I'm with George

TV'S Best 2011

2011 proved to be a good year for tv. some older shows got stronger, newer shows impressed and network and cable shows as well as pbs offered somewhat better fare than most theatrical releases.

I could not narrow my list to 'the top ten' as i could not leave any of these following shows off the list. in alphabetical order the best of 2011 tv are:

'American Horror Story' is the first time i have picked an FX show. Set in modern day Los Angeles it kept you on the edge of your seat in it's first season. There was not a weak performance in it as it showcased excellent work by Jessica Lange, Dylan McDermott, Lily Rabe, Connie Britton and Sarah Paulson to name a few.

'The Borgia's' was Showtimes take on the Vatican under the scandalous Borgia Dynasty rule. As an officiando on Vatican history I can say it was as close to the truth as it will get. Scandal, treachery, murder, implied incest...who could ask for anything more. Yet Showtime has one better series as you will see below.

'Camelot' was the Starz network's attempt to rise to the top. And rise it did. However, the network has cancelled plans for a second season due to production costs. What? They did not see this going in? But just because it left viewers hanging does not diminish this one and it's only season's excellence.

'Castle' on ABC like fine wine gets better season by season. Stana Katic and Nathion Fillion shine as the non-couple Castle and Becket. The supporting cast is given more to do season to season adding greater dimension to this hour of pure joy.

'The Closer' gets better and better with age. Sadly next summer it will close shop forever. The superb Kyra Sedgwick is calling it a day after seven seasons. The writers are setting us up for what hopes to be a fulfilling climax as each new episode unfolds.

'Criminal Minds' returns to the top of the heat after rehiring actresses JJ Cook and Paget Brewster after fans protested their firing in 2010. With Ms. Cook's return the show has it's heart back which is needed in this darkly gripping and often disturbing series.

'Downtown Abbey' on PBS was far and away the best of 2011. This was not just another upstairs/ downstairs  BBC piece. It was nothing short of brilliant. Brilliant writing, directing and production values were supported by one of the best casts on TV this year. Special kudos to Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery  and the sorely missed, from every medium, Elizabeth McGovern.

'Game of Thrones' was the finest HBO had to offer in 2011. It presented mythology at it's best. I started watching it with trepidation but was soon swept up in the majesty of the 'other worlds' with fleshed out performances drawn from an exceptional cast. Kudos to all involved and i can't wait for season 2.

'The Good Wife' keeps getting better as it fleshes out the characters supporting Alicia Florack portrayed by the wonderful Julianna Margulies. There are not enough superlatives to describe Ms. Margulies so i will stop gushing now. This season has made her a good wife no more...she is GREAT as is the show.

Homeland' on  Showtime was the best of Showtime. In the post 9/11 era where major concerns surround terrorism attacks on the USA  this drama pulls at the seams of those involved with aborting future attacks or presumed attacks on our soil. Damien Lewis, Mandy Patinkin and Claire Danes head a damn good cast. I have never been impressed by Ms. Danes prior to this show but I am coming around to her. She is finally showing me her acting chops and that she has a heart whereas before i only viewed her as cold as ice. I will eat my piece of humble pie now.

'The Lying Game' on ABC Family' is not just for kids. It twists and turns with mistaken, taken and/or borrowed identities. Newcomers Alexandra Chandro, Allie Greczyn and Ethan Whitehorse headline a personable and believable cast in this tale of two sisters twister.

'Once Upon a Time' was the network surprise on ABC. There is a reason this fractured fairy tale series is a hit. Because it is TERRIFIC.

'Pretty Little Liars' is still my guiltiest of pleasures. Four friends tormented by the mysterious 'A' continue to capture attention. Great writing keeps this show moving along. Just when you think you've figured the mystery out something wonderful steps in the way and the juggler keeps juggling the balls in the air that have yet to fall to the floor.

'The Killing' on AMC is a grim dark murder mystery set in a gloomy water soaked Seattle. Some were put off by the first season finale. Not me. I await season two with eyes wide open.

'True Blood' returned to form this past season. Adding witches in with the vampires and werewolves added a new dimension to the series. And next year Chris Meloni joins the series as the baddest vampire of all. I can't wait.

'The Vampire Diaries' on the CW network remains the best 'supernatural' series of them all. Mixing humor to all the bloodletting is it's charm. The cast has matured wonderfully so the sensual overtones feel more real. It already had witches mixed in with vampires and wolves so all they needed to do was flesh them out and bring them to new and higher levels. It succeeded on both counts.


Well that's a wrap. If you missed all or any of these shows and want to catch up you can find many of them for rental, 'on demand' or soon to be released video. here's hoping for 2012 to be as well worth watching.

All I Want for Christmas' Spoof

i don't  mean to offend anybody but as a half jew i find this humorous

'Hugo' **1/2

Martin Scorsese's role in film preservation is well known and greatly appreciated. His tribute to film preservation in 'hugo' may be less appreciated. although technically brilliant and a great leap forward in 3d filming it is too long and too repetitive. an orphan who lives in a train station in search of film innovator georges melies clocks in at 126 minutes and would have been better served had it been edited by 20 minutes or so. Do not be fooled by the tv ads this is not for kids. they will be fidgeting throughout and any adult will be sorry they brought them to see it.

if you have not seen this in 3d don't waste your time on this film. as a traditional 2d piece of film it will not be worth the entrance price or the eventual rental fee.

Meryl on '60 Minutes' and 'The Iron Lady'

'Young Adult' 1/2*: A Different Kind of 'Monster'

Charlize Theron deservedly won the 2003 best actress oscar for playing serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 'Monster'. In 'Young Adult' Ms Theron admirably plays a 'monster' of a different sort to no avail.  there is certainly no oscar in her future for this film. it is monstrous bore. Both the film and the Ms Theron's character both have no redeeming value what so ever. there was a lot of good word of mouth about this film prior to it's release. It was all a bunch of garbage. It moves to the top tier of the worst of 2011 film releases. save your money and your time. you are warned.

More with Sandra the Great and 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'

Sandra on her return to film after her hiatus, her supporting role and why she made this choice.

first up from 'entertainment tonight'

with matt lauer on 'today'

Sandra the Stunning

sandra at the london premiere of 'extremely loud and incredibly close'

Cinematic Joy 2011

the best of the year in film in review so far

THE 69TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS NOMINATIONS

THE 69TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS NOMINATIONS

HOLLYWOOD FOREIGN PRESS ASSOCIATION
2012 GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011
NOMINATIONS PRESS RELEASE

1. BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a. THE DESCENDANTS
Ad Hominem Enterprises; Fox Searchlight Pictures
b. THE HELP
DreamWorks Pictures, Participant Media; Touchstone Pictures
c. HUGO
Paramount Pictures presents a GK Films Production; Paramount Pictures
d. THE IDES OF MARCH
Columbia Pictures, Cross Creek Pictures, Exclusive Media Group, Crystal City
Entertainment; Sony Pictures Releasing
e. MONEYBALL
Columbia Pictures; Sony Pictures Releasing International
f. WAR HORSE
DreamWorks Pictures; Touchstone Pictures

2. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a. GLENN CLOSE ALBERT NOBBS
b. VIOLA DAVIS THE HELP
c. ROONEY MARA THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON
TATTOO
d. MERYL STREEP THE IRON LADY
e. TILDA SWINTON WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

3. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a. GEORGE CLOONEY THE DESCENDANTS
b. LEONARDO DICAPRIO J. EDGAR
c. MICHAEL FASSBENDER SHAME
d. RYAN GOSLING THE IDES OF MARCH
e. BRAD PITT MONEYBALL

4. BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a. 50/50
Summit Entertainment and Mandate Pictures; Summit Entertainment
b. THE ARTIST
a La Petite Reine – Studio 37 – La Classe Americaine – JD Prod- France3 Cinema -
Jouror Production-uFilms coproduction; The Weinstein Company
c. BRIDESMAIDS
Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Apatow Productions; Universal Pictures
d. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
A Mediapro, Versatil Cinema & Gravier Production; Sony Pictures Classics
e. MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
The Weinstein Company; The Weinstein Company

5. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR
MUSICAL
a. JODIE FOSTER CARNAGE
b. CHARLIZE THERON YOUNG ADULT
c. KRISTEN WIIG BRIDESMAIDS
d. MICHELLE WILLIAMS MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
e. KATE WINSLET CARNAGE

6. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY
OR MUSICAL
a. JEAN DUJARDIN THE ARTIST
b. BRENDAN GLEESON THE GUARD
c. JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT 50/50
d. RYAN GOSLING CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE.
e. OWEN WILSON MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

7. BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
a. THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN
Paramount Pictures/Columbia Pictures/ Hemisphere Capital/Amblin
Entertainment/Wingnut Films Production/ Kennedy/Marshall Production A Steven
Spielberg Film; Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures
b. ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
Columbia Pictures & Sony Pictures Animation; Sony Pictures Releasing
International
c. CARS 2
Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Pictures
d. PUSS IN BOOTS
DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures
e. RANGO
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present A Blind Wink / GK Films
Production; Paramount Pictures

8. BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
a. THE FLOWERS OF WAR (CHINA)
(Jing Ling Shi San Chai)
New Pictures Film Company; New Pictures Film Company
b. IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY (USA)
GK Films; FilmDistrict
c. THE KID WITH A BIKE (BELGIUM)
(Le Gamin au Velo)
Les Films du Fleuve; Sundance Selects
d. A SEPARATION (IRAN)
(Jodaeiye Nader az Simin)
Asghar Farhadi; Sony Pictures Classics
e. THE SKIN I LIVE IN (SPAIN)
(La piel que habito)
El Deseo D.A., S.L.U.; Sony Pictures Classics

9. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A
MOTION PICTURE
a. BERENICE BEJO THE ARTIST
b. JESSICA CHASTAIN THE HELP
c. JANET MCTEER ALBERT NOBBS
d. OCTAVIA SPENCER THE HELP
e. SHAILENE WOODLEY THE DESCENDANTS

10. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A
MOTION PICTURE
a. KENNETH BRANAGH MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
b. ALBERT BROOKS DRIVE
c. JONAH HILL MONEYBALL
d. VIGGO MORTENSEN A DANGEROUS METHOD
e. CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER BEGINNERS

11. BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
a. WOODY ALLEN MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
b. GEORGE CLOONEY THE IDES OF MARCH
c. MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS THE ARTIST
d. ALEXANDER PAYNE THE DESCENDANTS
e. MARTIN SCORSESE HUGO

12. BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
a. WOODY ALLEN MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
b. GEORGE CLOONEY, GRANT THE IDES OF MARCH
HESLOV, BEAU WILLIMON
c. MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS THE ARTIST
d. ALEXANDER PAYNE, THE DESCENDANTS
NAT FAXON, JIM RASH
e. STEVEN ZAILLIAN, MONEYBALL
AARON SORKIN

13. BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
a. LUDOVIC BOURCE THE ARTIST
b. ABEL KORZENIOWSKI W.E.
c. TRENT REZNOR, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON
ATTICUS ROSS TATTOO
d. HOWARD SHORE HUGO
e. JOHN WILLIAMS WAR HORSE

14. BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
a. “HELLO HELLO” — GNOMEO & JULIET
Music by: Elton John
Lyrics by: Bernie Taupin
b. “THE KEEPER” — MACHINE GUN PREACHER
Music & Lyrics by: Chris Cornell
c. “LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN” — ALBERT NOBBS
Music by: Brian Byrne
Lyrics by: Glenn Close
d. “THE LIVING PROOF” — THE HELP
Music by: Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason, Jr.
Lyrics by: Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas
e. “MASTERPIECE” — W.E.
Music & Lyrics by: Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

15. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
a. AMERICAN HORROR STORY FX
Twentieth Century Fox Television
b. BOARDWALK EMPIRE HBO
Leverage, Closest to the Hole Productions, Sikelia Productions and Cold Front
Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
c. BOSS STARZ
Lionsgate Television in association with Grammnet NH Productions, Roya
Productions and Old Friends Productions
d. GAME OF THRONES HBO
Bighead, Littlehead, 360 Television, Grok and Generator Productions in
association with HBO Entertainment
e. HOMELAND SHOWTIME
SHOWTIME Presents, Teakwood Lane Productions, Cherry Pie Productions,
Keshet, Fox 21

16. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –
DRAMA
a. CLAIRE DANES HOMELAND
b. MIREILLE ENOS THE KILLING
c. JULIANNA MARGULIES THE GOOD WIFE
d. MADELEINE STOWE REVENGE
e. CALLIE THORNE NECESSARY ROUGHNESS

17. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
a. STEVE BUSCEMI BOARDWALK EMPIRE
b. BRYAN CRANSTON BREAKING BAD
c. KELSEY GRAMMER BOSS
d. JEREMY IRONS THE BORGIAS
e. DAMIAN LEWIS HOMELAND

18. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a. ENLIGHTENED HBO
Ripcord Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
b. EPISODES SHOWTIME
SHOWTIME Presents, Hat Trick Productions, Crane Klarik Productions
c. GLEE FOX
Ryan Murphy Television in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
d. MODERN FAMILY ABC
Levitan-Lloyd Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
e. NEW GIRL FOX
Chernin Entertainment in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television

19. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –
COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a. LAURA DERN ENLIGHTENED
b. ZOOEY DESCHANEL NEW GIRL
c. TINA FEY 30 ROCK
d. LAURA LINNEY THE BIG C
e. AMY POEHLER PARKS AND RECREATION

20. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES –
COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a. ALEC BALDWIN 30 ROCK
b. DAVID DUCHOVNY CALIFORNICATION
c. JOHNNY GALECKI THE BIG BANG THEORY
d. THOMAS JANE HUNG
e. MATT LEBLANC EPISODES

21. BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. CINEMA VERITE HBO
A Pariah Production in association with HBO Films
b. DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE) PBS
A Carnival/Masterpiece Co-production
c. THE HOUR BBC AMERICA
Kudos Film and Television/BBC America co-production.
d. MILDRED PIERCE HBO
A Killer Films/John Wells Production in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
and HBO Miniseries
e. TOO BIG TO FAIL HBO
A Spring Creek and A Deuce Three Production in association with HBO Films

22. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION
PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. ROMOLA GARAI THE HOUR
b. DIANE LANE CINEMA VERITE
c. ELIZABETH MCGOVERN DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)
d. EMILY WATSON APPROPRIATE ADULT
e. KATE WINSLET MILDRED PIERCE

23. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION
PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. HUGH BONNEVILLE DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)
b. IDRIS ELBA LUTHER
c. WILLIAM HURT TOO BIG TO FAIL
d. BILL NIGHY PAGE EIGHT (MASTERPIECE)
e. DOMINIC WEST THE HOUR

24. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A
SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. JESSICA LANGE AMERICAN HORROR STORY
b. KELLY MACDONALD BOARDWALK EMPIRE
c. MAGGIE SMITH DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)
d. SOFIA VERGARA MODERN FAMILY
e. EVAN RACHEL WOOD MILDRED PIERCE

25. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES,
MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. PETER DINKLAGE GAME OF THRONES
b. PAUL GIAMATTI TOO BIG TO FAIL
c. GUY PEARCE MILDRED PIERCE
d. TIM ROBBINS CINEMA VERITE
e. ERIC STONESTREET MODERN FAMILY

SAG Award Nominees 2011

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

"The Artist"
"Bridesmaids"
"The Descendants"
"The Help"
"Midnight in Paris"


Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Demián Bichir, "A Better Life"
George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Leonardo DiCaprio, "J. Edgar"
Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"



Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Tilda Swinton, "We Need To Talk About Kevin"
Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Kenneth Brangah, "My Week with Marilyn"
Armie Hammer, "J. Edgar"
Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte, "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"


Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Bérénice Bejo, "The Artist"
Jassica Chastain "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer, "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer, "The Help"

Female Actor - Movie or Miniseries

Diane Lane, "Cinema Verite"

Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"

Emily Watson, "Appropriate Adult"

Betty White, "The Lost Valentine"

Kate Winslet, "Mildred Pierce"

Male Actor - Movie or Miniseries

Laurence Fishburne, "Thurgood"

Paul Giamatti, "Too Big To Fail"

Greg Kinnear, "The Kennedys"

Guy Pearce, "Mildred Pierce"

James Woods, "Too Big to Fail"

Female Actor - Comedy Series

Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"

Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"

Tina Fey, "30 Rock"

Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"

Betty White, "Hot in Cleveland"

Male Actor - Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"

Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"

Steve Carell, "The Office"

Jon Cryer, "Two and a Half Men"

Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family"

Ensemble - Comedy Series

"30 Rock"

"The Big Bang Theory"

"Glee"

"Modern Family"

"The Office"

Female Actor - Drama Series

Kathy Bates, "Harry's Law"

Glenn Close, "Damages"

Jessa Lange, "American Horror Story"

Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"

Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"

Male Actor - Drama Series

Patrick James Adams, "Suits"

Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"

Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights"

Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"

Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"

Ensemble - Drama Series

"Boardwalk Empire"

"Breaking Bad"

"Dexter"

"Game of Thrones"

"The Good Wife"

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

"The Adjustment Bureau"
"Cowboys & Aliens"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2"
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
"X-Men: First Class"

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

"Dexter"
"Game of Thrones"
"Southland"
"Spartacus: Gods of the Arena"
"True Blood"

L.A.dy Dior The Film - Starring Marion Cotillard

for those who follow my blog you know i am mad about actress marion cotillard. i mean i am really in love with this woman. so even this small film is a reason to celebrate. it's like an early chanukah/christmas gift.

Cinescape 2011

Angela Lansbury Gets the Christmas Spirit Going

Jesus Says Rick Perry Is an Imbecile

'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'

the film i most look forward to this season is the yet to be seen, by critics and public alike, is  'extremely loud and incredibly close' starring tom hanks, sandra bullock and max van sydow. the trailer above gives a sign for an emotional journey. it is perhaps the first really important film on the aftermath of the 9/11 events in 2011.  it will open on christmas day and i suspect will be a strong oscar contender in the months to come.

The Year in Film 2011

Sorry!

i am currently going thru a round of chemo and radiation resulting from a cancer that has kept me down for the past few months. thus i have been neglecting this blog. i will be trying my best to post as i can especially at this year's film season wraps up. truly i will do my best.

'Melancholia': ****stars

'melancholia' is not for everyone. it is a dark film revolving around the impening collision of our planet with another. it begins with a wedding whose bride suffers melancholia which is the name of the planet that will collide with earth. it has a good cast well suited to their parts but it is the amazing performance of kirsten dunst as the bride that is the center of it. her sister played by a wonderful charlotte gainsbourg anchors it until the final moments when roles reverse.

kirsten dunst deserves an oscar nom for here portrayal. she has already won best actress earlier this year at the cannes film festival. the question is whether or not academy members will see it. right now the film and ms dunst top my year end 'best of' lists.

Natalie: Justice at Last

after 30 years almost to the date, 11/29, natalie may finally get justice in her sad and untimely death. investigations are at last reopening as authorities look into her husband robert wagner and his possible complicity in her drowning. i have always believed rj wagner knew more than he was saying as well as actor christopher walken. let's hope the authorities get it right this time and do not let 'celebrity' get in the way.

Michelle Williams BECOMES Marilyn in 'My Weekend with Marilyn'

coming soon and ms williams will get an oscar nod

'London Boulevard' Is a Mess and Gets 1/2*

i happen to enjoy both keira knightley and colin farrell on screen. lately colin has been disappointing in his choices while keira has been growing as an actress in better fare. the question is how the hell have either of them gotten involved in this mess of a film. i can't even begin to imagine it read well on paper. ex con and reclusive actress battle the worlds of con men. the whole premise is nonsensical. i repeat this is a mess and best forgotten.

save your money and wait for keira in 'a dangerous method' later this month. 

trailer

Due to some major health issues i have taken time off....

but now i am trying to get back to work on here which i enjoy. things may be sporadic for a time but i will give it my best. pleases be patient.

'Revenge' Gets an A

having been away i needed time to catch up on the new tv season. i won't judge any show on it's pilot alone if i liked the pilot. i need to see at least 3 episodes to see where it's going if it is going anywhere.

'revenge' is a guilty pleasure that i recommend. it's leading lady, emily van camp, is wonderful. and she wonderfully goes from sweet to the revenge seeking emily thorn in a nano second with just a look..a glance. out to revenge her father's downfall and eventual death she cleverly goes after those involved one by one systematically and cleverly. i just wonder how they can keep this going. but then i look back on 'pretty little liars' which i thought the same about. good writing keeps the liars going. here's hoping the same is true here.

Oscarbation: A Look Back at 2003 for Best Actress

looking back on 2003 it was a pretty good year for the nominees in this category. a younger actress was rightfully nominated, a semi legend got in, and three other brilliant performances made the list.

and the nominees were:

#5 diane keaton in 'somethings got to give' somehow got a nom. longevity perhaps? a dark horse deservedly left in the dark. i have just never 'got' ms keaton. perhaps i never will.

#4 samantha morton was just wonderful in 'in america' and someday she may score a win as she is damn good in most all of her performances.

#3 keisha castle-hughes was a surprise nominee for 'the whale rider'. a younger actress who snuck by the supporting nomination where they are generally placed. her performance was touching and believable. her nom in and of itself was a win.

#2 naomi watts nominee was brilliant in '27 grams'.  she gets better and better film after film. one day she may take the statue home.

#1 charlize theron in 'monster' won the award portraying serial killer aileen wournos and there was never any doubt she would. a brilliant performance that ranks among the best of oscar wins. it was the role of a lifetime that has yet to be matched by the actress herself. perhaps that is asking too much.

the beautiful charlize theron as opposed to the monster pictured above. damn that's a real transformation.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

as i am on my mac now this seems approbriate

as i type on my mac while i charge my iphone and ipad i'd say he influenced my life.

Happy Birthday Kate

back just in time to wish ms winslet a happy birthday

Following My Heart and Soul

going to be away until the 5th october. by the time most of you are reading this i should be in munich. for a number, great number, of years i have felt the need to visit germany and poland. sure i will be there for oktoberfest and that's a plus. but the real reason for this trip is to visit the sites of man's greatest inhumanity to man. the warsaw ghetto. dachau. auchwitz. it's a pilgramage for me. i planned this once before. and then 9/11 happened and the world went upside down, again. so here i am 10 years later and on my way. friends and family ask me why. my only answer is that i feel the need to go. i am called to do this. my spirit demands that i do this.

so leaving film and tv and everything else behind i am there. i'll see you in a couple of weeks. i hope you return when i return and that you understand my need to be away. we all have things that 'pull' us. this horrific moment in history has always pulled at me.

'Criminal Minds' Returns Tonight

...and the gang's all here. after fans protested the dismissal of aj cook and paget brewster the powers that be hired them back this season. so we do have a voice...sometimes.

the show dealt with the return of jj (aj cook) at the end of last season. here goes...

'J Edgar' Official Trailer Released

can this be leo's year? watch judi dench as there's a supporting nom nod there. coming nov. 9

Emmy Awards 2011

kate winslet won best actress in a movie or miniseries for the title role in 'mildred pierce'. she deserved the win as she was far better than the film itself which seemed like it was embalmed in total.

julianna margulies won for the soph year of 'the good wife'. she grows with each episode and peels the layers off alicia florek brilliantly. she deserved it.

if you have been following my blog i picked 'downton abbey' to win best miniseries when i first viewed it. it was a helluva lot better than the aforementioned embalmed 'mildred pierce'. i can't wait for season two.

maggie smith won a supporting actress emmy for her 'dowager' role in 'downton abbey'. she was not present to accept her win but damn she so deserved it.

as for the rest of the awards i really have no interest.

Emmy Awards 2011

kate winslet won best actress in a movie or miniseries for the title role in 'mildred pierce'. she deserved the win as she was far better than the film itself which seemed like it was embalmed in total.

julianna margulies won for the soph year of 'the good wife'. she grows with each episode and peels the layers off alicia florek brilliantly. she deserved it.

if you read my blog i picked 'downtown abbey' to win best miniseries when i first viewed it. it was a helluva lot better than the aforementioned embalmed 'mildred pierce'. i can't wait for season two.

maggie smith won a supporting actress emmy for her 'dowager' role in 'downtown abbey'. she was not present to accept her win but damn she so deserved it.

as for the rest of the awards i really have no interest.

Oscarbation: A Look Back at 1997 for Best Actress

1997 was a good year for this category. it was loaded with talent that delivered amazing performances. rating them 1 to 5 was quite difficult for me to do. thEy all deserved to go home with the gold. but rank them i will. here goes ....

#5

helena bonham carter was wondrous to behold in 'wings of the dove'. she left an indelible mark as a lead actress in this film. again the oscar could have been hers with no argument from me

#4

helen hunt's performance in 'as good as it gets' was as good as it could/would get. she gave a wonderful, heartwarming performance. helen won the oscar on the coat tails of the best picture and best actor wins. yet as with the other nominees in this category in '97 her win can be justified. but her on and off 'new york' accent was a tad annoying. a best actress should be able to sustain it.

#3

kate winslet in 'titanic' was wonderful. kate's chemistry with leonardo decaprio was heaven sent. there was not a moment you think 'hey these two don't belong together'. they so belonged together that separating her performance from his is an almost impossible situation. his snub is one of oscar's embarrassments. kate will go on to win her oscar four noms later.

#2

judi dench in mrs. brown was simply wonderful. it remains one of the best screen performances of all time. a stage actress who fit(s) quite well on film. she was amazing as queen victoria in her 'private' life. i repeat the oscar could have been her's with no argument.

#1

let's begin with the premise that julie christie plays a 'b actress' in 'afterglow'. that alone is a major fete as she was/is one of the best 'A' actresses in film. the critics associations hailed her performance in 1997. her fans were rightfully rejoicing. she would not get the oscar come award night but her fans were the true winners because the mostly reclusive actresses of her time returned to the screen. had i been able to vote, ms. christie amongst all the aforementioned wonderful performances would have gotten my vote after alot of nail biting.

sublime

Three Weeks Only: 'The Lion King" 3D

i think it's time to relive the magic. i won't be suckered into all 3d conversions but word of mouth tells me to get to this one now. and so should you.

'Soldiers': Because It's Time to Revisit Abba

unofficial video

'Ringer' Is Torture: A True Mess

this new sarah michelle gellar series is awful. i now know why cbs passed on it for this fall. i don't know why the cw picked it up. i also don't get the whole geller thing. she is not a very good actress. buffy may have had a following but i believe it was more for the 'girl kicks ass' thing than the acting chops of the lead. she has no acting chops!

if you want the reallly good 'twin' thing then watch the much better, really really much better 'the lying game' on abc family.

'ringer' rates a D

the lying game' rates B+

'Twilight Breaking Dawn' Official Trailer Released