Friday Night Date: Couples Retreat
By katie on 9 Oct 2009 | No Comments
This movie is like a stunning, charismatic brainiac whom everyone expects will excel as an environmental lawyer, or a Nobel Prize winner, or the next Bill Gates (in sky-high Louboutins instead of loafers), but who ends up working in a seedy L.A. agency booking gigs for Elvis impersonators. In other words, we expect that with its fame-packed cast, Couples Retreat will be an entertaining, gut-busting thrill of a show. From what we hear, though, the film fails to live up to its awesomeness potential.
The hook: Jason (Jason Bateman) and his perky, (much) younger wife Cynthia (Kristen Bell) are experiencing some marital bumps. So, they decide that only the idyllic Bora Bora can save their marriage and when they find a resort that specializes in couples counseling, they invite three other couples to join them to get a discounted group rate. The other couples think they’ve scored a cheap ticket to Paradise, but they soon realize they’ve been duped and that participating in the resort’s intensive couples therapy program is mandatory: talk about your emotions, or get voted off the island. What comes to light is that the broken couple who spearheaded the venture isn’t the only duo experiencing previously-unaddressed relationship woes.
Vince Vaughn and Malin Akerman, Jon Favreau and Kristen Davis, and Faizon Love and Kali Hawk make up the other three couples. There’s an awkward erotic yoga session with a greasy, Speedo-clad instructor who enthusiastically ensures that his clients get the deepest stretch possible. But didn’t we get over inappropriate beachside hip-thrusting after watching Russell Brand’s raunchy performance in Forgetting Sarah Marshall? While we haven’t actually seen Couples Retreat, we’d bet you a Large popcorn and a bag of M&Ms that the original scene outshines this film’s overly erotic (and cliché) yoga teacher.
The scenery is also very familiar and we’ve seen some of these stars in similar settings in recent years: Kristen Bell in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Malin Akerman in The Heartbreak Kid, and Kristen Davis in the movie version of Sex and the City. It feels like we’ve already seen these marriages fall to pieces and we’ve already laughed at these jokes.
It’s a cruel, cruel world we live in if a cast of quality stars doesn’t guarantee that the movie in which they’re starring is of a certain caliber. All of these actors have flexed their mighty comedy muscles in the past, but it seems they’ve failed to work their magic to create an Old School-quality film. Instead, it looks like this movie is as authentic and creative as a can of Spam.
Go and see it for yourself, though, and then report back with a review on Monday! For your enjoyment, here’s the trailer.
Halloween Flick: Paranormal Activity
By anna on 8 Oct 2009 | No Comments
Whether you’re a thrill junkie or not, scary movies are perfect for a date. What better way to get that gal burying her head in your chest with her arms around your neck than a gore-filled spook-fest? Or maybe your man is a scaredy-cat who leaps three feet out of his seat every time Jason jumps out with his axe. With Halloween just around the corner, we wanted to talk about a slightly different kind of scare-filled flick that’s been garnering a great deal of attention and critical praise – Paranormal Activity.
Filmed mockumentary-style (think Blair Witch Project) and on a minimal budget, this indie horror focuses on a young couple who have moved into a new home and the disturbing presence that comes with it. On a nightly basis, they experience something out of the ordinary, and they decide to get to the bottom of it by filming themselves while they sleep. Apparently it’s totally hair-raising!
Thing is, Paranormal Activity has seen only very limited theatrical release in a few select cities. So, they’re rounding up the masses online via various social media outlets and asking them to demand that Paranormal Activity be screened in their city…and the response has been overwhelming. Over 600,000 people have demanded to see Paranormal Activity, and that’s certainly enough to justify a major theatrical release for this little indie that could.
So does Paranormal Activity sound like its right up your alley? Would you take a date to this movie to celebrate some Halloween spirit?
Click here to visit Paranormal Activity’s site and demand the movie in your city!
HOT Halloween Costumes for Girls
By anna on 7 Oct 2009 | 3 Comments
Who said that Halloween is just an excuse for girls to dress like they just walked out of a porno mag? You don’t have to show up to that party as a Playboy bunny (soo unoriginal) just to get attention. You can flaunt what you’ve got with something that’s both original, sexy, and leaves a little bit to the imagination – boys want what they can’t have, right?
1. Firefighter – we know men love a woman in uniform, but this is one that will catch them off-guard. Mess with gender stereotypes and look red-hot in something tight and rubbery. Essential accessory: firefighter helmet, ‘cause you can never be too careful with your locks. 
2. Little Red Riding Hood – this classic children’s fairy tale character exudes innocence, but wait until you show the big bad wolf who’s boss. Essential accessory: picnic basket – someone’s gotta bring the goodies for Granny.
3. Warrior/Gladiator – show off your muscles as warrior princess because you’re more badass than all the guys put together. Dirty up the costume and add a few conveniently-placed tears because you’ve just been battling it out (plus, it shows off more skin). Essential accessory: weapons – carry around a spear or knife to show you mean business.
4. Insect – Let’s get over the harmless little bumble bee. Intensify the creepy factor and dress up as a spider or up the whimsy as a dragonfly. Essential accessory: if you’re a spider, bring a web to catch your prey.
5. Decade – Pick a decade and make it come to life (anything but the 80’s, it’s so overdone!). Be a sassy flapper from the 20’s or a perky housewife from the 50’s. Essential accessory: depends on your decade!
6. Alice in Wonderland – Take the cute out of this costume and make it a little stranger if you can find a creative way to reflect the trippy nature of Alice’s story. Essential accessory: rope your posse into dressing up as the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, and White Rabbit.
Tip: for an extra twist to your costume, you can zombie-fy any of these. A zombie housewife in torn, bloody clothes and wielding a kitchen knife should do the trick. And of course, anything can become raunchier if you shorten the skirt a few inches or expose more cleavage (as long as this isn’t your office Halloween party). Time to get creative!
Beer Pong Athletes
By katie on 6 Oct 2009 | No Comments
You know something is culturally significant when someone (in this case, two dudes) dedicates an entire book to the subject.
And we think it’s about darn time that Beer Pong – the collegiate house-party staple – gets its moment in the spotlight outside of grimy student kitchens or beer-stained living rooms. Adapted from The Book of Beer Pong, this article demystifies the perfect Beer Pong shot with tips (and handy illustrations!) about the grip, aim, and toss.
The most unforgivable form of social suicide for undergraduates is a Beer Pong toss that constantly misses its bulls-eye, so stop being a chump and embarrassing yourself in front of your buddies and female partiers with your shameful shot. (Please note: Beer Pong might not be an Olympic sport – yet – but the girls will still size up your skills, and then they will automatically assume that this is a reflection of your athletic agility in all other sports, as well.)
Like learning how to knot your own tie without looking like a dufus, or experiencing your first encounter with the fairer sex (“she touched me!”), mastering the Beer-Pong shot is a male rite-of-passage. Don’t screw this up.
Click here for tips from the pros: http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Throw_a_Proper_Beer_Pong_Shot
What’s Hot: Men’s Fall Fashion for 2009
By vanessa on 5 Oct 2009 | No Comments
To all you men out there, here’s the deal. When it comes to updating your look this season, you’ve got the upper hand. Why might you ask? The answer is simple; you’re not a woman! You don’t have a million trends to follow so looking stylish shouldn’t be a problem. Still concerned? Don’t sweat it, HOT or NOT’s got you covered. Grab a pen and paper and take notes because here are this season’s must-haves.
1.) The Power Suit: Does the old saying “the suit makes a man” ring a bell? It should, being as this statement is completely true. A good suit is undeniably a closet staple for every man and as it’s probably been some time since you’ve last purchased a new one, we encourage you to get out there and do so. Exchange that baggy thing you call a suit for something a little more sleek and sophisticated. For fall 2009, go with a double breasted jacket and sleek pants and presto, you’re in!
2.) Knitted Sweater: Fashion meets function? Hard to believe, right? Well in this case, not quite. Celebrate “sweater weather” with a comfy knit sweater. Enough said!
3.) Leather Jacket: Have you got one of those leather numbers that fits sort of loose and tapers around the waist? Burn it! Times have changed and so should your leather jacket. Reach for something a little more form fitting, you’ll explode with joy- no not literally!
4.) Combat /Motorcycle boots: If you don’t already know, the first thing a woman looks at is your shoes and if she says she doesn’t care, she’s lying. Grab yourself a great pair of motorcycle/combat-esque boots, pair them with some great jeans, and the women will flock. Don’t believe us? Try it out!
5.) Plaid: In case you didn’t get the memo, plaid is in! Plaid shirts are a great casual alternative and most of all they’re comfortable. No excuses, this one should be easy.
6.) Long scarves: They’re all over the runway and they serve a purpose- a great thing called warmth! This one is by far the most pocket friendly way to update your look. (*don’t tie it, wrap it!*)
7.) Cardigan: A cardigan can bring your outfit from work to play instantly. If you’re low on cash stick to a neutral colour/pattern that will work with your whole wardrobe.
8.) Military Jackets: Honour the King of Pop with a military inspired jacket this fall.
So we’ve made this pretty easy for all you fellas out there but we want you to keep in mind a few extra things. Grey is not only a popular colour for this season but it’s also a great neutral that will match everything in your wardrobe and please steer away from baggy items!
5 Best Bromance Movies
By anna on 1 Oct 2009 | No Comments
Let’s take a moment to examine some of pop culture’s best examples of the intricate and fragile bonds that comprise the closest of all possible male friendships – the bromance. The bromance is often characterized by an unfaltering love for the other man, but also the ability to be brutally honest about when he is making a mistake. Through the best of times and the worst of times, these men have each others backs no matter what comes their way.
5. Old School – When Mitch (Luke Wilson) discovers his girlfriend cheating on him, he moves out and rents a house on the nearby college campus. His two best friends, Beanie (Vince Vaughn) and Frank (Will Ferrell), start spending a lot of time at his place and they decide to relive their college days and escape their mundane lives by founding a fraternity that welcomes all the misfits and outcasts of the school and town. The school’s dean wants to get them off the property, but they fight back, all the while proving that their friendship is the strongest bond they’ve got to fall back on.
4. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle – Harold and Kumar brings more to the table than stoner comedy gold; it’s also a prime example of a situation in which two friends stick with each other through thick and thin – a rabid racoon, a crazed Neil Patrick Harris, a stint in prison, and more – until they reach the most seemingly unattainable dream (in this case – those sumptuous, square White Castle burgers). If that’s not an example of devoted bromance, then we don’t know what is.
3. Ferris Beuller’s Day Off – This 80’s John Hughes classic remains a beloved teen comedy today and showcases one of the more intriguing bromances on this list; the coolest, most popular guy at school, and his neurotic, socially awkward best friend. Ferris (Matthew Broderick) and Cameron (Alan Ruck) blow off school and spend a day in the city, after which Cameron has a blow-out because he feels like Ferris has taken advantage of him one too many times. Yet Ferris is the only one who can calm him down and reassure him that everything is going to be okay. In this timeless bromance, Ferris makes Cameron live a little, while Cameron is the rational voice that keeps Ferris grounded and from going too far.
2. Superbad – This gem in the teen comedy genre centers around two best friends who come to realize that all they really need is each other. Almost-grads Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hill) are feeling the onset of separation anxiety before they part ways to go to college, but a regular evening out turns into an adventure when they attempt to score some booze for a party and everything goes awry. Only after this crazy night do they realize that their friendship can withstand no matter what curveballs life throws at them. It brings a tear to the eye.
1. I Love You, Man – Not only does this movie focus on the phenomenon of the bromance, but it is also one of the funniest comedies to come out in recent memory. Peter (Paul Rudd) realizes that his wedding is around the corner, and he has no guy friends for his wedding party. He sets out on a search to find a best man and stumbles upon the crazy but lovable Sydney (Jason Segal, doing his best Jason Segal). Hilarity ensues as Peter embarks upon the close male friendship he never had, and the chemistry between Rudd and Segal is palpable. This bromance is truly a match made in heaven.
If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen this comedy gold yet, check out the trailer for I Love You, Man!
Breakfast of Champions
By katie on 30 Sep 2009 | No Comments
A nutritious, well-balanced meal (and a strong cup of coffee) is a surefire way to start your day. Sometimes, though, it seems worthwhile to skip a homemade breakfast (even if it’s just a bowl of cereal) and grab something en route in order to squeeze in an extra 10 minutes of sleep. But what if the foods you’re choosing on the go are actually making you more sluggish – and adding hundreds of extra calories to your daily intake before you even reach your cubicle?
Here are the top 20 contenders for the worst breakfasts in America. Consider this your blacklist of breakfasts. Memorize these items. Write them down, if you must. And do not, under any circumstances, give in to the temptation to order them when they stare up at you, oh-so-tauntingly, from a fast-food menu.
Making healthy choices is tough, especially when you’re groggy and battling rush hour traffic. These breakfasts might seem harmless (some of them look so sweet!), but revealing the evil behind these tantalizing options will help you realize how dangerous they can be. Stick to the recommended alternatives and you’ll have a light, heart-friendly start to the day. And remember, being healthy is hot!
Madonna’s Celebration
By katie on 29 Sep 2009 | No Comments
The queen of the dance floor pumps out more party anthems with her much-anticipated compilation album, Celebration, available today. Celebration is Madonna’s third greatest hits collection since the punky Material Girl hit the scene in 1982 in all her untamed-eyebrows-and-overly-teased-hair glory.
The new double-disc album features 34 beloved hits from the past three decades (digitally re-mastered, of course), along with the title track, “Celebration,” and two new collaborations featuring Paul Oakenfold and Lil’ Wayne. With tracks like “Vogue,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” “Like a Prayer,” and “Express Yourself,” you’ll be lip-synching and busting a move in your neon legwarmers from the album’s opening note to its final crescendo.
It’s hard to believe that Madonna is in her 50s (that body is enviable to most 20-year-olds) and, whether you love her, or you love to hate her, there’s no denying that she has handled superstardom like a pro. Madonna has fashioned herself as a superficial “virgin,” a mellow Zen goddess, a flashy lady-pimp, a retro-bodysuit worshipper, and a humanitarian, but throughout her countless incarnations, she has always remained – fiercely, unapologetically – herself. And that, my friends, is something to celebrate.
Check out the hilarious “Celebration” music video featuring hardcore Madonna fans doing their best impressions of her Madge-esty’s various personas from the past 27 years. Amazing!
Madonna – Celebration (Fan Version)
HOT or NOT? Floppy bows (the brighter, the better) and tousled, shellacked locks were a vogue flashback to the ‘80s at the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 show earlier this month. Will you be channeling Madonna in her Desperately Seeking Susan days this spring? We say go ahead and tie one on!
How to Make the Most of your Star Membership
By katie on 24 Sep 2009 | No Comments
Purchasing a Star Membership makes it easier to connect with people (hot single ladies, sexy unattached guys) on HOT or NOT, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll instantly amass Double-Matches and find your dream date. A Star Membership is like a toolbox: it offers you useful gadgets that will help you accomplish your goal (meeting a hottie), but it can’t do all the work for you. You need to exert a little effort and creative elbow grease in order to make the most of the perks included in your subscription. You’ve already purchased it, so you might as well use it!
Just Say “Yes”: You’ll increase your chances of getting more Double-Matches if you click “Yes” to lots of profiles in the Meet People section. Obviously, not everyone can be your soul mate, but you can still use HOT or NOT to make new friendships and connections. And remember, just because you said “Yes” to someone, it doesn’t necessarily mean that s/he will accept your request; so, clicking “Yes” to lots of people increases your odds, since you may only have success with a couple of them.
HoN Tip: Our new search feature makes it easier for people to meet local singles and find love. Just enter your city or zip code in the location field and select a distance (50 miles, 500 miles, etc.) from the drop-down menu. You can also mix things up and browse profiles from all around the world by entering “Everywhere” instead of a location. This way, you might see a profile from Sydney, one from Johannesburg, and one from San Francisco, all in the same search results.
Send messages to your Half-Matches: So, you’ve clicked “Yes” to a stellar hottie and your profile will now end up in his/her Half-Matches page (where it will anxiously await reciprocity). Why not stand out and send the person a Half-Match message? These are short (250 characters, max) messages that give you an opportunity to let a girl know that she’s caught your attention. But don’t cop out and send the same message to everyone: send personalized messages that let the recipient know who you are and why you are interested in his/her profile. Sure, you’ve got the looks, but people want to get a sense of someone’s personality as well, and this is your chance to let your individuality shine. Make note of her style, or his stunning eyes, or the keywords you both have in common – let that user know that you’ve noticed something unique about him/her and avoid simply pointing out the fact that she’s super-hot, or he’s got tight abs. Be genuine, not generic.
Send a virtual gift: All Star Memberships include a Star Gift Pack, rammed with a variety of e-flowers that you can send to your sweetie. The web version of a tulip might not smell as sweet as the real thing, but it’s still a nice gesture that lets someone know you think s/he’s pretty special.
Stay in touch with your Double-Matches: Once someone has accepted your meet request, you’ll become Double-Matches. Yay! From here, you can start getting to know each other by sending longer messages through our messaging feature. Unlimited messaging is included in all Star Memberships, but, again, be sure to make each message unique and point out some specifics that you liked about his or her profile or pictures. Remember that if you’re a Basic (FREE) member, you can still email your Double-Matches, as long as the other person is a Star Member.
HoN Tip: Don’t include your personal email address in the first message. This is typical spam behavior (you don’t want someone to think you’re a fake!) and people usually like to get to know their Double-Matches on our site before corresponding through their personal email accounts.
Good luck!
Top 10 TV Couples
By katie on 22 Sep 2009 | 1 Comment
Ah, fall – the season of television. With series premieres, season openers, and award shows, it’s no wonder we become channel-surfing couch-potatoes once September hits. To celebrate the fresh crop of small screen entertainment, here’s a look at 10 of our favorite TV couples.
10. Elaine Benes and David Puddy – Seinfeld – These two bickerers are classic comedy fodder. Favorite moments include: their failed attempt to call it quits on a transatlantic flight; their break-up due to Puddy’s overuse of high-fives; and their hilarious meeting with a priest who insists they’ll both burn in Hell, despite Puddy’s affinity for Christian radio.
9. Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert – The Office – Intra-office hook-ups gone wrong can seriously damage your career, but lucky for these two (and for the show’s fans), Jim and Pam were victorious and proved that love can prevail, even in the face of toxic workplace gossip and a meandering, man-child boss.
8. Brian Griffin and Jillian – Family Guy – He’s a talking dog; she’s his dumb, semi-hot, human girlfriend. Need we say more?
7. Ross Gellar and Rachel Green – Friends – If we learned one thing from the reigning on-again/off-again couple of the ‘90s, it’s that persistence pays off: they end up raising a child and living together as if they were spouses, but they get to date other people!
6. Seth Cohen and Summer Roberts – The O.C. – Every teenage, half-Jewish, comic book nerd’s stock skyrocketed after the coupling of babelicious Summer and the garrulous Seth. What girl wouldn’t want her man to create a superhero version of her?
5. Lily Aldrin and Marshall Eriksen – How I Met Your Mother – This quirky duo strikes the perfect balance between mushy teenagers and an old married couple. From college sweethearts to “Mr. and Mrs.,” Lily and Marshall are BFFs who are still down for some spontaneous nookie (on a highway, a pool table, or a bathroom floor) and pounding back pints like freshmen.
4. Serena van der Woodsen and Dan Humphrey – Gossip Girl – She’s got the coolest preppy-chic wardrobe on the Upper East Side, and he’s got perfect hair and heartthrob eyes – clearly, this is a match made in TV heaven. Plus, these two lovebirds get extra points for getting it on off-set, too.
3. Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big – Sex and the City – Sure, Mr. Big is as hot as the latest pair of Manolo mules, but it took some of us a while to consider him gush-worthy, what with his commitment issues and his playboy ways. But charm has a potent effect and he eventually won over viewers and – most importantly – the heart of our girl Carrie.
2. Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy – 30 Rock – Ok, so they’re not technically a couple, but they nag each other as if they were, and the sexual tension bubbling beneath the surface of their verbal warring is obvious to everyone, except maybe Kenneth, the wide-eyed NBC page.
1 . Bill Compton and Sookie Stackhouse – True Blood – He might be tall and handsome, but the only thing “dark” about Vampire Bill is the inside of his coffin. The pallid bloodsucker and his gal add some heat to the already-scorching town of Bon Temps with their fang-tastic romance. Couple-in-real-life bonus: they don’t have to wait until sundown for a steamy tryst.
