Devans00

When I saw the surgically modified nude women from the waist up on the menu, I immediately got the DVD out to make sure Netflix hadn't sent me a cheesy porno by mistake. But, the label said Boat Trip. Against my better judgment, I put the disc back in to watch the movie. The gags and jokes were universally unfunny. The gay stereotypes weren't even charming. The actors, such as Maurice Godin as Hector, didn't believe in their characters enough to sell them. The acting was so stiff and unnatural, I felt like the cast was in on a joke they weren't sharing with the audience. I'm just glad to know that Roselyn Sanchez who played Gabriella has gone on to better things on "Without a Trace". I got the impression that the cast had a lot of fun making the movie. Too bad they couldn't transfer that vibe to the audience.

Over the years, I kept hearing people talk about how Aretha Franklin's performance on the first VH1 Divas show brought the house down, so of course I had to see it for myself.

People were not joking. She was at least a step ahead of the other singers in terms of singing power and ability to command a house. The only singer who had the confidence to hold a candle to Aretha was Celine Dion. I was really impressed how she stepped up and held her own during the last gospel number. It was really entertaining to see the contrast of Celine and Aretha's body types and singing styles hollering at each other. I wish I was there to hoot them on.

The second to last song, A Natural Woman, was so amazing, I had to watch it again. Even though Aretha was commanding, I really enjoyed the blending of the different singers' styles and voices. Gloria Estafan and Shania Twain were a little washed out, but Maria Carey and Celine Dion brought it. I've been a Carole King fan for a long time, so it was wonderful to see her get her props as a songwriter and entertainer.

Too bad Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige weren't on this year instead of the following year.