Will it be Sir Captain or Captain Sir? Patrick Stewart to be Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

Patrick Stewart, mostly known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation, is among 9 individuals who have been selected by a committee within British Cabinet Office to receive an official title from Queen Elizabeth II earlier next year.

Stewart received the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2001. He is being recognized for success in acting (drama), and his work with charities, specifically Refuge, an institution established for the domestically abused.

The 69-year old actor, once the rite is complete, will be formally known as Sir Patrick Stewart of Yorkshire. I think it's safe to say that he's boldly gone where no Star Trek actor has gone before. Congrats, Sir Picard!

It's Complicated - No It's Simply Funny..See it!

Meryl Streep gives a Master's class in acting with her performance in this film. Ironically, the skillful way she can change her emotions on a dime, phasing in and out of blissful incredulity and simple despair can't be taught. In writer/director Nancy Meyer's latest rom-com, Streep plays Jane, an empty nest divorcee who finds herself suddenly being re-wooed and won by her cheating, charismatic ex-husband, Jake (played cunningly by 30 Rock's Alec Baldwin).

Jane is on the verge of a mid-life crisis - her kids are all grown up and she is facing a future of watching the Hills all alone in her spacious (gorgeous, scenic, straight-out-of-a-catalog) Santa Barbara home for the first time. Her friends tell her she needs to get back out there, but you can sense that she has already resigned herself to loneliness. Just then she has a casual meeting with her new architect, Adam (Steve Martin, in a subdued and heartfelt role), a soft-spoken gentleman whose own marital experiences had left him bruised and battered. His plans for her home are a metaphor - he seems instantly attuned to her needs and has no trouble complying with her demands (in the form of 47 emails), whereas her ex, when he sees the plans, immediately attempts to alter them -It's a short, but brilliantly insightful exchange.

In New York celebrating their son's college graduation, Jane and Jake find themselves at the hotel bar each alone, as Jake's trophy wife has stayed home nursing his sick step-son. In a whirlwind of wine, reminiscing and dancing they find themselves in bed together, Jane confused and hungover, and Jake happy as a clam. It's here that Baldwin shines. He weaves a web of charm, regret and remorse that Jane is unable to untangle. After their second rendez-vous, and an impromptu trip to her therapist for advice (a truly human scene from Streep), Jane decides to dive head first into a full-on affair.

From there, the title of the film is fully realized. Jane is conflicted because she is rediscovering herself in the context of the affair, all the while she is commanding the attention and affection of Adam the architect. She knows he's battlescarred and the details of his pain, but the history with Jake is pulling her focus. It all comes to a head, as expected, and everybody gets hurt. However, Meyer's constructs a conclusion that plays out for the best - and the lessons that Jane and Jake learn inform very grounded discussions, and equally human decisions.

Over the last decade, Nancy Meyers has provided the American Rom-Com library with some aesthetically beautiful films -filled with scenic landscapes, lavish interiors, lyrical sophisticated jazz and rich performances from skilled actors in films such as "The Holiday", "Something's Gotta Give and "What Women Want." This film continues that tradition, and the result is a heartfelt, humorous, realistic exploration into the perils of post-divorce life. It's Complicated is simple answer to how to spend your next free night at the multiplex.

Sherlock Holmes = Weak Sauce: Skip It..

Sherlock Holmes was very underwhelming. Robert Downey Jr. sometimes spoke too hurriedly to be understood. The plot line was murky and there was too much meaningless action. Moreover, as a standalone, the story failed to give the audience a sense of how or why, in Watson's right mind, he and Holmes were friends. I would have enjoyed it more if the film were an introduction to their friendship, so I could understand why I should care. Lord Blackwood was weak sauce as a villian - I am glad that Moriarty wasn't wasted in this film, his viliany was too sublime to be wasted on this story. Save your money or go see "Up In The Air" or "The Hurt Locker" instead.

R.I.P actress Brittany Murphy, 32

A report has been released this afternoon that "Clueless" star Brittany Murphy arrived DOA to Cedars-Sinai hospital this morning, having suffered a cardiac arrest and was unable to be resuscitated by paramedics. She was 32.

Brittany Murphy was born in Atlanta, Georgia and was raised in New York. When she turned 14, she landed her first acting role on television, a show called Drexel's Class. Appearances on Parker Lewis Can't Lose, Boy Meets World and Party of Five followed, until her big break came playing Ty in the 1995 Heckerling hit, "Clueless."

In the next 10 years, Brittany enjoyed great success, appearing opposite Angelina Jolie in "Girl, Interrupted" and then, Michael Douglas in"Don't Say a Word." Her last big screen hit, "Sin City" premiered in 2005, after which Murphy seemed to disappear below the radar taking voiceover work and straight-to-dvd roles.

In May 2007, Brittany married screenwriter Simon Monjack in an intimate private ceremony. The emergency call made this morning came from their home at 8am.

Brittany Murphy was a remarkable actress with a beautiful voice. Another young person gone too soon. My heart goes out to her husband and their family. Farewell, Miss Brittany. You'll be sorely missed.

Avatar - A True Work of Art...subject to interpretation

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing James Cameron's last epic, "Titanic," on opening night, Dec 19, 1997, just after taking my statistics final. I remember going in not knowing what to expect, but having heard about all the money that had been thrown into the film and its special effects. Someone in the business once said that Cameron was the type of director where every dime he spent went up on the screen - the film could cost $5 million, but it would end up looking like $20 million. When I left Titanic that night with my date (in sobs), I knew that assertion was factual. And last night returning from Cameron's latest fare, "Avatar," I learned it all over again.

Like any fine work of art, "Avatar" is a visually stunning work that makes a political statement, forcing its audience to challenge conventions set in stone within themselves. Furthermore, as art, it leaves room for interpretation while leaving a lasting impression. With the advent of effects techniques made possible by characters such as Gollum in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and Jar-Jar Binks in Star Wars 1, 2, and 3, Cameron was able to create simulated characters that emote and realize a lush, green world composed entirely on computer. The result is a symphony of live-action and animated wonders.

The film's heroine, Neytiri, played by ascending star Zoe Saldana, is the daughter of the Na'Vi leadership and is charged with the training of the protagonist, parapalegic Jake Sully, a marine who makes the trip to planet Pandora after his twin brother is killed on Earth. At first, Jake seems fine to infiltrate the native people of the planet to advance the plans of the military contigent. Through his trials, however, he earns the respect of the Na'Vi people, finds love, and a new causes worth fighting for. It's a charming, simplistic story line that works just like it did in Titanic - transformative love as a catalyst for change.

For those well-versed in Cameron's film repetoire, there were a great many wonderful allusions to films past. The score, composed by James Horner who also composed for "Titanic", is both tribal and majestic, and carries notes similar to those heard in "The Mask of Zorro" and "The Patriot." These were also films where the action sequences relied heavily upon strong percussive undertones to drive the story.

Some character archetypes were familiar too. In "Aliens," Cameron featured a strong Latina in the character of Vasquez, whose death in a fiery explosion signified a sacrifice. In casting Michelle Rodriguez as helicopter pilot Trudy, James has borne another courageous latina imbued by duty, willing to sacrifice. Also of note are the alien beings, the Na'Vi, who bear a striking resemblance to the creatures in Cameron's 1989 "The Abyss." Save for the translucent skin and residing beneath the sea, these two races could be cousins.

Not to mention the hardware - all the guns have a Terminator feel, and the robotic transport vehicles used by the soldiers scream "Ripley on the loading dock." These similaries are sure to make film afficienados chuckle when recognized. Of course, it's also entirely possible that Cameron's way of making the film more digestible was to build in familiar cues for the general audience to latch on to, a calculated and smart design indeed.

At times the film got a little preachy, it's only drawback. There were many backhanded comments about the nature of undue force and disenfranchisement; about the perils of war and the reasons its waged; about the importance of allegiances and knowing when they should (if ever) change. Cameron faced a similar pitfall in 1989, when his eventual director's cut of The Abyss had to trim 20 min of dialogue toward the end, relating the reasons why the aliens wanted to obliterate mankind due to its nuclear bomb-favoring ways. The theatrical version is a far better film as a result, as audiences would have been turned off and removed from the story by its anti-war message. This time, Cameron weaves the message throughout the film, and the result is occasionally offputting.

While I don't think this film will inspire the same frenzy as Titanic did in his months' long run in theatres (i.e. long lines of repeat viewers into late January that included irish folk music and people dancing while waiting in line), there is definitely an epic quality to the film which will mesmerize audiences into making it apart of their home collections when the time comes. That won't be any time soon though - the visual effects are best seen on the big screen and word of mouth will keep the box-office strong well into January 2010.

Until then, be sure to tell your friends to visit the local multiplex and check out 'Avatar", a visual masterpiece worthy of a closer look.

Shows I'm looking forward to... Life Unexpected (theCW)

The eternally teenage-looking Shiri Appleby (seriously, what virgins blood has she been jugging) and JFK Jr.-portraying Kristoffer Polaha (his best role to date) are joining relative newcomer Britt Robertson for this new, mid-season, unconventional-family dramedy, "Life Unexpected," premiering on, of all networks, the CW. The show's premise follows the journey of a plucky 16 year-old foster kid to locate her biological parents and the difficult task of creating bonds and eventually a family from scratch. So far, 3 episodes have been screened for critics and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. This bodes well for the CW, which struggles to create (or support) drama series without relying on a healthy dose of window-dressing in their casts. This show continues tht tradition, boasting plenty of pretty people, and as an added bonus their acting seems to stand on its own. This should be a home run for the network come Jan 18, 2010. See the trailer here and decide for yourself...

R.I.P screen legend Jennifer Jones, 90

Sad news from Hollywood tonight - 5-time Oscar nominee and winner in 1943 for "The Song of Bernadette" has died. A regular Meryl Streep of the 30's and 40's, Jones was celebrated as one of Hollywood's biggest stars, starring in classics such as "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" (1955), and most recently "The Towering Inferno" (1974). She is survived by her only child, son Robert Walker.

What criteria determines Best Supporting Actor/Actress?

Ask any critic this awards cycle of what category they would dare to predict the winner, and this year's Best Supporting Actor and Actress races seem to be the surest bets in town. Monique, in her standout role as the abusive mother of the lead in "Precious," is on everyone's short list. Virtual unknown Christoph Waltz has been so buzzed about since earlier this year for his breakout role as a Nazi in Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" that he seems a virtual lock. It's all well-deserved praise to be sure as both of these actors command the scenes in which they appear, despite neither receiving top billing. Therein lies the reason for the honor.

When Catherine Zeta Jones won her Oscar for Supporting Actress in "Chicago," no one was surprised. It was because she stole every scene opposite Renee Zellweger. You simply gravitated to her more. Not to mention her musical numbers were show-stoppers, and she demonstrated tremendous versatily in a skill of which most people had no clue she was capable.

At the 1997 Academy Awards, before he started whooping and leaping about the stage, Cuba Gooding Jr.'s win was considered a sure thing as well. His role as the soulful, intense, family-driven Rod Tidwell in "Jerry McGuire" made people laugh and cry, and he added a new catch phrase to the American lexicon - "Show me the money."

So, the next time you watch a film and an actor's performance raises your eyebrow(s), ask yourself two things: 1. Did this actor's name appear before or after the film title in the credits? 2. In any scene, did he or she eclipse the film's main star? If so, take note - that actor could be the next one supporting a coveted statuette come awards time.

SAG Nominations - Shaloub, Renner get some love; Arquette is back in contention!

NCIS: Los Angeles star Chris O'Donnell and Mission: Impossible III star Michelle Monaghan announced the nominees for the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards, to be aired January 23 on TNT. A lot of the nominations are an echo of the Golden Globes nods revealed 2 days ago, but there are some returning favorites, too. (Yeah, Patricia! Go Medium!!!)

Male actor in a drama series:
Simon Baker, "The Mentalist"
Brian Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie, "House"
Good for Brian Cranston - he was sidelined from this category at the Golden Globes, presumably by Bill Paxton in "Big Love," so it's nice to see the SAG voters seat him at the table. Simon Baker is really charming and has some moments of real depth on "The Mentalist," but in this crowd that won't be enough. The last few episodes of Mad Men allowed Hamm to shone bright as he broke down Don Draper; it could be his year. Oh, but Michael C. Hall - Dexter really had some stuff to deal with this season, and Hall managed to balance the brutality with vulnerability.

Female actor in a drama series: (A tie, so six nominees)
Patricia Arquette, "Medium"
Glenn Close, "Damages"
Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: SVU"
Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace"
Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"
This has got to be my favorite category this year! I don't see Holly Hunter or Mariska Hargitay making waves, but the return of Patricia Arquette to the fold brings me great joy. Especially so, given there are 6 nominees in the running and only 1 is from a new show. She totally kept someone out! That's awesome. Juliana Margulies has a lot of support from her "E.R." days, and her performance on The Good Wife is layered and strong. Sedgwick and Close wear their roles like old shoes - both very nuanced but never over the top. I honestly don't know how the voters will choose, but Sedgwick has been a bridesmaid many times. It's time she caught the bouquet.

Ensemble in a drama series:
"The Closer"
"Dexter"
"The Good Wife"
"Mad Men"
"True Blood"
It boggles the mind to wonder why "The Closer" hasn't won this category yet, but "Mad Men" makes it difficult. Dexter had a phenominal season, and they really seemed to find cohesion with the addition of Lithgow as the central adversary. What a wonderful reward and perfect conclusion to the season.

Female actor in a comedy series:
Christina Applegate, "Samantha Who?"
Toni Collette, "United States of Tara"
Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
It feels like a lifetime ago that "Samantha Who?" was on the air. Not sure voters will remember either, but it's nice to see Applegate get a shout out from her peers. Fey could three-peat, but I think that it's tough to defeat a cable star with multiple personality disorder. Toni Collette for the win, unless Edie Falco and her dry-witted Nurse Jackie steal her thunder. Either way, the reign of Fey shall fall.

Male actor in a comedy series:
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Steve Carell, "The Office"
Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
Tony Shalhoub, "Monk"
Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men"
It's Shaloub's last season as the character that once won him 3 Emmys, 2 SAGs and 1 Golden Globe in the last 8 years. Alec Baldwin could repeat, but he shouldn't. Monk was an iconic tour-de-force of comedic quirks and heartfelt performances, and Shaloub deserves the win.

Ensembles in a comedy series:
"30 Rock"
"Curb Your Enthusiasm"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"The Office"
30 Rock is the incumbent, but this year cries for new blood. It would be lovely to see the cast of "Glee" take the stage, but that maybe a little hopeful. Modern Family is breathing new life into the comedy sitcom format, and it is really an ensemble success. Either way, it's out with the old and in with the new.

Male actor in a TV miniseries:
Kevin Bacon, "Taking Chance"
Cuba Gooding Jr., "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story"
Jeremy Irons, "Georgia O'Keeffe"
Kevin Kline, "Great Performances: Cyrano de Bergerac"
Tom Wilkinson, "A Number"
What a crazy category. Look at all the talent! 3 Oscar winners... I saw Taking Chance on HBO - Kevin Bacon really gave an understated performance. I like what roles he is throwing himself into these days. Cuba Gooding Jr. did Ben Carson proud, but I am thinking Jeremy Irons, or Kevin Kline by a nose...

Female actor in a TV miniseries:
Joan Allen, "Georgia O'Keeffe"
Drew Barrymore, "Grey Gardens"
Ruby Dee, "America"
Jessica Lang, "Grey Gardens"
Sigourney Weaver, "Prayers for Bobby"
Jessica Lang took this category this year at the Emmy's; I fully expect a repeat performance.

Male supporting actor in a movie:
Matt Damon, "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Waltz will blow your mind if you let him. He's a safe bet to double down on, although Stanley Tucci in "Bones" was as measured and unsettling a performance as there ever was.

Female supporting actor in a movie:
Penelope Cruz, "Nine"
Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air"
Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"
Diane Kruger, "Inglourious Basterds"
Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Mo'Nique wins this. No contest. Unless the voters are taking crazy pills. Her performance was leveled, but that one scene opposite Mariah Carey is truly affecting.

Male lead actor in a movie:
Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
George Clooney, "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth, "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"
Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker"
I reserve judgement until I see "Crazy Heart" and "A Single Man."

Female lead actress in a movie:
Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren, "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan, "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"
This is a tough call. Sandra vs. Meryl was enough, but you factor in the formidable Helen Mirren and the ground swell of support for Sidibe and this race gets tight. History says Streep is the best bet, but its interesting her performance in "Julie & Julia" was one for which she was nominated, and not "It's Complicated"(Complicated's humor was more relatable and Streep was very accessible in the comedic situation comedy). Perhaps the former levels the playing field on which these actresses performances are playing. Guild voters tend to be a sentimental bunch though, so I am going with Bullock - she had 2 strong performances this year, 1 comedy and 1 drama, and versatility is the hallmark of a great actor.

Ensemble in a movie:
"An Education"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Nine"
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
This is a contest between "Inglourious Basterds" and "Nine." As much as I love "The Hurt Locker," it's a movie that's emotional resonance depends upon Jeremy Renner's stellar performance and Kathryn Bigelow's seamless direction, and that may not be enough. "Precious" has an eclectic ensemble, featuring a credible Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Monique's breakout performance. It's unlikely, however, that voters will gravitate to the subtlety behind the substance and the film will lose votes for being a downer. "Nine" boasts director Rob Marshall of "Chicago," as well as Daniel Day Lewis, Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz singing and dancing - it isn't presumed, but it wouldn't be a shock. "Inglourious" would incite shock and awe - this is a truly ensemble film that demanded cohesion from its cast to work and it did. Not to mention it was vintage Tartantino, featured a matinee idol in Pitt, and entertained a LOT of people. Smart money is on the basterds.

Did We Work Together? The 67th Golden Globes edition – how well do you know the nominees? PLAY!!

Alec Baldwin starred in Malice with Bill Pullman, who made ___________________ with Sandra Bullock, who appeared opposite Bradley Cooper in All About Steve, who starred in __________________, which is nominated for Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical).
Starship Troopers starred ________________________, who also made Undercover Brother with Denise Richards, who filmed a cameo in Love, Actually with ____________________, who is nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama), and ___________________, who is nominated in the Best Actress in Television Series (Drama) category.
Wesley Snipes starred in two films, Disappearing Acts in 2000, and Blade in 1998, which also starred Sanaa Lathan, who made Something New with ______________________, who starred in the Devil Wears Prada with Anne Hathaway, who played opposite ___________________, nominated for the 24th and 25th time for It’s Complicated and Julie & Julia in the Best Actress Comedy category.
Jagged Edge stars _______________ and ________________, who are both nominated in Actor categories this year. Two years earlier, she made The Big Chill with Kevin Kline and _________________, who starred in a History of Violence with Viggo Mortensen, whose co-star, Maria Bello, made The Jane Austen Book Club with __________________, nominated in the Best Actress Drama category.

How'd you do?

When does your Favorite Show return from Winter Hiatus?

Thankfully, Entertainment Weekly (or rather, an enterprising intern at the publication, Sandra Gonzalez) has taken the liberty of compiling all of the mid-season return dates for the network shows. The link is below, thanks for looking!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/12/15/midseason-2010-tv-cheat-sheet/

SYTYCD Season 6 - The Strongest Performance Finale EVER.

Hands down, Russell and Kathryn were the top boy and girl tonight - NO CONTEST. Tonight's show was only 1 hour, so the brass opted to forego the solos in favor of 9 dances from the remaining 6 dancers. It sounded awkward, and people weren't initially feeling the whole final 6 thing, but, remarkably, the show delivered some of the best dances this season.

Round 1:

The first 3 pairings were exceptionally strong, which went a long way to starting the show off on the right foot. First, Ryan and Kathyrn performed a samba Sergio Mendes' Magalenha from "Dance With Me," starring Vanessa L. Williams - at least, that's what memory that song always triggers. Not immediately remembering who choreographed this routine (Jason Gilkerson), but Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin DID the choreography for that movie (see from 5:45). I'm just sayin'. Anyway, Kathryn's moves were really grounded and her hips were hypnotic - she has been consistent in Latin throughout the competition. Ryan partnered her really well, but my eyes stayed with Kathryn for the duration of the routine. It's a compliment to Ryan, really. Had he pulled my focus, it would have been because she wasn't keeping up with him. Bravo.

Next, Ellenore and Jakob were paired up for a Tyce Diorio Fosse-esque routine. I wasn't horrified by it (huzzah!). They still had some residual chemistry from their last go-round, so they played off of each other well. Ellenore looked especially fetching tonight, very Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly which helped to sell the piece. Jakob was given more jetes to do (surprise, surprise), but for once I was feeling the whole Joel Gray comparison thing, it was in keeping with the mood of the piece. I would have liked more Fosse-ful movements, but the ones there were were lovely. These two really enjoy sharing the floor together and that saved the piece.

Last in the round were Russell and Ashley dancing a Sonya contemporary to Jewel. Russell killed this piece. Ashley's part was relegated to that of a "guardian angel," and that was not a bad thing. In fact, it was a very restrained performance for her and what she did, she did gorgeously. Russell, though...wow. He was doing double toras (2 turns in mid-air), pointing his toes, and the elevation on his assisted leap from Ashley's arms was superb. You forget he's a krumper sometimes. Ashley's lines were exquisite - she had a definite breathy quality to her movement tonight. If she was feeling pain, I wasn't seeing it. Great job. And we're only 3 dances in!!

Round 2:

Ryan and Ellenore are back together for a jazz routine by Gary Stewart, the choreographer who does that very staccato, machinist, knee pad style. I wasn't really feeling it - they didn't really get a chance to establish a flow of movement, since most of the moves were very sharp and robotic. It's a style choice, but I think the dancers were robbed of any opportunity to emote or relate to the song, which isn't fair at this stage in the competition. Mary disagreed with me, Nigel and I saw eye to eye, and Adam was Switzerland.

Next, Ashley and Jacob performed a fox trot. The music was traditional - a flirty and old-timey male/female duet, and the couple really made it work. Ashley still irks me with all that latin dance pointing she does, but she manages to get away with it so much as Nigel doesn't even mention it. Jakob and his jetes-a-plenty find their way into the routine despite not belonging AT ALL, but its okay because these two look right at home in the dance from start to finish. Mary mentions that Jakob could use more work in hold. Adam says they are consistently great together.

For the last dance this round, Russell and Ellenore performed a Paso Doble - OH, NO!! Disaster? Actually, no. Where I thought Russell was great, Nigel heaped all of the praise on Ellenore, saying her performance captured him from her first pose in silhouette at the start. Wha?! I call shenanigans. The Paso is usually hardest on the male dancers in this competition, who tend to struggle with finding the right balance of intensity and technique for the character required to make the dance work. Instead, Russell was right there. Was he perfect? No. Could he have been more forceful in hold? Absolutely. But, he was very believable. And shirtless, again, for the second time tonight. Squeee! Ellenore embodied the character well enough, but I felt she was lacking a bit of the seductive quality required, and Russell really overshadowed her in a dance where the man is the frame and the lady is truly supposed to be the picture.

Round 3:

Jakob and Kathryn danced a show-stopping Dwight Rodan and Desmond Richardson contemporary to Michael Buble. Oh. My. God. Holy EMMY nomination, Batman! There were some amazing moments in this routine. No story, but so much emotion and technique. Kathryn's extensions were splendid, and Jakob partnered her beautifully. I have to give him props - he really knows how to showcase his partners, and Kathryn took great advantage. Adam calls the dance a gamechanger. He is sooooooo right. There's this sequence where Jakob and Kathryn just keep flipping/rolling/weaving through each other until he's in a heap in the corner and she's standing over him lifting his head up with her fingers by his chin - ooooh, child, it made me clutch my pearls - I got chills. Mary got choked up, Nigel was astounded, and Adam cut himself off to preempt his weeping. Awesome.

Next, the married folks Ashley and Ryan danced a Travis Wall routine. On the heels of the last routine, I was a little worried for them but as it turned out the performance was very affecting. Mostly because they really seemed to be feeling the emotion the piece inspired. The lift sequences were flawless and the seemed very in-sync. Adam says the tenderness he saw made the piece. Mary noted the rarity of their experience dancing together on a world stage like this and says that they made a memory. Nigel says they should be proud, despite people questioning their presence (or rather their reason for it) in the finals.

The final dance of the evening is a Tabitha and Napoleon Hip-Hop routine, and I am really worried the season is going to end on a low note. Sorry, but I haven't really enjoyed any of their choreography this season. Something was off and none of the dancers really seemed to connect with their style of movement. So, Russell and Kathryn are the final (lucky?) two, and folks, this routine is sick. Not only did Kathryn keep up, she killed it - I mean, she was ter-rific. Kathryn had demonstrated earlier this season with Legacy that she could handle hip-hop. Tonight, she got gritty and grimmy with it, and I believed her movement completely. Russell was at home for certain. I mean, there was not a hint of thought process to his movements, it was pure. There was this great sequence where Russell's on his back and Kathryn bends back over his feet to flip, then somehow ends up sitting on his shoulders while he steps/krumps and the music says, "I can transform ya," and its perfectly timed. What an amazing end to the show.

So, for my money, here's how I think things will shake down:

6. Ryan
5. Ashley
4. Ellenore
3. Jakob
2. Kathryn

..and Russell for the win. Though I have to admit, the top 3 spots are interchangeable. What do you think? Thanks for reading!

Golden Globes Noms - My Sandra Bullock prediction came true, TV Categories signal a changing of the guard

Hey there, fellow film fans!

Around 5am Pacific time this morning, The 67th Annual Golden Globe nominees were announced from the Beverly Hilton Hotel and there were many surprises (and snubs!). My selection for the win will be highlighted in RED. My Commentary follows the last nominee in the category.

Best Television Series (Comedy or Musical):
"30 Rock"
"Entourage"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"The Office"
"30 Rock (finally) has something to worry about. This season has provided some really nice comedy additions to primetime. "Modern Family" is really strong - the cast, writing and pacing are really top-notch - and the show hasn't really missed a step since its premiere. The humor is relatable, and the lack of canned laughs tells the audience that the show trusts us to know what's funny. It's a refreshing addition to the primetime landscape and fully deserves the honor. Now if only the cast had gotten the same respect indivdually...

Best Actor in a Television Series (Comedy or Musical):
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Steve Carell, "The Office"
David Duchovny, "Californication"
Thomas Jane, "Hung"
Matthew Morrison, "Glee"
It's really a shame (and a shock) that Ed O'Neill has been left out of this category. As the patriarch of the Modern Family clan, his blunt, matter of fact delivery is the backbone of much of the show's best moments. Had he been included, Alec Baldwin might have needed to keep his acceptance speech in his tux pocket. Alas, the remaining field doesn't offer much of a challenge to unseat him, so history looks to repeat itself...unless by some miracle the HFPA was watching "Glee"when Morrison's Mr. Shue learned of his wife's deception..

Best Actress in a Television Series (Comedy or Musical):
Toni Collette, "The United States of Tara"
Courteney Cox, "Cougar Town"
Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
Lea Michele, "Glee"
Lea Michele probably did a cart wheel and sang a high note - her nomination is validation that her talents are substantial beyond Broadway. Basically, she got a shout out from the HFPA. This race will be a tug-of-war between 30 Rock's Fey (the old guard) and Tara's Collette (current Emmy winner in the Drama category). The wild card is Cougar's Cox, who could come out on top on account of Cox and Fey splitting the vote, since supporters of both are pretty stubborn, and there's a lot of HFPA members anxious to reembrace Cox from her Friends days, for which she was never singularly honored. Should be an interesting contest.

Best Television Series (Drama):
"Big Love"
"Dexter"
"House"
"Mad Men"
"True Blood"
What a diverse field. Still, no "Breaking Bad"? Where's "Lost"? Nevertheless, this is a strong field of contenders, and better still, they couldn't be more different from each other. House doesn't stand a chance against 4 cable dramas. Mad Men is the incumbent, but Dexter had an amazing season, and both of its stars were nominated in their respective acting categories. "True Blood" and "Big Love" still haven't reached their full potential yet, but HBO should still be proud that two of their dramas took up the field.

Best Actress in a Television Series (Drama):
Glenn Close, "Damages"
January Jones, "Mad Men"
Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
Anna Paquin, "True Blood"
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"
The Closer's Sedgwick is a perpetual nominee - always a bridesmaid... But maybe this could be her year. Except for Damages' Close, no other challenger in this category has been nominated more than she, and there's something to be said for consistency. Anna Paquin enjoyed this honor (surprisingly) last year, but the momentum has definitely shifted to more mature performances this time around. Jones' Betty Draper was put through the ringer this season and wrapped up her performance strongly by season's end. However, its uncertain whether she individually warrants recognition - Mad Men's ensemble is greater than the sum of its parts.

Best Actor in a Television Series (Drama):
Simon Baker, "The Mentalist"
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie, "House"
Bill Paxton, "Big Love"
Poor Bryan Cranston. Hot of his Emmy win, and he couldn't even score a nod in this category. Nevetheless, the field is tight and Michael C. Hall is pretty tough competition. Simon Baker is pretty delicious and likable, but that isn't enough for the win. At least, not yet. Jon Hamm - see Best Actress above. Hugh Laurie may be accused of staying at the party too long, but his ability to shift gears between humor and drama make him an understandable choice. Bill Paxton does really solid work on HBO's Big Love, but Showtime's Hall is a better bet.

Best Director for a Motion Picture:
Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"
James Cameron, "Avatar"
Clint Eastwood, "Invictus"
Jason Reitman, "Up in the Air"
Quentin Tarantino, "Inglourious Basterds"

Best Screenplay for a Motion Picture:
Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell, "District 9"
Mark Boal, "The Hurt Locker"
Nancy Meyers, "It's Complicated"
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, "Up in the Air"
Quentin Tarantino, "Inglourious Basterds"

Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical):
"(500) Days of Summer"
"The Hangover"
"It's Complicated"
"Julie & Julia"
"Nine"

Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical):
Sandra Bullock, "The Proposal"
Marion Cotillard, "Nine"
Julia Roberts, "Duplicity"
Meryl Streep, "It's Complicated"
Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"

Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical):
Matt Damon, "The Informant!"
Daniel Day-Lewis, "Nine"
Robert Downey Jr., "Sherlock Holmes"
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "(500) Days of Summer"
Michael Stuhlberg, "A Serious Man"

Best Motion Picture (Drama):
"Avatar"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Precious"
"Up in the Air"

Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama):
Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
George Clooney, "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth, "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"
Tobey Maguire, "Brothers"

Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama):
Emily Blunt, "The Young Victoria"
Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren, "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan, "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious"

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture:
Matt Damon, "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture:
Penelope Cruz, "Nine"
Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air"
Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"
Monique, "Precious"
Julianne Moore, "A Single Man"

Best Animated Movie:
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"
"Coraline"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"The Princess and the Frog"
"Up"

Best Supporting Actor (Television):
Michael Emerson, "Lost"
Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"
William Hurt, "Damages"
John Lithgow, "Dexter"
Jeremy Piven, "Entourage"

Best Supporting Actress (Television):
Jane Adams, "Hung"
Rose Byrne, "Damages"
Jane Lynch, "Glee"
Chloe Sevigny, "Big Love"
Janet McTeer, "Into the Storm"

I stalked "The Hurt Locker" and I am so glad I did.

So I finally got the opportunity to see "The Hurt Locker," and I was blown away by how hard it hit me. Jeremy Renner was so affecting in his role as the leader of an elite Army bomb squad, and Kathryn Bigelow does another amazing job directing a film that's violence is as unsettling as its performances were striking.

I last saw Renner in 28 Weeks Later - another military role - and he was surprisingly nurturing and heroic as an American soldier fighting zombies. I had not seen him since his guest starring role on Season 3 of "Angel" on the WB, where he played a vampire with a broken heart out for revenge. I'd like to say I saw his potential even then, but I can't. I can say that it was compelling enough a performance that I hadn't forgotten him nine years later.

The last film of Bigelow's that I saw was K-19: The Widowmaker. The last one I loved was Strange Days, which also starred Ralph Fiennes but in a more prominent role. Kathryn's ability to set the scene is reliable, but for THL, she really recreates a war-worn world for the audience - inescapable, and suffocating despite being set mostly in the desert. It isn't a movie I'd watch over and over, but I mean that as a compliment. With some films, you need to see them again and again for things to resonate, I am certain that the images I witnessed in THL will stay with me forever. I had an emotional reaction to them and I defy anyone not to. This is a film whose performances deliver from the first frame to the last. Don't bother making any Oscar predictions if you don't see it first.

Morgan Freeman in "Invictus" - "Hey. You. Guys.." From Pimp to Best Actor 2010?

I was watching "Lean on Me" on cable last night, and it got me thinking how far Morgan Freeman has come, but also how he tends to make the movies in which he stars better. Moreover, even when he isn't the star, he tends to be the best thing about the production. Clint Eastwood especially knows this. Morgan's roles in his films always place him in a position of prominence, not dominance. It's smart, because Eastwood realizes Freeman can make an impact with less screen time. He has presence. He has played characters both dasterdly and divine. and no one bats at eye to see him in a position of power, be it the President of the United States or, God.

Morgan Freeman is poised to have a great good awards season, beginning with the Golden Globes in January 2010. Should the Hollywood Foreign Press acknowledge his leading role in Clint Eastwood's inspirational film, "Invictus," I am certain Freeman will become a front runner in the Best Actor catgory for the Academy Awards for portraying Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president, 21 years after his first nomination for his role in "Street Smart," in which he played a pimp. Now that's gravitas.

Coming Soon.. 3 Movies I am Looking Forward To

Hey, folks! Thanks for stopping by my Movie blog!

So, I thought I'd give a shout out to a few films I felt people should see in the next few weeks before the year ends.

In no particular order:

1. "Up In The Air," starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick. Directed by Jason Reitman.

My friends, this movie has A LOT going for it. George Clooney is a given - he eats dialogue like this for breakfast. I heart Vera Farmiga from her days on USA's crime-serial, Touching Evil, with Jeffrey Donovan. Anna Kendrick is famous nowadays for her role in Twilight, but if you saw her in "Camp", you knew she was capable of this kind of performance. Jason Reitman is going to have a great new year. His direction made "Juno" a surprise smash, and "Up In The Air" is a poignant, sincere story in his masterful hands.

2 "It's Complicated," starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Directed by Nancy Meyers.

I am sure this movie will do great without my assistance, but just in case you haven't heard about this marriage-divorce-second chances comedy, be aware. Nobody does mature romantic comedy like Meyers. I cite "The Holiday," and "Something's Gotta Give" as evidence. Alec Baldwin has really come into his own as a comedic titan, and Meryl Streep is always consistently riveting and surprising at the same time. I think a lot of woman will find the laughs relatable, and some men will chuckle too, probably less when they realize 90% of the jokes are at their expense. But, if you get your money's worth, who cares, right?

3. "Sherlock Holmes," starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams. Directed by Guy Ritchie.

There's been plenty of talk about this film, which opens on Christmas Day, but very little hype in my opinion. That, I think, will end up being a good thing. Action films set in London don't happen often, and when they do the results are varied (see "League of Extraordinary Gentleman"). But what Guy Ritchie seems to have done is make an old classic sexier. Yes, sexier. Sherlock Holmes has always been attractive fare - moody, mysterious, engaging. And that was just on the page. Now, we get Downey Jr., with all his wit and bravado, Jude Law with all the refinement and swagger of his A.I. character, Gigolo Joe, and Rachel McAdams as the damsel in distress (or is she?). Will it be entertaining. Indubitably.

As I see these films, I'll update them with reviews and my new signature seal of approval....
"Til then, friends!

Why I Like Sandra Bullock for a Golden Globe nomination this year

If Sandra Bullock were an Olympic Gymnast, I'd say that this year, she was competing for the Gold Medal in the All-Around competition. Actually, gymnast or not, I think she still is competing for the gold. Hopefully, she won't have to spin around any uneven bars to get it. This year, she deserves the honor.

In a return to form, Sandra starred in "The Proposal," opposite Ryan Reynolds, and flexed those comedy muscles she had so carefully honed in films like "Miss Congeniality" and "While You Were Sleeping." The laughs were effortless - mostly because Bullock makes it look so easy. You get the sense that she is at home acting goofy, shaking her booty around a campfire. Her chemistry with Reynolds is palpable, as they trade witticisms like dueling tommy machine guns with ease.

I had the pleasure of seeing "The Blind Side" during its first weekend of release. It's a charming story about football and family, and Sandra doesn't disappoint. Some scenes reminded me of her performance in "Hope Floats," with all its small town warmth and sensibility. It's arguable that her Blind Side persona is derived from that character - a woman whose harsh life experience brings about transformation and enlightenment. You take the journey with her, and while you laugh along the way, you don't mind shedding the occasional tear, too.

It will be interesting to see where the Hollywood Foreign Press decides to seat her. As an eternal optimist, I would like to see Bullock capture nods in both the Comedy and Drama Actress categories, as I believe that will give her momentium with regard to garnering an Academy Award nomination. As a realist, I would be satisfied (and surprised) if she managed recognition solely in the Drama category for 'The Blind Side," and won for Comedy, only because so few women have the comedic chops she has.

No matter the outcome, Sandra Bullock's box office draw (over $400 million domestically) has shown that in 2009 that all that glitters is Gold.

My top 25 80's Films - what 80's films do you love?

I miss the simplicity of the 1980s. The music. The Cartoons (go Voltron!). But especially the movies.

I had a rare day off today - and since my boss didn't deposit my paycheck until after 9pm tonight, I got to spend a potential Xmas shopping day (avoiding traffic and crazy people running manic through Target) at home, sifting through my dwindling VHS collection. Yes, I still have VHS tapes. And I have Beta tapes, too. I refuse to ditch them, dammit. Its not like you can find "The Ewok Adventure" just any old where these days... well, maybe on Netflix.. but I digress.

In the 1980's, movies looked different. Not just aesthetically, but technically - and in my opinion, they were better for it. To me, there was an innocence to the production values of the films that were made. The film had a gritty, grainy feel, and special effects didn't get any better than Star Wars, with all its plastic model space ships and simulated starry skies. And we bought it all, hook, line and sinker. What wasn't to love?

Anyway, since this is my first blog post, and given that Avatar, a film that promises to obliterate all past special effects conventions, is less than a fortnight away from its premiere, I thought it would be fun to reminisce over a couple 80s films I feel will always have a place in my heart, no matter what Hollywood cooks up. Do any of my favorites make your list? And if not, two words: Net. Flix. Seriously. (yes that's three, I know.) 'Til next time, fellow film fans. Maeve out....


1. "Real Genius" (1985) - Val Kilmer plays cool science nerd to goofy, 80s perfection.

2. "The Monster Squad" (1987) - Dracula and friends descend a small town where the kids are the only line of defense. Glorious 80s effects galore.

3. "Crocodile Dundee" (1986) - Outback roughneck meets 1980s New York and all its characters.

4. "The Neverending Story" (1985) - I named my dogs Falkor and Moonchild in its honor. It's that good.

5. "Silver Bullet" (1985) - Werewolves+Corey Haim+80s effects=Awesome. Not to mention, its Stephen King. The narration reminds me of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

6. "Masters of the Universe" (1987) - Courtney Cox is in it, and so is Christina Pickles, who played her mom on "Friends." And Dolph Lundgren wears a metal speedo and wields a sword.

7. "Millenium" (1989) - Time Travelers save plane crash victims in order to save their future.

8. "Lady in White" (1988) - Lucas Haas (Witness) meets a ghostly girl and helps solve her murder.

9. "Fright Night" (1985) - "Oh, you're so cool, Brewster!" Christopher Sarandon as a vampire next door. The night club scene is totally ripped off in Basic Instinct.

10. "Jumpin Jack Flash" (1986) - Whoopi. And Spies. And B-Flat. That's important.

11. "Protocol" (1984) - Goldie Hawn goes to Washington and reminds me how amazingly small town mentality and politics could fit together.

12. "The Lost Boys" (1987) - The Coreys. And Vampires. And the cucaracha. An 80s classic. This movie also introduced me to The Doors.

13. "Romancing the Stone" (1984) - The best Kathleen Turner-Michael Douglas collaboration.

14. "The Goonies" (1985) - Spielburg. And Pirates. Arghhhhh.

15. "The Abyss" (1989) - Before Titanic, James Cameron gave us this masterpiece below the surface. The director's cut is illuminating.

16. "The Legend of Billie Jean" (1985) - Helen Slater makes me shout, "Fair is Fair!" and cut my hair, to my mother's chagrin.

17. "An American Werewolf in London" (1981) - I can watch the transformation scene over and over and always see something new. This is how you do "wolfing out."

18. "The Golden Child" (1985) - "I said, I, I, aa-aa-I, I, want the knife." Classic Eddie Murphy.

19. "The Last Starfighter" (1984) - I fell in love with Lance Guest in Halloween 2, but this Star Wars wannabe stole my heart and made me want to defend the frontier against Zur, too.

20. "My Science Project" (1985) - Cult Classic with Fisher Stevens (squee!) and Dennis Hopper as a hippie science teacher.

21. "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986) - Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall try to stop a sorcerer in Chinatown. The theme song is super catchy. I dare you not to sing it.

22. "The Boy Who Could Fly" (1986) - I cry every time he kisses her, tells her he loves her and flies out of her window. Seriously, he flies.

23. "Brewster's Millions" (1985) - Pryor and Candy. Richard and John. Spend $30 million in 30 days to get $300 million. Can you dig it?

24. "Flash Gordon"(1980) - Who needs Superman when you got the quarterback for the New York Jets? Not to mention, Queen did the soundtrack. Hell. Yes.

25. "Young Sherlock Holmes" (1985) - I defy ANYONE not to sob at end. I try, but I always fail. Oh, and suicidal, dancing cakes and cookies. That's the 80s for ya!