Last year I posted Kees van Dijkhuizen's 'Cinema 2009' mashup of 342 movies in 2009. With the year's end upon us, Kees released 'Cinema 2010' today. Amazing! The most astonishing part? This kid is only in high school! Great music choice, and an incredible number of movies featured. I really applaud this level of dedication, hard work, and attention to detail. What a fantastic way to wrap up this year in cinema.
Check out this interview with Kees. Definitely doesn't sound like your average high school student.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
HBO "True Blood" Holiday DVD & Blu Ray Commercial
I'm kind of in love with this commercial right now.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
2011 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Nominations
After the travesty known as the Golden Globe awards nominations announcement yesterday, my spirits have been lifted by today's 17th Annual SAG awards nominations announcement this morning. Considering the Golden Globes have become somewhat of a joke in recent years, I wouldn't count on them for any early Oscar predictions. I would, however, put my money on some of these SAG nominations. SAG nominations have been pretty consistently on par with Oscar nominations and eventual wins. Last year alone the SAG and Oscar ballots were almost exactly identical in the 4 categories they share with a 19/20 match. The winners of the 4 SAG categories went on to nab the Oscar. The SAGs are easily my favorite awards show, right behind the Oscars because I almost always agree with the nomination choices, and it's not as flashy as the Golden Globes.
However, with all that said, there are some noticeable snubs, but that's just the name of the game. So many great actors, and only 5 nominee slots in each category. Can't win 'em all. I am surprised to see both Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling left out of the best actor and best actress race for Blue Valentine considering they both received Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globe nominations. Mark Wahlberg was also left out from the best actor race for The Fighter, but the rest of the cast received SAG recognition. Not surprising though, considering how tight the best actor race is this season. Colin Firth (The King's Speech) is looking pretty good for the win right now. I'm disappointed to see that Andrew Garfield didn't make the cut for best supporting actor in The Social Network, although he received a GG nomination yesterday. Justin Timberlake has also been left out of SAG and GG ballots, despite his hard push during this awards season.
The one, huge point of contention I have with this year's list of nominees has to do with the television categories. While I pretty much agree with all of the nominations, I would REALLY love to know what the hell happened to Toni Collette's and Laura Linney's nominations for The United States of Tara and The Big C. This is a huge disappointment. I can only be comforted by Glenn Close's nomination for Damages, a show that was left out altogether by the Golden Globes.
Now on with the good. The SAG has recognized the Coen brothers' True Grit and finally put them on the awards map with a best actor nomination for Jeff Bridges and a best supporting actress nomination for Hailee Steinfield. I'm pleasantly surprised by Mark Ruffalo's nomination for The Kids Are All Right, and I'm glad to see that Hillary Swank is being recognized for her work in Convinction, a movie that hasn't been able to gain momentum this awards season. This is good news for all of the above nominees as they have now earned a much needed boost into Oscar territory.
The SAG awards ceremony will take place on January 30. Here's the full list of nominations:
FOX "Fringe" Friday Promo
A couple of weeks ago FOX decided to move Fringe to Friday. Let's just take a moment to really let that settle in. You can't imagine the fit of rage I flew into when I first heard the news. Friday night is where shows go to die. It's essentially the kiss of death, the sayonara from the network, and the last stop before the train pulls into cancellation station. So how could they put my beloved, awesomely fantastic, creepy as all hale, Fringe onto the Friday night schedule? Well, it was because they wanted to make room for American Idol on Thursdays. If I wanted to watch a group of people constantly get berated by an off-putting British man and have their talent and self esteem get cut down week after week for all of America to see, I'd just watch one of Gordon Ramsey's 10,000 shows on air.
Knowing that they've ruffled some feathers, FOX has released this promo to try and ease our concerns. Frankly, I'm still depressed Fringe is on Friday. I almost refuse to believe it. WHY? For the love of all things great and sacred in network television, WHY?!
Knowing that they've ruffled some feathers, FOX has released this promo to try and ease our concerns. Frankly, I'm still depressed Fringe is on Friday. I almost refuse to believe it. WHY? For the love of all things great and sacred in network television, WHY?!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
2011 Golden Globes Nominations
Golden Globes nominations for the January 16 awards ceremony were announced today, and I really have no words. Actually, I do have some things to say, but none of them are good. Frankly, the Golden Globes continue to lose their credibility year after year with these ridiculous nominations. I have no idea where to start. Off the top of my head..
Some obviously flagrant offenses -- Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp's nominations for the The Tourist? The movie itself also got a nomination, despite its massive critical and box office failure. Oh, wow HFPA. I know the Golden Globes nominations usually read like a popularity chart, but how do you give Jolie and Depp nominations, and totally snub Julia Roberts for Eat, Pray, Love? Or hey, how about Gwyneth Paltrow's performance in Country Strong? Gee, let's see. She only plays a country music singer in that movie, of course she'd be left out of a comedy or musical nomination and naturally Angelina Jolie deserves one for her (hilarious, I'm sure) performance in The Tourist. Let's also mention that Burlesque received 3 nominations, and somewhere out of left field Emma Stone received a best actress in a comedy/musical nod for Easy A. Cute movie, but I didn't realize her performance was worthy of a Golden Globe nomination. Clearly, I was wrong.
Biggest offenses of all: the total lack of recognition for the Coen brothers' True Grit, despite widespread acclaim and its spot on critic's choice and AFI top ten lists. To be left out altogether is just a total slap in the face. Also missing is Danny Boyle in the best director category and 127 Hours in the best drama picture category, along with True Blood and The Office in their respective best television series categories.
The one bright spot (besides the nominations that were clearly a lock from the beginning) in this bleak announcement is Laura Linney's nomination for The Big C and the show's nomination as well. Extremely well deserved as the The Big C is easily my favorite newcomer this year; I'm totally rooting for Linney to win, although I will always have a soft spot for Toni Colette in United States of Tara. It's good to see her nominated, but I noticed the series nomination was missing -- and I totally get that. Season 2 was definitely not as strong as the first. I'm also glad to see Julia Stiles nominated for her recurring guest spot on Dexter because she definitely gave a strong performance. Having just watched the whole season, I thought she did great. Dexter has some amazing storylines for their guest spots. I am disappointed, however, that Jennifer Carpenter didn't receive a nomination. I thought this season of Dexter was her strongest season yet. I could have done without Jane Lynch for Glee as her character is very one-note, and it doesn't seem to be evolving any time soon. I can appreciate slapstick, but I would have preferred to have seen Jennifer Carpenter in her place in the best supporting actress series, mini-series, or TV movie category.
Let's just say I can't wait for the Oscars.
Alright, see the full list of nominations for both movies and television below. Judge for yourself.
Motion Pictures:
BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
BLACK SWAN
THE FIGHTER
INCEPTION
THE KING’S SPEECH
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Halle Berry, FRANKIE AND ALICE
Nicole Kidman, RABBIT HOLE
Jennifer Lawrence, WINTER’S BONE
Natalie Portman, BLACK SWAN
Michelle Williams, BLUE VALENTINE
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Jesse Eisenberg, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Colin Firth, THE KING’S SPEECH
James Franco, 127 HOURS
Ryan Gosling, BLUE VALENTINE
Mark Wahlberg, THE FIGHTER
BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
BURLESQUE
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
RED
THE TOURIST
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Annette Bening, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Anne Hathaway, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS
Angelina Jolie, THE TOURIST
Julianne Moore, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Emma Stone, EASY A
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Johnny Depp, ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Johnny Depp, THE TOURIST
Paul Giamatti, BARNEY’S VERSION
Jake Gyllenhaal, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS
Kevin Spacey, CASINO JACK
BEST DIRECTOR
Darren Aronofsky, BLACK SWAN
David Fincher, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Tom Hooper, THE KING’S SPEECH
Christopher Nolan, INCEPTION
David O. Russell, THE FIGHTER
BEST SCREENPLAY
Danny Boyle, 127 HOURS
Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Hart, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Christopher Nolan, INCEPTION
David Seidler, THE KING’S SPEECH
Aaron Sorkin, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Alexander Desplat, THE KING’S SPEECH
Danny Elfman, ALICE IN WONDERLAND
A.R. Robin, 127 HOURS
Trent Reznor, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Hans Zimmer, INCEPTION
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
BIUTIFUL
THE CONCERT
THE EDGE
I AM LOVE
IN A BETTER WORLD
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Amy Adams, THE FIGHTER
Helena Bonham Carter, THE KING’S SPEECH
Mila Kunis, BLACK SWAN
Melissa Leo, THE FIGHTER
Jacki Weaver, ANIMAL KINGDOM
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Christian Bale, THE FIGHTER
Michael Douglas, WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS
Andrew Garfield, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Jeremy Renner, THE TOWN
Geoffrey Rush, THE KING’S SPEECH
BEST ANIMATED FILM
DESPICABLE ME
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
THE ILLUSIONIST
TANGLED
TOY STORY 3
BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
“Bound to You” – BURLESQUE
“Coming Home” – COUNTRY STRONG
“I See the Light” – TANGLED
“There’s a Place for Us” – THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE DAWN TREADER
“You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” – BURLESQUE
Television:
Best Television Series Drama
BOARDWALK EMPIRE
DEXTER
THE GOOD WIFE
MAD MEN
THE WALKING DEAD
Best Television Series – Comedy/Musical
30 ROCK
THE BIG BANG THEORY
THE BIG C
GLEE
MODERN FAMILY
NURSE JACKIE
Best Television Series – Miniseries/Movie
CARLOS
THE PACIFIC
PILLARS OF THE EARTH
TEMPLE GRANDIN
YOU DON’T KNOW JACK
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy/Musical
Toni Collette, UNITED STATES OF TARA
Edie Falco, NURSE JACKIE
Tina Fey, 30 ROCK
Laura Linney, THE BIG C
Lea Michele, GLEE
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy/Musical
Alec Baldwin, 30 ROCK
Steve Carell, THE OFFICE
Thomas Jane, HUNG
Matthew Morrison, GLEE
Jim Parsons, THE BIG BANG THEORY
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama
Julianna Margulies, THE GOOD WIFE
Elizabeth Moss, MAD MEN
Piper Perabo, COVERT AFFAIRS
Katey Sagal, SONS OF ANARCHY
Kyra Sedgwick, THE CLOSER
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama
Steve Buscemi, BOARDWALK EMPIRE
Bryan Cranston, BREAKING BAD
Michael C. Hall, DEXTER
Jon Hamm, MAD MEN
Hugh Laurie, HOUSE
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Scott Caan, HAWAII FIVE-0
Chris Colfer, GLEE
Chris Noth, THE GOOD WIFE
Eric Stonestreet, MODERN FAMILY
David Strathairn, TEMPLE GRANDIN
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Hope Davis, THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
Jane Lynch, GLEE
Kelly Macdonald, BOARDWALK EMPIRE
Julia Stiles, DEXTER
Sofia Vergara, MODERN FAMILY
Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
Idris Elba, LUTHOR
Ian McSHane, THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH
Al Pacino, YOU DON’T KNOW JACK
Dennis Quaid, THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
Edgar Ramirez, CARLOS
Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
Hayley Atwell, PILLARS OF THE EARTH
Claire Danes, TEMPLE GRANDIN
Judi Dench, RETURN TO CRANFORD
Romola Garai, EMMA
Jennifer Love Hewitt, THE CLIENT LIST
Monday, December 6, 2010
THR Awards Watch Roundtable: Actors
Last month I posted the actress awards watch roundtable conducted by The Hollywood Reporter and today, I bring you the actors awards roundtable.
Another good watch. Here's the full video, which is just over an hour long. Definitely worth it to watch the whole thing, especially with Robert Duvall participating in the discussion, but you can go to THR and catch truncated clips of it as well.
Another good watch. Here's the full video, which is just over an hour long. Definitely worth it to watch the whole thing, especially with Robert Duvall participating in the discussion, but you can go to THR and catch truncated clips of it as well.
"127 Hours" Movie Review
I originally set out to watch Black Swan this past weekend, but considering its extremely limited release and my general laziness, I was unable to catch it. It is playing in the L.A. area right now at The Landmark and at the Pacific Arclight Hollywood, for any interested parties in the area. It will also open up to more theaters on 12/10 (namely Pasadena's Laemmle Playhouse where I frequent) and 12/17. For a full list of theaters, see Fox Searchlight's website.
After becoming disappointed that no theater within a 10 mile radius was playing Black Swan, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my local theater was carrying Danny Boyle's (Slumdog Millionaire) 127 Hours, another movie which I meant to see. Last year, I challenged myself to The Big 10, which included reviewing and watching all 10 best picture nominees before the Oscars took place. This year, I decided to get a headstart with 127 Hours, a movie that has built quite a bit of momentum on the awards circuit, and I'd be extremely surprised to find out that it hadn't been nominated for an Oscar (nominations will be announced January 25, 2011).
Director Danny Boyle's latest release is based on the true story of canyoneer Aron Ralston (depicted by James Franco), and the movie is subsequently based on Ralston's book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place. It follows the story of a young, capricious adventurer who goes on a weekend excursion alone in Utah's Big John Canyon without informing anyone else of his trip. Before I continue, I should preface this review with a disclaimer that if you do not want to know what happens in this movie, you should not read on. If you want to go into this movie completely surprised, I suggest you stay away from any and all blogs, TV spots, or interviews referencing this movie because the main plot point WILL be given away.
With that said, almost immediately you find Aron pinned down by a rock which has fallen into a small crevice in which he was attempting to pass through. He's unable to move because his arm is trapped, and the rock is too heavy to lift on his own. This marks the beginning of an emotionally grueling and physically harrowing 127 hours of his imprisonment under this seemingly harmless boulder. Note that this took place in 2003, when cell phones weren't so prolific, and you couldn't just reach into your pocket for your iPhone to make an emergency call.
The movie opens with Aron hurriedly packing for his excursion, letting the phone ring and go to the machine, where multiple messages from various family members and friends have gone ignored. While on his excursion, he meets two other young, female hikers (played by Kate Mara and Amber Tamblyn) who are lost, and Aron helps them find their way. It's clear in their encounter that Ralston is a peculiar character, one who seeks adventure and a life with no rigidity or plans, except ones that include solo canyoneering and cave diving. This sets up a series of flashbacks while Aron is delirious and trapped under the boulder, that relives his defining moments in life-- moments that portray him as the loving son, brother, and boyfriend, and others that portray him as the selfish son, brother, and boyfriend.
James Franco's emotional progression in this movie is astounding. The reason why the climactic amputation scene is so gruesome is not only because it's visually arresting, but because of the emotional investment into Aron's past and journey into the darkest 127 hours of his life. Hands down, Franco's performance is worthy of an Oscar nomination, and I'd say the same for Boyle. Danny Boyle has such a signature style that is so gritty and unpolished, and he loves to examine the depths of humanity and the value of human life. That's exactly what he does here. This story is an examination of inner strength and courage, and the element of reality that's attached to it makes this movie so powerful, that you can't look away, although you'll really want to, especially in the amputation scene. Ralston had to break both of his bones in his arms, and then cut through his flesh, tendons, veins, and nerves with just a dull 2'' pocket knife. This scene is definitely not for the faint hearted. I had to look away for the majority of the scene, because not only did it look real, but it felt real. It was terrifying. This isn't just some Saw franchise gore, this is the heartbreaking amputation following 127 hours of desperation and deprivation. Never has an arm, nor the inner strength of sacrifice, been more precious.
There's much more to outline and note here, but I'll just leave it at this. Go see 127 Hours. You won't regret it.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Cooper Building + CMC Building Sample Sales Roundup
With the holidays upon us, I thought it was only appropriate that I do a huge, long winded shopping post, since shopping is my expertise. Heh heh. This is a recap of my Black Friday/Cyber Monday and Cooper Building/CMC sample sale buys. Read on for deals galore!
This Black Friday was somewhat of a bust for me, but I took my buddy out shopping with me and she managed to snag everything off of her want list, which is a score for both of us, in my eyes. I'm a total enabler and I love helping people find great deals. I just took advantage of Gap's storewide 50% off and grabbed some winter essentials -- a chunky knit infinity scarf, an awesomely soft pashmina scarf, and a long sleeve tee all for $40. Not bad. I also used my Groupon and headed over to American Apparel and got two tees (one for me, one for the bf) and three nail polishes for $32. I love the colors the AA nailpolishes come in. They're so fun and festive! I always take advantage of Cyber Monday deals to bulk up my DVD collection and this year I stocked up on two seasons of Friends and the first season of Fringe.
Here's my BF/CM loot:
Today I'm wearing AA 'Office' (Sidebar: check out these cool Sanrio x McDonalds watches available now in McDonalds happy meals, celebrating Sanrio's 50th anniversary. Cute, no? It's kind-of-sort-of-really set off an obsession for me to collect them all.):
One of the biggest advantages of living in L.A. is the access to tons of sample sales. Sample sales here are a weekly occurrence, and this is definitely the time of year to hit them up as designers get ready to unload their stockrooms for the holiday season. I have a love/hate relationship with these type of sales though because I hate thumbing through racks and I am definitely not a pusher. There are definitely ladies out there who attend these sales who know how to pull the claws out. I, however, am a big 'ole sissy and I will surrender the $10 silk blouse if you give me the stinkeye. On the other hand, I love a good bargain and if there is a coupon/deal out there on something I'm about to buy, I will find it. I refuse to pay full price as a principle, especially since I've been to the stockrooms of many designers and I know how much alot of items go for wholesale. The wholesale vs retail prices of many goods will make you shed a sad, painful tear. So my ultimate point? I am a total sucker for these sales and will continue to go no matter how haggard they will run you.
Last Friday bf and I headed to the sample sales in the Cooper building and the California Market Center in downtown LA. Many designer showrooms are located in these buildings and while they're usually closed from the general public and open only to buyers, every other Friday they are open for public sample sales to get rid some of their inventory stock. Prices are usually rock bottom, and I love coming here because you'll never know what you're going to find. Last time I went I got a $5 silk Loeffler Randall dress (retail $450), a $5 loose black tee, and a $10 chambray romper. Not too shabby. This time I really lucked out.
Here's my loot:
7 for all mankind 'Josefina' studded shorts ($20) / Barlow sweater ($15)
Mike & Chris cotton/leather mix pants ($15) / William Rast leather pants/leggings ($50)
William Rast 100% silk shirts ($25 each -- love the slit sleeves on the first)
Funktional jacket ($20) and tee ($10) paired w/an H&M necklace
These sales are definitely worth checking out if you're in the L.A. area and just for this holiday season, sales are taking place every Friday! Check 'em out! If you do stop by, remember to bring cash (although there are BofA kiosks in the CMC building) and to bring your own eco-totes to store all of your buys as some showrooms do not provide bags.
Happy shopping this holiday season!
This Black Friday was somewhat of a bust for me, but I took my buddy out shopping with me and she managed to snag everything off of her want list, which is a score for both of us, in my eyes. I'm a total enabler and I love helping people find great deals. I just took advantage of Gap's storewide 50% off and grabbed some winter essentials -- a chunky knit infinity scarf, an awesomely soft pashmina scarf, and a long sleeve tee all for $40. Not bad. I also used my Groupon and headed over to American Apparel and got two tees (one for me, one for the bf) and three nail polishes for $32. I love the colors the AA nailpolishes come in. They're so fun and festive! I always take advantage of Cyber Monday deals to bulk up my DVD collection and this year I stocked up on two seasons of Friends and the first season of Fringe.
Here's my BF/CM loot:
Today I'm wearing AA 'Office' (Sidebar: check out these cool Sanrio x McDonalds watches available now in McDonalds happy meals, celebrating Sanrio's 50th anniversary. Cute, no? It's kind-of-sort-of-really set off an obsession for me to collect them all.):
One of the biggest advantages of living in L.A. is the access to tons of sample sales. Sample sales here are a weekly occurrence, and this is definitely the time of year to hit them up as designers get ready to unload their stockrooms for the holiday season. I have a love/hate relationship with these type of sales though because I hate thumbing through racks and I am definitely not a pusher. There are definitely ladies out there who attend these sales who know how to pull the claws out. I, however, am a big 'ole sissy and I will surrender the $10 silk blouse if you give me the stinkeye. On the other hand, I love a good bargain and if there is a coupon/deal out there on something I'm about to buy, I will find it. I refuse to pay full price as a principle, especially since I've been to the stockrooms of many designers and I know how much alot of items go for wholesale. The wholesale vs retail prices of many goods will make you shed a sad, painful tear. So my ultimate point? I am a total sucker for these sales and will continue to go no matter how haggard they will run you.
Last Friday bf and I headed to the sample sales in the Cooper building and the California Market Center in downtown LA. Many designer showrooms are located in these buildings and while they're usually closed from the general public and open only to buyers, every other Friday they are open for public sample sales to get rid some of their inventory stock. Prices are usually rock bottom, and I love coming here because you'll never know what you're going to find. Last time I went I got a $5 silk Loeffler Randall dress (retail $450), a $5 loose black tee, and a $10 chambray romper. Not too shabby. This time I really lucked out.
Here's my loot:
7 for all mankind 'Josefina' studded shorts ($20) / Barlow sweater ($15)
Mike & Chris cotton/leather mix pants ($15) / William Rast leather pants/leggings ($50)
William Rast 100% silk shirts ($25 each -- love the slit sleeves on the first)
Funktional jacket ($20) and tee ($10) paired w/an H&M necklace
These sales are definitely worth checking out if you're in the L.A. area and just for this holiday season, sales are taking place every Friday! Check 'em out! If you do stop by, remember to bring cash (although there are BofA kiosks in the CMC building) and to bring your own eco-totes to store all of your buys as some showrooms do not provide bags.
Happy shopping this holiday season!
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