Moo, Woof, and ... (well, what sound do bunnies make?)

• About a month ago, a friend told me about a great printing website called moo.com. They are a small company based in London, but they have some brilliant ideas on how to make printing fun. Through their site you can make regular sized business cards, their acclaimed mini cards, greeting cards, post cards, and sticker books. While the site encourages you to submit your own photos and drawings to make your own designs, they also have an incredible amount of illustrator's designs to choose from (all of which are colorful and adorable). The site is extremely user friendly, and they are connected with flickr, facebook and more, to make it even easier to import photos. They also have a great blog, which give budding designers ideas for projects they can do utilizing the site. Here, they show you a great way to create a fun, reusable calendar that you may actually want to use. I've already ordered cards to advertise this very blog! So check them out and come up with your own ideas. 
  

• Slumdog Millionaire, which just recently opened in theaters across India, has garnered some interesting reactions among the locals. Here you can listen to BBC news correspondent Chris Morris reporting from Mumbai, and here Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan slams the film for depicting India as a "third word, dirty underbelly..." Seems not everyone is feeling the love Boyle keeps talking about. Whether the Indian population agrees or not, Slumdog is still likely headed for Oscar gold. Check out this week's EW for an article on the film; "A Slumdog Leads the Pack" and your viewer's guide to the '09 Oscars.

• I recently discovered the amazing, insane brilliance of Jennifer Shiman's 30 Second Bunnies Theater, hosted by Starz. You have to see it to understand, but check out Brokeback Mountain and Titanic for some of the best examples.  

First Pic from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland set

Here we see what is the supposed first leaked picture from Tim Burton's new remake of Alice in Wonderland. Johnny Depp is clearly going for a classic Mad Hatter, with a David Bowie twist... I'm pretty anxious to see what craziness Burton can come up with, but unfortunately, I'll have to wait till 2010 for its release... Other stars of the film will include Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen of Hearts, Michael Sheen as the Cheshire Cat, Alan Rickman as the Caterpillar, and Crispin Glover as the Knave of Hearts. Should be a wild ride...

The SAG(A)'s, and what this means for the Oscars

First, here's the SAG rundown:

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actress in a Comedy Series

Tina Fey (30 Rock)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

30 Rock

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Sally Fields (Brothers and Sisters)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

Hugh Laurie (House)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

Mad Men (YAY!!!) (also, in Mad Men news, Matthew Weiner has officially signed on again to helm the third season of the show, thank god! We all know the show wouldn't be what it is without him)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Laura Linney (John Adams)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Paul Giamatti (John Adams)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Kate Winslet (The Reader) (no surprise here, and did you see? her boobs looked fabulous...)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Meryl Streep (Doubt) (YES! big surprise of the night!)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Sean Penn (Milk) (YESSS!! every one had an amazing performance this year, but he was so perfect in Milk.)

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

Slumdog Millionaire (really, it's not a surprise, but given that it was the SAGS, i really hoped they might recognize Milk. that's the way it goes though.)

So now the question is, what does all of this mean for the Oscars? If they take their cue from every other award show this season, Slumdog will take home best picture. I guess I just have to accept that this is their year, and move on... I was very excited to see Sean Penn take home the actor for Milk, and having not yet seen Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler (which I'm sure is amazing), I'll be rooting for him on the 22nd. Now, I have to say Meryl winning best actress was a huge surprise, but in the best possible way (and wasn't she so cute in her little capri pants?! At risk of sounding trite, that's so Meryl)! She gave an incredible performance in Doubt, and any recognition is well deserved. Whether this immediately takes her out of the running for the Oscar, or puts her back in, I'm not quite sure, but either way, I think it's now an even more interesting race. Heath, of course, was no surprise (although his missing from the memorial slide show was...), but it was nice to see Gary Oldman accepting on his behalf. Finally, I am so happy for Mad Men!! They are truly one of the best shows on television, and continue to wow me consistently with every single episode. Congrats to everyone involved! And congrats to the most recognizable voice in show business, James Earl Jones for lifetime achievement. Your award looked pretty dinky, but I'm sure it means a lot.

Overall the program was kind of dull unfortunately, and lacking in real emotive acceptance speeches. I can see why ratings for awards shows are down... Maybe Jackman can help spice up the Oscarsss!

So, I dropped the ball....

Hello to my approx. 5 readers! I want to apologize for my lack of postage. It's been an insane couple of weeks, between having started working full time, getting sick, and being way too caught up in the Inauguration. So, my sincerest apologies. but now, it's time to get back on track! First off, January 20th, 2009 was officially one of the most exciting days, ever. I got to watch the man I voted for, Barack Hussein Obama, sworn in as President of the United States. I cried... a lot. It was a memorable day from the swearing in mix-up, to Aretha Franklin's crazy track hat, to that awful poem, and finally to Barack and Michell dancing 10 times to "At Last." And now we have a sexy, charistmatic, intelligent, African American President. I've never wanted to live in America more in my entire life. 

The man has a ridiculous amount of work ahead, but with the faith of the nation behind him, I hope and expect to see great things from our 44th President. So congrats to the entire Obama family, and here's hoping the next 4-8 years will be ones of peace and a better market!

Since I didn't have a chance to get out my full reviews of The Reader and Doubt in a timely manner, let me give you the short and sweet on both of them: 

The Reader - The Reader ends up telling a story which hasn't been addressed before. On the surface, it's a film about a young boy who has an affair with a much older woman, only to find out years later that she is on trial for committing Nazi war crimes. But on further inspection, it's a story about the first generation after the Holocaust, and how they did or did not deal with the sins of their family, friends and country. As a boy in the film says, "Everyone knew." How do you move past the horror and forgive? How do you love people who committed such heinous crimes? The ultimate message of the film is that love is an uncontrollable force, no matter how hard you try to fight it. The most stand-out aspect of the film has to be the performance of David Kross. German-born newcomer Kross, leaps off the screen with hypnotic vivacity... yeah, that's right, I said hypnotic vivacity. At only 19, he's already able to show his range, even within the confines of one role. I was amazed at how much I liked him and his character right from the start. Kate Winslet gives a beautiful performance too (better than her Revolutionary Road one), but she is still upstaged by her young male counterpart. I am still baffled as to why he hasn't been nominated for anything... Ray Fiennes has a relatively small role in the film as the adult version of Michael Berg (Kross). His performance feels too withheld at first, but as the film progresses, you feel he plays the part exactly as he should. Major kudos to all involved, especially the two beloved producers who we lost this year, Sydney Pollack and Anthony Minghella.

I think the film will definitely see some Oscar glory, I only wish that some of it could have been bestowed on David Kross.

Doubt - The play turned film has now been nominated for 5 Oscars, 4 in the acting categories and one for best writing. At first, I was disappointed that it was not up for best picture, but then realized the strength of the film really does lie completely in the acting, and that Doubt ends up in the categories where it most belongs. The sweet and naive Amy Adams, the strong and hopeless Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and the incomparable Meryl Streep all come together to give some of the best performances of their career. Well... that may be a bit much, but they do play some incredible characters, who are sure to stay with you long after the movie ends. Set in the mid 1960's, the film deals with themes of religion, segregation/integration, morality, sexuality and authority. You do not need to leave the theater knowing exactly what occurred in this small Bronx Catholic school, but you do leave with a sense of faith and belief, be it entrusted to one character, or the other. Meryl Streep needs no further praise from me, a lowly blogger, but suffice it to say, she rocked this part and played every moment to perfection. Amy Adams continues to give me reasons to love her with her signature sweetness and depth of character, Just as you begin to have her pegged in the role one way, she surprises you. Hoffman is perfectly suited to the film version of the play, giving the audience plenty of reasons to both doubt and trust his character. His facial expressions are some of the best in the film. 

So if you can't tell already, without a doubt, I loved the film, and I'll be sending vibes of good faith its way come February 22, Oscar night. 

So it's that time of year again. And as my friend pointed out to me. the 2009 Oscar nominations (also go here for apple's list complete with links to trailer, soundtracks, etc.), which were announced on the 22nd, actually came out on the day Heath Ledger died one year ago... I'm not saying it means anything, but it is a little weird. There are two things I can say with absolute certainty about this year's Academy Awards. First, Ledger will take home posthumous Oscar gold for best supporting actor in The Dark Knight, and everyone knows it. Second, Wall-E will win for best full-length animated feature. Also Slumdog Millionaire better take home best score! Other than that, it's any one's game.

As I have said before, this was a relatively weak year for film, but some of the best movies I saw were blatantly ignored. While Anne Hathaway is nominated for best actress, Rachel Getting Married, my favorite film of the year, is not anywhere to be found. Also snubbed was Happy-Go-Lucky (no nom for Sally Hawkins... for shame), and The Dark Knight, which for sure should have been in the best pic category. Clint Eastwood was also not featured this year, despite releasing 2 films. While Angelina Jolie is nominated for Changling, I doubt she'll win, and they didn't even acknowledge Gran Torino. But don't feel too bad for Clint yet, the man has already been honored more than Jesus. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button leads the pack with an absolutely ridiculous 13 nominations... CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT PEOPLE SEE IN THIS MOVIE?! He's Brad Pitt, he's old, he's young, who cares? He doesn't act people! He speaks with a southern drawl and he ages, backwards... that's the movie. Since this has been the year of Slumdog at all the other award shows, it stands to reason that it will likely take home best pic. While I very much enjoyed the film, (mostly the third quarter of it and especially the music), I can't say I'll be happy if it wins best picture. It just wasn't, and Danny Boyle has done better. The two big mystery races are for best actor and actress... Will it be new kid on the block, Anne Hathaway, or often overlooked brilliant standby, Kate Winslet? Will it be veteran Sean Penn, or comeback king, Mickey Rourke? Who knows, but I'll be watching, score card in one hand, mimosa in the other. 

Till next time (and I do promise to be back on track with the posts) check out film.com's 5 comedies to watch for in '09 and photos of the man sweeping the nation...

Day Watch blows my mind, Johnny Depp still makes me swoon, and Gossip Girl returns... it's officially a New Year!

Apologies for still not getting up my new reviews, etc. I was away where there was no Internet, and somehow I survived (better than that in fact)! Reviews are coming, I promise! But I thought for now I'd post a few quick notes of interest.

• Richard Brody posts an interesting summary of some lesser known films, including Chinese cinema, the wonders of mumblecore queen Greta Gerwig, and David Fincher's Zodiac, which puts Benjamin Button to shame.
  

• According to the incredible (and always reliable) Michael Ausiello, Michelle Trachtenberg is all set to return to the upper east side and reprise her memorable role of Georgina on Gossip Girl. She'll be blowing into town for multiple episodes towards the end of the season, can you say cliffhanger? I cannot tell a lie and say that I think Trachtenberg is a particularly talented or interesting actress, but one thing is for sure... it's always fun to watch her wreak havoc on my favorite drama queens. And of course, the best news: GOSSIP GIRL BACK WITH NEW EPS TONIGHT!
  

• Part of my weekend away included watching a little Russian film called Day Watch (see photo above), sequel to Night Watch, better known as the craziest, most insanely imaginative film I have seen, maybe ever. I was skeptical of it at first, having only seen the dvd cover (which pretty much repelled me), however this is truly a case of "don't judge a dvd by it's cover." The movie blew me out of my seat, off the couch and onto the floor. I still can't fully explain the plot, but at it's base... It is a sequel following the character of Anton who belongs to a group called the Night Watch. This group has a chosen one, a Neo if you will, who is fated to fight the forces of the darkness. This chosen one happens to be Anton's girlfriend and apprentice. However there is another group, of dark beings (including some unique vampires who drink from juice boxes) called the Day Watch. They also have a chosen one, who happens to be Anton's son. Both groups intertwine and unravel as they chase the chalk of fate. Like I said, the movie is bonkers. The films are based on a well loved Russian book series that Timur Bekmambetov (of recent Wanted fame) directs with skill and laborious precision. Twilight Watch, the third in the series is slated as in pre-production, but has already been much delayed due to Bekmambetov's shooting of Wanted. To say I enjoyed Day Watch would be a massive understatement, but to say I understood it would be a lie. Be prepared to embark on a dizzying visual feast.

• Film.com posts a great article chronicling some of our beloved returning t.v. favorites, including Nip/Tuck, Big Love and Lost.
  

• Just like me, A.O. Scott feels a connection to Milk. Check out his review.
  

• Finally, if you get EW magazine, then you've already seen it, but if not, here's a link to their 12 big movies coming in '09, most notably Johnny Depp playing John Dillinger in the summer release, Public Enemies (also starring my standby fav Christian Bale).
  

So get ready people, it's a new year, and a clean slate. Do what you want, and don't waste time doing anything else.

A little something to get you hooked...

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned my current obsession with a gay love saga on a british soap opera called HollyOaks. The obsession with John Paul and Craig continues. You may not think that as a straight woman, or even a straight man that you would find this interesting, but I promise you... you're wrong. So while all you readers (and I know I have about five now!) wait patiently for my reviews of The Reader and Doubt, please enjoy John Paul and Craig: The Confession! All credit goes to youtube user kimbaforeva, without whom I never would have known the wonders of this relationship. Thanks kimba!

 

Movie Review: They'll always have Paris... sort of.

Who or what do you blame when a marriage goes wrong? Do you blame the secretary or the neighbor? The job or the kids? The gin or the bedroom? Maybe you blame yourself, or maybe it's nobody's fault, after all, some marriages just aren't meant to last. Frank and April Wheeler met a party, had a laugh and a dance. Twelve years later, they find themselves stuck in the fifties, breaking bottles and furniture all to try and figure out what the hell went wrong. I can't begin to tell you what went wrong with the marriage, but I can tell you what went wrong with the film. First off, it isn't live. This movie would have made for the most phenomenally gripping stage play, but up on the big screen, there's just too much distance to feel the real weight of their problems. Second, what this film tries to do, Mad Men does better. Third, there is no resolution and not in a good way. Let's elaborate on these three points, and then along the way I'll tell you what I actually like about Revolutionary Road, which is still quite a bit.

When you make a film reuniting the two stars of Titanic, you already have an guaranteed audience for your movie. But when that movie is about two people who can no longer stand the sight of each other, I'd be a little worried. This is, of course, unless you're the man responsible for directing American Beauty and married to the Kate Winslet. Sam Mendes is, without question, a great director, and with Revolutionary Road, he delivers on his end, yet again. The reason this film doesn't blow you out of your seat isn't his fault, in fact I'm sure he made the film better than anyone else could have. Revolutionary Road is one of those unfortunate situations where the material would be suited to live theater than it is to the screen. The movie ultimately fails to get in your face, but it's not for lack of trying. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet both give good performances as the Wheelers, and I really wish I could say that's all the film needed. Through all their ranting, kissing, screaming and hugging, you find people that you can easily relate to. You don't have to be a part of a failed marriage to understand how they feel, you only need to have had a couple of real good fights. Kathy Bates is also rejoined with her Titanic cohorts, only this time she plays the opposite of The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Bates gives a fine performance in a relatively small role, but is crucial to the story in that she introduces the "nice young Wheelers" to her son, John. John, played by Michael Shannon, also plays a small role in the film, but makes an enormous impact on both the Wheelers and the audience. Shannon aptly turned John into a version of Ledger's Joker, minus the make-up. His maniacal laugh and disturbing stare, mixed with the best lines in the film, makes Shannon a definite best supporting role contender. David Harbour and Kathryn Hahn, as the Campbells, also give decent performances, more Harbour than Hahn. They play the couple you inevitably have to compare to the Wheelers. Shannon is the only one who ultimately jumped off the screen enough that I didn't need to see him in person to know how good he was. As for Leo and Kate, high marks for trying hard, middle ones for the actual outcome.

For those of you not familiar with the AMC hit show, Mad Men, it's basically the same plot as Revolutionary Road, only more fleshed out and with an ensemble of characters instead of just two. The film is the show, if the show only focused on leads Don Draper and his wife Betty, and if Don Draper was more like the young ambitious, but unsure and emasculated Pete Campbell. I apologize if all of this means nothing to you, but I couldn't do a review without pointing out the similarities. I know that it's not exactly fair to compare two pieces just because they're both about fifties suburbia, and I wouldn't even bother with the comparison, except that Mad Men accomplishes what the film so desperately tries to, ten times better. Through the combo of performances, writing and direction, I never felt that the show was anything but perfect in its incarnation. I went into Revolutionary Road hoping to feel the same way, but came out wanting. Better writing maybe? After all, nobody says each other's names fifteen times within the span of one argument ("Listen April!... Come on Frank!...). I was looking for realism, since that seemed to be the whole point of the story. While some things resonated, others fell just shy of impact or passed over completely. And where were the kids during 90% of the movie? Still at that birthday party...

While half of the film explores their downward spiral, the other half is spent with a rejuvenated and hopeful couple, filled with dreams of a life changing move to Paris. They never seem to be able to pull it together though, leading both them and us back to the inevitable doom and gloom of the story. This is not a happy tale, pretty much from top to bottom. It has a lot in common with Mendes' American Beauty, but unlike Beauty, you don't feel that the end of the film conveys a message (or at least a message worth hearing). If the point of the film was to show how marriage can disintegrate a life, than kudos to everyone involved. But if there was a deeper message somewhere in there, fighting to get out, than I'm not sure that point was made. Perhaps the point was just to show how we're all finding ways to cope, and maybe that should have been enough for me.

Short and Sweet

Revolutionary Road tries so very hard to smother you with tension, but doesn't end up playing into realism as much as it should have. The film is beautifully shot and well directed, but the performances didn't jump off the screen as much as I would have hoped, with the exception of the outstanding Michael Shannon. I think Kate and Leo did their best, but it just wasn't enough. Viewer BEWARE! This is not a easy film, and it will not leave you very hopeful, but it's still important to see nonetheless. I may be a little harsh on it in my review, but Revolutionary Road is worth seeing, just not worth an Oscar nod.

Fav Quotes

"You're just some guy who made me laugh at a party once." - April Wheeler