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Wednesday, 29 July 2009
PS. There's a new poll. VOTE VOTE VOTE. Comment below if you wish.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
These are the sites you need to go over to pronto! :)
Seeing that I'm sort of coming down from my Harry Potter high, here are some reviews of the latest installment.
Rasco Ledger gives a nice look at it
Emma loves it [unsurprising]
Nathaniel is positive
Tommy Salami does not like it
Jose hates it
Anahita does an interview with moi over at her blog
God, I am really loquacious.
Movie Mania offers up his thoughts about Shampoo
Remember Shampoo, back in the 70s when Warren Beatty was everybody's golden boy? When the ladies of Nashville lost in that surprise win to that scene stealer from Shampoo? Here's a nice walk down memory lane.
Alex gives a look at the 1992 Oscar race
One of the most boring 90s Best Actress race. But this was the year of Emma Thompson and her delightful turn in Howards End. So enjoy.
Nathaniel loves 500 Days of Summer
I refuse to look at the vodcast until I see the movie! But maybe you want to watch, or maybe you already saw it. Nathaniel's vodcast's are always cool.
In Contention have a new review of Julia & Julia
Oh, dear more Meryl Streep. Will she or won't she? That seems to be the going question as to her possibility of an Oscar nomination. Since she tied [and surpassed] my beloved Katharine's record I just want her to stop making movies. This looks fun though...
Monday, 27 July 2009
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Duplicity is an interesting movie, to say the least. If I were to give a synopsis of it it would probably read similar to Prizzi’s Honor, or Mr & Mrs Smith, but it’s not a remake or a reinterpretation of either film. It tells the story of two persons Ray and Claire– spies we’ll call them. The meet at a Fourth of July party, he hits on her, she is not amused...or is she? They have sex, nothing groundbreaking. She leaves before he wakes, just after she searches his hotel room.
Not to be hard on the movie, because I like it, but there are times when it’s trying way too hard. This happens a lot during the middle of the movie. Gilroy throws in twist after twist and it’s almost as if he’s just trying to hoodwink us, just for the sake of having a big surprise. I would hope that you’ve seen Duplicity by now, but in case you haven’t I won’t include any spoilers. Anyhow, after trick after trick Julia and Clive finally come to their conclusion both professionally and personally.
I enjoyed Duplicity. I felt that the second half was very much better than the first. Gilroy tried to pack us too full of information in the first half so that we’re unable to relax, but as it winds down and less information becomes pertinent the audience manages to have some. As with any film of this nature the strength often lies in the script. The script for Duplicity is quite good, and generally I think it supersedes Michael Clayton in its fluidity. The one liners that they provide the cast [especially Julia Roberts] with are priceless. Speaking of Julia Roberts it’s nice seeing her back in comedy. This will always be her forte, so to speak. Even though Erin Brockovich was not exactly a comedy it had that same drollness of Duplicity which Julia always excels at...and what’s more she is still gorgeous doing it. Clive Owen is a good match for her. Although sometimes you feel she’s leading him the tables turn and we realise that he plays the game quietly and she’s more aggressive. It’s good stuff.
The supporting cast do not get the opportunity to shine as much but I will say that I was impressed with Kathleen Chalfant who plays an older spy who knows a lot more than she lets on. Duplicity is a good film, ignore the crazy IMDB subscribers labelling it as one of the worst of all times. Pure nonsense. Sometimes it can be a little smug, but it's still well worth your times. It's out on DVD by now in many countries so if you like comedy with action and a little romance, this is for you.
So yesterday, I went to the video store with my nephew. He wanted Dora, or Diego or some other weird children's film. Anyways, I'm looking through the classics section and this guy starts talking to me. People tend to do that to me often, it is not cool! He says he's a film enthusiast etc, asks me what I like, what movies are good, and the usual. I happened to have a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird in my hand so I say, "This is a good film. Gregory Peck is good in this." He looks at the DVD his eyebrows furrowes. "Hmmmm. Never heard of this one before..."
WTF? Call me an intellectual snob if you will, but seriously? This man has to be over 50 and he's never heard of To Kill A Mockingbird or Gregory Peck or Harper Lee. I swear to God, stupid people seek me out. I mean in this messed up world it's rare if children know about this story, but an adult...almost a senior citizen? Absolutely criminal.
Please tell me you know what To Kill A Mockingbird is? Or at least tell me you heard about it?
I'm not sure what my first meeting with HBC was, but I'll start with one of her early triumphs in A Room With A View where she played Lucy Honeychurch opposite Dame Maggie Smith. I suppose she was in a way overshadowed by her costars [it was her first film], but I still think HBC was wonderfully dainty as the London misfit travelling with her chaperone and cousin Charlotte. A Room With A View is a good film to check out if you haven't seen. And Twif you haven't seen...ummm why, not? Moving on about four years later when HBC tackles Shakespeare. For the record I will always prefers Branagh's Hamlet to Gibson's Hamlet. But I do enjoy HBC in the role. This was back in the day's when Mel Gibson was not a joke, but they did have good chemistry... and thank God she didn't play Ophelia like some simpering fool. Two years later she returns to Merchant Ivory gloriousness with Howards End which is one of my favourite films. It's also the best film Helena has been in, so you should check it out. She plays the sister of Emma Thompson as middle class 19th century Londoners who deal with the injustices of their society. Helena is completely mesmerising as Helen Schlegel. Once again no Oscar love was forthcoming despite the year being VERY weak. Still, she won in my heart. She continued for the next few years playing in some low key fare, earning a Golden Globe nod for a TV movie as the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, and then playing Woody Allen's wife in Mighty Aphrodite.
But in was in 1997 that HBC gave her greatest performance earning her only Oscar nomination for The Wings of the Dove as a complex character Kate Croy. I have only seen this film once and if you have not seen it you should, if you have a chance to buy it, do so. It's delightful. One of the best of 1997 and despite not winning the Oscar Helena did win the NBR and some other critics awards. The next year she played Morgan Le Fey in the miniseries Merlin. That movie is rather gruelling but it's good and HBC is delightful as the lisping, demonic woman/child Morgan. This was actually the beginning of a whole line of revolting/freaky/outrageoys/crazy characters. Take for instance her work as Marla Singer in Fight Club... a performance that was worthy of an Oscar nomination I might add. HBC is all kinds of hot with Brad Pitt, despite a very strange character.She earned a second Emmy nod for her performance in Live From Baghdad, a political thriller of sorts but a good film nonetheless. It's a pity this couldn't have been a big screen hit. She soon got involved with Tim Burton and his pet projects, some were not right for her but she was outstanding in Big Fish, Sweeney Todd and Corpse Bride. If it's possible, this is her second best performance ever for me. I know this is an animated film but her performance as The Bride is so haunting. I wish this could have been a live action film, it could have been a great career opportunity for her.
Today I have to be satisfied with snatches of my beloved in Harry Potter films or whenever Tim Burton lets her out for play. Hopefully that TV production of Enid Blyton does not suck. Who knows? Maybe it could be Emmy bound since it seems that her Oscar hopes have all but gone. Still I continue to adore... and you should too. She's brilliant.I know it's Saturday, but I got caught up looking at Howards End for the umpteenth time. Sigh.
Friday, 24 July 2009
Anyways, last night I finally saw Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince, the latest film installment. The film wastes no time in letting us know that all is not right with both the Wizarding and Muggle World as black Wraith like creatures traverse the city wreaking havoc on mortals. The Muggle Newspapers even report these extremities that have the population worried. Meanwhile Dumbledore [Michael Gambon] and Harry [Daniel Radcliffe] go on a seemingly pointless journey to meet a wizard - Horace Slughorn, played by the delightful Jim
Broadbent. Soon we realise that Slughorn is to be a prospective teacher at Horgwarts. Interesting? Maybe...maybe not. But this is just in the first twenty minutes. What is interesting in the first twenty minutes is the visit that Bellatrix [the luminous Helena Bonham Carter] and Narcissa [the bland Helen McCrory] pay to Severus, the excessively macabre Alan Rickman. Snape makes a binding vow to protect Draco Malfoy while he plots to perform the orders of the Dark Lord. Yes, that Dark Lord - Voldermort. Even if you read the book and know the outcome there is still a feeling of anxiety as Bellatrix essentially binds Snape to Voldermort's will.The year passes with the usual occurences of teen angst -broken hearts, loquacious teenage girls etc, but it all culmintates in Dumbledore's quest to unearth Voldermort's secret of Horcruxes. This entails a thrilling exposition in a sinister cave where we Dumbledore surrounded by a ring of fire where he seems to be a biblical figure almost - a modern Moses of sort, paving the way for Joshua - Harry.
Of all the installments before, this films seems to be the most complete. It doesn't start at the beginning and there is no decisive ending but as far as film-making it seems to be a complete film. For example, I was very conscious of the score througout the two hours. One of the technical triumphs of the movie. Visually, too, the film is a success. From the aforementioned fire sequence to the entire of the Horcrux expedition, the crazy Death Eaters in the air led by the marvelously demonic Helena Bonham Carter and the memories Dumbledore has of Tom Riddle. All make use of some good visual effects, that are not over the top or used just for their own sake. And after six tries, it's about time. The cinematography too, seems good. Although this is coming from my decidedly layman opinion.
Then there's the acting. I have never been comfortable with Michael Gambon's interepretation of Dumbledore. There are times during the first half hour where I cringed at his obvious acting, but he had better moments too...and his final scene with Harry is very gripping, if somewhat sentimental. Most of the other adults don't really have much to work with. Alan Rickman continues to be effortless as Snape and Julie Walters is still undervalued as Mrs. Weasely and Maggie Smith
has little more than a cameo as does Helena Bonham Carter - but that was expected. There is a scene where she runs through the woods screaming that is just freakishly awesome. As I mentioned earlier I was unimpressed with Helene McRory and I was right in thinking Kristin Scott Thomas would have been much more effective as Mrs. Malfoy. Jim Broadbent is the only other grownup who has a chance to impress...and that he does, reminding me how wonderful he was in Moulin Rouge! There's a scene where he tells Harry about his mother near the end of the film that on paper seems so pedestrian in its sentimentality, but Broadbent is so sincere you can't help being drawn in my his emotion.But don't think I forgot the children. Not much has changed with them though. Bonnie Wright continues to be inadequate as Ginny lacking any chemistry with Radcliffe. And speaking of Radcliffe, I've never been particularly bowled over by him, sometimes he exudes the personality of a plastic bag but he as a few strong scenes, and he's not horrible. He seems more comfortable playing loud and angry than quiet and brooding and seeing that Harry is more of the latter that seems rather odd. I suppose Emma Watson is not that better than him, but I'm biased. She does lack subtlety quite often, but she can be good at times. Still none of them can hold a candle to my boy, Rupert Grint. It's possible that my appreciation for the character Ron has transferred to my appreciation of Grint, but I doubt. Although he continues to have the least screentime of the three leads he still outshines them. The scene where he consumes some edibles meant for Harry is obvious, but it's still funny and that's because of Grint's candour and expressiveness. Tom Felton, does his best work yet as Malfoy and Frank Dillane is haunting as a young Voldermort, in his one scene he acts as if the film is about him.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is not without it's fault, in case my raving has annoyed you. There were some things that struck me as odd afterward. But that's what makes it good. Unlike the last films where the inconsistencies struck me as I watched, the faults of this film were only retrospective. I was that caught up. For instance, why does the potions book seem so unimportant, why aren't we privy to more of Dumbledore's memories and Voldermort's young life, why is there so little of Snape, why does the revelation of the Half Blood Prince not interest me at all, what about Dumbledore's funeral and most importantly what about the big battle after Dumbeldore's death. But all that's secondary. The fact that the movie was good made me appreciate it. It can't have everything, I have the book for that. Anyways, I f**cking loved this movie. And you can quote me.
B+
I may be back with another post. I can't help it.
Thursday, 23 July 2009
You've probably seen the poll to the left of the page. Vote wisely, I'll be reviewing the winner in about a week's time. And write your reasons in the comments below. You can be as expressive [or vague] as you wish.
I'm watching Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince in half an hour. Yes that Harry Potter, I was just reading the seventh book for like the zillionth time. I hope I enjoy it. I hope there's much of Helena Bonham Carter. I'm a bit annoyed with the woman playing Narcissa Malfoy[Helen McRory]. Kristin Scott Thomas would have been way better, but I'll have to see her before I judge her [too harshly]. Anyhow, I'll be posting a review.Speaking of reviews I also need to post one of Duplicity. I saw it over a month ago and have written zilch. Lazy blogger syndrome I have.
And since you're reading this, you obviously have time on your hands so head over to Nathaniel and check out the teaser for Alice In Wonderland.
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Hmmm. Sondheim at his best. I've never told you, but this guy is a genius. You probably already knew that though. Sunday in the Park With George is my favourite score...but I love everything that he does... and Bernadette Peters....yuummmy!
Do you care for Mr. Sondheim? Do you care for musicals? Are you a [insert horrified gasp] Webber fan?
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
It's been a while since I made an entry in my list of favourite films, and I guess it will be some 
I don't think I need to give a background of Ghost's plot... and this isn't a review per se anyways. I just wanted to rant about some of my issues with the movie...and the things I liked. And yes, there were things I liked.One of my biggest issues with the movie is completely unrelated to the actual film. Its classification. How on earth is Ghost a comedy? Ask the Golden Globes. Maybe they have the answer. Because that's the category they put it in. Moving on though, to the Oscars. Ghost earned five nominations. We all know about Whoopi's famous win, and actually I don't have that much of a problem with it in anymore. In my head, the Oscar is Annette Bening's, but I digress. Ghost won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Firstly, I don't think it even deserves to be up for nomination, muchless be the winner. In retrospect it seems kind of ridiculous. I tend to equate Ghost's screenplay with Pretty Woman. But I rather Pretty Woman [and its screenplay for that matter] because at least it knows it's not serious or realistic. Pretty Woman knows it's not a masterpiece and never will be. Ghost on the other hand - not such a smart cookie.
If I'm so annoyed with the screenplay nod, imagine how I feel about the Picture nomination. Over The Grifters, Reversal of Fortune, Dick Tracy, Postcards From the Edge, Green Card, Avalon, Alice and a lot of other stuff. Come on...come on...
I've always been a swim against the tide kind of person, so of course I wanted Demi Moore to end up with Tony Goldwyn. At first I thought the ghost would help him turn good or something, and then afterwards I just didn't care and hoped it would turn into slasher. Sorry. But I thought Tony was a way better actor that Mr. Swayze. I mean Tony Goldwyn did some good acting. But nobody cared. Actually, other than Whoopi, the acting was not very good. Demi was not too bad, and neither was Vincent Schiavelli [the subway ghost] but it was all pretty light stuff.
Ghost is just too simplistic for me...but it's light and not clunky. And Whoopi Goldberg is hilarious, when the script calls for it. Seeing that she wasn't the main part of the film, I don't think her sporadic bursts of hilarity warranted a comedy classification for the film. But what do I know? Obviously not as much as the members of the Foreign Press Association.
And would you look at that. There isn't much I like about Ghost after all. Oh well. I've changed my mind, it's probably not even in my 500. Tough.
But what do you think of Ghost? Comedy? Drama? dramedy? Masterpiece? Crap? You Decide.
Monday, 20 July 2009
This is an old post, which I'm posting again. LAZY? I know.
Anybody Can Do Anything based on a novel by Betty MacDonald
CAST
Directed by Stephen Daldry
Written by Justin Haythe
Betty Bard Kirsten Dunst
Mary Bard Emily Blunt
Sidney Bard Annette Bening
Dede Bard Natalie Portman
Allison Bard Scarlet Johansson
Cleve Bard Haley Joel Osment
Gammy Susan Sarandon
This is a sort of autobiography work of fiction. The author Betty struggles to survive during The Great Depression, actually struggle is the wrong word. This novel is a work of comedy. It is hilarious. If you have not read it, go out and get it. NOW!
I have put some serious thought into adapting this (obscure and largely unknown) novel. I even wrote about 30 pages of script for it, but that was a few years back when I thought Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger would be great in it. They still could, but they’d be too old –which sucks. I know this isn’t a real movie, but I would have loved to see them in this Depression era comedy. I have always felt that Kirsten Dunst was a much better actress than people give her credit for. She never got the chance to show us. Since her performance in Interview With the Vampire I’ve always felt that she was going to be a great actress – and now more than a decade after the fact there’s nothing. I am a fan of Stephen Daldry. I’ve loved each if his three films – and he can do both comedy and drama exceptionally. This film would be a cross between the two genres. Emily Blunt is good at lightweight comedy, and Mary is the most colourful character in the novel, she has the strongest lines – and is just a little caustic (not like The Devil Wears Prada though…). Annette Bening is good at playing mothers, and the role of Sidney is just the type of easy-but-tough maternal character that could become a strong supporting role on screen. Portman, Johansson and Osment seem like a good trio to round out the rest of the family, and Susan Sarandon as the tough-as-nails grandmother is pretty much a no brainer, although the role in the book is not that big. They could always flesh it out though. I assume that they’ll probably want to change the name of the film though… I don’t know to what. Would this be a big player at the Oscars? Costumes and Art Direction could be forthcoming, and I think music should be an important part of the film. In terms of acting Emily Blunt and possibly Bening would be likely contenders, Dunst would have most of the weight on her though and she could be a contender – the role is a bit like a Depression Era Bridget Jones. The AMPAS loves Stephen Daldry so I guess he would get his fourth consecutive Best Director nod for this…
PS. Every one of the family members have red hair!
Will Emily Blunt get the Oscar nomination she deserved for Prada?Crooked House based on a novel by Agatha Christie
CAST
Crooked House directed by Joe Wright
Screenplay Julian Fellowes
Charles Hayward Peter Sarasgard
Sophia Leonides Rosamund Pike
Magda (Sophia's Mum) Kristin Scott Thomas
Philip (her Father) Ralph Fiennes
Clemeny Leonides (Mrs. Robert Leonides) Michelle Pfeiffer
Roger Leonides Daniel Day Lewis I could not resist
Brenda Leonides Sally Hawkins
Laurence Brown James McAvoy
Josephine Saoirse Ronan
Eustace Freddy Highmore
Edith de Haviland Miranda Richardson
I like Agatha Christie but generally I don’t like her movies (except for Murder on the Orient Express). I don’t really like murder mystery films generally, which is why I have such an unabated love for Gosford Park, which focused on the people more than on the murder. I think Crooked House would work as a film, if done in the same vein as Gosford Park. It’s one of the lesser known Christie novels and the plot is simple. It’s immediately after the World War II and the police commissioner’s son – somewhat of a lothario wants to marry this beautiful socialite, but when her grandfather dies – ostensibly murdered she says she won’t be able to marry him unless the murder is solved. The thing is everyone is hoping that his wife – a woman almost forty years his junior did it, because if it is anyone else it could cause a huge scandal. Naturally the cast – list of suspects – is extensive; The murdered man’s children, grandchildren, a tutor who was having an affair with the wife, etc. The cast will be mainly British – as expected. And key roles need to have real heavyweights in them. Edith de Havilland is not a flashy role, but it is the key supporting role and Oscar likes those (Helen Mirren in Gosford Park.
Who knows, this could be a real heavyweight come Oscar season. I predict that it will be a tough year and it gets seven nods. Art Direction, Costume Design, Score, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography (wins), Supporting Actress (Ronan or Richardson), Director. I predict that Kristin Scott Thomas and Peter Sarasgard give great performances, but are snubbbed by major award bodies.
Miranda knows more about the murder than she lets on... but is she the killer?Fences based on a play by August Wilson
CAST
Fences directed by Kenny Leon
Screenplay ??
Troy –Laurence Fishburne
Rose Angela Bassett
Gabriel Don Cheadle
Cory Mechad Brooks
Jim Mos Def
Alberta Taraji P. Henson
Lyons Keith Robinson
Why aren’t there any black period pieces? Granted, this is not really an actual period piece, but it is to some extent. This play won a Pulitzer Prize and a few Tony’s, I’ve never heard of a revival and I think it needs to be made into a film. Where has Angela Basset been all these years? I mean, she deserves more than having co-lead roles in Tyler Perry films. I know she could act the hell of this tour-de-force role (which won a supporting actress Tony for Mary Alice). It’s actually a leading role, but you know the Tony’s don’t care about category fraud. If this is made into a good film whoever gets this role will get some awards recognition, and then how could I not wax nostalgic and cast Laurence Fishburne as her husband. The role was originally played by James Earl Jones (he won a Tony for it) and Laurence Fishburne does remind me of Jones. This would be spectacular. Then there’s the role of Gabriel, his semi-retarded brother. Don Cheadle is one of my favourite actors period (he was the only thing I liked in Crash) and he is an Oscar nominated actor (he was second only to DiCaprio for his great performance in Hotel Rwanda). I know he can do this. The role of, the son is a big one and there’s no competent young black actor I could see in the role. Mechad Brooks had a few episodes on ABC’s Desperate Housewives as Alfre Woodard’s son and he delivered, I feel he could deliver as Troy. Lyons is Troy's other son, I don't know if Keith Robinson, but I like him. I think he showed some potential in Dreamgirls. I like the idea of a throwback casting for Mos Def as the best friend, if not him then Courtney B. Vance who was in the original Broadway Cast . I like the idea of Taraji as the other woman, just because I like Taraji, the role is unseen in the play – but they could meat it up for the play. Kenny Leon showed promise and earned a DGA nod for her work in A Raisin in the Sun with Audra McDonald. I'll take a chance on him. Maybe Angela and Laurence could win Oscars. The role of Gabriel is prime Oscar bait.
So will Angie finally get that Oscar?Which of these movies would you look forward to?
I'm reading D. H. Lawrence's Women in Love. If you're into old cinema you probably heard of the movie version with Glenda Jackson and Alan Bates. Jackson won her first Oscar playing Gudrun, the more beautiful of the two sisters. She's famous for being the first woman to win an Oscar going nude. It's nice to see that Kate Winslet is carrying on that trend. But I digress. I have had Women in Love for a while. I reached halfway through about a year ago and then just stopped. I'm restarting, and seeing it's almost 500 pages long it might take a while. But Cate Blanchett did say that reading D. H. Lawrence is like making love in that movie. I didn't get that feeling with Lady Chatterly's Lover, but I'll see how this works out.
I'm know I've seen the film version of it, but I can't remember, it's all pretty hazy. I need to go see it again. It's one of the many movies I saw when I was way too young to really get everything. What is weird is that, the book is so strong in characters, scenery &etc, but especially in characters, yet Glenda was the only one getting awards attention. I suppose [thus far at least] Gudrun is the more desirable woman, but her sister Ursula and a nemesis Hermione have some pretty strong scenes. And so do the men. As far as I see the male characters are very strong. Very Marlon Brodoesque, or so I believe. I distinctly remember being impressed by Alan Bates. But maybe the film didn't capture that, or maybe Oscar didn't care. I'll have to go and see.
Have you seen this? Have you read this? Do you care about Glenda Jackson?
Friday, 17 July 2009
The Emmy Nominations are out as you know, unless you've been sleeping for the last 32 hours or so. Don't be afraid to click, you might actually like the nominations...or not. This is just a short rant, I know I'm late...and still behind. Bear with me. Still experiencing technical difficulties... If you care I'll post later tomorrow about what I think. Once again The Tudors was shafted and so was Grey's Anatomy for the most part and Amy Ryan &etc. Unfortunately can't continue. Sound-off below if you wish. I want to know what you think about the nominations...or do you not care?
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Lead Actor in A Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock
Remember the Mamma Mia episode? Genius wasn't it? He and Alan Alda were great. Still, I hope he doesn't win again.
Steve Carell in The Office
He was outstanding towards the end of the season. His chemistry with Amy Ryan was great and kind of ridiculous in the season finale. Slumdundermifflinaire anyone? I didn't think so.
Adran Grenier in Entourage
Okay what is it about this guy that gets him no attention? I mean sometimes he is a tad boring, but then sometimes he's hilarious. Oh, at least don't snub him for Charlie Sheen!
Lee Pace in Pushing Daisies
He needs a new show. Maybe he should join The Office.
Tony Shalhoub in Monk
I'm over worshipping him...but he's still pretty good. Thank god, it's the last season so we can stop seeing him on the Emmy Ballot every friggin' year...that being said, he's good.
Lead Actor in A Drama Series
Michael C. Hall in Dexter
He was the best thing on Six Feet Under, and that was a great feat in itself. Now he's the best thing on cable...or is he...? Yes he is. He's awesome and so is Dexter.
Jon Hamm in Mad Men
He wasn't as on the ball this season; but there were some standout episodes that impressed me. We all know he'll be nominated, though.
Hugh Laurie in House
He's a master. After so long though he's turning into Tony Shalhoub with the episodic nature of the show and the weirdness. He's still good though.
Jared Padelecki in Supernatural
I always thought he was better than Jensen Ackles. Not Emmy worthy, but better. But I got invested in the show last season, not hooked, but invested. Now I think he's superb.
Jonathan Rhys Myers in The Tudors
This has been too much Emmy for one day, I'll post the rest of my TV Awards tomorrow with my thoughts on the actual Emmy nominations. I'm not even going to try predicting. It will just depress me.
Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette in Medium
It was a while before I appreciated Patty's work in Medium, and now they're moving it to CBS. Let's see how that works out. She's pretty outstanding sometimes, so I hope she's nominated...I hope she submits A Necessary Evil. She was good in that.
Glenn Close in Damages
She is the greatest. If she wins a second Emmy I won't mind, I'd be happy, actually. But they might want to spread the love and that would be fine too. Either way, I won't mind...once she's nominated.
Anna Paquin in True Blood
Unfortunately, I only get some random episodes of True Blood. From what I see thoigh, Anna is pretty good in it. Thank God she's not going to end up like Tatum O'Neal.
Ellen Pompeo in Grey's Anatomy
She has done some of her best work since season two. I'm rooting for her, although she is a long shot. I'll see what happens, but she was tops in Stairway to Heaven.
Kyra Sydgwick in The Closer
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Christina Applegate in Samantha Who
She continues to impress me with her near perfect comedic timing.
Marcia Cross in Desperate Housewives
She is consistently effective in both the comedic and dramatic moments of the series and does as the script asks. She even sold some of the more ridiculous story lines.
Anna Friel in Pushing Daisies
There's nothing to say, except Chuch rocks. Thank you.
Eva Longoria Parker in Desperate Housewives
She has improved as the seasons went by and now she has given some of her strongest showings. Emmy needs to give her some love.
Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation
If she could manage that WTF nod for Saturday Night Live she manage a nod for this. Right...?
Best Supporting Actor in A Comedy Series
Kevin Connolly for Entourage [this is an addendum]
Neil Patrick Harris for How I Met Your Mother
John Krasinski for The Office
BJ Novak for The Office
Rainn Wilson for The Office
Okay, is this too much of The Office? I think not. One of the best shows on TV? Yes it is. Stellar cast? Yes it does. For some reason BJ Novak gets no love, and he continues to be hilarious. I mean what does this guy need to do to get some loving from The Emmy's? He's died his hair blond, so hopefully that will be enough...hopefully. John Krasinski deserved three consecutive nods, and he doesn't have any...and I'm usually not fond of Rain Wilson, but he was good this season. What with the whole rivalry with Michael and all...good stuff.
Best Supporting Actor in A Drama Series
Naveen Andrews in Lost
I've been a fan of this guy especially since The English Patient? Is the best thing on lost? Probably not... Do I care? Hell no. I want him at the Emmy's with a nomination or a win. Non negotiable. Okay, not non negotiable, but he is good. Fans of Lost should weigh in. Is he as good as the other Lost cast members?
Justin Chambers in Grey's Anatomy
Ted Danson in Damages
Sometimes he's good and sometimes he's excellent. He's usually excellent though.
John Slattery in Mad Men
He's still the best thing on Mad Men. Actually I'm getting a little tired of Mad Men. Season 3 looks like an improvement, but I did not enjoy Season 2 as much. So at the moment I'm bored. Mad Men is boring me. Slattery is not, though. He's damn good.
Ed Westick in Gossip Girl
I feel I should be ashamed of this... I blame my sister. He's good though. Not always, but often...despite some trite lines.
I decided not to put too many pictures.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Here's my review for Girl With A Pearl Earring over at Film For the Soul. They're back tracking through 2003. The review is not pretty. So I'm warning you, if you like this movie you won't be happy. But if you do like it, speak up. Why do you like it?
Joe Shetina rants about stuff, among them the shakeup in cast for Peter Morgan's next film about Hillary and Bill. Out Julianne Moore in Hope Davis. Not a dig at Hope, but this is Hillary Clinton. Hope Davis? HOPE DAVIS??!!Okay, liking Hillary aside, I don't think anyone but Annette Bening can do this role any justice. Even Dennis Quaid seems underwhelming as Bill, but I don't have any suggestions.
Nathaniel has a vodcast review of the new Harry Potter film up. In some shots Nathaniellooks as if he's going bald. Scary stuff.
Anahita [my life in film] offers up an interview with Emma [all about my movies]. Very interesting read.
Ok, the Emmy nominations are coming out soon. Here's my personal pick in the supporting actress categories.
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Kristin Chenoweth for Pushing Daisies
Jenna Fischer for The Office
Rashida Jones for Parks & Recreation
Jane Krakowski for 30 Rock
Vanessa L. Williams for Ugly Betty
This is always a cool category. I'd have loved to include each of my top ten actors here because they were all pretty good. I'm still not sure whose my favourite...I'll decide by August. However, they each have something
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Katherine Heigl for Grey's Anatomy
Audra McDonald for Private Practice
Sandra Oh for Grey's Anatomy
Sara Ramirez for Grey's Anatomy
Chandra Wilson for Grey's Anatomy
Someone should probably knock me in the head. I have an unrequited, and absolutely unprofessional love of Grey's Anatomy. It has almost reached ridiculous proportions. Was Marcia Gay Harden supporting or a Guest on Damages? I'm not sure, so she's not here. She'd probably
