December is the worst for TV junkies like me. While cable shows we all know and love (Dexter, Boardwalk Empire, Weeds) have sadly ended for the season, and we await upcoming seasons for other cable shows (Californication, Big Love) AND while network shows have gone on their month-long hiatus (seriously?!, is that necessary), I find myself scrambling to find something to stimulate the visually-obsessed person that I am.
Then again, in a way it's nice to catch up on shows I haven't had the chance to add to my already-jam-packed schedule. And so, the time has come to embrace this holiday season and (re)visit some fantastic TV shows - I suggest you do the same.
Breaking Bad. First things first, I have a ridiculously weird obsession with stories about drugs and addiction. With a really cool premise, kind of like an old-favourite of mine, Weeds, it's one of those 'do what you gotta do to survive' stories about a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. To secure his family's future he starts making and dealing meth, and the rest is award-winning history. Bryan Cranston, who stars as the meth-dealing Dad, has won an Emmy for this role three freaking years in a row. If that doesn't make you wanna watch, then I don't know what will.
You can actually watch the entire pilot right from AMCTV.com:
The Walking Dead: I've only heard good things about this show's gruesome depiction of a post-apocalyptic world. It tells the story of the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, following a small group of survivors as they fight, basically, to live.
My So-Called Life. Two words: Jared Leto. Oh, yeah, and Claire Danes was in it too. For any child of the 90s, this is a welcome trip down memory lane. One of the first teen-centered dramas, My So-Called Life dealt with hot-button teen issues (at that time), but in a realistic way. There were no quick-solves, five minutes before credits.
Freaks and Geeks. Not a day goes by that we don't hear about, or see something new from the ridiculously talented artist, James Franco. There could be no better time than now, to go back to where it all started, when James Franco was the eternally-tortured bad boy Daniel Desario, who could steal, melt and break our heart in one episode. It's so unfair this talented cast only got one season, but it just goes to show people don't want to watch the outsiders. Instead, we're force-fed a regurgitated archetype of severely vacuous, popular kids.
Jane Austen was kind of awesome. Way ahead of her time, she wrote stories about independent women. Free-thinking, full of spirit and angst-y for their time, her female leads always had something extra, something special. Her most famous, and a personal favourite of mine was Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Best freaking book ever. No joke, this book has ruined the idea of men for me. Every man has been and will always be compared to the brooding Mr. Darcy.
Her classic novel gave birth to an amazing BBC adaptation, with the dreamy and talented Colin Firth playing the misunderstood male lead we all love. Today's Jane Austen's birthday and to celebrate, this weekend I'll probably be cozying up in front of the fire, and watching the six hour BBC Pride and Prejudice mini-series. If you haven't seen this one yet, you are seriously missing out. It's addictive and the length of it allows much more plot-accuracy and attention to detail than the Keira Knightly version does. As romances go, this tops them all.
A quick shout out to Bridget Jones' Diary, where Colin Firth kind of reprised his role of Mr. Darcy. All you Bridget Jones' fans, if you didn't know that the story was based on Pride and Prejudice, shame on you!
Mad Men may take place in 1960s New York, but its devoted fans are as modern and current as they come. Pretty much every character has their own Twitter account, right down to the very minor ones. And each Twitter feed personifies that character's personality and attitude to a tee. Their lingo and the historical references are all from the 1960s while they play dumb to things we know today. My only question is, how the hell do they actually go on Twitter from 1960s Manhattan?
If you can get around that minor issue, they're probably the best TV characters to follow on Twitter, really personifying (in 140 characters or less!) what their character might be doing when they're not on our televisions.
Continuing to tweet in-between seasons, the characters make sure we haven't forgotten about them. We get insight into what Joan's going through during her pregnancy, how the future Mrs. Don Draper (Megan) is planning her upcoming nuptials, and of course, into the very childish mind of Betty Drap-er-Francis. There are character blogs, too. And, the best part of it is it's all completely fan-generated. If that's true, and this isn't some hidden ploy by AMC, they're succeeding even more than expected at building a genuine relationship with their audience. Talk about dedicated fans.
This probably sounds like a nightmare to all you PR professionals who strive to control what information is released and what's said about your clients but let's face it, we're living in a different world now. Where anyone can set up a blog (like me) and banter on about whatever they want (me again). And isn't my Twitter feed my own personal press-release service? I can promote what I want from it and represent myself however I see fit.
So I say, embrace the change and work together with these creative fans. Free promotion is great for the brand, and for social media marketers such as myself, fan-created content is like living the dream - when the audience itself is driving interaction and engagement with the brand.
Who would've thought back in the 90s that Marky Mark, underwear model and rapper extraordinaire, would continue to wow us, and not (only) with his washboard abs.
People tend to forget how talented Mark Wahlberg actually is. Not only did he put together the once ground-breaking and hilarious, (now fizzling) Entourage, first to really showcase the bro-mance. But he was also Oscar-nominated in one of the greatest Gangster films ever, The Departed, playing a wise-ass detective and the only man left standing - an amazing accomplishment in a film where everyone else dies. Not to mention, you've officially made it when you get to work with Scorsese on just about anything.
Also starring a barely recognizable Christian Bale and Amy Adams, The Fighter is an intense and uplifting (based on a true) story about Micky “The Irish” Ward and his rise from ‘stepping stone’ boxer to his World Championship win. It's about an underdog overcoming physical and emotional obstacles (including probably the craziest, most dysfunctional family ever seen on film) to do what he loves. But really, at the root of it all was the relationship between two brothers, one always in the shadow of the other. And it's pretty good, too, with a scrappy and gritty feel reminiscent of Rocky.
Christian Bale's performance as big brother Dicky Eklund is jaw-dropping. He's pretty much guaranteed himself an Oscar nomination, for his convincing portrayal of a crack-addicted, washed-up boxer not ready or willing to come to terms with his disappointing life. It's kind of a sad reality that athletes must face once they pass their prime. Many turn to drugs to chase that high from winning, or to mask the disappointment they feel from losing.
We get a hard look at the tough lives of the working class, blue-collar residents of Lowell, Massachusetts and I can see some getting angry with their harsh depiction. At times, you don't know whether it's appropriate to laugh, because parts are actually quite funny (in a sad way), but a crack-head jumping out of a window shouldn't really be funny.
Just found this clip of a scene from Blue Valentine. How is it even possible that Ryan Gosling can be so dreamy?! Just answer him, Michelle, seriously! He's willing to jump off a bridge for you so if you don't want him, please, let me have him.
Get ready to swoon on December 31st, when Blue Valentine is finally released, although, I'm not sure what kind of a reception a New Year's Eve release is going to get. Plus, the whole NC-17 rating is causing quite a stir. At least it'll keep the kiddies out of the theatre.
It's hard to believe there are only a few episodes left for this season of Dexter. It feels like just yesterday we expected to join the growing Morgan brood on a trip to Disneyland only to find (SPOILER ALERT!!!) our beloved Rita dead in the bathtub. I know that's not very sentimental, but we've now had almost an entire season to get used to this sad truth. That, and the fact that Julie Benz is now on ABC's No Ordinary Family, so we know she's not actually dead.
I have a major beef with cable television channels for making ridiculously short seasons filled with ridiculously long breaks in between. The only thing keeping me going is the fact that at least with cable, the seasons are scattered, so just when I start to get stir crazy come January (going through serious Dexter-withdrawal), Californication and Big Love will be starting up again to stir up controversy and drama in my TV-life.
This may not be the popular opinion for people who favour the hard-edged Dexter, but this season, I've really grown to love the single dad he portrays, trying to find the balance between his dark passenger and the fact that he has actually started recognizing his emotions. I love the way he handled Astor's inconvenient return to Miami last week - he acted like he actually cared about protecting her from her friend's abusive step-daddy. He always had Rita and the kids around to balance out his demons. And, with the fear that baby Harrison (seriously, can he get any cuter?!) may end up following in Daddy's demonic footsteps, he may need Astor and Cody around to add a dash of humanity to his complicated mix.
A (too short) preview of next week episode that just leaves me asking, "is it Sunday yet?"
I randomly came across Transatlanticism by Death Cab on shuffle today and it immediately reminded me of Six Feet Under. Even though the moment in this scene is drug-induced, there's something so special and real about it. This (phenomenally-cast) group of misfits, sitting around, contemplating the meaning of 'it' all. The atmosphere the Death Cab song creates literally mesmerizes you into a dream-like state, till you can't really tell if they're on drugs or you are. It's sort of beautiful.
It got me thinking about how when you hear certain songs, they automatically make you think of a movie or TV show you heard it on. I love that about music, the way it reminds you of different moments in your life, connecting you to memories of the same emotions you may have felt when you first saw or did something that you love.
This is not the Little Red Riding Hood I remember. With a super-steamy trailer and up-and-comer Amanda Seyfried playing the red-caped heroine, this one's getting filed under guilty-pleasure. I'm actually starting to like watching Amanda Seyfried on-screen, she's grown on me through her time on the addictive HBO series Big Love. But I think I can safely say she'll never be as hilarious as she was in Mean Girls! ("I think I have ESPN." 'Nuff said.)
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, (let's hope this is a little more Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown, and a little less Twilight), you can see the obvious parallels between this and Twilight - the werewolves, the temptation of other-worldly passion. It also looks very teenage-melodrama and angst-y, which seems to be Hardwicke's specialty. But I don't know if I'd complain in Amanda's position, since it looks like whoever the wolf ends up being, casting pretty much guarantees he's swoon-worthy. Vulture's Willa Paskin explains it perfectly, that Hardwicke's "using a fairy tale as an allegory of sexual maturity, and a creature of legend to explore the age-old question, what do you do when your boyfriend's a monster and you're super-hot for him anyway?" I do love modern interpretations of fairy tales and stories, though, getting to see a different side to a story you already know by heart, plus the casting looks absolutely scrumptious. Either way, this takes fairy tales to a whole other level. Definitely leave the kids at home though.
It's official! Carey Mulligan has signed on to play spoiled little rich girl Daisy Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann's rendition of the classic American novel, The Great Gatsby. Since the rumors started, I've been hoping they'd pick her for this role, craving to see more of her since her phenomenal performances in An Education and Never Let Me Go.
Now before you start recalling the torture of reading this book in high school, let me add that the role of Jay Gatsby is being filled by Leo Dicaprio. Swoon. And Nick Carraway (although who really cares after you have Leo) will be played by Tobey Maguire. Although it may have been a bit much to grasp in high school, this novel had all the elements of a great drama: love, betrayal, jealousy, misconception... Ok, now it sounds more like an everyday episode of General Hospital.
Perfect timing for this film adaptation, with Boardwalk Empire getting us all warm and fuzzy over the 1920s and prohibition era (as some of you may already know, Gatsby is a bootlegger!). The clothes, the music, all of it is so intriguing and addictive to watch, to be completely drawn into. Plus, Baz Luhrmann (with the exception of the torturous mistake that was Australia) is a genius, having made two of my favorite movies, Moulin Rouge, and the only rendition of Romeo + Juliet that I can actually sit through. He's already proven to be capable of staying true to the themes of classic literature, but we'll definitely be in for some of his signature flash and pizazz. And of course his great taste in music - both Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge have two of the best soundtracks of any film.
Weeds has always been like an on-again, off-again boyfriend of mine that I just can't seem to leave, no matter how bad it gets. Sure, when it's good it's really good. But, as season 4 began, my attraction to the story fizzled, and the Botwin family’s move from Agrestic to Ren Mar became a long-distance relationship I just couldn't handle - so I broke it off.
After giving Ren Mar a second chance, my addiction was back like I'd never stopped watching and two seasons later, I was intrigued to see where this new chapter would take the family – a new husband and baby in tow. But in typical Weeds-fashion, it all blew up in Nancy’s face as soon as there was a shred of normalcy in their lives.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve really grown to hate the selfish and destructive woman I once admired. Turns out, she was always just an attention-craved masochist, moving from one destructive relationship to the next, making sure to bring her family and friends down with her. And, did anyone else notice that Stevie (baby Avi) was missing the entire episode with not so much as a mention by Nancy. At this point, Avi's probably better off being raised by a crime lord like Esteban. Even growing up to be a spoiled, heroin-addicted teenager like his daughter would be better than the neglect Avi’s experiencing on the run. At least there'd be a nanny attending to him, instead of deeply disturbed 16-year old.
Don't get me wrong, I love the dark comedy and craziness of it all and you do have to give the show credit for one thing - it's ability to keep the audience on their toes. The latest episode was no exception, with a hat full of shocking surprises to make sure we tune in to see the finale next week. (Spoiler alert!) First off, Silas isn't a Botwin, which kind of ruins the 'perfect' relationship she had with Judah (Jeffery Dean Morgan). I always thought of him as the love of Nancy’s life and this somehow taints that, pretty much saying that she didn’t become this way because of her husband’s death, but she’s always been a mess, sleeping with crazy teachers and getting knocked up in high school.
And baby daddy Esteban is back, with Guillermo in tow, just in time for the finale. But Nancy still has season 7 to get herself into and out of even more sticky situations.
Last summer I picked up Jane Eyre due to sheer boredom and the fact that although I’ve tried to read most classic English novels, somehow I’d missed that one. I couldn’t put it down, from beginning to end. Reading it, you are transported into a gloomy world, dark and full of secrets we can’t even imagine. The story is riveting and, as it always seems to happen, we fall madly in love with the perpetually angry and tortured ‘bad-boy’ character, Mr. Rochester.
After finishing the novel, I proceeded to find every film adaptation I could. Being a movie-obsessed person, I desperately needed something visual to relate to. Unfortunately, the Hollywood film version was just about the worst thing I’ve ever seen. With terrible casting and the tight, hour and a half condensed-story, it was a complete disaster. The BBC version was significantly better but I still have very little urge to watch it seasonally, over and over (and over) again, like I do with the BBC version ofPride and Prejudice. (Oh, Mr. Darcy. Swoon.)
But coming soon for literary nerds everywhere, a new film version of Jane Eyre, releasing March 2011, starring Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland), and the always memorable Judi Dench. As someone who loves a good period piece, I couldn't be more excited. And, from the looks of the trailer, we may finally get to see a worthy adaptation of this classic story.
Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Price had so much promise at the beginning of this season, starting up their independent firm and making a fresh start, with all principle characters in tow. But of course, Don let us down yet again while we waited for his redemption but in true Mad Men fashion, we were left shocked and of course, disappointed.
Episode Highlights:
- Megan’s amazingly calm reaction to when Sally knocked over the milkshake. I had a mental flash to all hell breaking loose if Betty had been there instead of Megan. Even Don was surprised with her composure and ability to deal with the commotion.
- Peggy got a new account, singlehandedly bringing SCDP back from the red. She's always been my favourite character to watch grow and develop into a successful copywriter. Just looking at her meeting with the Nylon company compared to Don's meeting with the American Cancer Society, it's clear that she's advancing and moving forward while Don's ideas are starting to get tired.
- Not so surprisingly, Joan kept Roger’s baby and will seemingly pass it off as her husband’s. By the way, he’s looking a lot less weak and much cuter now. Gotta love a man in a uniform. But, next to Roger’s eternal childishness and increasing uselessness, anyone looks good.
- Don’s ridiculous engagement, not to his girlfriend Faye, but to his annoying secretary, Megan. That came out of nowhere, as does pretty much everything on this show, so I don’t know why I’m even surprised at this point. We all expected more from Don, finally having found an equal in Faye, but he ended up right where he started. And he even gave Megan Anna’s recycled ring, the one the ‘real’ Don Draper gave her. What an ass.
- Joan and Peggy’s bonding session where, for the first time, they actually got along. These two should’ve been friends long ago, but for some reason, Joan never accepted Peggy or anyone for that matter, as a friend. Watching them laugh over Don’s engagement was priceless and one of the best scenes of the finale!
"Alan Ball's all-in-the-funeral-family drama expanded on the themes of his movie American Beauty: families keep secrets, people maintain facades, and while death may be final, life is messy." - TIME
Death is such the mystery. No one can really explain it, although there are countless theories as to where we go and what happens when we die. I recently started watching Six Feet Under, HBO’s critically acclaimed drama (and sometimes comedy) about a funeral home, and two seasons in I can honestly say I’m officially hooked. Why I suddenly developed an interest in this show now, over four years since it went off the air, I have no idea.
I have nothing really in common with a story like this on the surface. It’s like when I first got into Big Love, I was somehow so interested in the concept, although I couldn’t relate to polygamy at all. There’s a certain attraction to watching something original and out of the ordinary, something that pushes the envelope. And it's definitely an interesting and unexplored idea. How do funeral directors deal with such sadness around them on a daily basis? Do they become numb to it or does it affect the way they live their life and the choices they make.
Six Feet Under is dark and morbid, depressing to watch at times, but always compelling and incredibly well-acted, challenging us with each episode. It’s more than just about funerals, delving into spirituality, relationships, and how we react to losing people, not solely through death. And at the root of the show is the Fisher family, dysfunctional at best, but with all the elements of a traditional family structure. Except of course that the Fishers run a mortuary from their home, the father’s just died, the second son (Michael C. Hall of Dexter!) is a closet homosexual, and the mom is overbearing and uptight, yet surprisingly free-spirited at times. Visually, it plays out with flashbacks and daydream sequences that are very realistic to the way we exist, distracted by memories of people and events from our past.
I'm terrible since I need to know how it all ends before I get there but even though I already googled the series’ ending, I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Now I know what all the fuss was about.
Frances Conroy is phenomenal in her role as the Fisher family Matriarch.
What is it about Ryan Gosling that makes me swoon? He's made such a transformation since playing goofy troublemaker on the short-lived after-school show Breaker High. With success in various genres of film, from the epic and probably greatest romantic movie of my generation, The Notebook, to his critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated work in Half Nelson, and the hugely anticipated upcoming Blue Valentine, he's got quite a resume already and he's just getting started.
Despite the presence of Kirsten Dunst (who I seriously cannot stand - not even a little bit), I'm filing All Good Things under must-see. First of all, the film is unofficially based on Robert Durst, the wealthy son of New York City real estate mogul, who was suspected of killing his missing wife, but never went to court for it. With Ryan portraying what looks like a mysteriously dark and disturbed character, the movie screams suspense, right down to the background music. Plus, Ryan Gosling has proven to be extremely choosy with his movie roles, so I'm at least intrigued.
We finally get to see the official trailer for the hugely anticipated new film starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams that played at TIFF. All we really know is that it's a love story that doesn't end well. And the trailer adds a bit of bitter-sweetness that I'm sure we'll see more of when it actually comes out. I'm not sure about the release date as yet.
Intensely gripping, Ryan Reynold’s newest film, Buried, kept us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. Each moment was unpredictable, and although I was skeptical at how Director Rodrigo Cortés would be able to keep a plot going while confined to a coffin, somehow he managed to do it marvelously. Apart from a quick 10 second shot of another face, Ryan’s is the only one we see onscreen for the entire 90+ minutes of the film (although why would anyone complain about that?!). Kudos to Ryan, though, who managed to convey the panic and terror of this kind of nightmarish situation very convincingly. Claustrophobics beware, it may be too intense for you!
How do you even begin to write about something, anything that you love? It’s almost impossible, with the fear that you won't be able to express your true appreciation for it. But since it’s been 20 years since Goodfellas was released, I feel I have to at least pay homage to my favourite movie of all time. Directed by the genius 'Marty' Scorsese, it's hands-down my favourite gangster film, changing the genre into what we know it as today.
To commemorate the anniversary, GQ put together a feature interviewing 60 of the film's castmembers. Michael Imperioli who played Christopher on The Sopranos, got his start in Goodfellas, as 'Spider' in the memorable scene where he gets shot in the foot by the lunatic Joe Pesci ("..It happens"). He said it perfectly, that there would have been no Sopranos (or Boardwalk Empire for that matter) if Goodfellas hadn't come first.
Goodfellas did an amazing job showing the gritty, brutality of the lives of wiseguys. Although extremely glorified at times, it wasn’t about the Godfather-like grandeur of being up at the top, but about the low-level guys working the streets just trying to make it. Showing the anti-hero that you identify with even though he’s a killer, Henry Hill made way for characters like Tony Soprano and of course Dexter. You somehow want the bad guy to end up scot-free in the end.
Without going on a 10-page rant that ends up making no sense, let me just highlight my favourite scene of the film. Henry takes Karen (lovely and talented Lorraine Bracco, aka Dr. Melfi) for a night out at the Copacabana. First of all, the way Scorsese plays this scene out is intoxicating, in a long, uncut shot following them into the Copa. Who cares that there’s a mile-long line up to get in, Henry takes her in the back door, through the busy kitchen, and a table is set up for them right up front. All because people want to show him respect. It’s a great scene that not only conveys the glamour and style of the early 60s, but the authority and power that even a mid-level gangster carried at that time. It also explains why women are always flocking to guys like Tony and Henry on-screen, who aren't that good-looking, but possess a certain smooth power that women are attracted to. Whether it’s out of fear, loyalty or because he’s got money, it’s all the same that he has the ability to make stuff happen.
I love a good period-piece, getting a glimpse into a time and life I never got a chance to live through. Add Martin Scorsese to the background, and Steve Buscemi (best known for playing Mr.Pink in Reservoir Dogs and Tony B. on The Sopranos), and HBO’s definitely got a hit on their hands.
Buscemi plays this larger than life, high-rolling gangster. He’s a Government man and seems to have the public convinced he’s one of the good guys, although he’s got his hands in just about everything illegal in Atlantic City, from prostitution to gambling and of course, bootlegging. He’s the perfect anti-hero, a crooked wiseguy with a soft heart. And we see that sensitivity when he has a woman’s abusive husband killed. He’s obviously got a thing for her, which I’m sure will come up later.
The setting is perfect: The roaring 20s with Prohibition, post-war damage to the returning soldiers, and Womens' rights just starting to develop. At a time when it was illegal to sell and consume alcohol. Talk about the golden age for gangsters. If there’s a demand for something and there’s no supply (because it’s outlawed in some way), it’s the perfect opportunity for gangsters to come in and do their thing. After all, that's the American Dream.
And with Scorsese’s deliberately tight, 'in your face' camera shots and freeze frames, you feel like you’re right there with them, experiencing it all.
I just caught the advanced screening for I’m Still Here, the mockumentary about Joaquin Phoenix’s retirement from acting. For two years, Joaquin and Director, Casey Affleck, tried to convince us that this transformation of sorts was genuine, all to come out after TIFF and admit that it was in fact, a hoax. But – do we really care either way?
After seeing the film, I still don’t know the answer to that, but it doesn’t really matter. The performance of this so-called hoax is one for the ages. Joaquin was almost unrecognizable, sporting his Unibomber-Charles Manson beard and all-around ragged look reminiscent of 90s grunge gone wrong. And talk about method acting, to actually personify a rapper, produce songs (no matter how bad they were) and put yourself out there to be ridiculed the world over!
Despite the film's extremely awkward scenes (unnecessary nudity of the male persuasion and excessive drug use from a guy whose own brother died of a drug overdose), the film was intensely funny and entertaining. I must admit, though, the comedy of it all made it hard to keep a straight face during more serious scenes. Joaquin was so convincing in this performance that it will probably be weird to see him return to himself, whatever that self may be.
Watch Joaquin keep a straight face and stay 'in character' in the now infamous interview on David Letterman:
Completely different from what we’re used to from Bollywood, Dhobi Ghat was refreshingly unique. We were taken into the lives of four very different individuals in the city of Mumbai, Arun (an artist), Yasmin (a young, married girl), Munna (a clothes-washer), and Shai (a very wealthy Indian from the US, on sabbatical) and the way their lives intertwine.
New actor Prateik Babbar, who played Arun (was painfully shy on stage, by the way), was surprisingly very good, completely nailing the role of a poor, naive boy, aware of his status in life yet unable to adhere to it, innocent in life and love. He was absolutely adorable in this role (and oh, the smile!), completely stealing the show from co-star Monica Dogra, on more than one occasion.
Elements of the film included the idea of unrequited love (always present in Bollywood, of course, although in Bollywood they usually end up happily ever after), a peak into the caste system in India, and a very real look at the everyday lives of people in Mumbai, not the fairytale version, but the lives that keeps going, happily or not, once the cameras stop rolling.
So, it looks like the clip below is all the preview we're going to get from Blue Valentine. Starring the amazing Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson, The Notebook) and Michelle Williams (Dawson's Creek- I had to mention Dawson's!), this movie already has a ton of buzz, all without even a trailer to whet our appetites. It premiered today at TIFF (although I missed it!), and I've already heard good things about this one. So here's the only legit clip I could find to keep you going till it officially opens. Be prepared, it's pretty steamy.
I was unknowingly taken into a hauntingly-beautiful world, somewhere on the shores of England, between fantasy and reality. Essentially, this was a story about the relationship between three individuals, Cathy, Tommy, and Ruth, from childhood at a boarding school (or so we thought), to their short-lived adulthood.
Throughout the entire film, I was left with a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat, spending almost half the movie on the verge of tears. Let’s just say it was a depressing concept: love unspoken, without enough time to make up for it.
At the heart of it all was this love story, unconditional, unrelenting and sadly, unfinished. Casting for the film couldn’t have been better, with very moving performances all around. Andrew Garfield, who played Tommy, really left a lasting impression on me (not just because he was adorable, both on-screen and on stage!), but he really embodied the character of a cowardly and weak boy, unable to act on his feelings. The true hero of the film, Cathy (Carey Mulligan, who I loved-loved-loved in An Education), innocently and subtly captivated us. With no way her life could end well, she lived through a ‘lifetime’ of loss, and somehow, managed to stay graceful and at peace, even when facing her ultimate fate.
For his newest film, 127 Hours, director Danny Boyle has once again brought something exciting and unique to TIFF this year. With the delectable and extremely talented James Franco, need I say more? Being deemed this year's It Boy at TIFF, James has two movies premiering at this year's festival, the second one being Howl, also starring the lovely Don Draper aka Jon Hamm and everyone's favourite drug-dealing mom, Mary-Louise Parker. As if I need to add to my list of must-see movies.
"127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s (James Franco) remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary." (Tiff.net)
I can't find the official TIFF description for Howl, but check out the trailer:
Personal Disclaimer: I am completely obsessed with TV, but I openly favour cable over network shows, for their freedom of creativity and all-around disdain for recycled material.
If I sit and go through all the notable categories, I will literally be writing for days, so instead, I’ll just highlight on a few main categories that I have an opinion on. As per usual, I expect the Emmy’s to mimic the Globes so we’ll probably see a lot of the same winners.
Outstanding Drama Series
Breaking Bad (AMC)
Dexter (Showtime)
Mad Men (AMC)
Lost (ABC)
The Good Wife (CBS)
True Blood (HBO)
The Outstanding Drama category is a tough one for me, and I’m thrilled that it has recognized Dexter, Mad Men and True Blood. Although I love True Blood, the Mary Anne storyline was pretty far-fetched and annoying last season, while Dexter and Mad Men kept me wanting more. (and more and more). Dexter, for its ability to keep us on edge and managing to keep such a shocking twist under-wraps until the finale, and Mad Men, for taking us into a new era for its characters, with topics like divorce and depression, and Don’s ability to somehow, still make the audience love him despite his many shortcomings. While we impatiently wait for season 5 to start, take a look what’s to come for our dear Dexter.
My pick: Dexter
Outstanding Comedy Series
30 Rock (NBC)
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
Glee (FOX)
Modern Family (ABC)
Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
The Office (NBC)
What a great year for fresh, new, comedies! This being the year of GLEE, I can’t ignore the fact that they’re the fan favourite, even with the gimmicky shift felt after the unnecessarily long, mid-season break. But, as a diehard Nurse Jackie fan (Edie Falco, you will always and forever be my Carmela), I love the show’s ability to make serious issues absolutely hilarious, especially with Dr. Coop, who steals the show. (Peter Facinelli, yes ladies, Carlisle Cullen) How this guy ended up being THIS FUNNY, I have no idea, but I find myself looking forward to every scene he’s in. This year will, however, go to Modern Family, with a very interesting and funny portrayal of the modern-day idea of what a family is. Don’t get me wrong, I watch and love Modern Family, but it’s sad that really off-the-wall, dark comedies don’t get credit where they should. My pick: Modern Family
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston on Breaking Bad (AMC)
Michael C. Hall on Dexter (Showtime)
Kyle Chandler on Friday Night Lights (DirecTV)
Hugh Laurie on House (Fox)
Matthew Fox on Lost (ABC)
Jon Hamm on Mad Men (AMC)
I’m torn between Michael C. Hall, whom I love as dark and demented Dexter Morgan and Jon Hamm, (my favourite sinner since Tony Soprano) from Mad Men. Michael C. Hall will definitely take this one, he won the Globe, and he was phenomenal as his character has come close as he probably ever will, to feeling love and loss for (spoiler alert!) his wife, who he found brutally murdered in the season finale. My pick: Michael C. Hall
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Lea Michele on Glee (FOX)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus on The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
Edie Falco on Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Amy Poehler on Parks And Recreation (NBC)
Tina Fey on 30 Rock (NBC)
Toni Collette on United States of Tara (Showtime)
This is getting super super long-winded so let me just highlight on a few other memorable performances this past year. Toni Collette MUST WIN for Actress in a comedy, for her role in United States of Tara. She’s amazing, able to channel various different characters switching at the drop of a hat. And she won the Globe for her role, so deservingly. My pick: Toni Collette
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Sharon Gless on Burn Notice (USA)
Rose Byrne on Damages (FX)
Archie Panjabi on The Good Wife (CBS)
Christine Baranski on The Good Wife (CBS)
Christina Hendricks on Mad Men (AMC)
Elisabeth Moss on Mad Men (AMC)
We saw a different side of Christina Hendricks’ character this past season. She had more than two dimensions, emotions which she had previously kept tightly hidden from her colleagues and lovers. We saw beneath the surface at the first generation of the feminist, but with a twist. Instead of hating men and being pro-woman, she uses what she has been given as a woman (ahem, those gorgeous curves!!!) to her advantage. I love her. And her red hair. My pick (duh): Christina Hendricks
Enough with the rambling, tune in this Sunday, August 29th to find out if any of my favourites take home a statue!
There was a moment the other night, early in the show, when my heart stopped, just for a second. The amazing Steven Tyler was bumped by Joe Perry (accidentally, I hope) and landed in the audience. At first, we couldn't tell if he was attempting to stage dive and grasp at the last shred of youth left inside him, but when security rushed to pull him back up on stage, we figured it was definitely an accident. And in true Rockstar fashion, he got right back into Love in an Elevator.
Since last year, when Steven Tyler did in fact fall off the stage mid-concert, injuring his neck and back, Aerosmith fans everywhere have been on edge. It's hard to see someone who you've always seen as so powerful, both in voice and presence, suddenly so fragile.
Either way, the show was amazing! Pure electric energy, adrenaline pumping rock n' roll.. The set list was fantastic, as the band went on to play hits both old and new, including What it Takes, Cryin', Dream On, and their cover of The Beatles' Come Together. And, the show gave each member the opportunity to shine on their own: With Steven's always-chilling vocals (how the hell can he still hit those high notes?!), Joe Perry's amazing guitar solos, and Joey Kramer on the drums, pounding us into submission.
The boys men of Aerosmith seem to transcend generations, somehow resonating even with today's youth. It's funny, this is one show I've been to where on one side of me there was a 14 year old boy and on the other was someone around 65. And the fact that all the band's members are over 60 is such a testament to their agility and freaking ability make great music that we still care about today. Aerosmith will forever be Cocked, Locked, and Ready to Rock.
With TIFF less than a month away, excitement is mounding, and new films are being announced everyday. First things first, Clint Eastwood has chosen to premiere his newest film, the spooky, Hereafter, in Toronto. It's starring Matt Damon and Bryce Dallas Howard (Ron Howard's daughter), and with Eastwood directing, it's sure to be a great film, but I can't be sure until I at least see the trailer.
And, I've finally seen the trailer for Black Swan:
"A psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet, Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company. Black Swan takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect. Black Swan also stars Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder." (Tiff.net)
Tomorrow, the highly anticipated movie Eat Pray Love opens in theatres, starring Pretty Woman herself, Julia Roberts. But to be honest, the only thing making me take notice is the presence of the elusive James Franco, who I am so fascinated with right now. (and not just because he’s hot, which he is, obviously.) I’m convinced we should all pay attention to what he’s doing, which seems so scattered and unintentional, but I can’t seem to write him off as another crazy (Joaquin Phoenix-style) attention-whore that Hollywood is famous for. Why is he all over the place? Can he not decide on a career? Or is he just re-defining the boundaries of art and life. Before I get too philosophical, let me highlight why I can’t get enough of James Franco.
On Freaks and Geeks, James played Daniel Desario, the bad boy who won the hearts of teenage misfits everywhere with his Dylan McKay-like persona, rebelling against everyone in his life, full of angst, and damaged to the point where all you wanted to do was save him from himself. He was so rock’n’roll. That show was kick-ass by the way and it’s a shame that it only lasted one season. Judd Apatow directed it before his hit comedies (40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up). You can see similarities in both his casting choices and a hint of comedy beneath the over-dramatic-ness of it all. Love it.
He’s smart as hell. If you are even remotely interested in him, make sure you check out this amazing article from New York Magazine (The James Franco Project), on how he’s got this insatiable thirst for learning and only sleeps like three hours a night. Not because he’s busy partying or drinking himself into rehab a-la-Lohan, but because he’s concurrently completing three masters programs. Who does that?! He makes everyone else look like under-achievers.
His stint on General Hospital right now is so random. Critics are wondering why someone with an already-successful film career would choose to work on a soap opera, where most actors start their careers. I may be biased since I’m a crazy General Hospital fan but, isn’t he just expressing various art forms. Acting in itself is still an art-form, no matter where you do it. I guess the point is, no one knows why he’s choosing to do what he’s doing. His ambiguity makes him a topic for discussion, and whether his actions are intentional or not, he’s still a mystery that remains unsolved.
Just for fun, check out the Freaks and Geeks intro, featuring my wake-up song, Bad Reputation, by the lovely Joan Jett!
In the world of TV, it’s not enough anymore to have a great story. To survive in today’s environment, networks that are managing to come out on top are keeping up with what people want.
HBO understands this, that interaction between viewers and the brand only helps to enhance the experience. They manage to stand out from the crowd and connect with us right where we’re already spending our time, online.
Aside from the usual Facebook pages, they have character blogs and twitter accounts, that completely take on the behaviours of the characters we already love. If you’re a fan, make sure you take a look at Vampire Jessica's (True Blood) and Lloyd's (Entourage) blogs. We all love to get a little something extra.
Also, fans of foursquare need to check out my new favourite iPhone app, GetGlue. HBO’s even gotten involved, giving out badges for ‘checking in’ to certain movies, music, tv shows, etc. Not going to lie, but as an entertainment geek, I’m already obsessed with checking-in and offering my two cents. GetGlue, it’s genius.
New movies and shows coming out should take notice, because people are watching! Even Snoop Dogg, who recently wrote a song and made a music video dedicated to Sookie Stackhouse and the True Blood Gang!
Given that it’s a cable television channel, the buzz they’ve managed to create around True Blood is crazy. Their poster teasers prior to this season got fans so interested that we were eagerly counting down till the first episode (or maybe it was just me). And it doesn’t hurt that the product is genuinely good, although I may be biased.
Oh, and just to add to my love of cable tv, I totally got retweeted by the official Weeds Twitter account! That's pretty cool when you're a fan.
If you love reminiscing about the era of Madonna, spandex and legwarmers (the FIRST time they were cool), then make sure you check out Hot Tub Time Machine. To be honest, it's a big mess of crazy, but Craig Robinson (Darrel from The Office) and Rob Corddry (cop from Harold and Kumar 2), not to mention resident 80s child John Cusack, make the film actually pretty funny!
Although the story is one big slapstick with the essence of The Hangover, filled with impossible time traveling and grotesque humour, the journey is what makes this fun to watch. Plus, there’s nothing better than watching middle-aged men going through mid-life crises, getting a flashback at their teenage years.
Beginning to end, there's so much from the 80s it's like watching a Wham! video. There’s even a Sixteen Candles-esque scene with John Cusack and his lady love interest sitting on a counter top, gazing into each others' eyes over a candle. Now if only the girl was Molly Ringwald! But not the Molly Ringwald that exists today, on that dreadful show about teen pregnancy. I mean the Molly us girls grew up idolizing, with the boy cut, and the freakin awesome sense of style (questionable today of course), epitomizing the 80s teenage girl.
It's only fitting that I refer back to the iconic scene from 1989’s Say Anything that made John Cusack forever that fresh-faced boy next door. Talk about a not-so-modern day Romeo standing outside his Juliet’s window, with a boombox instead of a boring old soliloquy.
The other day, a friend asked me about what movies look good at TIFF this year, so I put together a quick breakdown of the films I want to see at this year's festival.
TRUST:
Directed by David Schwimmer (yes, Ross from Friends!), this movie is anything but the comedy we're used to seeing from him.
"A drama that examines the build-up and aftermath of a teenager's (Liana Liberato) seduction by an online sexual predator. Clive Owen and Catherine Keener are perfectly cast as the grieving parents, but relative newcomer Liberato's slow-burning self-realization and climatic breakdown is undeniably heartrending." (Tiff.net)
THE TOWN:
By now, I’m sure everyone has seen this trailer, which was shown (at least around Toronto) in theatres before Inception. By the looks of it, we’re in for another fantastic crime film set in the dark and rough city of Boston. As someone who’s obsessed with crime films, this looks captivating to say the least. And, with a cast like this one: Jon Hamm from Mad Men, Ben Affleck, and Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker), and, looking at Ben’s last amazing foray into Directing (Gone Baby Gone), we are sure to be left with a bitter-sweet taste of the dead-end of South Boston.
“Four best friends who moonlight as bank robbers are busy dodging the FBI, but things get complicated when their leader falls in love with a woman behind the till. Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, The Town is a gritty exploration of crime and its consequences.” (Tiff.net)
IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY:
I’m a huge fan of ‘coming of age’ films, especially ones that are bizarre and awkward as hell, even though I’ve already come of age what feels like ages ago. I think I love and will always love the spirit of teen angst and confusion about growing up. Add funny-man Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) to the mix and Keir Gilchrist, (Toni Colette’s gay son on The United States of Tara) I’m definitely expecting some dark humour of sorts.
"A teenager's week in the adult psych ward brings new meaning to 'coming of age.'" (Tiff.net)
NEVER LET ME GO:
This is a must-see for me because I absolutely love Carey Mulligan in her Oscar-nominated role, An Education. Plus, the trailer for this movie looks so fascinating in that it gives you just enough to keep you wanting more, but still leaves you confused as to what’s really going on with this weird Boarding School they go to. Read my review from the premiere screening at TIFF 2010.
“Hailsham is an idyllic English boarding school, presided over by a strict but fair headmistress (Charlotte Rampling). Children are held to an imposing health regimen, have no parental contact and live in fear of leaving the school grounds. It soon becomes clear that something is not quite right at Hailsham. Young Kathy (Carey Mulligan) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) are fast friends; the former bold and confident and the latter soft-spoken and caring. They befriend Tommy (Andrew Garfield), a tormented and socially awkward boy prone to fits of anguish, and the trio hesitantly stumble their way into early adulthood under the guidance of their teachers, without ever having contact with the outside world. Now eighteen-year-olds, Kathy, Ruth and Tommy must leave Hailsham for The Cottages, a mysterious place outside the safety of their school, to learn the ominous future that awaits them. Confronted with a secret that threatens to tear their lives apart, they struggle to thwart their fate.” (Tiff.net)
BLUE VALENTINE:
No trailer for this one yet! Why so hush-hush?
“Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams turn in powerful performances in this portrait of two lovers at the beginning and end of a relationship.” (Tiff.net)
BURIED:
It’s a very common nightmare to be buried alive, and it will be very interesting to see an entire film developing literally within a box. One-man films are difficult to accomplish (remember Castaway- and even Tom Hanks had Wilson to keep him company). When conversations and interactions are one-sided and, it can be difficult to engage the audience, and with Ryan completely enclosed inside a coffin, this concept is so intriguing. Imagine being claustrophobic and having to film this! Read my review from the Maple Pictures advanced screening.
“Ryan Reynolds stars as a civilian contractor who wakes up in Iraq, buried underground with only a Blackberry and a lighter. Astonishing one-man thriller.” (Tiff.net)
I'm going through a musical transformation of sorts. It happens to me every few years where I rediscover a different side of myself and fall deeply in love with the art of music and musicianship so much so that I feel like I can't stand it anymore. Lost in a trance, I'm reminded of a quote from one of my favourite movies of all time, Almost Famous, where Band-Aid Saphhire describes love of music actually quite perfectly.
"they don't even know what it is to be a fan. you know, to truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band...so much that it hurts."
It's sad but apparently true that next season will be Steve Carell's last as top dog of Dunder Mifflin. The current season has just now ended and already the search has begun to pick a replacement from the well-deserving Dunder Mifflin employees in want of a promotion.
I don't know why anyone would even consider anyone else, when we all know Dwight should be the next manager! I mean, can you imagine? Company retreats at Schrute Farms with Cousin Mose! And here are the Top 10 Reasons, in his own words of course, why Dwight Schrute should be the new boss of Dunder Mifflin Scranton.
He has all the right experience:
"Because although I don't have a lot of experience with vampires, but I have hunted werewolves. I shot one once, but by the time I got to it, it turned back into my neighbour's dog."
He's quick on his feet:
"I am fast. To give you a reference point I am somewhere between a snake and a mongoose...and a panther."
Determination runs in his family:
"I come from a long line of fighters. My maternal grandfather was the toughest guy I ever knew. World War Two veteran killed twenty men and spent the rest of the war in an Allied prison camp. My father battled blood pressure and obesity all his life. Different kind of fight."
He's ambitious for power:
"Once I'm officially Regional Manager, my first order of business will be to demote Jim Halpert. So I will need a new number two. My ideal choice? Jack Bauer. But he is unavailable. Fictional And overqualified."
He's economical:
"Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food. I can drive a taxi. I can, and do, cut my own hair. I did however, tip my urologist, because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones."
He's a survivor:
"In the wild, there is no health care. In the wild, health care is, ‘Ow, I hurt my leg. I can't run. A lion eats me. I'm dead.’ Well, I’m not dead. I’m the lion. You’re dead."
He thinks before he acts:
"Before I do anything I ask myself, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing."
He's (kind of?) loyal:
"Would I ever leave this company? Look, I'm all about loyalty. In fact, I feel like part of what I'm being paid for here is my loyalty. But if there were somewhere else that valued loyalty more lighly, I'm going wherever they value loyalty the most."
He knows exactly who he is:
"How would I describe myself? Three words: hard working, alpha male, jackhammer...merciless...insatiable."
And the #1 reason Dwight Schrute should be the new Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin is because he's unbreakable.
"When my mother was pregnant with me, they did an ultrasound and found she was having twins. When they did another ultrasound a few weeks later, they discovered that I had absorbed the other fetus. Do I regret this? No, I believe his tissue has made me stronger. I now have the strength of a grown man and a little baby."
What a great age for TV. With such compelling choices of shows to watch, it's a wonder I even join the real world every once in a while. What makes good TV, anyway? Well, to me, its all about dynamic characters, the originality of a story, and that X factor that keeps viewers tuning, not only each week but each season. And no where in there is anything to do with reality TV - It's just NOT quality.
On Sunday, we were once again taken back to the 1960s, to the magical world that is Mad Men. Back to the fabulous fashions, mid-day cocktails, and Don's debauchery. It's weird that I even find myself attracted to this show, which takes place in a decade I have absolutely no actual attachment to. It's not nostalgia that's got me hooked, but I guess it's a fascination with what I don't know and never got to live through. It's a glimpse at the glamorousness that was the early 1960s, when life was just starting to get complicated (ahem, Betty and Don's divorce) but when people still put in that extra effort to look and act a certain way - refined I guess. Although as Mad Men viewers, we know that to be untrue for the characters we love, who are mostly so morally bankrupt (especially when it comes to relationships), and we see that even at that time, things were not as they seemed. There was something impure lurking behind the facade of white picket fences. Yet, here I was feeling so completely sorry for Don Draper (the beautiful John Hamm). How is it possible to feel sorry for such a flawed character, who has a hidden past, and cheated on his wife repeatedly and without a shred of remorse?! What is it about the elusive Don that still has women swooning and yes, secretly hoping for a Betty and Don reunion. Anyways, it was a great start to what will be an interesting season.
On a side note, I thought it was hilarious that we got an early look at an ad agency trying out buzz marketing. And of course, in typical tongue-in-cheek Mad Men fashion, Don makes sure to tell Peggy to "Try and stay away from these kind of shenanigans". Of course he's referring to the PR stunt that Peggy thought up, to get some buzz around their client. It's funny how PR stunts and event marketing tactics are now the norm. By the way, how cool is it that Mad Men had a premiere event last Sunday, where people dressed in their best 60s attire, and gathered in Times Square.
Sundays are a TV addict's worst nightmare right now. True Blood, Mad Men and the now-dwindling Entourage (although I am still tuning in out of loyalty.)
If you haven't checked out Mad Men, here's what you missed on Sunday:
Lady Gaga: Oh my Gaga. Last week’s concert at the ACC was one of the best I’ve ever been to. And guess what, she danced and sang at the same time with No lip-syncing! See Britney, it can be done. Her voice is amazing. Gaga sings (and sometimes yells) straight from the heart and it’s so raw when she does. People tend to get distracted by the costumes and façade of her image and button-pushing videos, but when you strip all that away and it’s her sitting at a piano, belting out a song like Speechless, you are left speechless at how breathtakingly beautiful the experience of it is.
True blood Season 3: I can’t even explain how excited I get on Sunday nights (actually, I usually watch on Monday nights) when I get to slip into the magical and most of the time, very colourful Bon Temps and get to live in this world were sexy vampires and werewolves cause a lot of ruckus. Growing up watching Buffy and now with this Twilight craziness, this is obviously something so relevant, especially teens, no matter what the decade. Something about eternal love just makes us girls swoon! That and Alexander Skarsgard.
Vanessa Marcil’s upcoming return to GH: I’m regularly googling her name this week, just to make sure she’s still planning on reprising her epic role as Brenda on GH. I know I may seem ridiculous at doing that but who the hell cares. According to one post I found, the official date is August 11.
The Hills is finally over so maybe now I can look forward to the beginning of the end of reality TV? – HA. I literally laugh out loud at the thought. It’s probably just wishful thinking, but that would be just divine. I’m so sick of having to get through endless reports on Jake, Vienna and company just to see some actual entertainment news. (I do, however, appreciate the absurdity that is Jersey Shore, a guilty pleasure of mine as; you are free to judge my hypocrisy.)
