In 2013 MTV premiered a brand new dating show putting emotions, connections and mental states to the test with their new show Are You The One?.
“In this dating series that uses modern technology to help people find love, 20 single men and women try to find their perfect mates. A dating algorithm is used to help quantify compatibility, using a process that includes in-depth interviews, questionnaires and compatibility testing. That data is used to identify the 10 ideal pairs among the 20 participants. But the results are kept a secret from the singles, who get to know one another socially and undergo weekly tests to try to pick their ideal mates while living together in Hawaii. If the mates they choose do not match that of the data, they must start their search over. If all 20 singles are able to match up with their predetermined partners within 10 attempts, they share the largest cash prize ever awarded by an MTV show and walk away with a potential partner for life.”
The show was so successful it was picked up for a second season and added a twist, where we met this week’s TMI Tuesday feature the lovely and I assume now BFF Briana Lacuesta.
Briana found herself falling for someone who, spoiler alert, turned out not to be her match. The feisty cast member continued on despite her beau being matched, and sent off to the secluded honeymoon suite with another cast mate. I sat down to ask Briana about the show, reality TV, mac and cheese consumption. With mentions of Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake,KD, The Sims, and the queen Lana Del Rey I’m starting to think Briana may be my match.
1. Since appearing on the show have you been in contact with any of the other cast members?
– Yes I have! I was in contact with almost all of them until we filmed the reunion and now I only talk to a handful on a weekly basis. I do live with Christina LeBlanc and Jessica Andreatta know though!
2. Being TMI Tuesday and all, can you tell the readers something they may not know about you? Any hidden talents or guilty pleasures?
I don’t have any hidden talents unless eating an entire box of Kraft Mac and Cheese counts. My guilty pleasure would have to be playing The Sims 3 and hoping I have triplets every time I get pregnant. Yes, my friends think I am crazy.
3. Were you a big fan of the first season of “Are you the One?”
I was! My roommate and I started watching around the 3rd episode and we were immediately hooked.
4. If you were to hit play on your itunes itunes library right now, what song would play?
Hold on, let me check to see what song was actually playing…..I was listening to Girl at Home by Taylor Swift. Specifically I was rocking out in my car to my entire Taylor Swift Playlist, but if I were to choose a song on my itunes right now I would probably go for some Ed Sheeran or Lana. #QUEENLANA
5. On this season of MTV’s The Challenge cast members of the first season of “Are you the One” compete. Would you ever consider appearing on the show?
I would consider appearing it on definitely. I am very competitive and honestly, I know it is a bad quality but I am the world’s sorest loser. I used to be on a bowling team when I was younger and my mom has me stomping around and crying on videotape if I couldn’t get a strike. A few months ago I played tennis with my friends and ended up rage quitting because I sucked. Safe to say nothing has changed and a reason why I either would be the worst player on The Challenge or the best. haha!
6. If you could chose one artist/band to do a opening theme song for “Are you the One” who would it be and why?
–Oh this is a tough one. I would choose Jimmy Fallon featuring Justin Timberlake because all of their parody songs are hilarious and I mean, lets be real, who doesn’t love Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake?!
7. How has your life changed since the show?
It really hasn’t changed much at all. I would say the biggest thing other than gaining a lot of followers was moving in with Christina and Jessica. That was definitely a life changer because I have never lived with girls before, other than when I was on Are You The One, but this is very different than living in a mansion in Puerto Rico. Oh and sometimes when I am out at bars I get noticed as the girl who got her nose busted on national television, so I guess that moment changed my life.
8. Would you ever go on another dating show?
Ya know, I have thought about this before and I really don’t know. Being on a dating show is very personal and people really get to see your vulnerable side and I don’t like that. When you are trying to date someone or get to know someone you literally put everything out on the table for the world to see and for the world to judge and I think some things are meant for just you and your significant other and not everybody else. I wouldn’t mind having my own show because it wouldn’t be surrounded around who I am dating, so then it could be based off of my life and dating would just be one small part of it. At this point of my life, I probably would not go on another dating show, but I guess you never know because in 20 years I could still be single and go on some dating show for cougars.
9. Do you feel your personality was represented accurately on the show?
I think I was represented accurately, yes. I also think that I have a lot of different sides to me that people didn’t see. On the show I was really into Curtis, so you guys got to see more of the sensitive, mushy, and loving me. I’m single now, and a lot of fans have told me I act a lot different now than I did on the show, and I mean come on! I’m single! I am allowed to party and get crazy with my roommates who are also my best friends! I am still the girl I was on the show and one day when I am back in a relationship people will get to see that again. Until then, people are just going to have to settle for this side of me.
10. Any up coming projects? What’s next for you?
Me and my roommates started a YouTube Channel called “The Goon House” but it isn’t anything serious, it really is just for fun. I don’t really know what is next for me, at this point I am like Pocahontas just following the colors of the wind or whatever she does with the colors of the wind, that is what I’m doing. Maybe you’ll see me back on tv or maybe I’ll start my own clothing line or maybe I’ll open my own pizza restaurant. Who knows?
With the blueray release of the strangely popular 2014 horror “Annabelle” approaching I thought now would be a good time to pay homage to some of horror’s best creepy dolls.
This is of course not the first horror film to touch on the creep factor that is dolls. One of the biggest grossing franchises of doll oriented horror films is Child’s Play. Thus, this week’s pick is the “latest” in the string of Chucky films “Seed of Chucky“. Let’s get parental.
Sinopsis
Genre:Horror/Comedy
You’ll notice that I listed comedy as one of the genres, I’m not entirely sure if the film is listed as a comedy but I sure laughed at it. The film focuses on Glen/Glenda aka Shitface, a young doll (who talks and is pretty gross looking) working in the ventriloquist circuit. All their life Glen/Glenda believed they were an orphan until a promo for a new horror film starring his real parents Chucky and Tiffany. Glen/Glenda makes their way to Hollywood for a family reunion. The family love fest is filled with murder, obviously, and a plan to transfer the 3 doll’s spirits into the bodies of Jennifer Tilly (voice of Tiffany), and Redman (yes, take that in a for a minute).
Chucky and Tiffany’s spawn however has a hard time coming to terms with the whole you know mass murder thing, so that adds some conflict.
Review
I have such a soft spot for Chucky movies, Tiffany remains a style icon to me (don’t judge me.). This film wasn’t exactly what I expect nor what I wanted though. I certainly prefer Bride of Chucky MUCH more.
Rating
6 creepy murderer dolls out of 10
Who should watch this?
anyone you know who collects dolls and thinks it’s not weird at all
your best friend
that guy who always cuts in line in front of you at the grocery store when you’re not looking
you
Its not often you find such a kind and charismatic triple threat like Matt Edwards, an actor/singer/dancer from Mississauga, Ontario. Most recently appearing in Shawn Mendes’ new music video for “Something Big” this 2013 interview is my #throwbackThursday interview!
1. How do you find the acting scene in Toronto, in comparison to the United States?
I feel like the acting scene down here is very supportive, where The united States is more competitive just because acting is so broad down there. It’s hard here because The states is provided with tons opportunities for acting. Canada is definitely getting tons more opportunities thankfully, but the scene in Canada is just much smaller than the united states, sometimes making it more of a challenge here. 2. You seem to be quite the gym rat, how important is fitness for you as an actor?
Fitness to me is really important, just because personally, I want to live a long life. To me, it makes me want to be active and be physical and give me motivation. I also know that down the road, being active and being physically fit will help me get more roles and help with the active lifestyle that I want for myself. 3. You post daily selfies of you #OOTD (outfit of the day), so you’re clearly into fashion. Whats your favourite look for fall?
Umm, my favourite look for Fall this year is definitely light wash jeans. I’m really into them. I wear sweaters religiously in the fall and I’m in love with Flannels too, so definitely Flannels. I feel like Tims are good to have as well, right before Winter, so I’m excited to bring those out. 4. Social media plays a big part in your life it seems, and you have quite the following on various sites. So what hashtag do you think would best describe you?
That’s a really good question, I have no idea really. I know I use the hashtag #dope or #dopest a lot on Instagram, so most likely that. Also #Foodporn or #Toronto, #Rihanna, or something to do with #keek. Most likely those. 5. You often release cover videos (most recently of Drake’s new track “Hold on we’re going home”), does music help inspire your passion for acting?
No, I’d say it doesn’t actually. Music is more of a personal thing for me. Something I can I relate a feeling or a time in my life too. As where acting is more me not being myself and me being someone else or being a character and pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone to be something different. You can always kind of relate to a character your playing through an event you went through or at least can try too, but music is more personal, it’s more feelings and bringing back memories or creating memories. Especially growing up, music like Michael Jackson’s or Whitney Houston’s, old hip hop, old r&b, or old inspire me with memories or feelings. Even songs now. For as long as I can remember, singing has been something I enjoy, like a pass time to me. Where acting is something I want to do and only do for the rest of my life. 6. Again, you have a lot of followers on your multiple social media accounts, so its clear you have a great online support system, does this reign true in your real life? (Whats your friend and family support system like)
Oh ya, definitely! My friends and family are mad supportive and I couldn’t be anymore happy and blessed with them. As cliché as it sounds, no matter what I know they all have my back. Literally, they’re on my back. I have a tattoo that says “God, Family Friends.” That helps me know they’re there with me, even when they can’t physically be there. Whether it’s texting me to see if I’m ok, or encouraging me, or promoting things I do, they always rooting me on. So I’m so thankful for all of them.
7. With this being #TMI Thursday, tell the wax museum readers something they wouldn’t know about you from your roles, and social media vlogging.
It’s funny because I do share a lot on social media, but I try to keep something’s private and personal, just so I retain that for the future, but things people won’t know about me is that I don’t like dressing up. If it’s for a wedding or an event where I have to wear a suit and tie, I’m not happy. When I post #OOTD post, I’m happy. I’m comfortable. Those things I like to wear. Suits? No. And Second, I don’t like clowns or raccoons. They creep me out and scare me. Don’t like them. And third, I don’t like wearing socks. As little as that is, I hate wearing them. I know they’re socially expected, so I wear them, but if I get to wear shoes I don’t have to wear socks with, I’m the happiest person out there.
8. I have to ask, whats your favourite film/TV show and why?
It’s probably easier to say my favourite tv show first. Definitely, The Fresh Prince of Bel-air. That show shaped my childhood and youth. Love that show. And I’m really into Breaking Bad too. I’m not caught up on that show, but the camera angles they use and the shots, the scenery, the characters, plot and dialog is amazing. That show deserves a lot more credit than it’s given. And as far as film? The Top 3 that I can think of right now would be The Lion King, Independence Day and Transformers. 9. Aside from music, who and what inspire you?
I would say my friends for sure. Just the drive and the motivation a lot of them have is really inspirational and something to look up too. Two of my best friends go to school for Football. The drive they have to be where they want to be and know what they have to do in order to get there and be successful inspires me a lot. I look up to that. 10. Whats next for you?
Acting wise, my agency and I are working on something. I can’t say too much about it though. Hopefully I can say something about it soon. I really want to get into the studio again. The feedback from my last cover video has been amazing, so I want to get back into the studio and hit everyone with something different. Other than that, Thanksgiving is coming up, so I’m super excited for that. Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday, so I’m excited to see all my friends and family during that time. On the side, I really want to get into #DIY projects. Maybe find some sweaters and put really cool print of graphics on them. I think those are really dope. So what’s next? Mainly stay super busy.
You may remember this tall handsome man as one half of the Willthew shipping fandom on the 21st cycle of America’s Next Top Model. This Southern dance teacher made his name known throughout the competition dealing with scrutiny from fellow cast mates for being an openly gay male. Will Jardell did not allow that to stop him at all, and became the cycle’s runner-up. Whether he was swooning Matthew, kicking some serious butt in the photo challenges, or making BFFs with cast mate Raelia, Will made his way into our hearts. I sat down with Jardell to discuss modeling, reality TV, new year’s resolutions and more!
1. On the show you were open about your sexuality, what advice do you have for other gay models looking to break into the industry?
Don’t hide who you are. Thats the hardest thing I had to realize growing up. I was hiding who I truly was for so long but then one day I was like screw that, and let the really me shine through.
2. If you and former cast mate/bff Raelia were to have your own reality show (which y’all really should), what would you title it? And what network would you want it to air on?
“Will and Raelia’s Twerk school” It would have to be on Bravo or some other scandalous network! Lets be real. That ain’t appropriate for children!
3. Go to your itunes library, put it on shuffle. Can you tell me the first 3 artists that play? How does each song make your feel?
One Direction, Beyonce, and Sam Smith. Happy and like a little girl, Sexy and ferocious, and finally peaceful and blown away!
4. Congratulations once again on being runner up in the latest cycle of ANTM, even throughout the show your fan base seemed to be strong. How would you describe your fans? Anything you’d like to say to them?
The fans are diehard! I have had so much support and it has meant the world! I just want to say thank you so much for everything! I wouldn’t be where I am without the amazing support. 5. Since today is TMI Tuesday, can you tell me something about you I may not know already? Any hidden talents? Weird phobias?
I can wiggle my ears? Thats a strange talent!
6. With all the “new year, new me” bullshit, what is your new year’s resolution?
To embrace opportunity. I think 2014 was a growing year for me and now its time to seize every opportunity that presents itself.
7. Being a reality TV star, do you watch any other reality shows? I myself watch almost anything on MTV, and TLC.
I watch big brother and So you think you can dance religiously as well as ANTM. I love Big Brother and would kill to be on that show!
8. What area of modelling do you see yourself excelling in the most?
Fashion and avant gard. I love doing new and exciting things. 9. If there were another season of ANTM: All Stars, would you compete?
Hands down yes! I would love to get a mother chance to be a part of an amazing competition but this time take home the crown!
10. In a booch final showdown who would win, you or ANTM winner Keith?
Oh definitely me. Lets all remember who the real winner is 😉
Stay tuned for a fresh interview next week for #TMITuesday ! Tweet me at @thenikkisin
Its not often that a film based on a video game is very good, and this week’s pick is no exception. This week’s Cinema Sunday pick is House of the Dead, a film that I like to pretend I didn’t buy from a Blockbuster closing sale, and also spawned a made for TV sequel two years after the release of the first film.
Sinopsis
For those of you who are unaware, “House of the Dead” is a first person shooter game originally release in 1996 in arcade style (See kids, thats where people used to go to play video games, sort of like xbox without a yelling German kid), and then was internationally released by Sega the following year. I highly doubt the creators of the game intended to have the film made into a cheesy horror film to later be reviewed by little ol’ me, but hey it happened. So deal with it.
Basically, a group of party loving students head over to an island for a rave, but soon discover they aren’t alone. The film features terribly cheesy deaths, barely dressed females, and incredibly subpar acting. Its hilarious, which probably wasn’t the intention.
It does however star at least one sort of well known actor Johnathan Cherry, known for Final Destination 2 and Goon.
Review
This is a b-movie in its most prime state with all the essentials:
college students: CHECK
a party/rave: CHECK
a location that prevents people from leaving: CHECK
zombies: CHECK
In an attempt to avoid angry gamer fans, the film is set as a prequel to the actual video game. Which doesn’t really help the film in all honesty, but makes it a perfect b-movie for your collection, and Sunday movie viewing.
Rating
4 zombie island ravers out of 10 Who should watch this?
zombies
Probably not video game fans
you
Stay tuned next week for another installment of #CinemaSunday ! For more from me check out my twitter @thenikkisin
My time working on thewaaxmuseum.net allowed me to interview some pretty incredible people for TMI Thursdays. So every week I plan to bring one out of the archives for you for #throwbackThursday.
At just 22 years old Canadian actor and fashionista Melinda Shankar has accomplished quite a bit; Known best for her role as the sassy “Alli” on Degrassi: The Next Generation, and her own YTV series “Being Indie” as Indie, Melinda has established herself in the industry. She took some time to talk with our very own Nikki Sin about fashion, family, and acting.
1. You seem to post a lot of tweets about your mother and how close you two are (which is both adorable and great to see a young person doing so). Did your mother inspire your love of acting?
So sweet of you to notice, my mom is the most important person in my life. She is a housewife who has dedicated her life to taking care of my family. I’ve never met such a giving, selfless person and I want to give her the world in return. Hence why our photos are just a hint of all the fun and laughs that we share on an everyday basis. My mom’s mom was an actress in Guyana, (Where my parents are from) and my great grandfather was a director for theatre. My grandfather was a jack of all trades including working in the music industry for fun. I was blessed with having an intro to the entertainment industry through hearing stories from my mom about my family tree. Through that, I have my mom to thank for inspiring me to want to continue the acting bug.
2. Fashion seems to be a big thing for you, how different is your personal style to that of your character on Degrassi?
Fashion is a huge part of my life as I entered into the industry as a child model. I have a huge input on Alli’s wardrobe because I love putting outfits together and styling characters. My personal style is a little more mature as I am 4 years older than Alli. I’d describe my personal style as versatile. My outfits range in style but are dependant on the event it’s for. On an everyday basis i’d say feminine chic. From having worked with elite stylists from childhood, i’ve learnt a lot more about fashion and have since decided to open an image consulting agency in the new year.
3. Can you tell us anything about you we may not know about you?
I love to cook! Whenever I go to my family home, they look forward to me being their chef. I’m especially obsessed with creating Thai dishes. My friends come over on a regular basis for dinner.
4. You appeared in “Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars”, were you a fan of the original Harriet the Spy film before this role?
To be honest I saw the original after being cast as Janie, so that I could study the character and hopefully stay true to what people know and love. And also to see where fit to put my own spin to it.
5. Of any musical artist/group out there, which would you like to hear cover the infamous Degrassi theme song the most?
The Jackson 5 would be incredible! Fun and upbeat, very suiting for our genre.
6. How important is cultural pride to you? In your case you’re Canadian-Guyanese.
Cultural pride is very important to me. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to play Guyanese in a film called “The festival of light” which we filmed in both New York and Guyana. Getting to discover the country for myself and getting to finally put a real image to the ones I had imagined through my parents stories’ were amazing. The people there were insanely proud and supportive of my career which made me feel great that I was able to shine light on a country so meaningful to me and my ancestors.
7. Degrassi has recently been added to the MTV family, how does that feel?
I’m so excited that Degrassi is now on MTV, I first came onto the show when it was on CTV, then MuchMusic and now changing again. It’s really cool on a personal note to be able to experience teach network and cater to different demographics from one series.
8. I know set life can get tedious sometimes, is there any one thing that makes those long days tolerable for you? Maybe a certain food or inside joke you have with a cast-mate?
My cast members are also my real life best friends so work hardly feels tedious. We laugh non stop and have the most fun, always. We’re like a family since we work together all day every week day, hang out after set, on the weekends, and most of them stay at my place in the city throughout the work week. The best part about them is they know when to be professional and work and when it’s okay to hang out and be silly. The fun positive energy really breaks the stress of even the busiest and hardest work days.
9. You’ve had your fair share of romance on Degrassi over the years, how do you react/deal with on screen kissing/ is it strange for your family to see?
On screen kissing really doesn’t faze me anymore since I’ve been lucky enough to kiss all the cute boys throughout my time on the series. We’re all so close that it’s more silly then anything. My first on screen kiss was nerve wracking, but now it feels like just another action to do in the scene.
10. Whats next for you?
Miss Conception is my new company and I’ll be investing the rest of my time into developing the business and having our launch. I’m heading to Jamaica at the end of this month to the fashion component blogging for Ocean Magazine fashion shows and events being hosted there.
And according to Shanknar’s instagram she is currently taking some time off of acting as of now.
Stay tuned for fresh interviews on #TMITuesday! And if you know someone who would like to be featured tweet me @thenikkisin Featured photo by Lane Doresey
What better way to bring back TMI Tuesday (formally TMI Thursdays) than to do so with an MTV personality! You may remember this dancing blonde from The Real World: EXplosion. I sat down to ask Delich about her former roommates, ex, music, dancing, and of course the bear suit.
1. On your season of the Real World you were outgoing, in your face, and always ready to party. Do you feel this was an accurate representation of you?
Yes I would say I’m outgoing, in your face maybe sometimes, always ready to party? Not me all the time. Naturally I am a lot more laid back. I still enjoy my music and dancing though!!
2. You were always dancing on the show (being a go-go dancer will do that), what is your signature dance move?
I don’t know why I bust it out from time to time but I love to do Russian High Kicks.. I like to do the weird things no one expects.3. Your season of the Real World also had a first, bringing in your exes to live with you guys. You and your ex Brian saw your fair share of drama. On the reunion you guys seemed to be working things out. Where do you guys stand now?We are still together. We understand so much more about each other since the show. 🙂
4. On the first episode of the season, you and Cory had an ahem encounter while wearing a bear hat. Did the other cast members know about the involvement of the hat and end up wearing it anyways or was it deemed tainted?
We didn’t tell the other cast members about it right away but they eventually found out, it was kinda tainted after that point.
5. Being a go-go dancer you’re, well you’re exposed to music ALL the time. What is currently on your playlist?
I don’t go-go dance currently, I switched to Bartending which is also a blast!! As far as dancing music goes, I love Calvin Harris, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, to name a few. I also like to get down to jazz, classical, and hip hop.
6. Do you keep in touch with any of the shows’ cast members?Brian and I are living together again, I still talk to Ashley and Arielle here and there.
7. Since this is TMI Thursday, can you tell our readers something they may not know about you?
I’m a science nerd. I was in a biology honor society in college. I am going back to school in January for business but I still have my eye on science. Oh and that I get really embarrassed when I get recognized in public, even though it happens almost every day.
8. Your twitter used to say that you’re an actor (we share that in common), what sort of roles are you most drawn to?
I always wanted to play the bad ass roles like Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider or Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil. Then when I get older I want to play the crazy old lady roles. 9. You’re also listed as a youtuber. Who is your favourite YouTube vlogger?Probably Jenna Marbles and Miranda Singhs, although there are a ton I’m thinking of right now and I can’t remember all the names at the moment. There are so many!!
10. What’s next for you Jenny? What can we expect?
1. I sang in a song called Try by Rock of Ages Justin Mortelliti. The song is now available on iTunes and the music video will be out on Vevo beginning of 2015.
2. Im going back to school for Entrepreneurial Studies at UMKC which I’m stoked about!
Welcome bacccckkk! I promise these posts will get prettier.
I’m going to pretend Halloween is not over, because in my heart it never is and I refuse to believe otherwise.
On with this week’s pick; I went for another slasher because I’ve been all over them this month. My chosen film this week was actually suggested by director-producer-writer and all around cool guy Dave Ricci (@davidfossricci on Twitter). A comedy-slasher that was followed by a couple of sequels this week’s pick is Hatchet.
Sinopsis
GENRE: Horror/Slasher/Comedy Rated: R
The film takes place in New Orleans, which if you’re into the history of voodoo the location will have already grabbed your attention. During a tour of “haunted swamps” a group of attendees find themselves lost,stranded and scared in the wilderness. If lost in the wilderness doesn’t already spell trouble the tourists find themselves being terrorized by a hatchet loving killer.
Review
The Bayou based film’s villain “Victor Crowley” certainly became a favourite for me. And not just because his last name brought out my not so secret Supernatural fangirl, but because the killer is played by a horror legend Kane Hodder who is best known as Jason Voorhees in films 7-10. I had a few other fan girl moments when I saw Robert Englund (fellow horror legend, Freddy Krueger) and everyone;s favourite blonde bimbo vampire Harmony (Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Mercedes McNab).
The trailer for the film actually makes the slasher look like it’s going to be serious which I was pretty surprised with prior to watching the film.
I’m pretty excited to check out the sequels soon too, a marathon is in order.
Rating
9 hatchets out of 10
Who Should Watch?
hatchet enthusiasts
Jemmye Caroll
you
Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans
Wondering where you can get your fix of my weekly film review from thewaxmuseum.net? Perhaps you’re missing my interviews? This is the place.
After over a year with the incredible team at thewaxmuseum.net I’m off on my own now! This where be where you can find my Cinema Sunday posts, and interviews (formally known as TMI Thursdays).
I’m excited to get this launch going for the new year. I’ll have brand new reviews, interviews, some collabs with other bloggers and announcements of new projects of mine.
The blog will remain under construction for a while, but posts will be up weekly!
thenikkisin.com 