Happy New Year!

It's never too late to wish you a Happy New Year! Where have I been? Perhaps I took a hiatus from my own life. No, I wish! I've been quite busy - I am excited to announce that my first interview with Korean Film Director Bong Joon-ho was published in the December 2010 issue of KoreAm. I was so excited and honored to have interviewed such an incredibly talented director. He directed hits such as the sci-fi horror film, "The Host" and the critically acclaimed drama, "Mother", starring veteran Korean actress Kim Hye-ja. Next up, he is working on a sci-fi film titled "Snow Piercer" which is based off of a french comic book. I hear rumors that "Captain America's" Chris Evans is considering working on this film - very exciting.

So, take a look at my interview and keep reading for more of my "two-cents" on various films - old and new!

Golden Globes Time!

Okay, I won't do it. But thanks to twitter and the east coast, us west coasters already know who won what categories. I do love the Golden Globes as it kick starts the awards shows for the new year and also is indicative of who will be nominated for an Oscar. It is also the personal competition that I have with myself every single stinking year, too, to see every nominated film and I have yet to win.

So in advance, I congratulate you and you and you...! I will go ahead and just announce who the nominees are. You can look up or watch the winners on your own so I don't spoil the surprise. Well done all!

Motion pictures

Picture, drama:

"The Descendants," ''The Help," ''Hugo," ''The Ides of March," ''Moneyball," ''War Horse."

Picture, musical or comedy:

"50/50," ''The Artist," ''Bridesmaids," ''Midnight in Paris," ''My Week with Marilyn."

Actor, drama:

George Clooney, "The Descendants"; Leonardo DiCaprio, "J. Edgar"; Michael Fassbender, "Shame"; Ryan Gosling, "The Ides of March"; Brad Pitt, "Moneyball."

Actress, drama:

Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"; Viola Davis, "The Help"; Rooney Mara, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"; Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"; Tilda Swinton, "We Need to Talk About Kevin."

Director:

Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"; George Clooney, "The Ides of March"; Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"; Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"; Martin Scorsese, "Hugo."

Actor, musical or comedy:

Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"; Brendan Gleeson, "The Guard"; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "50/50"; Ryan Gosling, "Crazy, Stupid, Love"; Owen Wilson, "Midnight in Paris."

Actress, musical or comedy:

Jodie Foster, "Carnage"; Charlize Theron, "Young Adult"; Kristen Wiig, "Bridesmaids"; Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn"; Kate Winslet, "Carnage."

Supporting actor:

Kenneth Branagh, "My Week with Marilyn"; Albert Brooks, "Drive"; Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"; Viggo Mortensen, "A Dangerous Method"; Christopher Plummer, "Beginners."

Supporting actress:

Berenice Bejo, "The Artist"; Jessica Chastain, "The Help"; Janet McTeer, "Albert Nobbs"; Octavia Spencer, "The Help"; Shailene Woodley, "The Descendants."

Foreign language:

"The Flowers of War," ''In the Land of Blood and Honey," ''The Kid with a Bike," ''A Separation," ''The Skin I Live In."

Animated film:

"The Adventures of Tintin," "Arthur Christmas," "Cars 2," "Puss in Boots," "Rango."

Screenplay:

Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"; George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon, "The Ides of March"; Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"; Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, "The Descendants"; Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, "Moneyball."

Original score:

Ludovic Bource, "The Artist"; Abel Korzeniowski, "W.E."; Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"; Howard Shore, "Hugo"; John Williams, "War Horse."

Original song:

"Hello Hello" (music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin), "Gnomeo & Juliet"; "The Keeper" (music and lyrics by Chris Cornell), "Machine Gun Preacher"; "Lay Your Head Down" (music by Brian Byrne, lyrics by Glenn Close), "Albert Nobbs"; "The Living Proof" (music by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr., lyrics by Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas), "The Help"; "Masterpiece" (music and lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry), "W.E."

Television

Series, drama:

"American Horror Story," FX; "Boardwalk Empire," HBO; "Boss," Starz; "Game of Thrones," HBO; "Homeland," Showtime.

Actor, drama:

Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"; Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"; Kelsey Grammer, "Boss"; Jeremy Irons, "The Borgias"; Damian Lewis, "Homeland."

Actress, drama:

Claire Danes, "Homeland"; Mireille Enos, "The Killing"; Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"; Madeleine Stowe, "Revenge"; Callie Thorne, "Necessary Roughness."

Series, musical or comedy:

"Enlightened," HBO; "Episodes," Showtime; "Glee," Fox; "Modern Family," ABC; "New Girl," Fox.

Actress, musical or comedy:

Laura Dern, "Enlightened"; Zooey Deschanel, "New Girl"; Tina Fey, "30 Rock"; Laura Linney, "The Big C"; Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation."

Actor, musical or comedy:

Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"; David Duchovny, "Californication"; Johnny Galecki, "The Big Bang Theory"; Thomas Jane, "Hung"; Matt LeBlanc, "Episodes."

Miniseries or movie:

"Cinema Verite," HBO; "Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)," PBS; "The Hour," BBC America; "Mildred Pierce," HBO; "Too Big to Fail," HBO.

Actress, miniseries or movie:

Romola Garai, "The Hour"; Diane Lane, "Cinema Verite"; Elizabeth McGovern, "Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)," Emily Watson, "Appropriate Adult"; Kate Winslet, "Mildred Pierce."

Actor, miniseries or movie:

Hugh Bonneville, "Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)"; Idris Elba, "Luther"; William Hurt, "Too Big to Fail"; Bill Nighy, "Page Eight (Masterpiece)"; Dominic West, "The Hour."

Supporting actress, series, miniseries or movie:

Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story"; Kelly Macdonald, "Boardwalk Empire"; Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)"; Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"; Evan Rachel Wood, "Mildred Pierce."

Supporting actor, series, miniseries or movie:

Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones"; Paul Giamatti, "Too Big to Fail"; Guy Pierce, "Mildred Pierce"; Tim Robbins, "Cinema Verite"; Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family."

Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award:

Morgan Freeman

Go See: Drive

Sometimes I wonder why it takes me so long to go see a film and I must admit, "Drive" is one of those films that should take top priority in films to see this year. This film should be enjoyed on the big screen while you experience an amazing soundtrack. I directly went to itunes and downloaded this eerie and moody music, which was composed by the incredibly talented Cliff Martinez.

While you are immediately entranced by the incredibly talented Ryan Gosling, I really appreciated that the film was set in and shot in Los Angeles. I always enjoy knowing that I have been in certain places that they have filmed or are familiar with various local points of interest such as "(500) Days of Summer" and "Traffic". Yea, that's the nerd in me. I was very interested and surprised that I wasn't instantly familiar with who the director was, Nicolas Winding Refn. His shooting style didn't seem very American and well, after IMDB'ing him, I see that he's from Denmark. He directed "Valhalla Rising", "Pusher" and "Bronson". Looks he forged a strong connection with Ryan, as he is starring in one Nicolas's next films called "Only God Forgives" with Kristin Scott Thomas.

As we have been seeing lately, the talented Carey Mulligan continues to portray non-british characters, but she was perfect for this role. Other kickers for me - the actor who plays her ex-convict husband completely transformed into a gangster type of dude, who was played by Oscar Isaac. Definitely keep your eye on him as he played the ruthless doctor in "Sucker Punch" and will be in Madonna's upcoming directed film, "W.E." (which is based on the story of Wallis Simpson). It's still such a departure to see Bryan Cranston portray a non-Malcolm-in-the-Middle dad type as well as Albert Brooks playing a heavy-hitting, mafia guy. Ron Perlman plays his brother, who, in my total opinion, will always be the "Beast/Vincent" from "Beauty and the Beast" back in the 80's. And if you nearly blinked, you'd see Christina Hendricks, play an accessory to a crime.

My First Vlog Entry - British TV / Doc Martin

Well, hello there! I am finally making my debut via my first Vlog entry today. I know that I have dedicated this blog to solely discussing film but it's time to divulge my other passion which is British TV. So, without further adieu, off I go...!



And to get you started, here are some memorable quotes from Series 1 (Season 1). Doc Martin really does have the best one-liners said with a dead pan face.

Rent It! - Win Win

I watched this really clever film, Win Win, over the weekend and really fell in love with it. I must say that Paul Giamatti is one of the best indie film actors around. Mind you, I know very well that he acts in mainstream flicks but man, oh man, does he know how to take an indie film and really make it his own. Shall I remind you when he portrayed Harvey Pekar in "American Splendor" or as the non-drinking merlot Miles character in "Sideways". This film had a great supporting cast such as Mike Flaherty's wife portrayed by the lovely and sassy Amy Ryan. You know who she is - was nominated for an Oscar for "Gone Baby Gone", she was also on "The Wire" for years and most recently on "The Office".

Can we talk about Bobby Cannavale. Love him and have had a crush on him since his days on the series, "Third Watch" but maybe you remember him on "Will & Grace" but I think we should all agree that the most memorable role could quite possibly have been in the SATC episode titled, "Easy Come, Easy Go", where he has a fling with Samantha and tells the girls that he has funky tasting spunk. But seriously, who is the kid who stole the show? Alex Shaffer, who has no previous acting experience but who could really wrestle as he won the New Jersey State Championship.

Melanie Lynskey plays the druggie mother of Alex Shaffer's character and perhaps she looks familiar as the stalker shrink on "Two and a Half Men" but come on, let's dig deeper. She played George Clooney's sister in "Up in the Air", and was the very first person to kiss Kate Winslet in "Heavenly Creatures" when she was sixteen. Also, Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law, Burt Young plays the kid's grandfather (loved seeing him!). And last but not least, Jeffrey Tambor plays the assistant wrestling coach, always able to deliver his comedic timing in a succint and hilarious way.

Go See: "50/50"

There is a 100% chance that you will love "50/50", even if you're not a fan of Seth Rogen. Director Jonathan Levine ("The Wackness") put together an amazing cast and of course, the multi-talented Joseph Gordon-Leavitt steals the show playing the anguished, emotionally suffering lead. I'm such a huge fan of his - ever since his "3rd Rock From The Sun" TV days, we all knew he had an amazing talent. If you saw "500 Days of Summer" or the haunting, indie flick "Mysterious Skin", you would know what I mean.

This film delicately and raw-ly showed a real side to someone who has cancer and how his family and friends react. There is a pivotal moment in the car when Adam comes to an emotional crossing point with himself and might I just go ahead and say it - I think he will be getting some nominations for his performance in this film. Adam is comforted by a Doctor-in-Training youthful Anna Kendrick, who struggles with maintaining a barrier between doctor and patient. His overbearing mother is played by Angelica Huston (amazing!) and his girlfriend is played by the lovely Bryce Dallas Howard.

I don't even want to say much more about the film because you really need to see it to understand the range of emotions covered in this film. I will say that it really touches you in trying to understand the human emotion, even when it's not spoken.

Rent It! - Jane Eyre

I know when I have really taken a liking to a film, when it haunts me and I still wonder about the characters, with possible "what-if" scenarios filling my head. Blame it on a Charlotte Bronte adapted film. So, I finally rented (via Blockbuster - might as well give them a much-needed plug) "Jane Eyre", which came out last year. I was first caught by the way it was shot, so beautiful set-up shots, yet delicately edited to feel like a standard period piece film. It had a hint of modernity, to which the credit goes to Director Cary Fukunuga. He definitely knows what he's doing as he has a cinematography background in addition to his writing and directing credits.

I have never read Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre", nor her sister, Emily's novel, "Wuthering Heights", although I am inspired to now delve in this world of romance, deceit and hardship (which sounds much like an episode of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"). I love how strong-willed the main character, Jane, played by Mia Wasikowski, is in her attempt to escape a depressing childhood, then later to find herself deceived by the man she loves. Wasikowski has a history of playing characters who speak their mind - remember her in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" or the inquisitive Joni in "The Kids Are All Right". But the other person who caught my eye, for many reasons but most notably because he's nice to look at is Michael Fassbender. Now I know I knew the name but couldn't trace him so off I went to do a bit of research. You might remember him from HBO's "Band of Brothers", "X-Men First Class" or "Inglorious Basterds". And he was most recently linked with Zoe Kravitz. Lucky girl! Jamie Bell is in a grown-up role playing a preacher, who falls for Jane. And the ever faithful Dame Judi Dench, plays the house lady of Rochester's estate.

Now, let's get down to the meat of the talent who you may have barely recognized. Rising star Craig Roberts, who starred in Richard Ayoade's "Submarine" and will be in the upcoming "Red Lights" with Robert DeNiro and Sigourney Weaver. Playing Jane Eyre's evil aunt is Sally Hawkins, which you may remember in quite a few episodes of "Little Britain", "Made in Degenham", "Never Let Me Go" and she's in the upcoming "Great Expectations" as directed by Mike Newell. Very excited about seeing that! And of course, last but not least, the lovely Imogen Poots, who plays Blanche Ingram, who's best known for playing Tammy in "28 Weeks Later" and Prue Sorenson in the 2010 remake of the controversial TV drama Bouquet of Barbed Wire and as Jean Ross in the BBC's Christopher and His Kind.