Sunday Blessings - Joseph Fiennes

This week's edition of Sunday Blessings may seem random, but I picked Joseph Fiennes having watched an airing of Shakespeare in Love on some local television station. It was late at night, and I couldn't sleep. Stupid insomnia! I hadn't actually seen the film since it first came out on video ten years ago, forgetting how well written and acted it was. Everyone made a fuss over it beating Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture, but I firmly believe it was a more deserving winner, though neither picture was as brilliant as fellow Best Picture nominee The Thin Red Line. Joseph Fiennes, of course, played the bard himself in Shakespeare in Love, and it's kind of surprising he didn't subsequently have a bigger career. He carried the film, providing a charming performance that was at least on par with Gwenyth Paltrow's award-winning/star-making role. Now to be honest, while I enjoyed his performance, what I was most impressed about Joseph, was his physical beauty, which I seem to have forgotten over the years. Honestly, his lips alone gave me impure thoughts. It also didn't hurt he was decked out in some amazing Sandy Powell costumes - blue leather, I want it! Good genes to seem to run in his family, as older brother and screen god Ralph Fiennes is just as beautiful, if not more so. In a face off, I couldn't decide the more attractive brother, though Ralph is hands down the more talented. Either one -pretty, pretty, pretty. Amen.

Best of the TV Season: Acting

Since the upcoming Emmys will expand their categories to fit six nominees rather than five, I decided to do the same. I'm not exactly sure on category placement for certain shows or actors, so I went my own way - I'll consider Castle a drama and all actors on Southland supporting.

Best Actor - Drama:
Bryan Cranston - Mad Men
Nathan Fillion - Castle
Jon Hamm - Breaking Bad
Edward James Olmos - Battlestar Galactica
Jason O'Mara - Life on Mars
Jeremy Renner - The Unusuals

Best Actress - Drama:
Glenn Close - Damages
Sally Field - Brother & Sisters
January Jones - Mad Men
Mary McDonnell - Battlestar Galactica
Elizabeth Moss - Mad Men
Jill Scott - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Best Supporting Actor - Drama:
Michael Cudlitz - Southland
Michael Emerson - Lost
Lucian Msamati - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
John Noble - Fringe
Dean Norris - Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul - Breaking Bad

Best Supporting Actress - Drama:
Anna Gunn - Breaking Bad
Marcia Gay Harden - Damages
Christina Hendricks - Mad Men
Regina King - Southland
Anika Noni Rose - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Katee Sackhoff - Battlestar Galactica

Best Actor - Comedy:
Alec Baldwin - Pushing Daisies
Kyle Bornheimer - Worst Week
Steve Carrell - The Office
Charlie Day - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Zachary Levi - Chuck
Lee Pace - Pushing Daisies

Best Actress - Comedy:
Christina Applegate - Samantha Who?
Tina Fey - 30 Rock
Anna Friel - Pushing Daisies
Eva Longoria Parker - Desperate Housewives
Kaitlin Olson - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Amy Poehler - Parks & Recreation

Best Supporting Actor - Comedy:
Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother
Hamish Linklater - The New Adventures of Old Christine
Jack McBrayer - 30 Rock
Chi McBride - Pushing Daisies
Tracy Morgan - 30 Rock
Paul Schneider - Parks & Recreation

Best Supporting Actress - Comedy:
Kristin Chenoweth - Pushing Daisies
Jenna Fischer - The Office
Jane Krakowski - 30 Rock
Melissa McCarthy - Samantha Who?
Becki Newton - Ugly Betty
Wanda Sykes - The New Adventures of Old Christine

Best of the TV Season: Top Ten (Part 2)

5. 30 Rock (NBC)
30 Rock ranks this high simply for being the funniest series on television. Every episode ellicits at least three boisterous laughs from me, which is by no means a small feat. The series might have been criticized this season for being too guest-star heavy, but while several episodes did incorporate celebrity guests, they were for the most part well utilized, the exceptions being Steve Martin and Salma Hayak. Hayak's plotline would actually have worked well had it only covered two or three episodes. This season benefited from better usage of Jane Krakowski as the needy, egotistical, and almost delusional Girlie Show actress Jenna Maroney. Last season Jane's Jenna was often on the periphery, or just plain absent, from the episodes, but this season she had two hilarious, ongoing plotlines, playing Janis Joplin in a biopic, and finding success with a popular catchphrase, and had a chance to sing in a number of episodes. If you hire a Tony winning actress for your series, you better let her sing.

4. Pushing Daisies (ABC)
Why did you have to cancel this series ABC? I'm still highly upset over the network's handling of the program. It could have maintained decent enough ratings had the show only come back after last year's writers strike, rather than being kept off the air until the next season. Whatever; what's done is done. I'm going to miss every quirky moment of this series, it's dark underside camoflauged by bright colored sets and costumes, and rapidly spoken dialogue. I'm going to miss the romance between Ned and Chuck, the pie-shaped restaurant appropriately named The Pie Hole, the Charles sisters, but most of all I'm going to miss Olive Snook, the adorable waitress pining for Ned, played by the equally adorable Kristin Chenoweth. Sob.

3. Battlestar Galactica (SciFi)
The SciFi series came to a close this season, airing its last ten episodes, and boy did it go out a bang. A grandly staged battle between the Galactica and the Cylon's base led to a brief truce, which collapsed under human/cylon psychodrama. The humans find a new "Earth," our Earth thousands of years in the past, and Hera proves to be the ancestor of all humans. Then there's President Roslin, played magnificently by Mary McDonnell, who, once finding a home, succumbs to her cancer. I'll admit it - I cried. The series also chose not to explain everything, retaining a sense of mystery around it. What exactly was Kara, what happened to the Cylons once they left the humans on Earth, and who or what was the God/Supreme Being/Force intervening in these character lives? Lost could learn a lot from the Battlestar Galactica's finale. When you're bringing an epic series to a close, make the finale epic, and don't force an explanation for every mystery, leave some wonder.

2. Breaking Bad (AMC)
The first season of Breaking Bad showed signs of a promising series, but there was always the sense its concept, a high school chemistry teacher dying from cancer decides to sell chrystal meth to support his family, would limit its scope. Season 2, however, has proven this wrong. The series benefited from expanding its focus beyond Walt, delving deeper into the supporting characters. While Jesse was often used as comic relief in the first season, he's become the voice of reason in many instances, opposing Walt's grander schemes. Skyler is no longer the dutiful, trusting wife. She realizes Walt has been lying to her, and is willing to confront him, while rebeling in her own ways. Hank, Walt's brother-in-law and DEA agent, has probably expanded the most. During the first season, he wasn't so much a character, as a concept, providing a sense of danger and irony, but given a promotion in the DEA, Hank is now shown as a reluctant hero, who may be in over his head. The series also benefits from refusing to allow easy situations. Most of Walt's and Jesse's plans to expand their business fall through, because ultimately, these characters still have no idea what they're doing.

1. Mad Men (AMC)
How bizarre is it that AMC has the two best series on television? Who'da thunk it? Choosing my number one program was the easiest decision on the list. Nothing on the air can compare with Mad Men. Hell, most films couldn't compare with Mad Men. IT'S SOOOO BRILLIANT! But, anyway... the second season proved creator/writer Matthew Weiner had more to say about these characters and the time period. Most great shows often fumble during their second outing, not finding their footing after the initial concept is explored in the first season. The series was aided by having a leap of time between the seasons. We get to discover the events that led to the characters' positions in season two, without having to witness them. And while, Don Draper is the central character of the series, and its thesis, the most interesting aspects of the show, are its women. The characters Peggy, Betty, and Joan represent archetypes of women in the early sixites - the newly ambitious working girl, the dutiful wife, and the husband-seeking single gal, but through the season, we see these women struggle with their society given identities. Few other shows are able to write such strong female characters.

Best of the TV Season: Top 10 (Part 1)

With the season coming to a close, I decided to do a wrap of the best of television, starting with a top ten list. Now keep in mind this is strictly relegated to shows I watch. There were other series which might have factored in, had I actually caught them, including Friday Night Lights, Weeds, Big Love, True Blood, and In Treatment. Take this list with a grain of salt.

10. Southland (NBC)
I debated whether to put Southland or Brothers & Sisters in 1oth place, as they're both uneven series with great highs interrupted by groan inducing moments. Being the fresher series, I went with Southland. Going for it, the show features two great performances from Regina King and Michael Cudlitz (Emmy nods please), and seems to care more about the emotional core of each character, rather than the crimes they try to solve. The series has been compared to other cop series The Wire, Boomtown, which I both loved, and The Shield, which I always found hugely overrated, but I think if were to last through its second, Southland could find its own footing. Don't cancel it NBC!

9. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (HBO)
I'm not generally a fan of detective shows, but this series always left me with a smile on my face. Based upon a series of novels by Alexander McCall Smith, No. 1 Ladies'... follows Precious Ramotswe as she attempts to start a successful detective agency in her home country of Botswana. The series successfully evokes a foreign local, whether or not it's successfully Botswana I couldn't say, since I've never been there, and Precious is such an endearing character, you want to befriend her. Who knew singer Jill Scott could be a genuine TV star? The series also features one of the best love stories on the tube, with the emerging romancing between Precious and her suitor, the mechanic Mr. Matekoni.

8. Lost (ABC)
I will always love Lost. Attempting to solve the larger picture, can easily become an enjoyable obsession, but with that being said, I have to admit this was the series' weakest season. The fact it still remains in my top ten is proof of the show's overall quality. At its worst, Lost is still one of the best programs on television. My problem with this season stems mainly from the separation of the characters into different time periods. The show works best when its competing personalites are interacting/colliding/getting it on with each other. The series also left me cold with it Dharma plotline. I know it was necessary for the larger picture, but I didn't care, and the one Dharma Initiative character that peaked my interest, Amy seems to have been forgotten and of no importance. At least the season finale set up for a great final season. I hope.

7. The Office (NBC)
The Office was always a series I respected more than I loved. I could recognize the quality of its acting and writing, but it was never appointment television for me. That was until this season. What got me hooked? Well Amy Ryan's endearing performance in a recurring role as HR Rep Holly Flax, the hilarious Post-Super Bowl episode, and the Michael Scott Paper Company storyline. It takes really talented writers and actors to successfully carry a plotline over several episodes of a half-hour sitcom, andThe Office managed to accomplish as much with Michael quitting Dunder Mifflin to form his own comapny with a reluctant Pam and Ryan. Because of it, Steve Carrell was able to provide a lot more depth to his bumbling Michael Scott. The scene in which he negotiates the buy out of his company, displaying a never-before-seen, successful, buisnessman side of Michael, alone deserves an Emmy. Seriously Emmy voters, give him one!

6. Damages (FX)
The second season of Damages was a genuine improvement over the first, bringing in fresh blood with William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, and Marcia Gay Harden's boobies. The idea to expand the show with various plotlines and characters that don't necessarily all converge was an upgrade from the previous season's everything-is-connected viewpoint. Glenn Close is still a hoot, adding greater depth to her dragon-lady Patty Hewes, and Rose Byrne is, well... still uneven, but I remain intrigued/baffled by her. I don't believe her to be a great actress, yet I want Rose to contiue acting. The series would have ranked higher on my list, had it not been for the season finale, which seemed to not make sense, and knocked some of the power out of the previous episodes. Oh well.

(to continue later...)

Jackman & Craig on Broadway Together!

Actors/sex gods Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig will team up to appear in the play A Steady Rain, opening on Broadway this fall. full story here. I was hoping Jackman would appear in another stage musical, seeing as how I missed The Boy from Oz (stupid college!), but co-starring with Daniel Craig makes up for it. Without a doubt, I'll be going to see the play since I'm actually within driving distance of the city this time. And yes, I know it's a total cliche to be interested in a Broadway show only because of Hollywood stars, but c'mon it's Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig, the two sexiest men alive - give or take a Chris Meloni or Matthew Fox. Also, I'd be just as gaga over the prospect of a new Broadway musical with Raul Esparza (oh, how I loved him in Company!), so bite me.

They won't be appearing in swim trunks, but a man can dream!

Congratulation Sonia Sotomayor

This morning President Obama announced Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee for the Supreme Court. If appointed she'd be the first Hispanic on the court and only the third woman, which is kind of ridiculous when you think about it. It's almost certain she'll get enough votes in Congress to take the position, though conservatives will put up a fight. "ACTIVIST JUDGE! ACTIVIST JUDGE!" Though, I wonder if the Republicans would really want to attack her so strongly. The party already has issues with the Hispanic community from the debate over immigration, and seemingly ganging up on the first Hispanic nominee to the Supreme Court, even if their points are justified, might not go over so well.

Screen Goddess Top 5 - Winona Ryder

1. Reality Bites (Ben Stiller, 1994)
2. Heathers (Michael Lehmann, 1989)
3. Beetlejuice (Tim Burton, 1988)
4. Little Women (Gillian Armstrong, 1994)
5. The Age of Innocence (Martin Scorsese, 1993)

Sunday Blessings - Matthew Morrison

In honor of this past week's preview of Glee, today's edition of Sunday Blessings is focused on star Matthew Morrison. On the series, Morrison plays a high school Spanish teacher who decides to take over the school's glee club in hopes of making it a success. The preview, which aired Tuesday night, showed definite promise for next season. Overall, the acting was well done, with stands out being Jane Lynch (though isn't she always the stand out), as an overbearing cheerleading coach and Lea Michele, as a Tracy Flick-like member of the glee club. Morrison plays his part well, the smiling optimism and innocence on display in almost every scene, but on the downside, he didn't get to sing in the premiere episode. Hopefully this will be rectified once the series returns, because the man has a great voice, as evidenced in any of his Broadway performances. I believe The Light in the Piazza to be Morrison's best work (seriously, buy the cast album - you won't be disappointed). There really would be no reason to higher a Broadway actor for a musical television series, unless he was to sing at some point. Other Broadway actors including Kristin Chenoweth, Cheyenne Jackson, and Victor Garber are to join the cast with recurring/guest roles, so they best be singing as well. However, I ponder how a series set in high school would be able to incorporate so many adult singing roles. I guess we'll see - at least I hope. An expensive, quirky, musical television series just seems rife for an early cancellation. On a completely superficial note, which this post is actually meant to be, the series provided a shirtless scene of Morrison in bed. I enjoyed the shot, and would fully support more of the same in upcoming episodes. Maybe have him shirtless in the shower, or shirtless at the breakfast table, or shirtless at the gym, or... well, you get the picture. Amen.

Jonathan's and Branden's Backsides (Again)

As it winds down, I'm starting to appreciate the new season of Make Me a Supermodel almost as much as the first. Even without a "Bronnie" this show is undeniably gay. I wonder why...

Also, I started off not really caring for Branden, but he's beginning to grow on me. I mean he's no Jonathan, but even with its imperfections, Branden's photograph made me happy this week. Adorable.

American Idol Finale

The American Idol season finale aired Wednesday night, the winner finally crowned, and though I know I'm supposed to care - the media insists as much - I couldn't give a damn. Honestly, I couldn't. Why did I use to enjoy this show? I tuned in and out on the finale, the best part being the "Time After Time" duet between Cyndi Lauper and ex-contestant Allison. Being the only one with enough stage presense to develop into a genuine pop star, Allison really should have won this competition. The actual final two were decent enough singers, but I wasn't going gangbusters over them, and while many people - coughmediacough - felt Adam should have won, I have to say Kris is actually a more relevent artist. You can draw comparisons between the type of music he'd perform with current musical acts - i.e. Jason Mraz and John Mayer. That's not to say he's going to be a great artist, because I highly doubt that, but he could have a successful single or two from his album, and let's face it, the media is going to judge his worth as an artist based on sales and not quality. As for Adam, I really don't believe he's going to be a great success. The show's production team are involved with his album, meaning it will be homogenized into something completely safe to appeal to middle America and twelve year old girls, but ultimately fails to really appeal to anyone. Sure there's a good chance the album will be somewhat successful from a financial standpoint; fans of Adam will buy it out of curiosity, but after that I just don't see lasting appeal. At which point he'll appear on Broadway, where I think he really belongs. Adam's not so much a rock star as he is a theatre actor playing the role of a rock star.

Screen Goddess Top 5 - Mia Farrow

1. Rosemary's Baby (Roman Polanski, 1968)

2. The Purple Rose of Cairo (Woody Allen, 1985)

3. Alice (Woody Allen, 1990)

4. Broadway Danny Rose (Woody Allen, 1984)

5. Husbands and Wives (Woody Allen, 1992)

Sunday Blessings - Carter Oosterhouse

Who doesn't love a hot carpenter? Today's edition of Sunday Blessings is devoted to television handyman Carter Oosterhouse. Carter currently hosts two series on HGTV, Carter Can and Red Hot and Green, but of course, everyone remembers him from Trading Spaces. I got a kick out of that show - well, up until the designers started doing exactly what the homeowners wanted. It was much more fun to watch the participants discover moss or hay covering their walls. That's kind of sadistic, but you know it's true. Anyway... Carter had been brought onto Trading Spaces to replace the other hot carpenter, Ty Pennington, who had left to pursue other endevours. Between the two, I'd have to say Carter is easily the more attractive handyman. The dark hair and furry chest just do it for me, but that's just my taste. I don't really have much else to say about Carter, other than he's an engaging personality for what he does, and if you're flipping through the channels and come upon either of his shows, take a couple of minutes and have a look. Ooh... also, he has gigantic feet! Amen.

Quote of the Week

"A little crack sweat never hurt anybody."

- Unknown stylist, Make Me a Supermodel

Lost Season Finale

It may sometimes stumple its way through the middle, but Lost knows how to open and close a season. Last night's finale was exciting and fulfilling, but not in the way we've come to expect from previous finales. Usually they wrap up the ongoing storyline of the season, and give a brief introduction to what the next season will entail. So such closure this year. We still don't know if the losties arrive back in the present, and I don't believe the Dharma plotline was wrapped up at all. What happens with Horace, Radzinsky, Dr. Chang, or Amy? Seriously, what happened to Amy? The character seems to have been completely forgotten. Speaking of forgotten characters, Desmond didn't make an appearance at all, his plotline for the season apparently ending a few episodes ago when he survived Ben's attack. And what about Walt; he appeared in every previous finale, so why not this one. Is he still important, because the first few season spent a great deal of time suggesting as much, and where's Claire? Supposedly she's coming back next season, but I thought she'd make an appearance or two during the course of this season. The episode did set up a lot for the final season. We were finally introduced to Jacob and his unknown nemesis, who we didn't even know existed. Locke was revealed to be dead, which raises the question - who's taking the form of Locke? I'm guessing it Jacob's evil nemesis. It's kind of exciting to know the show's writers always had this bigger vision for the series - a battle between a good and evil force. Although, what exactly are these forces - men, gods, demi-gods, personifications - and how much power do they actually have? I cannot wait until next season.

Owain Yeoman's PETA Ad

If only more attractive television actors were to do this... though, admittedly it's kind of a cheat he's wearing pants.

Urgh...

Hey, how about I just crap all over U2's "One," only one of the greatest songs ever? Huh, how about that? GEEENNNIIUSSS!

Screen Goddess Top 5 - Laura Linney

1. You Can Count On Me (Kenneth Lonergan, 2000)

2. Jindabyne (Ray Lawrence, 2006)

3. The Savages (Tamara Jenkins, 2007)

4. The Squid and the Whale (Noah Baumbach, 2005)

5. Mystic River (Clint Eastwood, 2003)

Sunday Blessings - Craig Horner

Today's edition of Sunday Blessings is devoted to Australian actor Craig Horner, star of the syndicated, fantasy series Legend of the Seeker. Now, to be perfectly honest, I don't actually watch the program. When it premiered this past November, I did make an attempt to follow it, but after the first three episodes, I grew bored. The production was well done, and it had some lovely cinematography, fully utilizing the New Zealand landscapes, but I never got involved in the story or the characters, and a lot of it seemed derivative of past fantasy works. What specifically stood out for me, however, was the physical beauty of Craig Horner, and the show took full advantage of it. His character was introduced shirtless and sweaty, chopping wood, Horner's ripped body on full display. Seriously, what does the man have, one-percent body fat? When that scene aired I thought to myself, "I will watch this till the very end." That turned out not to be true, but the series continues to play up Horner's sex appeal. Anytime I catch a brief glimpse of the show, as I flip through the channels, he seems to be in some state of undress, and a good deal of the promo material features Horner shirtless. Even though I might not like the program, I have to at least give it credit for acknowledging its gay fanbase. So kudos to the producers, and Amen for Craig Horner!

The Fashion Show

This past Thursday night, Bravo premiered the first episode of Fake Project Runway... I'm sorry, I meant The Fashion Show. When the network first announced production of the reality show, I thought it was a bad idea. A cheap knock-off of a popular reality series would be a disaster. After seeing the first episode, I have to admit it wasn't that bad. The series still has a number of kinks to work out, but if it does well enough for a second season order, the problems can be fixed. That's not to say The Fashion Show isn't a cheap knock-off of Project Runway, because it is, but at least it has the potential to be entertaining. So, how can the show improve itself? Well here are some of my suggestions:

Get better lighting - Seriously, the show looks rather drab and ugly, appearing as if it were filmed in somebody's basement.

Get rid of the hallway discussions - Both the Isaac/Kelly chat and the post-runway panel deliberation came off as cheesy. At least give the panel a table to sit around.

Do something about Kelly Rowlands - Essentially the show's Padma Lakshmi, she comes off as a nice person, but personality-wise can't compare with fellow judges Isaac Mizrahi and Fern Mallis. Over time Padma improved as co-host of Top Chef, so maybe Kelly will do the same.

Get more talented contestants - In the first episode, half the cast complained about not being good at sewing. That just shouldn't be!

Add a hot guy or two - It helps every other reality program.

The Naked Episode

Last night was Make Me a Supermodel's nude photoshoot, and I have to admit it was kind of boring. You would expect an episode featuring Jonathan's bare backside would get me excited, but it didn't. I mean, of course, Jonathan had a great rear, as did Branden, but the episode as a whole was on the dull side, even with the hilarious Branden's bleeding testicles bit. At the very least, they finally got rid of Amanda. After saying she didn't want her son to grow up gay, she was obviously going to get kicked off. . You can't get away with being openly homophobic on a Bravo reality series - unless you're an attractive male - coughbrandencough. Anyway some photos from last night:

Jonathan

Branden

Nathan Fillion on Craig Ferguson

If you were able to catch last night's episode of The Late Show with Craig Ferguson (thank you Tivo), you had a chance to see actor Nathan Fillion don a leather kilt. Let me just say, Nathan Fillion = sexy, a kilt = sexy, Nathan Fillion in a kilt = DAMN sexy! That man has some meaty legs. The picture on the left isn't from last nights show (I didn't get a shot of that), but he's wearing the same leather kilt. Apparently he's willing to wear a kilt in public more than once. I definitely approve.

Farewell Celia!

Celia was kicked off America's Next Top Model last night. Though it was always apparent she wouldn't win, since obviously the title's going to wind-face girl and she's "SOOOOOOOO ANCIENT," I'm still sad to see her exit. Celia was by far my favorite contestant this season, but like Tyra and the rest of the panel said, she should become a stylist or designer, because the girl has some serious fashion sense.

Oh Housewives, I Wish They'd Condense You

If any series were to benefit the most from having a condensed season, it would, without a doubt, be Desperate Housewives. This season has been like every other season, in that it starts out strong, limps its way through the middle, then finishes well. At least I'm guessing this season will end well, since the finale hasn't occured yet. If the series was reduced to between 13 and 16 episodes per season, I'd bet the writing would be tighter and the show overall would be more involving. A condensed episode run would definitely help the central mystery plotline of each season. It wouldn't have to start and stop every few episodes, stretched out with unnecessary subplots that serve only has filler. How much better would the series be if each housewife had only one plotline to follow through the course of a season? Unfortunately, this will never happen. It's just wishfull thinking on my part.

Screen Goddess Top 5 - Deborah Kerr

1. Black Narcissus (Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, 1947)
2. From Here to Eternity (Fred Zinnemann, 1953)
3. The Innocents (Jack Clayton, 1961)
4. The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, 1943)
5. An Affair to Remember (Leo McCarey, 1957)

Sunday Blessings - Eric Bana

This week's installment of Sunday Blessings focuses on actor Eric Bana, co-star of the upcoming Star Trek feature. Now, I admit my picks for Sunday Blessings are often himbos who have little, if any, real acting chops, but this week I've picked someone who has talent and proven it. Bana's big break into films was the Australian bio-pic Chopper, in which he proved to have an engaging star presense, giving a warrented over-the-top performance. He followed up with servicable performances in Black Hawk Down and The Hulk, working with talented auteurs Ridley Scott and Ang Lee. That's not a bad career move. The American public finally took notice of him in the sword-and-sandals epic Troy. While the film sucked, Bana easily gave the best performance - proabably his best performance to date - and was the sexiest thing about it, which is impressive considering Troy also featured Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. Bana's subsequent roles haven't especially been noteworthy. His performance in Munich was somehow off, but I blame that on Spielberg's direction, and I didn't even bother to seem him in Lucky You and The Other Boleyn Girl. Regardless, I'm still fascinated by the actor. I'm interested in how he handles the role of villian in Star Trek, though the shaved head and pointy ears look doesn't suit him, and I'm looking forward to his role in The Time Traveler's Wife, released later this year. Rumor is there's a good deal of nudity. When in regards to Eric Bana, that's definitely a good thing. Amen!