Lots to say this week with the inauguration and TONS of TV that I have not caught up on (don't worry Matthew I watched Idol!) but I must make an entry, just must.
First off, I would like to give high praise for the HBO We Are One concert last Sunday -- loved the musicians, the backdrop, and the fact that we have a presidential family that can actually enjoy today's music. John Mellencamp (once Cougar) does not age and the combo of James Taylor, John Legend and my girl Jennifer Nettles was awesome. Special note about the band members of U2 - they all look better with age, right? I mean they look cool all grey and rocking out. And I have to say, I am not a Garth Brooks fan AT ALL, and I was surprised by how much the crowd got into his weird medley. The man loves a headset microphone.
In terms of the Inauguration coverage, I was all CNN all the time since I was in London and they did a great job with one exception. THE MOMENT photo drove me nuts. That John King needs a better job -- all he does is put his finger on a screen which moves around a picture like on an Itouch screen. Did you know that the picture was put together from all of the photos that CNN received from the crowd of the moment that Obama was sworn in? WHO CARES? What was the point? Okay, I'm done with that now.
Let's talk about LOST. This show is amazing -- drama, heart and smart smart smart storylines. And everyone just wants it to fail. The morning after it aired, all I heard was about the 11 something rating. Let me say again -- cable shows that are touted as super successes get much lower ratings than that. And that number did not include DVR numbers which for a show like this is super important. Are they really going to end it this season and not let them finish the one more season after that and finish the story? I will be so mad and might ban ABC if they do that. I mean the "I am here FOR you" Denny / Izzy debacle is reason enough to drop Grey's so I wouldn't miss much. The season premiere was so well done -- with all of the time movements, it all still made perfect sense, or at least perfect sense in LOST world.
So now on to the SAGs. Not going to do a blow by blow because, well because I am tired to be honest. But some key observations:
--Still love the 30 Rock cast and want to be their friends. They are a little mean and funny and I love that.
--WOW to Freida Pinto's dress -- I am guessing Versace, but the color and style were stunning.
--And the actor for best new British accent by a non-British actress? The actor goes to Claire Danes. Seriously? Did she become British after breaking up Billy Crudup and Mary Louise Parker or after?
--So glad that the William Shatner / James Spader show is over so they will never be nominated again (when can we say the same for Entourage or Monk?)
--John Krascinski and Amy Poehler were great with their drama actor bit.
--Holly Hunter's voice is not normal and I could not possibly ever watch a TV series with her in it.
--LOVE that Sally Field who is on a network show referred to her fellow nominees as "cable girls" Genius
--I forwarded the entire James Earl Jones tribute (is that really bad?)
--I also forwarded the movie miniseries categories - I don't watch them. But I did watch Laura Linney's speech because I liked her and I am glad because she made sure I knew she was engaged by thanking her fiance like 5 times. Like is that what helped you act better?
--I am not a fan of the boob sculpted bodice (there must be a better way of saying that) but I did like Amy Adam's dress - the color was fabulous. Oh and I forgot to say earlier that Evan Rachel Wood looked great, again.
--I do not think I knew that Gary Oldmann is British. But then again, I didn't know Claire Danes was either.
--Was there an English Patient reunion (Kristin Scott Thomas and Ralph Fiennes presenting :))
--Meryl Streep won? Well she does give a good speech but come on. Why don't people like Revolutionary Road?
--WOW Katie Holmes all lady. She flubbed her lines, but she was trying SO HARD.
--So Robin Wright Penn and Sean are still together? She is gorgeous.
--Sean Penn wins -- very interesting. I'm sure actors have a tough time voting for Mickey. I wonder what he wasn't happy with in terms of the other winners??
--And Slumdog wins again!!!!!!! Ensemble is actually the best option for them. Anil Kapoor is hysterical -- you know he is waiting for some big Action film role -- when in fact Dev will get something over him. Why did he get to speak? He is like the Bollywood mafia.
That brings me to 2 comments on Oscar nominations -- Dark Knight should have been nominated as Best Picture and Kate Winslet should have been nominated for Best Actress for Revolutionary Road as opposed to The Reader. But then again, we all know the power of Harvey Weinstein so I guess that explains how it got nominated for Best Picture and I'm just glad that Kate was in it so she could be nominated, but I have a feeling that she won't win for that role as a Lead Actress. I am hoping she does, but I don't think she will.
More soon everyone...and in the meantime,
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
24 and AI - 8 hours of television so far this week...
First of all, thank god for DVR. With every single show coming back this week and next, I need to get rid of the commercials or I will have no time at all to blog. Okay, going to keep this short and to the point as we have many months of TV lovin' to go.
First off, 24 is back after a year hiatus and it is really back in a good way. Yes the action is there, and the intrigue and the suspense, but most importantly, the heart. The reintroduction of Tony Almeida gives Jack a personal reason to involve himself in this case after the world has practically shunned him for his past actions. And then even better then that? He is back with his family from CTU -- Bill and Chloe. The perfect starting off point for this day's wild ride. Go Jack Bauer!
And now some thoughts on American Idol -- so if you haven't all heard, there is some news this season -- a new judge who has a songwriting background, less annoying auditions will be shown, more time will be spent on Hollywood Week, there will be a top 36 semifinals, the top 12 will be determined by highest votes per round for a male, female and then just top vote getter which means there won't be an equal male - female ratio in the top 12 and the final 3 spots will be chosen by the judges (this is how they used to do it in the beginning).
Did you notice the changes in the first two episodes? I felt there was less unnecessary cruelty from the judges and much more time spent on those who actually got through to Hollywood. It is a different mix of voices this season -- not clearly R&B or country or Rock, just more individual voices.
Some thoughts on the episodes before I call out my faves from Phoenix and New Mexico --
First of all, I like Kara DioGuardi. She has genuine talent and I can tell she is going to mix up the energy -- maybe we can spend less time listening to Randy say the same things over and over and over. And I loved the fact that Simon (and Randy) is mispronouncing her name because he doesn't use the sound "ah" like mat. And how in Kansas City (which is in Missouri), they kept showing Simon say that he really likes Kansas. It is funnier.
So my faves from Phoenix:
Emily Hughes who sang Barracuda - of course I love the tats, but her voice is good too without trying too hard
Stevie Wright - the girl named after Stevie Nicks who sang At Last, her voice is different and subtle
Deanna Brown - She sang Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay and had no family with her. WOW
Alex Wagner - the nerd who sang in her closet and got sick from mold but brought out a great Baby Come to Me - not expected
Scott McIntyre - He sang And So It Goes and I liked it, not because he is blind, but because he can sing and I want to hear what he does next.
Oh, and there was no reason for bikini girl to get through. I will never vote for her if she makes it further.
And from Kansas City: I thought a lot of those who got through were more typical but there were some stand-outs
Danny Gokey - He sang I heard It Through the Grapevine and his wife just passed away. He reminded me of Robert Downey Jr but his voice - I dug his soul.
ANOOP DESAI - Seriously? If only I was 12 years younger. I am really proud that my peeps are stepping it up. He sang Boyz II Men and yes he needs a wardrobe update (call me Anoop!) but I think he will do well.
Asa Barnes - The Dad who sang The Way You Make Me Feel - great voice and great energy
Lil Rounds - She sang Stevie Wonder and reminded me of Mary J -- was definitely a great singer but I didn't feel the originality yet...
And I have no explanation why Dennis Brigham who sang Chris Brown and said he would do very, very, very, very, very good if they let him through got to beg his way to Hollywood.
And for the record for those that say that Sanjaya was one of my peeps. I say, do not ever bring his name up around me. For me there has only been one Indian Idol contestant in all history-- Anoopy!!!
Just remember folks,
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
First off, 24 is back after a year hiatus and it is really back in a good way. Yes the action is there, and the intrigue and the suspense, but most importantly, the heart. The reintroduction of Tony Almeida gives Jack a personal reason to involve himself in this case after the world has practically shunned him for his past actions. And then even better then that? He is back with his family from CTU -- Bill and Chloe. The perfect starting off point for this day's wild ride. Go Jack Bauer!
And now some thoughts on American Idol -- so if you haven't all heard, there is some news this season -- a new judge who has a songwriting background, less annoying auditions will be shown, more time will be spent on Hollywood Week, there will be a top 36 semifinals, the top 12 will be determined by highest votes per round for a male, female and then just top vote getter which means there won't be an equal male - female ratio in the top 12 and the final 3 spots will be chosen by the judges (this is how they used to do it in the beginning).
Did you notice the changes in the first two episodes? I felt there was less unnecessary cruelty from the judges and much more time spent on those who actually got through to Hollywood. It is a different mix of voices this season -- not clearly R&B or country or Rock, just more individual voices.
Some thoughts on the episodes before I call out my faves from Phoenix and New Mexico --
First of all, I like Kara DioGuardi. She has genuine talent and I can tell she is going to mix up the energy -- maybe we can spend less time listening to Randy say the same things over and over and over. And I loved the fact that Simon (and Randy) is mispronouncing her name because he doesn't use the sound "ah" like mat. And how in Kansas City (which is in Missouri), they kept showing Simon say that he really likes Kansas. It is funnier.
So my faves from Phoenix:
Emily Hughes who sang Barracuda - of course I love the tats, but her voice is good too without trying too hard
Stevie Wright - the girl named after Stevie Nicks who sang At Last, her voice is different and subtle
Deanna Brown - She sang Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay and had no family with her. WOW
Alex Wagner - the nerd who sang in her closet and got sick from mold but brought out a great Baby Come to Me - not expected
Scott McIntyre - He sang And So It Goes and I liked it, not because he is blind, but because he can sing and I want to hear what he does next.
Oh, and there was no reason for bikini girl to get through. I will never vote for her if she makes it further.
And from Kansas City: I thought a lot of those who got through were more typical but there were some stand-outs
Danny Gokey - He sang I heard It Through the Grapevine and his wife just passed away. He reminded me of Robert Downey Jr but his voice - I dug his soul.
ANOOP DESAI - Seriously? If only I was 12 years younger. I am really proud that my peeps are stepping it up. He sang Boyz II Men and yes he needs a wardrobe update (call me Anoop!) but I think he will do well.
Asa Barnes - The Dad who sang The Way You Make Me Feel - great voice and great energy
Lil Rounds - She sang Stevie Wonder and reminded me of Mary J -- was definitely a great singer but I didn't feel the originality yet...
And I have no explanation why Dennis Brigham who sang Chris Brown and said he would do very, very, very, very, very good if they let him through got to beg his way to Hollywood.
And for the record for those that say that Sanjaya was one of my peeps. I say, do not ever bring his name up around me. For me there has only been one Indian Idol contestant in all history-- Anoopy!!!
Just remember folks,
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Golden Globes - all hail India and the make-up artists and hair dressers!
Right from the start, there was a lighthearted tone to this years awards. It was much missed last year due to the writer's strike and I for one was excited to see some quick wit. And it was really nice to see all of the make-up and hair dressers get the credit they deserve - I have never heard so many thank you's to this group in my award-watching history.
JLo presents first in a golden gown and she looks pretty stunning at first glance. Please note that I can't be held accountable for all my fashion comments since I am typing and watching at the same time and could not bear the red carpet specials - I am sick of the hosts not actually asking what the stars are wearing.
Kate Winslet WINS for Supporting Actress in The Reader so I know the night is starting off well. I have heard her with so many accents over the years that I almost forgot how British she is. Love that she is surrounded at the table by her husband and Leo, lucky girl.
Love the look of shock on Colin Farrell's face when Sting came out with his red beard and hair -- why Sting why? He is presenting the Original Song award -- is it necessary for Miley Cyrus to stick out her tongue? My god, she is annoying. Of course Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen WINS (just saw The Wrestler today - amazing!) And because the movie was so good that they are bound to show him all night, I have to say at least once that Mickey Rourke is scary looking.
So Simon Baker, who is very nice to look at, comes out to present Supporting Actor and Actress on TV. Is Jeremy Piven intentionally not shaving to prove the mercury poisoning was real? Tom Wilkinson WINS for John Adams. Then they go to the women -- Laura Dern WINS for Recount.
Don Cheadle introduced Burn After Reading - very funny dissing of Brad Pitt.
Then Actor and Actress in a TV Drama -- loved looking at Jon Hamm and did January Jones do something to her eyebrows? Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment) and Anna Paquin (True Blood) WIN - whatever I don't watch either so I don't care.
Ricky Gervais shushes everyone and once again proves he is the funniest man ever. The congratulating of Kate Winslet who starred on his show Extras was just hilarious -- on the show she played herself in a holocaust movie just to win an Oscar, and now she wins a Globe with just that.
Golden Globes do not need to cater to teens with Jonas Brothers and Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens and Miley Cyrus - COME ON! Was happy Wall-E WINS for animated film -- got to hear the theme song which is also our hold music at work. Made me really excited to go back to work tomorrow - okay, not really.
Johnny Depp presents Actress comedy / musical - he is so uncomfortable in front of people. So Sally Hawkins WINS for Happy Go Lucky (haven't seen it yet, but will soon). 2 words of advice though -- no illusion mesh ever and eat some more food? You can't be happy-go-lucky if you are hungry. She couldn't even hold the globe. It was sweet though to see a genuinely new talent actually be blown away to win - touching.
Were Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange drunk? Best miniseries or movie - John Adams WINS
How does Demi Moore look younger than her daughter? She comes out to present Supporting Actor. And Heath Ledger WINS - I was wondering today who would accept - director Christopher Nolan does which is very appropriate. And they show a clip of his performance (they haven't been showing clips of nominees which is odd). Touching speech and then the camera pans the room to see the actors' and actresses' reaction - awkward. I think this is very deserved and not a pandering because of his death - absolutely one of the best performances of the year.
Colin Farrell - look I love chewing gum and actually prefer gum chewing to bad breath but THIS IS THE GOLDEN GLOBES AND YOU ARE ON TV AROUND THE WORLD. Get rid of the gum before you get on stage. He then presents Foreign Language Film while making a reference to his coke snorting days. Classy Colin, classy.
Then Actress mini-series / movie -- Laura Linney WINS for John Adams. I feel like she wears yellow a lot, but it is a pretty and sophisticated dress.
Seth Rogan's Mickey Rourke coke joke - did someone write that or he did it on the fly? Awkward. Well, he presents Screenplay - Slumdog Millionaire WINS which is a super cool sign of things to come Dev and Freida look so psyched to be there.
Actor TV Comedy is up next - I don't understand why the Entourage people still get nominated - who watches that show anymore? Oh and don't get me started on Tony Shalhoub and Monk. Whatever, I guess it guarantees Alec Baldwin's WIN, which is deserved. If I was at the Globes I would totally want to sit at the 30 Rock table right between Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Looks so funny.
No, I can't talk about the Renee Zellweger outfit. The hair is actually great for her, but altogether, too geometrically challenged for me.
Actor movie / miniseries - love that Kiefer could be nominated for this because of 24 Redemption. Paul Giammatti WINS for John Adams.
TV Series Comedy /Musical -- Is there a TV series musical? Why is the category called this? Oh yes, another Entourage nomination - still don't get it. 30 Rock WINS -- see that table is having all the fun! Tracey Jordan giving the acceptance speech since Barack won -- exact reason why this show should win. Can we talk about Tina's dress? Didn't know she could carry that off but she looks great.
Kate Beckinsale does not seem to be enjoying her presenter mate - Diddy. I think she looks scared. For best original score, Mumbai brings down the house as Slumdog WINS. Of course the voice over mispronounces AR Rahman's name. Figures. But then David Duchovny comes out to present and calls the announcer out - love it. But he still calls Tea Leoni his wife -- interesting. He and Jane Krakowski present TV Actress Comedy. Tina Fey WINS and gives one of the best speeches ever by telling random people who have said negative things about her online to suck it. I want to be this woman's friend, seriously.
JLo presents first in a golden gown and she looks pretty stunning at first glance. Please note that I can't be held accountable for all my fashion comments since I am typing and watching at the same time and could not bear the red carpet specials - I am sick of the hosts not actually asking what the stars are wearing.
Kate Winslet WINS for Supporting Actress in The Reader so I know the night is starting off well. I have heard her with so many accents over the years that I almost forgot how British she is. Love that she is surrounded at the table by her husband and Leo, lucky girl.
Love the look of shock on Colin Farrell's face when Sting came out with his red beard and hair -- why Sting why? He is presenting the Original Song award -- is it necessary for Miley Cyrus to stick out her tongue? My god, she is annoying. Of course Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen WINS (just saw The Wrestler today - amazing!) And because the movie was so good that they are bound to show him all night, I have to say at least once that Mickey Rourke is scary looking.
So Simon Baker, who is very nice to look at, comes out to present Supporting Actor and Actress on TV. Is Jeremy Piven intentionally not shaving to prove the mercury poisoning was real? Tom Wilkinson WINS for John Adams. Then they go to the women -- Laura Dern WINS for Recount.
Don Cheadle introduced Burn After Reading - very funny dissing of Brad Pitt.
Then Actor and Actress in a TV Drama -- loved looking at Jon Hamm and did January Jones do something to her eyebrows? Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment) and Anna Paquin (True Blood) WIN - whatever I don't watch either so I don't care.
Ricky Gervais shushes everyone and once again proves he is the funniest man ever. The congratulating of Kate Winslet who starred on his show Extras was just hilarious -- on the show she played herself in a holocaust movie just to win an Oscar, and now she wins a Globe with just that.
Golden Globes do not need to cater to teens with Jonas Brothers and Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens and Miley Cyrus - COME ON! Was happy Wall-E WINS for animated film -- got to hear the theme song which is also our hold music at work. Made me really excited to go back to work tomorrow - okay, not really.
Johnny Depp presents Actress comedy / musical - he is so uncomfortable in front of people. So Sally Hawkins WINS for Happy Go Lucky (haven't seen it yet, but will soon). 2 words of advice though -- no illusion mesh ever and eat some more food? You can't be happy-go-lucky if you are hungry. She couldn't even hold the globe. It was sweet though to see a genuinely new talent actually be blown away to win - touching.
Were Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange drunk? Best miniseries or movie - John Adams WINS
How does Demi Moore look younger than her daughter? She comes out to present Supporting Actor. And Heath Ledger WINS - I was wondering today who would accept - director Christopher Nolan does which is very appropriate. And they show a clip of his performance (they haven't been showing clips of nominees which is odd). Touching speech and then the camera pans the room to see the actors' and actresses' reaction - awkward. I think this is very deserved and not a pandering because of his death - absolutely one of the best performances of the year.
Colin Farrell - look I love chewing gum and actually prefer gum chewing to bad breath but THIS IS THE GOLDEN GLOBES AND YOU ARE ON TV AROUND THE WORLD. Get rid of the gum before you get on stage. He then presents Foreign Language Film while making a reference to his coke snorting days. Classy Colin, classy.
Then Actress mini-series / movie -- Laura Linney WINS for John Adams. I feel like she wears yellow a lot, but it is a pretty and sophisticated dress.
Seth Rogan's Mickey Rourke coke joke - did someone write that or he did it on the fly? Awkward. Well, he presents Screenplay - Slumdog Millionaire WINS which is a super cool sign of things to come Dev and Freida look so psyched to be there.
Actor TV Comedy is up next - I don't understand why the Entourage people still get nominated - who watches that show anymore? Oh and don't get me started on Tony Shalhoub and Monk. Whatever, I guess it guarantees Alec Baldwin's WIN, which is deserved. If I was at the Globes I would totally want to sit at the 30 Rock table right between Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Looks so funny.
No, I can't talk about the Renee Zellweger outfit. The hair is actually great for her, but altogether, too geometrically challenged for me.
Actor movie / miniseries - love that Kiefer could be nominated for this because of 24 Redemption. Paul Giammatti WINS for John Adams.
TV Series Comedy /Musical -- Is there a TV series musical? Why is the category called this? Oh yes, another Entourage nomination - still don't get it. 30 Rock WINS -- see that table is having all the fun! Tracey Jordan giving the acceptance speech since Barack won -- exact reason why this show should win. Can we talk about Tina's dress? Didn't know she could carry that off but she looks great.
Kate Beckinsale does not seem to be enjoying her presenter mate - Diddy. I think she looks scared. For best original score, Mumbai brings down the house as Slumdog WINS. Of course the voice over mispronounces AR Rahman's name. Figures. But then David Duchovny comes out to present and calls the announcer out - love it. But he still calls Tea Leoni his wife -- interesting. He and Jane Krakowski present TV Actress Comedy. Tina Fey WINS and gives one of the best speeches ever by telling random people who have said negative things about her online to suck it. I want to be this woman's friend, seriously.
Hasn't Steven Spielberg won this award before? I mean he is obviously amazing and important but this award usually ruins the pace of the night. He is a big nerd, isn't he? Leo looks pained and even Tom Cruise isn't smiling. And why is he calling Cecil B DeMille "CB" De Mille? Was he his buddy that he can give him a new nickname? I should be more respectful but I think we can all agree that his speech was awkward.
Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman present Best Director and Emma is her usual witty self. Danny Boyle WINS for Slumdog Millionaire and I thought Anil Kapoor was going to jump up onstage he was so excited (he played the game show host). Lots of great shots of Dev and Freida -- they may be the next Kate and Leo (okay that is going too far but I like the idea of it).
Colin Farrell WINS for In Bruges as Best Actor in a comedy and he says what everyone is thinking -- they must have done the counting in Florida. This was definitely a shocker.
Salma Hayek looks amazing. The dress is super flattering. After her spin on 30 Rock, I have a new appreciation for her.
Sasha Baron Cohen comes out to present -- good for him for using his crass style of humor. He is presenting Best comedy / musical and I am afraid In Bruges will win but Harvey Weinstein prevails and Vicky Cristina Barcelona WINS. Of course Woody Allen is not there so a random group takes the stage with Penelope Cruz. Wasn't sure the producer was going to thank Woody - and she barely did. I guess he should show up to get proper thanks.
What a great time to be an Indian -- Shahrukh Khan is there!!!! He is the ultimate Bollywood Superstar. Love that he and Freida present Slumdog, she must be psyched to meet him - there is genuine joy on the faces of everyone involved in the film. I love how it offsets the typical Hollywood fare. Who cares about Brad and Angelina when you can see this live emotion?
Cameron Diaz and Mark Wahlberg present Actress Drama - weird interaction between them. Major category and you all know who I think should win and YES SHE DOES!!!!!!!!!!!! Kate Winslet WINS Go Kate - you show Meryl that you can be nominated twice and win twice. Let's see it happen again for Oscars! And what a great speech - I love Leo too, Kate, I do.
Rain Wilson and Blake Lively come out and Mad Men WINS. I am still in my Kate moment, but you know I love this show so much. Great win and what a great looking cast.
And then Best Actor in a Drama -- as I said earlier, I just saw The Wrestler today and I was blown away (and a little disgusted, but blown away, nonetheless). Mickey Rourke WINS (go Judes!) and I have mixed feelings on him personally, but he definitely acted the role of his lifetime. The speech was very much him (is that the best way to describe it?) but I also want to say that Evan Rachel Wood looks gorgeous again sans Marilyn Manson goth.
And then the grand finale presented by Tom Cruise -- Best Drama. Benjamin Button (well done, but not best film), Frost Nixon (havne't seen yet), The Reader (great performance but The Wrestler should have been nominated instead), Revolutionary Road (you know I love it), Slumdog Millionaire WINS (sentimental favorite for me)...and India prevails. WOW WOW It is hard for me to be unbiased about this. I hadn't named it as my best film of the year (it is lingering at 2nd or 3rd for me) but I am thrilled. In case you are wondering, the film that was left out that should have been nominated and won was Dark Knight. But we can discuss that when Oscar nominations come out.
Whew, hope you enjoyed the play by play.
Let me end by reminding everyone that this is a BIG week in TV -- 24, American Idol, Friday Night Lights, Big Love and then LOST next week. I'm ready to blog more often with the return of all these favorites so keep tuned...
and remember,
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The Mistress of the Screen
Happy 2009 everyone --
Happy to be back to entertain you although I must say this entry is not as much entertaining as philosophical? I watched TONS of movies over break (am I still in college?), I mean vacation, so I thought I'd share some thoughts because of course I have a lot of them.
So the fam re-watched Elf Christmas Eve -- it is our tradition. And it is still funny, I mean really funny. I have never seen that Christmas Story movie where that kid (Ralphie?) sticks his tongue out or something so you may all argue with me, but I gotta say Elf is my holiday must have. Funny, sweet, I love it -- with maple syrup on top.
Also saw some Bollywood fare at home at the Shah's. Jodha Akbar stars the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan. It is a historical epic about one of the Moghal emperors who married a Hindu girl -- Jodha. It is a true story -- this emperor is the grandfather to Shah Jahaan who built the Taj Mahal for his wife. Shah Jahaan's story is obviously the more famous of the love stories so the story of the emperor and Jodha is less well known but it has a very strong message on the coming together of the Muslim and Hindu worlds at a critical point in history. Oh and the outfits are seriously stunning as are the stars in it. It is on netflix so save 2 nights for it and get it.
Also saw Taare Zameen Par which stars Aamir Khan -- a Bollywood actor who has developed more socially relevant fare in recent times and is a strong supporter of getting Bollywood films acknowledgement in the awards arena. His Lagaan was the first or one of the first Indian films nominated for Best Foreign Picture a few years ago. This one is more sweet, but not song and dancey like the typical stuff -- story of a dyslexic child who is not understood by his family, teachers or friends but with the help of one great teacher, finally breaks free from the chains of his disability. Touching. And believe me, I love the sing song dance variety of Bollywood films too, but it's nice to see something different.
In the theaters, saw Benjamin Button -- not totally on the bandwagon for this one. It is a simple tale with the twist of living life backwards, physically. Great acting and the effects were really amazing, but not the epic I was hoping for. Totally respect the film and its accolades, but its not my personal best picture.
Also saw The Reader -- I hadn't read the book but knew the story. Kate Winslet is just amazing. Every emotion reads on her face so thoroughly. The KID was great too, need to learn more about him. I give Ralph Fiennes credit for participating in such a great project, but he wasn't really needed. I would like to personally thanks Harvey Weinstein for forcing this movie to come out now to help guarantee a Kate win at the Oscars. Nice film, not great, but well acted, of course.
Also on DVD, oh my god, almost said "on video" (hello 1990). Saw Dan in Real Life with Steve Carrell. Really nice movie about a widower who falls for his brother's new girlfriend. Funny, touching -- great netflix get. Steve Carrell is, as you know, one of my favorites on the little screen, but he is making good film choices as well -- okay, some good choices (we will leave Evan Almighty and Get Smart out of it).
I know you are all wondering if I saw the one I have been ranting about, the one that was to surpass them all, the one at the heart of all my movie loving mania. The one that would bring me back to Titanic. REVOLUTIONARY ROAD.
Yep, I saw it. It isn't the kind of movie that you can rave about or cheer about or praise in a sense because it is just so raw. Like I have told you, I read the book and that hit me hard enough to make me go back and re-read certain dialogue to understand these characters even better and to try to make some sense of their pain. And then the film with these words come to life -- it was outstanding. Kate and Leo solidified their standing as two of today's finest actors. I really respect Sam Mendes's choices with this as well as that of the screenwriter. If you read the book, there is absolutely no disappointment in the film and we all know that is a rarity. Given, I read the book knowing they were to play these characters, but the dialogue and storyline are realized pretty directly from the book and hearing the words out loud and seeing their faces -- their emotion -- it literally leaps off the screen and reaches into your heart and psyche. It is rough. The truths we tell, the lies we tell, the emotions we feel especially towards the ones closest to us. Devastating.
I'll have some music updates later this week -- my gym mix is THE BEST. Just want to leave with you a choice quote from Sugarland. Those who know about my latest addition will appreciate it --
"Yeah he's yelling about my tattoos. We all live with the scars we choose. They might hurt like hell but they all make us stronger."
Looking forward to saying more in 2009 because my resolution is always...
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
Happy to be back to entertain you although I must say this entry is not as much entertaining as philosophical? I watched TONS of movies over break (am I still in college?), I mean vacation, so I thought I'd share some thoughts because of course I have a lot of them.
So the fam re-watched Elf Christmas Eve -- it is our tradition. And it is still funny, I mean really funny. I have never seen that Christmas Story movie where that kid (Ralphie?) sticks his tongue out or something so you may all argue with me, but I gotta say Elf is my holiday must have. Funny, sweet, I love it -- with maple syrup on top.
Also saw some Bollywood fare at home at the Shah's. Jodha Akbar stars the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan. It is a historical epic about one of the Moghal emperors who married a Hindu girl -- Jodha. It is a true story -- this emperor is the grandfather to Shah Jahaan who built the Taj Mahal for his wife. Shah Jahaan's story is obviously the more famous of the love stories so the story of the emperor and Jodha is less well known but it has a very strong message on the coming together of the Muslim and Hindu worlds at a critical point in history. Oh and the outfits are seriously stunning as are the stars in it. It is on netflix so save 2 nights for it and get it.
Also saw Taare Zameen Par which stars Aamir Khan -- a Bollywood actor who has developed more socially relevant fare in recent times and is a strong supporter of getting Bollywood films acknowledgement in the awards arena. His Lagaan was the first or one of the first Indian films nominated for Best Foreign Picture a few years ago. This one is more sweet, but not song and dancey like the typical stuff -- story of a dyslexic child who is not understood by his family, teachers or friends but with the help of one great teacher, finally breaks free from the chains of his disability. Touching. And believe me, I love the sing song dance variety of Bollywood films too, but it's nice to see something different.
In the theaters, saw Benjamin Button -- not totally on the bandwagon for this one. It is a simple tale with the twist of living life backwards, physically. Great acting and the effects were really amazing, but not the epic I was hoping for. Totally respect the film and its accolades, but its not my personal best picture.
Also saw The Reader -- I hadn't read the book but knew the story. Kate Winslet is just amazing. Every emotion reads on her face so thoroughly. The KID was great too, need to learn more about him. I give Ralph Fiennes credit for participating in such a great project, but he wasn't really needed. I would like to personally thanks Harvey Weinstein for forcing this movie to come out now to help guarantee a Kate win at the Oscars. Nice film, not great, but well acted, of course.
Also on DVD, oh my god, almost said "on video" (hello 1990). Saw Dan in Real Life with Steve Carrell. Really nice movie about a widower who falls for his brother's new girlfriend. Funny, touching -- great netflix get. Steve Carrell is, as you know, one of my favorites on the little screen, but he is making good film choices as well -- okay, some good choices (we will leave Evan Almighty and Get Smart out of it).
I know you are all wondering if I saw the one I have been ranting about, the one that was to surpass them all, the one at the heart of all my movie loving mania. The one that would bring me back to Titanic. REVOLUTIONARY ROAD.
Yep, I saw it. It isn't the kind of movie that you can rave about or cheer about or praise in a sense because it is just so raw. Like I have told you, I read the book and that hit me hard enough to make me go back and re-read certain dialogue to understand these characters even better and to try to make some sense of their pain. And then the film with these words come to life -- it was outstanding. Kate and Leo solidified their standing as two of today's finest actors. I really respect Sam Mendes's choices with this as well as that of the screenwriter. If you read the book, there is absolutely no disappointment in the film and we all know that is a rarity. Given, I read the book knowing they were to play these characters, but the dialogue and storyline are realized pretty directly from the book and hearing the words out loud and seeing their faces -- their emotion -- it literally leaps off the screen and reaches into your heart and psyche. It is rough. The truths we tell, the lies we tell, the emotions we feel especially towards the ones closest to us. Devastating.
I'll have some music updates later this week -- my gym mix is THE BEST. Just want to leave with you a choice quote from Sugarland. Those who know about my latest addition will appreciate it --
"Yeah he's yelling about my tattoos. We all live with the scars we choose. They might hurt like hell but they all make us stronger."
Looking forward to saying more in 2009 because my resolution is always...
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
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