatility as an actress and then to Holmes…Oh well, they seem happy together so I’ll shut up about it. But of course Katie added another thing to the list of things I don’t like about Cruise. Plus, everything about their relationship was so in our face, they were so hard to avoid. There was a time we talked about his movies right?

So leaving his personal life aside… Sometimes I think 80s and 90s were much better times to become stars. Think of Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise- I am thinking it will be hard- if not impossible- to reach this kind of popularity and make this much money for male stars. Tom has evolved-both in appearance and acting-since his Risky Business days. He has played in comedy, drama, thriller, war, action and so on. He was nominated for an academy award for 3 times (2 for best actor and 1 for best supporting role). His harmless feel good movies such as Cocktail and Risky Business are classics. No need to mention Top Gun made him. Even though I find most Oliver Stone movies pretentious, I was genuinely touched by Born on the 4th of July. List goes on. But my favorite Tom Cruise ever is Jerry Maguire. It is one of the loveliest stories ever written and although it made me a follower of its writer/director Cameron Crowe, Jerry Maguire remains my fav.

Let’s take a trip in history:

(hey I can’t include everything, you know he has been in a lot of films!!!)

Tom Cruise as a teenager who gets to party home with friends and a hooker. 1983.
Tom Cruise as a teenager who gets to party home with friends and a hooker. 1983. Risky Business.
Flying School. Lots of action. Romance. Classic Tony Scott film. 1986.
Flying School. Lots of action. Romance. Classic Tony Scott film Top Gun. 1986. There is Val Kilmer too!
Dustin Hoffman won Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of the autistic older brother to Tom Cruise's character. It is an amazing road trip. Fun and deep. 1988.
Dustin Hoffman won Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of the autistic older brother to Tom Cruise's character. It is an amazing road trip. Fun and deep. 1988. Rain Man is a should-see.
A young man is too willing to go fight in Vietnam. But then he loses a lot. in the war and his return makes for a great anti-war battle. 1989.
A young man is too willing to go fight in Vietnam. But then he loses a lot in the war and his return makes for a great anti-war battle. 1989. Tom Cruise was directed by Oliver Stone. Might be the only Stone movie I ever liked.
Military Drama/ Thriller. Amazing cast: Nicholson, Moore, Kevin Bacon and Kiefer Sutherland. 1992.

First movie of the triology based on the popular tv show of the same name. I prefer the second and the third. 1996.
First movie of the triology based on the popular tv show Mission Impossible. I prefer the 2nd and the 3rd. 1996.

Sports manager J. Maguire takes a big risk when he cares for his clients. He gets his ass fired and a life changing journey starts. I will write its own post. 1996.
Sports manager Jerry Maguire takes a big risk when he cares for his clients. He gets his ass fired and a life changing journey starts. 1996.

vanilla_sky
It is just a wonderful epic. Lots of action, great cinematography. Saw it 2 times at the theater. 2003.
The Last Samurai is a gloriously wonderful epic. Lots of action, great cinematography. Saw it 2 times at the theater. 2003.

Yes, I still love his movies. As long as he doesn’t talk about his “religion” and stops trying to prove how much he loves Katie on Oprah (remember the time he jumped around on the couch???) , I’ll be fine.

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Filed Under: Movies and Actors Tagged With: a few good men, Academy-award winning movies, jerry maguire, katie holmes, Matthew McConaughey, Mission Impossible, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise movies, Top Gun

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