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.
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7 comments:
Ashes to Ashes anyone?
I missed out on the original Life on Mars, but I am really starting to enjoy its sequel. I know there were a few Life on Mars fans on this thread. Anybody else into the 80's remix? How does it compare?
Or should I say, who's ready to fire up the Quattro?
Hmm, you're right. It is kind of bleak out there in TV land. I watch House and Bones. Good and you don't have to catch every ep. I kind of drifted away from Lost--not sure why this season didn't grab me. I am only 2 ep behind though so I will watch online eventually. Sometimes I watch The Mentalist and sometimes I like it. Sadly, Dollhouse didn't captivate me. None of the comedies on have grabbed me. Am waiting to watch T:SCC, Heroes, Saving Grace, Grey's Anatomy, and The Closer on DVD even though some of the seasons have been panned. I guess sticking with Netflix might be your best bet :)
Lost, Lost, Lost. I respectfully disagree, Erin--I think the current season is fantastic! But I do admit that it gets a bit more sci-fi and twisty than it has been in previous years which may be a turnoff for some folks.
Yes, I'm digging Ashes to Ashes, even more so than the original Life on Mars. I like the dynamic that Alex brings to the group, as well as her relationship with Gene. Plus, the '80s music! I wish BBCA would run the original Life on Mars again too or put out the DVDs. It was a great show. The American version isn't too bad--shame it is being canned.
Let's see--Fringe will be back soon. There's an excellent Masterpiece Theatre version of "Little Dorrit" that just started this past weekend. Heroes vastly improved last Monday due to the Pushing Daisies writer added back into the staff--hope it will last (Heroes and I will break up soon if it doesn't get better!). Big 3-hour ER finale on Thursday, but otherwise I'd also add Earl, the Office, and 30 Rock to my recommendations. The new show "Kings" with Ian McShane has a clever premise--so far I've only see the pilot, but at least it's not just another cop/lawyer show. Oh, and I still love Medium.
And when the DVDs come out, make sure you catch up with the season of Big Love that just ended--best season yet of that show by far.
This is apropos of nothing, but super-sad. Andy Hallett, who was Lorne on "Angel," has died of heart failure.
Heather, Jessica Faust and I got his autograph at a Buffy con 6 years ago. I remember he drew a little heart with Jess's autograph. Seemed very nice. He was only 33.
Read about it here:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b106789_angel_star_andy_hallett_dies_of_heart.html
Argh! OK. You may have to cut and paste the URL together:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin
/b106789_angel_star_andy_hallett_dies_of_heart.html
I had no idea about Andy Hallett. I just looked at my autograph and sighed.
I think I am still bitter about the cancellation of "Pushing Daisies." I wanted to catch "Kings" but missed it. I figure I'll catch up online or when the DVD comes out.
Part of my problem is getting to the television at the right time. I am usually doing other things in the evening and miss shows I would like. Perhaps I should splurge for a DVR or Tvo or something. But then I'd have to program in all the "Angel" and "Charmed" episodes as well as most of the HGTV shows and then I would run out of time.
I am currently working my way through Season 2 of "Bones." After that I am going with Season 3 of "Moonlighting."
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