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.

Summer Movie Wrap Up/Fall Preview

For me the summer is pretty much over. School is just around the corner; and so ends the summer movie extravaganza. Here’s my movie favourites of the year so far:

PreSummer Top Five
1. Children of Men
2. 300
3. Hot Fuzz
4. Zodiac
5. Grindhouse

The Summer Top Five
1. Knocked Up
2. 1408
3. Live Free or Die Hard
4. Transformers
5. The Simpsons Movie

Of course there are a lot more movies to come. The rest of the year is filled with big budget holiday movies, Oscar-bait dramas and independent movies galore. This is the trickier time of year where I often take more stock in what critic have to say about a given film. Simply from looking at trailers and reading descriptions, these are the films that got my attention: Shoot ‘Em Up, Brothers Solomon, I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With, Good Luck Chuck, Run Fatboy Run, Across the Universe, The Kingdom, The Heartbreak Kid, The Darjeeling Limited, Michael Clayton, Dan in Real Life, Slipstream, Lars & the Real Girl, Sleuth, Enchanted, American Gangster, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Steven King’s The Mist, August Rush, No Country for Old Men, Crossing Over, Lions for Lambs, Bee Movie, Fred Claus, Pathology, I am Legend, The Golden Compass, Charlie Wilson’s War, The Bucket List, Leatherheads, Sweeny Todd, Youth Without Youth, Juno, and Walk Hard.

Some of these films are in limited release so they won’t be making their way out to the local Cineplex. Some of these films will be released in January after limited engagements in LA and New York. And some of these might suck. Here are the ten films I am most looking forward to (in order of release date):

Across the Universe (Sept 24): Trippy and visually awesome. Only 30 minutes of dialogue, and 30 reworked Beatles songs.
The Darjeeling Limited (Oct): It’s a Wes Anderson film. I love his work. It also has Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman. I’m there.
American Gangster (Nov 2): Denzel. Crowe. Ridely Scott. The ads look pretty sharp. Denzel is in Training Day mode.
Bee Movie (Nov 2): Jerry Seinfeld brings observational humour to the bee world. I also hear they don’t have a bunch of lame bee puns.
No Country For Old Men (Nov 9): It looks like another Cohen brothers masterpiece. It looks creepy and well shot.
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (Nov 16): The writer Stranger Than Fiction did this. I like Natalie Portman.
I Am Legend (Dec 14): Will Smith as the last man on Earth. The shots of empty New York look pretty cool. So is Will Smith.
Sweeny Todd (Dec 21): Tim Burton directs Johnny Depp in a musical about a killer barber. Sounds darkly wonderful.
Walk Hard (Dec 21): From the guys who made Talladega Nights, 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad. Need I say more?
Charlie Wilson’s War (Dec 25): Tom Hanks. Julia Roberts. Aaron Sorkin script. Mike Nichols directs. Gotta see it.

So that’s what’s coming up. Even though a lot of movies will be opening soon, I’m going to be taking a break from movie reviews and start focusing on the new television season. I’ve got some scoop on upcoming new shows, a look at some returning ones and there’s the Emmy Awards. Let the Fall Television Season begin!

Superbad

I have a running list of films that I’ve enjoyed but can’t recommend to most people. I don’t want young kids going to R rated films, even though most will find a way regardless. I love American Beauty, but there are some scenes that are a little disturbing. I laugh a lot during Kevin Smith films but the movie contains too many lewd or extreme scenes for the casual viewer. Superbad, like Knocked Up and The 40 Year Old Virgin before it, is another one of these movies. The film is rated 18A; and for good reason. Surprisingly enough, there is not much nudity; unless, of course you count the illustrated kind, in which there is a disturbingly large amount. The rating is clearly connected to the language, especially the descriptions of sex and other sexual activities. While it is somewhat shocking to hear that kind of talk for major chunks of the film, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that many teenage guys talk this way regularly. The makers of Superbad are shooting for some sense of realism, which is probably heightened a bit for maximum laughs.

What makes this film work so well are the performances of the gifted young actors. In previous blogs, I have complimented the fine work of Jonah Hill (Accpeted, Evan Almighty, Knocked Up), and he again does not disappoint. Hill plays the part of Seth passionately as he tries to get some sex before graduation. His determination is a little scary at times, but he offsets it beautifully with some great comedic timing. Hill is definitely the most crass of the bunch; most of the crude descriptions come pouring out of his mouth at an exponential rate. What’s even better than watching Hill, however, is seeing Michael Cera take the spotlight. Cera played George Michael on Arrested Development and was great at throwing in some hysterical quiet lines amidst the chaos while maintaining his geeky awkwardness. Those qualities are put centerstage in Superbad. Cera plays Evan, a kid who does not seem comfortable in his own skin. He plays the awkwardness like a pro but also manages to have an innocent playfulness about him. It is great fun to watch this kid try to be the mature and moral center of this group of outcasts.

Along with Hill and Cera, we get the B-story involving newcomer Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fogell who gets busted using his McLovin fake Id and spends the night riding along with two inept cops played by Bill Hader and Seth Rogen. The scenes are over-the-top and nonsensical but are still funny thanks to these gifted comedians. Rogen plays his usual bumbling character and Hader is tapping into his stupidly cocky persona but Mintz-Plasse steals the show with his energy and great one-liners as the geekiest of geeks trying to play it cool.

Superbad is basically a raunchier version of American Pie and Dumb & Dumber. The audience has seen these types of storylines before but Superbad puts a fresh spin on the material. The Dumb & Dumber police story is not all that inventive but the American Pie-style party story is a bit different in that it has some heart. Superbad is produced by Judd Apatow who insists on adding some seriousness and morality to his crude comedies. In 40 Year Old Virign, Steve Carrell waits til marriage, in Knocked Up, Seth Rogen learns responisibility, and in Superbad, sex and drunkenness do not go hand in hand. Of all these recent comedies, I would say that Superbad has the least heart; the producers try for the moral highground, but you have to wade through a lot more rude jokes to get there. However, the relationship between Seth and Evan is well-written and does evoke some empathy as the film progresses. You do find yourself invested in their relationship, which is a good thing.

So should see this movie? If you’ve enjoyed 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, I don’t see why you wouldn’t like Superbad. If you are easily offended by crude sexual talk, you should probably avoid this movie like the plague. This one is definitely going on my running list. If you love the movie, you’re welcome; if you’re offended, you were warned.

Rush Hour 3

I believe Rush Hour 3 is the last of the summer threequels. It’s unfortunate that it fell a week after the critically-adored Bourne Ultimatum. I’m sure the comparisons have hurt the film a little, but Rush Hour 3 is not as bad as critics would have you believe. It does have the same humour and storyline as the previous two films; so if you liked the first two Rush Hours, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t like the third.

The only reason to watch this franchise is to see the chemistry between Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, and watch some well-choreographed action. Well, Rush Hour 3 delivers these elements again. The chemistry is still there, though not as funny as the first one. Their bond is stronger now but the film continues with its racial profiling especially in a lame montage where they order food from their partner’s ‘culture’. Their singing and dancing is mined for laughs yet again; some parts fun, some parts predictable, and some parts bizarre. The action is intense at times, especially on the Eiffel Tower; but you can tell that Jackie Chan is not as limber as he was nine years ago.

The nice addition to Rush Hour 3 is a French cab driver, played by Yvan Attal, who longs to be an American action hero. His first interaction with Chris Tucker’s Carter is a bit annoying but the character definitely grows on you. It was also nice to see the Soo Yung character (the singing kidnapped girl in Rush Hour) all grown up to give some connection to the first film.

There are some disappointments with this film as well. The first is the predictable bad guy. If you can’t figure out who it is early on, I would be shocked. Also, Roman Polanski (director of The Pianist & Chinatown) as a detective who enjoys giving full cavity searches is tired and sad. The dance off into the sunset is also atrocious.

What probably amazes me most about Rush Hour 3 is that we haven’t seen Chris Tucker do anything since Rush Hour 2. I don’t know if Tucker is patient or just lazy. In any case, you have to be impressed with his salary hikes. In 1997, Tucker made three films (Fifth Element, Money Talks and Jackie Brown) then went on to do Rush Hour for three million. Then he did nothing for three years and managed to increase his salary to twenty million for the sequel. Again he did nothing from five years, then signed on to Rush Hour 3 for 25 million, which is one of the biggest paychecks an actor can get. I’m impressed. And I still like Chris Tucker and his fast-talking ways. I would like to see him do something else though. Rush Hour is over.

So should you see it in the theatres? Sure. It does have some great action sequences but I’m guessing most people will wait for the DVD. Can’t really blame them. This isn’t a must-see film, but it still entertains most of the time.

Stardust

Is Stardust the next Princess Bride? That’s the question everyone has been asking ever since they saw the first trailers for this movie. I challenge you to find a well-known critic who reviewed Stardust without mentioning Princess Bride. It’s too obvious to pass up. And can you blame them? Stardust has such a light-hearted fairy-tale atmosphere with roaming adventures, sharp wit and quirky characters played by big-name actors. Even so, it seems kind of unfair to make the comparison; Princess Bride is a genuine classic that is next-to-impossible to duplicate. Critics similarly made unreasonable comparisons of Anthony Hopkins’ villain in Fracture (just released on DVD) to Hannibal Lecter. In any case, is Stardust the next Princess Bride? No. But it tries really hard.

Stardust has a lot of things going for it. The first is the work of newcomer Charlie Cox who plays our hero, Tristan. Cox is able to light up the screen with his comedic timing and lovelorn innocence; he is a treat to watch. I’m really hoping he doesn’t take the Orlando Bloom path but instead heads in the John Cusack’s direction. Ricky Gervais (The Office (UK), Extras) is his perfect bumbling self in the small role of a salesman, and Michelle Pfeiffer is perfectly evil as a witch trying to regain her youth. At 49, she can still look hot. The other thing that Stardust has going for it is the wonderful story. Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, this story is enchanting and has a pretty good pace. While I think a couple of things are not explained fully, there is still a flow that takes the audience on a wonderful adventure.

I’m still divided on a couple of things in Stardust. The first is the cross-dressing work of Robert DeNiro. While I think it is brave for him to do such a fruity, flamboyant role, I wonder if he feels like he has to prove himself. I mean, this guy did Taxi Driver, Deer Hunter and Raging Bull; he has nothing to prove. We know he’s a good actor. Maybe he made this one for the kiddies. Who knows? I just know I’m not quite sure what to make of his over-the-top role in this movie. I am also not sold on the love interests in this film. Sienna Miller plays a selfish beyotch who toys with the affection of Tristan. I have no idea what he sees in her. Claire Danes is the falling star, Iyvaine, who also seems pretty moody. Daines does have her moments but I preferred her work in Romeo + Juliet, My So-Called Life and even Terminator 3. Another thing that confused me in Stardust, is the role of the dead brothers who are entertaining with their bystander commentaries but woefully underused. I’m still surprised someone like Rupert Everett would take such a small role. I guess the story is not about the dead brothers and giving them more would only lengthen the already two-hour storyline but I did think there was more potential. Finally, the special effects were not that great; it seemed kind of old school, but maybe that’s what they were going for.

The only thing that really bothered me while watching Stardust was the giggling gaggle of girls in our row. They laughed a little too hard at lines that were only moderately funny; they loudly swooned every time Charlie Cox appeared on screen. I wouldn’t have been surprised if a pillow fight had broken out. Isn’t that what happens at slumber parties? I guess the film is directly aimed at that demographic so I can’t complain too much. So should you see Stardust in the theatre and risk the interactive female responses, I would say no. I think this film has a lot of great things in it but you can get the same experience at home. Maybe if the special effects were more special I would suggest the big screen, but this film fits perfectly on DVD. It’ll be a great movie to distract the kiddies during Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Rescue Dawn

You need to be in the proper mood to watch a film like Rescue Dawn. It’s not a popcorn film. Like Schindler’s List or The Passion of the Christ, it seems almost disrespectful to be wolfing down popcorn while historical figures are being tortured on the screen. For those who don’t know, Rescue Dawn is the based on the real-life story of Dieter Dengler, a German-American pilot who was shot down over Laos during the start of the Vietnam War and held as a POW before his daring escape with Duane Martin. This is a story of survival both physically and mentally. The audience is put through the ringer as we see Dengler and Martin break down trying to get rescued.

The survival story is compelling enough but the real reason to watch this film is to revel in its magnificent acting. Christian Bale stars as Dengler and despite his situation, still manages to be charismatic on the screen. Bale is able to go from seriousness to contemplation to joy to frustration and finally to madness in a matter of seconds. Why has this guy not been nominated for an Oscar? Bale’s turns in American Psycho, Batman Begins, The Machinist, and The Prestige should be ample for an Oscar nod. Hollywood is wondering too. But I’m thinking Rescue Dawn might give Bale the recognition he so richly deserves. This man is one of the greatest actors working in the industry today. Feel free to quote me on that. But Bale doesn’t give the only powerhouse performance in this movie.

Steve Zahn’s riveting portrayal of POW Duane Martin shocked me to the core. I expect greatness from Christian Bale, but I didn’t think Zahn was capable of this caliber of acting. Zahn is usually relegated to the sidekick or comic relief in films, just look at Sahara, Saving Silverman, Joyride and Daddy Day Care. In Rescue Dawn, Zahn’s emotional turmoil is almost too much to take. His pain and madness almost overshadow Bale’s performance, which is pretty impressive. Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan) is also chilling as Gene, a gaunt POW who has his own agenda. Rounding out the fine acting is Toby Huss (Carnivale, Reno 911) who provides some fun audio commentary for a survival film early on in the movie.

I found Rescue Dawn to be very compelling. I rarely watch films having to do with the Vietnam War, so I am intrigued with the politics and even the concept of POWs. The action also plays nicely throughout the film. The beginning is like The Fugitive with all the running, then it goes into a primitive Prison Break, and it wraps up with a kind of Tears of the Sun vibe. But of course, the content is much more serious and life-altering in this story. The film was written and directed by Werner Herzog, a well-respected director, who seems to have an uncanny ability to remain calm in stressful situations. During an interview for Grizzly Man, Herzog was shot by a sniper but continued his interview saying, “It was not a significant bullet. I am not afraid". He also made a film of himself eating a shoe called Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe making good on a bet he made with a young filmmaker named Errol Morris. After hearing about these incidents, Herzog seems like the perfect director to capture the determined attitude of Dieter Dengler.

If you like to see great acting, go see this film in the theatre. But, I wouldn’t blame you if you waited until the DVD. At least make sure you see this film before Oscar time, cause I’ll be shocked if Rescue Dawn doesn’t get some nominations. C’mon Bale and Zahn!

Hot Rod

You have to be an Andy Samberg fan in order to enjoy Hot Rod. His sketches on Saturday Night Live are often humourous but odd; he is not yet in the realm of Will Ferrell or to a lesser degree, Jimmy Fallon. Samberg’s greatest talent on SNL is bringing his warped Digital Shorts to the masses. Trying to find the original content on YouTube is next to impossible thanks to the overflowing Samberg spoofs. Most people have heard his Narnia rap, Lazy Sunday and swooned to the Emmy-nominated Dick in a Box duet with Justin Timberlake, but check out the strangeness of Dear Sister (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ys5LqfEO1Y) which matches gun shots to Imogen Heap’s 'Hide and Seek' in an overblown OC homage. Even more bizarre is Andy Popping Into Frame (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRU2gLpBm68) which is just like it sounds. And don’t get me started on Laser Cats. If this is your type of humour, I think you’ll find Hot Rod moderately funny.

Hot Rod is basically like twenty SNL sketches about the same character, with five of them being very funny, five of them amusing and the rest a one-joke wonder. Andy Samberg plays Rod Kimble, a pathetic stuntman who tries to raise money to help his dying stepfather so he can kick his ass later and prove himself a man. Samberg is great at playing a sweet character whose priorities are in the wrong place. You can’t help but root for him and pity him at the same time. The stunts are both terrible and funny but have been used in the trailers for the movie, so if you’re still laughing at his jump over the truck (like I am) then you’ll enjoy the stunt aspect of this film. The parental storyline is atrocious. Ian McShane, of Deadwood fame, is wasted as Rod’s stepfather who keeps belittling his son and fighting dirty in the basement. The friends, played by Bill Hader (SNL, Superbad), Danny R. McBride, and Jorma Taccone (co-writer of SNL Digital Shorts along with director, Akiva Schaffer), have fun moments but are not given much depth. The ultra-hot Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers) is the unlikely female friend of the group and love interest for Rod. Will Arnett (Arrested Development, Blades of Glory) and Chris Parnell (Anchorman, SNL) put in some fun cameos but it’s a shame they couldn’t get a walk on by Evel Knievel or at least Super Dave Osborne.

While most of the jokes in Hot Rod are juvenile, there are some extremely funny scenes. Rod’s Footloose homage and subsequent mountain fall kept the audience laughing long after it was over. Also the cheesy inspirational walk to John Farnham’s 'You’re the Voice' takes a dark but funny turn, much like the escalating brawl in Anchorman. Unfortunately, these wonderfully crafted scenes are mixed with odd moments like the too-long run of the phrase “cool beans”. This movie was originally intended for Will Ferrell but when he passed, it was Samberg-ized. The film was retooled by the SNL Digital Short team of Samberg, Taccone and Schaffer, so it’s not surprising how hot and cold it turned out.

Hot Rod is a movie you can wait for on DVD. I’m sure many of you would not want to waste your money on this one. But like I said, if you’re a big Andy Samberg fan, you are going to like a lot of this film. I know I’ll be re-watching some of the scenes when they get around to airing it on TBS.

Upcoming reviews: Rescue Dawn, Rush Hour 3

The Bourne Ultimatum

I’m still torn as to whether The Bourne Ultimatum is the best of the trilogy. After seeing this superb action flick, I went home and re-watched the first two installments. The Bourne Identity has the most plot of the three. It introduces us to the character of Jason Bourne and the eventual love of his life. It contains the most dialogue and acting on Matt Damon’s part as he struggles with learning who he is. Chris Cooper is the great villain, Franka Potente is engaging and hot, Clive Owen and Lost’s Mr. Eko put in appearances, and Julia Stiles is sorely underused. The first film was made by the amazing Doug Liman (Swingers, Go) who brilliantly jumpstarts the franchise. Unfortunately, the studio wasn’t a fan of his creative/chaotic technique, so he wasn’t asked back for the second one. And in stepped Paul Greengrass.

The Bourne Supremacy is the worst of the three in my opinion. While there are some great action sequences, there are too many shadows that keep the audience in the dark. The plot twists can be seen a mile away in this film especially when it comes to the bad guy. The saving grace in the second film is the addition of Joan Allen and the larger role for Julia Stiles. What bothers me most in The Bourne Supremacy was the cinematography. Greengrass prefers to keep things handheld and therefore shaky on the screen. In action scenes, the shakiness provides a sense of immediacy and puts the audience into the situation, much like Spielberg’s storming of the beaches in Saving Private Ryan. However, I get annoyed at the shakiness when it’s used in simple scenes of Damon’s Bourne writing in a book or buying fruit. Luckily, the shaky camera work benefits the last of the Bourne trilogy.

Paul Greengrass (United 93) is back at the helm for The Bourne Ultimatum. The opening handheld shots worried me but were thankfully used more skillfully in this installment. Basically, this movie centers on renegade operative, Jason Bourne, trying to figure out who made him into this super-assassin. After watching Supremacy again, I found it weird that Joan Allen’s Pamela Landy had already told Bourne his real name and birthdate at the end of that film and yet it gets repeated as if it’s new information in Ultimatum. That and it seems special that Bourne is coming home again even though Supremacy ends with Bourne walking the streets of New York. Maybe they’re hoping fans forgot. Regardless, the plot seems to be incredibly minor in this Bourne outing, I hear it’s not even close to Robert Ludlum’s novel of the same name. But people should know by now that the reason to watch this film is for the non-stop action.

The Bourne Ultimatum is full of Red Bull energy. While the previous two films take some time to slow down and reveal some plot, this one just keeps humming. The race is on and Greengrass keeps you on the edge of your seat with action sequence after action sequence. One of my favourite scenes involves Bourne guiding a newspaper reporter through a train station without getting caught. It’s a wonderful way for the audience to get some insight as to what goes on in Bourne’s brain as he surveys each situation. Greengrass does borrow some things from the previous films including vehicles on stairwells and bumper cars in tunnels, but the audience doesn’t seem to care. Because of all the action, there is not much dialogue in Ultimatum. I do find it sometimes serves the film better. I like the fact that Bourne doesn’t give some pithy comeback after beating an opponent, he just looks intense and you can see that he has no desire to hurt people but will if he needs to. Damon does well as an action-star. It was also nice to see the return of Joan Allen and Julia Stiles. The addition of David Strathairn, as the new CIA jerk, is fun to watch. Ever since Good Night and Good Luck, I’ve been enjoying the gravitas Strathairn brings to his roles.

If you want to be a part of the action, see The Bourne Ultimatum on the big screen. If shaky cameras make you queasy, you may want to wait for the DVD. While I think The Bourne Identity is still my favourite, Ultimatum sure gives it a run for its money. Here’s hoping that the studio has the good sense to end this series on a high note instead of dragging Bourne back out of retirement.

Upcoming Reviews: Hot Rod, Rescue Dawn, Rush Hour 3

Top Ten Episodes: The Comedies

So I’ve picked four great television comedies and wrote down my ten favourite episodes of each. Again, I’m sure people will agree and disagree with me. I did find it harder to rate comedies than dramas, I guess it depends on the mood you’re in. Anyway, here they are:






Basic plot: Watch the antics of the regulars in a Boston bar.
Seasons: Eleven
Best Season: Eight
Creators: Les Charles, Glen Charles, James Burrows (the people behind Newhart & Taxi; Burrows is one of the best sitcom directors around)
Top Ten Episodes
1. An Old Fashioned Wedding (Season 10, Episode 25)
Woody and Kelly’s new found lust delays an already disastrous wedding
2. Bad Neighbor Sam (Season 9, Episode 8)
Sam can’t stand his new landlord, John Hill
3. Show Down, Part II (Season 1, Episode 22)
Sam and Diane hit a crossroad when Sam’s brother proposes to Diane
4. Abnormal Psychology (Season 5, Episode 4)
Frasier debates an old flame on a television show
5. One Hugs, the Other Doesn’t (Season 10, Episode 16)
Lilith can’t handle the fact that Frasier was once married to Nanny G
6. Loathe and Marriage (Season 11, Episode 15)
Carla doesn’t want her ex husband to walk her girl down the aisle
7. One More For the Road (Season 11, Episode 25)
Diane finally returns and Sam decides to move to LA to be with her
8. Bar Wars (Season 6, Episode 23)
Cheers takes on Gary’s Old Towne Tavern in the ultimate prank war
9. Indoor Fun with Sammy and Robby (Season 8, Episode 19)
Sam and Robin compete in childish games on Robin’s first day off ever
10. Bar Wars V: The Final Judgement (Season 10, Episode 7)
Sam may have scared Gary to death, literally






Basic plot: The prissy Crane brothers deal with their down-to-earth dad
Seasons: Eleven
Best Season: Seven
Creators: David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee (the people behind Wings)
Top Ten Episodes
1. The Matchmaker (Season 2, Episode 3)
Frasier accidently sets up Daphne with his gay station manager
2. The Two Mrs. Cranes (Season 4, Episode 1)
Everyone plays a different roles when Daphne’s ex-fiancée visits
3. Room Service (Season 5, Episode 15)
Niles spends the night with Lilith, causing problems when Frasier shows up
4. Out With Dad (Season 7, Episode 15)
Martin pretends to be gay in order to get away from Frasier’s date’s mother
5. Daphne Does Dinner (Season 10, Episode 14)
Daphne needs Fraiser’s help when her dinner plans go horribly wrong
6. Three Valentines (Season 6, Episode 14)
Niles ironing is a disaster, Fraiser isn’t sure if he’s on a date
7. The Doctor is Out (Season 11, Episode 3)
Fraiser thinks Roz’s guy is gay but ends up ‘outing’ himself in the process
8. The Innkeepers (Season 2, Episode 23)
The Crane brothers open a disastrous restaurant together
9. Merry Christmas, Mrs. Maskowitz (Season 6, Episode 10)
Frasier meets an attractive woman who mother thinks he’s Jewish
10. Caught in the Act (Season 11, Episode 15)
Fraiser tries to avoid the advances of the married Nanny G






Basic plot: Jerry and his friends in a show about nothing
Seasons: Nine
Best Season: Three
Creators: Jerry Seinfeld & Larry David (you gotta see David's work in Curb Your Enthusiasm, imagine a more extreme George Costanza)
Top Ten Episodes
1. The Contest (Season 4, Episode 11)
The gang is in a contest to see who can remain master of their domain
2. The Soup Nazi (Season 7, Episode 6)
Jerry has a cuddly girlfriend, Kramer's robbed, Elaine fights the soup nazi
3. The Opposite (Season 5, Episode 22)
George succeeds when he does the opposite, but Elaine keeps failing
4. The Chinese Restaurant (Season 2, Episode 11)
Jerry, George and Elaine wait 22 minutes for a table
5. The Burning (Season 9, Episode 16)
Puddy is religious, George leaves on a high note, Kramer acts out illnesses
6. The Bizarro Jerry (Season 8, Episode 3)
Kramer gets a job, Jerry dates ‘man-hands’ and Elaine finds Jerry's opposite
7. The Yada Yada (Season 8, Episode 19)
Jerry is an anti-dentite, Kramer & Mickey fight over girls
8. The Pick (Season 4, Episode 13)
Jerry scratches his nose, Elaine’s nipple is showing on her Xmas cards
9. The Parking Garage (Season 3, Episode 6)
The gang loses their car in a parking garage
10. The Betrayal (Season 9, Episode 8)
A backwards episode about Sue Ellen’s India wedding






Basic plot: The lives and loves of six New York friends
Seasons: Ten
Best Season: Seven
Creators: David Crane & Marta Kauffman (Dream On, Veronica's Closet & Jesse; Crane did The Class)
Top Ten Episodes
1. The One Where Everyone Finds Out (Season 5, Episode 14)
Phoebe hits on Chandler to make him crack; Ross finds the perfect apartment
2. The One With the Embryos (Season 4, Episode 12)
Monica, Rachel, Chandler & Joey play a high stakes game
3. The One With the Prom Video (Season 2, Episode 14)
Joey gives Chandler a bracelet; an old prom video stirs feelings
4. The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6, Episode 9)
Rachel makes a trifle; Chandler is blamed for Ross’ drugs
5. The One With the Morning After (Season 3, Episode 16)
As Ross & Rachel break up; the rest of gang is trapped in Monica’s room
6. The One With the Thanksgiving Flashbacks
(Season 5, Episode 8) A knife in the toe, a turkey on the head and a blown off arm are among the disastrous thanksgivings
7. The One Where Joey Dates Rachel (Season 8, Episode 12)
Joey gets feelings for Rachel; Ms PacMan causes some problems
8. The One With Chandler in a Box (Season 4, Episode 8)
Chandler does penance in a box; Monica dates Richard’s son
9. The One Where No One’s Ready (Season 3, Episode 2)
Joey steals Chandler’s chair; Rachel takes too long to get ready
10. The One Where Monica and Richard are Just Friends (Season 3, Episode 13) Monica reunites with Richard; Phoebe dates a jock; Joey and Rachel switch books

So there you go. Did I miss your favourite episode? Do you agree with my selections? Feel free to let me know. I love to get feedback. I'll probably do a few more of these with shows like Night Court, Wings, Newsradio, Just Shoot Me, Sopranos, Six Feet Under and more at some point. But don't hold your breath.