Holiday Pics

Sure, we all know the quintessential, holiday classics that are aired far too frequently during this season. Yes, they are wonderful films, but no film deserves 24-hour coverage (perhaps especially "The Christmas Story"). On the other hand, there are burgeoning new favorites that are occasionally overlooked and undervalued by preferring nostalgia.

But why can't we settle in with the most comfy blanket in the house and a cup of our favorite tea, coffee, or hot chocolate of amazing (assuming we have successfully handed in our last term paper and successfully satiated the Finals gods)? Tis the season for time off and gaining a reprieve before the new year. And here are just a few movies with which I intend to indulge myself in lieu of thinking about self, Other, and other philosophical demands.


Love Actually

1. Colin Firth and his corresponding plot
2. Hugh Grant adds another stellar performance (I hear some of you objecting to skeaziness in his personal affairs, but he is a wonderful actor)
3. Oh, Alan Rickman...
4. There is no primary plot-line, yet they all complement each other
   

Bridget Jones' Diary

1. All three of the main actors are fabulous.
2. Colin Firth's character. Enough said.
3. Bridget gives girls hope for being awkward, capable of saying and doing the completely wrong thing, yet finding their Mr. Darcy.
4. Spending New Year's with vodka and Chaka Khan




The Grinch

1. BAH WHO DOH RAY, MA HOO RAH DAY...
2. Max as a reindeer
3. Leiderhosen -- "Ooo. Aaahh. Mmmm... That's it, I'm not going."
4. 4:00, wallow in self pity; 4:30, stare into the abyss; 5:00, solve world hunger, tell no one; 5:30, jazzercize; 6:30, dinner with me - I can't cancel that again; 7:00, wrestle with my self-loathing...

When Harry Met Sally

1. Restaurant scene
2. Enough said.












Elf

1. Jack-in-the-box
2. SAAAANNNTTAAA! I know him! I KNOW him!
3. You sit on a thrown of lies.
4. Singing in a store
   

And the Nominees Are...

The Golden Globe nominations are officially out! [And what better time to resurrect a truant blog?]

FILM!

Best Motion Picture - Drama

• Black Swan
• The Fighter
• Inception
• The King's Speech
• The Social Network

I have only seen "Inception" and "The Social Network." However, having hated the latter for its objectification of women and overall depressing portrayal of interpersonal relationships, I vehemently oppose its inclusion in this category. On the other hand, "Inception" receives my vote. It may be far too over-hyped in current pop-culture, but the story line is creative and brilliantly executed.


Best Motion Picture - Musical/Comedy

• Alice in Wonderland
• Burlesque
• The Kids Are All Right
• Red
• The Tourist

Again, I am limited in my general familiarity with these candidates. Though I have only seen the first, I can confidently eliminate it as a genuine contender. However, I have heard only raves for "Red" and must see it. Soon.


Best Actor - Drama

• Jesse Eisenberg, "The Social Network"
• Colin Firth, "The King's Speech"
• James Franco, "127 Hours"
• Ryan Gosling, "Blue Valentine"
• Mark Wahlberg, "The Fighter"

Though "The Social Network" is ghastly, Eisenberg's performance is noteworthy. However, he is contending with four other names that are all much more established than himself. And why is Leonardo DiCaprio not in this category??

Best Actress - Drama

• Halle Berry, "Frankie and Alice"
• Nicole Kidman, "Rabbit Hole"
• Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone"
• Natalie Portman, "Black Swan"
• Michelle Williams, "Blue Valentine"

These women are all generally very good actresses. I abstain from other comment, since I am unfamiliar with any of these titles.

Best Actor - Musical/Comedy

• Johnny Depp, "The Tourist"
• Johnny Depp, "Alice in Wonderland"
• Paul Giamatti, "Barney's Version"
• Jake Gyllenhaal, "Love and Other Drugs"
• Kevin Spacey, "Casino Jack"

Three comments. First, I am generally skeptical of the legitimacy of including an actor twice in a single category. Further and second, there is no way that Johnny Depp deserves recognition for his role in "Alice in Wonderland." His portrayal of the Mad Hatter was simply a poor, recycled amalgamation of his previous roles. Third, Jake Gyllenhaal is a wonderful actor. Must add "Love and Other Drugs" to my list of must-sees.

Best Actress - Musical/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"

"Easy A" is one of those fun young-adult movies that should never show up as a nominee on any award show besides the Teen Choice Awards or similar forums. Also, Anne Hathaway's involvement in "Love and Other Drugs" adds to the necessity of adding it to my list. Joining it will be "The Kids are All Right," which actually focuses on a female same-sex couple and their children. MUST SEE.

Best Supporting Actor

• Christian Bale, "The Fighter
• Michael Douglas, "Wall Street"
• Andrew Garfield, "The Social Network"
• Jeremy Renner, "The Town"
• Geoffrey Rush, "The King's Speech"

Best Supporting Actress

• Amy Adams, "The Fighter"
• Helena Bonham Carter, "The King's Speech"
• Mila Kunis, "Black Swan"
• Melissa Leo, "The Fighter"
• Jacki Weaver, "Animal Kingdom"

Best Director

• Darren Aronofsky, "Black Swan"
• David Fincher, "The Social Network" ---- No. Just no.
• Tom Hooper, "The King's Speech"
• Christopher Nolan, "Inception"
• David O. Russell, "The Fighter"

If Nolan does not win this category for "Inception," it can only mean that the winning director shits a brick of gold in his winning title.

Best Screenplay

• 127 Hours
• Inception
• The Kids are All Right
• The King's Speech
• The Social Network

Hard to say who will win among the four viable contenders (Really, you think "The Social Network" stands a chance? Really?)

Best Original Song

• Burlesque, "Bound to You"
• Burlesque, "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me"
• Country Strong, "Coming Home"
• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, "There's A Place For Us"
• Tangled, "I See the Light"

Best Original Score

• 127 Hours
• Alice in Wonderland
• Inception
• The King's Speech
• The Social Network ----- Why can't this movie just go away?

I do love Danny Elfman and the music for "Alice in Wonderland" was no exception. However, the score from "Inception" complimented the movie itself far more than Elfman's managed for "Alice."

Best Animated Film

• Despicable Me
• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Illusionist
• Tangled
• Toy Story 3

Seen it, seen it, haven't heard of it, must see it, should see it to complete the "Toy Story" experience. Since "Toy Story" is a Pixar and I hear it tugs at the heart strings, I bet it wins the Globe.

Best Foreign Film

• Biutiful (Mexico/Spain)
• The Concert (France)
• The Edge (Russia)
• I am Love (Italy)
• In a Better World (Denmark)

TELEVISION!

Best Series - Drama

• Boardwalk Empire
• Dexter
• The Good Wife
• Mad Men
• The Walking Dead

These are some tough contenders, since I have heard high acclaim for all of them. However, I am personally biased towards "Dexter." Season 4 was absolutely genius. Epic and genius.


Best Series - Musical/Comedy

• The Big Bang Theory
• The Big C
• Glee
• Modern Family
• Nurse Jackie
• 30 Rock

First of all, I am disappointed that "The Office" did not make the list this year. However, considering this last season, I am not wholly surprised. The story has gone down hill and seems to be preying off of fan's invested loyalty at this point. There are a few gems (see the Christmas episode) interspersed among the episodes where the humor is forced. Regarding the actual nominees, I fully endorse "The Big Bang Theory," which produced a very witty third season; they were on top of their game. However, it will be in tough competition with "Glee" and "30 Rock," both which are favorites in past Globes (and Emmys).

Best Mini-Series

• Carlos
• The Pacific
• The Pillars of the Earth
• Temple Grandin
• You Don't Know Jack

I have heard nothing but good things about "Temple Grandin." And I have heard simply nothing about any of the others.

Best Actor in a Mini-Series

• Idris Elba, "Luther"
• Ian McShane, "The Pillars of the Earth"
• Al Pacino, "You Don't Know Jack"
• Dennis Quaid, "The Special Relationship"
• Edgar Ramirez, "Carlos"

Best Actress in a Mini-Series

• Hayley Atwell, "The Pillars of the Earth"
• Claire Danes, "Temple Grandin"
• Judi Dench, "Return to Cranford"
• Romola Garai, "Emma"
• Jennifer Love Hewitt, "The Client List"

Best Actor in a Series - Musical/Comedy

• Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
• Steve Carell, "The Office"
• Thomas Jane, "Hung"
• Matthew Morrison, "Glee"
• Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"

JIM PARSONS!!!! Excellent. Win.

Best Actress in a Series - Musical/Comedy

• Toni Collette, "United States of Tara"
• Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"
• Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
• Laura Linney, "The Big C"
• Lea Michele, "Glee"

Tina Fey might have this one in the bag. Yet again.

Best Actor - Drama

• Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"
• Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
• Michael C Hall, "Dexter"
• Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
• Hugh Laurie, "House M.D."

Again, "Dexter" had a fabulous season. Must win.

Best Actress - Drama

• Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
• Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"
• Piper Perabo, "Covert Affairs"
• Katey Sagal, "Sons of Anarchy"
• Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"

Best Supporting Actor

• Scott Cann, "Hawaii Five-O"
• Chris Colfer, "Glee"
• Chris Noth, "The Good Wife"
• Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family"
• David Strathairn, "Temple Grandin"

Is it my poor memory, or did the Globes conflate a few Supporting Actor/Actress categories this year?

Best Supporting Actress

• Hope Davis, "The Special Relationship"
• Jane Lynch, "Glee"
• Kelly Macdonald, "Boardwalk Empire"
• Julia Stiles, "Dexter"
• Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"
  

Back from Vacation?

Yes, I realize it's been over a year since I updated anything movie-related. Am I losing my touch? Have I moved on to greater applications of my time? Well, I have been spending copious amounts of time on scholarly pursuits. However, I'll be back shortly. Be prepared; you have been warned.

HP Review: Part III

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
(2004, Alfonso Cuaron)








New Faces

In this film we meet all of James Potters' chums: Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. Proving that the casting director knows what she is doing, the three parts were skillfully filled by David Thewlis, Gary Oldman, and Timothy Spall respectively.

Thewlis does well with the shabby look and proves that he has bounce in his step and warmth for the perfect combination to play Professor Lupin.

Oldman does well in his own role as Sirius, in turn playing crazed animosity, jocularity, and embracing comfort. What a shame that only his voice appears in the fourth film, along with a poor imitation of his head in the midst of fire embers. And to show Oldman's versitility, compare haggard Sirius Black to clean-cut Jim Gordon from "Batman Begins" or "The Dark Knight." These two characters look almost nothing alike. Props to Oldman; he deftly portrays both.

And with his shifty, rat-like features, Timothy Spall is the perfect choice to play Wormtail. He also has the perfect squeaky whine to embrace the role.


Also joining the cast is Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore. Yes, we all miss Richard Harris, but I concede that Gambon does well with the role (at least in this film).


Acting

Just as Grint shined in "Chamber of Secrets," Watson takes over this film, showing audiences that Hermione Granger is no lightweight. This film shows that Hermione can both throw powerful punches and solve tricky puzzles (e.g. Lupin is a werewolf, or how to save Sirius). Therefore it is absolutely ridiculous that one of Watson's lines is "Is that really what my hair looks like from the back?"

This undermines the rest of the film, which clearly illustrates that Hermione is a strong woman. How infuriating that the scripwriters, or whoever thought that line was a good idea, felt they needed to shallow up her character. Even more infuriating that Watson plays Hermione as a full-out over-emotional girly girl in the next film (but more on that rant later...). Though Watson largely shines in this film, I cannot help but notice this one warning sign of her caricaturized damsel-in-distress routine, prominent in the fourth film.

Tracking Radcliffe's progress, he really does seem to be improving. One does have to question his "I'm king of the world!" moment as he rides Buckbeak for the first time. But the only lapse into unbelievable acting is the scene in which he hears that Sirius betrayed his parents: "I'm going to find him. And when I do [pant pant] I'm going to kill him."

And Grint is still top notch as Ron.


Glaring Omissions

The Marauder's Map is perhaps the coolest gadget that Harry Potter owns and this is the film in which it makes its debut. We learn that Fred and George nicked it from Filtche's office in their first year. We learn that the map was made by Misters Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. And we even get some clues as to who these four men might be.

However, it is a HUGE mistake on the editor's part to omit explaining who made the map and what the nicknames' significance are. True, fans of the series will already know this piece of information. However, not all members of the audience will be familiar with the book and not all of these people will put together the not-so-obvious connection. Audiences might wonder how Lupin will know if Harry does not return to his dormitory right away or that the map never lies.

How hard would it have been for them to include one three-minute scene with Professor Lupin explaining the map's makers to Harry? I suggest that one perfect option would be to add this little scene right near the end of the film, when Lupin is packing up his office. Here he returns the map to Harry. He could have easily also told Harry that he and his three best buds put it together. What a shame that this cool piece of info was overlooked.


Overall Rating: A (Perhaps the best of the first five films)

HP Review: Part II

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
(2002; Chris Columbus)







New Faces

I think we can all agree that Dobby the House Elf translated very well to the big screen. He's cute, but in a very peculiar way. Props to Toby Jones for providing the perfect inflections for the voice and props to the art department for everything else. Dobby's glaring absence from any subsequent Potter film has been quite the disappointment.

Good news: Toby Jones will be returning for both installments of Deathy Hallows (scheduled for 2010 and 2011). Well duh, how in the world were they going to pull that one off without Dobby? Yes, they have creatively rearranged story bits to avoid the trouble of including him (e.g. in the fifth movie, where Neville discovers the Room of Requirement in lieu of Dobby). And it will be interesting to see how the sixth movie manages to omit him. Thankfully the filmmakers are not stupid enough to attempt the seventh installment without him.


Kenneth Branagh is another artful addition to the cast as Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. Branagh provides the perfect balance of carisma, egotism, and bafoonery. He also plays clueless extremely well when a memory spell backfires. Best line: [in the Chamber of Secrets] "It's an odd sort of place, this, isn't it? Do you live here?"


Acting

The most notable change in the core three (Radcliffe, Grint, Watson) is that Ronald Weasley has developed an endearing voice crack whenever he utters "Bloody Hell!" It is also fun to see Grint recieve more attention in this film, since he is the strongest actor of the core three. He flies a car, burps up slugs, and helps Harry rescue Ginny from a basilisk. And Grint manages to do all this with clumsy, endearing flaire.

Otherwise, it appears the cast is settling into their respective roles for the long run. Overall the cast has improved since "Sorcerer's Stone." But as proof that Radcliffe's acting chops still need work, he has the lamest line in the whole series thus far: [to Ron, while falling out of a flying car] "You're hand's all sweaty!"


Overall Rating: A-

Harry Potter Review: Part I

Five days away from the official release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is the perfect time to reflect on the success of the first five installments. As a tribute to the new film, I will post reviews of films 1-5 over the next five days. Feel free to share your thoughts, if I've left anything out or misjudged/judged too harshly.





Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
(2001; Chris Columbus, director)






The Core Three:

I can imagine it would be hard to pick actors for a 7+ year stint based solely upon their merits as a child actor. I can also imagine the tremendous pressure to find actors who would fit the imaginations of millions of little kids who already have a well-ingrained idea of what the characters look like.

Two out of three is not bad, I suppose. Judging solely by this debut film, it seemed as if they had picked the perfect Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). Grint had the perfect facial expressions and appeared very comfortable on screen. Best scene: while learning how to ride a broom, Ron is hit in the face with a broom handle and Harry chuckles. It may not sound like much, but the genuine spirit of the scene is believable.

In turn, Watson engendered the perfect amount of snottiness and know-it-all-ness that characterized Hermione. Watson's best line: "I'm going to bed before either of you can come up with another clever idea to get us all killed - or worse, expelled. " The two provided the perfect entourage for one Mr. Harry Potter.

In comparison, Danial Radcliffe's debut was rather lackluster. True, Radcliffe looks like quite the cute Harry Potter. However, this first performance was rather two-dimensional. There was little variety in his expression and his emotions came off as fake. I know, there must have been tremendous pressure weighing on this eleven-year-old's head. But based on this performance alone, Radcliffe disappoints.


Faculty Choices: A+

I, for one, miss Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore. He had the calm demeanor and twinkle in the eye characteristic of this beloved headmaster. He was also charismatic and comical in press interviews. Harris is one reason to prefer the first two films to subsequent ones.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape is the perfect casting choice. Not only does Rickman have the perfect voice to dole out scathing remarks, but he has great acting acumen to add to the faculty. The only flaw: you cannot completely loath Snape, because he's Alan Rickman.

Maggie Smith is also a great fit for Minerva McGonagall. She deftly handles both a piercing reproach and a (slightly rigid) offer of comfort.

Finally, Robbie Coltrane is quite good as the huggable Rubeus Hagrid.


As an Adaptation

The film receives an A for following the original storyline. There are no major changes to the plot and no glaring omissions. Yes, some scenes and characters that are omitted for time and simplicity. However, the omission of Peeves does not hinder audiences' enjoyment and the story arch crafted for the film does well with fitting all the important scenes into a cohesive two and a half hours.

Also, A+ for bringing Hogwarts to life. Granted, there was no way the set design team could have crafted the castle to satisfy every fan's imagination. Even with that handicap, they manage to craft an impressive display.

Furthermore, props to the special effects team for its portrayal of Quidditch. At the mention of Quidditch, I also have to sneak in a plug for Sean Biggerstaff. I am a huge fan of his portrayal of Quidditch captain, Oliver Wood.


Overall film rating: A-

July, A.K.A. Blockbuster Month

Note: (**) To the right of a title denotes that I have seen the film


Box Office Newbies:

1. Public Enemies (Jul. 1)
Notable Names: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale
Rated: R
Synopsis: FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Bale) sets his sights on American gangster John Dillinger (Depp) and others in an attempt to curb a rampant Chicago crime spree during the 1930s (IMDB).
Thoughts: Fun fact -- this film was shot in Madison, WI. Otherwise, my opinion is undecided.


2. Brüno (Jul. 10)
Notable Names: Sacha Baron Cohen
Rated: R
Synopsis: Flamboyant Austrian fashion reporter Bruno (Cohen) travels the world in search of the latest style trends (IMDB).
Thoughts: Perhaps it is time for me to finally see "Borat." That's right, I have not yet seen that gem. However, the synopsis of this film interests me - maybe not to the point of spending top dollar on a theater ticket, but enough to see it at some point.

3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Jul. 15)
Notable Names: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton,
Rated: PG
Synopsis: Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his sixth year and learns more about they mysterious past of Tom Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort.
Thoughts: I have yet to even see the movie, but already I have my complaints. To be fair, I am not an impartial judge (am I ever?), since this is my favorite book in the series.

4. (500) Days of Summer (Jul. 17) - limited release
Notable Names: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rated: PG-13
Synopsis: Greeting-card writer Tom (Gordon-Leavitt), falls for his new colleague, Summer (Deschanel), on her first day of work. What comes next is a look at the subsequent year-and-a-half period the two lovers spend together (IMDB).
Thoughts: Yet another promising film that has two great actors leading the cast and which I probably will miss, since it is only a limited release. Yet another reason why I miss Appleton.

5. Funny People (Jul. 31)
Notable Names: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan, Leslie Mann
Rated: R
Synopsis: When seasoned comedian George Simmons (Sandler) learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition, his desire to form a genuine friendship inspires him to take a relatively green performer (Rogen) under his wing as his opening act (IMDB).
Thoughts: From the people who brought us "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up." Woo hoo. Ironically enough, this does not sound all that funny to me.


Your Home Theater:

This looks like a rather ho-hum month for movie rentals. Oddly enough, the only movies that look worthy of highlighting all come out on the 21st.

1. 17 Again (Jul. 21)
Notable Names: Zac Effron, Leslie Mann, Matthew Perry, Thomas Lennon
Rated: PG-13
Synopsis: About a guy whose life didn't quite turn out how he wanted it to and wishes he could go back to high school and change it. He wakes up one day and is seventeen again and gets the chance to rewrite his life (IMDB).
Thoughts: How weird that this title is rated PG-13. It looks like it would be one for the teeny-boppers and tweens who fawn over Effron. It also looks like it could be fun, but I wasn't about to spend $7+ to see it.

2. Coraline (Jul. 21)
Notable Names: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher
Rated: PG
Synopsis: An adventurous girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets (IMDB).
Thoughts: Everything animated nowadays is in 3D.



3. The Great Buck Howard (Jul. 21)
Notable Names: Colin Hanks, B.J. Hendricks, Tom Arnold, Emily Blunt, Tom Hanks, John Malkovich
Rated: PG
Synopsis: A young man, much to the chagrin of his father, becomes the new assistant to an illusionist in decline (IMDB).
Thoughts: This was one I actually would have seen in theaters, but its limited release prevented me from doing so. Well finally.


4. Watchmen (Jul. 21)
Notable Names: ? (no one I recognized)
Rated: R
Synopsis: When an ex-superhero is murdered, a vigilante named Rorschach begins an investigation into the murder, which begins to lead to a much more terrifying conclusion.
Thoughts: Still most definitely not one I will see without a hefty bribe. And it's not because there is supposedly a blue dildo in the film.