the oscars are coming! the oscars are coming!

Ah. I love Oscar nomination day. It takes a whole year of movie watching, and takes it down to five perfect motion pictures. If you are a movie whore like me, it becomes a healthy obsession trying to figure out what will get nominated, and then who will win. This year brought some BIG surprises. First and foremost...Keira Knightley getting the nod for lead actress in "Pride and Prejudice". This is a HUGE nomination for her career, and one I think she rightfully deserves. I adored this film. I might have seen it three times in the theatre (I am not confirming that), and each time found something more in the picture that I hadn't seen before. As most everyone knows, "Sense and Sensibility" is my all-time favorite movie...so I am a die-hard Jane Austen fan. Joe Wright (the director) made this adaptation fun, sweet, epic, and also made it different enough from the A&E version to allow viewers to adore each version. I highly recommend checking the film out if you haven't yet. Bonus: Matthew MacFadyen is adorable! Colin Firth will always have a place in my heart...but so will Matthew MacFadyen. Secondly....who knew the film "Crash" would have so many nominations. I hate to admit this (I do it sheeplishly)...I never saw "Crash". It just didn't appeal to me. It's funny. People either LOVED this movie, or seemed to think it was pretentious crap. Well, I guess the jokes on them! I will definitely try to check it out...but I think it will have a hard time beating "Brokeback Mountain" for best picture or direction.
Two movies everyone should try to see before the Oscars: First, "Good Night, and Good Luck. Sadly, I think it will get shut out of the Oscars, but it is an absolutely brilliant film. Well written, directed, acted, and what a compelling (and time-appropriate) story. David Straitharn is FABULOUS....and he is just as deserving as Philip Seymour Hoffman to win Best Actor. Secondly, "Capote". I think that Hoffman will take the Oscar, and he is just one part of an interesting, disturbing film. If you are like me...you know who Truman Capote is...you've heard of the book...and that's that. This movie is so compelling as you watch Capote obsess about writing his book. It is truly a mind trip to try and figure out what he's thinking; is it about the story, or his quest for fame? Two must sees before the big event.
The Oscars are on March 5th...don't call, I won't answer. Keep your eyes on the blog for my upcoming predictions! The Oscars are coming! The Oscars are coming!

For all the nominees, check out www.oscar.com
photo credit: http://images.amazon.com

how i accidentally saw two movies today

Having just retrieved my small popcorn and medium coke, and sitting down to watch "Imagine Me and You" (see thoughts below), I went to turn off my cell phone. However....I had a message! My fabulous friend Gesille had called and asked me to see a movie later that night!! Seeing as we had tried to get together twice earlier in the week, I knew I had to go. So, at 5:15, I headed back to the 68th Street AMC (formerly Loews...but they were bought out!!!!) Gesille and I took in a film called "The Matador". I don't know what I was expecting, but I loved this movie. It was so funny. Pierce Brosnan was genius as an assassin having some sort of existential mid-life crisis. Greg Kinnear also shone as a salesman trying to make a deal and help end his string of bad life. This movie is vulgar....dirty.....and you have to really put it out there to feel for a man who kills people for a living. But you do! That's the amazing part. I felt for Julian (Pierce) and wanted him to win in the end. Kill the bastards! Hope Davis is lovely as the wife of Greg Kinnear's character. She is so good. In every film, she just disappears into the role....I love that. There is something that happens when actors get too big. Think of Tom Cruise. When was the last time you went to one of his movies and didn't think tomcruisetomcruisetomcruise through the whole thing? The same thing with Julia Roberts. Once you achieve a certain level of fame, you are who you are. Hope Davis is a new person in every movie. That's who I would like to be.

Final thoughts: Grab some popcorn, a coke, and go for a wild, hilarious ride. A must-see!

i see gay people.....walking around like regular people

A perfect Saturday in New York.....it was 56 degrees out today. As I threw on my capri sweatpants and sweater shawl, I knew it would be a good day. I went down and saw the film "Imagine Me and You"...a new film about a woman who meets her soulmate, another woman, who happens to be the florist at her wedding to a man. I know it sounds slightly ridiculous, but I actually adored this film. Reason number one: Matthew Goode. He is my current British love. He is on a roll right now with his fabulous turn in "Match Point", and now in this film. I remember when I saw him in "Chasing Liberty" twice in the theatre...um, I mean, just once in the theatre, and I definitely don't own it on DVD....Absolutely not. Anyway, Piper Perabo (OU alum! Yeah Robin!) plays our heroine who has settled into a life of domestic bliss with the before mentioned Matthew Goode. Then, she meets this girl, Lena Headey (soon to appear opposite Gerard Butler in "300". Yeah Gerry!) Suddenly, the life she has settled into isn't enough. I found this to be a contemporary love story with likeable characters, and the hard truth. What do you do when you find something better? Is it better to give it up because you care about the person you love? Or do you go balls out after what your heart really wants? The truth is there is no easy answer. Someone gets hurt no matter what you do.

Bonus: If you are a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fan, Anthony Head (Giles) is brilliant/hilarious as Piper's father.

Final thoughts: If you are a hopeless romantic, bring some kleenex and this is one to see in the theatre. If not, could be a fun rental some weekend.

photo credit: www.imdb.com

the resolution

Ah, the new year. If you are anything like me, I'm sure you too have made a new year's resolution to become fit and healthy and beautiful. No matter how you spend new year's eve, whether it is at a fabulous party in a fabulous dress, or watching "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" with your parents, eating Mexican dip and going to bed at 11pm, you always feel compelled to somehow improve your life. My resolutions tend to be something like this....

This year I will:
Get fit, eat healthy, and lose weight
Meet amazing movie star and marry him
Have many babies
Find fame as performer
Achieve immense wealth
Become leading philanthropist

Ambitious goal: perhaps
Unattainable: perhaps
Will I work my behind off to make it happen: perhaps (depends if I'm tired and/or there is something good on TV)

So, the resolution begins, and here I am trying to eat healthy and start working out again. In week 2 of the new year, as I did my Tae-Bo cardio VHS tape workout, my tape died. There in the middle of the warm up, I think I was lunging, and suddenly Billy Blanks disappeared, there was some static, and the tape turned itself off! I was shocked. I thought it might be a sign from G-d. "Don't work out!" he seemed to be saying. I considered heeding this advice and celebrating with a bowl of ice cream, but instead I jogged in place for awhile. Then, off to Tower Records! I got the DVD of "Tae-Bo Live". Why do I love this DVD? You know how most work out videos have beautiful, non-jiggly people doing incredible difficult workouts not sweating? This show is not one of those work-outs. There is this one woman who stands just behind Billy's right shoulder...and she has so little coordination, I actually feel like a New York City Ballet dancer. I can't help but watch her and giggle as she works through the routine looking like a muppet. I love it! The class does have the beautiful people, but it also has the misfits. That's what it should be called! Tae-Bo for misfits! Anyway, as I sometimes work towards my rather ambitious new year's resolution, I find that muppet lady is helping me in her own special way. I guess the moral here is that it is easier to work out when you can mock people on the workout video. Good luck with your resolutions!

it was the weekend? i must have seen a movie...

I did. I did see a movie. I saw "Casanova" starring Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller. I liked the movie, but I didn't love it. The thing is, I adore the film "Chocolat" which was directed by this same director....and "Casanova" is no "Chocolat". What struck me the most was the fabulousness of both Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller. Mr. Ledger continually surprises me. His work in "Brokeback Mountain" was phenomenal....and this part couldn't be more different. He has such a confident swagger....you can't help but believe that he seduced scores of women. Ms. Miller is fun as the spunky love interest. I can't help but feel sorry for her as she will always be stuck as the girl Jude Law cheated on, and she could actually be more than that. Oliver Platt is a hoot, and Jeremy Irons is creepy as always.

Final thought: Good fun. An easy way to pass two hours at the theater or at home.

photo credit: www.movieweb.com

a letter to jebus

Dear Jebus,
Please, please, please let me be a big black woman with a big black woman voice in my next life. My friend Penny and I saw "The Color Purple" last night on Broadway, and it was amazing. The story was sad and moving, and the actors were so incredible. There was not one person in that cast who I would have cast differently. They were all perfect. One cool thing is that one of the leads studies with my voice teacher, and he is thanked in the playbill. Does that give me six degrees to being a Broadway star? Anyway, these incredible gospel, soul voices were beyond compare. It made me quite ashamed to call myself a singer. So Jebus, please, please, please let me come back as a BIG black woman with a BIG black woman voice!

Your friend,
beth

photo credit: www.colorpurple.com

chicken soup for my soul....I mean my cold.

Hi all. I'm so sorry that it has been so long since my last post. In typical "beth" fashion I developed an awful cold that kept me in bed for four days, and I actually am still fighting. The cat probably thinks I am the laziest person in the history of the world as she pretty much saw me in three positions.
1) laying down
2) sitting up and watching TV
3) Walking for food
So, hopefully now it will be onward and upward with frequent thoughts and ramblings here at my blog.

Wash your hands!


photo creidt: www.foodsafety.gov

"quick.....to my mother's minivan?"

If you can ID what movie that line is from, I applaud you. Welcome to my world. The world of loving terrible movies. It is with great fascination that I study myself, and wonder: How does someone like me, not overly ignorant, perhaps even bright enough to attend a "real" college as my mother says, become someone who has a long-term love affair with terrible movies?

Example One:

"Dude, Where's My Car?" That is where the quote above is from. I remember seeing this movie, and laughing until my stomach hurt. I grew to appreciate ostriches as the mean, aggressive big-a** birds they are, and I endlessly quoted "and, then?" as if it were the answer to life's biggest question. I remember at Eastman dragging my friends to a showing at the cheap theatre, and howling with laughter as pretty much everyone else stared at the screen in a sort of stunned-glazed over silence. I mean, the movie co-stars Jennifer Garner!! I am not ashamed to admit that I own it on VHS.

Example Two:

"The Saint" I don't even know where to start with this movie, other than I love it in all it's trashy glory. I suggest you avoid it if you can't come to terms with the fact that Val Kilmer is cool enough to be a spy, and Elisabeth Shue has found the solution to cold fusion, and carries the answer in her bra written on post-it notes. I think deep down I know that isn't how you carry around the solution to the world's energy crisis...but that doesn't mean the movie isn't fun! "The Saint" was on TBS or TNT last weekend during the 2-4:30am slot. I DVR'd it, and watched it with glee. I believe in you Val!

Example Three:

Anything with Keanu Reeves in it. When did Keanu become the fall guy of terrible acting? I know he has found some favor with his turns in the Matrix films and he was beyond adorable in "Something's Gotta Give". The truth is, I love so many of his other films! What about "Speed"? And who can forget "A Walk in the Clouds" where he plays a WWII soldier who comes home and ends up pretending to be the husband to a pregnant girl at her family's vineyard until he "leaves" her and she can admit she's pregnant but it didn't work out between them? I mean, this is quality stuff! Long live Keanu!

I think in many ways I take pride in the fact that I can take just as much pleasure seeing something like "Good Night, and Good Luck" as I do seeing "The Ringer". Not all movies are Academy award worthy, but that doesn't mean they can't be fabulous in their own way. I guess the lesson is....try to see as many movies as you possibly can!

photo credit: www.impawards.com
photo credit: www.geocities.com
photo credit: www.reeves-dogstar.com

ah, the golden globes

Movie award season is to me what baseball season is to the everyman. I laugh, I cry, I scream at my TV, I ask questions about the judges judging ability, and watch more TV than it seems human possibly to. It all starts tomorrow night with the Golden Globe awards. So, here are a few predictions and thoughts about last year's movie season. I do have to say that even though I tried to, I was not able to see all of the contenders. (I will bold the things I have seen...)

FILM-DRAMA
Nominees: Brokeback Mountain, The Constant Gardener, Good Night, and Good Luck, A History of Violence, and Match Point.
Should win: Good Night, and Good Luck or Brokeback Mountian
Will win: Brokeback Mountin - with all the buzz, this is the movie to beat. Great story, strong young actors, and hot political topic. It can't miss.

ACTRESS-DRAMA
Nominees: Maria Bello, Felicity Huffman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron, and Zhang Ziyi
Should/will win: Didn't see any of them, but I am betting on Felicity Huffman for making herself ugly and acting like a man.

ACTOR-DRAMA
Nominees: Russell Crowe, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Terrence Howard, Heath Ledger, and David Strathairn
Should/will win: Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote was beyond unbelievable. He was authentic, disturbing, and fabulous.

FILM-COMEDY/MUSICAL
Nominees: Mrs. Henderson Presents, Pride & Prejudice, The Producers, The Squid and the Whale and Walk the Line.
Should/will win: Walk the Line. Great story of American singers who pull themselves up and had a great love story. Well made, well acted, lots of buzz on both leads as well.

ACTRESS-MUSICAL/COMEDY
Nominees: Judi Dench, Keira Knightely, Laura Linney, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Reese Witherspoon.
Should win: Laura Linney. A well-respected actress who has been overlooked for too long.
Will win: Reese Witherspoon. She is great as June Cash. I think most people were just impressed that she pulled it off.

ACTOR-MUSICAL/COMEDY
Nominees: Pierce Brosnan, Jeff Daniels, Johnny Depp, Nathan Lane, Cillian Murphy, and Joaquin Phoenix.
Should/will win: Joaquin Phoenix. He became Johnny Cash...you didn't feel like you were watching a mimic, he was him.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Nominees: Scarlett Johansson, Shirley MacLaine, Frances McDormand, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams.
Should win: Rachel Weisz
Will win: Michelle Williams. She has come an awfully long way from when she starred on "Dawson's Creek".

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Nominees: George Clooney, Matt Dillon, Will Ferrell, Paul Giamatti, and Bob Hoskins.
Should/will win: Paul Giamatti. Long considered the hardest-working man in Hollywood, he will get it this year since he didn't get it last year for Sideways.

DIRECTOR
Nominees: Woody Allen, George Clooney, Peter Jackson, Ang Lee, Gernando Meirelles, and Steven Spielberg.
Should win: Peter Jackson
Will win: Ang Lee. A beautifully shot, controversial film.

A quick TV list...

TV-DRAMA
Should/will win: Grey's Anatomy
ACTOR-DRAMA
Should win: Hugh laurie
Will win: Kiefer Sutherland
TV-COMEDY/MUSICAL
Should win: Entourage
Will win: Desperate Housewives
ACTReSS-COMEDY/MUSICAL
Should win: Mary-Louise Parker
Will win: Someone from Desperate Housewives, Felicity Huffman?
ACTOR-COMEDY/MUSICAL
Should/will win: Steve Carell


For a full list of nominees, check out www.hfpa.org

photo credit: www.economist.com

mama's coming home..

Today, I am adopting a cat. Her name is Mama Cass, and she is cute as can be. I am adopting her through the Humane Society, and I will pick her up this afternoon. As a "B" woman, this is a truly defining moment of my life. I hope that you will keep me, Richard, and Mama in your thoughts as we get her to her new home.

10 reasons why I love England

A short list for your perusal.

1. Sausage and Mash
2. Kate Winslet
3. Hugh Grant/Colin Firth. If only we could all suffer from Bridget Jones' troubles.
4. The West End.....the other Broadway, except the have even more bizarre shows. I remember seeing one that involved a man having sex with a mother, father, and daughter in one house, and the family eventually eating their pet turtle in a soup.
5. Incredible actors who don't all look Barbie and/or Ken.

6. MI-5, a new television show (new to me!) that I am so into. It is about MI-5, which is the British version of the CIA. One of the stars is Matthew MacFadyen who just starred in the new version of "Pride and Prejudice" and is so good. Everyone should check it out on A&E, Monday mornings at 4am. (G*d bless the DVR.)
7. "Sense and Sensability" the film
8. Harry Potter
9. "Mind the Gap" - this still makes me giggle for no reason.
10. Wimbledon

When I can afford it, I am going to climb on a plane and head back to London to explore more. Perhaps I will even get another tattoo. Mom, how's your blood pressure?

Photo Credit: www.bbc.co.uk

another day, another movie

01/10/2006 -- "Match Point"

Richard and I checked out Woody Allen's "Match Point" last night. It was a very interesting film. I really enjoy some of the actors in the film, and in all honesty, I liked the movie, but not as much as I wanted to. Emily Mortimor (who is also brilliant in "Dear Frankie" - SEE IT NOW!) does a lovely turn, and the adorable Matthew Goode (I admit it, I own his "Chasing Liberty" with Mandy Moore) is hilarious as the lead character's brother-in-law. Jonathan Rhys-Meyer's turn as a tennis instructor who marries up is an interesting character study. His journey is hard to watch, but fascinating none-the-less. The best part of the film for me was the use of opera music throughout. Woody Allen definitely has an interesting vision, and this film definitely tells a compelling story.

Final Thoughts: Worth checking out, especially if you are a Woody Allen fan. Not a must-see on the big screen, but does fill the theatre well.


Random Sidenote: As you all know, I have a slight obsession with Kate Winslet. As it turns out, she was originally cast in this film in the part that Scarlett Johansson plays. Ms. Johansson does a great job with the part....but I can't help but wonder what would have happened if Kate had had the role.

Second random sidenote: Scarlett Johansson is starring in Woody Allen's next film "Scoop" which he is also appearing in. Co-starring with Scarlett is Hugh Jackman. I love this man. Not only was he amazing in the "Oklahoma" revival (I own the movie, watch it often) but he also kicked some booty in the "X-Men" series. (Third one out in May....yee-haw!) Plus, he is amazing on stage. I saw him in "Boy from Oz", and although it was horribly depressing to watch him kiss Jarrod Emmick, he was phenomenal. So, this film should be fab.

Photo credit: www.discoverkate.com
Photo credit: www.jackmanslanding.com

umbrella warfare

One thing that I have learned living in New York is not to fear the constant threat of imminent death, but rather to dread the days it rains. Umbrellas are a scary weapon, weilded not only by slightly befuddled tourists asking which way to Fifth Avenue, but also by angry New Yorkers pushing said tourists out of their way on the neverending quest to find a cab on a rainy day. I would like to take this opportunity to educate the masses on proper umbrella etiquette.

Basic rules: 1) Pretend that the sidewalk is like a street. Stay to the right. 2) Carry a small umbrella....why does one person need a golf umbrella walking alone up Broadway during rush hour?


Scenario one: Two people are walking towards one another, each with an umbrella. The person with the larger umbrella holds said umbrella higher up, and carries it above the smaller umbrella. Person with smaller umbrella makes sure to not gouge out eyes of person with larger umbrella by slightly tipping littler umbrella away (make sure not to hit other pedestrians, and remember, you will have coverage of larger umbrella) or pulling down little umbrella as low as possible.

Scenario two: Two people are walking towards eachother, and only one of them has an umbrella. Person with umbrella lifts said umbrella above the head of the umbrella-less person. Person without umbrella agknowledges kindness with smile or nod, even a spoken "thank you" if you are feeling particularly kind, or you are a tourist from Minnesota.

Scenario three: You have a wet umbrella and get on the train. Please do not hold wet umbrella in hand that is holding on to pole, thus dripping all over other passengers who will inevitably take out their umbrella and beat you with it. Instead, keep a plasic bag in your purse or man-bag and put wet umbrella into plastic bag and then slip plastic bag into your bag.

I think together we can make New York City a lovely place to live, and not fear rainy days. If you have have any questions....read this again and take copious notes. Don't be afraid to make a rainy day post-it to help you remember these thoughts. Have a nice day.

love,
beth

Photo credit: www.oocl.com

the prince and me 2

I kid you not. I was thinking about "The Prince and Me" today, and thought I would find out what Luke Mably (Prince) has been up to. They have made a straight to video sequel due out on 2/21/2006. I know that many of my AMDA friends hate me after forcing them to go and see the original in the theatre. I proudly stand by that I liked that movie, and it didn't suck as much as people said. So, I will go and rent "The Prince and Me 2" and quietly mourn that Julia Stiles did not return for this sequel.

love,
beth

photo credit: www.luke-mably.com

movies so far in 2006, part 2

01-07-2006 Sneak Preview "Glory Road"

I can't deny it. I am a HUGE Josh Lucas fan, and I loved this movie. Ever since "Sweet Home Alabama" I have followed his career and movies, and feel like he is getting better and better. (I might be one of the seven people who owns "The Hulk" and he was great on Broadway in "The Glass Menagerie".) Anyway, this flick was everything that it promised to be. A great story about a man who pushed the envelope, changing the game of basketball forever. The team was great, and I also really liked Emily Deschanel who played the wife. (She is fabulous on the show "Bones".) Anyway, if you love sports flicks, this is one story that should be seen, and enjoyed. Yeah Josh Lucas! (By the by: "Poseidon", his next project looks so good. You can check out the preview on www.movieweb.com)

Final Thoughts: Grab some popcorn and see a great sports flick!

photo credit: www.joshlucasunderground.com

01-08-2006 -- "The Ringer"

Every once in a while, you see a movie that is just what you expect it to be, and that's fun. "The Ringer" totally cracked me up, and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. When I first saw the preview, I was horrified that I was laughing at the Special Olympics. I was so ashamed...then, lo and behold, the Special Olympics supported the movie! So guilt-free on a Sunday afternoon I headed down to AMC 42nd Street and checked it out. Johnny Knoxville is very funny, and a true physical comedian. (I once saw him in Central Park.) One supporting actor was an actor who also appeared in "GalaxyQuest". His name is Jed Rees and I can't really find anything about him on-line. Who is he? He totally cracks me up, and is scene-stealing in this movie. I am going to try to learn more about this Canadian actor. (see picture)

Final Thoughts: Silly fun.

photo credit: http://movies.yahoo.com

movies so far in 2006, part one

01/01/2006 -- "King Kong"

Peter Jackson has to be one of the coolest people in the world. I adored "King Kong" and encourage everyone to see it on the big screen while they can. It is meant to be seen on the big screen. It was everything that a movie should be. I laughed, I cried, it was scary (giant bugs are just icky) and I think that the giant ape is a better actor than I am. I know, that might not be saying much, but I am always amused/surprised/saddened when apes either real or CGI'd excel at anything past me. I digress. This movie was "Old Hollywood" to me. It had a sense of glamour to it. The actors were all great. I thought Naomi Watts was especially good. I haven't seen a lot of her work (I haven't seen "Mulholland Drive" or "21 Grams", but she was moving. Kudos to Andy Serkis for bringing Kong to life. I would love to just sit down with him and talk to him. All I can figure is that he must have the MOST expressive face of anyone in the world.

Final Thoughts: A fabulous movie that is a must-see on the big screen.

01-03-2006 -- "The Family Stone"

Question: Why did they market this movie as a comedy?
Frankly, this movie was beyond horribly depressing, and awful for everyone. No one, character-wise was likeable....except Luke Wilson, who did what he does best. That is, be fun and care-free and supportive and fun ("Legally Blonde"). How can you not like that? What was most frustrating for me was how much I wanted to love this movie. The actors are all great! Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Craig T. Nelson, Dermot Mulroney, and Rachel McAdams are all fabulous, and they were all committed to their characters....it was just so depressing! I don't even know that i would have loved this movie if I had gone in thinking it was a family drama, but spilling casserole on oneself does not a comedy make.

Final Thoughts: Rent it if you like the cast....and need to cry.

love,
beth

a new year, a new blog

Hi all. After much thought, I have decided to post all of my useless thoughts on one page on the internet. Yes, I too am jumping on the "blog" wagon. I have to give kudos to Geoff from whom I stole not only his idea to blog, but also his layout. So, sit back and enjoy my thoughts about living in New York City my way.

love, beth