Tonight is the big night for movie fans everywhere: the Oscars! I could care less about the World Series, the NBA championship, or the Superbowl but I get giddy thinking about the stars, stars, stars out in L.A. tonight. I predict that there are no predictions to be had tonight. Everything seems so up in the air with few shoe-ins. But I'm going to give it my best and devote today's blog to my Oscar winners. Now, I have seen very few of these films so this will probably be one of the worst years ever for my guesses. Tomorrow we'll see how I did.
Picture - No Country for Old Men
Actor - Daniel Day-Lewis (the only sure thing)
Actress - Julie Christie is the "old fav" in the category but she could be upset by Marion Cotillard
Supporing Actor - Javier Bardem but I wouldn't be surprised if Hal Holbrook got the sentimental vote
Supporting Actress - Cate Blanchett may be a favorite, but I'm going with Tilda Swinton on this one; that said, Ruby Dee may come in on the sentimental vote
Director - Coen Brothers
Original Screenplay - Juno
Adapted Screenplay - No Country for Old Men
Documentary Feature - Sicko, but just because Michael Moore is an old favorite
Documentary Short - I have no idea
Animated Feature - Where is The Simpsons????? I'm going with Ratatouille even though I hate animal movies and the Oscar should go to Persepolis
Foreign Language Film - The Counterfeiters
Foreign Language Film - Stupid voters in this categroy; the Oscar should go to The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Cinematography - No Country for Old Men
Visual Effects - Transformers
Animated Short Feature - Again, no idea
Live Action Short Film - Nope, no idea
Art Direction - Sweeney Todd
Costume Designer - Atonement, just for Kiera Knightley's green dress
Film Editing - The Bourne Ultimatum, though I doubt it will actually win
Sound Mixing - The Bourne Ultimatum (my friend Brenda once said that a movie with bullets usually wins this category; she's been right more times than not)
Sound Editing - The Bourne Ultimatum (see above)
Original Score - Should have been There Will Be Blood - probably will be Atonement
Original Song - Most likely one of the Enchanted songs - retch...
Makeup - La Vie en Rose - Marion Cotillard's eyebrows should be out Johnny Depp's teeth and hair
So those are my picks. I hope you all settle in with some snacks and enjoy tonight's show!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Disappointments
Usually I write about recommendations. This week, however, I was generally bummed out with my pop culture intake. Therefore, I have decided to post my disappointments of the week. In no way am I recommending that anyone jump to partake of these options. If you do choose to partake, you do so at your own risk.
Film: Hollywoodland
The critics loved it. Ben Affleck did not disappoint. I do think he was very good. However, the movie itself is long and boring. The idea of Adrien Brody's private investigator imagining different scenarios of George Reeves's death is interesting. Unfortunately, at the end of the day I just didn't care what happened to tv's Superman. He's dead, so be it. The cast is top-notch so I'm not sure what happened here. I guess it's just an example of dull subject material.
Book: Gilead
Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson, is a Pulitzer-Prize winning book. So why wasn't I impressed? Again, I think it's a matter of subject material. The story is the "begats" written by a dying Iowa preacher to his young son. He talks about his grandfather and father, as well as the prodigal son of his best friend. (Said son is also the spiritual son of the preacher.) Truthfully, I once again didn't care. I wanted to, I swear! I tried to get into this book but I just couldn't. I didn't mind that it jumps back and forth in time in little 1-3 page vingettes. I didn't mind that I had to really think about what was going on because there was no sense of story here. I just couldn't get into it.
Television: Knight Rider
Okay, my disappointment here is probably not that shocking. After all, the original Knight Rider was pretty cheesy, yet it was part of my 80s television trifecta: The A-Team, Knight Rider, and Airwolf. I wanted last night's tv movie and series pilot to retain some of that 80s television corniness. Instead, it took itself just a smidge too seriously. K.I.T.T. does look cooler and can actually morp into three different cars. Plus, they gave a nod to the Hof: his son is K.I.T.T.'s new driver. (The Hof actually made a 2-minute special guest appearance.) But that's about it. The only good thing is that Val Kilmer is the voice of K.I.T.T. I miss William Daniels as the car but Val Kilmer works. Will I watch again? Probably because, disappointment or not, I am a glutton for punishment.
Okay, I must go. I have the day off and I am starting Philip Pullman's The Subtle Knife, the second in the Golden Compass trilogy. This afternoon I think I'll watch Eastern Promises. Tonight I'll be tuning in for SCC:T. Hopefully this will be the start to a better pop culture week.
BTW, did anyone watch SCC:T last week? I was going to but TCM showed It Happened One Night. It was a toss-up between Lena Headey/Summer Glau and Clark Gable/Claudette Colbert. In the end, kick-ass chicks just can't bring down the walls of Jericho!
Film: Hollywoodland
The critics loved it. Ben Affleck did not disappoint. I do think he was very good. However, the movie itself is long and boring. The idea of Adrien Brody's private investigator imagining different scenarios of George Reeves's death is interesting. Unfortunately, at the end of the day I just didn't care what happened to tv's Superman. He's dead, so be it. The cast is top-notch so I'm not sure what happened here. I guess it's just an example of dull subject material.
Book: Gilead
Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson, is a Pulitzer-Prize winning book. So why wasn't I impressed? Again, I think it's a matter of subject material. The story is the "begats" written by a dying Iowa preacher to his young son. He talks about his grandfather and father, as well as the prodigal son of his best friend. (Said son is also the spiritual son of the preacher.) Truthfully, I once again didn't care. I wanted to, I swear! I tried to get into this book but I just couldn't. I didn't mind that it jumps back and forth in time in little 1-3 page vingettes. I didn't mind that I had to really think about what was going on because there was no sense of story here. I just couldn't get into it.
Television: Knight Rider
Okay, my disappointment here is probably not that shocking. After all, the original Knight Rider was pretty cheesy, yet it was part of my 80s television trifecta: The A-Team, Knight Rider, and Airwolf. I wanted last night's tv movie and series pilot to retain some of that 80s television corniness. Instead, it took itself just a smidge too seriously. K.I.T.T. does look cooler and can actually morp into three different cars. Plus, they gave a nod to the Hof: his son is K.I.T.T.'s new driver. (The Hof actually made a 2-minute special guest appearance.) But that's about it. The only good thing is that Val Kilmer is the voice of K.I.T.T. I miss William Daniels as the car but Val Kilmer works. Will I watch again? Probably because, disappointment or not, I am a glutton for punishment.
Okay, I must go. I have the day off and I am starting Philip Pullman's The Subtle Knife, the second in the Golden Compass trilogy. This afternoon I think I'll watch Eastern Promises. Tonight I'll be tuning in for SCC:T. Hopefully this will be the start to a better pop culture week.
BTW, did anyone watch SCC:T last week? I was going to but TCM showed It Happened One Night. It was a toss-up between Lena Headey/Summer Glau and Clark Gable/Claudette Colbert. In the end, kick-ass chicks just can't bring down the walls of Jericho!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Lazy Week
I have to say that this week has been very lazy for me. I only watched one movie and haven't finished my current book. Therefore, I think I'll have a retro week. A while back we talked about stuff from the 90s. Here are three of my favs from that time period.
Film: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Okay, I need to say right at the beginning that I could care less about the stars of this film. For me, the film was all about the supporting actors: Morgan Freeman, Alan Rickman, and Christian Slater. This is the first film that I remember thinking, "That Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman rock! I need to watch them more!" The 1990s were a time when I was really getting into following an actor/actress/director's career; it was when I sat up and noticed the craft rather than just the plot. While I am the first to admit that the story is weak, I remember this film fondly as the beginning of my study of film.
Television: Northern Exposure
I watched this show religiously every night at 10pm. For me, nothing says 90s television better than the group from Cicely, Alaska. So many shows have tried to mimic the brilliance of this cast and most have failed. Every eccentric character on the show had a place. Among my favorites are Adam Arkin as Adam, John Cullum as Holling, and John Corbett as Chris (ok, there may have been a bit of a crush here on Chris as well). The comedy is subtle and that's my favorite kind. My favorite eps involve Adam and Eve and the two-parter on how Cicely was founded. Granted, the show jumped the shark after Rob Marrow left, but the first several seasons make me forgive this final and atrocious season. Other than Buffy and Angel, this show is the only box set I want to own.
Book: Intensity
Dean Koontz published Intensity in 1995. I had read Koontz in the past and enjoyed him; I considered him to be "King-light." He was good for a lazy summer afternoon or the long drive to either NY or NJ. I was in college when I picked up Intensity and the title proved true. I read the book in one sitting. (Thankfully I started it on a Friday.) The story is about a young woman who witnesses the murder of a family with whom she is staying. She survives but realizes the murderer has a girl hostage in his RV. What follows is her attempt to save that girl without being discovered by the murderer. The whole action takes place within about 24 hours and never lets up. This may be one of the most suspenseful books I have ever read in my life! (And that is high praise coming from me.) In fact, as I look over at my bookshelf, the bright yellow cover calls to me. Maybe it's time to give this book another read. Whooo, I just got a shiver down my spine!
Film: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Okay, I need to say right at the beginning that I could care less about the stars of this film. For me, the film was all about the supporting actors: Morgan Freeman, Alan Rickman, and Christian Slater. This is the first film that I remember thinking, "That Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman rock! I need to watch them more!" The 1990s were a time when I was really getting into following an actor/actress/director's career; it was when I sat up and noticed the craft rather than just the plot. While I am the first to admit that the story is weak, I remember this film fondly as the beginning of my study of film.
Television: Northern Exposure
I watched this show religiously every night at 10pm. For me, nothing says 90s television better than the group from Cicely, Alaska. So many shows have tried to mimic the brilliance of this cast and most have failed. Every eccentric character on the show had a place. Among my favorites are Adam Arkin as Adam, John Cullum as Holling, and John Corbett as Chris (ok, there may have been a bit of a crush here on Chris as well). The comedy is subtle and that's my favorite kind. My favorite eps involve Adam and Eve and the two-parter on how Cicely was founded. Granted, the show jumped the shark after Rob Marrow left, but the first several seasons make me forgive this final and atrocious season. Other than Buffy and Angel, this show is the only box set I want to own.
Book: Intensity
Dean Koontz published Intensity in 1995. I had read Koontz in the past and enjoyed him; I considered him to be "King-light." He was good for a lazy summer afternoon or the long drive to either NY or NJ. I was in college when I picked up Intensity and the title proved true. I read the book in one sitting. (Thankfully I started it on a Friday.) The story is about a young woman who witnesses the murder of a family with whom she is staying. She survives but realizes the murderer has a girl hostage in his RV. What follows is her attempt to save that girl without being discovered by the murderer. The whole action takes place within about 24 hours and never lets up. This may be one of the most suspenseful books I have ever read in my life! (And that is high praise coming from me.) In fact, as I look over at my bookshelf, the bright yellow cover calls to me. Maybe it's time to give this book another read. Whooo, I just got a shiver down my spine!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Punxsutawney Phil and Buckeye Chuck
WTF???? Ohio has some lame-ass, groundhog knock-off named Buckeye Chuck. (In case you're wondering, Phil has a better track record: 80% to 60% over the last ten years.) Sorry, just had to vent. First the state names their cities from other cities across the country, then they go and steal a beloved PA icon. I apologize to my loyal OH readers but really! Get creative and get your own stuff!!!! :-) I now expect said readers to respond with all the wonderful stuff OH did not steal, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Columbus's COSI (both of which ROCK!).
Okay, moving on.
Film: There Will Be Blood
Saw it Tuesday and loved it. Daniel Day-Lewis is a shoe-in for Best Actor but I'm not sure the film or Paul Thomas Anderson will win. The film was gorgeously shot, though. The imagery will stick with you. And, as per usual, Anderson's score fits brilliantly with the film. If you don't know much about it, the film follows the exploits of turn-of-the-century oilman Daniel Plainview (Day-Lewis) and his son, H. W. Really, though, the film is about one man's ever-increasing paranoia and insanity. The ending will really wow you with jaw-dropping shock. Oh, it isn't quite as graphically violent as I expected it to be, which is a good thing. That said, there were a couple of moments where even I closed my eyes. Brother Eli is played with gusto by Paul Dano. In case you're wondering, he was the silent brother from Little Miss Sunshine. By the way, my big question to all you who've seen the film, is, are they twins or is Eli schizophrenic?
Book: The Woman in White
Wilkie Collins's nineteenth-century gothic tale of a ghostly woman, an evil Count and Baronet, and two innocent sisters had me glued to the chaise all week reading. It's a biggie (600 pages) but well worth it if you're in the mood for a classic gothic tale of deception and vice. Collins really does an amazing job of describing the helplessness of aristocratic women during the nineteenth century in England. You just want to reach into the book and strangle Count Vosco!!!! Still now I am seething in my hatred of him. This book is not for the weak at heart. By that I mean, if you don't like nineteenth-century literary books, this probably isn't for you. However, if you want to stray back in time, pick up the book and prepare to be drawn in.
Television: Pushing Daisies
Use this time to prepare for reruns of the fall's best show. I know I liked Reaper at the beginning of the season, but it lost me a few episodes later. Pushing Daisies, however, kept my interest throughout the fall months. I now mourn my sad, dreary, American-Idol audition, Wednesday nights. The premise is simple: Ned the Pie Maker can bring people back to life with a touch. He then must touch them again within 60 seconds or they live and another life in the area is gone. When his childhood sweetheart, Chuck, is killed, he brings her back to life but cannot bear to kill her again. They now live together but can never touch. (Saranwrap allows them to kiss and it's one of the sweetest moments in the series to date.) The plot seems sweet and sticky, but the addition of Chi McBride as Ned's droll partner (the two use Ned's ability to solve murders and collect rewards) and Kristin Chenowith as Ned's waitress who madly loves him gives the show a well-rounded cast and some necessary irony. I love this show for its honest, straight-forward goodness. That's something we can all enjoy in the world and something American Idol just cannot replace.
Okay, moving on.
Film: There Will Be Blood
Saw it Tuesday and loved it. Daniel Day-Lewis is a shoe-in for Best Actor but I'm not sure the film or Paul Thomas Anderson will win. The film was gorgeously shot, though. The imagery will stick with you. And, as per usual, Anderson's score fits brilliantly with the film. If you don't know much about it, the film follows the exploits of turn-of-the-century oilman Daniel Plainview (Day-Lewis) and his son, H. W. Really, though, the film is about one man's ever-increasing paranoia and insanity. The ending will really wow you with jaw-dropping shock. Oh, it isn't quite as graphically violent as I expected it to be, which is a good thing. That said, there were a couple of moments where even I closed my eyes. Brother Eli is played with gusto by Paul Dano. In case you're wondering, he was the silent brother from Little Miss Sunshine. By the way, my big question to all you who've seen the film, is, are they twins or is Eli schizophrenic?
Book: The Woman in White
Wilkie Collins's nineteenth-century gothic tale of a ghostly woman, an evil Count and Baronet, and two innocent sisters had me glued to the chaise all week reading. It's a biggie (600 pages) but well worth it if you're in the mood for a classic gothic tale of deception and vice. Collins really does an amazing job of describing the helplessness of aristocratic women during the nineteenth century in England. You just want to reach into the book and strangle Count Vosco!!!! Still now I am seething in my hatred of him. This book is not for the weak at heart. By that I mean, if you don't like nineteenth-century literary books, this probably isn't for you. However, if you want to stray back in time, pick up the book and prepare to be drawn in.
Television: Pushing Daisies
Use this time to prepare for reruns of the fall's best show. I know I liked Reaper at the beginning of the season, but it lost me a few episodes later. Pushing Daisies, however, kept my interest throughout the fall months. I now mourn my sad, dreary, American-Idol audition, Wednesday nights. The premise is simple: Ned the Pie Maker can bring people back to life with a touch. He then must touch them again within 60 seconds or they live and another life in the area is gone. When his childhood sweetheart, Chuck, is killed, he brings her back to life but cannot bear to kill her again. They now live together but can never touch. (Saranwrap allows them to kiss and it's one of the sweetest moments in the series to date.) The plot seems sweet and sticky, but the addition of Chi McBride as Ned's droll partner (the two use Ned's ability to solve murders and collect rewards) and Kristin Chenowith as Ned's waitress who madly loves him gives the show a well-rounded cast and some necessary irony. I love this show for its honest, straight-forward goodness. That's something we can all enjoy in the world and something American Idol just cannot replace.
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