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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Yes, it’s true – women love to be wined and dined , but these are tough times we live in and just because you have an active dating life doesn’t mean you should be emptying your bank account to keep up with it. So, don’t knock freebie dates. Here are a few ideas for dates sure to impress that girl (or guy!) at absolutely zero cost and make recession dating a breeze.
Picnic. It’s classic, simple, and can work in a variety of settings, from a park, to the beach, to a rooftop. If you can get creative with the food that’s already in your fridge and pick your lady some wild flowers instead of splurging on a bouquet from the store, you’ll have a romantic date and your wallet will be untouched.
Check local listings for things like free movie screenings or festivals and events that may be taking place in the city. There’s nothing like walking the streets in good weather and people-watching to talk and enjoy each others’ company.
Weather-permitting, head to the beach or pool for a swim. Ok, let’s not beat around the bush. The real motive for this one is that you’ll get to see your date in her bikini. Enough said. Bring along a kite, if you’re feeling extra whimsical.
Many museums have designated times when admission is free. Check the websites of your local museums to see if there are admission-free days and surprise your date with a visit to the new Postmodernism exhibit (plus, you’ll totally score points by showing off how cultured you are).
Cook dinner together. Aside from being a great activity for getting to know each other, if you can cook dinner with staples that are already sure to be in your kitchen (pasta and vegetables that will inevitably go bad in a few days if you don’t use them). You get to whip up a free meal, impress your date with your improvisational cooking skills, and rescue those veggies from a fate of rotting away at the bottom of your fridge.
Go for a hike – nothing too hardcore that requires anything more than a good pair of sneakers (maybe we should call it a “stroll in the woods” instead). Enjoy nature, and get some fresh air and exercise.
If it’s already dark out and you’re looking for something to do, grab a blanket and head to the nearest field for some stargazing. Apart from being completely romantic, it’s also completely free, and some intimate conversations are bound to arise.
Have a quiet night in. There’s no shortage of activities you can do at home for absolutely zero dollars. Watch a DVD, play video games, play board games, or channel your inner kid and build a fort out of pillows (great for making out in). Just because you’re chilling out doesn’t mean you can’t make a great, free date of it.
Can you add any other favorite freebie date ideas?
Has your iPhone been feeling a little lackluster lately? Lonely, even, hanging out in your pocket all by itself? We’ve got just the thing (aka a slew of hotties) to cheer it up – our brand new iPhone app, HOTorNOT War.
Let’s face it. That card game you know and love may not be the most exciting, but the heat gets cranked up a notch (actually, several notches) when we mash it up with the endless fun of the HOT or NOT rating system. Yeah, you heard us. This is how the melding of two tried and true games works: you and your opponent (who can be your buddy, wingman-in-training, or your iPhone) are dealt five cards, each with a photo straight off of HOT or NOT. Then it’s up to you to use your eyes and fine-tuned judgment skills to pick out which of your cards has the highest rating (you haven’t spent hours scouring and rating babes on HOT or NOT for nothing, have you?) The player whose card has the highest rating scores the point, and you want to score as many points as possible within the 30 second round. Choose to play with either girl cards or guy cards, whichever tickles your fancy, and set the game to 1, 3, 5, or 7 rounds. Take a look:
HOTorNOT War is the best way to check out hotties and put your rating skills to use while you’re on the go or just looking to kill some time (what are iPhone games for, afterall?) and we’ve found it curiously addictive. You should definitely check it out, and let us know what you think of the game in the comments. Enjoy!
Alright, guys. Check it out. From now on, I will be writing a weekly newsletter; interviewing men and women, and giving you guys the down and dirty details on how to meet women on HOT or NOT.
Some of my double matches on HOT or NOT
A little about me: I am a veteran here, on HOT or NOT. I first started using the site in December 2005. Since then, I’ve met some long term girlfriends, and created tons of everlasting memories. I loved the site so much, I got a job here!
So here I am, at your disposal to help you make the most of HOT or NOT… Lets start off with the basics: First, you’re here to meet women. Whether you are looking for a one night stand, or your soul mate, the reason you took the time to sign up for HOT or NOT, is strictly to meet women. If you claim otherwise, you are lying to yourself!
So here is your homework for this week: try these 5 tips to making the most of your HOT or NOT experience. Use them, and you should have a date by the end of the month. I strongly urge you to write in with your success stories, questions & comments.
1. Create a list of 3 things you want to convey to the women you message. Remember that you want to convey a high amount of value, so put your best foot forward!
2. Yes, creating an opening copy/paste message is great, because it allows you to convey yourself and save time. Still, any educated human being can sniff out a mass-message. Include some of her keywords in your message. Ask her why she has Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a keyword. Tell her she’s cool for having the UFC on her Hotlist!
3. Make her laugh. (with you, not at you…)
4. Don’t be needy! Look, if you come across as a guy who has cobwebs in his condom drawer, and his mom and family doctor on speed dial, you’re up for review to be deleted, very soon.
5. Keep your initial message SHORT! Look, you don’t know her, she could be a complete lunatic! Quit acting like she’s the prize. When she finally starts to catch your attention with her words, instead of her pic, then start writing more. Plus, this weeds out the ‘crazies’.
Okay, I’m out, dudes. Good Luck, see you next week!
Happy 2009, and Welcome to the OFFICIAL HOT or NOT blog!
Over the years, many of HOT or NOT’s loyal users and fans have asked for a place to check in on what’s happening and gain insight on what’s to come for the HOT or NOT community. They’ve also requested a place to give us feedback on new (and old) features and to suggest new ideas, services and features that they’d love to see become part of the HOT or NOT experience.
So, to kick off 2009, we’ve launched this blog – the first forum sponsored by and focused exclusively on HOT or NOT.
Posts will be written by members of the HOT or NOT team, and updated regularly. As we continue to invest in HOT or NOT, by rebuilding and extending HOT or NOT’s systems and products to better serve you, our customers, we hope you find this to be a valuable place to share your feedback with us regularly – the good, the bad and the ugly.
So stay tuned, its going to be a very exciting 09!
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.
Purchasing a Star Membership makes it easier to connect with people (hot single ladies, sexy unattached guys) on 
1
It’s classic, simple, and can work in a variety of settings, from a park, to the beach, to a rooftop. If you can get creative with the food that’s already in your fridge and pick your lady some wild flowers instead of splurging on a bouquet from the store, you’ll have a romantic date and your wallet will be untouched.
