Stay Calm

• DON'T FREAK OUT! I am going to talk about a couple of things that aren't movies for a minute. Don't worry, back to movies in a hot minute. When in Boston last weekend, I stopped in an independent bookstore called The Brookline Booksmith. As much as I am a devoted fan of Borders, Booksmith was great and had an extremely varied selection in all genres. Usually when I go into independent or used book stores, the first thing I do is look at the Staff recommendations, because these artsy, hemp jewelry making, chain hating employees tend to know what's up and what books you may love. That's how I found KRAZY! The Delierious World of Anime + Comics + Video Games + Art. Not only is the book beautiful, with lots of full color page illustrations, but it also covers often under-appreciated (by classical artists) forms of art. It's an incredible book from which I've already learned a lot, so check it out if you get the chance.  
  

• I discovered J. David McKenney's Retro Dolls website back in the fall, and it has made for an excellent source of procrastination ever since. Above is a screenshot of the site, so you can pretty much guess what you do. The site lets you chose from 4 different digital paper dolls, who you can dress up in clothing from the '50's, '60's, '70's, and '80's. If you're a guy, I'm sure you won't care, but if your a girly girl, who played with actual paper dolls growing up, you might find this site surprisingly entertaining.   

• OK, take a deep breath, and we're back to MOVIES! To the left you'll see a screenshot of a site called Clerkdogs. Essentially it is a movie recommendation generator. You type in the name of a film you love, like 28 Days Later for instance, and their "clerks" pick a series of matches, i.e. other movies you'd like, based on similar qualities. So after typing in 28 Days Later, it returns 26 matches me to me, including Dawn of the Dead, deemed as having the same fast pace, and Children of Men, filed under more complex. There are also tabs for movie info, critic reviews, trailers, and awards, as well as links so you can add it to your netflix queue, look it up on IMDb, buy it on Amazon.com, or check it out on Blockbuster. What's even cooler is their "mash it" section, which allows you to adjust "movie DNA sliders" to reflect your mood, and then picking a recommendation based on that. 
  

The question with a lot of recommendation sites is, do they really work? How often are you actually into the recommendation? I can say with Clerkdogs, that even though I don't always agree with all their recs, each time I've always found something I loved and maybe hadn't even heard of before. You can check out their guided tour video below!

                              

• Last but not least, the Tuesday DVD release rundown:

• What Just Happened?
  
• Haunting of Molly Hartley
  
• The Last House on the Left
  
• Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father
  
• Sex Drive
  

You may have noticed...

there are now a lot of Amazon.com banners and widgets around the blog. I had been trying to figure out for awhile, a way to do targeted advertising that reflected the nature of the blog, not just the random ads generated by adsense. Not only does Amazon offer the ability to put up targeted banners which will take you directly to the DVD section of their website, but it also allows me to post lists of DVDs I would like to recommend, as well as my own wish list (for anyone who's interested). I hope that this can be an interesting and helpful addition ot the blog!

Now, I am in no way pressuring anyone to do this, but if you happen to be browsing through the DVD lists and come across an item which you would like to buy through Amazon, then by clicking any of the links located on the blog and then purchasing the item within the same session, I will recieve a small amount of money in the form of Amazon.com store credit. I would really really (REALLY) appreciate anyone who is willing to help me out in this way! But, as I said, no pressure! Think it more as a happenstance thing. And if I can encourage anyone to watch or buy some of my favorite DVDs, then my job here is done :)

So on the sidebar to the right, check out a slideshow of some of my favorite films, and also my DVD wish list!

Sexy Mother Chucker

In honor of the terrible looking S. Darko trailer, here's the Basshole himself (aka Ed Westwick), doing what he does best. Nice shoot Harper's Bazaar!

                                                                                          

Check out 3 short promos here, for what looks like it will be an amazing ep on March 16

A Torrent of Trailers

• Rumors and talks have been in the works for awhile now about a merging of Spielberg's DreamWorks and Disney. Well now, the deal is done and Kung Fu Panda will be sharing a home with the mouse. As the Forbes article tells us, it's been 6 years since Disney was the top-grossing studio of the year. 6 must have been the magic number, because Disney has finally agreed to release 6 DreamWorks films per year beginning in 2010. DW has been trying to find a new home since leaving Paramount in the fall, so lets hope this new partnership can revive the magic kingdom. 

• Sadly, I do know what a "Prince Albert" is, but I don't know much about the actual man. Young Victoria will chronicle the early and difficult years of Queen Victoria's rule, including what would become her lifelong romance with Prince Albert. With an all-star cast on board, it looks like it could be this year's Duchess, underwatched, and possible underrated. Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada and My Summer of Love) will star as Queen Victoria, and Rupert Friend (Pride and Prejudice [also boyfriend of the Duchess herself, Keira Knightley]) will play her leading man, Prince Albert.  

• Robert Blecker Wants Me Dead happens to be playing at the Burns tonight (followed by a Q&A with director Ted Schillinger), but unfortunately I had to miss it. But you shouldn't! Check out the powerful trailer for this documentary about an unlikely and disturbing friendship between a "pro-capital punishment crusader" and a man who shot his four children. If that doesn't sound mind boggling, than you weren't listening.  

• Another HPTHBP behind the scene video has arrived, and this one is even better than the last, giving us lots of never before seen film footage. The daily HP excitement level is at a 10. 

• The Boat That Rocked is one of the many movies coming out this year that got a few moments during the Oscar credits last night. Above is the full trailer, for this 1960's rock radio sex romp aboard a boat. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy and Emma Thompson among many many others.

• I won't go as far to say "the highly anticipated S. Darko trailer," but I will say, that a lot of people are still damn curious about this flick, despite it's relegation to "direct to DVD" status. This utterly confusing sequel stars that girl from Donnie Darko and The Ring, that guy from Gossip Girl, that other guy from Twilight, and that other other guy from One Tree Hill. Oh yeah people, it sounds like a winner. 
  

Now I got a question. What things do you like, or what things can you live without from the sidebar over there ----> 

Feedback is appreciated!

Short and Sweet: Oscar Edition

I'm getting the feeling from what I've been reading, that a lot of people enjoyed last night's Academy Awards show...

WHY?

It was boring to the max, and almost completely without surprises or standout memorable moments. But what's not surprising, is that a year lacking in great jaw dropping cinema, produced a less than amazing Oscar night. After all the glorified talk of making drastic changes and reinventing the very broken wheel that is the Academy Awards, all that was left were a few awkward musical numbers, one kind of funny video directed by Judd Apatow, and a failed stab at reviving "old hollywood." Maybe there is a generational gap in enjoyment level? I have found that people a little older really enjoyed the ceremony, and found it classier and more entertaining than it's been in years. But with younger people (like me) it felt was more boring and lacking in originality than ever. You can check out SpoutBlog Oscar's Twittered here, which is pretty hilarious. I won't go into too much more detail about the winners or the ceremony, cause it's been done ad-nausea already, but I will say that, 1. I got 12 out of my 15 predictions right (woot!), and 2. Despite my general upset with the show, below are a few of my fav moments. As you can see, there aren't many.

Anne Hathaway Singing with Hugh Jackman
I appreciated the opening musical number for what it tried to accomplish, and for the true earnestness of Jackman's (who was clearly nervous) performance, but that doesn't change the fact that the musical numbers felt awkward and a little uncomfortable. However, when Jackman literally swept Anne Hathaway off her chair and brought her up to sing, that was a great moment. Who'd have thought she'd get her big singing break as Richard Nixon?



Tina Fey and Steve Martin
Tina Fey and Steve Martin have already proven their hilarity to the world, but if there was anyone still out there questioning their comedic chops, the Oscars proved their humor once again. Check out some of their dialogue below:

Tina Fey: "It has been said that to write is to live forever."
Steve Martin: "The man who said that is dead."
TF: "Yet, we all know the importance of writing, because every great movie begins with a great screenplay."
SM: "Or, a very good idea for the poster. But usually, with a screenplay."
TF: "And every writer starts with a blank page."
SM: "And every blank page was once a tree."
TF: "And every tree was once a tiny seed."
SM: "And every tiny seed on Earth was placed here by the alien king Rondelay, to foster our titrates and fuel our positive transfers!"
TF: "But no one wants to hear about our religion Steve."

SM: "Don't fall in love with me."

Ben Stiller (as Joaquin Phoenix) and Natalie Portman
While it's not hard to do a Joaquin Phoenix impression these days, Ben Stiller still excelled at the task. From sticking his gum on the podium, to walking aimlessly around stage (reminiscent of John McCain), he got big laughs and it worked. Definitely one of the few memorable moments of the night.


Marion Cottilard Introducing Kate Winslet
I wasn't a fan of the whole "5 actors introducing the 5 nominees" thing. Not only did I miss seeing clips of the actor's performances, but it took them forever to give out the damn award! However, seeing Marion Cotillard's heartfelt introduction of Kate Winslet was sweet, and it melted some of my bitterness away. Plus I loved her dress! lots of sparkle this year.

Seth Rogen and James Franco reprising Pineapple Express
As they sit on the couch, watching this year's list of contenders, I'm reminded why I love these guys so much, and am saddened that their movie will never get more critical props. Whether they're chuckling manically at Kate Winslet's accent in The Reader, or stapling dollar bills to each other's heads, they're having a good time. I guess I just wish there had been more of that feeling throughout the show. But bringing in the Pineapple boys showed some growth on Oscar's part.



So there you have it, my 5 fav moments from this year's Academy Awards. It was a bummer year, there's a whole new year ahead of us, full of possibility and recession-ized movies, so who knows what the future will bring. Maybe next year we'll see Joaquin performing "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! (and Happy Oscar day!)

So tomorrow/today is the big day, or not so big as the case may be. No matter how the Oscars pan out though, one thing is for sure... it's my mom's b-day! Wish her a good one!

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY LOVELY WONDERFUL FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY!

So in case you are interested, here's what I think will win tomorrow at the Oscars (I said think, not want)...

• Best Documentary - Man on Wire
  
• Best Foreign Language Film - Waltz with Bashir
  
• Best Animated Feature Film - WALL-E
  
• Best Original Song - Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire)
  
• Best Original Score - Slumdog Millionaire
  
• Best Achievement in Make-Up - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  
• Best Achievement in Costume Design - The Duchess
  
• Best Adapted Screenplay - Doubt
  
• Best Original Screenplay - In Bruges
  
• Best Director - Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
  
• Best Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
  
• Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
  
• Best Actress - Kate Winslet (The Reader)
  
• Best Actor - Sean Penn (Milk)
  
• Best Picture of the Year - Slumdog Millionaire

These aren't all the categories of course, just the ones I feel I have a good handle on predictions for. So place your bets now, and lets see how it all turns out! Despite many movie-goers/bloggers lack of excitement about the awards this year, I still remain optimistic that it'll be a fun show. And who knows, there may still be a few surprises yet...

Also CONGRATS to all the winners of the 2009 Independent Spirit Awards! A little disappointed that Rachel Getting Married didn't win best pic, but The Wrestler was a great movie, and you guys deserved it (I guess). 

• Check out MTV's on set visit to Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I am daily getting more and more excited for this movie!! Although a little nervous that they apparently added in a big scene not from the book...

• In a Dream looks both terrifying and beautiful. The documentary follows mural artist Isaiah Zagar as his life begins to implode. 
  

Don't expect any Oscar blogging tomorrow as I will be watching at a friend's house and away from my beloved laptop. See y'all Monday, and if you did make any bets, I hope you win!

Total Eclipse of the Heart

• It's official. Despite the fact that filming for The Twilight Saga: New Moon hasn't even begun yet, Summit has decided to go ahead and greenlight the third book in the series, Eclipse, for the screen. Having already even gone as far as setting release date of the film for June 30, 2010, it's not surprising that Chris Weitz will not be directing Eclipse. The films will have to be shot very close together, making New Moon's post production schedule clash with filming of Eclipse. So who will this mystery director for the third film be? I think Summit's getting way ahead of us enough already as is, so maybe let it remain a mystery for awhile. New Moon is in the unique position of having a lot of pressure riding on it, but also none at all. Twilight was split down the middle on audience approval, so either way, someone's not going to be happy with the sequels.

• Coincidentally, on this very day of Twilight news, Flashlight Worthy Books has posted a list of "Vampire Novels To SInk Your Teeth Into." Twilight may be absent, but I think enough people know about it already...

• The above photo may look entirely "Marilyn Minter-ish," but I assure you, it's not her. These are actually promotional photos for Kiehl's lip gloss, which if you haven't heard of it, don't feel bad (I didn't know till college friends made me try some). Kiehl's is great for when you want color, but not overwhelmingly so. But back to the reason why I posted it here (on a movie blog)... Wouldn't these make for a great movie poster, or dvd cover? I call dibs on the gumballs one. 
  

• I feel kind of like a poser for putting this up, since I have not actually seen Brick yet, but I just love the poster so much. When The Movie Blog wrote about this painted poster being up for auction in support of the AIDS Project Los Angeles, I had to write about it. Isn't it gorgeous? It's a little depressing, but beautiful, and apparently you can only get one if you worked on the film, or if you bid on it now in LA. I don't have money to bid on a poster for a movie I haven't seen yet currently, but if someone would like to purchase it for me, I wouldn't be opposed to that.

• Sweet and lovely Hugh Jackman... I feel for ya buddy. I know you'll do a great job as Oscar host, but I only wish you were doing it in a better year. Ratings these last few shows have been abysmal, and the movies in the running this year are all pretty much sub par. But you just keep on dancin' Hugh, don't let anything take away from your big night. 
  

• Funny People will be Judd Apatow's attempt at serious mixed in with some funny. Don't know if it will all pull off, but I think he picked the right leading man for the job in Adam Sandler. His more emotional performances in Spanglish and Punch Drunk Love are completely underrated. Apatow's wife and daughters are also back on the big screen. That man just loves bringing his family to work. Will be in theaters July 31.
  

• Paris 36 looks cute enough, but will it be able to hold my attention for a whole movie? Limited release beginning April 3.  
  

• I saw the trailer for Sunshine Cleaning a long time ago, and forgot to post about it (sorry!). I love Amy Adams to pieces, and I have this thing for films with the word "Sunshine" in the title. Apparently Alan Arkin does too. Plus bonus cast members of Steve Zahn and Emily Blunt! So excited! Starting a limited release March 13.
  

How To Be... safe?

• So the Watchmen merchandisers have decided to spring for condoms. It's very thoughtful of them to be so encouraging of safe sex, but these look a little... cheap. Who knows, 9 months from March 6th, we might have a whole bunch of Watchmen babies! In other Watchmen news, the first reviews have started to roll in, and according to Hollywood Elsewhere, they're not exactly pleasant. I won't go into details and let you read the article for yourself, but they use the words "campy," "sillyness," and "melodrama." 
  

Bummer.

• Yet another great NYTimes Moment Blog photo from fashion week. Y'all know my love of pretty colors, so I couldn't help myself. If I ever do make my own movie, it will likely be a succession of cakes on conveyer belts in a high tech asian restaurant under flashing colored lights, while an indie rock band plays drunk in a corner... You would see it, you know you would.

• There have been a lot of rumors abound this week that the lovely Michael Sheen would be voicing the Cheshire Cat in Burton's Alice in Wonderland. But it has now be confirmed that he won't be the cat, but he will still be in the movie. But guess who will be Mr. Cheshire.... STEPHEN FRY! Yessssssssss. I love you.
  

ST. NICK trailer from ST NICK on Vimeo.

• SpoutBlog posted this the other day for one of the SXSW films, ST. NICK. The movie is about a brother and sister on the run, from what we're not sure. I've already watched it a few times, and I don't know if I can explain why, but I am really diggin' this trailer. Will it make it to theaters, doubtful. But will it make it to the Burns... god I hope so.
  

• Robert Pattinson blah blah. Twilight, blah blah. Desperate to be indie, blah blah. I don't have a lot of faith in this movie, but I am now on my fourth time watching the trailer (lord knows why). I keep watching it. I kind of like the song, and some of the shots with the little old man therapist in the background really make me laugh. Ultimately I think it's growing on me. It is about having a quarter life crisis afterall, so I'm sure it will resonate. Except I don't have exceptionally floppy hair.