CooperCraigM
http://www.flixster.com/user/coopercraigm
| Name | Craig Cooper |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| I'm From | Columbia, MO |
| Member For | 448 days |
| Last Login | Wed. Aug 20 |
| Profile Views | 711 |
| Age | 25 |
| MCT Score | |
| Status | Online Now |
| Movie: | Pretty Woman, Love Actually, Elizabethtown, Shawshank Redemption, Rain Man, Sister Act, and a bunch of other goofy movies... |
|---|---|
| Actor: | Probably Morgan Freeman... he's amazing. I also have incredible respect for heavyweights such as Meryl Streep, Sally Field, Jack Nicholson, Tom Hanks, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, and many more. And, I love Kiera Knightly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kirsten Dunst. |
| Director: | Steven Spielberg, Cameron Crowe, Joel Schumacher, Frank Darabont, Tim Burton, Rob Marshall, Garry Marshall |
| Quote: | Vivian: You're late. Edward: You're stunning. Vivian: You're forgiven. |
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I originally hail from the giant metropolis of Thayer, MO, population 2,201. After 18 wonderful years running barefoot in the hills of Thayer, I headed off to a small suburb of Thayer known as Memphis, TN. I completed my undergraduate studies at Rhodes College, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies. I just graduated from law school at Mizzou, and will be practicing law in Columbia following the bar exam. Just livin' life and tryin' to make the most of it!
You've probably heard the phrase, "tall, dark, and handsome." Well, that's... NOT me... at all. :-) I'm afraid I'm 0 for 3 on that one. But, I hear that short, pale, and scrawny is about to have its day! I love to laugh... at anything and everything (and sometimes nothing at all). I really like randomness and spontaneity. I hate being bored. I absolutely love sleeping, especially daytime naps. I'm very good at it, and I think that's why I like it so much. I can sleep through just about anything. I also like procrastinating (and I happen to be very good at that, too). I am addicted to CNN and the New York Times... and Diet Coke. As far as movies, I love a wide variety... I have a particular soft-spot for romantic comedies (cheesey, I know), but I also love comedies of all stripes (from slapstick to highbrow). I grew up watching horror movies with my brother, so I still love a good scary movie -- whether genuinely so, or just a cheesey attempt. :-) Often times, my favorite movies aren't necessarily those that I think are the best. My favorites tend to be a bit lighter-fare, feel-good stuff... stuff that I can watch any time. However, the movies I have the most repsect for are those that are well-executed, intensely thought-provoking, or simply have an exceptionally clever twist. I'll give just about anything a shot, and I can appreciate a variety of different qualities in any given movie.  http://www.myspace.com/CooperCraigM http://www.myspace.com/CraigMCooper |
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Craig's Recent Reviews
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Superbad
R
Michael Cera is really a phenomenal talent, and an absolute delight to watch on-screen. So lovably awkward and innocent. I look forward to watching him grow as an actor and expand his abilities.
All in all, this movie was very funny and supremely entertaining.
The Dark Knight
PG-13
A truly incredible film in every way -- sheer brilliance. It's rare that a movie like this can live up to such unbelievable hype and near impossible expectations, but this film delivers in full.
Ledger was absolutely genius in his role -- so dark, twisted, and hauntingly crazy, yet insanely funny (with an emphasis on the insane). Bale is the best to ever don the suit, and he was exceptional in this installment as well. Aaron Eckhart very ably filled his role, and Maggie Gyllenhaal is a delight in just about anything -- this movie being no exception. Finally, I have to give a nod to both Morgan Freeman and Michael Cain who are both such phenomenal talents that they improve any film to which they contribute -- in this case, they were just the proverbial icing on a most delectable cake.
Everyone owes it to themselves to see this superior film. You won't be disappointed, and you will likely be amazed at how they managed to accomplish so much in 2 1/2 hours.
Craig's Favorite Movies
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(48) | Create a MovieBoard
1.
Pretty Woman
R
I absolutely love this movie, and I'm not ashamed of it. Despite the absurdity of the story, Richard Gere is the epitome of a classic gentleman -- except that whole hooker thing... Oh wait, that's pretty much what the movie's all about... Anyway... Additionally, Julia Roberts is funny, charming, and endearing, and she also manages to become the very essence of a lady -- except for the whole hooker thing... But I digress... This is just a feel-good movie that fully delivers to all of us hopeless romantics.
2.
Love Actually
R
Next to "Pretty Woman" (which I adore), this is my favorite movie. Yet another feel-good chick flick that packs enough laughs to keep it from getting too gushy. Each of the story lines are executed so well. You can't help but fall in love with the characters, share in their joys, and sympathize with their sorrows. It's also nice that not every story line wraps up in a nice little package with a pretty little bow. The cast couldn't be any more phenomenal. This is a true gem.
3.
Elizabethtown
PG-13
I really love this movie. It's slow-paced, but I really connected to the characters and really "lived-in" the story. Maybe it's Kirsten Dunst (whom I adore) or maybe it's the southern charm (God love Paula Deen!), but whatever it is, this is just a great movie. Susan Sarandon is a beauty in this film... she's doesn't get a lot of screen time, but when she does, she owns it. I love the road trip at the end. It's a good time (replete with a stop in Memphis), and it also showcases the film's amazing soundtrack. This film just makes me think about all of the good things in life, and for that, I'm thankful.
4.
Steel Magnolias
PG
O.k. So it's a complete chick flick, but I don't care... I like chick flicks and I'm not afraid to admit it. This film has a stellar cast. Olympia Dukakis and Shirley MacLaine are priceless. Dolly Parton is adorable, as always. Julia Roberts is charming. And, Daryl Hannah is... well... weird, but that's her character so it all works out. *Spoilers ahead -- stop reading now if you don't want to know.* Even with such amazing performances by all, it is Sally Field who steals the show with one of the finest scenes in the history of acting. At Shelby's funeral her reaction is so authentic and it jsut feels real. She cries, she gets angry, she cries, she tries to pull it together, she gets angry, she cries, she laughs... she's basically crazy. But, I imagine that that's exactly how it would feel to go through such an experience. It's just a brilliant performance that shines through in an excellent film. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and if you don't come away touched, or, at the very least, entertained, then I don't want to see the kind of movies you like.
5.
The Shawshank Redemption
R
Maybe the best movie ever made. I realize that's awfully generous, but it is just such a fantastic film. It's definitely one of my top 10. Stephen King provides a brilliant story which Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman skillfully bring to life. Definitely Morgan Freeman's finest work, and he's a man who's had a lot of fine works.
6.
Rain Man
R
Dustin Hoffman is amazing. That's really all that needs to be said about this film. It is HIS film. He owns it. One of my absolute favorites. "10 minutes to Wapner."
Craig's Movie Scrapbook
Craig's Talk
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I recommend you see...
Tropic Thunder
by Derekposted 18 minutes ago -
I recommend you see...A movie so terrible I'm not even going to review it.
Seriously, this is garbage on the lowest level. It exists for two reasons only: 1) the purpose of plugging a tv series; and 2) making money of Star Wars fans/suckers.
The original Star Wars is a franchise that really succeeded early on because we thought its campiness and silliness was deliberate. With the prequels we saw that perhaps Lucas just couldn't write, either that or the actors couldn't pull it off. Whatever the case, he somewhat redeemed himself with the decent Revenge of the Sith, only to totally alienate and exploit his fans with this absolute piece of trash. Its lazy, poorly animated, and dead in the water. The voice acting brings phoning it in to a whole new level.
I advise everyone to stay away from this. I saw this for free and I still feel ripped off. Please, let the franchise die with what dignity it has left. Don't give Lucas and company your money for this lazy schlock.posted 3 hours ago -
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I recommend you see...2 sentence review this time.
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Righteous Kill
by Vmedia Berkeley Ca. Heat was a tease for these two actors. Now along comes Russell Gewirtz (writer of Inside Man) to hopefully satisfy our curiosity about what these two acting powerhouses could do together with more shared time onscreen. Gewirtz wrote Righteous Kill with De Niro and Pacino in mind and on screen together for nearly the entire film.
I saw a screening tonight and it should do ok - its the basic over acting from Mr Pacino and the mumbling snicker from DeNiro.
But its well directed and may do well later this month. But i get a gut feeling it won't last long..
Vince
Vmedia UCBHeat was a tease for these two actors. Now along comes Russell Gewirtz (writer of Inside Man) to hopefully satisfy our curiosity about what these two acting powerhouses could do together with more shared time onscreen.
Gewirtz wrote Righteous Kill with De Niro and Pacino in mind and on screen together for nearly the entire film. I saw a screening tonight and it should do ok - its the basic over acting from Mr Pacino and the mumbling snicker from DeNiro.
But its well directed and may do well later this month. I get a gut feeling it won't last long..
Vince
Vmedia UCBposted 1 day ago -
You are welcome, hope we can be flixster friends.
Let me know of any good movies. Take care and God Bless
A friend from Tx.posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Save Me
by Vmedia Berkeley Ca. With a sensitive, intelligent screenplay and extremely honest performances, this drama goes far beyond its issue-of-the-week premise to ask challenging and important "gay topic" questions.
Yes, it's pretty heavy stuff, but like the similar, Mormon-themed Latter Days, the central drama carries us along effortlessly. And director Cary makes sure that the tone is sharp and realistic, with frequent humorous asides and a refusal to fall into stereotypes. And in the end it actually has the nerve to admit that people have to make this decision for themselves, whichever way they choose to go.
While the story sets itself up as yet another liberal rant against religion, the film rises far beyond that due to its even-handed characterisations. Gayle is strident and narrow-minded, and yet powerfully sympathetic, thanks to a combination of good writing and expert acting from Light. Her silly rules (no pink, don't cross your legs!) mask her underlying compassion. And both Allen and Gant never allow the clichs to take root while adding depth and shadings to their characters.
Vince
Vmedia UCBWith a sensitive, intelligent screenplay and extremely honest performances, this drama goes far beyond its issue-of-the-week premise to ask challenging and important "gay topic" questions.
Yes, it's pretty heavy stuff, but like the similar, Mormon-themed Latter Days, the central drama carries us along effortlessly. And director Cary makes sure that the tone is sharp and realistic, with frequent humorous asides and a refusal to fall into stereotypes. And in the end it actually has the nerve to admit that people have to make this decision for themselves, whichever way they choose to go.
This should spend a short time on Indi screens. But look for it on DVD later this fall.
Vince
Vmedia UCBposted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
What We Do Is Secret
by Vmedia Berkeley Ca. from director Rodger Grossman.
With dead-on details and a fine cast, "Secret" re-creates that brief, colorful period before punk became a "scene" and still served as a melting pot of outcasts, artists and sleazeballs. Aside from Crash (Shane West, who'll front the regrouped band tonight at the Blender Theatre in Manhattan) and future Nirvana guitarist Pat Smear (Rick Rodriguez), nearly every key player is reincarnated here, from influential radio host Rodney Bingenheimer to foul-mouthed journalist Kickboy Face. There's even a nod to Long Beach's Joan Jett, who produced the Germs' album.
The film's documentary style is a distraction, but it fades in and out. "Secret" is most compelling when the people and places of L.A. tell this tragic but somehow still ebullient story. I recommend this picture - but might say it won't be on screens long, so its best to wait for its DVD release later this fall.
Vince
Vmeda UCBfrom director Rodger Grossman.
With dead-on details and a fine cast, "Secret" re-creates that brief, colorful period before punk became a "scene" and still served as a melting pot of outcasts, artists and sleazeballs. Aside from Crash (Shane West, who'll front the regrouped band tonight at the Blender Theatre in Manhattan) and future Nirvana guitarist Pat Smear (Rick Rodriguez), nearly every key player is reincarnated here, from influential radio host Rodney Bingenheimer to foul-mouthed journalist Kickboy Face. There's even a nod to Long Beach's Joan Jett, who produced the Germs' album.
The film's documentary style is a distraction, but it fades in and out. "Secret" is most compelling when the people and places of L.A. tell this tragic but somehow still ebullient story. I recommend this picture - but might say it won't be on screens long, so its best to wait for its DVD release later this fall.
Vince
Vmeda UCBposted 2 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
by BrockObviously most of the good chuckles are in the first stoner flick and its hard to say but this is a bit lame even though i like the main dudes!!!!. Highlight for me was his response to the terrorist about donuts!!! But hey thats my bizzare sense of humour. Watch if your a fan of the first film, otherwise give this a big flick.
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Hammer
by BrockDefinitely for fans of Adam Carolla "The Man Show". Very Light hearted entertainment and if you enjoy Carollas dry sense of humour than this is worth a watch. He was actually quit convincing in his role ( as himself really!!!) and enjoyed the cast around him. Just a fun, light film and not sure why its R rated! I had good little chuckle throughout this film.
Hey, you should really see this! If you like Carolla then you will enjoy this. He definitely got a good sense of humour and I liked that about this film.
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Air I Breathe
by BrianCould have been better, but pretty good. Slow to start, but good once it got going. Forrest Whitaker and Kevin Bacon are underused and Sarah Michelle Gellar is overused.
I enjoyed how it was put together in segments that all were related to each other in the end.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...not a recommendation
me and EarthlyAlien made a blog
http://doistakes.blogspot.com/
please visit it ;)posted 4 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Rory O'Shea Was Here (Inside I'm Dancing)
by BrianThia is somewhat of a different kind of film because you think it's going to be somewhat of a kighthearted comedy in the beginning, but it really surprises you in a good way.
Great performances by James McAvoy and Steven Robertson. Totally worth watching on several levels and I'm glad we finally got around to it.
Why do people talk trash on McAvoy? See this and maybe you won't.
One complaint: too slow at times.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 4 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Twilight of the Golds
by BrianThis movir pissed me off a little biy. I can deal with dated movies, after all this came out in 1997, fine, but where my issue is is with the dated characters. All the gay men in the movie are such stereotypes. YAWN!
Other than that tho the movie is good. It starts off slow, but gets good towards the middle.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
YPF
by Vmedia Berkeley Ca.
Young People F---ing. Canadian filmmaker Martin Gero's very funny and insightful feature debut is far less shocking than it sounds most of whom haven't even seen it would have you believe.
It shares the same sketch format of 20-something and 30-something couples working out various love dilemmas.
The only difference here is that one of the couples is a threesome.
So we have Aaron Abrams (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Gero) and Carly Pope as The Friends, the aforementioned kissers who decide to take platonic to a new plateau.
Despite the formula format, there are a few surprises, along with a practical demonstration of the best kind of music for f---ing.
If you're looking for porn, you've come to the wrong place. There are a few bare breasts, a couple of bare asses, one naughty strap-on and that's about it. The nation's moral fibre remains intact.
If you're looking for a good time and a little wisdom, then come right in.
It should be on DVD - but don't expect Blockbuster and the mainstream outlets to carry this title.
Vince
Vmedia UCBYoung People F---ing. Canadian filmmaker Martin Gero's very funny and insightful feature debut is far less shocking than it sounds most of whom haven't even seen it would have you believe. It shares the same sketch format of 20-something and 30-something couples working out various love dilemmas. The only difference here is that one of the couples is a threesome. So we have Aaron Abrams (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Gero) and Carly Pope as The Friends.
Despite the formula format, there are a few surprises, along with a practical demonstration of the best kind of music for f---ing. If you're looking for porn, you've come to the wrong place. There are a few bare breasts, a couple of bare asses, one naughty strap-on and that's about it. The nation's moral fibre remains intact.
If you're looking for a good time and a little wisdom, then come right in.
It should be on DVD but don't expect Blockbuster and the mainstream outlets to carry this title.
Vince
Vmedia UCBposted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Year of the Fish
by Vmedia Berkeley Ca. Year of the fish - Is finally getting its US release.
Taxicabs may not turn into a pumpkins, and the fairy godmother may sport fins and a tail, but "Year of the Fish" is a Cinderella story all the way, from its abused heroine to its happy ending. That the film is rotoscoped, or digitally painted, is its arthouse/festival calling card. But the story is so cliched and broadly drawn that few paying auds will feel compelled to call.
That the film is animated gives it an appropriately magical feel, but it can't save the story from being drowned in devices and stereotype. Chin, although a terrific actress, is bound by the dragon-lady conventions of her character; Nguyen's Ye Xian is little more than a doe-eyed victim, waiting for Prince Charming -- who comes in the form of the handsome Johnny Pan (Ken Leung), a local accordionist who's been having problems with modern Chinese women, but who will apparently live happily ever with someone as pliable as Ye Xian.
Cinderella story to the rescue. This is a must see. It should be on screen by September.
Vince
Vmedia UCBYear of the fish - Is finally getting its US release. Taxicabs may not turn into a pumpkins, and the fairy godmother may sport fins and a tail, but "Year of the Fish" is a Cinderella story all the way, from its abused heroine to its happy ending. That the film is rotoscoped, or digitally painted, is its arthouse/festival calling card.
That the film is animated gives it an appropriately magical feel, but it can't save the story from being drowned in devices and stereotype. Chin, although a terrific actress, is bound by the dragon-lady conventions of her character; Nguyen's Ye Xian is little more than a doe-eyed victim, waiting for Prince Charming who comes in the form of the handsome Johnny Pan (Ken Leung), a local accordionist who's been having problems with modern Chinese women.
Cinderella story to the rescue. This is a must see. It should be on screen by September.
Vince
Vmedia UCBposted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Towelhead
by Vmedia Berkeley Ca. I was pleased with the long awaited directorial debut of Alan Ball does not disappoint. Towelhead, based on the Alicia Erian novelof the same name, is an alternately moving and bitingly funny portrait of a Lebanese American father and daughter who are lost at sea when it comes to understanding the country they live in, but no more so than their neighbors. Fans of the television show Six Feet Under will instantly recognize Peter Macdissi, the actor playing Rifat, the father, as the unscrupulous art teacher Olivier who was forever giving terrible advice to Lauren Ambrose's character on that show.
Ball shows a real facility for mixing comedy and drama here, and also for delivering some keen insights about race and religion that risk offending in order to make a point. He's also able to use race to elicit big laughs, which is even trickier. Case in point: one of the film's biggest jokes comes when, after Rifat has forbidden Jasira from seeing an African-American boy that she likes because he fears it will shame her in society.
This picture has the biting humor of American Beauty, and exhibits that same quality of the sheer bone-weariness of being an American, but skirts the ponderous, life and death stakes of that film in favor of a fast-moving, ground-level story, and the result is a success.
I do recommend it and I hope its gets an audience.
Vince
Vmedia UCBI was pleased with the long awaited directorial debut of Alan Ball does not disappoint. Towelhead, based on the Alicia Erian novelof the same name, is an alternately moving and bitingly funny portrait of a Lebanese American father and daughter who are lost at sea when it comes to understanding the country they live in, but no more so than their neighbors. Fans of the television show Six Feet Under will instantly recognize Peter Macdissi, the actor playing Rifat.
Ball shows a real facility for mixing comedy and drama here, and also for delivering some keen insights about race and religion that risk offending in order to make a point.
This picture has the biting humor of American Beauty, and exhibits that same quality of the sheer bone-weariness of being an American, but skirts the ponderous, life and death stakes of that film in favor of a fast-moving, ground-level story, and the result is a success. I do recommend it and I hope its gets an audience.
Vince
Vmedia UCBposted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Boy A
by Vmedia Berkeley Ca. "Boy A" is based on a novel by Jonathan Trigell, possibly inspired by the real-life British case of two youths seen on a shopping mall's security video as they led away a child who was found dead. Such cases raise the question: Are children who murder indeed essentially evil, or can they heal and change over a period of years? Should society give them a second chance?
The film, directed by John Crowley and written by Mark O'Rowe, paints an accurate portrait of working-class life in the north of England, the grimness of the streets contrasting with the beauty of the countryside. It is spoken with accents, Mullen's Scottish the hardest to understand. He can speak standard English, but the accent is one of his tools. I've never had a problem with his speech, because he is such a great actor you can forget the words and listen to the music.
This a good script and well done film, on screens now and soon on DVD.
Vince
Vmedia UCB"Boy A" is based on a novel by Jonathan Trigell, possibly inspired by the real-life British case of two youths seen on a shopping mall's security video as they led away a child who was found dead. Such cases raise the question: Are children who murder indeed essentially evil, or can they heal and change over a period of years? Should society give them a second chance?
The film, directed by John Crowley and written by Mark O'Rowe, paints an accurate portrait of working-class life in the north of England, the grimness of the streets contrasting with the beauty of the countryside. It is spoken with accents, Mullen's Scottish the hardest to understand. He can speak standard English, but the accent is one of his tools. I've never had a problem with his speech, because he is such a great actor you can forget the words and listen to the music.
This a good script and well done film, on screens now and soon on DVD.
Vince
Vmedia UCBposted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
XXY
by Vmedia Berkeley Ca. With a quietly insinuating filmmaking style, Argentine writer director Puenzo invests this tricky story with real soul, bringing the characters and their situation to vivid life.
This vs any other coming of age film in 2008 is the best in the serious teen anxed scripts.
what makes the film so deeply important, mainly because Puenzo never preaches at us; she reveals the story gradually, knowing there's only one conclusion any fair minded person can possibly reach. And she assembles the film with an amazing DP and an earthy group of actors who let us see and feel their emotional responses to each other. The story is told by scenes of raw power that are short and very sharp, offering us startling insight and jarring us out of any simple-minded solutions we might be considering. This is bold, unflinching filmmaking that provokes a response.
Its still on screens this summer and soon to DVD since the box office this film wasn't good here in the states.
Vince
Vmedia UCBWith a quietly insinuating filmmaking style, Argentine writer director Puenzo invests this tricky story with real soul, bringing the characters and their situation to vivid life.
This film vs any other coming of age film in 2008 is the best in the serious teen anxed scripts. What makes the film so deeply important, mainly because Puenzo never preaches at us; she reveals the story gradually, knowing there's only one conclusion any fair minded person can possibly reach.
And she assembles the film with an amazing DP and an earthy group of actors who let us see and feel their emotional responses to each other. The story is told by scenes of raw power that are short and very sharp, offering us startling insight and jarring us out of any simple-minded solutions we might be considering. This is bold, unflinching filmmaking that provokes a response.
Its still on screens this summer and soon to DVD since the box office this film wasn't good here in the states.
Vince Vmedia UCBposted 5 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Tropic Thunder
by CoreyTropic Thunder is, simply put, one of the best movies of the summer and easily it's best comedy.
Ben Stiller directs his finest feature and turns in his best performance since Meet the Parents. The film also serves as a a a funny examination of "behind the scenes" Hollywood.
The film is filled with great performances. Along with Stiller, Jack Black turns in his best work in years. But, it's Robert Downey Jr. who manages to steal the show with his sublime work here.
In my opinion, Downey Jr. has had such a good year that Oscar nominations should be flooding in. I'm supporting a Lead nod for his work in Iron Man, but his work here merits serious Best Supporting Actor consideration along with Mr. Ledger's searing performance earlier this summer. He had the best lines of movie, and he looses himself in this character, something that rarely the result of a comedy.
Another performance sure to raise eyebrows in Tom Cruise. Cruise jumpstarts his career once again with a great performance. The elements of satire that he provides through his character is pure genius.
The writing is great too...just beyond hilarious. Some great Hollywood jokes, but then there's also just great humor along the way.
In the end, what this film does best is that it makes fun of everything Hollywood. I commend all the actors, large and small, who took a part in this film knowing very well that what they were making fun of was largely their own lives and careers. It's simply brilliant.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 6 days ago
by edwin
by Cris
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