Wednesday, September 29, 2010

What Doesn't Kill You... Is Going To Marry Your Brother - You Again Movie Review


Oh, high school. (We hope you can hear the heavy, condescending sigh that was spoken with.)


It’s probably safe to say that pretty much everyone has at least one skeleton from somewhere among those awkward years of acne and insecurities stuck in their closet that comes back to haunt them when they least expect it. And although this may be spoken from a somewhat biased writer, it’s that universal theory that makes all these high school revenge movies relatable.


And that’s what You Again is, your run of the mill high school vengeance flick, where the tormented geek (in this case, Kristen Bell) squares off against her nemesis (Odette Yustman) when they are reunited after many years, drudging up the painful memories that suggest that no matter how much you grow up or how far away you move, high school is never quite over.

With a female power house cast including Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kristin Chenoweth and Betty White, as well as delightful cameos laced throughout, You Again tries really hard to stray cautiously from the support of the predictable formula, but ends up staggering on her own two legs.

The chemistry between Bell and Yustman is strong; the heated rivalry between the two is believable, what with Bell having already mastered the art of ruthless vengeance during her outcast high school detective days on Veronica Mars.

Bell falls naturally into the role of clumsy and awkward Marni, complete with acne, braces and oversized glasses, while Yustman flawlessly shows the kind of confidence only a head cheerleader with a vicious mean streak can show, making you want to continuously punch her in the face.

Weaver and Lee-Curtis mirror a similar chemical divergence in their corresponding rivalries, however it seems as though they aren’t given much room to take their characters to their full potential.


The bit part of Marni’s younger brother Ben (Billy Unger) with his smart mouthed comments (including suggesting Weaver looks like a CGI character, a subtle nod to her character in Avatar), White’s stereotypical sassy grandmother role and Chenoweth’s over the top wedding planner round off the comedic character checklist.


There are laughs and several tongue-in-cheek references to pop culture fads, but things quickly turn serious and the movie does begin to get a little heavy as the rival characters reach their breaking point, a point that isn’t much of a shocker and has been done many times over.


While there is substance and a promising cast, You Again feels as though it's missing something and ends up playing out exactly as you would expect it to. It is entertaining and it is funny (and Bell is as brilliant and adorable as always), but there are only so many times you can relive those glory days before you realize it’s time to let go of the past.

images from google images

Friday, September 24, 2010

What to do about the Town - Sept 24 to 26


One of the many benefits of living in a megalopolis is the vast variety of events that occur in and around us every day. With the Autumnal Equinox upon us, finding outdoorsy things to do is easy and fun.

The days are shorter, but the sun is just as bright and the breeze has that cool nip to it that’s just refreshing. We suggest that you just get out there and enjoy everything our hip little town has to offer!


Even if that means you have to drive a bit out into the country. Having been to Chudleigh’s Apple Farm many times before, this is a one stop shop for Fall. You can bring the entire family to pick your own Apples, take a hay wagon ride, enjoy a picnic and the bake shop. They have the signature Apple Blossoms as well as apple pie, apple crumble and Veronica’s personal favourite, pumpkin pie. Not to mention, the abundance of fresh pumpkins ready to be turned into lanterns. http://www.chudleighs.com/index.html

If you prefer to stay in the city then you’re in luck this weekend! The Clothing Show is happening at the Better Living Center, Exhibition Place September 24th to 26th and boasts over 300 booths of new clothing designers, jewellers, and accessories. For the environmentally conscious, they have vintage and eco friendly clothing. They also added runway shows and an art gallery. http://www.theclothingshow.com/index.html

The neatest thing to be happening this weekend is the Small World Music Festival which celebrates the diversity that makes our community so unique. This is an opportunity to discover music from other cultures without having to leave our own backyards. Also, the Small World on the Street will be part of this weekend’s Word on the Street Festival , which will showcase six Toronto Global Music acts. http://www.smallworldmusic.com/

Word on the Street Festival is happening on Sunday September 26th at Queen’s Park. Food lovers, families and book lovers will delight in this outdoor festival. There are many different areas that are bound to satisfy even the pickiest of readers. New to the festival this year is publishing giant, Penguin, who is celebrating their 75th birthday by exhibiting their great authors. http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/toronto

And of course, plenty of new movies premiere this weekend as well, in case you’d rather spend your time cozied up in a theatre with your hand in a bag of popcorn. Our pick? You Again, starring Kristen Bell (Ashley’s #1 girl crush), Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver. Yeah, sure, it will most likely be like every other movie of a similar nature, but Kristen Bell is funny and this movie will no doubt be just as charming.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

FALL TV PREVIEW -- Part 2: Veronica's Picks


Continued from our last post, here are Veronica's highly recommended Fall TV Shows.


VERONICA'S PICKS

NEW SHOWS

Hawaii Five-0
(Premieres Monday, September 20th @10pm on CBS/Global)

Hawaii Five-0 is a refreshed remake of the classic 60’s show by the same name. Not having watched any of the original series but knowing the iconic “Book ‘em, Danno!”, was enough of a draw for me. I also had the opportunity to watch the pilot episode earlier this Summer and was impressed. The cast is known from Daniel Dae Kim (Lost), Grace Park (Battlestar Galactica) and of course the very sexy Alex O’Loughlin (who can resist an Aussie accent?). Set in Hawaii, the series B story will be about Detective McGarrett trying to solve his father’s murder. This is a must see, even if it’s only for the scenery of the island and of Grace Park in a bikini.

Outlaw
(Premieres Friday, September 24th @ 10pm on NBC/Global)

I have high hopes for this one. I’ve always enjoyed Jimmy Smits as an actor and I do like my cop/court dramas so naturally this appealed to me. Conan O’Brien is the producer for this series so I can’t go wrong. The best thing about working in Broadcast TV is getting to see things before the public. This court-room drama focuses on Supreme Court Justice Garza (Smits) who resigns from his position to start up his own law firm intent on representing the little guy. Court dramas are almost always formulaic and I don’t foresee this being any different, but it does have the commanding presence of Jimmy Smits to keep you glued to your TV.

Love Bites
(mid season, will air on NBC/Global)

Love Bites will be geared towards a dominant female audience. It follows Annie and Frannie, two single women who delve into the world of dating, relationships, sex and of course, love. Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) plays the virgin Annie and Jordana Spiro (My Boys) is the promiscuous Frannie. These two have been known as the duo of “Annie and Frannie” since high school. Greg Grunberg (Heroes) plays the hapless husband well and he’s much more suited to a comedic role. The showrunner for Love Bites was Cindy Chupack (Sex and the City) but she’s since backed out. The pilot was well received, but as this is a mid season, expect a lot of changes to the story and characters when it finally premieres. Keep your eyes peeled for this one in 2011.

The Walking Dead
(Premieres Sunday, October 31st @ 10pm on AMC)

The Walking Dead is based on a comic book series by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. It follows a band of survivors after a zombie apocalypse in search of a safe place to call home away from the hungry hordes of zombies. We should see that this series isn’t just about surviving the zombies but each other as well. The human mind and body is pushed to its limits when everything they knew disappears. I’m excited for this for many reasons; I love the comic books, the story is solid and no one is safe. It has the possibility of being a long running show as the story can change and adapt as needed. I love anything zombie. Season one is only a six episode order but I can tell this one is going to be great. I know what I’m doing Halloween night, do you?

RETURNING SHOWS

Castle
(Season 3 premieres Monday, September 20th @ 10pm on ABC/CTV)

Obviously the premise of this show is preposterous and would never, ever actually happen, but, it’s still one hell of an entertaining show. Richard Castle is a bestselling writer who kills off his main character, Derek Storm, then suffers from writers block. He gets called in to help with a copy cat murder from one of his novels where he meets Detective Kate Beckett. What makes this series work is the appeal of Nathan Fillion (Firefly) and Stana Katic (Quantum of Solace) and of course their obvious sexual tension. These two play off each other so well, each scene just sizzles with electricity. This is one show that is a must watch, every week.

The Big Bang Theory
(Season 4 premieres Thursday, September 23rd @ 8pm on CBS/CTV)

I don’t think there is a person alive who does not enjoy this show. It’s so delightfully nerdy, socially awkward and just funny. I didn’t get hooked on this show until the third season when I happened on an episode and just fell in love with Sheldon’s persona. Of course I then had to watch the previous two seasons to catch up. Leonard is Sheldon’s roommate and fellow geek who over time has become less awkward, especially after successfully dating the hot girl next door, Penny. CBS decided to move their entire schedule around this fall, moving The Big Bang Theory to its new comedy block on Thursday night to go up against NBC’s comedy block. I know which show I’ll be watching (read: PVRing).

Criminal Minds
(Season 6 premieres Wednesday, September 23rd @ 9pm on CBS/CTV)

Yes, I do watch a lot of procedural cop dramas. I stopped watching this a few years back but due to a recent life change I’ve been hooked on watching all the reruns on A&E on weekends and have found a new appreciation for it. I love it when a show gets syndicated. What I enjoy the most are the cast of characters, how they interact with each other and with other agencies. Thomas Gibson (Dharma and Greg) plays supervisory special agent Avon Hotchner, Shemar Moore (Young & the Restless) is Special Agent Derek Morgan and my favourite Kirsten Vangsness as Tech Analyst Penelope Garcia. Her spunk and skills on the keyboard provide the show with the break from all the darkness the BAU team deals with on a daily basis.

Glee
(Season 2 premieres Tuesday, September 21st @ 8pm on Fox/Global)

This show just brings a smile to my face. I knew it was going to be a hit when I saw the Pilot last year. It had all the makings of a great show; talented cast, strong storyline, dancing and singing! It was a weekly musical that I could watch from the comfort of my couch but always had enough to keep me laughing. The themed episodes were done well and the songs chosen are almost always on the mark. This second season I’m looking forward to the second Madonna episode and I’m curious as to how the hyped up Brittany/Brittany episode will play out. Season 2’s soundtracks will surely make it onto my iPhone.

Supernatural
(Season 6 premieres Friday, September 24th @ 9pm on CW/CityTV)

Having been a fan of this series from the beginning, I was cautiously optimistic about the sixth season. The series creator Eric Kripke had a story arc that only ran for five seasons. From what’s been speculated so far, it looks like show runner Sera Gamble will be going back to the roots of the show. This sixth season will have our beloved brothers Dean (Jensen Ackles, Smallville) and Sam (Jared Padalecki, Gilmore Girls) back on the road, hunting demons and killing things in the very sexy 1967 Black Chevy Impala. As much as I disliked the Angels vs. Demons line they were on for the last two years, I still watched. And this year will be no different.

And of course honourable mention goes to Fox/Global’s Sunday night Animation Domination with the return of The Simpsons, Family Guy, The Cleveland Show (all premiering September 26 starting at 8pm) and American Dad (premiering October 3 at 9:30pm). The Simpsons is returning for its 22nd season, making it the longest running animated TV show. Seth McFarlane is still at the helm of Family Guy and is always willing to push the envelope with his adult themes. Spin offs don’t always work but Seth’s tried and true formula does and has lend success to The Cleveland Show.

images from google images

Friday, September 17, 2010

FALL TV PREVIEW -- Part 1: Ashley's Picks


Not that either of us need more motivation to hermit ourselves in the comfort of our own home, but it’s September – the beginning of a beautiful new Fall TV season, the perfect excuse to kick back, put our feet up and never leave our couches.


With plenty of new shows and old time favourites, how is anyone to know what is worth watching? And how do you make time to fit everything in? We figured we would help eliminate some of the pressure and put our tastes to the test by highlighting some of our picks for shows that you cannot miss this season.


ASHLEY’S PICKS


NEW SHOWS

Undercovers
(Premieres Wed Sept 22 @ 8pm on NBC/CityTV)

Undercovers is dubbed as a “sexy, fun, action-packed spy drama that proves once and for all that marriage is still the world's most dangerous partnership”. With a cast of somewhat unknowns, I’m really just curious to see what creator J. J. Abrams (Alias, Lost) can do with a somewhat been-there-done-that spy scenario. Sounds a little too Mr. & Mrs. Smith to me, but I’m willing to give it a chance.

No Ordinary Family
(Premieres Tues Sept 28 @ 8pm on ABC/CTV)

This one hour sci-fi drama centers around the Powells, a typical American family whose members gain special abilities after their plane crash lands into the Amazon River. While I’m a big fan of anything sci-fi or superpowered, I hadn’t seen a preview for this until recently. It was Veronica’s mention that Jackson Rathbone (one of the only tolerable vampires in Twilight) would be guest starring for a number of episodes that secured my interest and this spot on my must see list. It has potential, assuming it doesn’t run the same convoluted route as Heroes did. They probably could have come up with a better name for the show, though.

RETURNING SHOWS


30 Rock
(Season 5 premieres Thurs Sept 23 @ 8:30pm on NBC/CityTV)

Liz and the gang are back for another season of corporate amusement and off-the-handle antics on 30 Rock. With all the buzz and endless awards 30 Rock has won, I initially refused to give it a chance. But I have a soft spot for Tina Fey (girl crush #2) and too much time on my hands, so at the suggestion of a friend, I gave in. I hate buying into the hype, but at least the show delivers and is somewhat deserving of all the attention. If you haven’t yet seen an episode, you’re missing out.

Stargate Universe
(Season 2 premieres Tues Sept 28 @ 9pm on SyFy)

Yes, more sci-fi. But before you roll your eyes, hear me out. The Stargate franchise may get a lot of flack for being too nerdy or too much like Battlestar Galactica (or any other sci-fi show set in space), and I guess it is, but it’s also so much more. A lot of thought goes into each episode; it’s cleverly written and planned out and ultimately, just entertaining. I’m fairly good at predicting how situations will be resolved, so I always admire a show that doesn’t take the obvious route and manages to surprise even the most weathered viewers. Give it a chance. It may take a bit to get into, but it’s definitely worth the patience.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
(Season 6 premiered Sept 16 @ 10pm on FX)

Another show that I was late to get into, but glad I came across. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows the exploits of a group of self-centered friends who run a relatively unsuccessful Irish bar in South Philadelphia. The stars (other than Danny Devito) are also the creators and long time friends, making the comedic chemistry between characters believable and relatable. The only downside to the series, other than the fact that not many people have access to FX in Canada, is how the antics of each episode further inspire me to give up my career, buy a bar and drink all day.

Fringe
(Season 3 premieres Thurs Sept 23 @ 9pm on Fox/CityTV)

One word – Pacey Witter. Okay, I’m sure Joshua Jackson is tired of being remembered as Dawson’s smart mouthed sidekick on Dawsons Creek, especially considering he’s done so much to show his diversity as an actor, but I will always be team Pacey and I will always watch any film/show that he is attached to. Thankfully, Fringe ventures far from the drama filled creek and well into the mysteries of other dimensions and questionable experiments on mankind. Another J.J. Abrams project, Fringe is similar to what the X-Files used to be in its glory days (before it turned all UFO oriented) and sports a talented, strong willed cast, personable characters and unique story lines that keep drawing you back week after week.

The Mentalist
(Season 3 premieres Thurs Sept 23 @ 10pm on NBC/CTV)

Between the various Law&Orders, CSIs, NCISs and general cop shows, the last thing I want to see is another show with the same formula. While the Mentalist is often relatively predictable, it’s the characters that keep me watching, not the cases. I love Simon Baker as unconventional Patrick Jane and all the trouble he causes. And I’m a big fan of Robin Tunney (because of Empire Records, specifically the scene where she shaves her head) who plays his boss, Teresa Lisbon. The sexual chemistry and bickering between these two, not to mention the dynamic from the secondary characters on the squad, adds a little comedy and emotional drama to the tired police scene and who doesn’t love a little emotional drama?

Stay tuned for Veronica's Picks!

images from google images

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Now Is The Winter Of Our Discontent - Richard III @ Hart House Theatre Review


Although the city is buzzing with Hollywood’s hottest celebs for the Toronto International Film Festival, remember that Toronto has a number of its own stars who have been working hard on local projects that promise to make an impact that lasts longer than two weeks of faux glamour.


While our theatrical history typically involves musicals, there is nothing more true to the stage than a Shakespearian play and last night, we were lucky enough to be invited to the opening night of Richard III at the Hart House Theatre.

Widely considered to be one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, Richard III tells the bloody and brutal story of corrupt and arrogant Richard of Gloucester and the lengths he will go to gain the crown and reign in England during the War of the Roses.


Directed by Jeremy Hutton, the three hour play stars Andre Sills as the suave villain Richard of Gloucester, a heartless role that Sills pours himself into. His bewildering charm wipes your judgements clean, causing you to forget the corrupt acts he just committed to reset the groundwork for shock every time he one-ups his previous treachery. With a pleasant tone of comedic narcissism, Sills brings the villain Richard to life in front of your eyes, exposing his deepest, darkest thoughts for all to see.

Annemieke Wade’s passionate Queen Margaret stole the show each time she took the stage, demanding your attention while spitting out her spiteful curses. She seemed to float around the stage like a magical being in a dark blue prom dress, spreading fear through her damned enemies. It was a powerful performance to witness.

Another potent scene exerts a rare moment of modernized girl-power as Claire Accott's Queen Elizabeth stands toe to toe with Richard, calling him out on his murderous deeds and refusing to promise him her daughter. You can almost see her hatred piercing into Richard as she stands her ground and resists his charm. Ultimately, she concedes to his demands, only to defy her word later by rewarding Richard’s enemy, Richmond, with her daughter’s hand. That's our kind of woman.


As always, the general production of the play is admirable. While set options are limited in a smaller theatre, the Hart House production team is so versatile when it comes to making the most of what they’re given. The transitions between scenes were seamless; your eyes being cleverly drawn to various areas of the stage as lights randomly illuminated different characters and scenes to camouflage any motion or change happening in the background.


And a personal shout out to Set Designer Scott Penner for the fascinating tree line. A simple enough scene, but
the sneaky light work to create the transition from full bodied forestry to sinisterly bare branches during the dark inner monologues was impressive. Ashley would like to line her living room with your set design, please.

Richard III is on stage from Sept 15 – Oct 2 at the Hart House theatre. Tickets are $25 for adults or $15 for students and seniors and are available through www.uofttix.ca or by calling (416) 978-8849.

show images from hart house
ticket image from Veronica's phone.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Here’s Lookin’ at You, Kid - Casablanca Movie Review


Casablanca. There’s so much to say and yet it will never be enough. Never did we think we’d have the opportunity to see such an iconic film on the big screen. But last night, we did just that.

Cineplex theatres has brought back its cinematic classics series to their screens, starting with Casablanca (1943). Despite knowing the story, cast and ending, we were excited to kick back in a theatre setting and take in the legendary film widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

The romantic drama tells the story of cynical American Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) as he goes through the motions in Casablanca during World War II. With a questionable past and friends in the right places, Rick keeps most people at arm’s length and stays quietly in the shadows of his upscale nightclub and gambling den, Rick's CafĂ© AmĂ©ricain. That is, until his ex-lover Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) walks into his bar one night.

Ilsa and her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), an infamous resistance leader, are in need of official letters to leave for America to continue his work, an act that many are willing to risk their lives to prevent. Upon learning that Rick is in possession of the letters, both Ilsa and Victor put their fate in his hands, begging for his help to escape to America.

Rick’s jolted bitterness about the demise of their previous love affair prevents him from surrendering the letters, leading Ilsa to threaten him at gunpoint. But she can’t bring herself to shoot him and instead, confesses that she still loves him. This forces them both to fondly remember the brief time they spent in Paris together and the truth about their heartbreaking end surfaces, leaving Rick torn between love and virtue.

Rick Blaine was Humphrey Bogart’s first romantic role after being typecast as a gangster. He did an outstanding job, drawing from his gangster roots to depict that swoon worthy bad boy with a good heart that we all hate to love – not to mention, there’s just something undeniably sexy about a man in a trench coat and fedora. It’s unfortunate that actors of his caliber no longer exist; movies of this caliber are no longer being made. Hollywood is now more obsessed with youth and uninspired, unoriginal remakes.

There was no one better to fill the shoes of Ilsa Lund than Ingrid Berman. She was a luminous beauty; every emotion was shown through her eyes. But most notably was the simple fact that Ms. Bergman did not need to resort to disrobing or other such behaviour to make it evident that she was a much sought after, beautiful woman, as most modern films tend to resort to. The chemistry between Bogart and Bergman will forever be remembered.

It wasn’t until last night that we realized how the film is peppered with edgy references and wit that is rather unexpected for a movie made in the early 40’s. It was emotional, funny and full of memorable quotes that have been referenced time and time again by many tv shows and movies:

Here’s Lookin’ at you, kid (Rick to Ilsa)

Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine. (Rick to Sam, about the return of Ilsa to his life)

Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time. (Ilsa to Rick)

We'll always have Paris. (Rick to Ilsa)

Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. (Rick to Captain Renault)

Of course, memorable quotes from other movies can also be tied back to the classic… such as the scene where Ilsa is explaining to Rick her reasons for leaving him in Paris, where Rick turns to her and says “And then?”. It was only natural to follow that line by turning to each other, giggling and blurting out “No ‘And then’!” (10 points to anyone that gets that reference).


All in all, Casablanca is one of those timeless movies that will continue to have audiences falling in love with it for years to come.


And as for the Cineplex Classic Film Series, well, we do believe this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

image source: google images

Monday, September 6, 2010

Girls Night Out - Sushi & Nerd Store


Every so often, we deem it necessary to meet for dinner and regroup. That being, have a few drinks, let off some steam and just enjoy each others company for a night. This past Thursday we did just that. After work, Ashley met Veronica at her office and they embarked on a back-lot walk to Veronica’s mid-week stomping ground.

Unknown to Ashley, there is a trail of cute little parks between Bloor and Wellesley just east of Yonge. Little parks with a cement walk and benches and fountains and even a little dog memorial with a drinking fountain at dog height. Each park seems to be individually sponsored and named. It made for a very lovely walk south to the store Veronica very affectionately calls “The Nerd Store”.

Every Wednesday, Veronica and her posse of nerdy broadcast boys make this very trek to The Nerd Store for the latest issues of whatever comic they are reading at the time. Ashley has heard about this store endlessly and even ventured out to find it on her own, only to look on the wrong side of the road and never stumble upon it.

So off we went, to 1 Million Comix on Yonge Street. The large yellow sign out front makes the seemingly nondescript store hard to miss (and how Ashley missed it, she cannot figure out). But don’t let the initial sight fool you, 1 Million Comix could very well house 1 million comics, and then some.

With a vast collection, 1 Million Comix is easy to navigate through, find new releases, back copies, hardcovers and indulge in a selection of glorious toys and collectibles. We weren’t on the hunt for anything too specific, but each item Ashley was interested in checking out was readily available, affordable and far too tempting.

Prices are comparable to your average comic shop, as well as online. And we hear that if you become a member you qualify for additional discounts, which makes it all the more worth it. 1 Million Comix is definitely a go to place for your comic needs. And anything you may not be able to find, they can specially order in, just for you. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and as they aren’t used to seeing girls in the store, when some come in, they roll out the red carpet to accommodate them.

Around the corner and up the street is Veronica’s go to Sushi place, MASA, which offers all you can eat Sushi, a la carte and a teppenyaki table. Coincidentally, this is also the location where Ashley had her first real taste of sushi, so it is held close to our hearts for sentimental value.

Our only complaint about this establishment is that it’s on the ground floor of a hotel which for some reason always blocks our phone reception. We don’t go to MASA because they offer ‘all-you-can-eat’ but because they offer a variety of sashimi, sushi, rolls and other delicious Japanese foods. We thoroughly enjoy dining leisurely on the abundant selection while we discuss life, books, movies and music.

Amazingly enough, for once we did not order more than we could eat or have to find clever ways to hide left of sushi to avoid the necessary fee for over ordering, and left feeling contentment in our bellies and fullness in our souls.

other images courtesy of google images

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Team Opera Semi-Final Rundown


Last night was our softball league’s semi-final game. It was do or die. Unfortunately, we didn’t do. It makes such a huge difference in our game when we’re missing the key players we depend on for big hits. And really, that’s all we were missing last night. Defensively, we played a solid, solid game.

At the end of the 1st inning, the game was tied at 3 a piece. For 4 innings we held them off, leaving their runners stranded and gaining 2 runs ourselves on a few brilliant plays. We were so close to that big “W” but didn’t let our guard down, not for one second. But alas, at the bottom of the 6th, they managed to load up the bases and send their runners home, scoring 7 runs (which is a mercy in our league). We had no play available to get that one final out to end the inning.

Heading into the 7th inning, we had one final chance at bat to regain the lead. Our first batter got a solid hit well into center field, but it hung up there too long and was caught. Up next was Veronica (dun dun duuuun), who hadn’t hit worth a damn all night long. She did what she thought was best to get on base; a full, unpowered swing to allow the ball to dribble and roll between their catcher and our pitcher. It worked! Veronica got safely onto first base, and with only one out, a comeback was possible. The fates had other plans for Team Opera, however and the next batter also popped out, leaving us one out away from the end of the game.

Of course, it was Ashley’s at bat. Emotions ran high and nerves started to rise. Placing too much pressure on herself to hit well, she swung at the first pitch and sent a poor pathetic pop to their all star short stop, which was easily and painfully caught. We lose. At the end of it all, the entire team second guessed their decisions on every play of the game, but what’s done is done and there is always next year.

In the post game interview with Ashley, she kept saying that she shouldn’t have swung at THAT pitch, but at the time, how was she to know? She was reminded all night that it was not her fault, we all played exceptionally well with the pared down team we had.

Our team has come a long way and getting to this point and not making it to the final once in the last 3 years has been hard on us. Even though this is a beer league and it’s really for fun, we enjoy winning. We enjoy being champions and have now been denied that honour 3 years running. But next year, next year will be our year. Hopefully with an extended season (which we’ve been discussing), we will be able to gain our momentum well before the playoffs. It was rather sad last night when we realized that it was our very last game together for 2010, as we all enjoy the Wednesday night gathering and the easy camaraderie. Of course, we still have our year end party (stay tuned for a post on that once dates are confirmed) but for post game drinks, its game over.

See you on the diamond in 2011.