Oh Hugh...

Seriously, I mean I am DYING for Australia, but when is Hugh gonna come back to Broadway? Or at least star in a Major Movie Musical??

Doubt

Oooohh...the trailer for Doubt has hit, and it looks GOOD.



Meryl is positively bone chilling. Look for her to be one of the top contenders for Best Actress. In fact, she is long overdue for #3, so she very well may win. Actually, I think all four principle actors will be contenders in their respective category races. Ahhh, friends, I can smell it in the fall air...the Oscar season is soon upon us.

Confessions of a TV Junkie...

Oh friends...happy times are upon us. The new TV season is here. After months of crap TV, my shows are returning. Some of them already have (I heart you Bones). But as always, with the return of Fall TV, I have to sit down with my handy EW fall preview and literally plot out my nights of television. I have my committed shows, and I always want to check out some of the new ones. This year, thanks to the writer's strike, there aren't that many new shows...which is great, cause really...unless the show is on Friday or Saturday, I really can't commit to any new shows. My DVR is booked. It can only record 2 things at once. Someone needs to invent a DVR that records three things at once. Or the suits need to stop scheduling shows I like all in the same time slot. Cause really, it makes things tough.

So here's a look at my TV schedule. Don't judge. Refer to the title of my blog. If you are curious about something...ask me. I probably watch it. :)

Sunday:
Luckily this is a day with very little conflict.

8:00 PM: The Amazing Race. One of the best reality shows out there. It's one that I would actually apply for. The only problem is, with CBS having Sunday afternoon football, if the game runs over, it throws off the schedule, and DVR does not know this. So I have to remember to program it to tape "The Unit" as well if I want to catch the full episode.
9:00 PM: Desperate Housewives. I can't quite break up with this show yet. Last season was a total creative rebound, back up to the quality of season 1, and Marc Cherry totally shook up the show with the finale's flash forward. Hmmm...steal ideas from Lost, much? Still, I am invested enough to keep watching.
10:00 PM: Brothers and Sisters. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows. Sally Field's Nora Walker IS my mother. I'm intrigued/scared where they are going with the whole Justin/Rebecca thing though...

Monday:
Here starts a bit of the DVR clusterfuck. Really, it only gets worse from here...

8:00-9:30 PM: Dancing with the Stars. Yes, it's cheesy. Yes, how many of them are really "stars"? And yes...I absolutely effing love this show. Don't Judge. Also, if anyone wants to take Ballroom Classes with me...let me know. I want to dance.
8:30-9:00 PM: How I Met Your Mother. Best. Sitcom. On. TV. It's legen...wait for it...and I hope you are not lactose intolerant, cause the last part of that word is DARY! Seriously, people, you should be watching.
9:00-10:00 PM: Heroes. Yes, the second season blew chunks. But all the word coming out of the various conventions is that Season 3 has completely rebounded and is effing awesome. Now, I think I MAY be a bit screwed, cause they are having a 2 hour premiere, which I HOPE is scheduled from 9-11...otherwise, I am going to have to choose between the premieres of DWTS and HIMYM. I don't want to make that choice, friends.
9:30-10:00 PM: Samantha Who. A charming little sitcom, worth watching just for Christina Applegate's incandescent performance.
10:00-11:00 PM: I MAY check out My Own Worst Enemy. We'll see. I usually give a pilot 15 minutes to hook me, and if it doesn't have me by then, I don't watch the show. This show seems very high concept, and has to be done extremely well to work. However, once the Bachelor comes back to this Time Slot in January, I will be watching that.

TUESDAY:
I really gotta tell you. I hate two hour episodes of things. It totally messes with my schedule...

8:00-10:00 PM: The Biggest Loser. I dare you to watch this and not be moved.
8:00-9:00 PM: House. I love you Hugh Laurie and Robert Sean Leonard....
9:00-10:00 PM: Fringe. One of the new shows I am most intrigued about. JJ Abrams + Pacey in an X-Files-esque show? Sign me up!

*Casualties of the 8-10 conflict* -The new 90210, whose pilot and second episode did not really impress me. -The DWTS results show, which really I can just find the results online...but again, I am pretty sure the premiere week has DWTS airing competition stuff on Tuesday. I will probably have to just watch that online.

10:00-11:00 PM: Eli Stone. I am so glad this show got picked up for a second season. It really is a delight, and got better and better as its first season went on. I am so intrigued as to where it is going to go this year.

WEDNESDAY:

8:00-9:00 PM: Bones. One of my new obsessions that moved up to must see status over the summer.
8:00-9:00 PM: Pushing Daisies. One of the best new shows of last season, that got suspended thanks to the Strike. It may be on borrowed time, cause the ratings were not fantastic, but the lack of pilot season has given it new life.
*Casualty of this hour* America's Next Top Model, which airs repeats on Friday nights, so I will catch it then.
9:00-10:00 PM: Privaate Practice. I wanted to hate this show. I really did. And I am kinda embarassed that I like it. Guilty pleasure people, guilty pleasure.
10:00-11:00 PM: Dirty Sexy Money. Another show, also on borrowed time. I know they have been tweaking the show alot. It's just great soapy fun. Lucy Liu joins the cast, and I sure will be a great addition.

THURSDAY:
8:00 PM-9:00 PM: Ugly Betty. I heart America Ferrera. And that's why I keep watching.
8:00 PM-9:00 PM: Smallville. I was on the verge of breaking up with this show towards the end of last year. Really, I think they have stretched the pre-comics Superman mythology as far as it can go, and they are eventually either gonna have to go off the air, or merge into the know mythology.
8:00 PM-9:00 PM: Survivor. If I break up with Smallville, I always go back to Survivor. And I will probably watch this online the next day anyway. CBS is uber good about putting their shows online.
9:00 PM-10:00 PM: Grey's Anatomy. Yes, it has been to the dark place. But last year's finale was the Grey's that I fell in love with. I can't let it go.
9:00-9:30 PM: The Office. Jim Halpert...why are you not real???
10:00-11:00 PM: Life on Mars. Another buzzy new show I am going to check out. It could go either way. And I am pretty sure Lost will get this slot back come January.
10:00-11:00 PM: ER. I finally broke up with ER last year. It just wasn't holding my interest anymore. However, it is the final season. I may have to come back to it.

And that's basically it. I am a little curious about The Ex List, which stars Grey's Alum Elizabeth Reaser, but it airs on Fridays, and I don't watch anything else then, as I am usually at the movies :).

Yes, I know I watch alot of TV, but I love it. What shows are YOU dying for? What show (Gossip Girl, 30 Rock) are you SHOCKED that I don't watch...and give me a reason why I should...

Harry Potter Trailer!!!!!!!!

Oh dear Lord, I think I just peed my pants a little...


Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Exclusive Trailer

The Cell Block Tango...Disney Style

So it's a slow day at work, so I have been perusing some of my favorite blogs. One of my absolute favorites is called the film experience (http://filmexperience.blogspot.com/), which any movie lover should check out. Anyway, I have previously discussed the concept of the fan made video on youtube, and the blog writer posted this gem of a video that I just HAD to share...

It's some of the Disney Villainesses "singing" the Cell Block Tango from Chicago. Brilliant!



a) This person masterfully timed the clips to the dialouge. WHO HAS TIME FOR THIS?!
b) I still think it is kinda sad I find these endlessly entertaining. I spent a good deal of Saturday watching fan made Mulder and Scully videos. HELLLLLP!!!!!

Damn You Nicholas Sparks...

The Title of this entry really should be "How I Spent My Saturday Evening"...

I didn't really feel like going out this evening (ME?! wha??). It's been a very busy past couple of weeks, and I am trying to conserve fundage that I know I will eventually spend on concerts. I went to the gym almost every day this week, running a total of 25 miles, so I went and rewarded myself by getting a scoop of peanut butter and chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robbins, then returned home and faced my DVD library and picked out a flick.

Tonight I settled on "A Walk to Remember". Don't roll your eyes at me. Yes, it is a sappy bordering on saccharine movie. But dammit if I don't love it. Nicholas Sparks gets a bad rap for being overly sentimental, but isn't that heightened sentiment why we choose to read or watch things like that in the first place? I know I do. Sometimes you just need a sappy movie, a box of tissues, and a good cry. "A Walk to Remember" will never be in the pantheon of great movies, or even very good ones. But man, it makes me want to find a love like that. It makes me want to believe that kind of love is possible...and that's why I watch. And oh did I cry...especially cause I hadn't watched this movie in awhile.

And because I am a masochist/emotional cutter, once that movie ended, guess what movie I put in next? If you guessed "The Notebook", then gold star for you. I heart this movie something fierce. It rides the border of almost too saccharine and cliche, but what kept it from doing so is the unbelievably real performances by Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. Wow did that casting director catch lightning in a bottle when he/she cast those two in those roles or what? I have quite a girl crush on Rachel McAdams, and I really wish she worked more, cause I freaking love her as an actress. And the story is right up there in the best movie love stories for me. I will say it again about Sparks...say what you want about him, but the man writes a damn good love story. I laughed. I cried. I felt my heart swell with love. It made me forget for a few hours the cynicism I have increasingly grown accustomed to in that area in my life and believe once again in soulmates. Really, what more can you ask for in a movie? Not too much, and that's why I keep coming back for more. It's funny, cause at the beginning of my evening, I wouldn't have told you that I was in the mood for a sappy romance night, but apparently I was. Always trust your first instincts when picking out a movie to watch :)

So that's how I spent my evening...crying my eyes out (they are gonna look lovely in the AM) and wishing I could be in love in the movies. Good times.

Maybe I'll continue the crying jaunt and pop in Titanic next... ;-)

One for the Ages...

Believe the hype about The Dark Knight. It IS that good.

I'm gonna keep this spoiler free out of respect for those of you who haven't seen it, cause I would never want to ruin for you what I experienced last night.

I love event movies. There is nothing like experiencing a movie like Indy 4 or TDK at midnight as soon as it becomes release day with a bunch of superfans just like you (many of whom are in costume) who view the movie with the utmost respect. These are the people who burst into applause at the right moments. The people who were so quiet once it started you could hear a pin drop in a massive theatre on 42nd Street (a rarity if you have ever seen a movie there). Not one cell phone went off during the movie. No one talked in inappropriate places. We were all at the church of movie going, and no one wanted to ruin the experience for any of their fellow congregants...

The Dark Knight is a movie that transcends all definitions of genre. It is just an excellent movie. My only minor quibble with it is that after the opening set piece, the exposition and set up takes a wee bit too long in my opinion. But really, it's a MINOR problem, cause said exposition was still enjoyable. The script, penned by director Christopher Nolan and his brother, is excellent. It's dark and twisty. It takes you to places you don't really expect it to. It shocks and it awes. The direction (with the exception of the very beginning) is taut and has you on the edge of your seat.

The cast is excellent as can be expected. Christian Bale once again turns in a fantastic (and understated) performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman. What makes him so good is that he is good at playing both Hero and alter Ego, whereas previous actors have been good at one or the other (like Michael Keaton was an excellent Batman, he wasn't as good as Bruce. The very opposite was true with George Clooney). Excellent support comes from Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman, perfectly cast in their roles. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a vast improvement over Katie Holmes, even though the role of Rachel Dawes is still a pretty thankless one. Aaron Eckhart was excellent as Harvey Dent...his golden boy looks and chiseled features perfectly embodying the potential white knight DA of Gotham. He was also a great foil for Bale looks wise, All American Blondie vs. Dark and Brooding. Well done.

But the movie belongs to the late Heath Ledger, who truly does give a performance for the ages. The performance has been hyped ever since his tragic passing, so it had alot to live up to...and it surpassed my expectations. I was prepared to be upset and think about his death when he showed up on screen, but Heath so fully embodied the character that you forgot about it. He was just so ALIVE in the Joker...a performance that oozed out of every pore of his being, one so fully and terrifyingly realized I couldn't get enough of it. He was both comic and evil, a ticking time bomb of a character that fills you with a visceral dread anytime he comes on screen. Only when the screen went dark, and the "In Memory of our friend Heath Ledger" screen came up, was I jolted back into the reality that he is no longer with us.

It breaks my heart that he is not here to see the reception and accolades this performance has been given (although it probably would have made him uncomfortable). It hurts me that we will never again see what else this immensely talented man had up his sleeve. Because I feel like he was only beginning to really come into himself as an actor. But what a swan song he gave us...

Rest in Peace, Heath. You are missed already.

Emmy Nominations!

I love the day nominations for awards shows come out. I admit, I am one of those losers who gets up early, turns on E! and watches the live announcement. I just love witnessing the atmosphere of this room in LA packed full with eager publicists and journalists (at 5 AM LA time no less) ready to hear the good or bad news for their clients and favorite shows. And today it was great cause my imaginary BFF Neil Patrick Harris and Broadway vet turned Pushing Daisies star Kristin Chenoweth announced the noms and there was great spontaneous banter between them as they read off the nominees. Good times.

Now, onto the nominees themselves...I will say, that with the announcements of the top ten semifinalists in each category, I was a bit more prepared for the fact that some of my shows (my beloved HIMYM) weren't going to make the cut. While painful, it was a bit easier just knowing I wouldn't hear them called. Sigh. But it doesn't mean that I am still not outraged on some of my shows' behalf. :-)

DRAMA SERIES:
"Boston Legal," ABC
"Damages," FX
"Dexter," Showtime
"House," Fox
"Lost," ABC
"Mad Men," AMC

Well, in my earlier post on the semi-finalists, I correctly guessed 4 out of these 6 (there must have been a tie for the 5th slot, hence the 6 nominees). I should learn after all these years, to never count out Boston Legal. The Emmy voters LOVE this show...or at least nominating it, as it has yet to win. Mad Men got 16 nominations in total. I just started watching this show (a blog on it is to come once I finish Season 1), and let me just say that it is excellent, and may be a favorite in this race.
-Note that Mad Men, Damages, and Dexter made history today in being the first non-HBO cable shows to be nominated in the series category. Also for the first time in a LONG time, HBO is not represented in the drama category.
-Once I found out that Grey's only screened part 1 of their finale, I am not surprised they didn't get in. Way to leave the judges hanging in the middle of a story, Shonda...
-YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY Lost!!!! The episode they submitted was the instant classic "The Constant", so it may challenge Mad Men for that Statue.
-I am still bitter that Brothers and Sisters didn't even make the top ten. Clearly Emmy voters don't like Soapy dramas.

COMEDY SERIES:
"Curb Your Enthusiasm," HBO
"Entourage," HBO
"The Office," NBC
"30 Rock," NBC
"Two and a Half Men," CBS

Um, how unoriginal can you get? They must have blown their wads in the Drama category, cause these 5 were the same nominees as last year. YAWN. However, I called it, except I would have put in the wonderful Pushing Daisies over Curb Your Enthusiasm. Sadly, the Emmy Voters find that Two and a Half Men is one of the funniest shows on TV. Again, if anyone can explain this phenomenon to me, I would greatly appreciate it.
-30 Rock scored a record 17 nominations, so it has to be the current favorite. I really need to get into this show.

ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES:
Gabriel Byrne, "In Treatment"
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie, "House"
James Spader, "Boston Legal"

Once again, we have six nominees. Fricking Hugh Laurie has yet to win the Emmy for his brilliant performance on House. The episode he submitted, called "House's Head" is a tour de force performance, and hopefully he will finally triumph this year. But never count out James Spader, who has won this many times before. The Emmy Voters have quite a hard-on for his performance as Alan Shore, and he always gets to submit big grandstanding courtroom speech episodes.
-However, don't count out Mad Men's Jon Hamm, who won the Golden Globe. He had a speech in an episode I just watched, where he was pitching a campaign for LIPSTICK that almost moved me to tears...it was that good.

ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES:
Glenn Close, "Damages"
Sally Field, "Brothers and Sisters"
Mariska Hargitay, "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"
Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace"
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"

YAWN. Same nominees as last year, save for Glenn Close subbing in for Patricia Arquette. Close looks to be the favorite here...although no one saw Sally Field's win coming, so who knows.

ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES:
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Steve Carell, "The Office"
Lee Pace, "Pushing Daisies"
Tony Shalhoub, "Monk"
Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men"

This is also the list of usual suspects, save for newcomer Lee Pace for his delightful performance on Pushing Daisies. Remind me again HOW this show did not get a series nom? I would say that Alec Baldwin's name was already engraved on this, but they fricking LOVE Tony Shaloub. If Charlie Sheen wins, I may do something drastic...

ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES:
Christina Applegate, "Samantha Who?"
America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "New Adventures of Old Christine"
Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds"

It's offical...Emmy voters are over the ladies of Desperate Housewives. I find it a bit surprising, as this season was a true return to first season glory for the show. I knew Christina Applegate would get in. She carries that entire show on her incredibly funny shoulders. She could be a dark horse to win, as Emmy can love a comeback story. Is this really the same girl who was Kelly Bundy on Married With Children? However, last year's winner Tina Fey has to be a favorite.

SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES:
Jon Cryer, "Two and a Half Men"
Kevin Dillon, "Entourage"
Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"
Jeremy Piven, "Entourage"
Rainn Wilson, "The Office"

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY for Neil! The episode he submitted, The Goat, is excellent, and gives him a really good chance at winning...if they don't go for two time champ Piven AGAIN. I was cool with it the first year, but really when someone wins multiple years in a row, I have a hard time believing that they really ARE the best in their field every single year. I more think that voters are just lazy and vote for the most recognizable name. Neil has been on an arudous publicity campaign for HIMYM (and himself), and he is incredibly likable, so hopefully that will pay off for him.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES:
Kristin Chenoweth, "Pushing Daisies"
Amy Poehler, "Saturday Night Live"
Jean Smart, "Samantha Who?
Holland Taylor, "Two and a Half Men"
Vanessa Williams, "Ugly Betty"

It's quite huge that Amy Poehler pulled off this nomination. Rumor is that the spin off to The Office is going to be built around her, so this could be a good send off for her days on SNL. This is a very strong category. I could see any of these ladies taking it.

SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES:
Ted Danson, "Damages"
Michael Emerson, "Lost"
Zeljko Ivanek, "Damages"
William Shatner, "Boston Legal"
John Slattery, "Mad Men"

Michael Emerson MUST WIN this. That's all I am going to say about that. It's going to be a toughie though.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES:
Candice Bergen, "Boston Legal"
Rachel Griffiths, "Brothers and Sisters"
Sandra Oh, "Grey's Anatomy"
Dianne Wiest, "In Treatment"
Chandra Wilson, "Grey's Anatomy"

History dictates that when Candice Bergen is nominated, she usually wins. I would love to see Chandra Wilson take this though. Her performance as Miranda Bailey is a consistent high point on Grey's, and she was given great material this year. The episode she submitted this year (the one where her son almost died in a freak accident) was an uber tearjerker, and she was fantastic in it.

REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM:
"The Amazing Race," CBS
"American Idol," FOX
"Dancing With The Stars," ABC
"Project Runway," Bravo
"Top Chef," Bravo

Will one of these shows finally break the stronghold that Amazing Race has in this category? It has never lost in all the years they have given out this award.

REALITY HOST:
Tom Bergeron, 'Dancing With The Stars'
Heidi Klum, 'Project Runway'
Howie Mandel, 'Deal Or No Deal'
Jeff Probst, 'Survivor'
Ryan Seacrest, 'American Idol'

This has to be Ryan Seacrest's award to lose. The man is one of the hardest workers in Hollywood, and it may finally be a way for the Emmys to reward TV's highest rated show.

So, all in all, there were no real OUTRAGES this morning...but that is mainly because I had worked through all of my rage already, and had moved into the phase of acceptance :-)

Sing Us a Song, You're the Piano Man...

I (like many women) have a weakness for men who play the piano. Seriously...it's hot. I also have a weakness for live music. Over the past year or so, I have become a bit of a concert junkie. I mean, really, there is NOTHING like live music, especially because some artists, while good in the studio, are absolutely UNBELIVABLE live. Such was the case with the concert I experienced last night.

But first a bit of preface...

I am a major fan of the iTunes discovery download of the week. While they can often be hit or miss, every once in awhile it can lead you to a true gem of an artist. It's how I found Sara Bareilles. And it's how I found Jon Mclaughlin. His song "Beautiful Disaster" was the single of the week last summer, and it immediately hit a chord in me, and after sampling the rest of his album, I bought it. I then saw him last fall with Sara Bareilles, and was blown away by both of them. Then Jon popped up singing the song "So Close" in Enchanted and got to perform it on the Oscars. I grinned the whole time he sang. I take such ownership in my fledgling artists, and get so proud when they get breaks like that. Yet, while Sara Bareilles has broken out big time, Jon hasn't quite yet broken through, which frustrates me...cause he is mad talented. But he's on the verge. I feel it. His current single, "Beating my Heart", which is being used in commercials promoting ABC's fall season, could be the one for him.

Anyway...I saw him for the second time at Bowery Ballroom last night...and damn, if he hasn't gotten better. He has a new album coming out late August, so we got to hear a good deal of new material. It's interesting, cause it's quite a bit different than the earnestness of his first album, Indiana (which makes me wonder how much influence the label had on his new stuff, becuase it seems they are trying to make him more marketable). Not that the new stuff isn't good, or isn't Jon...cause it is. It's just...slicker somehow, like it's got more money behind it. He's definitely trying new things and growing as an artist. It's very 80's rock tinged, which I LOVE so that is fine by me. And it still showcases his mad piano skills, which just continue to astonish me. I will be very interested to see how the new album sounds, cause Jon is definitely one of those performers you need to see live to appreciate how brilliant he is. Here are reasons you should check him out.

1) Not only can he play the piano, he is practically a savant at it. He plays so fast his hands are blurry, and it seems like he is just slapping the keys, yet somehow he always hits the right notes. I would dare to compare him to a young Billy Joel in that right, because I would imagine the intro to Angry Young Man would be cake for him. He's that good, I kid you not.
2) He plays the guitar too.
3) His voice is gorgeous, and he never hit a bum note last night.
4) He writes all his own songs.
5) In addition to all that, he is also heartbreakingly beautiful.

In other words, he is not quite of this world :-) I would like a clone of him to keep as my very own. It's still a bit early for any videos from last night to pop up on youtube, so I am embedding a performance of the song "Human" from earlier this year. Let it load all the way, so you can enjoy it fully. He REALLY starts jamming on the piano at about the 4 minute mark, so you can see a bit of what I am talking about. Unreal.



Check him out on myspace as well: www.myspace.com/jonmclaughlin
And again, his first album, Indiana, is available on iTunes, and the second album is dropping mid August. I can't wait.

All Style, No Substance

Yesterday, I doubled up on Wanted and Hancock. I found myself underwhelmed by both. Now, I know it's the summer, and the movies TEND to be mindless ventures chock full of explosions and car chases, but I found both of these movies to be so lacking in substance I was hungry afterwards.

Now Wanted at least was pretty to look at. This is what I took away from it: James McAvoy is hot. Angelina Jolie is breathtakingly hot (for real, there was a collective gasp in the theatre the first time she came on screen). And despite the fact that she weighs about 90 pounds soaking wet (seriously, Angie, don't lose all that baby weight, you look better with some meat on you), she can totally kick anyone's ass.

Now, I will admit that the action scenes looked really cool and were shot very well. But anyone who knows me, knows that I have a low tolerance for crazy ass action sequences where said characters fighting should have been dead from the very start (see why I was not a fan of the Pierce Brosnan Bond flicks). Well, that was a good bit of the action scenes in Wanted. While there is a SPECTACULAR sequence with a train crossing a bridge and going off the rails, I found myself going "REALLY?! Come on!!". But maybe that is just me. I also think I was unable to suspend my disbelief because I just didn't care too much about anyone in the movie. If there is substance to the story, then I am willing to go with them where ever the movie takes me (e.g. Iron Man). But with Wanted it was ALL style, and no substance, so I left the movie and forgot all about it 10 minutes later. Except for how hot Angie is. And congratulations to her, as her twins were born yesterday...AND she gave them normal names, Knox and Vivienne. Well done.

I had been hesitant to see Hancock from the beginning. The previews were never really to appealing to me and I was always like "What is this story here?". Well, my instincts turned out to be right on. Sadly, I also knew the major twist going into the movie (thanks alot EW!), so there was alos no "Aha!!" 'moment for me. However, the planting of the twist was so blatantly obvious, I would have guessed ten minutes in.

Let me set this straight. I like Will Smith. I find him very enjoyable as an Actor, and I tend to really enjoy all his films. He is one of the few universal movie stars left in this flash in a pan era of celebrity. And that is why I was disappointed in this movie, cause to me it seemed he was blatantly phoning this performance in, Maybe it was the script (which among other things, gave zero insight into why Hancock was such an "asshole"), maybe it was the direction, but I haven't seen such a one note performance from Smith in a long time. Jason Bateman delivered more of the same for him recently. I think he's great, and I am really glad he's made such a comeback, but I am leering on the side of wanting more from him, cause I know he is capable of it. We all saw it in Juno, so go there, Jason, go there! Again, I really think it was the combination of the script and directing. If it was the directing, I find it odd, cause the director was Peter Berg, creator of the wonderful Friday Night Lights television show...and that show has deeply layered characters. So I am blaming the script for this one. It was really bad. It had little to no driving force or conflict, and it was incredibly heavy handed and lacked subtlety.

I guess movies like Iron Man, and the upcoming Dark Knight (omg can't waaaaaaaait) have raised my expectations for summer popcorn flicks. Yes, they are fun, and don't expect you to put too much into them, but I find I like my blockbusters with a side of substance.

Double Oh My!

Okay, I will admit that I was not really a James Bond Fan until Casino Royale. I guess I just found the Pierce Brosnan ones (even though he was really hot) to be a bit preposterous. I mean, the stunt where he chases down a pilotless plane on a motorcycle, the plane and motorcycle go off a cliff into a ravine, yet he manages NOT ONLY to get into the plane but pull it out of a nosedive? REALLY? But the trailers for Casino Royale looked so good that I was there opening night and was instantly won over by Daniel Craig as Bond. There was something...grittier about him. His Bond is a man who will be kicking ass one second then sitting in the shower comforting you the next. Mmmmmhmmmmm.

Anyway, for those who haven't seen it, the new teaser for Craig's second outing as Bond has hit the net. Check it:



Am SO there opening night.

My main wish for the movie? That Bond will spend 40% of the movie shirtless/naked, 40% in a Tux, and the other 20%...naked? ;-)

Wall-E!!!

Pixar can really do no wrong in my eyes. I love all their films so much that I can forgive the slight misstep (for me) that was Cars (which while spectacularly animated didn't really do it story wise for me). Well, I am happy to say that Pixar's newest offering, Wall-E, is right on par with Pixar classics like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story. Run, don't walk, to the theatre to see it.

What's wonderfully refreshing about Wall-E is that the first half of the movie plays like a silent movie, heavily dependent on visuals and music. The animation, as always, is first rate. Thomas Newman's score is wonderful. And you can't help but fall in love with this curious, adorable little robot who only wants someone to connect and spend life with.

What makes Pixar movies so great is that beneath all the animation and the laughs, there is always a message. And unlike the dreck that was The Happening, which warned us that if we don't stop ruining the environment, the plants will band together and kill us (I still can't get over that), Wall-E shows us what we are doing to the Earth in a softer and more relatable way that even the youngest child can understand. The humans in Wall-E live in a world of complacency, over taken by their dependence on technology, fast food, and big corporations telling them exactly what to do. It takes two robots, and one little seedling of hope, to shake the humans out of their slumber. And of course, being Pixar, there are clever nods to space epics like Star Wars and 2001. I laughed, I cried (even though I KNEW it was a Disney movie and a happy ending WAS eminent), it was just an overall wonderful afternoon at the movies. If you miss it, you will be missing one of the finest movies of the summer, if not the year. A+

On a side note, Joe and I hit the ten dollar sale at Virgin in between Mimosa Brunch (divinity) and the movie. I found that cheesalicious 80's Classic Girls Just Want to Have Fun in the bargain bin. Between that, the brunch, Wall-E, and the Olympic Swim Trials on TV tonight, I can't really ask for a better entertainment day. :-)

Oh, to be an Emmy Voter...

Today, the Television Academy announced their top ten finalists in Comedy and Drama Series. This list will be whittled down to five this weekend, when voters go to screenings of submitted episodes. The nominees are announced on July 17th by my imaginary BFF Neil Patrick Harris and Minnie Driver.

And of course, being me, I have some issues with some of the inclusions and exclusions in these top tens. How I WISH I could vote! Let's take a look at the lists:

Top Ten Best Comedy Series:
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
The Office
Pushing Daisies
30 Rock
Two and a Half Men
Ugly Betty
Weeds

1) Will someone PLEASE explain the appeal of Two and a Half Men to me??????? Seriously, I don't think I know anyone who watches it, yet it is the number one sitcom on TV. I do not get it, and I really wish someone would explain to me why it's funny, cause the snippets I have seen do nothing for me.
2) Hand in Hand with that...WHY do they not show any love for my beloved How I Met Your Mother?!?!?! Are they not submitting the right episodes? I think it (along with the Office) is among one of the best comedy ensembles on television, and has definitely filled the void that Friends left when it went off the air. It certainly deserves to make at least the Top Ten comedy series on the air. And you will hear me screaming in agony on July 17 if NPH doesn't get his supporting actor nod.
3) A HUGE snub definitely goes to Desperate Housewives, which in my opinion had a season equal to its much ballyhooed first season. I was watching with fervor again, and the show and Actresses had their mojo back. What happened?
4) Two much buzzed about new sitcoms failed to make the cut as well: The Big Bang Theory (which I do not watch, but hear is great) and the delightful Samantha Who. I would imagine both shows submitted their pilot episodes, as many new series do. Samantha Who should at least pick up a leading actress nom for Christina Applegate, who is just incandescent as Sam.
5) Um, it is QUITE huge that an animated series made the top ten.

My final five predictions: 30 Rock, The Office, Entourage, Pushing Daisies, and (UGH!! WHY?!) Two and a Half Men. Weeds could be a spoiler, but never has a non-HBO cable show gotten a series nom. Will that change this year?

Top Ten Best Drama Series:
Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Grey's Anatomy
House
Lost
Mad Men
The Tudors
The Wire

1) Remember what I just said about non-HBO cable series? Yeah, that is probably going to change this year, with 4 of the 10 nominees being non-HBO cable shows. Golden Globe winning Mad Men has a great shot, as well as the buzzy Dexter, which got a nice fan boost by being aired on CBS during the writer's strike.
2) The oft-nommed too much Sopranos is finally gone, which most likely leaves a slot open for a new show to come in. I think 4 of the slots are locked pretty solidly. More on that in a moment.
3) WHERE IS BROTHERS AND SISTERS?!?!?!
4) Very nice to see ratings challenged Friday Night Lights make the cut. It really is a wonderful show, especially the first season. The second season was hampered a bit by some silly subplots that were a ploy to get ratings (they didn't work). But the acting on the show, especially by leads Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton as Coach and Mrs. Taylor, is probably what got this show through. Yay for them.
5) Lost better effing make the final 5, which it hasn't done since WINNING in its first season. Season 4 was spectacular, and they submitted the instant classic episode "The Constant", so I have to figure it's chances are pretty solid.
6) Grey's Anatomy submitted their two hour season finale, which was classic Grey's in top form. It should also pick up a handful of acting nominations, especially in the supporting categories.

My Predicted Final Five: I am pretty certain that Lost, House, and Grey's Anatomy are locks. Mad Men looks good after it's Globe win, and I expect some love to finally be shown to Dexter.

Tom O'Neill, who writes for the LA Times, usually finds out the acting top tens and posts them. If he does, I will be blogging about those. I have some faves I am dying to see make the cut. We shall see...

A Great Show You May Not Be Watching

In television there are shows known as mid-season replacements, which can basically be pinch hitters when another show fails to connect in the ratings. They can either be inane reality/game shows (which they often are) or...they can turn out to be quite the little gem. Lest we forget that such TV titans as Grey's Anatomy and The Office both premiered in January. Well this past January, I discovered another Gem in ABC's Eli Stone. Not only was it a good show, it was like an Oasis of Scripted Television in the midst of the reality soaked writer's strike. Check out the Promo below:



The reason I am blogging about Eli Stone now is that ABC is repeating the first season starting this Saturday at 10/9 central. Set your DVR...or go to abc.com, where I believe the whole season is still available online. It's a fun and quirky show that really grew with every episode, and I am VERY excited to see where they take it in the second season. I am not going to say too much about the plot, cause you can get the basic premise of the show from the promo, and I would rather you take the same journey with Eli that I did. But I will give you 5 reasons why you should watch...

1) Jonny Lee Miller (aka Angelina's first husband) is hot and immensely likable as Eli.
2) Any show that features George Michael in a recurring role has got to be worth a look.
3) It's from Greg Berlanti, the current exec producer and show runner of Brothers and Sisters. If you love THAT show as much as I do, you can get a good idea of what to expect as far as writing and family drama from Eli Stone.
4) It features Broadway Vets Victor Garber and Loretta Devine (aka Adele on Grey's). Yay for the Broadway Peeps working on TV.
5) Characters often break out into song and dance. If you love musicals like me, you gotta check out some of the numbers on the show. See reason #4 and expect awesomeness.

I think what I like most about this show is its recurring theme that it is NEVER too late to change what direction your life is going in; no matter how much you may dislike about the person you are, you ARE capable of change if you wish it; and the very thing that you THINK could be your life's tragedy could be the very thing that saves it. Comforting thoughts, no?

People...eat the turkey and shut up.

So we are now 5 days away from the end of the current SAG agreement...with no new agreement in sight. 5 days away from another potential strike that will bring the entertainment business to its knees. 5 days away from potentially halting the new TV season and driving this TV junkie to watch the inane reality TV that the networks will inevitibably put up in How I Met Your Mother's time slot.

Personally, I feel a bit fed up with both sides of the negotiating table in this one. On one hand, the producers wouldn't be making as much money without the likes of a Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and George Clooney (all of whom who have been VERY vocal in not wanting a strike and supporting AFTRA's pending agreement, which has become a nasty bone of contention with SAG). But on the other, Hanks, Meryl and Cloons are not going to be the ones overly affected by this. If there is a strike, Clooney will probably just go to his Italian Villa and soak up the sun and wine. It's the rank and file members, who SAG is claiming they are trying to protect, who are ultimately going to lose. Cause really, let's face it...the Producers are gonna win this. If you can call losing millions of dollars in work stoppage winning.

And it's just not the actors who will suffer. It's everyone from the directors to the craft services people to the cleaning crews who come in at the end of the day. No one wants another strike. So why can't both sides bend a little instead of being so obstinate?

I work for a union. I understand the need for trying to get more money for DVD residuals and new media streaming. We discuss it all the time in regards to taping Broadway shows, and how does an artist get paid from DVD sales or having their show aired on MTV. It's a whole new world out there as far as media accessiblity goes. But how can you control it? I have no idea.

I just find it hard to beileve that SAG thinks they can get a better deal than the DGA, WGA, and AFTRA. I know they are the biggest union, but did they not see how long the writer's strike went on? From what I read, it seemed the DGA and WGA both got pretty decent deals...not everything they wanted, but a decent deal. So why can't SAG model their new agreement after those?

Clearly, I don't have any answers. These are just musings. Because ultimately, I am a fan. I don't want my TV season affected. I don't want my summer of 2010 to have no good movies. I just want everyone to come to a fair deal that gives both sides pieces of what they want. That is why it is called negotiating.

Last week, I read on my favorite website ew.com a quote from Terry Crews, a cast member in Get Smart and the TV show "Everybody Hates Chris". Crews seems to me like more of a Rank and File member of SAG. Yes, he is working, but he is not making the big bucks. It's actors like him who are going to feel this the most. And his thoughts are as follows:

"Other actors like Get Smart costar Terry Crews (Everybody Hates Chris) can't help but show their impatience with the protracted negotiations. 'I gotta get my jobs. I gotta look out for Terry Crews and family. I got bills to pay. It is ridiculous that anyone would think that we should go through all that s--- again in the same year. This is a good living if you can make it work; this is not drilling holes in sheet metal for a living. So, people, let's all realize how lucky we are and work s--- out. It is like watching your family in a fight. What are you going to do? They keep fighting over something stupid. Or, worse, nothing, and, meanwhile, no one gets to eat the Thanksgiving turkey until they're done. The turkey is getting cold. People eat the turkey and shut up.'"

Best Analogy ever. Eat your turkey and shut up.

(This non-entertainment crime related entry is just for Kelly)

Bones and The Perils of YouTube

Okay, this post was originally going to be one of a series called "The Best Show You May Not Be Watching". And well, it still kinda is.

Towards the end of the Writer's Strike, I decided to get all caught up on shows I felt I should be watching. I plowed the American version of The Office in about two weeks. Love it. But when I got all caught up, I was sad. What show would I marathon now? Well, thanks to hulu.com (best site ever, btw), I rediscovered Bones. Now, I had casually watched Bones in its first season, and had always liked it, but it often conflicted with other shows I watched thanks to Fox constantly shuffling its time slot. Well, Hulu had the entire first season online, and I dove right in...and became obsessed. I netflixed Season 2...and then realized that not all of the current season 3 was online. What to do?! I could NOT wait for the DVD to come out. I needed my Bones NOW! Well, that is where my lovely friend Nate came in handy. Being a bit of a computer whiz, he got all of season 3, put it on a memory stick, and mailed it to me. (THANK YOU NATE) And really people, I don't think any of my other friends watch, and you really should.

Why is this show so great, you might ask? Isn't it just your standard procedural show, ala CSI? No. It's CSI with character development...I would put Bones in the same vein as House and The X-Files. Yes, there is always a crime/mystery to be solved, but there is also great humor and characters you actually care about. And David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel have RIDICULOUS chemistry. Booth and Brennan are the new Mulder and Scully...you are just dying for them to get together, but the whole thrill is in the will they or won't they element. And we all love that, don't we (um, Jim and Pam anyone? I thought so.)? Plus, they are just great as partners, the characters just complement each other very well, and you care about their back stories and what happens to them. The supporting cast is just as likable as the leads. And the science of the show is just freaking cool (and has a high gross out factor for anyone who might be squeamish). The show really came into its own in the second and third seasons, and is now definitely on my must see list for the fall...which throws a wrench into my viewing schedule, but that is another blog. Anyway, check out this clip from season 3, which I feel captures the essence of Booth and Bones perfectly:



Okay, the perils of youtube...in my search for the perfect clip from Bones to put on this blog, I stumbled upon the many fan videos made for the show. You've all seen things like this before. Someone takes their favorite characters from a show and basically creates a music video with scenes from various episodes. These exist for just about ANY show with a central couple...Grey's Anatomy, The Office, Dawson's Creek, etc. And what I find is that when you watch one, you cannot help but watch another...and another...and another...

Until you realize that you have spent most of your evening watching them. Yes, friends, this is how I spent my Tuesday Night. Watching Booth and Brennan videos on youtube. Here are the two best ones I found:





I can't decide which is worse...the fact that people take that much time to make the "perfect" video or the fact that I sat and watched said videos all night? Thoughts?

In the Meantime, lessons I have learned from tonight:

1) Youtube is the biggest time sucker on the planet.
2) David Boreanaz is DELICIOUS. And under appreciated. I mean, the man has been working for pretty much ten years straight on television between Buffy, Angel, and now Bones. And he always seems to have amazing chemistry with his leading ladies. So gold star to him. He's creeping towards the top 5.
3) I need to own Bones on DVD. My birthday is in December. Just keep that in mind. :-)

Skadoosh and Smash

My name is Kim and I am a pop culture junkie.

Whew. It's good to say that outloud. Many of you know, I used to regularly maintain a blog on myspace that revolved around various entertainment related top tens, thoughts on TV shows, and celebrity gossip in general. After a few months of silence I started getting the questions of "Why don't you blog anymore?". Well, I guess I got a bit burned out...not that I didn't have anything to say (cause I always have an opinion on everything), I just ran out of the energy to actually say them on a blog. Well, no more my friends. I am back and back with a vengeance. So look forward to my thoughts on Movies, TV, Music, Books, Celebrities...basically anything entertainment related :-) I hope you enjoy it. I know I do.

What is a better thing to do on a Sunday where scattered storms are predicted than to go to the movies? And what is better, I had a free movie pass from my Regal Crown Club rewards...and the Kaufman Astoria theatre is one of the easiest theatres to movie hop in, so I decided to catch up on some of my summer movie blockbusters by double featuring Kung Fu Panda and The Incredible Hulk. For Free. Hey, I see enough movies, I am owed some free ones every once in awhile!!

Kung Fu Panda is just delightful. The animation is top notch, and some of the fight sequences are more thrilling than many live action sequences I have seen this year (please refer to the second movie I saw today). Stand out sections include villain Tai Lung's escape from prison and when the Five battle Tai Lung on a suspended bridge. Truly breathtaking, and right on par with Pixar level animation.

The trend with many animated flicks these days is to rely on celebrity voice casting. This isn't always a good thing, as while a celebrity voice may be recognizable, it may not be a good animated character voice. This is not the case in Kung Fu Panda. Great voicing all around. Jack Black is made for this kind of thing. He infuses Po with both great humor and great empathy. But the real standout voice to me was the inspired casting choice of Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu Master Shifu. He's gruff and cantankerous, yet lovable and hilarious. The sequences with Shifu training Po are great.

The story itself has a great message of self acceptance and the importance of believing in yourself. The only thing I would say negatively about this movie is that unlike Pixar films like Finding Nemo and The Incredibles, it lacked some of the sophisticated wit that made those movies enjoyable for both the kids and adults. But that is a minor quibble, considering that it has what may possibly be the catchphrase of the summer in "Skadoosh". All in all I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it. A-

As soon as the credits rolled, I scurried into an adjourning theatre to check out The Incredible Hulk. I will admit that I never saw the much maligned first film, and have never really cared for the Hulk as a character in general, so I may be a bit biased. I found the movie to be mediocre at best. Now, I love me some Ed Norton, but I wasn't buying what he was selling in this role. I know Bruce Banner is supposed to be a mild mannered scientist, but Norton lacked all of his usual charisma in this role. And there is just something about how he looks that doesn't gel with being a comic book character. Perhaps it's the soft jawline and chin and his sloping eyes? (Don't get me wrong, I think Norton is attractive just not really for this movie. I like him better circa "Keeping the Faith") He just didn't work for me...and when your lead doesn't work, you know you are in trouble. Liv Tyler has never been more beautiful, but she had little more to do in the movie than whisper "Bruce" and gaze up at the Hulk with tears in her eyes. But I am very glad to see her back up on the screen again after she took a few years off to start a family.

What I disliked most about Hulk was the fact that it lacked most (if not all) of the gravitas, heart and wry humor of good comic book movies like Iron Man and the first two Spidermans (I prefer to think the third Spidey never happened). I just didn't care as much. Sure there were lots of things blowing up and being Hulk smashed, but what is that without some heart behind it? Just a bunch of explosions. So if that is your game, you'll love it. Perhaps it was the director? Would it have been different in the hands of a Jon Favreau, Sam Raimi, or Bryan Singer? I think so. Or was it the script? It was known that Norton contributed heavily to the script (but was not given credit for it) and also clashed heavily with the Studio as to whether to focus more on character development or action. The studio won, resulting in Norton doing little to no publicity for the film. Would Norton's version have been better? We'll never know.

I also feel that in the era of Gollum in Lord of the Rings, Davy Jones in Pirates, and Kong in Peter Jackson's King Kong, the CGI character of Hulk was very lacking. Unlike Gollum and Davy Jones, where you can clearly see the actor behind the CGI, I saw very little of Norton in the Hulk. Yes, yes most of the time you aren't supposed to see any of Bruce in Hulk, but in those moments when we are supposed to see Bruce coming through, I just didn't see any of Norton's emotion in the animation. And like I said, we know that there are CGI characters capable of that. Plus there was a shot of Hulk and Betty on a cliff that was a clear ripoff of a shot in Jackson's King Kong.

It's really sad when the highlight for me was the short cameo by Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark is the highlight of the movie. Now THAT, my friends, was inspired casting. Maybe it is just because Stark is a more enjoyable character, but Downey had more charisma in 2 minutes than Norton did for the whole film. And MAN, he looks hot in those power suits.

Clearly, they leave the movie open-ended for a Hulk 2 (or is it 3? or are we just pretending Ang Lee's version didn't exist?). Will I go see? Maybe...for free. C-

That's all for today. We've got a big movie weekend coming up: Wanted and Wall-E. I want to see them both...