Sara Osburn

Did you write in a journal growing up? Can you imagine reading that journal on a stage in front of strangers? That is what Mortified is all about. Don’t worry…this isn’t an ‘open mic’ situation. These stories were carefully chosen by producers of the show.

I have not laughed so hard in months.

From Hanson Fan Fiction, to missing TGIF, to controlling urges…this show is  SUPER fun night out.

The show runs this Friday and Saturday at The North Door. Click here for tickets and info!

The Lone Bellow was in town last night! They are my favorite new band at the moment.

The first I heard of this band was during SXSW while watching the film, “This is Where We Live.” This song was played during the film and I instantly fell in love.

Here is a clip of them performing the song at Waterloo Records.

Book Rec: I am reading this book because Erica Lies told me it is required reading for the writers of Girls (HBO). 

Written in the 50s, some call it the original Sex and the City. I love it so far…and am amazed at how ‘hot n heavy’ some of the scenes are. BTW…in regards to this book I am totally a ‘Caroline.’ 

If you are in the mood for:

A heartfelt comedy: Pretty Ugly People 

You will recognize a lot of faces (Octavia Spencer, Melissa McCarthy etc) in this relatable movie about a group of friends that reunite for a weekend in Montana. AND…it is from the writer/director of ‘The Help’ Tate Taylor. Win/win situation here.

A funny sitcom that didn’t make it past a season: Friends with Benefits

I have no clue as to why some tv shows become big hits, while others fail. This is a great show about hooking up with friends starring Ryan Hanson from ‘Party Down’ and ‘Veronica Mars’

The tv series that broke records: Hatfields and McCoys

Hatfields and McCoys became the #1 entertainment telecast of all time on ad-supported cable last year. Chances are you are one of the millions that caught it, but if you didn’t…aren’t you curious?

A documentary: Herb & Dorothy

An adorable story about a working class couple that saved all their money to buy and collect art that is now housed in museums around the country.

The Hunger Games: The Hunger Games

Yay!!! The Hunger Games is finally on Netflix streaming. You didn’t see it? You should really see it. 

So I bought the book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” today. I am 5 pages in and I already know that I am going to want to discuss this book with other women. 

Everything in this book is up for debate. Reviews have been all over the place from women rolling their eyes, to women saying hells yes! I think we should talk about it all. 

So…what if we made this our first book club choice? If ANYONE is interested…I will find a location at the end of the month/beginning of May to get together.

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to turn on comments on this blog. So I guess just comment on the facebook post if you are into it!

So today I got some cool news that I am a finalist in the ATX TV Pitch Competition. What is that you ask? Well the ATX TV Festival (TV festival here in Austin) has added a competition this year where 10 finalists get to “live pitch” their TV show in front a pretty awesome panel of people. Judges include Bill Lawrence (creator of Scrubs and Cougartown), Peter Billingsley (big time Hollywood producer), David Hudgins (EP of my FAVORITE shows Friday Night Lights & Parenthood)…and many more. Here is the proof here: my name is spelled right and everything! (This didn’t even happen on my HS graduation program. True story.)   http://www.atxfestival.com/programming/pitch/

I want to write a TV show. (I think that is the first time I have ever said that out loud. Scary. Now I want to delete it.) Problem is, I often feel paralyzed by the big picture. I see a goal, but trying to figure out how to get to that said goal seems impossible. This often leads to days of me lying on my bed in a Netflix coma.  Then days like this happens. A step forward. Progress. And it is so easy to say, “well that was easy,” and take it for granted without appreciating all the steps it took to get to that tiny victory. For example, with this particular victory, I started improv 3 years ago. I wanted to try it, because I love Saturday Night Live. When I first started improv I was a nervous wreck often hyperventilating just at the thought of going to another class. Soon the improv world became my world. I found a sketch group/loves of my life (There’s Waldo), I found a mentor/cheerleader (Tom Booker)…and I found a lot of dates…which was important since I was WAY behind when it came to dating boys. Confession: I am not very good at any of it (that includes dating), I mean I get by ok…but boy have I learned a lot. I have learned how to write a 4 minute sketch. I have learned how to perform on a stage. I have learned what it feels like to write something and have not a single person laugh. I have learned what it is like to perform at the Velveeta Room downtown at midnight in front of just a handful of people. And as far as dating goes, I have learned to never have more than 2 beers on a first date.

My best friend sent me an article today on Tina Fey’s secret to success. According to Tina Fey, it is to always say yes because, “the fun happens on the other side of the yes.” The point of my verbal vomit tonight is to remind myself, and anyone who reads this, to just say yes. Keep moving forward.  

Who knows what will come of this, but I see it as another yes, another baby step forward. I will tell you this though, come June 6-9…in the words of Conan O’ Brien, I am going to “work hard and have fun.”  And in the words of my favorite Ellie Goudling song right now, “Anything Can Happen.” 

Good night!

4 college girls steal some money to go on Spring Break and things get out of control.

Expectations going in: 

I have not seen any of Harmony Korine’s films, but I was familiar with his style.

I just wanted to see the movie that people were wrapped around downtown Austin to see at SXSW.

My Take:

The film felt like I was watching one long trance song on repeat, and then remixed. I honestly had no concept of how long I sat in the theater, it could have been 5 minutes or 3 hours.

I didn’t learn or come away with anything from the film. Maybe it is because Spring Break (as a college thing) is my personal hell, but the film made me feel uncomfortable, which I get is kind of the point.

Selena Gomez

I know everyone is talking about James Franco in this film, but I was more impressed with Selena Gomez. As a fan since ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ (girl had comedic timing) I can’t wait to see where her film career goes.

Should my kids see it because they like Selena Gomez?

No. No. No. Just no.

Would you see it with your mom.

I wouldn’t even admit to my mom I saw this. My mom is never allowed to see this film. And if she does she is not allowed to tell me about it.

Good date movie? 

Please do not go to this movie on a first date. #awkward

Bottom Line

The film is not meant for everyone. If you are in to more abstract movies then check it out. If you are just curious to see the naked Disney chicks…then wait to rent it.

Tina Fey is a “boring” admissions counselor at Princeton. Paul Rudd is a “free spirit” that runs a non traditional school, and finds some non traditional ways to make Tina take notice of his prized student. 

Expectations going in: 

My expectations were as low as they get walking into this film. I thought it was going to be a real stinker.

My Take:

Before you read you must know: I love Tina Fey a lot, AND as a child I desperately wanted to get into an Ivy League school…so Tina discussing SAT scores is like my version of porn or something.

It is definitely a messy movie, and Tina Fey & Paul Rudd weren’t too convincing as lovers, but it was all the little stuff that made me laugh.

There are so many fantastic laugh out loud moments in this film. Revealing moments about how the Ivy League admission process works, moments with Lilly Tomlin, and moments with Tina and her pressurized air duster. I guess there were enough moments in this film to win me over.

Lilly Tomlin looks amazing:

Three cheers for Lilly Tomlin who looks amazing in this movie. My strongest memory as a very young child is laughing along to Lilly in her ‘Edith Ann’ Sesame Street bit.

Have you read the book?

No, but now I am super curious to read it. 

Would you see it with your mom?

Yes. It is a great, “Dad needs us/me out of the house” movie. Did you know there is no sex scene in this film? I love that! You can thank Tina Fey for that! 

Good date movie? 

Keep the dude at home. Go to lunch/brunch with a girlfriend and use this as your Saturday “catch up” girlfriend time movie. And can we please all collectively discuss how young Paul Rudd looks in this movie? Paul looks ‘Clueless’ young. 

Bottom Line

Give it a shot. AND let’s be honest…there isn’t much out right now. I enjoyed this WAY more than Burt Wonderstone, Oz, The Snitch, and Identity Theif put together. (Note: I haven’t seen ‘The Call,’ ‘Spring Breakers’ or ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ yet) 

Steve Carell, Steve Buschemi, and Jim Carrey are flashy Vegas magicians all competing for the big stage. The magician with the biggest heart will ultimately succeed.

Expectations going in: 

1. I knew it was going to be stupid. Even Steve Carell told Jimmy Fallon, “This is such a stupid movie.” 
2. BUT I thought maybe it would be “funny stupid” because the writing team behind the movie also wrote ‘Horrible Bosses,’ which is great!

My Take:

Regardless of reviews I was going to see this movie because of the cast and Alan Arkin.

Unfortunately it is a forgettable movie, but I don’t hate myself for spending $6 to see it. It had a few moments in there.

Follow Olivia Wilde on Twitter:

Is it because Olivia is so pretty that I never gave her credit for being funny? This week I caught her in ‘Burt Wonderstone’ and a SXSW screening of the improvised movie ‘Drinking Buddies.’ Girl is funny. Don’t believe me? Follow her on twitter @oliviawilde.

Watch out for:

Jay Mohr has a bit part in this movie…and he nails it.

If you get queasy:

Heads up…some of the Jim Carrey magic scenes are hard to watch. (Yes I covered my eyes.)

Good date movie? 

Sure! And best part…you can make out the whole time and still get the gist of the film!

Bottom Line

See it if you really want to see a movie, but otherwise wait for the rental.

I get REALLY overwhelmed with all the choices on Netflix…instead of making a decision I end up searching for hours while my queue just grows and grows and grows.

If you are like me then hopefully this will help!

***If you can’t find anything off this weeks picks…I have been doing this for a few weeks now…so check out previous posts!

If you are looking for:

A movie to have on as background fluff while you get things done around the house: Somethings Gotta Give

Chick flick staple. Weird observations: I love all the white Diane wears in this movie. It always makes me want to go out and buy a white turtleneck. 

A random indie film with a very sexy leading man: Life in Flight

A few weeks ago Patrick Wilson was a hot topic as Lena Dunham’s “perfect man” on her show Girls. I always wonder why he is not in more BIG stuff. I quite enjoy him. This movie is very sweet and idealistic.

Did you know: Patrick Wilson is also a big time broadway/theater actor and can sing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gMRrrFl2x8 

A documentary about Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

I always thought of Joan Rivers in one way and this movie MADE me look at her in a different way. It is a very sad and honest movie about a very talented lady that still works very hard.

A tv show that started a bunch of careers: Freaks and Geeks

I love this tv series, and I think you will too. At the very least you should catch a few episodes to see where stars like Seth Rogan, Busy Phillips, James Franco, and Jason Segel got their start. Basically this show had the best casting directors ever. 

A movie to inspire you: Horse Boy

How far would you go for your kids? This movie follows an Elgin, TX family as they take their autistic child to Mongolia to hopefully find a way to communicate with him.

I get REALLY overwhelmed with all the choices on Netflix…instead of making a decision I end up searching for hours while my queue just grows and grows and grows.

If you are like me then hopefully this will help!

***If you can’t find anything off this weeks picks…I have been doing this for a few weeks now…so check out previous posts!

If you are looking for:

A movie that is about as Texas as it gets: Bernie

1. This movie is a must watch if you are a Texan.

2. How can you not want to see Shirley MacClaine and Jack Black in a movie together. Comedy gold. 

3. Matthew McConaughey’s Mom is in this movie, can you pick her out?

A movie about family…and disfunction: Union Square

So I still can’t figure out if this movie was good, or if I just didn’t want to turn it off until I figured out what the hell was happening. Regardless, it made me cry and touched me in some way. It is worth a look. Mira Sorvino is wonderful in this. 

An oldie but a goodie from the 90s: Beautiful Girls

I used to be obsessed with this movie. I had the biggest crush on Timothy Hutton, and I wanted to be Natalie Portman. This movie has a super fun cast, and is very relatable (It is about a HS reunion). I miss 90s Rosie O’Donnell in movies. Is that weird? 

A movie about a New York treasure: Bill Cunningham New York

In this movie Fashion Icon Anna Wintour says, “We all get dressed for Bill.” You are going to love this story of NY Times Fashion Photographer who rides his bike around NYC finding fashion. LOVE LOVE LOVE. 

A movie that spells out what went wrong in the market crash: Margin Call 

A look into a 36 hour period of the 2007-2008 market crash. I saw this movie on a super awkward date and I still enjoyed it. I think that says it all. 

Embarrassing Confession: I have never seen any of the Die Hard movies so I do not feel worthy of letting you know if the the 5th installment is a good or bad movie. I will say…I had a great time eating an entire Alamo Drafthouse pizza w/ wine while watching it.

Ryan Seacrest’s girlfriend is running…and Fergie’s husband wants to catch her.

Expectations going in: 

I saw this after a rough week…on a Friday afternoon. I just wanted to eat candy, watch a chick flick, and get a few love butterflies in my stomach.

My take: 

A true chick flick. Julianne Hough is adorable, Josh Duhamel is hot, AND there is classic Nicolas Sparks canoe in the rain scene (just like in The Notebook). What more could one ask for.

Did you read the book:

Nope. Therefore I cannot comment on if it followed true to the story.

Do you like all of the Nicholas Sparks movies:

I love them all A Walk to Remember, Dear John, The Last Song, Nights in Rodanthe, Message in a Bottle, The Lucky One, and The Notebook (obviously the best of them all.)

Should I bring tissues:

Yes. Bring an entire box.

Cobie Smuders is in it!

Statement: Cobie Smoders (How I Met Your Mother) should be in more movies.

Would I see it with my mom?

Yes, and apparently my mother has a lot of catching up to do. My mouth hit the floor today when she admitted to never seeing The Notebook.

Good date movie? 

I would do your man a solid and take the girls instead.

Bottom Line

Sometimes us girls just need a chick flick in our lives…it is as important as pizza and ice cream.

I get REALLY overwhelmed with all the choices on Netflix…instead of making a decision I end up searching for hours while my queue just grows and grows and grows.

If you are like me then hopefully this will help!

If you are looking for:

A movie nominated for next weeks Oscars: The Invisible War

This documentary discuses sexual assault in the military. It is not easy to watch, but it really opened my eyes.

A SXSW indie hit: Safety Not Guaranteed

I screamed out loud when I saw this was finally available to stream. It is a weird little sci-fi/rom-com movie starring Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Rec), Jake Johnson (New Girl), and Mark Duplass (in too many things to list). This movie was one of my favorites of last year. Please watch it and let me know what you think! (again…know it is a little weird/different, but sometimes weird is nice)

A romantic crime drama where J.Lo is actually watchable: Out of Sight

J.Lo and George Clooney are just hot in this movie from 1998. AND it is a Soderbergh movie…thus making it automatically cool. I think this is my favorite thing J.Lo has ever done. (Bold statement I know.)

The weirdest thing on TV: Portlandia

This morning JB mentioned the show Portlandia on the JB and Sandy Morning Show. This is a hot hipster show right now starring SNL’s Fred Armison. You will either love it or hate it. I personally don’t get it at all. 

A movie with Liam Neeson Fighting Wolves: The Grey

This movie did not live up to the awesomeness of the movie trailer, but it is still a decent weekend stream. Again…it is Liam Neeson fighting wolves…in the middle of nowhere.