Bandslam Rocks. Yes, really

I've decided to put the fun back into Funemployment, and I went to see the movie "Bandslam" today. At first, I avoided this movie, thinking it was just another Disney Channel-esque piece of drivel. But boy was I wrong.

This movie was produced and released by Summit Entertainment, the same company that is giving us the "Twilight" series, and that produced and released "Sex Drive" earlier this year. Nikki Finke recently posted a letter on her blog that was written to her by a "Summit insider" who said that "Bandslam" was a victim of "Death by Marketing," in that Summit had totally botched the marketing of this movie:

"Start off with the fact that they chose BANDSLAM for a title instead of WILL. They thought WILL was too indie. But that’s what made this movie special. It was an indie voice wrapped up in a high concept. So, instead of selling it quirky and cool (a la Juno) they sold it on the Disney channel's Vanessa Hudgens and Aly Milchaka. Instead of selling the concept, band of outcasts like The Commitments, they Disneyfied this movie with glitter paint."

This insider has it exactly right. "Bandslam" is one of those feel good movies - I almost cried at the end - that is somewhat old fashioned in its appeal, but that's exactly what makes it special. I loved it. What's sad is that despite Disney-fying it with Vanessa Hudgens (she of "High School Musical," who doesn't have the depth to carry this role), and Aly Michalka ("Phil of the Future") they could have made it work. Michalka (also half of the singing duo Aly & AJ) is a star. Watch for her, because she steals this movie. And Gaelan Connell (known for absolutely nothing as far as I can tell) is a typical dork, but he's got some sexy moves. Summit had a gem on their hands and they ruined it by pitching it to Disney kids only. Case in point - my theater was filled with 10 year old girls and their moms. I did not belong there.

But I loved every minute of it. Go see it. It doesn't break any new ground, but you won't be disapointed. I'm going to iTunes right now to buy the soundtrack.

Wood Factor (1-5): for the movie: 4. For Summit: 1.

Dear Fellow Unemployed Neighbor,

Get your laundry out of the motherfucking washer. I've been waiting all day to wash my darks and that is just ridiculous given the state of my unemployment. Two hours ago I made the trek to the laundry room and was surprised - nay, flabbergasted - to find the washer in use. I'm patient. I understand that other people have dirty clothes too, so I trekked back upstrairs and kept myself occupied for two hours.

Upon which I made the journey back down to the laundry room with my heavy basket of darks, my Tide, my quarters, and the laundry room key.

Booyah! Washer off.

Fuck me! Clothes still in it.

I'm not one of those people who pulls other people's shit out of the washer or dryer. My old roommate, god bless her, used to stick in a load of laundry and then go to the movies. She didn't care if she was inconveniencing anyone. In fact, she had the kind of karma where people took her clothes out and lovingly folded them for her. If I ever tried such a thing, my jeans would end up in a damp heap in the corner.

So here I am again back at my computer, complaining about my neighbors instead of washing my underwear. Isn't that the story of my life.

Wood Factor (1-5): 2

The Social Media Interview - or not

I don’t get it. Why do you people interview you, say they’ll bring you back for a second interview, and then never get back to you?

I thought it was a good interview. I followed up with a thank you and checked in with my availability for the second interview…and was totally ignored.

Hello? This was for a social media job. And what does that mean? Um, blogs, tweets, status updates. TO THE ENTIRE WORLD. Ok the entire world is not following me, but they COULD BE. Now, I probably wouldn’t make use of my digital friends to get back at a certain company, but I COULD. And how do they know I won’t?

I don’t think hiring managers always get it. If I’m not right for the job, or the job has been filled, just tell me. I can handle it. Instead I’m left in interview limbo wondering where I went wrong. It’s like dating. Don’t just stop calling, just fucking TELL ME.

It’s not that I can’t take a hint. I’m taking this hint. But I’m annoyed because this was for a social media job at a digital agency. They should know better. They should know that someone interviewing for a social media gig, probably deals with, oh I don’t know, SOCIAL MEDIA.

And that this is probably a bad way to brand their company – as flaky and rude. Completely unaware. It just stumps me. A social media job and they treat me like I’m nothing. What if I was good at social media? What if I was followed by the entire world? What if I had 10 billion friends? What if I was LinkedIn to someone at every brand on the shelf? And I tweeted/facebooked/status updated “Was interviewed and then totally ignored by [omitted].” Probably doesn’t bode well for how they’d treat their clients.”

I’m not saying I would. But I COULD.

Wood Factor (1-5): 2