Golden Globes Nominations 2014

The 2014 Golden Globes will be held this Sunday, January 12 on NBC. I’m mostly looking forward to the hosts, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. They’re great together, a perfect balance of comedy and charm.



My Picks for…

Movies: Her, Saving Mr. Banks, The Wolf of Wall Street.

TV: Girls, Parks and Recreations, House of Cards, Veep.

Here are the nominees:

MOTION PICTURES
Best Drama
12 Years a Slave
Captain Phillips
Gravity
Philomena
Rush

Best Musical/Comedy
American Hustle
Her
Inside Lleweyn Davis
Nebraska
The Wolf of Wall Street

Best Director
Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity
Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
David O. Russell, American Hustle

Best Actress in a Drama
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Judi Dench, Philomena
Emma Thompson, Saving Mr. Banks
Kate Winslet, Labor Day

Best Actor in a Drama
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Idris Elba, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyer’s Club
Robert Redford, All Is Lost

Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo Di Caprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis
Joaquin Phoenix, Her

Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Julie Delpy, Before Midnight
Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Enough Said
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

Best Supporting Actress
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
June Squibb, Nebraska

Best Supporting Actor
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Daniel Bruhl, Rush
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyer’s Club

Best Screenplay
Spike Jonze, Her
Bob Nelson, Nebraska
Jeff Pope/Steve Coogan, Philomena
John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
Eric Warren Singer, David O. Russell, American Hustle

Best Foreign Language Film
Blue is the Warmest Color
The Great Beauty
The Hunt
The Past
The Wind Rises

Best Animated Feature
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Frozen

Best Original Song
“Atlas,” The Hunger Games, Catching Fire
“Let It Go,” Frozen
“Ordinary Love,” Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
“Please Mr. Kennedy,” Inside Llewyn Davis
“Sweeter Than Fiction,” One Chance

Best Score
Alex Ebert, All Is Lost
Alex Heffes, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Steven Price, Gravity
John Williams, The Book Thief
Hans Zimmer, 12 Years a Slave

TELEVISION

Best TV Comedy or Musical
Girls
Modern Family
Parks and Recreation
The Big Bang Theory
Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Best TV Drama
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
The Good Wife
House of Cards
Masters of Sex

Best Actress in a TV Drama
Julianna Marguiles, The Good Wife
Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Taylor Schilling, Orange Is the New Black
Kerry Washington, Scandal
Robin Wright, House of Cards

Best Actress in a TV Comedy
Zooey Deschanel, New Girl
Lena Dunham, Girls
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Best Actor in a TV Drama
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan
Michael Sheen, Masters of Sex
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards
James Spader, The Blacklist

Best Actor in a TV Comedy
Jason Bateman, Arrested Development
Don Cheadle, House of Lies
Michael J. Fox, The Michael J. Fox Show
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Best Miniseries or TV Movie
American Horror Story: Coven
Behind the Candelabra
Dancing on the Edge
Top of the Lake
White Queen

Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Helena Bonham Carter, Burton and Taylor
Rebecca Ferguson, White Queen
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Helen Mirren, Phil Spector
Elisabeth Moss, Top of the Lake

Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Matt Damon, Behind the Candelabra
Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dancing on the Edge
Idris Elba, Luther
Al Pacino, Phil Spector

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Show, Miniseries or TV Movie
Jacqueline Bisset, Dancing on the Edge
Janet McTeer, White Queen
Hayden Panettiere, Nashville
Monica Potter, Parenthood
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Show, Miniseries or TV Movie
Josh Charles, The Good Wife
Rob Lowe, Behind the Candelabra
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
Corey Stoll, House of Cards
Jon Voight, Ray Donovan

American Hustle

The film features a star-studded cast and has garnered a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Motion Picture, Drama.” American Hustle takes place in the late 1970’s and tells the story of a con man, played by Christian Bale, and his accomplice, Amy Adams, who are forced to work for an FBI agent, Bradley Cooper, to help bust corrupt politicians and mobsters.


I would not recommend watching this film. American Hustle is completely overrated. It’s not ‘best picture’ quality. The subject matter and plot line are unoriginal and boring. How many times are they going to give us the same story? There was nothing fresh or new about this film. I knew what was going on the entire time and could easily guess what was going to happen next. The story development is slow and simple. It didn’t keep me engaged at all. I could not wait until the credits rolled.


The only salvageable factor was the acting. While not all the performances were great, I thought the character development and casting was well done. Jennifer Lawrence plays Christian Bale’s big-mouthed New Jersey housewife. Her performance was phenomenal and was the shining beacon in this dimly lit film. I thought she played beautifully and was highly entertaining with her witty backhanded one-liners and sassy attitude. Christian Bale was enjoyable to watch also. I think he is one of those few actors that really ‘becomes’ the character he’s playing. Barely recognizable having gained 40 pounds and sporting a toupee, Bale really embraced his 1970’s con artist character.


On the other hand, Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper’s performances fell short. Adams forced a British accent that kept coming and going. It really left me lost and confused. Cooper has done well previously in serious roles, but this one was a miss. He played a high-strung underdog cop who wanted his big break. He didn’t connect with the role and the filmmakers didn’t utilize his abilities as well as they could have.


Overall this film did not do it for me. I was bored the entire time and felt like it was all done before. When it comes down to it the storyline lacked originality and depth, although some performances held it afloat. I do not recommend seeing this film. I hope American Hustle does not win any undeserving awards this award season.

SKIP IT.

House of Cards and Orange is the New Black

I have been out of commission for awhile. I took some time off to travel. I lived abroad for a bit. While that was a great experience I definitely missed American film and television. 

I have recently signed up with Netflix. So I thought I would highlight a couple TV series that are worth watching if you’ve got the time.

I just discovered the amazingness that is “House of Cards.” Kevin Spacey has proved once again he is an invigorating actor who has a strong presence in every role he plays. He brings the character of Frank Underwood, a Congressman, to life embodying the epitome of what politics is today; cheating, lying, and clawing your way to the top. The entire cast is riveting and the plot twists keep you wanting more. The series is not a lot of action but mainly dialogue driven. I would say “House of Cards” is a modern day “West Wing.”







Season 2 will be released February 14, 2014. 


I was hesitant about “Orange is the New Black” at first but after just a couple episodes I became hooked. The series is about a “good girl” whose past catches up with her when she has to serve time in a women’s correctional facility, for international drug pedaling in her former years. Piper Chapman, played by Taylor Schilling, is forced into a crazy new world that will make you laugh, cry, and gasp at what really goes on behind bars. The cast, of mainly women, is one big dysfunctional family played very cohesively given the in-your-face racist and sexist sentiments. Although mainly a dark comedy the series touches on serious social and political issues we face with incarcerated people.





Season 1 is entirely available on Netflix right now. No news on when season 2 will be released. Speculation hints a new season may be released early-to-mid 2014.

Starbuck

"Starbuck" is a 2011 Canadian comedy directed by Ken Scott. It stars Patrick Huard. The film takes place in Canada and is entirely in French with English subtitles. It is set to release in the US on March 22, 2013.

A forty-something year old, David, finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. But that’s the least of his parental worries. He works for his father’s butcher company but is barely hanging on. David doesn’t have his life in order at all, and it only gets worse. He soon finds out that he has fathered over 500 children resulting from his many “donations” to the local sperm bank twenty years ago. Over 100 of his children are now filing a lawsuit against him in order to find out his identity. David is faced with many moral hurdles as he tries to balance his soon-to-be family and current ever growing one.




Starbuck makes you laugh and cry. Although mostly a comedy, it definitely has a deeper meaning. There are sentimental moments that tug at your heart. Patrick Huard brings a lot of laughter to the screen. He plays the stereotypical loser that hasn’t amounted to anything except working for his father’s business, yet he can’t even do that right. Life just hasn’t cut him a break but this news of having hundreds of grown children in the world might just change his life…hopefully for the better. 



Starbuck is a different and unique story that’s worth your time. Through the comedy a message of family and being true comes to surface. If you’re thinking of donating to your local sperm bank or artificial insemination in general definitely check out this film. And even if you’re not, Starbuck is a great film to see.

SEE IT!

Run time 1 hour 49 mins

21 and Over

Last week I saw a sneak preview of “21 and over.” It tells the story of two friends who visit their best friend in an effort to celebrate his 21st birthday. But he’s in no position to party because he’s got an important med school interview the next morning. The story unravels as the trio journey through the night.


I’d say the movie has its good moments, but isn’t worth the trip. It’s a mix of “Project X” meets Ryan Reynolds’ “Van Wilder.” It is an homage to the college years and most 18-25 year olds will definitely connect with the film. People over 30 may find it immature and unnecessarily outrageous. I graduated college a couple years ago and it was bittersweet to reminisce my college years. The movie definitely makes you rethink if you lived your college years to its full potential.  There’s some puffery in there because I don’t think anyone’s real college experience included wild buffalo injuries on campus and acid tripping professors. Then again, I may have gone to the wrong school.

"21 and over" is crude, rude, and then some. There’s lots of nudity; surprisingly more male nudity then female. The film also has many racial jokes, mostly playing on Asian stereotypes. There are many "WTF" moments that will have you covering you eyes or leaving your jaw hanging. 

Miles Teller (from Project X) is the funniest character and plays the goofy party guy that doesn’t know when to filter his thoughts and words. Skylar Astin (from Pitch Perfect) plays the pretty boy who’s a little strung up and gets caught up in a romantic relationship. Justin Chon (from the Twilight series) is the birthday boy whose performance falls a bit short. His acting and comedic ability was not enjoyable. He simply just isn’t a good actor and came off as fake and forced.

"21 and Over" pushes some boundaries and leaves you thinking if you really lived up your college years,  especially your 21st birthday. So to sum it up, grab a drink (or two) at your local college bar instead of seeing this movie.

SKIP IT! 

Ted

Ted was unfortunately a miss for me. It tells the tale of a young boy who grows up with a talking teddy bear. Fast forward 20-something years and Mark Walberg is a pot-smoking 35 year old who is stuck choosing between his life-long best friend, Ted, and his one true love, played by Mila Kunis. The film has some odd twists and turns, and of course the random celebrity cameos. Ted is voiced by Seth MacFarlane, who is the writer and director. 

The problem was, I had seen all the funny jokes in the trailers and commercials, which was a let down. Also, surprisingly the film is not completely a comedy. I associate Seth MacFarlane’s humor to be more one-liner and adult. The film takes a dark turn towards the second half and becomes more drama/horror film. It’s also a romantic comedy with all the love scenes between Mark and Mila.


I don’t know what age range this film is garned towards either. It makes some 1985 references that I just didn’t get. I thought it wasn’t funny, and really didn’t make sense. People in their mid-thirties would get the TV references much better. I just found it pretty dated.


Giovanni Ribisi is fun to see as the protagonist. He plays well as the creepy stalker, something he’s no stranger to. The character is very dark and lacks comic relief.

I think I went into the film thinking it was going to be non-stop laughter. Unfortunately it wasn’t. Ted has it’s few good jokes but  delves too much into a drama and romance. It could have been a huge hit for Seth but doesn’t hit the target. I’m hoping for a “Family Guy” movie instead soon. 

SKIP IT!

The first trailer for the latest bond film is here. Daniel Craig plays James Bond for the 3rd time in SKYFALL. I thought the last two (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace) were great. Can’t wait to see this. In theaters November 2012.

The Dictator

"The Dictator" starring Sasha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, and Sir Ben Kingsley comes out today, May 17. I, like others, had high expectations for this film given all the hype. And it did not disappoint. The film was quite entertaining and I recommend it. I would place this film below the hilarious "Borat" and above the upsetting "Bruno."

The movie actually has a plot line, which doesn’t seem to get advertised much. All everyone is seeing in the marketing campaign is General Aladeen, The Dictator. But there is more than that. The film contains numerous celebrity cameos which are exciting. The run time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, which is enough time to keep your attention. They really try to keep you laughing literally every second. All the comedy is based on one-liners and quick back hand comments.

As norm for all Sash Baron Cohen projects, this film pushes the boundaries. It has everything from offense jokes to full frontal male nudity. The nice surprise though is Anna Farris’ performance. I didn’t even know she was in the film. She’s a pleasure to watch and is rather funny.

I must say though, I didn’t laugh out loud (like I did in “Borat”) as often as I expected to. The film definitely dates itself and relates to todays “current events.” There are the random shots of Obama and the obvious references to Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. Along with these references, General Aladeen brings to light the economic issues faced in the U.S. He is almost making us laugh at ourselves. I would like to think there’s an underlying message in the film. The fact that we allow such stupidity and obvious chaos in parts of the world is outrageous. I think Cohen is slapping us in the face, so to speak, as to how despicable our world has become.

“The Dictator” is well made film and was a pleasant watch. 

SEE IT!

Bonus: The outtakes are hilarious, so stay seated while the credits run.

First look at Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock

totalfilm:

Hitchcock, Sacha Gervasi’s forthcoming biopic of the legendary filmmaker, has released a first official image giving us a first look at Anthony Hopkins as the Master of Suspense…

American Reunion

The fourth installment of the ‘American Pie’ series is here, ‘American Reunion’. Wow, has it really been 13 years?! Well, they’re a little late for the 10 year high school reunion, but I guess late is better than never. I am a big fan of all three previous films. I think that’s why I liked this movie so much, because it stuck to the original recipe. The movie trailers unfortunately come off as somewhat corny. Don’t let that fool you though.

 

I expected this movie to be a lame attempt at closing the ‘American Pie’ series, but it wasn’t. ‘American Reunion’ was hysterical and a great film. I highly recommend seeing the previous films before you see this one, otherwise you won’t like it as much. I had a blast seeing the characters coming together years later as real grown adults in their 30-somethings. Most, if not all, the characters are here, which kept the true essence of the film alive. There are some new characters who aren’t that special or interesting, and I don’t think there are any new iconic scenes or phrases (Shermanator and others make surprise appearances). But who knows, maybe some new things will catch on.

Every character is up to his/her usual mischief, especially the Stifmeister. He keeps the gang young at heart and feeling alive with his crazy adventures and pranks. You’d think Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan would have civilized a little, especially raising a kid, but we see that’s definitely not the case—nudity and profanity included. In fact, there’s a healthy dose of all kinds of nudity in the film (no disappointment there). 

I really don’t know where this series can go after here though. Making a fifth installment would seem futile, unless we see Tara Reid (she looks great by the way) and the gang in a retirement home in the future. Maybe a spinoff? The studio is more likely to plop out a few more straight-to-DVD “sequels” given that they seem to be good money makers.

Ultimately ‘American Reunion’ is a great watch. Come for the laughs and enjoy reminiscing the story that started all with a pie. It’s nice to see Jim, and everyone, come full circle. In theaters April 6, 2012.

SEE IT!