Handsome Men; Uncanny Resemblance

OK...we've mentioned the comparison...here it is...

Wade Redden vs. Ryan Reynolds...

I know, it's just that one pic of Reynolds (in the middle), and I swear I've seen pics of Redden that were practically identical, but of course, I could not find any online - so the examples I've found don't do the likeness any justice.

Unfortunately, there aren't nearly as many steamy pics of Wade on the Net as there are of Ryan. Pretty friggin' impossible to find one of him not in a hockey uniform, and when he's not in either Senators' or Rangers' colours, the photos are of his wedding. (The saddest day of my life).

In any case, the resemblance is uncanny. I can't believe I hadn't noticed it before yesterday.

And this Blog provides me with yet another reason to post some more photos of both of their handsome mugs.

Ooooo la la!

Fetish of the Week: Ryan Reynolds

Move over, Jeff Bridges. Your week is over.

The flavour this week is Ryan Reynolds. And might I just say...yummmmm!

What brought on the lust for Mr. Reynolds, you ask? Finally got around to renting The Proposal yesterday, last year's rom-com hit in which he starred opposite Sandra Bullock. Bullock plays the dominating, over-bearing book editor Margaret Tate, and Reynolds is her passive, subservient assistant, Andrew Paxton. Andrew is putting in his time with Margaret, knowing that as long as he's obedient and competent, he will one day get his break to become an editor himself.

However, the tables are turned when Margaret, a transplanted Canadian, finds her Visa is expired, and she's about to be deported back to the Great White North, until she comes up with a plan: by promising Andrew a promotion and publication of his book, she blackmails him into marrying her so that she can stay in the country. Andrew reluctantly agrees, and then promptly whisks her up to Alaska for a weekend visit with his family and to celebrate his grandmother's 90th birthday. (And "Gammy" is played by Betty White - what a hoot - another reason to watch the movie!)

The rest is typical romantic comedy fare - of course Andrew and Margaret fall in love for real, and shmoopy-gloopy sugary-sweetness ensues. Luckily for me, I'm a fan of the shmoopy-gloopy sugary-sweetness.

Better yet, I'm a huge fan of Ryan Reynolds. Forget for one second that the guy is absolutely dreamy (and I've thought so ever since his days on the TV comedy Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place - betcha not many people remember that!) - there are many other reasons to adore him.

For one, he's a Canadian, straight from Vancouver, BC. (He was even engaged to fellow Canadian star, songstress Alanis Morisette, but they parted ways in 2007. He's now married to famous Hollywood starlet Scarlet Johansson). He can even currently be seen, along with other stars such as Michael J. Fox, Sarah McLachlan, Kim Cartrall, Steve Nash, and Eric McCormack promoting tourism in BC, using the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver as the springboard. It's always nice to see Canadian talent make it big.

And making it big is exactly what Ryan Reynolds has been doing for the past decade. He originally began developing notoriety playing the title role in National Lampoon's Van Wilder flicks. For awhile, his claim to fame was his quirky comedic style. Since then, though, he's displayed a more serious side, as well, as he taken on the role of George Lutz in the re-make of The Amityville Horror, and won hearts as the sweet single dad in Definitely, Maybe.

As I mentioend, I've followed Reynolds since his first big break in Two Guys, and it's been great watching his star rise. His sense of humour and comedic tendencies are unique and, even though he's usually cracking jokes, he still oozes charm and charisma.

(Anyone else see the resemblance to Wade Redden in this pic? Holy hell...)

The guy is hot. No doubt about it.

So with this current fetish running through my veins, I've scoured my movie shelves at home, and intend on spending lots of time with Ryan in the next couple of days.

I can already tell it's going to be a good week!

With Age Comes Appreciation...

There's a film that, once upon a time, I watched religiously. At least once or twice a week, for months. Because this film was that hot.

It was White Squall, a 1996 Ridley Scott offering, chronicling the fateful final voyage of an American school sailing ship, The Albatross, in 1960. Based on true events recorded by one of the boys on-board, Chuck Gieg, the movie followed the trials and tribulations of the boys under the guidance of their captain, Christopher "Skipper" Sheldon, and his wife, Dr. Alice Sheldon. Skipper brings the young men together as a crew, teaching them respect and teamwork, and leading them in an adventure of a lifetime, until they run into trouble amidst a storm at sea.

Back in '96, I bought the VHS tape for one reason. No, check that. I bought it for eight reasons. The eight guys from around the USA that boarded the ship for eight months of schooling and life-changing events. Scott Wolf, Ryan Philippe, Jeremy Sisto, Jason Marsden, David Lasher, Eric Michael Cole, Balthazar Getty, and Ethan Embry were the young men who played the roles of Chuck, Gil, Frank, Shay, Robert, Dean, Tod, and Tracy. And they were well worth the price of the movie. An hour and a half of watching them aboard a windchimer, shirtless, working and sweating in the hot sun?

Yum.

I hadn't watched the flick in quite some time, so on Monday, my day off, I decided to revisit White Squall and refresh my memories of those handsome young men who were just starting to set young girls' hearts a-flutter back then, and many of whom have gone on to strong acting careers in Hollywood.

I wasn't disappointed. Apparently, this movie just doesn't get old. They were still as drool-worthy as they were when I first saw it.

However, there was one man in the film that I had overlooked as a teen: The captain of the ship, Skipper, played by Jeff Bridges. It would seem that with age, I've gained appreciation for the older man. Or maybe it's because the flick has frozen the crew in their tender teen years, whereas Skipper seems more rugged and strong and...well...sexy.

Whatever the reason, I developed a very deep appreciation for Jeff Bridges, and couldn't believe that I hadn't seen it sooner. He was simply delicious!

So imagine my shock, when, in the wake of him receiving a Golden Globe for his movie Crazy Heart on Sunday, Ellen DeGeneres had him on her show yesterday, and I realized Mr. Bridges doesn't quite look like he did in White Squall anymore. Not even close. In fact, he looked like he'd just come down from the mountains to be on her show.

He's got a long, greying mane of hair. His face is wrinkly and half-hidden by a grizzly beard. And his body, once hard and muscular, has given way to a soft paunch. Even his voice seemed to have changed into an old man's rasp.

It's been 14 years since White Squall was released, and it's the only movie I can recall seeing Jeff Bridges in. I wasn't prepared to see how those 14 years had changed him. Now 60, the actor looks every bit his age, and he seems quite comfortable and happy with that.

It was a little unsettling for me, despite the fact that the man is obviously doing very well for himself, collecting nominations and prestitigious awards for his current work on the silver screen, as well as making a name for himself musically. (He strummed a tune on Ellen's show, in fact.) And after a quick browse around his website (http://www.jeffbridges.com/), it would appear he's got an artistic side that runs deep. The man is more than just an actor.

And definitely more than just a pretty face.

So now, 14 years after 'discovering' Bridges, I've developed an appreciation for him - there are many layers to him, and I'm intrigued.

I've even gotten over the fact that he no longer looks like Skipper. I'm fascinated by this artist, this actor, this musician, and I can't wait to learn more.

But it still doesn't hurt to watch that old favourite of mine from time to time and be reminded of what he once was... ;)

Oh, Is It 2010 Already?

Yeah...the Blog's a little late in welcoming the New Year, but hey, here it is: Happy 2010!!

Another wonderful holiday season has come and gone, and I miss it terribly. I always miss Christmas when it's over, but this year, it's even worse. I long for it. The sleeping in, the family fun (including a 4-year-old who was absoultely THRILLED with the whole Santa thing this year), the drinks, the food, the presents, the music... It comes and goes too quickly. And in its wake, I feel just a little depressed, and even worse, a little too fat.

The Resolution? What else could it be. To dump the holiday weight, plus an additional 100 lbs. Same crap every year. Does it ever work? Usually, no.

Ah, but this year, I tell ya...This year!!!!...

There's plenty to accomplish in 2010 - in fact, so much so that it overwhelms me. It's kind of scary to look ahead to the 365 days in the year, holding a list of all that you want to do during those days, and wonder if it's at all possible. Paying off my credit card...buying new furniture...possibly buying a laptop...saving money for a trip...

Will it all get done?? Maybe this will be the year I discover a money tree growing in my back yard??

I'm pretty sure that's not gonna happen. But with or without the money tree, I can guarantee one thing for 2010 - I'm going to continue to have fun.

Because at the end of the day, isn't that all that really matters?