3:10 to Yuma

I hate westerns. I think it’s all the dirt and dust that bother me. I’m the son of a clean-freak; it’s in my nature. I’m also not a big fan of horse-riding and age-old western clichés. I think the only westerns I can stand are Tombstone (mostly for Val Kilmer’s performance) and Back to the Future Part III (probably not even considered a western in most circles). It was for this reason that I was planning on skipping 3:10 to Yuma. But after it’s opening weeks, I got sucked into the peer pressure. People kept telling me to see this film, that it was fantastic and I wouldn’t be disappointed. So I caved. And after leaving the theatre I came to the conclusion that 3:10 to Yuma was a good film but not a great film.

The thing that made me enjoy this film were the acting abilities of Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and Ben Foster. I’m not a fan of Russell Crowe as a person; he seems to be a bully who thinks he’s better than everyone else. So I almost get annoyed when I find myself charmed by his brilliant performances. His job as the disarming villain Ben Wade is simply fantastic. His charisma and charm just leap off the screen in all his interactions. Mixed with this magnetism are flashes of brutal violent behaviour, but I feel Crowe has made all his ruthless acts justified in his own way. He does make you root for the bad guy.

Christian Bale was also a draw for me to see this film but I must say that his job in Rescue Dawn was far superior. Bale gives some truly moving speeches in this film and really gives the audience the chance to empathize with his Dan Evans character. I guess that’s what makes this film so interesting, you end up caring about the hero and villain equally.

The surprise breakout performance however comes from Ben Foster. This guy is creepy as Charlie Prince, Wade’s second in command. Foster has done well with his off-the-edge performances, this one reminds me of his insane turn in Hostage a few years back. Foster is able to command the screen when he’s on it, even taking some focus away from Crowe and Bale. That’s quite a feat. There is also some fine acting work from Peter Fonda and Alan Tudyk (Serenity, Knocked Up).

What keeps 3:10 to Yuma from being a great film is the plodding storyline and some unexplained history. It kind of took me a while to get into the film, but the story got a little better once Wade was getting transferred. I found myself caring a lot more about the conversations rather than the events leading to the end of the movie. The close-up shots during the heavy dialogue portions is what kept me interested. What bothered me the most was the fact that Ben Wade was able to keep his posse in check. Wade mentions that he must’ve done something rotten to get that much respect but Charlie Prince seems like a loose cannon. With Wade possessing a conscience, how would he be able to put a leash on the ruthless Prince. Speaking of Foster’s cold-blooded character, it also annoys me when people trust that bad guys will let them go if they give up vital information. How stupid.

If you like westerns or Russell Crowe, I’m sure you will love 3:10 to Yuma. This film has everything a cowboy or cowgirl is looking for. And it looks like westerns are making another comeback with The Assassination of Jesse James opening soon, but I’ll just let others watch it first and then pressure me later. Hey, I freely admit that I’m a yellow-bellied western coward. Thank God I wasn’t born in the 1800’s.

Across the Universe

Okay, I don’t understand the critics. I usually adhere to the percentages found at rottentomatoes.com; low rated movies usually suck and high rated movies usually are worth my time, although there have been instances when I disagreed with their extreme love or hate. When looking at the reviews of Across the Universe, I was confused. The tomatometer is at fifty percent. With seventy critics’ opinions counted, I am shocked how many critics did not like this movie. I wouldn’t have thought that Across the Universe would have such a polarizing effect. Critics either love it or despise it. I side with the former.

I think I should start off by saying that I am a casual Beatles fan. I have heard many of their albums, enjoyed countless songs, and know some of their history thanks to a roommate who used to be obsessed with them. I’m not one of those people who only have their No.1s album, but then again, I can’t tell you which songs are found on which album. Well, maybe except for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Oh, for those who are wondering where the Beatles come in, Across the Universe is a story told using around thirty different Beatles songs to pull along the narrative. Apparently, there is only thirty minutes of dialogue in the film among the redone Beatles hits and rarities. I didn’t bring a stopwatch, so I’ll take their word for it.

In Across the Universe, the actors sing the songs and I’ll probably get struck by lighting or receive some hate mail, but I think some of the actors sang the covers better than the Fab Four themselves. The way Jim Sturgess sings “I’ve Just Seen a Face” is done with more passion than the light Beatles original. His rendition of “Revolution’ is almost heartbreaking as he confronts his girlfriend. It’s also surprising that Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen, Running with Scissors) has a great voice, not that I’ve heard her sing before but it was a pleasant surprise with songs like “Blackbird”. I was also surprised with the acting ability of Bono who makes a brief cameo singing the wonderful “I am the Walrus”. The rest of cast including a Janis Joplin-ish Dana Fuchs and Jimi Hendrix-ish Martin Luther McCoy add some inspired rock and roll to the proceedings. Also there is a brilliant cameo of Joe Cocker as a homeless man, pimp and hippie singing “Come Together” Some of the critics feel this movie is blasphemous by redoing the sacred Beatles cannon but I felt it was fun and brave of this cast to belt these variations of the classic tunes.

Of course, the main reason to see Across the Universe is the beautiful cinematography created by the brilliant Julie Taymor (Lion King Musical, Titus). Mixing psychedelic, symbolic, fantastic and epic images together, Taymor interprets the Beatles tunes in a fresh way. Lighter songs are mixed with darker images and vice versa, while some songs just seem to fit; “With a Little Help From My Friends” is done is a dorm room filled with guys being guys. It works for me. Sure, some of the images are strange but the beauty cannot be denied. Some of the critics have compared this film to Yellow Submarine or Help!, I find that completely insulting both to Taymor and to filmmaking in general.

Some find the story of Across the Universe to be convoluted, a meandering tale for the sole purpose of stringing Beatles songs together. I found the story kind of simple which allowed me to enjoy the ride more. So, the movie introduces a character named Prudence, and then they eventually get to a beautiful rendition of “Dear Prudence”. So what? I was more disappointed that they didn’t have “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” after the bevy of references throughout the film. I did think the movie went a little long. A twenty minute cut would have made this film even better.

This is a movie not to be missed, especially if you are a Beatles fan. Across the Universe is definitely one of my favourite films of the year. I challenge you to see this in the theatre and not be mesmerized. I would end this blog quoting the title of a Beatles song but I don’t want to piss off the disagreeable critics.

New Fall Shows 2007

Okay, so I have my picks for the new shows I’ll be watching this fall. (Just in time too, two of them premiere this Wednesday!) I’m a little nervous this year. Two years ago I think six of my shows made it to a second season. Last year only two: Heroes and 30 Rock. So we’ll have to see what happens this year. As per usual, I have three criteria when selecting the new shows I want to watch. 1.The overall concept of the show (Lost, Heroes, How I Met Your Mother) 2. The pedigree of its creators and stars (The Office, 30 Rock, Studio 60) 3. The critics’ opinions (Veronica Mars, Weeds) And again, from there I expect a great pilot and a well done third episode (The second installment is usually lackluster). These are pretty much in my order of preference; and away we go:







The Premise: A pie-maker can bring people back from the dead with a single touch and then send them back with a second one.
The Pedigree: Bryan Fuller (Wonderfalls, Dead Like Me). The same fanciful/creepy tone.
The Rest: The pilot looks like a movie. It is so clever and whimsical, I can’t wait to see more. Lee Pace (Wonderfalls) is awesome as Ned, the pie-maker; it’s easy to relate to this character despite his supernatural abilities. The supporting cast includes the funny Chi McBride (The Nine, Boston Public) and charming Kristin Chenowith (West Wing, Wicked). And I love the voice of the narrator. You gotta see this one. Trust me.
Premieres: 8pm Wednesday, Oct 3 on ABC







The Premise: A computer nerd gets all of America’s secret intelligence accidentally downloaded into his brain.
The Pedigree: Created by Josh Schwartz (The OC, Gossip Girl). This one seems just as clever but not as soapy.
The Rest: This show looks like a lot of fun. Zachary Levi who plays Chuck seems like a great everyman. The supporting cast looks great including Adam Baldwin (Firefly) as one of the secret agents.
Premieres: 8pm Monday, Sept 24 on NBC







The Premise: A slacker becomes a bounty hunter for the devil because his parents sold his soul before he was born.
The Pedigree: Stars Bret Harrison who was awesome in The Loop
The Rest: Much like Chuck with it’s 'ordinary slacker given way to much responsibility' premise, this one focuses more on the slacker. Bret Harrison is great, Ray Wise (Twin Peaks) is evilly good as the devil, and although the very funny Tyler Labine hates being compared to Jack Black, you just can’t help it. The premise is kind of Buffy-like with its demon-of-the-week plot, but it sure looks like a lot of fun.
Premieres: 9pm Tuesday, Sept 25 on The CW







The Premise: A pompous,womanizing newsman returns to share the evening news with his ex co-anchor.
The Pedigree: Created by Steve Levitan (Just Shoot Me) and Christopher Lloyd (creator of Fraiser, not Doc Brown). Stars Kelsey Grammer (Fraiser) and Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond). Directed by James Burrows (Cheers, Will & Grace and almost every successful sitcom known to mankind)
The Rest: The above should be enough. With pedigree like that, it would take a whole lot of bad judgment to screw this one up. Even the supporting cast of Fred Willard (For Your Consideration) and Ty Burrell (Out of Practice) is stellar. It’s even been given a thirteen episode guarantee from Fox, the commitment-phobe network. This is the best shot at reviving the multi-camera sitcom.
Premieres: 8pm Wednesday, Sept 19 on FOX







The Premise: An idealistic lawyer reluctantly becomes the family lawyer of a rich, eccentric New York family.
The Pedigree: Created by Greg Berlanti (Brothers & Sisters, Everwood) and stars Peter Krause (Six Feet Under, Sports Night) and Donald Sutherland (Commander in Chief)
The Rest: The cast looks pretty impressive and the plot looks sinfully fun. It looks a little soap opera-ish but I don’t mind. I wish I could have gotten a hold of the pilot but I guess I’ll have to wait.
Premieres: 10pm Wednesday, Sept 26 on ABC

The next five shows are the ones I’ll give a chance to but am not quite sure about.







The Premise: The trials and tribulations of rich New York kids attending an elite school.
The Pedigree: Created by The OC’s Josh Schwartz. Same issues, but this time on a different coast.
The Rest: What kind of got me interested was that Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) does the narration and the fact that I enjoyed watching The OC.
Why I’m Worried: Fox tried to use the same premise with a show called Manchester Prep that didn’t even make it to air. That and the fact that it’s on The CW can’t be helping it all that much.
Premieres: 9pm Wednesday, Sept 19 on The CW







The Premise: A male Sex in the City, with four businessmen dealing with their wives, mistresses and golf.
The Pedigree: Stars Dylan McDermott (The Practice) and Michael Vartan (Alias)
The Rest: Rounding out the male foursome is Christopher Titus (Titus) and Joshua Malina (West Wing, Sports Night). The reason I’ll watch is to see Josh Malina in action, he such a fun actor to watch. I’ve heard that Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) is going to help write the show which could make this drama all the more appealing.
Why I’m Worried: I’m not sure people are going to go for the premise. Male bonding is very different from female bonding. Also, the fact that it’ll be going up against Without a Trace can’t be helping it any.
Premieres: 10pm Thursday, Sept 27 on ABC







The Premise: A shallow, materialistic liar loses her memory and tries to be a good person to make up for all the bad things she used to do.
The Pedigree: Stars Christina Applegate (Married with Children)
The Rest: It does have a good supporting cast of Jean Smart (Designing Women, 24), Jennifer Esposito (Spin City) and Kevin Dunn (Hot Shots). Applegate was very funny as Rachel’s self-centered sister on Friends, and apparently we’ll see clips of the pre-amnesia bitchy Samantha character throughout the show. Although if you ask me, this show ia a female upscale version of My Name is Earl.
Why I’m Worried: I haven’t seen too many clips promoting this show since ABC is foolishly plugging Cavemen and Carpoolers non-stop instead. I haven’t been impressed with ABC’s comedy line-up lately with its According to Jim crap. They did have Knights of Prosperity but quickly cancelled it. I blame the network.
Premieres: 9:30pm Monday, Oct 15 on ABC







The Premise: Jamie Sommers gets a new eye, new legs and new arm that make her a bionic woman. Of course, now the government want to use her.
The Pedigree: Created by David Eick (Battlestar Galactica) Another remake? Why not?
The Rest: To be honest I wasn’t too impressed with the first pilot, but apparently a lot of things got changed including the “un-deaf”ing of Sommers’ little sister. The special effects were not that great but maybe they have improved in the re-taping of the pilot. The reason to watch this show is the brilliant Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) who plays a rogue bionic subject. I’m going to give it another chance.
Why I’m Worried: Maybe my first instincts were correct and nothing has been changed for the better. I’ll have to wait and see.
Premieres: 9pm Wednesday, Sept 26 on NBC







The Premise: A vampire moonlights as a private detective. Hmmm, sounds an awful lot like Angel.
The Pedigree: Speaking of Angel, producer David Greenwalt used to be in charge but left all of a sudden
The Rest: Jason Dohring who was awesome as Logan on Veronica Mars and the beautiful Shannyn Sossamon (Knight’s Tale, Rules of Attraction) have joined the cast.
Why I’m Worried: Except for the lead (Alex O’Loughlin), the entire show got recast. Also three producers have come and left the show for various reasons. This does not seem like a stable show. It’s also in the deadly Friday night slot.
Premieres: 9pm Friday Sept 28 on CBS

Oh, and the shows that don’t interest me in the slightest are Cavemen, Carpoolers and K-Ville. The first two seem incredibly stupid and low-brow, so middle America will probably love them. K-Ville looks over-produced and boring, and it’s on Fox so it should be counting down the days.

And if you seriously doubt my opinion, here's what the critics voted on concerning the best and worst.

Best _______________ Worst
63% Pushing Daisies __________ 51% Cavemen
15% Reaper _________________ 15% Viva Laughlin
12% Dirty Sexy Money _________ 13% Big Shots
05% Bionic Woman ___________ 13% K-Ville
05% K-Ville __________________ 05% Carpoolers

Yup, K-Ville is in both lists. That's how divided people are about it. Some think the show is making money off the Hurrican Katrina tragedy. Some thinks it's pretty good.

So there you have it. What shows are you looking forward to this season? Have I missed one? I’m ready with my opinions. Let's hear it.

Emmy Awards 2007, Part III

Before I get into the Emmy Awards wrapup, I need to apologize for a statement I made at the end of the first Emmy Awards blog entry. I said, “Like you care”. Apparently people do. Since that post (just last week) my Emmy pages have been viewed over 200 times. Maybe it’s some kind of glitch or something but it’s been nice to see so many hits on my blog. So thanks for reading whoever you are. And now onto the wrapup.

I think James Spader said it best when he unexpectedly won against Hugh Laurie and James Gandolfini, “ I don’t know who even votes for these things.” I think the academy places the nominations on a target and then throws darts at it. My predictions sucked this year, partly because of the strange results and partly because of my blind adoration of Stephen Colbert (who kept losing to a musician again). But I’m not the only one who got screwed in their Emmy picks this year, Entertainment Weekly only got three of their twelve main categories right. I got four. (Horray for me.) Hopefully you weren’t stupid enough to put money on the Emmys and now blame me for your loss.

The show itself was a pretty low-key affair hosted by the lame Ryan Seacrest. The stage was in the round which allowed multiple winners and presenters to make fun comments to the people behind them. James Spader even said they were the worst concert seats he’s ever had. Highlights of the show included the traditional hilarious late night writer intros, The Office staff making comments about Steve Carrell’s absence on the set, the tributes to The Sopranos, Rainn Wilson beating the ever-losing Kanye West in Don’t Forget the Lyrics, Lewis Black’s tirade on show promotions on the bottom of the screen and Tina Fey thanking the dozens of viewers who watch her show. (There’s was also a cool Tina Fey American Express commercial you might want to find online.) Although, my favourite moment of the night would have to be Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart giving Ricky Gervais’ Emmy to their friend Steve Carrell who ran on stage to join their ecstatic celebration.

Here were the winners:

Lead Actor In A Drama Boston Legal – James Spader
Lead Actress In A Drama Brothers & Sisters – Sally Field
Supporting Actor In A Drama Lost – Terry O’Quinn
Supporting Actress In A Drama Grey’s Anatomy – Katherine Heigl
Lead Actor In A Comedy Extras – Ricky Gervais
Lead Actress In A Comedy Ugly Betty – America Ferrera (predicted)
Supporting Actor In A Comedy Entourage - Jeremy Piven (predicted)
Supporting Actress In A Comedy My Name is Earl – Jamie Pressly
Performance In A Variety Or Music Program Tony Bennett (predicted)
Writing For A Comedy The Office • Gay Witch Hunt (predicted)
Writing For A Drama The Sopranos • Made in America (predicted)
Writing For A Variety or Music Program Late Night with Conan O’Brien
Directing For A Comedy Ugly Betty • Pilot (predicted)
Directing For A Drama The Sopranos • Kathleen and Heidi
Directing For A Variety or Music Program Tony Bennett (predicted)
Reality-Competition Program The Amazing Race (predicted & wanted)
Variety or Music Series The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Comedy Series 30 Rock
Drama Series The Sopranos (predicted)

So you may have noticed that I didn’t get the wins that I wanted except for The Amazing Race but I was still happy for some of the other wins. I was overjoyed with Terry O’Quinn, Jamie Pressly and 30 Rock winning Emmys this year. However, I was annoyed that James Spader won and that Tony Bennett’s single performance won awards over a deserving daily series. (Maybe next year will be Stephen Colbert’s year.) Also, I should have made miniseries predictions ‘cuz my average would have been so much better. I kept nailing the Broken Road nominations. Ah well.

Also, in my last post, I think I mentioned that The Sopranos’ Kathleen and Heidi episode was boring, but looking at the clips during the show I realized that (spoiler alert) this was the episode where Tony suddenly kills Christopher after a massive car accident. That moment truly shocked me, so I take my previous negative comments back.

And that wraps up the Emmy Awards. The Golden Globes are next. But there’s still a ways off. Tomorrow I’ll be posting my picks for the new shows coming this fall, I just hope my average is better than my Emmy predictions.

Emmy Awards 2007, Part II

So the Creative Arts Emmys were last weekend. Amazingly enough I got four of my five Emmy wishes. As most know by now, Andy Samberg & Justin Timberlake's Dick in a Box song won the Emmy for original music and lyrics; Dexter won for their wonderfully made main title design; John Goodman won for his guest star role on Studio 60's Nevada Day episode; Battlestar Galactica won for best visual effects and my only loss was Studio 60's deserving cinematography award going to Rome. Not a bad start. But now it's on to the big show.

Here are my predictions of who I think will win and who I want to win (and not want to win). I usually play to win, but if the one I wanted to win take the trophy, I’ll take the hit on my predictions. I’ve left out the mini-series category because I haven’t seen them and most people could care less. If you’re a betting person though, I’d put my votes into HBO’s Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and AMC’s Broken Trail. Anyway, here are my predictions:

Drama Series
Boston Legal / Grey’s Anatomy / Heroes / House / The Sopranos
Who I think will win: The Sopranos (It’s their final season)
Who I want to win: Heroes (kept me engrossed all year)
Who I don’t want to win: Grey’s Anatomy (I just don’t like the show)

Comedy Series
Entourage / The Office / 30 Rock / Two And A Half Men / Ugly Betty
Who I think will win: The Office (hands down the funniest)
Who I want to win: The Office (30 Rock comes a close second)
Who I don’t want to win: Ugly Betty (I just don’t get the popularity)

Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report / The Daily Show With Jon Stewart / Late Night With Conan O’Brien / Late Show With David Letterman / Real Time With Bill Maher
Who I think will win: The Colbert Report (I think this is his year)
Who I want to win: The Colbert Report (I’m crossing my fingers)
Who I don’t want to win: Real Time With Bill Maher (don’t like him)

Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race / American Idol / Dancing With The Stars / Project Runway / Top Chef
Who I think will win: Amazing Race (it deserves another)
Who I want to win: Amazing Race (best reality around)
Who I don’t want to win: American Idol (boring)

Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Boston Legal: James Spader as Alan Shore / House: Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House / Rescue Me: Denis Leary as Tommy Gavin / The Sopranos: James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano / 24: Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer
Who I think will win: James Gandolfini (I’ll be shocked if he doesn't win)
Who I want to win: Hugh Laurie (loved his storyline this year)
Who I don’t want to win: James Spader (good actor but doesn’t deserve it this year)

Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Brothers & Sisters: Sally Field as Nora Walker / The Closer: Kyra Sedgwick as Dep. Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson / Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson / Medium: Patricia Arquette as Allison Dubois / The Riches: Minnie Driver as Dahlia Malloy / The Sopranos: Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano
Who I think will win: Kyra Sedgwick (apparently she’s really good)
Who I want to win: Kyra Sedgwick (I believe the critics)
Who I don’t want to win: Minnie Driver (I don’t like her acting)

Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Extras: Ricky Gervais as Andy Millman / Monk: Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk / The Office: Steve Carell as Michael Scott / 30 Rock: Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy / Two And A Half Men: Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper
Who I think will win: Alec Baldwin (was very funny this season)
Who I want to win: Alec Baldwin (his job in Jack-Tor was hilarious)
Who I don’t want to win: Tony Shalhoub (I’ll be pissed if he wins again)

Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Desperate Housewives: Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo / The New Adventures Of Old Christine: Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell / 30 Rock: Tina Fey as Liz Lemon / Ugly Betty: America Ferrera as Betty Suarez/ Weeds: Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin
Who I think will win: America Ferrera (Emmy loves the underdog)
Who I want to win: Tina Fey (she rocks on 30 Rock)
Who I don’t want to win: America Ferrera (I don’t like the underdog)

Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Boston Legal: William Shatner as Denny Crane / Grey’s Anatomy: T.R. Knight as George / Heroes: Masi Oka as Hiro Nakamura / Lost: Michael Emerson as Ben / Lost: Terry O’Quinn as John Locke / The Sopranos: Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti
Who I think will win: Masi Oka (he’s a crowd favourite, I like him too)
Who I want to win: Michael Emerson (he was pretty creepy this year)
Who I don’t want to win: T.R. Knight (worried about sympathy votes)

Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Brothers & Sisters: Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Whedon / Grey’s Anatomy: Katherine Heigl as Isobel “Izzie” Stevens / Grey’s Anatomy: Chandra Wilson as Dr. Bailey / Grey’s Anatomy: Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang / The Sopranos: Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano / The Sopranos: Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi
Who I think will win: Sandra Oh (thanks season finale crying)
Who I want to win: Rachel Griffiths (don’t really care)
Who I don’t want to win: Lorraine Bracco (her character annoyed me this season)

Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Entourage: Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama / Entourage: Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold / How I Met Your Mother: Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson / The Office: Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute / Two And A Half Men: Jon Cryer as Alan Harper
Who I think will win: Jeremy Piven (they’ll give it to him again)
Who I want to win: Neil Patrick Harris (steals every scene)
Who I don’t want to win: I seriously like them all

Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
My Name Is Earl: Jaime Pressly as Joy Turner / The Office: Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly / Two And A Half Men: Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper / Two And A Half Men: Conchata Ferrell as Berta / Ugly Betty: Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater / Weeds: Elizabeth Perkins as Celia Hodes
Who I think will win: Vanessa Williams (she’s Cruella De Vil)
Who I want to win: Jenna Fischer (she was awesome this season)
Who I don’t want to win: Holland Taylor (her character is one note)

Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program
79th Annual Academy Awards: Ellen Degeneres / The Colbert Report: Stephen Colbert / The Daily Show With Jon Stewart: Jon Stewart / Late Show With David Letterman: David Letterman / Tony Bennett: An American Classic: Tony Bennett
Who I think will win: Tony Bennet (Emmy likes a crooner)
Who I want to win: Stephen Colbert (he deserves it)
Who I don’t want to win: Tony Bennet (one show vs. a series, c’mon)

Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Program
The Colbert Report / The Daily Show With Jon Stewart / Late Night With Conan O’Brien / Late Show With David Letterman / Real Time With Bill Maher
Who I think will win: The Colbert Report (again, his year)
Who I want to win: The Colbert Report (it’s a funny show)
Who I don’t want to win: Real Time With Bill Maher (don’t like the guy)

Writing For A Comedy Series
Extras • Daniel Radcliffe / The Office • Gay Witch Hunt / The Office • The Negotiation / 30 Rock • Tracy Does Conan / 30 Rock • Jack-Tor
Who I think will win: Gay Witch Hunt (so very awkward)
Who I want to win: Jack-Tor (Alec Baldwin rocks this episode)
Who I don’t want to win: Again I seriously loved all of them

Writing For A Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica • Occupation/Precipice / Lost • Through The Looking Glass / The Sopranos • Kennedy And Heidi / The Sopranos • The Second Coming / The Sopranos • Made In America
Who I think will win: Made in America (the finale will win)
Who I want to win: Occupation/Precipice (amazing season three premiere)
Who I don’t want to win: Kennedy and Heidi (boring episode)

Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Program
American Idol • The Finale / The Colbert Report • Show #2161 / The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Show #12061 / Saturday Night Live • Host: Alec Baldwin / Tony Bennett: An American Classic
Who I think will win: Tony Bennett (Emmy likes Bennett)
Who I want to win: Colbert Report (although SNL was pretty food too)
Who I don’t want to win: Tony Bennett (Colbert lost to Manilow, now Bennett?)

Directing For A Comedy Series
Entourage • One Day In The Valley /Extras • Orlando Bloom / The Office • Gay Witch Hunt / Scrubs • My Musical / 30 Rock • The Breakup / Ugly Betty • Pilot
Who I think will win: Ugly Betty Pilot (Emmy loves Betty)
Who I want to win: My Musical (beautifully done show)
Who I don’t want to win: Ugly Betty Pilot (don’t watch the show)

Directing For A Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica • Exodus, Part / Boston Legal • Son of the Defender / Friday Night Lights • Pilot / Heroes • Genesis / Lost • Through the Looking Glass / The Sopranos • Kennedy And Heidi / Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip • Pilot
Who I think will win: Genesis (Compelling first episode)
Who I want to win: Studio 60 Pilot (grabbed me from the beginning)
Who I don’t want to win: Kennedy and Heidi (not a great episode)

The Emmy Awards are on Sunday. I'll have the recap soon afterwards. Then it's on to the Fall TV Preview.

Emmy Awards 2007, Part I

I know I haven’t written in a couple of weeks. That’s because there’s not much to talk about. The end of August and beginning of September is pretty dead in the entertainment industry; the fall TV season begins in couple weeks and so do the Oscar-bait films. As I wait, I can at least talk about the upcoming Emmy Awards. Just like last year, I thought I’d give you a list of what I would have picked for the Primetime Emmy nominations. The big show is next Sunday night. Tonight is the Creative Arts Emmys, I’m hoping Andy Samberg’s Dick in a Box wins for Best Original Music & Lyrics; Dexter wins for Main Title Design; Battlestar Galactica wins for Best Visual Effects and Studio 60 wins for cinematography and John Goodman for his guest role as the judge in the Nevada Day episode. As for the rest of the bigger nominations, here is what I would have picked:

My Picks for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica Edward James Olmos as Admiral William Adama / Dexter Michael C Hall as Dexter / House Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House / The Sopranos James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano / Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip Matthew Perry as Matt Albie
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
24 Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer / Boston Legal James Spader as Alan Shore / House Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House / Rescue Me Denis Leary as Tommy Gavin / The Sopranos James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano

My Picks for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica Katee Sackhoff as Kara ‘Starbuck’ Thrace / The Closer Kyra Sedgwick as Dep. Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson / Law & Order: SVU Mariska Hargitay as Det. Olivia Benson / The Sopranos Edie Faclo as Carmela Soprano / Veronica Mars Kirsten Bell as Veronica Mars
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Brothers & Sisters Sally Field as Nora Walker / The Closer Kyra Sedgwick as Dep. Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson / Law & Order: SVU Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson / Medium Patricia Arquette as Allison Dubois / The Riches Minnie Driver as Dahlia Malloy / The Sopranos Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano

My Picks for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
30 Rock Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy / Extras Ricky Gervais as Andy Millman / The Office Steve Carrell as Michael Scott / Scrubs Zach Braff as Dr. John ‘J.D.’ Dorian / Two and a Half Men Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
30 Rock Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy / Extras Ricky Gervais as Andy Millman / Monk Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk / The Office Steve Carell as Michael Scott / Two And A Half Men Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper

My Picks for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
30 Rock Tina Fey as Liz Lemon / How I Met Your Mother Alyson Hannigan as Lily Aldrin / The New Adventures of Old Christine Julia Louis-Dreyfuss as Christine Campbell / Scrubs Sarah Chalke as Dr. Elliot Reed / Weeds Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
30 Rock Tina Fey as Liz Lemon / Desperate Housewives Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo / The New Adventures Of Old Christine Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell / Ugly Betty America Ferrera as Betty Suarez / Weeds Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin

My Picks for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica James Callis as Gaius Baltar / Heroes Masi Oka as Hiro Nakamura / Lost Michael Emerson as Ben / Lost Terry O’Quinn as John Locke / Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip Steven Weber as Jack Rudolph
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Boston Legal William Shatner as Denny Crane / Grey’s Anatomy T.R. Knight as George / Heroes Masi Oka as Hiro Nakamura / Lost Michael Emerson as Ben / Lost Terry O’Quinn as John Locke / The Sopranos Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti

My Picks for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica Trica Helfer as Number Six / CSI: Jorja Fox as Sara Sidle / Grey’s Anatomy Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang / Heroes Hayden Panettiere as Claire Bennet / Veronica Mars Tina Majorino as Mac
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Brothers & Sisters Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Whedon / Grey’s Anatomy Katherine Heigl as Isobel “Izzie” Stevens / Grey’s Anatomy Chandra Wilson as Dr. Bailey / Grey’s Anatomy Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang / The Sopranos Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano / The Sopranos Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi

My Picks for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Entourage Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama / Extras Stephen Merchant as Andy’s Agent / How I Met Your Mother Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson / The Office John Krasinski as Jim Halpert / The Office Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Entourage Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama / Entourage Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold / How I Met Your Mother Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson / The Office Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute / Two And A Half Men Jon Cryer as Alan Harper

My Picks for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
My Name is Earl Jamie Pressly as Joy Turner / The Office Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly / The Office Mindy Kaling as Kelly Kapoor / The Office Angela Kinsey as Angela Martin / Two and a Half Men Conchata Ferrell as Berta
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
My Name Is Earl Jaime Pressly as Joy Turner / The Office Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly / Two And A Half Men Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper / Two And A Half Men Conchata Ferrell as Berta / Ugly Betty Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater / Weeds Elizabeth Perkins as Celia Hodes

My Picks for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica • Collaborators – Tyrol and The Circle administer death sentences to those who worked with the Cylons / CSI: • Lab Rats – Hodges and the lab techs investigate the minature killer / Heroes • Company Man – HRG and his family are taken hostage by Matt Parkman and and unstable Ted / Lost • Greatest Hits – Charlie remembers the greatest moments of his life as he is about to make the ultimate sacrifice / Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip • Nevada Day – John Goodman guest stars as a judge keeping Tom from getting to the show on time Actual Nominees for Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica • Occupation/Precipice / Lost • Through The Looking Glass / The Sopranos • Kennedy And Heidi / The Sopranos • The Second Coming / The Sopranos • Made In America

My Picks for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
30 Rock • Jack-Tor – Jack is a terrible actor, Liz thinks Tracey is illiterate / Extras • Daniel Radcliffe – Andy accidently offends the disabled and kicks a dwarf in the head while Daniel Radcliffe tries to hit on Maggie / The Office • Business School – Michael gives a lecture for Ryan’s class while Dwight deals with a bat / The Office • Initiation – Dwight ‘teaches’ Ryan the ropes; and it’s Pretzel Day / Scrubs • My Musical – A patient keeps hearing everything being said as a Broadway musical
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
30 Rock • Tracy Does Conan / 30 Rock • Jack-Tor / Extras • Daniel Radcliffe / The Office • Gay Witch Hunt / The Office • The Negotiation

My Picks for Outstanding Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica / Heroes / Lost / Studio 60 / Veronica Mars
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Drama Series
Boston Legal / Grey’s Anatomy / Heroes / House / The Sopranos

My Picks for Outstanding Comedy Series
30 Rock / Entourage / Extras / How I Met Your Mother / The Office
Actual Nominees for Outstanding Comedy Series
30 Rock / Entourage / The Office / Two And A Half Men / Ugly Betty

Just like last year, I'll post my predictions in a couple of days and then give a wrap-up after the awards show. Like you care.