As we all know, I am not a huge fan of the chick flick. There are some I love but mostly I think chick flicks just play to feminine stereotypes. "Oh, woe is me. Why can't I find love? I must find someone to complete me or I will have never lived up to my requirements as a woman." Sheesh. Get a life and learn to be happy with your single-ness! But I digress. This summer I saw three excellent chick flicks. I highly recommend them for a lovely Friday night evening in with some pizza and beer.
Then She Found Me
If you haven't heard of this 2007 film, don't be shocked. It's a little indie directed by Helen Hunt, who also stars in the lead role of April. April was adopted as a baby. Later in life (think late 30s/early 40s) she marries Matthew Broderick. It doesn't work and her biological clock is ticking so loudly it's drowning everything else out. Add to her divorce the fact that her biological mother - a brilliant Bette Midler - has found her and wants to be a part of her life and April is a bit on edge. She meets Colin Firth, the father of one of her preschoolers, and he has his own set of issues. April has to decide what she wants to do with a new mother and that pesky biological clock. One of the problems I have with chick flicks is their predictability, which is why I love this film: it won't end like you think it will. Helen Hunt does a superb job of blending an amazing cast into a film about being a single woman in a time of possibility but a single woman who must also deal with the stereotypes of being an older, single woman.
Last Chance Harvey
Dustin Hoffman (Harvey) and Emma Thompson (Kate) share but a few moments together on screen in Stranger Than Fiction. That few moments is enough to show that there is chemistry there. That chemistry is exactly what makes Last Chance Harvey work. Don't expect this movie to fly by because it won't. Joel Hopkins, who directed just two films prior to Last Chance Harvey, moves these two into position in a long, leisurely fashion, but it's worth it. Harvey is in London for his daughter's wedding. Having been absent her whole life, Harvey is being pushed aside in his "fatherly wedding duties" by his wife's second husband. A chance encounter with Kate turns into an evening to remember. As the title implies, Harvey gets a second chance to make things work. I won't tell you what he chooses, though.
Julie & Julia
I have two words for you: Meryl Streep. There is nothing more to say. Go see this woman now because if she doesn't win an Oscar for her turn as Julia Child, I will be shocked. OMG. Loved, loved, loved her! And Stanley Tucci as Paul Child is brilliant! I cannot speak enough for how much I loved this film. Funny enough, though, it was the Julia and Paul sequences that made me love the film. Amy Adams and her blogging is fine but the love stories of Julia and Paul and Julia and food are so delicious. Just don't go see this film on an empty stomach.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Summer Television
I love summer television. It's the only time of year that I religiously watch tv during the week. Granted, I have more time in the summer to watch but that is beside the point. Why can't the basic networks get on board this year-round programming trend that the cable networks use to such excellent ends?
This summer I am super-excited about the following shows: Ice Road Truckers on History, HawthoRNe on TNT, Leverage on TNT, Burn Notice on USA, and Eureka! on Syfy. These are all fun, smart shows with excellent casts. Of the five, HawthoRNe is probably the weakest but I love Jada Pinkett Smith - have loved her for years - and think the show will grow into its own. Each is an ensemble show and that's what makes them all work. Even Truckers has a set of folks worth tuning in for and three of the five are brand new this year.
Although the summer season is almost over - Burn Notice ended last night and Truckers is only on for a few more weeks - both Leverage and Eureka! have only just begun. If you haven't checked them out yet, do so. You can catch back episodes on Hulu or the network's own site. They are clever shows that deserve an audience.
This summer I am super-excited about the following shows: Ice Road Truckers on History, HawthoRNe on TNT, Leverage on TNT, Burn Notice on USA, and Eureka! on Syfy. These are all fun, smart shows with excellent casts. Of the five, HawthoRNe is probably the weakest but I love Jada Pinkett Smith - have loved her for years - and think the show will grow into its own. Each is an ensemble show and that's what makes them all work. Even Truckers has a set of folks worth tuning in for and three of the five are brand new this year.
Although the summer season is almost over - Burn Notice ended last night and Truckers is only on for a few more weeks - both Leverage and Eureka! have only just begun. If you haven't checked them out yet, do so. You can catch back episodes on Hulu or the network's own site. They are clever shows that deserve an audience.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Summer Programming
Sorry about the complete disappearance, folks. Things got hectic in April and May. What can I say? Now I hope to be back and on schedule. That said, I don't plan to post every week on the same day. I'll post when I have three things to comment on. (Hopefully that will be once a week but who knows.) Also, as many of you know, I finally gave in to peer pressure and created a Facebook account. I enjoy it a lot more than I expected to. If you've got the time, it's awfully fun!
Film: The Evil Dead
I watched the first of Sam Raimi's Evil Dead trilogy last week and the second last night. (Army of Darkness is on its way.) I love them both for different reasons. The first Evil Dead film has several scary moments. Raimi's eye for cinematography is excellent; it's what makes The Quick and the Dead such a beautiful film. (Well, that and Russell Crowe.) The creepiest moment by far is when Ash's possessed girlfriend sits in the doorway cackling crazily. The effects - especially at the end - are cheesy and over-the-top, but the editing and cinematography are delightful.
Television: Picket Fences
I've been rewatching this show from the early 90s. I remember it with loving nostalgia and I am glad to see that the nostalgia is not completely unfounded. Ray Walston still shines as the cranky judge and Holly Marie Combs is still the show's moral center. Kathy Baker gets a little heavy-handed but it was the early 90s and working mothers still hadn't found their niche in prime time drama. (I'm not sure they have found that niche yet, but that's a conversation for another day.) The shows are timely for the time period but so far every one has a moral lesson: euthanasia, animal cruelty, teen sex, transsexuals. Despite the typical problems of dramas from that time period, I am very much enjoying my walk down memory lane.
Book: Alias Grace
Margaret Atwood's historical fiction novel is an amazing read, even if you don't like historical fiction. The story centers on the 19th-century murderess Grace Marks as she tells her story to Simon, a psychoanalyst, of sorts. More questions than answers are raised by the end of the book so I don't want to give anything away. What I will tell you is that you'll be surprised by several moments in the novel. Will you sympathize with Grace when her story has been told?
Film: The Evil Dead
I watched the first of Sam Raimi's Evil Dead trilogy last week and the second last night. (Army of Darkness is on its way.) I love them both for different reasons. The first Evil Dead film has several scary moments. Raimi's eye for cinematography is excellent; it's what makes The Quick and the Dead such a beautiful film. (Well, that and Russell Crowe.) The creepiest moment by far is when Ash's possessed girlfriend sits in the doorway cackling crazily. The effects - especially at the end - are cheesy and over-the-top, but the editing and cinematography are delightful.
Television: Picket Fences
I've been rewatching this show from the early 90s. I remember it with loving nostalgia and I am glad to see that the nostalgia is not completely unfounded. Ray Walston still shines as the cranky judge and Holly Marie Combs is still the show's moral center. Kathy Baker gets a little heavy-handed but it was the early 90s and working mothers still hadn't found their niche in prime time drama. (I'm not sure they have found that niche yet, but that's a conversation for another day.) The shows are timely for the time period but so far every one has a moral lesson: euthanasia, animal cruelty, teen sex, transsexuals. Despite the typical problems of dramas from that time period, I am very much enjoying my walk down memory lane.
Book: Alias Grace
Margaret Atwood's historical fiction novel is an amazing read, even if you don't like historical fiction. The story centers on the 19th-century murderess Grace Marks as she tells her story to Simon, a psychoanalyst, of sorts. More questions than answers are raised by the end of the book so I don't want to give anything away. What I will tell you is that you'll be surprised by several moments in the novel. Will you sympathize with Grace when her story has been told?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Happy Easter! (A Day Late)
I hope you all had a nice holiday weekend. I also hope none of you overdosed on Peeps and chocolate marshmallow eggs. This week's picks have absolutely nothing to do with Easter, though. (Passover maybe...)
Film: The Mist
I want to begin by saying that someone spilled the beans on the ending and that totally pissed me off! But I will never do that to all of you. And I still managed to enjoy the film despite knowing how it ends. If you haven't seen this Stephen King adaptation yet, put it on your list. The story is very compelling and realistic in terms of humanity's issues when faced with seemingly impending death. Unfortunately, the worst in us comes through loud and clear. But then, what would you do in a similar situation? It is mass-hysteria at its best. The effects are actually pretty good as well. Although the creatures are clearly other-worldly, they feel realistic. And of course there is the stupendous ending. Very intriguing and daring. Let's just say that this mist does not come on little cat feet.
Book: Persepolis
If you have not yet read Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel, what are you waiting for???!!! The first part of her work deals with growing up in Iran during the revolution. She goes from being a carefree, young girl in a posh existance to a veil-wearing young woman whose family is constantly worried about imprisonment. As a woman, I cannot even begin to imagine what it must have been like to go from having complete freedom to absolutely no freedom almost over night. Frankly, it's a topic that has scared me since I first read Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale ten years ago. (To this day I keep cash on hand in case I have to run to Canada. Although I have recently been told that $50 may not get me there any more.) The second half of Satrapi's novel is her late-teen years after her parents send her to school in Austria. Very compelling and, again, surprising. As a constant stranger in a strange land, Satrapi tries to fit in. Sadly, she doesn't really succeed and that is what makes this graphic novel so lovely. It's nice to read a story without the traditional happy ending. It's a story I think we can all relate to in some way. Plus, it will 0pen up your eyes to what it is like for the non-militant Islamic people of Iran.
Television
Again, I don't really have anything to report here. Although I did watch the first episode of The Unusuals Wednesday night. It may make the blog in another week or two. Instead, I want to recommend hulu.com to you all. If you've missed the excellent commercials - I love Seth MacFarlane - it's a free website where you can catch the major networks' shows. For example, I missed Fringe last Tuesday - it's back - so I was able to watch it on Friday. There are 30-second commercials that you cannot fast-forward, but they are bearable. This is a great alternative for those of you who, like me, would rather buy new shoes than a TiVO. Now that I can watch television on my own time, I might actually have something to share in this section of my blog.
Film: The Mist
I want to begin by saying that someone spilled the beans on the ending and that totally pissed me off! But I will never do that to all of you. And I still managed to enjoy the film despite knowing how it ends. If you haven't seen this Stephen King adaptation yet, put it on your list. The story is very compelling and realistic in terms of humanity's issues when faced with seemingly impending death. Unfortunately, the worst in us comes through loud and clear. But then, what would you do in a similar situation? It is mass-hysteria at its best. The effects are actually pretty good as well. Although the creatures are clearly other-worldly, they feel realistic. And of course there is the stupendous ending. Very intriguing and daring. Let's just say that this mist does not come on little cat feet.
Book: Persepolis
If you have not yet read Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel, what are you waiting for???!!! The first part of her work deals with growing up in Iran during the revolution. She goes from being a carefree, young girl in a posh existance to a veil-wearing young woman whose family is constantly worried about imprisonment. As a woman, I cannot even begin to imagine what it must have been like to go from having complete freedom to absolutely no freedom almost over night. Frankly, it's a topic that has scared me since I first read Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale ten years ago. (To this day I keep cash on hand in case I have to run to Canada. Although I have recently been told that $50 may not get me there any more.) The second half of Satrapi's novel is her late-teen years after her parents send her to school in Austria. Very compelling and, again, surprising. As a constant stranger in a strange land, Satrapi tries to fit in. Sadly, she doesn't really succeed and that is what makes this graphic novel so lovely. It's nice to read a story without the traditional happy ending. It's a story I think we can all relate to in some way. Plus, it will 0pen up your eyes to what it is like for the non-militant Islamic people of Iran.
Television
Again, I don't really have anything to report here. Although I did watch the first episode of The Unusuals Wednesday night. It may make the blog in another week or two. Instead, I want to recommend hulu.com to you all. If you've missed the excellent commercials - I love Seth MacFarlane - it's a free website where you can catch the major networks' shows. For example, I missed Fringe last Tuesday - it's back - so I was able to watch it on Friday. There are 30-second commercials that you cannot fast-forward, but they are bearable. This is a great alternative for those of you who, like me, would rather buy new shoes than a TiVO. Now that I can watch television on my own time, I might actually have something to share in this section of my blog.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
If I Only Had More Time
Some weeks I feel as if I don't have any time to actually enjoy pop culture. This past week was one of those weeks. Have no fear! I didn't get around to a post last Sunday so I have two weeks from which to choose my recommendations.
Film: Duplicity
Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, and Paul Giamatti. I shouldn't have to go further. But I will. The story is a classic con job. And we all know how much I enjoy those! But don't go thinking this is some kind of Ocean's 11. Nope. The con is very complex and kind of difficult to follow in places. Both Owen and Roberts are ex-MI-6/CIA, respectively, agents trying to con Tom Wilkinson's Howard Tully out of a revolutionary product, which they will then sell for millions of dollars. Will they pull it off? You have to see it to believe it. For a fun film on a chilly Saturday night, this is an excellent choice. Plus, Owen and Roberts have an amazing chemistry and Giamatti is clearly just having fun with his role.
Book: The Film Club
David Gilmour's memoir is a bright spot in a rainy, dreary spring. He allows his sixteen-year-old son to drop out of high school provided the son will watch and discuss at least three films a week with his old man. When I saw this book review, I thought, "What films would Gilmour choose to show?" As a film critic/interviewer, Gilmour is an expert in his subject. The films are wonderfully diverse and I found a few gems I had never heard of. But what I expected to be a brief discussion of good (and bad) films ended up being a memoir about life and love. The depth of emotion in this book is riveting. I suspect that any parents out there would really latch on to the father/son relationship and see the films as a side story. I was pleasantly surprised when this book turned out to be something more than just a film club list.
As you can see, there are no television picks for this week. What do you expect in a pretty bleak spring tv line-up? Perhaps I'm missing something. If you've got a television recommendation for me, let me know. Just keep in mind that I refuse to splurge for movie channels when I have Netflix so it may be some time before I get around to watching some shows.
Film: Duplicity
Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, and Paul Giamatti. I shouldn't have to go further. But I will. The story is a classic con job. And we all know how much I enjoy those! But don't go thinking this is some kind of Ocean's 11. Nope. The con is very complex and kind of difficult to follow in places. Both Owen and Roberts are ex-MI-6/CIA, respectively, agents trying to con Tom Wilkinson's Howard Tully out of a revolutionary product, which they will then sell for millions of dollars. Will they pull it off? You have to see it to believe it. For a fun film on a chilly Saturday night, this is an excellent choice. Plus, Owen and Roberts have an amazing chemistry and Giamatti is clearly just having fun with his role.
Book: The Film Club
David Gilmour's memoir is a bright spot in a rainy, dreary spring. He allows his sixteen-year-old son to drop out of high school provided the son will watch and discuss at least three films a week with his old man. When I saw this book review, I thought, "What films would Gilmour choose to show?" As a film critic/interviewer, Gilmour is an expert in his subject. The films are wonderfully diverse and I found a few gems I had never heard of. But what I expected to be a brief discussion of good (and bad) films ended up being a memoir about life and love. The depth of emotion in this book is riveting. I suspect that any parents out there would really latch on to the father/son relationship and see the films as a side story. I was pleasantly surprised when this book turned out to be something more than just a film club list.
As you can see, there are no television picks for this week. What do you expect in a pretty bleak spring tv line-up? Perhaps I'm missing something. If you've got a television recommendation for me, let me know. Just keep in mind that I refuse to splurge for movie channels when I have Netflix so it may be some time before I get around to watching some shows.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Short Week But Good Stuff
I am posting a day early this week as I am heading out of town tomorrow for a much-needed roadtrip. Don't panic, I am leaving you all with some excellent pop culture nuggets.
Film: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
I hadn't seen this film since college. What was I thinking taking so long to rewatch it? It just makes me wish Washington was better place. If you don't know the story, a senator and newspaper man con Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) into taking on the role of junior senator from Washington (state) in an attempt to get him to vote for an illegal dam-building project. Unfortunately, Jefferson turns out to be a smarter person than that, thanks to the help of Clarrisa Saunders (Jean Arthur). He ends up staging a 23-hour filibuster in the hopes that people back in Washington (state) will come to his aid. This is a Frank Capra film so the seemingly happy ending is fraught with pessimism about the American political landscape. This isn't quite the feel-good film that It's a Wonderful Life is, but Jimmy is never better. Go out and rent this classic film to remind yourself that optimism isn't such a bad thing, but don't get discouraged if you realize that one person really can't make a difference.
Television: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
I have loved Guy Fieri since he won the second season of the Food Network's Who Wants to Be a Food Network Star? While I watch some of his cooking shows, I like Diners... far better. I have decided that New Mexico may have some of the best food on the planet with The Burgh a close second. I have actually eaten at one of the restaurants featured on this show. I had excellent meatloaf and corn bread. I salivate for the entire thiry minutes the show is on. If you love good home cooking, check out Guy and his diners, drive-ins, and dives.
Book: The Collected Short Stories of Philip K. Dick
Over the past couple of months I've been reading through some of Dick's short stories. In case you don't know, this is the guy who wrote "Do Andriods Dream of Electric Sheep" which was then adapted into a little film called Blade Runner. I never really read a lot of Dick's work but I have certainly been enjoying it. So far my favorite short story is "The Gun." I think the story is a fascinating look at world power and the dangers of needing the biggest gun. Dick is a sci-fi writer and his stories will definitely make you think. They are pretty easy to read; I usually pick up the book when I have thirty minutes to spare and can get one or two stories read in that time.
That's it for the week, folks. I should probably go pack. Chat away and I'll catch up on the postings when I return.
Film: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
I hadn't seen this film since college. What was I thinking taking so long to rewatch it? It just makes me wish Washington was better place. If you don't know the story, a senator and newspaper man con Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) into taking on the role of junior senator from Washington (state) in an attempt to get him to vote for an illegal dam-building project. Unfortunately, Jefferson turns out to be a smarter person than that, thanks to the help of Clarrisa Saunders (Jean Arthur). He ends up staging a 23-hour filibuster in the hopes that people back in Washington (state) will come to his aid. This is a Frank Capra film so the seemingly happy ending is fraught with pessimism about the American political landscape. This isn't quite the feel-good film that It's a Wonderful Life is, but Jimmy is never better. Go out and rent this classic film to remind yourself that optimism isn't such a bad thing, but don't get discouraged if you realize that one person really can't make a difference.
Television: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
I have loved Guy Fieri since he won the second season of the Food Network's Who Wants to Be a Food Network Star? While I watch some of his cooking shows, I like Diners... far better. I have decided that New Mexico may have some of the best food on the planet with The Burgh a close second. I have actually eaten at one of the restaurants featured on this show. I had excellent meatloaf and corn bread. I salivate for the entire thiry minutes the show is on. If you love good home cooking, check out Guy and his diners, drive-ins, and dives.
Book: The Collected Short Stories of Philip K. Dick
Over the past couple of months I've been reading through some of Dick's short stories. In case you don't know, this is the guy who wrote "Do Andriods Dream of Electric Sheep" which was then adapted into a little film called Blade Runner. I never really read a lot of Dick's work but I have certainly been enjoying it. So far my favorite short story is "The Gun." I think the story is a fascinating look at world power and the dangers of needing the biggest gun. Dick is a sci-fi writer and his stories will definitely make you think. They are pretty easy to read; I usually pick up the book when I have thirty minutes to spare and can get one or two stories read in that time.
That's it for the week, folks. I should probably go pack. Chat away and I'll catch up on the postings when I return.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise (One Out of Three Ain't Bad)
Sorry about last week, folks. I came down with the flu and spent all weekend curled up on the couch. But I'm better now! This week's highlight was the most anticipated graphic novel adaptation ever...
Film: Watchmen
Who watches the Watchmen? Apparently a lot of folks considering the theater I was in was pretty packed last night. Despite a law suit, Zach Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel - possibly the best graphic novel EVER - premiered this weekend. I loved it. It was a very true adaptation meaning that Snyder rarely strayed from the dialogue and artwork of the original. This means, folks, that the film is explicit with both sex and violence. I would not recommend this film for kids or even young teenagers. The film has the look and feel of the graphic novel as well as the 1980s (which is when the story takes place). The cast of (mostly) unknowns is great. I will say, however, that Patrick Wilson (Dan Dreiberg/Nite Owl) looks a little too much like Clark Griswald for my taste. Otherwise, the film is great. If you love the graphic novel, go see it. If you don't like graphic novels/comic books, don't because you won't like this film at all.
Television: Amazing Race
I have no idea what season of Amazing Race this is, but it doesn't matter. I don't always watch the entire season of this reality show. I only watch when the mix of teams is interesting. This season, that mix is very interesting. There are more "normal" teams than usual, meaning that the number of him/bimbos are at a minimum. I especially like the mom/son and father/son teams. I've talked about Race before, I know. There is just something about this show that draws my attention. You have to be somewhat knowledgeable about the world to win this show. For example, one of the tasks tonight was to put the following letters in order - VEHOKCH - to form the name of a Russion playwrite. Many teams struggled. How would you do?
Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Sherman Alexie rocks. Need I say more? If so, let me tell you that his young adult, autobiographical novel is so much fun to read. Diary takes the reader on a tour of reservation life versus the white culture. I'd like to say that the non-indigenous Americans have come a long way in their relations with the native cultures; sadly, we haven't. Alexie brings that tough fact home in a brilliant and funny way. You'll laugh as you read, but you'll also pause to think about how bad the reservations really are. I had no idea what kind of poverty and alcoholism ran rampant on reservations until reading this book. But don't think the novel is entirely a downer. The message is a bright one: be yourself and try your best and things will work out. Indian also has a collection of quirky illustrations that will make you smile.
Film: Watchmen
Who watches the Watchmen? Apparently a lot of folks considering the theater I was in was pretty packed last night. Despite a law suit, Zach Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel - possibly the best graphic novel EVER - premiered this weekend. I loved it. It was a very true adaptation meaning that Snyder rarely strayed from the dialogue and artwork of the original. This means, folks, that the film is explicit with both sex and violence. I would not recommend this film for kids or even young teenagers. The film has the look and feel of the graphic novel as well as the 1980s (which is when the story takes place). The cast of (mostly) unknowns is great. I will say, however, that Patrick Wilson (Dan Dreiberg/Nite Owl) looks a little too much like Clark Griswald for my taste. Otherwise, the film is great. If you love the graphic novel, go see it. If you don't like graphic novels/comic books, don't because you won't like this film at all.
Television: Amazing Race
I have no idea what season of Amazing Race this is, but it doesn't matter. I don't always watch the entire season of this reality show. I only watch when the mix of teams is interesting. This season, that mix is very interesting. There are more "normal" teams than usual, meaning that the number of him/bimbos are at a minimum. I especially like the mom/son and father/son teams. I've talked about Race before, I know. There is just something about this show that draws my attention. You have to be somewhat knowledgeable about the world to win this show. For example, one of the tasks tonight was to put the following letters in order - VEHOKCH - to form the name of a Russion playwrite. Many teams struggled. How would you do?
Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Sherman Alexie rocks. Need I say more? If so, let me tell you that his young adult, autobiographical novel is so much fun to read. Diary takes the reader on a tour of reservation life versus the white culture. I'd like to say that the non-indigenous Americans have come a long way in their relations with the native cultures; sadly, we haven't. Alexie brings that tough fact home in a brilliant and funny way. You'll laugh as you read, but you'll also pause to think about how bad the reservations really are. I had no idea what kind of poverty and alcoholism ran rampant on reservations until reading this book. But don't think the novel is entirely a downer. The message is a bright one: be yourself and try your best and things will work out. Indian also has a collection of quirky illustrations that will make you smile.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
OSCAR NIGHT!
We are but six hours to Oscar and I am finally ready to post my predictions. For the first time ever - thanks to AMC's (the movie theater chain) Best Picture marathon yesterday - I have seen every one of the Best Picture nominees. My personal favorite is The Reader with Milk a close second. My least favorite is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. (Best Picture nomination over The Dark Knight, really???) But alas, the Academy rarely votes for my favorite films so what follows is my best guess of how the Academy will vote.
Picture - Slumdog Milloinaire
Actor - Mickey Rourke
Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger
Actress - Kate Winslet
Supporting Actress - Viola Davis (but Penelope Cruz could sneak by her)
Director - Danny Boyle
Documentary Feature - Man on Wire
Documentary Short - The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306
Animated Feature - Bolt (HAHAHAHAHA obviously Wall-E will win this one)
Foreign Language Film - The Class
Original Screenplay - Milk
Adapted Screenplay - The Reader (this may be one of the toughest competitions)
Cinematography - Slumdog Millionaire
Art Direction - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Animated Short Film - Presto (does Pixar ever lose in this category?)
Live Action Short Film - Auf der Strecke (On the Line - going with "A" like my man Jamal)
Visual Effects - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (but The Dark Knight could take it)
Costume Design - The Duchess (big period dresses and hair = Oscar)
Film Editing - Slumdog Millionaire
Sound Mixing - The Dark Knight (high action usually equals win in sound)
Sound Editing - The Dark Knight (see above)
Original Score - Slumdog Millionaire
Original Song - Wall-E (historically splitting the vote in this category is a bad thing)
Makeup - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (duh)
Enjoy the Hollywood spectacle tonight! May Hugh Jackman be on and may the show actually stop in three hours. Hooray for Hollywood!
Picture - Slumdog Milloinaire
Actor - Mickey Rourke
Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger
Actress - Kate Winslet
Supporting Actress - Viola Davis (but Penelope Cruz could sneak by her)
Director - Danny Boyle
Documentary Feature - Man on Wire
Documentary Short - The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306
Animated Feature - Bolt (HAHAHAHAHA obviously Wall-E will win this one)
Foreign Language Film - The Class
Original Screenplay - Milk
Adapted Screenplay - The Reader (this may be one of the toughest competitions)
Cinematography - Slumdog Millionaire
Art Direction - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Animated Short Film - Presto (does Pixar ever lose in this category?)
Live Action Short Film - Auf der Strecke (On the Line - going with "A" like my man Jamal)
Visual Effects - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (but The Dark Knight could take it)
Costume Design - The Duchess (big period dresses and hair = Oscar)
Film Editing - Slumdog Millionaire
Sound Mixing - The Dark Knight (high action usually equals win in sound)
Sound Editing - The Dark Knight (see above)
Original Score - Slumdog Millionaire
Original Song - Wall-E (historically splitting the vote in this category is a bad thing)
Makeup - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (duh)
Enjoy the Hollywood spectacle tonight! May Hugh Jackman be on and may the show actually stop in three hours. Hooray for Hollywood!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday, Sunday
Since this is my last post before the Oscars - I will be taking next week off - I thought I'd discuss the few films I've seen so far and their Oscar races. This is not quite a prediction post, more of a thought post. You'll notice that I've only seen about three nominated films so it will also be a short post. I hope to see more films before February 22.
Actor in a Supporting Role - I've only seen The Dark Knight in this category so far. I doubt I'll have to see any more. First, Heath Ledger was awesome, just awesome. I am sad because we will never see the Joker played with quite the level of anarchy and chaos again. Second, the Academy will give this Oscar for Ledger's entire body of work since there will be no more.
Actor in a Lead - Everyone seems to be hyping Mickey Rourke. I have to say that I'll probably never see The Wrestler so I have no idea if he is deserving of the award or not. In fact, I have yet to see any of the films in this category - The Visitor is sitting in my television armoire - but I have to say that, like the Picture category, this one may end up being quite the surprise.
Actress in a Supporting Role - If Kate Winslet had been nominated here for The Reader, she would be a shoe-in. As it is, we have another interesting race. I've been reading a lot about Doubt and Viola Davis but she isn't in the film very long. (Not that length stopped the great Dame Judi Dench for winning in this category.) I think it would be interesting to see Marisa Tomei win her second Oscar in this category and I hear she's pretty darn good in The Wrestler.
Actress in a Lead - I've now see The Reader and Revolutionary Road (just got back from seeing it and despite the fact that Leo is in it, I found myself really enjoying the film). I am saddened that Kate Winslet was nominated for The Reader instead of Revolutionary Road. She would have won hands down for Road. While The Reader is very good, I just don't think it's good enough, especially with heavy-hitters like Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
Picture - I think this is going to be an interesting year for the Picture category. I don't think The Reader has a snowball's chance in that very hot place. Slumdog Millionaire is getting a lot of indie love, but is it good enough to get this coveted Oscar? Last year we talked about what a film had to do to win a Picture Oscar and we didn't come to any sort of consensus. To be honest, none of the nominees seem like a sure-thing here. I think this race could be a big surprise.
In the end, I think there are some very interesting races this year. I hope there will be a few upsets and surprises. Lately the Oscars have gotten just a tad bit too predictable.
Actor in a Supporting Role - I've only seen The Dark Knight in this category so far. I doubt I'll have to see any more. First, Heath Ledger was awesome, just awesome. I am sad because we will never see the Joker played with quite the level of anarchy and chaos again. Second, the Academy will give this Oscar for Ledger's entire body of work since there will be no more.
Actor in a Lead - Everyone seems to be hyping Mickey Rourke. I have to say that I'll probably never see The Wrestler so I have no idea if he is deserving of the award or not. In fact, I have yet to see any of the films in this category - The Visitor is sitting in my television armoire - but I have to say that, like the Picture category, this one may end up being quite the surprise.
Actress in a Supporting Role - If Kate Winslet had been nominated here for The Reader, she would be a shoe-in. As it is, we have another interesting race. I've been reading a lot about Doubt and Viola Davis but she isn't in the film very long. (Not that length stopped the great Dame Judi Dench for winning in this category.) I think it would be interesting to see Marisa Tomei win her second Oscar in this category and I hear she's pretty darn good in The Wrestler.
Actress in a Lead - I've now see The Reader and Revolutionary Road (just got back from seeing it and despite the fact that Leo is in it, I found myself really enjoying the film). I am saddened that Kate Winslet was nominated for The Reader instead of Revolutionary Road. She would have won hands down for Road. While The Reader is very good, I just don't think it's good enough, especially with heavy-hitters like Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
Picture - I think this is going to be an interesting year for the Picture category. I don't think The Reader has a snowball's chance in that very hot place. Slumdog Millionaire is getting a lot of indie love, but is it good enough to get this coveted Oscar? Last year we talked about what a film had to do to win a Picture Oscar and we didn't come to any sort of consensus. To be honest, none of the nominees seem like a sure-thing here. I think this race could be a big surprise.
In the end, I think there are some very interesting races this year. I hope there will be a few upsets and surprises. Lately the Oscars have gotten just a tad bit too predictable.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Snow Days Are Boring
This past week has wreaked havoc with my schedules. I found that snow days seem a godsend on the outside but actually are rather dull. I have learned that daytime television is truly horrific. The sad thing is, I spent a great deal of time actually watching it. I guess laziness just took over and weakened my defenses. Luckily, in the past few weeks I have found something worthwhile in the realm of popular culture.
Film: The Reader
Although I don't know if it is Best Picture material, The Reader is a truly amazing film to watch. I knew little about the plot going in. I just knew that it had something to do with a teenage boy having lots of sex with an older woman and a concentration camp trial. I was enthralled by the entire thing. Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, and David Kross are amazing. Kate Winslet definitely deserves an Oscar nomination for this film, but probably not in the Best Actress category. (I worry that she may not win for The Reader over Meryl Streep in Doubt. But I digress.) The Reader is very controlled in its narrative. The move between present and past is seamless and never gets overused or trite (as can so easily happen). Holocaust films can sometimes over-demonize or swing the other way and over-sympathize with characters. The Reader does a nice job staying in the middle. Although I found myself feeling sorry for Hannah, that sympathy was never because of what she did in the concentration camps. The film's ending really did a nice job with the sympathy issue when the adult Michael goes to visit Ilana; it was a very powerful moment. Again, I'm not sure that this film has Oscar written on it but it certainly will be worth your two hours to watch it.
Television: Jon & Kate Plus 8
This show has been around for awhile but I just realized recently that I've never written about it. I love TLC for so many reasons (and hate it for so many other reasons). Jon & Kate is one of the reasons I love it. I remember watching the one-hour documentaries on the sextuplets and was pleased when it became a regular series. It has been fun to watch all the kids grow up and I hope they keep the show around for several more years, at least until the kids all go to school. What I really like about TLC's "life unscripted" is that it feels just that - unscripted. Jon and Kate argue, the kids act like brats, and everyone makes mistakes. However, unlike the major networks' reality television, Jon and Kate feels real. We've all said and done the things they say and do. Nothing is every truly over the top and unbelievable. These are two human beings who are doing the best they can. Do they often get freebies? Yep. Should they? Frankly I don't know. What I do know is that their children are adorable little human beings and Jon and Kate treat them as such. I like that.
Book: Born Standing Up
Steve Martin never ceases to surprise me. (Do we really need another Pink Panther film?) Luckily, his 2008 autobiography is a very good surprise. This is the first of his books that I have read. If the others are similar in narrative flow and voice, sign me up! It took all of three pages for me to laugh out loud. The book follows Martin's life from childhood to super-stardom. He is honest and pulls few punches. You'll learn that his family life was less than perfect. You'll also learn that he worked at Disneyland as a magician at the tender age of 15. He talks about both his sucesses and his failures. But if you're looking for personal relationship info, you'll get very little. Instead, Martin talks about his career as a stand-up comedian. Reading this while watching PBS's documentary Make 'Em Laugh was excellent timing. As I was reading through Martin's influences I was also watching clips of them on PBS. I would recommend this book for any fan of the wild and crazy guy.
Film: The Reader
Although I don't know if it is Best Picture material, The Reader is a truly amazing film to watch. I knew little about the plot going in. I just knew that it had something to do with a teenage boy having lots of sex with an older woman and a concentration camp trial. I was enthralled by the entire thing. Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, and David Kross are amazing. Kate Winslet definitely deserves an Oscar nomination for this film, but probably not in the Best Actress category. (I worry that she may not win for The Reader over Meryl Streep in Doubt. But I digress.) The Reader is very controlled in its narrative. The move between present and past is seamless and never gets overused or trite (as can so easily happen). Holocaust films can sometimes over-demonize or swing the other way and over-sympathize with characters. The Reader does a nice job staying in the middle. Although I found myself feeling sorry for Hannah, that sympathy was never because of what she did in the concentration camps. The film's ending really did a nice job with the sympathy issue when the adult Michael goes to visit Ilana; it was a very powerful moment. Again, I'm not sure that this film has Oscar written on it but it certainly will be worth your two hours to watch it.
Television: Jon & Kate Plus 8
This show has been around for awhile but I just realized recently that I've never written about it. I love TLC for so many reasons (and hate it for so many other reasons). Jon & Kate is one of the reasons I love it. I remember watching the one-hour documentaries on the sextuplets and was pleased when it became a regular series. It has been fun to watch all the kids grow up and I hope they keep the show around for several more years, at least until the kids all go to school. What I really like about TLC's "life unscripted" is that it feels just that - unscripted. Jon and Kate argue, the kids act like brats, and everyone makes mistakes. However, unlike the major networks' reality television, Jon and Kate feels real. We've all said and done the things they say and do. Nothing is every truly over the top and unbelievable. These are two human beings who are doing the best they can. Do they often get freebies? Yep. Should they? Frankly I don't know. What I do know is that their children are adorable little human beings and Jon and Kate treat them as such. I like that.
Book: Born Standing Up
Steve Martin never ceases to surprise me. (Do we really need another Pink Panther film?) Luckily, his 2008 autobiography is a very good surprise. This is the first of his books that I have read. If the others are similar in narrative flow and voice, sign me up! It took all of three pages for me to laugh out loud. The book follows Martin's life from childhood to super-stardom. He is honest and pulls few punches. You'll learn that his family life was less than perfect. You'll also learn that he worked at Disneyland as a magician at the tender age of 15. He talks about both his sucesses and his failures. But if you're looking for personal relationship info, you'll get very little. Instead, Martin talks about his career as a stand-up comedian. Reading this while watching PBS's documentary Make 'Em Laugh was excellent timing. As I was reading through Martin's influences I was also watching clips of them on PBS. I would recommend this book for any fan of the wild and crazy guy.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Oscar 2009 for 2008 Films
And the race is on for the coveted little gold man of 2009. If you didn't catch the nominees, you can get the complete list at Oscar's website: www.oscar.com.
There weren't many surprises other than Revolutionary Road. I think most folks were expecting Kate Winslet to get her nomination for that film rather than The Reader. I can only speak for The Reader since I haven't seen Road and I can tell you she is fabulous as Hannah Schmidt. The other big surprise for me is Richard Jenkins for The Visitor. I have the film coming soon and I hear he is tremendous. While I appreciate Clint Eastwood, I'm glad someone new and different broke into that race.
I am disappointed that Christopher Nolan received no love for The Dark Knight in either Picture or Director. The film is really a work of art and should have been nominated for Best Picture. Having never seen Benjamin Button, I can't really speak about it except to say that several of my friends (and you know who you are) were unimpressed with the film so I am surprised by its many nominations.
Since I have only seen one of the five films up for Best Picture and little else, I shouldn't be making predictions yet. That said, can we finally honor Kate Winslet for her amazing work? Also, Heath Ledger's posthumous Oscar seems a sure-thing. I'll have my predictions closer to the February 22 event. By then, I hope to have seen four of the five Picture nominations (I just can't bring myself to sit through Benjamin's backwards aging process).
I've spoken, let's hear from you!
There weren't many surprises other than Revolutionary Road. I think most folks were expecting Kate Winslet to get her nomination for that film rather than The Reader. I can only speak for The Reader since I haven't seen Road and I can tell you she is fabulous as Hannah Schmidt. The other big surprise for me is Richard Jenkins for The Visitor. I have the film coming soon and I hear he is tremendous. While I appreciate Clint Eastwood, I'm glad someone new and different broke into that race.
I am disappointed that Christopher Nolan received no love for The Dark Knight in either Picture or Director. The film is really a work of art and should have been nominated for Best Picture. Having never seen Benjamin Button, I can't really speak about it except to say that several of my friends (and you know who you are) were unimpressed with the film so I am surprised by its many nominations.
Since I have only seen one of the five films up for Best Picture and little else, I shouldn't be making predictions yet. That said, can we finally honor Kate Winslet for her amazing work? Also, Heath Ledger's posthumous Oscar seems a sure-thing. I'll have my predictions closer to the February 22 event. By then, I hope to have seen four of the five Picture nominations (I just can't bring myself to sit through Benjamin's backwards aging process).
I've spoken, let's hear from you!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
What's New Pussycats?
No waves made this week in terms of pop culture but I did come across a few gems.
Film: The Leopard
I ran across this 1963 Italian film in one of my film studies book and decided to take a look. The book's author was all "mise-en-scene, blah, blah, blah." (For those of you not in the know, mise-en-scene is a film's setting, costuming, props, etc.) When I received the film from Netflix and saw that it was three hours long I thought, "You've got to be kidding." As I watched - over the course of three different evenings - I realized why the book's author was so enamored with the film. The story is somewhat basic and a knowledge of Italian revolutions might be helpful in fully understanding the storyline. The acting is okay; Burt Lancaster (who'd of guessed) plays Prince Fabrizio Salina. But what kept me watching was the mise-en-scene. The Leopard is probably one of the most beautifully-set films I've ever seen. From the outside scenes to the grand ball at the end, the constumes and settings will blow your mind. If you never actually get around to sitting thought the entire three hours, skip ahead to the final 45 minutes to catch that ball; it will knock your socks off. By the way, don't get the English dubbed version. The Italian is beautiful; it made me want to learn another language.
Television: Make 'Em Laugh
I mentioned this PBS documentary on humor last week as an aside. I caught the first two installments this past Wednesday and it made me laugh. I never realized how funny George Burns and Gracie Allen were! Likewise, I never had the privilege of watching Jonathan Winters perform. Tune in this Wednesday (or check your local listings) for more of the history of American humor. You'll find your dreary winter evening much more enjoyable for a few laughs.
Book: Darwinia
I love a good book that is pure candy for the brain. Darwinia is one such book. Published in 1998 by Robert Charles Wilson, Darwinia begins in 1912 when "The Miracle" occurs: Europe's people and cities cease to exist. In its place is a continent of wild animals and plants never before seen on Earth. What follows is the story of Guilford Law, a photographer who's much different than he expects. Slowly we learn what Darwinia really is and why Europe has gone. The book gets a bit too "sci-fi-y" when it goes into The Archives and psilife but beyond some bogging down in the science sections - which are few - the story reads pretty quickly. It's not the most brilliant thing I've ever read, but it certainly did make for some good beach/pool reading.
Film: The Leopard
I ran across this 1963 Italian film in one of my film studies book and decided to take a look. The book's author was all "mise-en-scene, blah, blah, blah." (For those of you not in the know, mise-en-scene is a film's setting, costuming, props, etc.) When I received the film from Netflix and saw that it was three hours long I thought, "You've got to be kidding." As I watched - over the course of three different evenings - I realized why the book's author was so enamored with the film. The story is somewhat basic and a knowledge of Italian revolutions might be helpful in fully understanding the storyline. The acting is okay; Burt Lancaster (who'd of guessed) plays Prince Fabrizio Salina. But what kept me watching was the mise-en-scene. The Leopard is probably one of the most beautifully-set films I've ever seen. From the outside scenes to the grand ball at the end, the constumes and settings will blow your mind. If you never actually get around to sitting thought the entire three hours, skip ahead to the final 45 minutes to catch that ball; it will knock your socks off. By the way, don't get the English dubbed version. The Italian is beautiful; it made me want to learn another language.
Television: Make 'Em Laugh
I mentioned this PBS documentary on humor last week as an aside. I caught the first two installments this past Wednesday and it made me laugh. I never realized how funny George Burns and Gracie Allen were! Likewise, I never had the privilege of watching Jonathan Winters perform. Tune in this Wednesday (or check your local listings) for more of the history of American humor. You'll find your dreary winter evening much more enjoyable for a few laughs.
Book: Darwinia
I love a good book that is pure candy for the brain. Darwinia is one such book. Published in 1998 by Robert Charles Wilson, Darwinia begins in 1912 when "The Miracle" occurs: Europe's people and cities cease to exist. In its place is a continent of wild animals and plants never before seen on Earth. What follows is the story of Guilford Law, a photographer who's much different than he expects. Slowly we learn what Darwinia really is and why Europe has gone. The book gets a bit too "sci-fi-y" when it goes into The Archives and psilife but beyond some bogging down in the science sections - which are few - the story reads pretty quickly. It's not the most brilliant thing I've ever read, but it certainly did make for some good beach/pool reading.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Clarity Please!
This week I'm going to give you a topic: Southland Tales. Discuss.
I watched this film earlier in the week and found myself fascinated and horribly confused. It is the most bizarre film this side of Brazil and The Fountain. I have to say that I just don't get it, but my confusion does not make it a bad movie. The story is what I find confusing. Boxer Santaros (Dwayne Johnson) has amnesia and is living with porn star Krysta Now (Sarah Michelle Gellar). They write a screenplay about the end of the world and planetary slow-downs but it's not actually a screenplay and is really Boxer's memory. Meanwhile, WW3 is going on and an extremist neo-Marxist organization is trying to bring down the conservative government and a new type of fuel called Fluid Karma has been invented. Yeah, it's hard to follow, I know. Add to it Roland Taverner (Seann William Scott) and his twin brother (or is he?) and you've got the making of a complex storyline. The cast is pretty cool, though, and includes everyone from Justin Timberlake and Mandy Moore to Shawn Wallace, Curtis Armstrong, John Larroquette, Miranda Richardson, Kevin Smith, and half the women from SNL.
Because I still find this film fascinating despite my apparently inability to fully comprehend it, I want to spend this week hearing from all of you. If you've seen Southland Tales, please chime in to the discussion. What do you think Director and Writer Richard Kelly is really saying here? (Besides the obvious that war with the Middle East would be bad.)
I watched this film earlier in the week and found myself fascinated and horribly confused. It is the most bizarre film this side of Brazil and The Fountain. I have to say that I just don't get it, but my confusion does not make it a bad movie. The story is what I find confusing. Boxer Santaros (Dwayne Johnson) has amnesia and is living with porn star Krysta Now (Sarah Michelle Gellar). They write a screenplay about the end of the world and planetary slow-downs but it's not actually a screenplay and is really Boxer's memory. Meanwhile, WW3 is going on and an extremist neo-Marxist organization is trying to bring down the conservative government and a new type of fuel called Fluid Karma has been invented. Yeah, it's hard to follow, I know. Add to it Roland Taverner (Seann William Scott) and his twin brother (or is he?) and you've got the making of a complex storyline. The cast is pretty cool, though, and includes everyone from Justin Timberlake and Mandy Moore to Shawn Wallace, Curtis Armstrong, John Larroquette, Miranda Richardson, Kevin Smith, and half the women from SNL.
Because I still find this film fascinating despite my apparently inability to fully comprehend it, I want to spend this week hearing from all of you. If you've seen Southland Tales, please chime in to the discussion. What do you think Director and Writer Richard Kelly is really saying here? (Besides the obvious that war with the Middle East would be bad.)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year!
Hello all! I hope you all had a lovely time this holiday season. I hope you are waking up to a bright, glorious new year. And for any of you who are experiencing a nasty hangover, I hope the party last night was worth it. I know it's not Sunday but I couldn't ring in a new year without a pop culture post. And here they are...
Film: The Quiet Man
Yesterday TCM ran a John Wayne marathon. Not being a huge Duke fan, I didn't watch most of it. However, during the afternoon hours they played one of my favorites: The Quiet Man. What makes this John Ford film (yep, he directed much to my surprise) especially excellent is the chemistry between Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Next to Kate Hepburn, Maureen O'Hara is one of my favorite actresses. This film is not her first pairing with Wayne nor her first film with Ford. What I like about this film is that it is not a typical John Wayne film and yet it is. There is a sense of humor here that I think is missing from other John Wayne films. It is clear that Ford, Wayne, and O'Hara are having fun. But what I really watch for is the end. I love the cross-country boxing match between Sean Thornton and Will Danaher. What a great ending! If you've never picked up this 1952 classic, do so now and enjoy the crazy Irish rituals.
Television: Leverage
I've been watching this new TNT show for the last few weeks and have finally found some decent drama on television. I love this heist show. If you liked the Ocean's 11 films, you will like this weekly drama. The premise is pretty basic: Tim Hutton, an ex-insurance detective, gets together the best con woman, computer hacker, thief, and muscle to help the hopeless. They are a modern-day group of Robin Hoods. Tim Hutton is always lovely to watch. But the show also has two stand-outs in Gina Bellman and Christian Kane. Gina Bellman is a British actress who I loved in the BBC series Jekyll. Christian Kane was great as Lindsey in Angel and also played young Hud in Secondhand Lions (love that film). Together, the ensemble really fits and the show shines. Since the show is on TNT, I'm sure it will be given time to stretch its legs. I have to say, TNT is fast becoming one of the best networks out there for television.
Book: Brookland
This 2006 novel by Emily Barton is a great, but somewhat sad, read. It is sad because it details an attempt at building the Brooklyn Bridge. Since the book is set in the late 18th/early 19th centuries, you know the Bridge will fail and the characters will have to deal with the consequences. (The Brooklyn Bridge as we know it today was not actually started until 1870.) Once you get past that knowledge, though, the novel is a great story of a family of sisters who have their own issues and demons to deal with. The narrator, Prue Winship, and her sister Tem are gin distillers, a calling taught to them by their father. Prue desperately wants to build a bridge between Manhattan and Brooklyn and uses both Tem and their sister Pearl to do it. It is a story of obsession and being single-minded enough to ignore all those around you. There are many times in this novel where you just want to reach in and shake the bejeezus out of Prue, but by the end of the novel, you appreciate her and come to actually sympathize with her.
Film: The Quiet Man
Yesterday TCM ran a John Wayne marathon. Not being a huge Duke fan, I didn't watch most of it. However, during the afternoon hours they played one of my favorites: The Quiet Man. What makes this John Ford film (yep, he directed much to my surprise) especially excellent is the chemistry between Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Next to Kate Hepburn, Maureen O'Hara is one of my favorite actresses. This film is not her first pairing with Wayne nor her first film with Ford. What I like about this film is that it is not a typical John Wayne film and yet it is. There is a sense of humor here that I think is missing from other John Wayne films. It is clear that Ford, Wayne, and O'Hara are having fun. But what I really watch for is the end. I love the cross-country boxing match between Sean Thornton and Will Danaher. What a great ending! If you've never picked up this 1952 classic, do so now and enjoy the crazy Irish rituals.
Television: Leverage
I've been watching this new TNT show for the last few weeks and have finally found some decent drama on television. I love this heist show. If you liked the Ocean's 11 films, you will like this weekly drama. The premise is pretty basic: Tim Hutton, an ex-insurance detective, gets together the best con woman, computer hacker, thief, and muscle to help the hopeless. They are a modern-day group of Robin Hoods. Tim Hutton is always lovely to watch. But the show also has two stand-outs in Gina Bellman and Christian Kane. Gina Bellman is a British actress who I loved in the BBC series Jekyll. Christian Kane was great as Lindsey in Angel and also played young Hud in Secondhand Lions (love that film). Together, the ensemble really fits and the show shines. Since the show is on TNT, I'm sure it will be given time to stretch its legs. I have to say, TNT is fast becoming one of the best networks out there for television.
Book: Brookland
This 2006 novel by Emily Barton is a great, but somewhat sad, read. It is sad because it details an attempt at building the Brooklyn Bridge. Since the book is set in the late 18th/early 19th centuries, you know the Bridge will fail and the characters will have to deal with the consequences. (The Brooklyn Bridge as we know it today was not actually started until 1870.) Once you get past that knowledge, though, the novel is a great story of a family of sisters who have their own issues and demons to deal with. The narrator, Prue Winship, and her sister Tem are gin distillers, a calling taught to them by their father. Prue desperately wants to build a bridge between Manhattan and Brooklyn and uses both Tem and their sister Pearl to do it. It is a story of obsession and being single-minded enough to ignore all those around you. There are many times in this novel where you just want to reach in and shake the bejeezus out of Prue, but by the end of the novel, you appreciate her and come to actually sympathize with her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
