Monday, December 24, 2012

Must See: "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

That's right, I'm catching up on my Oscar films this holiday.  Just spent nearly three hours at the matinee show of "The Hobbit" and it was well worth it.  It was action packed and filled with little bursts of hobbit, wizard and dwarf humour.  I opted to see this flick at the nostalgic and iconic Vista Theater in Los Feliz.  It's a theater packed with the Old Hollywood Glamour feel to it, and even plays the old-school dancing refreshments promo before the film begins.  (This also means cheap matinee price as well as inexpensive concessions!) Now, my trick is to get a small popcorn and no drink.  The salt helps you retain your fluids, LOL.  Ummm, I did mention it was almost a three-hour film, right?

It is true, Martin Freeman (don't you recall him as part of the porn actor couple in "Love Actually"?) was made to play Bilbo Baggins.  He's perfect, magnificent, quirky and plays a noble hobbit.  The band of dwarfs that he teams up are led by the hunky actor, Richard Armitage, with whom I remember as the hunk who stole the Vicar's heart at the end of the series, "The Vicar of Dibley".  Love, love, love Sir Ian McKellan as Gandalf (there is no other who could play him so well), and we get to briefly see Elijah Wood as Frodo in the beginning and a short scene with Cate Blanchett as Galadriel.  I didn't see this in 3-D and don't feel it's necessary - 3-D films really don't do anything for me.

The special effects are spectacular and I'd give my left big toe to be on set to see how they capture the big dragon to the town of Dale and all of it's inhabitants. I could say Peter Jackson has really outdone himself this time, but he has two more bloody films to go so we'll just have to wait and see.  Pure genius, though. 

So, go see "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" this holiday week and have a very Merry Christmas!  Love and Peace to each and everyone of you! xx

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Must See: "Skyfall"

Yes, Bond.  James Bond - is amazing once again in the latest James Bond flick, "Skyfall", starring Daniel Craig.  He is, in my opinion, the best James Bond to date but I am also biased.  Hey, this bloke's a looker, what can I say?  Directed by Sam Mendes (you know, Kate Winslet's ex-husband and he directed films such as "American Beauty" and "Road to Perdition", a film that Daniel Craig was also in! ), this film has to-date grossed worldwide $955,052,000, according to Box Office Mojo.  Can you believe? 

Dame Judi Dench plays "M" in a bit of a twist of a plot with the evil villain portrayed by a bleached blonde Javier Bardem.  And oh to be a bond girl, Berenice Marlohe, is my new idol who's gorgeous and did you know, French Cambodian?!? The other Bond gal is played by Naomie Harris who was in "28 Days Later" with Cillian Murphy and as the crazy voodoo lady in the "Pirates of the Carribean" film series.  Let's not forget co-starring roles with Ralph Fiennes and a smaller part for Albert Finney (ummm, come on - Daddy Warbucks in the "Annie" film circa 1982).  I love action films and "Skyfall" definitely packs a punch, so much that you forget you've been sitting there for almost two and a half hours.  I think the more modern Bond has become more emotional, more human and maybe that's why more and more people find them caring for him as a character rather than just as an uber-talented, good looking spy. 

Here it is - the trailer, which is only an inkling of what to expect in this film.  Go see this one, too, over the holiday break!

Must See: "Zero Dark Thirty"

By Oscar, I think she's done it again.  I'm talking about Director Kathryn Bigelow (who directed the Oscar winner, "The Hurt Locker") and who's latest film, "Zero Dark Thirty", which was just released this past Wednesday has already become "...one of the biggest limited mid-week openings in history", according to The Wrap.  And while this film has started mild conflicts with our own government from the portrayal of torture scenes to undisclosed, or rather what is disclosed information that the director received from inside sources in the white house, this film will truly keep you on the edge of your seat.  Also, be sure to not drink anything during this film as it's a good two hours and 30 some minutes but it doesn't feel that long. 

I definitely predict an Oscar nomination for our leading lady, Jessica Chastain, who portrays the steadfast and strong-headed CIA Operative, Maya.  This was well cast with Kyle Chandler ("Friday Night Lights") as Joseph Bradley, aussies Jason Clarke and Joel Edgerton, and Edgar Ramirez as Larry (and who's also rumoured to be dating Jessica Chastain in real life).  Let's not forget - a small role for former "Soprano's" matriarch, James Gandolfini as a CIA Director (i.e. Leon Panetta). 

I was literally in a high state of distress over the last thirty minutes of this film.  It was almost more nerve-wracking than a super scary film.  I absolutely loved it and you will, too!  Go see it over the holidays and Merry Christmas, ya'll.

Trailer time...!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Can't Wait: "Any Day Now"

I love period films and this film, "Any Day Now", directed by Travis Fine, is set in the 70's and centered around a gay couple who fight to keep custody of a mentally handicapped boy who was abandoned.  This film stars the fabulous and uber-talented Alan Cumming and his partner is played by actor Garret Dilhahunt (for those of you saying, who? He plays Martha Plimpton's hubbie on the TV Show, "Raising Hope") and they're joined by Gregg Henry (you know, he plays the bad guy who whines all the time to Mel Gibson's character in "Payback" and he's also on "Revenge") and Frances Fisher (another one of Clint Eastwood's old girlfriends and of course, a well accomplished actress). 

I haven't seen this film but I do know that it's currently released in Los Angeles with a limited run.  This film seems to have already generated loads of buzz on the festival circuits.  See for yourself!

  • Winner! Chicago International Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Feature
  • Winner! Seattle International Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Actor Award (Alan Cumming)
  • Winner! Seattle International Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Feature
  • Winner! Tribeca Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Feature
  • Winner! Outfest 2012 - Audience Award for Best Feature
  • Winner! Outfest 2012 - Best Actor Award (Alan Cumming)
  • Winner! Provincetown International Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Feature
  • Winner! Woodstock Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Feature
  • Winner! Napa Valley Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature
  • Winner! Napa Valley Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Actor (Alan Cumming)
  • Winner! Key West Film Festival 2012 - Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature 
So check out the trailer and hopefully it'll land in a small indie theater near you.  

 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Announcing the 2013 SAG Nominations...!

And for the 2013 SAG nominations...here's a highlight of the main categories.  For the entire list, click here.  The awards show will air on TNT on Sunday, Jan. 27th, 2013.  Stay tuned!

2013 SAG Award Nominations Announced!

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
BRADLEY COOPER / Pat – “SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK” (The Weinstein Company)
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS / Abraham Lincoln – “LINCOLN” (Touchstone Pictures)
JOHN HAWKES / Mark – “THE SESSIONS” (Fox Searchlight)
HUGH JACKMAN / Jean Valjean – “LES MISÉRABLES” (Universal Pictures)
DENZEL WASHINGTON / Whip Whitaker – “FLIGHT” (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
JESSICA CHASTAIN / Maya – “ZERO DARK THIRTY” (Columbia Pictures)
MARION COTILLARD / Stephanie – “RUST AND BONE” (Sony Pictures Classics)
JENNIFER LAWRENCE / Tiffany – “SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK” (The Weinstein Company)
HELEN MIRREN / Alma Reville – “HITCHCOCK” (Fox Searchlight)
NAOMI WATTS / Maria – “THE IMPOSSIBLE” (Summit Entertainment)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
ALAN ARKIN / Lester Siegel – “ARGO” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
JAVIER BARDEM / Silva – “SKYFALL” (Columbia Pictures)
ROBERT DE NIRO / Pat, Sr. – “SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK” (The Weinstein Company)
PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN / Lancaster Dodd – “THE MASTER” (The Weinstein Company)
TOMMY LEE JONES / Thaddeus Stevens – “LINCOLN” (Touchstone Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
SALLY FIELD / Mary Todd Lincoln – “LINCOLN” (Touchstone Pictures)
ANNE HATHAWAY / Fantine – “LES MISÉRABLES” (Universal Pictures)
HELEN HUNT / Cheryl – “THE SESSIONS” (Fox Searchlight)
NICOLE KIDMAN / Charlotte Bless – “THE PAPERBOY” (Millennium Entertainment)
MAGGIE SMITH / Muriel Donnelly – “THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL” (Fox Searchlight)

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

ARGO
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
LES MISÉRABLES
LINCOLN
SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
KEVIN COSTNER / “Devil Anse” Hatfield – “HATFIELDS & McCOYS”
WOODY HARRELSON / Steve Schmidt – “GAME CHANGE”
ED HARRIS / John McCain – “GAME CHANGE”
CLIVE OWEN / Ernest Hemingway – “HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN“
BILL PAXTON / Randall McCoy – “HATFIELDS & McCOYS”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
NICOLE KIDMAN / Martha Gellhorn – “HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN”
JULIANNE MOORE / Sarah Palin – “GAME CHANGE”
CHARLOTTE RAMPLING / Eva Delectorskaya – “RESTLESS”
SIGOURNEY WEAVER / Elaine Barrish Hammond – “POLITICAL ANIMALS”
ALFRE WOODARD / Ouiser – “STEEL MAGNOLIAS”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
STEVE BUSCEMI / Enoch “Nucky” Thompson – “BOARDWALK EMPIRE”
BRYAN CRANSTON / Walter White – “BREAKING BAD”
JEFF DANIELS / Will McAvoy – “THE NEWSROOM”
JON HAMM / Don Draper – “MAD MEN”
DAMIAN LEWIS / Nicholas Brody – “HOMELAND”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

CLAIRE DANES / Carrie Mathison – “HOMELAND”
MICHELLE DOCKERY / Lady Mary Crawley – “DOWNTON ABBEY”
JESSICA LANGE / Sister Jude – “AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM”
JULIANNA MARGULIES / Alicia Florrick – “THE GOOD WIFE”
MAGGIE SMITH / Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham – “DOWNTON ABBEY”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN / Jack Donaghy – “30 ROCK”
TY BURRELL / Phil Dunphy – “MODERN FAMILY”
LOUIS C.K. / Louie – “LOUIE”
JIM PARSONS / Sheldon Cooper – “THE BIG BANG THEORY”
ERIC STONESTREET / Cameron Tucker – “MODERN FAMILY”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

EDIE FALCO / Jackie Peyton – “NURSE JACKIE”
TINA FEY / Liz Lemon – “30 ROCK”
AMY POEHLER / Leslie Knope – “PARKS AND RECREATION”
SOFIA VERGARA / Gloria Delgado-Pritchett – “MODERN FAMILY”
BETTY WHITE / Elka Ostrovsky – “HOT IN CLEVELAND”

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
30 ROCK
THE BIG BANG THEORY
GLEE
MODERN FAMILY
NURSE JACKIE
THE OFFICE

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

BOARDWALK EMPIRE
BREAKING BAD
DOWNTON ABBEY
HOMELAND
MAD MEN

Monday, December 10, 2012

Fave Christmas Film - "Home Alone"

I absolutely love Christmas - for many obvious reasons, of course.  But mostly because of the Christmas themed films.  I don't know why I love them so much but they always put me in a good mood.  That being said - I think the one film that will always top my list is "Home Alone" starring the adorable little Macauley Culkin.  He played such a crafty, inventive kid.  And seriously, how can you go wrong with a film being directed by Chris Columbus and written by the late John Hughes.  I mean, this was 1990 and Mr. Columbus would go on to direct greats such as "Mrs. Doubtfire", the first two "Harry Potter" films and "Rent" to name a few.  

I'd like to remind you how star-studded this film was - allow me to introduce you to...Kevin's parents played by Catherine O'Hara and John Heard, the burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, a little cameo by polka band member John Candy and even Macauley's little bro, Kieran Culkin played one of the siblings.  OH!  And do you recall the "french" ticket agent?  She was played by Hope Davis - one of my fave actresses.  So, pop in "Home Alone" and relax knowing that you don't come from a family like that.  Or do you?

p.s. I totally love trailers from the '90's!


Saturday, November 17, 2012

Rent It: The Music Never Stopped

I didn't recall that I had put "The Music Never Stopped" in my Queue but was so glad that I did.  It was a surprisingly, touching story about a lost and then found only son to two loving parents who use music from his era to help him regain some of his sanity and memory.  It was an Official Selection of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and written by Oliver Sacks who also wrote "Awakenings".  This film stars Lou Taylor Pucci (who you might remember in the indie flicks "Chumbscrubber" and Thumbsucker", oh and he was in a recent episode of "Girls"), J.K. Simmons and the british actress Cara Seymour (she played the mother in "An Education"). 

Now I just want to say - I truly believe that one of the best actors out there is J.K. Simmons.  I remember the first time I saw him was when he was on "Oz" playing an aryan bully in prison.  He was so convincing and scary and I hated his character.  He's been in everything from the "Spider-man" films to playing the super sweet dad in "Juno". This guy has been nominated for various awards but he is definitely Oscar-worthy and Emmy-worthy, and, hell - throw in a Tony while you're at it.  He's multi-talented and man, I'm just a fan, as Blake Shelton would say on "The Voice". 

Flashdance Flashback

Oh, I just had to write about it. It's too 80's iconic to not forget.  I remember watching "Flashdance" and wanting to dress with the cool light gray oversized sweatshirt hanging off of the shoulders with leggings and remember Olivia Newton-John's "Let's Get Physical" attire.  It's amazing and perfect next Halloween!

Jennifer Beales in "Flashdance"


Thong over bike shorts - classic!

Geometric prints - hot!

ONJ - rocking the legwarmers and headband!
 
 


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Go See: Heleno

I went to The Wrap's screening last night of "Heleno" which starred Rodrigo Santoro.  (see blurry pic below) Now, I truly thought Rodrigo was just a pretty face and while he is, this guy can really act...well!  (Come on, ya'll remember him as "Karl" in "Love Actually", the hot guy that Laura Linney's character was obsessed with.)  He not only starred but produced this film which is about the life of the famed brazilian soccer player, Heleno de Freitas, who built up his career as a striker for the team, Botafogo.  He was a man with gorgeous looks and even a hotter temper - all with which Santoro did an amazing job depicting.  I truly hope this film gets an Oscar nomination for the foreign film category.  Well done! 


Check out the trailer...!


Monday, November 5, 2012

Can't Wait: Lincoln

It may seem that all I can talk about are films that I can't wait to see but don't despair, I've been doing my homework and have gotten well caught up lately.  Just really excited about the end-of-the-year-rush-of-great-films-so-they-can-nab-Oscar-nominations race.  I saw the trailer of "Lincoln" with my Scottish friend and felt like it was the start of a joke - "How many brits does it take to make an american historical film?"  Well, minus the lead - Daniel Day-Lewis and Jared Harris, there weren't as many as I thought.  Might I mention how uncanny it is that Day-Lewis looks perhaps exactly what you envisioned Lincoln to look like.  He's a mirror-image.  And hey, with Spielberg directing - I bow to him as he's one of the best.  Enough of my jibber jabber, here's the trailer.  "Lincoln" opens nationwide on November 16th.  Enjoy!

Can't Wait: Skyfall

That's right.  Bond.  James Bond.  And quite possibly, in my expert opinion, the best Bond ever.  Daniel Craig.  Oh yes.  I'm on pins and needles to see this new action-packed flick that everyone's buzzing about, "Skyfall".  Plus the theme sung by Adele is amaze-balls so you know this film is going to be epic.

And, according to The Wrap, "Skyfall" is expected to be the biggest Bond ever at the box office.

"In fact, releasing "Skyfall" to foreign audiences 10 days ahead of its domestic release is a ploy that will pay off nicely: It will help make the first Bond film in four years the biggest 007 ever at the box office, the first to score over $600 million worldwide.

Daniel Craig’s Bond already has been extremely consistent as 2008's “Quantum of Solace” grossed $586 million worldwide while “Casino Royale” topped out at $594 million in 2006. But with foreign grosses for "Skyfall" alone already closing in on $300 million, the sky does indeed seem the limit. 

"The huge overseas numbers for "Skyfall" have trumped all box-office news in the U.S. the last two weekends, and that buzz can only help punch up the grosses Stateside," Exhibitor Relations senior analysts Jeff Bock told TheWrap Monday."

So, there you have it but you didn't need proof.  You were going to go see it anyway, right?  It technically opens on IMAX theaters this Thursday, Nov. 8th.

 

Can't Wait: Les Miserables

Just watch it. My friend, Allan and I got goosebumps watching the trailer.  I literally just watched it again and even got misty eyed. It's so powerful and rumour has it, they actually performed these songs not in a studio but as they were filming.  Whoa.  Now, that's impressive.  The cast is amazing.  I could go on but I won't.  Just watch the bloody trailer.  Les Miserables.  Release date is Christmas Day, 2012.


Sunday, November 4, 2012

Go See: Pitch Perfect

Now I know I had told you how excited I was to see "Pitch Perfect" and quite honestly, it nearly over delivered for me.  It's hard to find films where you actually laugh so hard to the point of tears but this film did, at least two times.  I think it also helped who my company was but still - this film packed the laughing punch and if you're every bit the gay man that I am, then you'll see it.  It makes me dream about the moment when Rebel Wilson and I will be besties and we can sit, drink wine and talk about people.  Anna Kendrick was amazing and I'm pretty sure I'm going to be downloading the soundtrack from itunes soon enough.  And ahem, you do know that Ms. Kendrick has been performing on Broadway for years, duh?  You saw her in "Camp", right? You'll also see kick-ass performances by newcomers Skylar Astin (this guy played Georg in "Spring Awakening" in NY), Ben Platt (another theater dude), Ester Dean (singer/songwriter) and Hana Mae Lee (comedian & clothing designer). 

Ummm, so I've said enough - go see it!!!


Monday, October 29, 2012

Go See: Argo

I must say that I finally feel ahead of the game.  I've seen more movies in the past two weeks that I feel refreshed and like a living human being again.  Director and Actor Ben Affleck is at it again with making an incredibly powerful and emotional film, "Argo".  You do recall when he directed "The Town" and "Gone Baby Gone" which garnered a few Oscar nominations, right?  Is it curious that his wife Jennifer Garner isn't in any of his films?  Hmmmm....just kidding. That's how rumours get started. 

With an amazing cast, there's no way that this wouldn't be a hit.  Plus, if you live and work in LA in the film biz, you will understand so many of the insider jokes between Ben Affleck's character and his two film cronies (in the film) played by Alan Arkin and John Goodman.  I'd like to make two comments - one is if you're an Alan Arkin fan, you must see the psychological thriller, "Wait Until Dark" that he's in with Audrey Hepburn.  And second - John Goodman - is just GOOD!  I just saw him in the Denzel Washington flick, "Flight" and he was amazeballs, but I'll get to that soon.  I digress, I love films that are based on real, historical events as it gets my interested peaked, in well, history. 

What also piqued my interest were the lot of actors who played the fugitive American diplomats who needed Ben Affleck's character to help them escape Iran.  The six were played by Clea Duvall (we know who she is), Tate Donovan ("The O.C."), Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochran, Christopher Denham and Kerry Bishe.  All of whom have at least twenty imdb credits, so excuse me!?!  This was a very well cast film with Bryan Cranston as "Jack O'Donnell", Victor Garber who plays the Canadian Consulate, Chris Messina ("Vicki Cristina Barcelona" and "The Giant Mechanical Man") and "Friday Night Light's Kyle Chandler.  Whew, doesn't get any better than that.  It's really well done and I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't a few nominations that arise from this flick. 


Friday, October 19, 2012

Can't Wait: Nobody Walks

Wow, I'm usually pretty up on the indie scene but I hadn't heard about this little flick called "Nobody Walks" which was written by the incredibly talented "Girls" creator, Lena Dunham (my new idol!).  It stars Olivia Thirlby, Rosemarie Dewitt, John Krasinski, Dylan McDermott and "Weeds" Justin Kirk. An amazing cast and directed by Ry Russo-Young, who is an up-and-coming young director breaking out on the scene.  This film already has gained many accolades having won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance and a great review from Time's Richard Corliss...

"Plenty of movies have turned their off-camera drama into gossip, with stories about sex on the set; this may be the first film about promiscuity in post-production. But the true subject here isn’t moviemaking; it’s the ardor that old romantic films used to stoke — as gorgeous stars in 50-foot closeups celebrated their oneness with a cigarette, two glasses of champagne and some Max Steiner violins — and which the little people watching these rapturous fantasies rashly applied to their own lives. Nobody Walks updates that grand and foolish impulse by acknowledging the seductive musk of attractive people in close proximity, in an age when fidelity is just the longest f-word."

But you can decide for yourself.  This film opens today!  Enjoy!


Sunday, October 14, 2012

Iconic 80's Item: White Leather Fringe Jacket

I'm currently watching "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" on cable and walking down memory lane remembering how much I coveted this hot, fresh white fringe leather jacket that Simone wore.  I mean, seriously!  How hot was this jacket? 

But wait, there's more.  Another iconic film from this era was a film that I can quote every single line from - "Can't Buy Me Love" with Patrick Dempsey and a very young Seth Green.  Do you remember the hot, hot, hot leather fringe outfit that Amanda Peterson wears to the party in one of the opening scenes and it gets wine thrown on it by accident?  I would have DIED for that outfit.  Remember this?  Good times, good times...!




"Horror House" - My Screening Today

I had the best time today attending my first red carpet premiere for the horror film called "Horror House", directed by Evan Marlowe and written by Kerry Marlowe.  It's a compilation of five short films in the vein of "Creep Show" and I was in a scene with the lead guy in the "Hot Stuff" vignette, playing the friend with benefit girl, "Abbi".  I'm not sure when the film will be released yet but please support the cause and "like" it on Facebook.  Check out some pics of me on the red carpet and watch the trailer!









Trailer:




Friday, October 12, 2012

My Latest Reel

Shameless Self-Promotion Time!!!  It's been nearly a year and I finally have my reel updated with a few more spots such as The General Auto Insurance and The Wushu Shaolin Kung Fu School and red carpet interviews with the likes of Kevin Wu (aka KevJumba) and Director Daniel Hsia ("Shanghai Calling").  Enjoy! 


Saturday, October 6, 2012

A Must See: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By far this year, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is one of the best films that I have seen yet.  I didn't expect it to be this amazing as I thought it was just going to be some cutesy high school indie flick.  It packed way more than a punch and had some pretty talented acting by the main bloke - Logan Lerman.  Now, who's this guy?  Apparently he's been in quite a few films for instance, the "Percy Jackson" films playing the lead character, Percy; "The Three Musketeers" and he played Bobby in the TV Show, "Jack and Bobby".  Ms. Hermoine Grainger aka Emma Watson played a cute, American senior girl with her BF gay step-bro played by the amazing Ezra Miller.  Again, who is this dude?  Well, he was in the Tilda Swinton flick, "We Need To Talk About Kevin", the show "Royal Pains" and is expected to be in the upcoming film, "Madame Bovary".  Ummm, I really want him to be my new best gay boyfriend!  Such a great cast with other supporting characters played by Dylan McDermott, Kate Walsh, Nina Dobrev ("The Vampire Diaries"), Melanie Linskey, Mae Whitman, Nicholas Braun and Joan Cusack.  Whew!  Now, have I got your attention or what? 

This is such a touching film that I think nearly anyone can relate to one of the characters in the film who are tormented in high school, trying to figure out themselves and where they fit in and it was set in the 90's.  One of my favorite lines from the film was a poignant moment for the character Charlie and he defines that moment (I won't give it away as you know I don't believe in spoiler alerts!) as - "Right now we are alive and in this moment I swear we are infinite."

It's just - wow!  Go see it!


Sunday, September 30, 2012

Can't Wait: Pitch Perfect

Yes, I am a gay man.  I'm sooooo excited to see the upcoming film, "Pitch Perfect", because it has loads of singing in it.  And it also has the amazing and incredibly talented Anna Kendrick, who you know from the "Twilight" series, "Up in the Air" but I knew her when she was in the film "Camp" which was about high school kids in performing arts camp.  So I can't wait to hear her sing again in this film.  The cast is kick-ass with Rebel Wilson, the sassy aussie who you might've seen in "Bridesmaids" as Kristen Wiig's roommate's sister; Brittany Snow ("Hairspray" and "American Dreams"), Anna Camp (she played the pastor's wife on "True Blood"), Alexis Knapp (ummm, she's Ryan Phillippe's most recent baby mama) and Skylar Astin (he played Georg in the broadway musical "Spring Awakening" in 2006). 

Who dared to take on the task of directing this film?  Jason Moore, naturally.  And why was he a good fit?  Because he has musicals is in his blood.  He's directed the top hit, Avenue Q on Broadway as well as "Shrek: The Musical", "Guardians" and "Steel Magnolias".  So, just a few more days and on October 5th - go see Pitch Perfect....!  I know, I will and then maybe hit-up a little karaoke afterwards.


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Go See: The Possession

It's that time of the year, my very favorite time of the year - fall.  Which means...it's horror film time!  I love it - the scarier, the better.  I choose various partners-in-crime (my more daring friends) to go see the latest flicks in honour of Halloween.  Oh yes, so to kick start this "holiday", I recently saw "The Possession" starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick, and newcomer Natasha Calis.  It always freaks me out when they preface films with "based on a true story" and lo and behold, they did it with this one. 

I'm not one to spill the beans on any of the plot but man, the director is one sick dude.  Just kidding!  He's pretty genius and danish, at that.  Ole Bornedal.  Yea, he didn't sound familiar to me at all and gets most of his directing and writing props from his homeland, Denmark.  According to his bio on imdb.com, "Bornedal's movies have been critically acclaimed all over the world and is acknowledged as one of the most influential creators of 'The New Danish Cinema.'"

As for the cast, you remember Jeffrey Dean Morgan, right?  He played the guy that Katherine Heigl's character fell in love with and died.  He's still pretty hunky, could even maybe pass for Javier Bardem's brother or cousin.  Jeffrey's wife was played by Kyra Sedgwick - I don't need to say anything more as she's the wife of Kevin Bacon.  And EVERYONE's connected to Kevin Bacon.  But keep you eye out for the girls who played the daughters, Natasha Calis and Madison Davenport.  If you were a fan of the original "Melrose Place", you'll get a kick out of seeing Grant Show and also The Hasidic Reggae Superstar aka Matisyahu.  So go see it - there will be at least one moment where you jump!


Sunday, September 23, 2012

2012 Emmy's

Well, first things first - I need to get on the award-winning bandwagon and start watching "Homeland" and "Modern Family" which were just a few of some of the multi-winners tonight.  There were loads of brits nominated and a few scored some golden statues - so well done to them!  And for the winners...here you go.  Enjoy!

Outstanding Drama Series Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Miniseries or TV Movie Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program

Acting

Lead performances

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie

Supporting performances

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie

Guest performances

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Directing

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Special

Writing

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Special