Sometimes when you are angry with someone, it helps to sit down and think about the problem.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
dvd pick of the week
On the street where they live: There's a documentary that was released this week that asks the question "How well do you know your parents?" It also goes on to ask "How well would you like to know them?" These two questions are explored in the documentary 51 Birch Street which mostly takes place in the titular Long Island home.
Filmed, directed and narrated by only son Doug Block, the film starts out with Mina Block, the matriarch of the family and it starts out as a documentary about Doug's father, Mike. Soon, however, a family tragedy and the remarriage of Mike becomes the impetus for the film to focus mainly on Mina and the life that Doug and her two sisters knew nothing about.
Featuring candid and personal interviews with the family, including uncle Josh who offers up a music video of his song I Flunk Adultery, the film follows the 54 year marriage of Mike and Mina and reveals things that were well hidden from the Block children. The secrets are revealed in diaries that Mina kept for a number of years. It's really a poignant, revealing and thought provoking documentary that deserves to be watched.
As Doug works to come to terms with the new view of his mother, father and of his own life and marriage, he narrates one of the most profound statements in the film, "Is there just one person that's perfect for you?" He answers no. He goes on to comment, "It's not a matter of finding a perfect companion. I think it's a matter of making accommodations so that it works out for both of you." That's the crux of any relationship; both parties finding accommodations so that it survives.
The film has touched people literally all over the world and don't miss the extras on the dvd which include the I Flunk Adultery music video and also how the Block family react to the film and it's premiere.
Vomit scene: No
peace,
paul
Filmed, directed and narrated by only son Doug Block, the film starts out with Mina Block, the matriarch of the family and it starts out as a documentary about Doug's father, Mike. Soon, however, a family tragedy and the remarriage of Mike becomes the impetus for the film to focus mainly on Mina and the life that Doug and her two sisters knew nothing about.
Featuring candid and personal interviews with the family, including uncle Josh who offers up a music video of his song I Flunk Adultery, the film follows the 54 year marriage of Mike and Mina and reveals things that were well hidden from the Block children. The secrets are revealed in diaries that Mina kept for a number of years. It's really a poignant, revealing and thought provoking documentary that deserves to be watched.
As Doug works to come to terms with the new view of his mother, father and of his own life and marriage, he narrates one of the most profound statements in the film, "Is there just one person that's perfect for you?" He answers no. He goes on to comment, "It's not a matter of finding a perfect companion. I think it's a matter of making accommodations so that it works out for both of you." That's the crux of any relationship; both parties finding accommodations so that it survives.
The film has touched people literally all over the world and don't miss the extras on the dvd which include the I Flunk Adultery music video and also how the Block family react to the film and it's premiere.
Vomit scene: No
peace,
paul
Saturday, September 15, 2007
movie minute
One Tough Chick: What happens when the place you call home becomes a place of fear; paralyzing you in your tracks and questioning who you are and what you've become? That's the question that Jodie Foster sets out to answer in the new tough-chick thriller The Brave One (R). Directed by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Breakfast On Pluto) the film brings to light the vigilante that each of us has inside of us. If you've seen the trailer for the film you know just about everything that happens but what you don't know is how Foster pulls the film up from just a big screen made-for-tv-type movie. A woman suffers a brutal attack that kills her fiancee and makes her a stranger to herself. It lacks oomph in a number of places but Foster makes up for that with her ever changing expressions that paint a picture of precision of what she's feeling and thinking. She could go the entire movie with no dialogue and we'd still be able to follow her on her journey from city walker/radio personality Erica Bain to a gun-toting crime stopping renegade.
As the "victims" build up in the city that never sleeps, detective Mercer (Terrence Howard) begins to suspect Erica and begins investigating her. Mercer himself is haunted by the criminals that he can't put away and reveals himself as conflicted and vulnerable during an interview. Foster and Howard have terrific chemistry; not to take anything away from Howard but it's mostly Foster. She should give a master class on infusing a role, any role, with all she's got.
As the film follows Erica to the inevitable conclusion and as she sets out to get her dog back, the film debates the morality of Erica's actions and offers no real easy answers. As Erica becomes tortured more and more with each killing; each one a hole inside of her, we too become conflicted too. I've no doubt that there will be cheering as the film nears its journey and that is probably the scariest part of the whole film.
The Brave One might not get any award nominations; I'm not even sure if Foster will garner one, however, the film will make one think about right and wrong; good and evil; white and black and just how thin the lines between those things are.
Vomit scene: Yes. Visible: No. Scene occurs after the subway shooting when Foster's character enters the bathroom of the club.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4
paul
As the "victims" build up in the city that never sleeps, detective Mercer (Terrence Howard) begins to suspect Erica and begins investigating her. Mercer himself is haunted by the criminals that he can't put away and reveals himself as conflicted and vulnerable during an interview. Foster and Howard have terrific chemistry; not to take anything away from Howard but it's mostly Foster. She should give a master class on infusing a role, any role, with all she's got.
As the film follows Erica to the inevitable conclusion and as she sets out to get her dog back, the film debates the morality of Erica's actions and offers no real easy answers. As Erica becomes tortured more and more with each killing; each one a hole inside of her, we too become conflicted too. I've no doubt that there will be cheering as the film nears its journey and that is probably the scariest part of the whole film.
The Brave One might not get any award nominations; I'm not even sure if Foster will garner one, however, the film will make one think about right and wrong; good and evil; white and black and just how thin the lines between those things are.
Vomit scene: Yes. Visible: No. Scene occurs after the subway shooting when Foster's character enters the bathroom of the club.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4
paul
Thursday, September 13, 2007
DVD of the week
Let them eat cold cake: If you're interested in seeing a quiet and well-acted drama and you really enjoyed the Julie Christie heartbreak film Away From Her (also out on DVD this week) then you'll think Snow Cake is good too. Not as good or well acted as Away but moving and impressive nonetheless. After a tragic accident occurs, taciturn and no-nonsense Alex Hughes (Alan Rickman) decides to meet the mother of the girl who died while riding in his car. It brings him face to face with an autistic woman who besides not wanting anyone in her kitchen does not do social. The woman, Linda Freeman, is played by Sigourney Weaver. Weaver and Rickman have got to be two of the most underrated actors in their 50's. It's also not the first time they've acted in a movie together; they were also in 1999's Galaxy Quest. If you like these two actors then you're in for a treat. It's refreshing to see Weaver as someone besides the "bitch" or Alex Ripley and to see Rickman as someone besides Professor Snape. Although having said that both had wildly diverse careers before their respective famous characters took off.
As Alex lingers in Linda's world to help with the funeral and, most importantly, the garbage, the two form a bond. The two open each other up little by little; Linda teaches Alex not to be so sad and Alex teaches Linda to share her kitchen and her home.
Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity from the Matrix movies) plays a woman with whom Alex enters into an intimate relationship with. The real star, however, is only on screen for about 12 minutes; Canadian actress Emily Hampshire plays Vivienne Freeman. Mostly a tv actress, Hampshire imbues the young woman on her way to visit her mom with an energy and life that infects each character and inspires them to add life to their daily existence.
The plus of this movie is that it's not a downer; it's life affirming and charming. The tagline of the film is 'Sometimes stopping is the most important part of the journey.' This is one journey worth taking. Unfortunately there are no goodies in terms of extras on the DVD. Some outtakes of actors playing in the snow in Canada would have been COOL.
Vomit scene-Yes. Visible-Yes Scene occurs after the car crash.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.5
As Alex lingers in Linda's world to help with the funeral and, most importantly, the garbage, the two form a bond. The two open each other up little by little; Linda teaches Alex not to be so sad and Alex teaches Linda to share her kitchen and her home.
Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity from the Matrix movies) plays a woman with whom Alex enters into an intimate relationship with. The real star, however, is only on screen for about 12 minutes; Canadian actress Emily Hampshire plays Vivienne Freeman. Mostly a tv actress, Hampshire imbues the young woman on her way to visit her mom with an energy and life that infects each character and inspires them to add life to their daily existence.
The plus of this movie is that it's not a downer; it's life affirming and charming. The tagline of the film is 'Sometimes stopping is the most important part of the journey.' This is one journey worth taking. Unfortunately there are no goodies in terms of extras on the DVD. Some outtakes of actors playing in the snow in Canada would have been COOL.
Vomit scene-Yes. Visible-Yes Scene occurs after the car crash.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.5
Rant of the week
Ok, well I haven't had one of these in a while but this one is long overdue. I'm sick of the tv and radio commercials from so called "normal, everyday" people urging us to contact our congressman to keep our troops in Iraq. These people claim with utmost certainty that should we pull out then America will be attacked again. Enough of the fear factor. That's what the current administration has been all about since 9/11. I've had enough fearmongering to last me a lifetime. SHUT UP, ALREADY!!!!! If I never hear another one of these commercials it won't be long enough.
peace,
paul
peace,
paul
Radical Radio-September Edition
Well don't believe the people who say there's nothing good on the radio unless you have satellite. I do and I could never imagine going back to plain old radio but there are some really good songs being played right (in my humble opinion). Below are just a few.
****Dance Floor Anthem-Good Charlotte-To listen to the song one would think it's a positive song; and it is in a way. Listen to the lyrics and you'll find that it's about breaking up and how everyone does it at one point or another. The lyrics, "Don't be afraid to get down say, I don't wanna be in love, I don't wanna be in love" are cynical sounding but the song is way more toe-tapping fun than that Tubthumping song from the 90's.
Because Of You-Reba McEntire (w/Kelly Clarkson)-Yes, the original American Idol winner did cover this song first and now joins Reba on a countrified version of the ballad. It works well as a country song and Reba & Kelly both blend nicely. It's from Reba's highly anticipated (I'm the one anticipating) new CD called Duets which comes out next Tuesday. I'm still not a fan of the lyrics but the song still sounds great.
Stronger-Kanye West-The first single off Kanye's new CD features some silly lines, "you know how long I've been on ya? Since Prince was on Appolonia, since OJ had Isotoners" but the song is a toe-tapping good time. The song does of course feature a sample which is from Daft Punk's song Harder Better Faster Stronger.
You Are The One-Shiny Toy Guns-This song from the quartet from LA is reminiscent of some of the best alt songs from the 80's such as It's My Life from Talk Talk and Send Me An Angel by Real Life.
peace,
paul
****Dance Floor Anthem-Good Charlotte-To listen to the song one would think it's a positive song; and it is in a way. Listen to the lyrics and you'll find that it's about breaking up and how everyone does it at one point or another. The lyrics, "Don't be afraid to get down say, I don't wanna be in love, I don't wanna be in love" are cynical sounding but the song is way more toe-tapping fun than that Tubthumping song from the 90's.
Because Of You-Reba McEntire (w/Kelly Clarkson)-Yes, the original American Idol winner did cover this song first and now joins Reba on a countrified version of the ballad. It works well as a country song and Reba & Kelly both blend nicely. It's from Reba's highly anticipated (I'm the one anticipating) new CD called Duets which comes out next Tuesday. I'm still not a fan of the lyrics but the song still sounds great.
Stronger-Kanye West-The first single off Kanye's new CD features some silly lines, "you know how long I've been on ya? Since Prince was on Appolonia, since OJ had Isotoners" but the song is a toe-tapping good time. The song does of course feature a sample which is from Daft Punk's song Harder Better Faster Stronger.
You Are The One-Shiny Toy Guns-This song from the quartet from LA is reminiscent of some of the best alt songs from the 80's such as It's My Life from Talk Talk and Send Me An Angel by Real Life.
peace,
paul
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
weekly post from August 31, 2007
Hello my friends & loved ones,
I feel great!!!!!!! One of my favorite commercials growing up was the Frosted Flakes commercial in which Tony the Tiger ended the commercial saying, "They're GREAT!!!!!" Anyway, I just wanted to start the email off on a positive note.
***MOVIE SPOILER ALERT*** I watched the movie Perfect Stranger this past week with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis. Not a great film but a good performance by Berry; the film tried to be this clever thriller but fell flat and didn't work for me. At the end, however, when it is revealed that Berry, not Willis, was the culprit all along I thought, 'She's going to get away with murder, isn't she?' And sure enough she did. It's not the typical Hollywood movie in which the bad guy/girl gets their comeuppance at the end; it's more the kind of film one might watch with subtitles in which the good guys all die and the bad guy rides off into the sunset.
America is obsessed with the happy ending; we even have a meal that's happy. We want everything to work out in the end and everyone to be alright and safe and cozy at home. That's not a bad thing but it just doesn't happen like that. Life is messy and sometimes the innocent get executed while the guilty roam around sipping pina coladas on some island. I'm not saying that we should all be fearful of the next moment; instead I'm saying that we should all live life as if our own lives depended on it. Don't walk around in a cocoon; don't think that everything single thing is going to be alright; don't think that mess won't touch you. Enjoy yourself and those that you love. Surround yourself with goodness and positive thoughts. Don't let anyone bring you down (you may do that to yourself enough as it is). Treasure what you have and what you have to give. And remember next time you see the "happily ever after" movie you can smile as you are walking out of the theater but don't be fooled.
Until next time: Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay safe.
love,
paul
I feel great!!!!!!! One of my favorite commercials growing up was the Frosted Flakes commercial in which Tony the Tiger ended the commercial saying, "They're GREAT!!!!!" Anyway, I just wanted to start the email off on a positive note.
***MOVIE SPOILER ALERT*** I watched the movie Perfect Stranger this past week with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis. Not a great film but a good performance by Berry; the film tried to be this clever thriller but fell flat and didn't work for me. At the end, however, when it is revealed that Berry, not Willis, was the culprit all along I thought, 'She's going to get away with murder, isn't she?' And sure enough she did. It's not the typical Hollywood movie in which the bad guy/girl gets their comeuppance at the end; it's more the kind of film one might watch with subtitles in which the good guys all die and the bad guy rides off into the sunset.
America is obsessed with the happy ending; we even have a meal that's happy. We want everything to work out in the end and everyone to be alright and safe and cozy at home. That's not a bad thing but it just doesn't happen like that. Life is messy and sometimes the innocent get executed while the guilty roam around sipping pina coladas on some island. I'm not saying that we should all be fearful of the next moment; instead I'm saying that we should all live life as if our own lives depended on it. Don't walk around in a cocoon; don't think that everything single thing is going to be alright; don't think that mess won't touch you. Enjoy yourself and those that you love. Surround yourself with goodness and positive thoughts. Don't let anyone bring you down (you may do that to yourself enough as it is). Treasure what you have and what you have to give. And remember next time you see the "happily ever after" movie you can smile as you are walking out of the theater but don't be fooled.
Until next time: Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay safe.
love,
paul
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
movie minute
Funeral Fun: What do you get when you mix together an uptight British family, a funeral, a shocking secret involving a midget and a drug that is most definitely not valium? You get this ridiculously funny movie about just how far people will go to protect the memory of the departed. Death At A Funeral (R) comes along as the summer blockbuster season putters to a close. The film starts out with an upsetting but surprisingly funny faux pas involving the wrong body being delivered for a funeral. Matthew Macfadyen (Mr. Darcy from the hit movie Pride & Prejudice) plays Daniel, the less successful and more stressed out son of the deceased. As Daniel's family gathers for the somber occasion, Daniel discovers something upsetting about his father and tries, at all costs, to stop the secret from getting out and making sure his father has the most dignified and moving funeral possible. The funeral is definitely moving; dignified is quite a different story.
This film features some very funny cast members. I must point out the standout performance of Alan Tudyk (Knocked Up) who plays Simon, the first person to be affected by the drug. Tudyk's performance is practically a movie unto itself; one that offers the elastic faced actor to offer up most of the movies hysterical moments. The film also features the usually quite arresting Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) and while he does do his best in the role of Peter, the midget with money on his mind, he does seem out of his element and not just because of the different accents floating around him.
This film just gets more and more absurdly funny as it plows along toward the inevitable conclusion of the delivery of the eulogy; how it gets there is all the fun and one would have to be in a coma to not have at least a few guffaws. Just be warned there are a couple of gross out gags (thankfully those do not include upchucking, however, one does include something worse). The film's only weak point is the storyline between smitten and lurking Justin (played by Ewen Bremner) and Martha (played by Daisy Donovan).
Maven muppet director Frank Oz offers up an alternative to those blue over all the summer sequels; a late summer gem and hopefully a sleeper hit that the grown-up crowd will enjoy.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.75
paul
This film features some very funny cast members. I must point out the standout performance of Alan Tudyk (Knocked Up) who plays Simon, the first person to be affected by the drug. Tudyk's performance is practically a movie unto itself; one that offers the elastic faced actor to offer up most of the movies hysterical moments. The film also features the usually quite arresting Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) and while he does do his best in the role of Peter, the midget with money on his mind, he does seem out of his element and not just because of the different accents floating around him.
This film just gets more and more absurdly funny as it plows along toward the inevitable conclusion of the delivery of the eulogy; how it gets there is all the fun and one would have to be in a coma to not have at least a few guffaws. Just be warned there are a couple of gross out gags (thankfully those do not include upchucking, however, one does include something worse). The film's only weak point is the storyline between smitten and lurking Justin (played by Ewen Bremner) and Martha (played by Daisy Donovan).
Maven muppet director Frank Oz offers up an alternative to those blue over all the summer sequels; a late summer gem and hopefully a sleeper hit that the grown-up crowd will enjoy.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.75
paul
Monday, August 27, 2007
Gonzo, Gonzo, Gone
Gonzogate is finally over. U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, whose tenure was marred by controversy over political firings and perjuring himself in front of Congress, finally offered his resignation today. This comes just a couple of weeks after Karl Rove (Bush's "Brain") stepped down and that was followed by the replacement of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
Bye, Bye, Berto.
paul
Bye, Bye, Berto.
paul
Sunday, August 26, 2007
weekly post from August 24, 2007
Hello friends & loved ones,
Another week and one more day closer to September and fall. I won't remind you what comes after that. How is it that summer is near the end already? How is it possible that we are so close to starting a new decade? Where in the heck does the time go?
I don't know how your week went but my week was not the best one; in fact the whole second part of July and first part of August was not the best for me. I had something this past week and it wasn't pretty. Yes, I spent the better part of the week praying to the porcelain God. For me, it was the first time in 11 1/2 years. The last time that happened was February of 1996; shortly after my birthday. Although my birthday had nothing to do with me getting sick.
It got me thinking, though, just how many movies there are in which a character gets sick; and how many there are in which we as the viewer have to actually see it. I reviewed a movie on my blog last week in which the "sick" device was used multiple times. From now on I'm going to keep a running tally on my blog of movies I see in which a character gets sick and whether or not it happens off-screen or onscreen. I really think that when it comes to losing one's cookies, the less seen the better.
Until next week: Stay safe, stay happy, and STAY HEALTHY.
love,
paul
Another week and one more day closer to September and fall. I won't remind you what comes after that. How is it that summer is near the end already? How is it possible that we are so close to starting a new decade? Where in the heck does the time go?
I don't know how your week went but my week was not the best one; in fact the whole second part of July and first part of August was not the best for me. I had something this past week and it wasn't pretty. Yes, I spent the better part of the week praying to the porcelain God. For me, it was the first time in 11 1/2 years. The last time that happened was February of 1996; shortly after my birthday. Although my birthday had nothing to do with me getting sick.
It got me thinking, though, just how many movies there are in which a character gets sick; and how many there are in which we as the viewer have to actually see it. I reviewed a movie on my blog last week in which the "sick" device was used multiple times. From now on I'm going to keep a running tally on my blog of movies I see in which a character gets sick and whether or not it happens off-screen or onscreen. I really think that when it comes to losing one's cookies, the less seen the better.
Until next week: Stay safe, stay happy, and STAY HEALTHY.
love,
paul
Friday, August 24, 2007
How do you like to say it?
Check out this link to colorfully describe how one gets sick.
http://surveycentral.org/survey/20303.html
http://surveycentral.org/survey/20303.html
movies and more movies
Ahhhhhh, fall. The colorful foliage, the crisp air, the apples, the battening down of the hatches for the season to follow, ahhhhhh. Oh, and, of course, spending hours upon hours in a darkened room in front of a big screen. Yes, it's that time of year when the studios march out the serious films that aim to please the intellectuals and those who are soooooooo tired of the damn sequels. Enough already. Now, we have Shrek 4 and 5 and Spider-Man 4 to look forward to in the coming years not to mention the last two Harry Potter films. Oy, vey!!!!
Well for me fall and winter is a time to see all of the films that will eventually be vying for the little gold men. It's an exciting time for me as I pride myself on seeing ALL of the major nominees. The better to offer my humble opinion on who REALLY SHOULD be winning those men. So, without further ado and before the multiple critics and awards groups weigh in on their winners (hello Boston, hello, NY, hello LA!!!!), I will list the movies coming out in the next four months that I'm most looking forward to. I'll also offer a few early predictions on who will score a nomination for the big O.
I hope you enjoy the list as much as I've enjoyed putting it together.
Rendition-Blond funny girl Reese Witherspoon in a drop dead serious role? Yes, with Oscar winners Alan Arkin and Meryl Streep thrown in for good measure.
The Kingdom-Sydney Bristow (Alias) and Ray Charles impersonator together???? With hunkier as the years go by Jason Bateman???? Yes, it's true and it's also got a great director and is just one of MANY films this fall to deal with the quagmire in the Middle East.
The Brave One-Yes, we know Jodie Foster can act tough but what happens when she goes on a crime spree????? Hmmm, let's start jotting down ideas now as she goes face to face with cop Terrence Howard (not to mention some unlucky thugs).
Into The Wild-I read the book twice (only one of a literal handful of books I've read more than once) and this will either be a serious Oscar contender or a disappointing adaptation of a beloved book (remember, Memoirs Of A Geisha? Unfortunately, I still do.). Sean Penn has proven before how superb he is as a director; don't let us down Pennie.
Michael Clayton-Oscar winner and perennial hottie George Clooney and Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson in a "layered" thriller set in a Manhattan law firm. I recently saw the trailer and was quite intrigued. Let's hope there's plenty more where that came from.
Grace Is Gone-Another movie that deals with the tragedy in Iraq. This one has a somber and unfunny John Cusack (who's had Oscar buzz surrounding him since this movie premiered at the festivals) as a widower whose wife was killed in Iraq and must now figure out how to tell his daughters.
Dan In Real Life-Steve Carell could read the phone book and I'd probably pee myself laughing. Perennial beauty and Oscar winner Juliette Binoche plays a woman who is dating the brother of Carell's character but he wants Binoche for himself.
Enchanted-I recently saw the trailer for this movie as well and it does put a little spin on all of those fairy tales. A prince and princess go from technicolor animation to real-life NYC. Throw in a little McDreamy (yes, from Grey's Anatomy) and you've got the makings of a hopefully very clever film with some great fish out of water gags. Thankfully it was changed from a Chicago setting with the princess being mistaken for a stripper. And, yes, it's a film with the terrific Oscar nominee Amy Adams......ahhhhhhh.
The Kite Runner-Just had the pleasure of reading this book earlier this year. Wonderful story and portrayal of 1970's Afghanistan. A tale of two friends who are torn apart by fear and silence. Again, either it will really work or have the book lovers hurling vitriolic stones.
Lions For Lambs-Ok, I'm not into this movie because of Tom Cruise at all. It is an interesting pairing of Cruise and Streep (who COULD get her 15th Oscar nod). Throw in Redford as a director and you've got the makings of a potential several category sweep when it comes to the nominations.
I Am Legend-This reads and feels like a movie one would see in the middle of the summer. Will Smith as the only "living" thing on earth after a plague wipes out most of humanity. The word is that there is hardly any dialogue at all in the first hour; just Smith and his trusty German shepherd. Kudos to the filmmakers for filming this in NYC and making it look like a true ghost town.
Leatherheads-The film's premise doesn't sound that interesting to me but the cast very much does. John Krasinski (American version of The Office), Renee Zellweger, and George Clooney. Directed by Clooney as well.
National Treasure:Book Of Secrets-I know, I know, it's a remake of 2004 popcorn adventure thriller. Why do I want to see it? Not because of Cage who is back as treasure hunter Ben Gates but because of the so-prim-and-proper-it hurts Helen Mirren who plays his mother. I just want to see her letting her hair down and shedding that corset.
Atonement-Another adaptation from another beloved book.
Some predictions for Oscar nods come January.
Marion Cotillard-La Vie En Rose (sure bet) ****
Julie Christie-Away From Her (sure bet) ****
Reese Witherspoon-Rendition
Jodie Foster-The Brave One
Jason Bateman-The Kingdom
Evan Rachel Wood-Across The Universe (sure bet) ****
Clive Owen-Elizabeth:The Golden Age
Tom Wilkinson-Michael Clayton
John Cusack-Grace Is Gone (sure bet) *****
Javier Bardem-No Country For Old Men
Meryl Streep-Lions For Lambs
Laura Linney-The Savages (sure bet) *****
Films
The Golden Compass
Lions For Lambs
The Kite Runner
Into The Wild
Well for me fall and winter is a time to see all of the films that will eventually be vying for the little gold men. It's an exciting time for me as I pride myself on seeing ALL of the major nominees. The better to offer my humble opinion on who REALLY SHOULD be winning those men. So, without further ado and before the multiple critics and awards groups weigh in on their winners (hello Boston, hello, NY, hello LA!!!!), I will list the movies coming out in the next four months that I'm most looking forward to. I'll also offer a few early predictions on who will score a nomination for the big O.
I hope you enjoy the list as much as I've enjoyed putting it together.
Rendition-Blond funny girl Reese Witherspoon in a drop dead serious role? Yes, with Oscar winners Alan Arkin and Meryl Streep thrown in for good measure.
The Kingdom-Sydney Bristow (Alias) and Ray Charles impersonator together???? With hunkier as the years go by Jason Bateman???? Yes, it's true and it's also got a great director and is just one of MANY films this fall to deal with the quagmire in the Middle East.
The Brave One-Yes, we know Jodie Foster can act tough but what happens when she goes on a crime spree????? Hmmm, let's start jotting down ideas now as she goes face to face with cop Terrence Howard (not to mention some unlucky thugs).
Into The Wild-I read the book twice (only one of a literal handful of books I've read more than once) and this will either be a serious Oscar contender or a disappointing adaptation of a beloved book (remember, Memoirs Of A Geisha? Unfortunately, I still do.). Sean Penn has proven before how superb he is as a director; don't let us down Pennie.
Michael Clayton-Oscar winner and perennial hottie George Clooney and Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson in a "layered" thriller set in a Manhattan law firm. I recently saw the trailer and was quite intrigued. Let's hope there's plenty more where that came from.
Grace Is Gone-Another movie that deals with the tragedy in Iraq. This one has a somber and unfunny John Cusack (who's had Oscar buzz surrounding him since this movie premiered at the festivals) as a widower whose wife was killed in Iraq and must now figure out how to tell his daughters.
Dan In Real Life-Steve Carell could read the phone book and I'd probably pee myself laughing. Perennial beauty and Oscar winner Juliette Binoche plays a woman who is dating the brother of Carell's character but he wants Binoche for himself.
Enchanted-I recently saw the trailer for this movie as well and it does put a little spin on all of those fairy tales. A prince and princess go from technicolor animation to real-life NYC. Throw in a little McDreamy (yes, from Grey's Anatomy) and you've got the makings of a hopefully very clever film with some great fish out of water gags. Thankfully it was changed from a Chicago setting with the princess being mistaken for a stripper. And, yes, it's a film with the terrific Oscar nominee Amy Adams......ahhhhhhh.
The Kite Runner-Just had the pleasure of reading this book earlier this year. Wonderful story and portrayal of 1970's Afghanistan. A tale of two friends who are torn apart by fear and silence. Again, either it will really work or have the book lovers hurling vitriolic stones.
Lions For Lambs-Ok, I'm not into this movie because of Tom Cruise at all. It is an interesting pairing of Cruise and Streep (who COULD get her 15th Oscar nod). Throw in Redford as a director and you've got the makings of a potential several category sweep when it comes to the nominations.
I Am Legend-This reads and feels like a movie one would see in the middle of the summer. Will Smith as the only "living" thing on earth after a plague wipes out most of humanity. The word is that there is hardly any dialogue at all in the first hour; just Smith and his trusty German shepherd. Kudos to the filmmakers for filming this in NYC and making it look like a true ghost town.
Leatherheads-The film's premise doesn't sound that interesting to me but the cast very much does. John Krasinski (American version of The Office), Renee Zellweger, and George Clooney. Directed by Clooney as well.
National Treasure:Book Of Secrets-I know, I know, it's a remake of 2004 popcorn adventure thriller. Why do I want to see it? Not because of Cage who is back as treasure hunter Ben Gates but because of the so-prim-and-proper-it hurts Helen Mirren who plays his mother. I just want to see her letting her hair down and shedding that corset.
Atonement-Another adaptation from another beloved book.
Some predictions for Oscar nods come January.
Marion Cotillard-La Vie En Rose (sure bet) ****
Julie Christie-Away From Her (sure bet) ****
Reese Witherspoon-Rendition
Jodie Foster-The Brave One
Jason Bateman-The Kingdom
Evan Rachel Wood-Across The Universe (sure bet) ****
Clive Owen-Elizabeth:The Golden Age
Tom Wilkinson-Michael Clayton
John Cusack-Grace Is Gone (sure bet) *****
Javier Bardem-No Country For Old Men
Meryl Streep-Lions For Lambs
Laura Linney-The Savages (sure bet) *****
Films
The Golden Compass
Lions For Lambs
The Kite Runner
Into The Wild
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Run, Beckham, Run
I guess scientists didn't have anything better to do this week so they decided to calculate just which animal does run faster.
The scientists calculated the top speeds of five meat-eating dinosaurs and using the muscular and skeletal information of these animals, here's what they came up with:
Velociraptor: 24 mph
T-Rex: 18 mph
Compsognathus: 40 mph
Ostrich (fastest living thing on 2 legs): 35 mph
Speed of a top human sprinter: 25 mph
This means that if the T-Rex were actually after David Beckham he might be in some serious trouble. Posh, you might want to cover your eyes!!!!
paul
The scientists calculated the top speeds of five meat-eating dinosaurs and using the muscular and skeletal information of these animals, here's what they came up with:
Velociraptor: 24 mph
T-Rex: 18 mph
Compsognathus: 40 mph
Ostrich (fastest living thing on 2 legs): 35 mph
Speed of a top human sprinter: 25 mph
This means that if the T-Rex were actually after David Beckham he might be in some serious trouble. Posh, you might want to cover your eyes!!!!
paul
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
weekly post from August 19, 2007
Hello my friends & loved ones,
I was at a bar several weeks back and made a fool of myself. How? Well, I had had one too many glasses of white zin and started making a scene with someone at the bar. It was foolish, idiotic, and totally not who I usually am. Thankfully I haven't found myself starring in a video on youtube.
Youtube is my favorite site; I can spend hours watching videos on that site. It's somewhat addicting. People put anything and everything up there. Very few clips are truly funny but most of them are head shakers. What the hell was that person thinking, anyway? Oh, wait, they weren't. Kind of like my scene in the bar.
We live in an age where just about every phone you see comes equipped with a camera. Many people don't even think twice about taking pictures, even if YOU might be in it. And watch out if there's a fight or someone committing a crime or a highway accident or a bridge collapsing (see the clip someone took of the bridge in Minnesota collapsing). It gives new meaning to the phrase, "Smile, you're on candid camera." It's hard to know who's around with a camera. I offer this to you as someone who is thinking their lucky stars that, so far, I haven't seen a clip of me at my "best" in a gay bar making one hell of a scene.
I was inspired to write about this topic by a story I saw on Keith Olbermann's show this week. Yes, I've often talked about "my" Keith. I'd meet him in a heartbeat. His sense of humor is very similar to mine and he's entertaining and he reports the news.
So, to repeat an oft heard phrase from the 80's show Hill Street Blues, 'Let's be careful out there.'
Stay safe, stay happy, and stay healthy.
love,
paul
I was at a bar several weeks back and made a fool of myself. How? Well, I had had one too many glasses of white zin and started making a scene with someone at the bar. It was foolish, idiotic, and totally not who I usually am. Thankfully I haven't found myself starring in a video on youtube.
Youtube is my favorite site; I can spend hours watching videos on that site. It's somewhat addicting. People put anything and everything up there. Very few clips are truly funny but most of them are head shakers. What the hell was that person thinking, anyway? Oh, wait, they weren't. Kind of like my scene in the bar.
We live in an age where just about every phone you see comes equipped with a camera. Many people don't even think twice about taking pictures, even if YOU might be in it. And watch out if there's a fight or someone committing a crime or a highway accident or a bridge collapsing (see the clip someone took of the bridge in Minnesota collapsing). It gives new meaning to the phrase, "Smile, you're on candid camera." It's hard to know who's around with a camera. I offer this to you as someone who is thinking their lucky stars that, so far, I haven't seen a clip of me at my "best" in a gay bar making one hell of a scene.
I was inspired to write about this topic by a story I saw on Keith Olbermann's show this week. Yes, I've often talked about "my" Keith. I'd meet him in a heartbeat. His sense of humor is very similar to mine and he's entertaining and he reports the news.
So, to repeat an oft heard phrase from the 80's show Hill Street Blues, 'Let's be careful out there.'
Stay safe, stay happy, and stay healthy.
love,
paul
Monday, August 20, 2007
my next Everest
I think Josh Groban has a fabulous voice; so rich and melodic. I've sung a couple of his songs in church and the next one I'm going to tackle is the song in the clip below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls7ila3srzI
paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls7ila3srzI
Turn it up, August
Who says there's nothing good on the radio? Not me. Here's a few songs I'm currently enjoying and one that I could stand to NEVER EVER hear again.
"Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" (or thanks for the memories if the vowels are included) by Fall Out Boy who happen to be one of the best groups of the late kk00's (that's double k, double 00 or the 2000's). Bonus points: The lead singer of the group sports an androgynous look and the lyrics sound giddily gay.
"Teenagers" by My Chemical Romance (another great group of the late kk00's).
"4 In The Morning" by Gwen Stefani
"Summer Love" by Justin Timberlake, however, is a song I'd be fine with never hearing for the rest of my life.
peace,
paul
"Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" (or thanks for the memories if the vowels are included) by Fall Out Boy who happen to be one of the best groups of the late kk00's (that's double k, double 00 or the 2000's). Bonus points: The lead singer of the group sports an androgynous look and the lyrics sound giddily gay.
"Teenagers" by My Chemical Romance (another great group of the late kk00's).
"4 In The Morning" by Gwen Stefani
"Summer Love" by Justin Timberlake, however, is a song I'd be fine with never hearing for the rest of my life.
peace,
paul
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