IDF's Film Club - A Casual Rankdown - Nov/Dec #3 Posted - Jan/Feb Theme Posted

[Alex95]

9. Música

6.83/9

Directed by Rudy Mancuso

Starring Rudy Mancuso, Camila Mendes, Francesca Reale, J.B. Smoove

Music / Comedy / Romance

United States

96% RT / 74 MC / 3.1 LB

Watch Trailer

 

@Steven_ - 2/9

@FrogLenzen - 6/9

@NGM - 7/9

@totes4totes - 8/9

@~Tom~ - 9/9

@Alex95 - 9/9

 

Steven

Quote

I've watched some of Rudy Mancuso's YouTube videos before, which are pretty funny. When I found out he made a movie, I was interested in checking it out. So, that's why I chose this film. Overall, I thought this was a solid debut film for him. I didn't know much about synesthesia before, but I thought it was showcased well in the film. Música has familiar tropes seen in other coming-of-age romantic comedy films (boy meets girl, love triangle, etc.), but I think some of the scenes were done in clever ways that felt fresh. The use of music was especially cool here. Overall, it was an enjoyable film. For a feature film debut, I think this was an impressive first release.

 

Derek

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I wanted to like this more than I did. It was cute but it didn't have a strong through line. When it devolved into a sitcom love triangle restaurant date I was not super amused. But I liked a lot of the sets and the overall tone. I guess I didn't quite get the connection between the music and the puppetry. It seemed like 2 different artist movies combined. We didn't really delve into his synesthesia very much, it seemed like none of the characters including the main character really grasped what was going on with that. But I did like the scene where he was going to do a grand musical appeal to the girl in the fish shop and she was just like "lol stop" that felt realistic. Moments like that helped ground the movie. But then other moments felt like the stakes weren't really high enough.

 

Nico

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It was fine, but I don't see myself ever revisiting this

 

Megan

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Good but it had an uphill battle for me since this is the only movie that I hadn't seen before. So it had to cross the hump of that. And I think the other movies I just had too much of a longstanding love for to really make a huge dent for me.

 

Tom

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I had low expectations for Musica as romantic comedies, with very few exceptions, tend to be my least favorite genre. I didn't hate it like I expected but I found it pretty predictable. A 20-sometihng man lost in life has a break up, then meets a new girl that turns into a love triangle. This ultimately leads to the man realizing he needs to love himself first and focused on this by creating his own puppet musical. The synthesisia was a nice attempt to make it unique, but Rudy came off as a jerk most of the time and the ending tried to be different but was not satisfying (what happened to the other girl, did he ever talk to her again?). It's not a movie I would want to watch again.

 

Alex

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MVP: Rudy Mancuso

Favorite Scene: Everyone meets at the Portuguese restaurant

 

That was cute! I’m not a fan of puppets so I thought I would be turned off pretty quickly. But I enjoyed this as much as I could enjoy a movie about a puppet loving freak lol. It had a lot of style + flair and I liked the way it incorporated music. I worried at times it could become style over substance, but I think he had to do something different to make it stand out over your average romcom. This was clearly a very personal film for Mancuso between his culture, the music, the puppets, the girls. I think there was a lot going on here, maybe too much. But yeah, overall I enjoyed it and I think Mancuso has a lot of potential. I’d be interested in checking out his next film! Reading up on him on wikipedia, lol @ him breaking up with his long-term girlfriend to date his costar. Welcome to Hollywood, Rudy!

 

[FrogLenzen]

oh yay I'm excited for this countdown. Tried to boost Musica's score a bit on my end but it was up against tough competition

[Alex95]

Musica was easily my favorite last place I’ve given yet, I really enjoyed this group of films!

[FrogLenzen]

aaaaaaaaaaand I just figured out where I know him from lol I'm late to the party

 

 

[Steven_]

It’s too bad to see Música rank last, but it’s not surprising. There were lots of popular films in this group of nine.

[Steven_]

Have you decided the next theme yet, @Alex95?

[Alex95]

Sept/Oct 2024 - TV Stars in Film

Back in the day, actors were mainly regulated to either tv or film work if they wanted to be on the screen. Sometimes a tv star would work their way up to becoming a film star. Now, the lines are a lot more blurred and film stars are booking tv roles, and vice versa. Tonight is the Emmys! In honor of them, for this theme you'll be choosing films featuring our stars of the small screen. At least one of the top five billed actor in your chosen film must have starred on a tv show that ran for at least two seasons. Limited series' do not count here. Also, a small guest role on a tv show does not count. They have to be tv stars who had a substantial enough role in a tv series, that also have starred in some films. You can choose a movie starring Reese Witherspoon, as she's had significant roles in The Morning Show and Big Little Lies. You cannot choose a movie starring Brad Pitt, just because he was in an episode of Friends once. If you need clarification on anything, let me know.

 

@~Tom~ @FrogLenzen @*Chris @Steven_ @.Rei @totes4totes @Elliott @NGM @#jeah

[Alex95]

If you guys are struggling let me know, but I thought it would be fun. There's some hidden gems out there from TV stars, I know I can name a few off the top of my head already. Also with so many people doing tv nowadays, or movie stars who started on tv, I don't think the field will be as limited as you may initially fear.

[Alex95]

8. Meet Me in St. Louis

6.5/9

Directed by Vincente Minnelli

Starring Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake

Romance / Comedy / Drama / Family

United States

100% RT / 94 MC / 3.8 LB

Watch Trailer

 

@totes4totes - 4/9

@Steven_ - 6/9

@Alex95 - 6/9

@FrogLenzen - 7/9

@~Tom~ - 8/9

@NGM - 8/9

 

Megan

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A classic

 

Steven

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Meet Me in St. Louis was a charming and nice movie, and it did remind me a little bit of Little Women. I do think Little Women is the better story, but I digress. Judy Garland was the standout here in my opinion. The Wizard of Oz was the only Judy Garland film I've watched until I saw this movie. The only thing that threw me off about this movie was the fact they never left St. Louis. I just read the movie description before watching it, which mentioned them having to move away. They didn't know they would leave until towards the end, but then the father was like "never mind, we're staying." Also, I didn't know "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" originated from this movie, so that was cool to learn.

 

Alex

Quote

MVP: Judy Garland

Favorite Scene: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

 

Simply delightful. At first I thought the movie felt a bit disjointed, so when I found out it was based on a series of short stories it all made sense. So this was kind of like an anthology film! Some parts of it worked and some didn’t. I could tell you what did work the entire time. And that’s Judy Garland. Every single person who tortured that poor girl deserves the worst!!! She is just a star. From her voice to her presence. She just draws the audience in. “The Trolley Song” is an iconic bop, but the emotional “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” completely moved me.

None of the love stories really worked for me here, except the most important love story. That was the love story to St. Louis. The ending where they decide to stay in St. Louis just makes me smile. I love stuff like Lady Bird and this where they realize they love their home city after all. I also enjoyed the relationships the siblings had amongst each other. Tootie was getting on my nerves at first, but by that unhinged Halloween scene I was fully on board with her. What a little psycho . I’ve got nothing to say about any man in this movie . But the music was good, I had fun, I’m happy!

 

Derek

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Imagine my shock when I learned that this is not an adaption of a stage play, but an original musical movie. So much about this I feel like would be more magical on a stage, like big sets and costumes and the dialogue and all that. Obviously it won't be as magical as Judy but it has so much potential. Was definitely thrown off by the sudden transition to Halloween and that whole plot which seemed very random. And then the ultimate bait-and-switch in the end when it turned out to be a CHRISTMAS MOVIE??? One that originated that Christmas song??? Very eye-opening and educational experience overall.

 

Tom

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I was happy to see this movie on the list not only to widen my very limited exposure to older musicals, but also because I was born in St. Louis. The songs and movie got too long though, and I was ready for film to be over by the halfway point.

 

Nico

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Its just not for me, and I'm at peace with that. I don't know why but Judy Garland's acting while singing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas makes me laugh.

 

[~Tom~]

On 10/16/2023 at 6:50 PM, Alex95 said:

If we finished last month earlier I was gonna make this Horror/Halloween month. But I figured by the time this countdown ended it would almost be Nov

 

There’s always next year!

the lies 

[Alex95]

31 minutes ago, ~Tom~ said:

the lies 

Well if we get through this one fast maybe we’ll get to a new theme in time for Halloween  

[Steven_]

I did think Meet Me in St. Louis was going to be the next film to show up. I wasn't familiar with this movie until I watched it, but it was a nice film.

 

These next few reveals will be harder to predict. 

[~Tom~]

1 hour ago, Alex95 said:

Well if we get through this one in time for Halloween 

I think there's a better chance of identical snowflakes, tbh. 

 

No complaints with the bottom two!

[Alex95]

7. Romy and Michele's High School Reunion

6.33/9

Directed by David Mirkin

Starring Mira Sorvino, Lisa Kudrow, Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming

Comedy / Romance

United States

75% RT / 60 MC / 3.5 LB

Watch Trailer

 

@Steven_ - 4/9

@NGM - 4/9

@Alex95 - 5/9

@~Tom~ - 7/9

@FrogLenzen - 9/9

@totes4totes - 9/9

 

Steven

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I wasn't sure where I would rank Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion after I watched it. This was a film I think I saw before, but I have no memory of it. So, it was like I was watching it for the first time. And after watching all nine films, Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion somehow ends up in my Top 4. The movie is very silly, but Romy and Michelle are very likable and funny here. Lisa Kudrow is a comedic genius, and her inclusion makes anything better. The movie is funny and moves at a decent pace. I didn't care for the part when it showed what might've happened if Romy and Michelle stopped being friends, but that's my only complaint really. It was a fine movie to watch for something easygoing that passes the time and makes you laugh.

 

Nico

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I had never watched this movie and thank god for this rankdown helping me fix that. Lisa Kudrow loml

 

Alex

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MVP: Mira Sorvino

Favorite Scene: Michele explains how she invented glue

 

A lot of comfort movies this round! Some may argue its placement in a music-based round, but this is an absolutely iconic soundtrack featuring banger after banger. And Romy and Michele gave “Time After Time” a brand new life in my eyes. There’s plot holes, there’s inconsistencies, I don’t care about any of that. In a tight 90 minutes, Romy and Michele has me smiling and laughing the whole time.

It’s been a few years since I last watched it, so it was kinda funny seeing it now that my ten year high school reunion just passed. I, of course, did not go. But if I did, I would be dancing to Time After Time in the center of the room. It’s easy to relate the anxiety of facing the people you knew in high school and not feeling like you’re kenough. The movie is very silly and slapstick, but there’s also a lot of heart in there.

This movie lives and dies with Mira Sorvino & Lisa Kudrow though. The writing is pretty silly, so the ladies really had to sell it. And sell it they did. They’re just incredible in the movie. They hit every comedic beat. I’ve never questioned Lisa Kudrow’s comedic skills, but Mira Sorvino was a bit more of a surprise and I think her character steals the movie. Great supporting cast too! I will never say no to Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming, and Elaine Hendrix. I could list all my favorite scenes, but there’s too much. But from the second the movie starts and they’re making fun of Pretty Woman to the empowering ending where they’re running their own store it’s simply 90 minutes of joy.

 

Tom

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Not sure how this qualified for the theme, but I dd not hate it like I expected to.

 

Derek

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I didn’t really get it. The tone here is very distinct and it was just hard for me to vibe with it. I could tell it was doing something but even with those deliberate choices I felt like the pacing was totally strange. I didn’t hate it but I probably wouldn’t watch it again. Only 92 minutes but I think there’s a hypothetical version of this that’s only 60 minutes and is much snappier and easier to get through and makes the same amount of sense and hits all the same beats. idk just felt like a lot of dead air between the dialogue. I guess that's where the music comes in? Maybe I just needed to turn off for a second and enjoy that part.

 

Megan

Quote

I like this movie but of all the movies it's my least favorite. I know it's an iconic movie and I would agree with that. But it just doesn't hit me or last with me like the others.

 

[totes4totes]

8 hours ago, Alex95 said:

8. Meet Me in St. Louis

S M D H!!!!!!!

[totes4totes]

8 hours ago, Alex95 said:

And then the ultimate bait-and-switch in the end when it turned out to be a CHRISTMAS MOVIE??? One that originated that Christmas song???

how did you not know this @FrogLenzen!!!!!

[totes4totes]

8 hours ago, Alex95 said:

Sept/Oct 2024 - TV Stars in Film

Back in the day, actors were mainly regulated to either tv or film work if they wanted to be on the screen. Sometimes a tv star would work their way up to becoming a film star. Now, the lines are a lot more blurred and film stars are booking tv roles, and vice versa. Tonight is the Emmys! In honor of them, for this theme you'll be choosing films featuring our stars of the small screen. At least one of the top five billed actor in your chosen film must have starred on a tv show that ran for at least two seasons. Limited series' do not count here. Also, a small guest role on a tv show does not count. They have to be tv stars who had a substantial enough role in a tv series, that also have starred in some films. You can choose a movie starring Reese Witherspoon, as she's had significant roles in The Morning Show and Big Little Lies. You cannot choose a movie starring Brad Pitt, just because he was in an episode of Friends once. If you need clarification on anything, let me know.

 

@~Tom~ @FrogLenzen @*Chris @Steven_ @.Rei @totes4totes @Elliott @NGM @#jeah

ooooooooh. i can't wait to choose a movie.

[FrogLenzen]

8 hours ago, totes4totes said:

how did you not know this @FrogLenzen!!!!!

 

here's where I live!!!

[Alex95]

6. Baby Driver

5.00/9

Directed by Edgar Wright

Starring Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Jon Hamm, Eiza González

Crime / Action

United States / United Kingdom

92% RT / 86 MC / 3.7 LB

Watch Trailer

 

@Steven_ - 1/9

@FrogLenzen - 3/9

@~Tom~ - 4/9

@totes4totes - 5/9

@Alex95 - 8/9

@NGM - 9/9

 

Steven

Quote

Baby Driver is a really cool movie. When I saw this was going to be one of the nine films, I had feeling it would be my #1 ranking. And after watching all nine of these films, I was right. I first watched Baby Driver on Netflix a few years ago. I remember reading a lot of positive reviews for this film, so I had high expectations. And the movie certainly didn't disappoint. The opening scene is a standout and really hooks you into the film. I think Ansel Elgort and Lily James are charming together here too. But overall, the movie's stylish feel and use of music makes this film so much fun to watch. It's an excellent film, and it easily gets the #1 spot on my ranking.

 

Derek

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I was like… where do I know this guy from. OH West Side Story. I enjoyed this a lot. I’d rank this above the other Edgar Wrights I’ve seen. Every now and then there was like a nagging feeling of… hmmmm this isn’t quite right… idk what it was. It was dancing the line of “this is a movie set in movie land featuring actors who act in movies because this is a movie." Like it kept hinting at wanting to do realism but couldn't quite commit. Kind of an uncanny valley of tone for me. Not bad at all and not enough to stop me from recommending or rewatching. Opening sequence 10/10 tho. I think they did a good job of trickling in backstory without making it seem like it was supposed to be super profound or shocking. A few times where it seemed like we were spending too much time with some bit but overall ends up a nice piece of work. 

 

Tom

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I enjoyed this for what it was, since silly action flicks are right up my alley. However, I raised my eyebrows in a few places, notably the ending where Baby only got 25 years, serves 5, and Debora waits and they ride off in the sunset together. Come on. Next time I'll go with an older musical like My Fair Lady.

 

Megan

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Just a movie of cool vibes.

 

Alex

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MVP: Jon Hamm

Favorite Scene: Baby runs from the cops in the mall and the parking lot.

 

Look, I’m not one to #cancel a movie for a problematic cast. It’s one thing to openly hire abusive actors. But if it comes out after the movie, nothing you really can do about it. Can’t really hold a casting director accountable for that. Having said that, it is kind of wild how long the wikipedia controversy section is for pretty much every member of this cast lmao. Like I try to ignore it, but Ansel Elgort and Kevin Spacey are sharing the screen and what am I supposed to think?? I loved this movie when it first came out. On rewatch I still very much liked it! But I can’t say I had that same level of love. And no, I don’t think it’s because of the cast. I just don’t think it had a lot of rewatch value. The sound editing is so impressive here. Kinda interesting to compare this to Musica, also in this round, because I think the way they use sound to advance the story is both different, but also similar in a lot of ways. If there is any rewatch value, it comes out of the sound editing.

The plot just doesn’t completely do it for me. First of all, Ansel and Lily have zero chemistry whatsoever. I’m glad Ansel isn’t working too much because he has a really bad history, but I also think he’s a terrible actor. Pretty much the LVP of every movie I’ve seen him in. And while Baby is supposed to be a “go with the flow” kind of person there’s a way to do that and still be a compelling character. The action is great, I enjoy some of the death scenes. Just really not much of a plot for me to grab onto. And the central romance is a failure. But I’m pretty positive overall with this set of movies so this is me nitpicking. I was pretty thrilled the whole way through.

 

Nico

Quote

Probably the undisputed winner of of most unfortunate casting decisions thanks to Ans*l and K*vin? Sucks bc the movie is pretty good otherwise

 

[Steven_]

Baby Driver was the most entertaining movie here, so it’s too bad it didn’t rank higher.

[totes4totes]

7 hours ago, Alex95 said:

Probably the undisputed winner of of most unfortunate casting decisions thanks to Ans*l and K*vin? Sucks bc the movie is pretty good otherwise

tbh i almost put baby drive at 9/9 with the same reasoning @NGM

[Alex95]

5. Inside Llewyn Davis

4.83/9

Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen

Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, Justin Timberlake

Drama / Music

United States / France / United Kingdom

92% RT / 93 MC / 4.0 LB

Watch Trailer

 

@~Tom~ - 3/9

@NGM - 3/9

@Alex95 - 4/9

@FrogLenzen - 5/9

@Steven_ - 7/9

@totes4totes - 7/9

 

Tom

Quote

A movie about a folk's singer's struggles to make it in music and in life? Sign me up. 

 

Nico

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Brought Oscar Isaac into the mainstream and gave him the boost for him to get cast in Ex-Machina. I can't thank this movie enough.

 

Alex

Quote

MVP: Oscar Issac

Favorite Scene: "Please Mr. Kennedy"

 

When it comes to the Coen Brothers I can usually determine within the first 5-10 minutes whether it’s a movie for me or not. Coen Bros are all about ~vibes~ and I can tell if the vibes are for me or if they’re not quite my cup of tea. I have a lot of unpopular Coen Bros opinions. For example, I’m not too crazy about The Big Lebowski. Meanwhile, Burn After Reading is my favorite. Having said all this, I knew in my first five minutes I would love Inside Llewyn Davis and I was right.

This movie is simultaneously warm and cold? The characters aren't particularly nice, you can almost feel the chilly atmosphere through the screen (setting the film during the winter was the correct idea). But there's always a softness behind their eyes? That's a credit to this fantastic ensemble, mainly Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan. Carey Mulligan was relegated to lot of Wife/Girlfriend roles around this time. Llewyn Davis, Drive, Shame (lol well that's a sister role, but also kind of a girlfriend role?) Mulligan really elevates all these roles to a new level, and I really miss seeing that side of her. This was a star making performance for Isaac. Nico mentioned Ex Machina, he also worked with David Simon around this time on Show Me a Hero. But this film really proved Isaac is a leading man, and easily one of my favorite current working actors.

It wasn't just strong performances that drove this movie. The Coens are just masters of their craft. They have such an eye for directing. For a movie that, in the wrong hands, could just be dour and a bit monotonous, it feels like there was always life here. It wasn't particularly a world I want to stay in for a long time, yet when it ended I was left wanting more. Just, love this movie all around! And Adam Driver's noises during Please Mr. Kennedy deserve a Grammy.

 

Derek

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um I don’t think I enjoyed this very much. Beyond the thrill of not having any idea what it was gonna be about beyond “music stuff” and seeing Justin Timberlake and Adam Driver and John Goodman by surprise haha. I feel like it hit a lot of good beats but the ending was even more meh than you’d expect from Coen. It was never gonna end with him getting his big break but it needed to have him either dead in the alley, on the ship, or hitchhiking to Akron. There's probably some Greek mythology reference that I missed about the ending or something.

 

Steven

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This was a film I thought about watching before, but I never got around to it until now. I've heard good things about this film, and I now see why it's held to such a high regard. I agree it's a good movie, but it didn't blow me away either. But it's a well-made movie, and I think a reason this film works well is because of Oscar Isaac. This film could feel boring with a lesser actor since not much really happens in the film. It's just the daily struggles of an aspiring musician, but Oscar Isaac's performance is what sells the movie. Llewyn could be very unlikable, but Isaac makes him seem more complex and someone the audience wants to root for.

 

Megan

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If it were like 5 years ago and I was still in my like acoustic indie phase of listening to music (JKJK) then I think I would have this higher. But taken against all the Coen Bros movies and all the Oscar Isaac movies, this one just doesn't land as my favorite in either of those categories. But given that it's both Coen Bros and Oscar Isaac obviously it's great. I think what hurts this is that the other musicals on this list I can still sing all the songs. I listened to this soundtrack a lot, I cannot name a song from memory.

 

[Alex95]

On 9/15/2024 at 5:21 PM, Alex95 said:

Sept/Oct 2024 - TV Stars in Film

Back in the day, actors were mainly regulated to either tv or film work if they wanted to be on the screen. Sometimes a tv star would work their way up to becoming a film star. Now, the lines are a lot more blurred and film stars are booking tv roles, and vice versa. Tonight is the Emmys! In honor of them, for this theme you'll be choosing films featuring our stars of the small screen. At least one of the top five billed actor in your chosen film must have starred on a tv show that ran for at least two seasons. Limited series' do not count here. Also, a small guest role on a tv show does not count. They have to be tv stars who had a substantial enough role in a tv series, that also have starred in some films. You can choose a movie starring Reese Witherspoon, as she's had significant roles in The Morning Show and Big Little Lies. You cannot choose a movie starring Brad Pitt, just because he was in an episode of Friends once. If you need clarification on anything, let me know.

 

@~Tom~ @FrogLenzen @*Chris @Steven_ @.Rei @totes4totes @Elliott @NGM @#jeah

Honoring both a king and a queen of the small screen, I'm choosing Enough Said starring James Gandolfini and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

[totes4totes]

i'm going to choose Kristen Wiig's Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

[FrogLenzen]