The Perfunctory Post on Oscar Noms

You can look back at a few of my previous posts on Awards Season, nominations, wins, break downs, theories -- so I won't go into all that again.  That said, the countdown has begun, and since the nominations for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards were announced at the crack of dawn this morning (I still don't understand why they have to be announced at such an ungodly hour), here are my initial reactions.

I don't know about you, because I am a bit of a film geek, but I watch the Oscars for a number of reasons.  I want to be inspired, uplifted, surprised, amused, and shown the last of the "old hollywood" glitz and glamor.  So far...I've gotten none of that.  I wasn't surprised at all, and if anything I was a little let down.  We all expected (and most of us support) the varying nominations for True Grit, Social Network, King's Speech, Black Swan, Toy Story 3, and 127 Hours (although for a minute there I thought it might get left out).  My most visceral reaction has to do with Winter's Bone and the almost total absence of Blue Valentine.

What I don't understand is all the fuss over Winter's Bone.  Someone please explain this to me?  It's not the same complaint I had over Golden Globes noms for unworthy films.  This isn't some big star, big budget film, that is getting the nod from AMPAS so that they show up.  The Oscars don't have to play games.  I mean it is political, we know that, but it doesn't have to play up to anyone's ego.  So why Winter's Bone?  Have you seen it?  Can you help me understand?  Because I simply don't get why its getting this kind of attention.  I will happily admit that the Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes do a fine job...acting wise.  Is that all that matters?  Are great acting performances in mediocre movies all it takes?  Then why did it also get nominated for Best Picture.  I'm not saying any of this to be mean, but I just didn't feel there was anything special about it...dare I say its boring?  I had it figured out in the first 15 minutes, and even 1/2 way through it felt like nothing was happening.  Following this girl around, who is looking for her father (who has put up the house for his bond and if they don't get him back they'll lose it).  We all know he got in with the wrong crowd, its pretty obvious that he's dead.  I dunno.  I haven't seen Blue Valentine yet, but from everything I've read, and been told by trusted opinions...I don't see why Ryan Gosling wasn't nominated, and why the film itself wasn't in the top 10, yes, count them, ten!  nominations for Best Picture.

I'm really iffy about this years ceremony.  I mean of course I'll watch; but I'm not giddy over the hosts, I'm sure they will do a fine and funny job, they are both great on Saturday Night Live, but neither of them "do it" for me (its James Franco and Anne Hathaway if you still don't know:-)).  I want to anticipate watching the host, and I'm not excited to see either of those two faces (and the fact that he is nominated is strange).  I would love to see Aaron Sorkin win because he is brilliant, Pixar (not that they need more accolades but they are the best of the best), and a few others out there -- maybe for Jeff Bridges to join the uber-elite group of actors who have won Oscars back to back (like Tom Hanks and Spencer Tracy) but overall I'm not excited to hear or see anyone that is nominated (like I was last year with Sandy and for history to be made with Kathryn Bigelow...)

Of course I'll prepare by seeing as many films as I can (still need to catch Blue Valentine, Rabbit Hole, and maybe Animal Kingdom -- oh, and apparently Biutiful...which I know next to nothing about, if anything "surprised" me it was that nom...where did it come from?).

Check out the noms for yourself at http://oscar.go.com/nominations
Winter's Bone is available on Netflix, as is Animal Kingdom and the Social Network. 
Oscar.go.com also has a lot of fun things on their sites -- classic Oscar moments, ballots, a countdown clock, etc..

For your enjoyment:  Oscar Promo

TV's Must See

This post (like many) is a product of a request.  I've had a few friends ask me, "what are you watching right now?"  They claim they don't have time (or patience) to sift through the first few episodes of new shows and would like to know what they should check out.  Based on this, I have put together a list of shows I'm loving right now (or this year)...some are new, some aren't, but I enjoy them all.

30 min Comedy:
Modern Family (Duh):  there isn't much more to say about this one.  If you haven't seen it, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!  Its the return of the 30 min comedy -- it mixes the family sitcoms I grew up on (Cosby Show, I Love Lucy, Dick Van Dyke) and the new direction of 1/2 hr comedies (Arrested Development, and Curb Your Enthusiasm)...and the outcome is a brilliant twenty odd something minutes of lessons, laughter, and love.

Big Bang Theory:  really the only other 1/2 hour comedy that is on the air now that doesn't feel forced or fake (that is if New Adventures of Old Christine isn't coming back...).  It is a Chuck Lorre Production (producer of 2 1/2 Men) and I think is mainly successful because of Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons (recent Golden Globe winner).  Its basic humor of geeks learning to live (or struggling to avoid) life in the "real world."

In case you were wondering, Bleep My Dad Says (despite loving William Shatner) is not great, neither is Better Off with You (even with my affection for Joanna Garcia, and a few nice moments/observations on the different stages in a "relationship/marriage")


1 Hour Drama/edy
Parenthood:  hands down my favorite 1 hour show (on right now).  From creator/producer Jason Katims (of Roswell and Friday Night Lights) comes this less funny, more real version of Modern Family in my opinion.  Its the idea of a family who struggles, loves, fights, laughs, and learns.  It is two parents in their 60s/70s with two sons and two daughters, who are grown with their own children, loosely based on the Ron Howard film of the same name...its great to see Lauren Graham and Peter Krause back on the small screen, and keep your eye out for some Friday Night Light return-ees. 

Big Love:  This just came back this past Sunday to HBO for its 5th (and final!) season.  If you don't have HBO, check out past seasons. It is a controversial one, about a world I know little to nothing about, but I enjoy the normalcy that is woven into this abnormal world of polygamy.  Great performances from Bill Paxton, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloe Sevigny, and Gennifer Goodwin (one of my all time favorites). 

Castle: I think this is in its 3rd season already, maybe only its 2nd, but whatever it is, this show is entertaining in a very simple and straightforward manner.  The mysteries/murders are easily solved, but the ride is why you tune in.  Nathan Fillion plays a best selling murder/mystery novelist who is brought in by the city as an "expert" in "murderer psyche" after a serial killer mimics the murders in one of his books.  Fillion is the show, you watch because you want to see him, that is it, that is all.  If you don't like him, don't bother, but how could you not like him?

The Mentalist: In the trend of Castle, the Mentalist is built around Simon Baker, if you don't like him then you aren't going to like this show, but he is insanely lovable as Patrick Jane the observationist that reads people like a book.  From creator Bruno Heller (of HBO's Rome), there is an overall arch to find Jane's family's murderer, the serial killer-- Red John; again, the mysteries are easily solved, but that's not really why you're watching is it....

Vampire Diaries: see previous post for details, but overall not a genius show (True Blood is a better dramatic Vampire show), but its fun to watch.  Really does anything else matter?  Ian Somerhalder is hands down the reason for watching this show.  He is duplicitous with a heart, he is an evil genius with sex appeal...you'll be entertained.  Also, Candice Accola is quickly rising up as one of my favorite actresses to watch as her character develops and evolves. 

Walking Dead: AMC's third hit.  I have to admit...I didn't want to see it.  I don't like zombies, I'm not a fan of being scared (at least not week after week), and really had zero desire to check it out.  Like most things, I'm willing to take a 2nd look and admit I judged too quickly.  After reading an Entertainment Weekly article on how Walking Dead was the best show of the year, and learning that Andrew Lincoln (most known for his role as being in love w/Keira Knightley's character in Love Actually) was the lead.  I can't say much about it except that its riveting.  If you are staying away because of the "zombie factor" take a second look.   It is more about the people that are left than the zombies, and yes, there are some creepy moments....but its more about survival.   

Breaking Bad
I know, I know...I'm late to the party.  BB was one of those shows (probably not unlike Walking Dead, just took even longer) that I had no interest in...high school chem teacher turns meth cook?  Not so much.  But after a few seasons, and hearing repeatedly how good it was, and having it beat my beloved Dexter in television's all time BEST SEASON EVER (aka Season 4), I decided to see what all the fuss was about.  I concede.  It rocks.  Different than Dexter, so you can't get me to admit it deserved the win more, but great nonetheless.  Cranston manages to be lovable...despite his moronic pride, and ability to kill everything he cares about...its monstrously entertaining and superb (even brilliant) performances from both Cranston and Paul.  Also pretty fun to watch seasons 1-3 back to back. 

Potential:
Off the Map....Premiered last week, I'm unable to say yet whether or not it will last.  What it has going for it -- the Queen of Medical Dramas a.k.a Shonda Rhimes (of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice), Mamie Gummer (daughter of Meryl Streep) one of the most adorable and likable actresses on TV, Zach Gilford from Friday Night Lights...all set to the background of Hawaii.  It might not be smart, or different, or unique -- but the first episode was entertaining.  They are fun to watch...so as long as they keep up the chemistry, I will probably tune in again.

Cable Potentials:
Showtime's Shameless -- I've only seen two episodes, and I'm not a big Emmy Rossum fan, but I love William H. Macy and Justin Chatwin (most notably played Tom Cruise's son on War of the Worlds) is pretty damn adorable.  Its a story of a alcohol, addict father (Macy) and his 7 or 8 children forced to con and cheat through their day in order to eat, live, and ultimately survive.  Its dark humor...and has a lot of potential.

Reality:
Oprah 25th Season: Behind the Scenes on OWN -- when OWN premiered on New Years Day I became a little obsessed.  I taped an episode of just about every series, and really enjoyed about 1/2 of them.  The Kidnapped by the Kids, Master Class, and a few others...but by far the most interesting (to me) is the Behind the Scenes hour long, reality program.  It follows the final season of Oprah's daytime talk show, behind the scenes of the production, planning, and execution of each episode.  I find it fascinating.  I will admit this might be partially because of my interest in television production -- but I think it is bigger than that. 

Competition:
Top Chef, hands down, best reality show.  The only thing that comes close is Amazing Race, but even then, it doesn't beat Top Chef for me.  I understand for some, Jack Black being one of them, seeing all the food and not being able to eat it is frustrating...that said, I don't feel that warrants not watching.  I have a little crush on Tom Collichio and Anthony Bourdain (new judge in All Stars).  Its just good.  Most of them are crazy, some are genius, others are mediocre...but its all good TV. 

When in doubt rewatch....
Friends  -- if I have to explain why...you're fired.

Friday Night Lights (Netflix play instantly):  I still find it amazing that people haven't seen this.  I realize the poor show has been threatened with cancellation every year, and even so is strangely aired on DirectTv and 6 months later on NBC (on Friday nights) -- but its brilliant.  As a Texan, as a sports lover, as a bleeding heart that cries every time a father hugs his daughter on TV....smart writing, real characters, simple (which is actually difficult) acting...its beautiful (and there are some pretty good looking people to look at).

Weeds (Netflix play intantly):  recently re-watched seasons 1-3 and despite realizing how frustrating Nancy is, enjoyed watching them back to back and seeing how the story and characters develop.

Dick Van Dyke (Netflix play instantly) and I Love Lucy:  I'm not sure how many of my peers are familiar with these classic shows that helped define episodic television, but if you haven't seen them...I beg of you to educate yourself and watch a few.  50 years later, with all the differences between our modern world and the world that these sitcoms were created in, it is AMAZING how they hold up.  They are amazing performers, and I dare you not to laugh out loud. 

Also, some of you, maybe most of you...missed these the first go round, but its not too late:
Roswell (Netflix play instantly): I think this originally was around when Dawson's Creek (or soon after) was garnering popularity, so it missed the boat with most people.  Katherine Heigl (pre-Greys), Shiri Appleby (pre-Life Unexpected), and a lot of people we haven't seen since.  It is very angsty, so be forewarned, but there is a hook and they are fun to watch. 

Jack and Bobby (Netflix play instantly): this one falls into the "canceled before its time" category.  Only one season, although a full season (22 episodes), created by the ensemble show genius that is Greg Berlanti (Brothers & Sisters, Eli Stone, Dirty Sexy Money, Everwood), and the biting wit of West Wing writer Tommy Schlamme -- this show is greatness.  I understand why it didn't succeed because it is a thinking man's teen drama on the WB.  It was like teenage version of West Wing, watching the childhood of a future president, seeing what shaped him, interspersed with interviews with his future cabinet members and advisers (played by John Heard, Tess Harper, Carrie Fisher, and Evan Handler).  It is Christine Lahti at her best, one of the first times we saw John Slattery (and his future Mad Men co-star Jessica Pare), Cam Gigandet pre-Twilight, Tom Cavanagh before Ed, and Bradley Cooper pre-Hangover.  Overall a really interesting, riveting, and funny look at the shaping of one of the greatest men in US History. 

Thirty Something (Netflix Play Instantly): you may not have been alive or at the appropriate age when this show first aired.  It was one of the first dramaedies, ensemble cast including Ken Olin and Patricia Wettig (Brothers and Sisters), and Timothy Busfield...as "thirty-somethings" trying to balance married life, careers, and parenthood. Way before its time in my opinion, and slightly goes down hill as the seasons progress, but an interesting look back. 

Hearts Afire:  was on play instantly, but not sure if it is anymore -- a 1/2 hour comedy staring the incomparable John Ritter and lovable Markie Post as an adviser to a US Senator and a lobbyist who fall in love.  Billy Bob Thornton plays the best friend, while Conchatta Farrell appears doing what she does best (think 2 1/2 Men)...its a straight forward sitcom, complete with laugh track, but I found my self exploding with laughter in every episode.  Ritter is a comedy God, Thornton has amazing timing (something you don't see much of anymore), and the kids are spot on southern hilarity.

The Double G's Recap

As I sit down to write a recap of the Golden Globes, I realize that there isn't that much to talk about.  Since I'm already here (and I did take notes), here are some highlights; but overall I think they were very bland.  Gervais wasn't nearly as funny as last year, but he was offensive in the best possible way.  There were no major upsets, I pretty much knew who would win before they were announced...except for Chris Colfer.  I did not see that coming, but it was very sweet (minus Lea Michelle being slightly too emotional when it wasn't her moment in the spotlight).

So here it is...the spots that stood out to me:

As controversial as Gervais was, and I'm sure some were particularly offended, but I enjoyed his Tourist joke "Everything at the box office was 3D this year, that is except for the characters in the Tourist.  No, No, it has to be good, right?  It was nominated."  The main reason I appreciated this was that it shouldn't have been nominated, and we all know it shouldn't have been...so right off the bat he pointed it out.

I agreed with Christan Bale and Melissa Leo from the Fighter winning hands down. Both had pretty good speeches, Melissa's was beautiful with her excitement and stunned reaction.  Christian was well spoken and sincere, until the very odd editing moment at the end when he did a shout out to DeNiro and they cut him off, although you saw he stayed on stage and spoke for a little while longer.

Katie Segal as Actress in a Drama -- definitely falls in the "who's due" category as she has been around forever and it was very obvious that the entire room shared in her excitement for the win.  Loved her last line to her husband (who is also the Sons of Anarchy creator), "I'm so glad you're the boss of me."

Thought it was interesting when the Hollywood Foreign Press Association President said, "remember when hollywood films were seen as an assembly line and not warranting critical acclaim"  because for the first time in years they nominated some completely unworthy films for alternative reasons which (in my opinion) devalued the lot of them.

Disappointed in Boardwalk Empire's win of Best Actor and Best Series.  I completely disagree.  I have seen it, it is good, it is beautifully shot, and I love that Buscemi is getting this chance to be a lead (finally, because he is exceptional).  That said -- it was NOT the best show of the year.  It was not written the best, or acted the best, or shot the best, or directed the best...not even close.  Dexter, Walking Dead, and Breaking Bad soared about them (and the fact that Breaking Bad wasn't even nominated is a travesty).    On a side note, when did Mark Wahlberg turn into a MAJOR player in creating (not just acting in) projects.  I knew about Entourage -- and that it was loosely based on his life.  But now Boardwalk Empire and Fighter?  Good for him.

Haven't seen Burlesque but happy for Diane Warren.  She is a brilliant songwriter and has never won, so its about damn time.

Toy Story 3.  Completely necessary.  I would have maybe picked it for best film overall (not just animated).  Loved how the director turned to Hailee Steinfeld and Justin Bieber and said, "were you two even born when the first one came out?"  Classic.

Colin Firth won -- like everyone said he would.  Personally, I don't feel one way or the other about it.  But his costar in King's Speech, Geoffrey Rush....was he wearing that hat because his head was shaved?  For a part?

Robert Downey Jr.  -- didn't completely follow his gag/sexual references about sleeping with the best actresses in a comedy, but it was pretty funny and lighthearted (PS love RDJ and his wife Susan...they are such a good looking couple).  This intro, and acknowledging that Gervais' tone was mean spirited and spiteful, but still entertaining...it was  perfect.  He was perfect. Including the "I don't want to be creepy....but where's Emma?" line.

Also completely agreed with Bening's win and loved her last line about thanking, "1964's winner for most promising young actor, my husband, Warren Beatty."  Loved it.

HIGHLIGHT for me was Gervais' introduction of Steve Carrell, "cast in a remake of a show I created called the Office, he is now leaving that show and killing a cash cow for both of us...the ungrateful Steve Carrell."  Then Tina Fey and Steve on stage were brilliant -- would love to watch them do anything.

Best director -- David Fincher....agreed.  Weird that he only finished the film 5 months ago!

Best Actress in a drama -- before he said it, I knew, that is who would get it...and I didn't agree.  Portman was great in the role -- amazing, transformative, everything the winner needs to be...she deserves it and I'm not suggesting otherwise.  I just wouldn't have picked her out of that group.  Her speech (and her parents) were very cute; but it was slightly awkward when she laughed and retold the line of the film her fiance said, "would you want to sleep with that girl?' and he said, 'no'.  But he is such a good actor because he totally wants to sleep with me?!" (also, I realize she has to dress for the baby bump, but I would've rethought the rose.  All the talking heads loved the dress...I do not).

If you missed it (thanks to LaineyGossip):


Besides that, Kids Are All Right and Social Network won best films...and I was just relieved it wasn't Burlesque, Red, or Tourist because I would give up all hope in that moment.  On a side note, Depp did show his face (maybe something to do with the two nominations)...but where was Vanessa?  hmmm...

The Clothes (best and worst):

 Olivia Wilde (love it)

 Eva Longoria (great dress...yet she stumbled over the train more than once)

Anne Hathaway

On the show, I wasn't a fan of this dress and the shoulder pads, but on 2nd look...I really like it

 Hailee Steinfeld, for 14 years old she is stunning

 Jennifer Love Hewitt...bad prom dress

 January Jones....holy fringeness batman...only she could even come close to pulling this off

 Jennifer Lopez...not a fan of the cape/shrug thing

 Give him 2 noms and he'll show up

 Not the best choice, Tilda.

 Not my type of dress at all...but I kinda love it!

 Jane Fonda looks amazing. She is aging beautifully, the dress, the hair, love it all

New(ish) Celebrity Couples

Ryan Phillippe and Amanda Seyfried -- apparently met around Halloween and were "secretly," casually dating, but now are "officially," seriously dating.

(Halloween...pre- officialness)

 (on set...post officialness)

Kate Bosworth and Alexander Skarsgard -- so I guess they've been dating for almost a year, but broke up, then got back together...and recently went to Mexico with Ryan and Amanda (FYI)

Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock -- not official, but everyone wants it to be.  They spent NYE together in Austin (at Sandy's restaurant Bess), and have been "hanging out" since then....

Rachel McAdams and Michael Sheen -- again, not really all that new, but seem to have stayed pretty quiet with it.

Ryan Gosling and Blake Lively....another "unconfirmed" but seem to be popping up at parties together.  The only real photo of them together was apparently at Downtown Disney (in CA) and a fan who saw them and then got some shots with her phone.  Obviously extremely reliable.

Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams...well if the other one is unconfirmed, so is this one, but people seem to be rooting for this one a bit more.  Is it just a Blue Valentine thing?  Or is it that Michelle Williams is slightly more likable than Blake?

Meg Ryan and John Mellancamp have apparently been "secretly" together for months.  This is important to their public image because he recently left/divorced his wife of 18 years.  They maintain that the marriage was over way before Meg entered the picture....

On the breakup front:  Jake and Swifty are no longer.  Lasted about 2 months?  Maybe 3?  Anyone else surprised? No.

 

Another R.I.P...Mac Culkin and Mila Kunis...after almost 9 years.