Take It Like a Man

Sunday Blessings - Alex O'Loughlin

2009-10-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

With the premiere of Three Rivers tonight on CBS, today's edition of Sunday Blessings is devoted to its star, Alex O'Loughlin. To be honest I'm most likely not going to watch the program, since I have my usual Sunday night routine of Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters and Mad Men. Plus, I have general fatigue over hospital dramas - I quit watching Grey's Anatomy midway through last season. I am tempted to watch Three Rivers, as it's set in Pittsburgh, a place dear to my heart since I attended college there, though I doubt it's actually filmed in the city. The hotness factor of O'Loughlin is also tempting me to watch the show. It's the eyes that draw me in. You do have to give props to CBS for recognizing they have a potential star in the actor, even after cancelling his first series, the vampire drama Moonlight. The network execs must be kicking themselves, having aired it right before the current love of all things vampire broke. O'Laughlin gained a huge cult following from Moonlight, and CBS was smart enough to keep him on their network, giving him a guest spot last season on the god-awful Criminal Minds, followed by a staring role on Three Rivers. Hopefully it works out better for actor.

October Oscar Prediction

2009-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Since last month's predictions, The Last Station finally found a distributor, Inglourious Basterds did big at the box office, A Single Man drew high praise for Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, Bright Star opened to less than the rapturous applause it needed, people began talking about Up in the Air and Precious confirmed itself as the one to watch, thanks to a win at Toronto. With those occurences, here's how I think the Oscar nominations may be heading:

Picture:
Amelia
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglouious Basterds
Invictus
The Lovely Bones
Nine
Precious
Up
Up in the Air

Director:
Lee Daniels - Precious
Clint Eastwood - Invictus
Peter Jackson - The Lovely Bones
Rob Marshall - Nine
Jason Reitman - Up in the Air

Actor:
George Clooney - Up in the Air
Daniel Day-Lewis - Nine
Colin Firth - A Single Man
Morgan Freeman - Invictus
Christopher Plummer - The Last Station

Actress:
Helen Mirren - The Last Station
Carey Mulligan - An Education
Gabourey Sidibe - Precious
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia
Hilary Swank - Amelia

Supporting Actor:
Matt Damon - Invictus
Richard Kind - A Serious Man
Alfred Molina - An Education
Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

Supporting Actress:
Marion Cotillard - Nine
Judi Dench - Nine
Vera Farmiga - Up in the Air
Mo'Nique - Precious
Julianne Moore - A Single Man

Adapted Screenplay:
An Education
Invictus
The Lovely Bone
Precious
Up in the Air

Original Screenplay:
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
A Serious Man
The Tree of Life
Up

Cinematography:
Amelia
Bright Star
The Lovely Bones
Nine
The Tree of Life

Editing:
The Hurt Locker
Invictus
The Lovely Bones
Nine
Precious

Art Direction:
Amelia
Inglourious Basterds
Nine
Sherlock Holmes
The Tree of Life

Costume Design:
Bright Star
Inglourious Basterds
Nine
Sherlock Holmes
The Young Victoria

Make Up:
District 9
The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
Star Trek

Original Score:
Amelia
Brothers
Public Enemies
The Tree of Life
Up

Sound Mixing:
Avatar
A Christmas Carol
Nine
Star Trek
Up

Sound Editing:
Avatar
A Christmas Carol
The Hurt Locker
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Visual Effects:
2012
Avatar
Star Trek

Animated Feature:
Coraline
Ponyo
Up

TV Casting News - Cheyenne, LeBlanc, and Franco?

2009-10-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

In the last few days, a trio of casting announcements were made concerning three attractive actors. The best of the batch is stage/screen hottie Cheyenne Jackson joining 30 Rock, either as a regular or semi-regular cast member. The news was reported on E! Online but hasn't yet been confirmed by NBC. He would make a great addition to the series, and hopefully indicates a duet between him Jane Krakowski.

Meanwhile, over on Showtime former Friends star Matt LeBlanc is set to play himself in a comedy series entitled Episodes. (story at Gold Derby) The show will be about "the misadventures of an English couple whose urbane Britcom is dumbed down for American audiences with the casting of LeBlanc." It's an interesting idea for a comedy, and LeBlanc can be a gifted comedic actor as evidenced by the latter seasons of Friends. His talents were definitly wasted on the Joey spin-off, as were Drea De Matteo's and Jennifer Coolidge's. With Episodes being on Showtime, let's hope there's some Matt LeBlanc nudity.

In the weirdest casting news, screen actor James Franco is set to appear on the daytime soap General Hospital, in a multiple episode storyline beginning in November. (Story at BuzzSugar) Umm? What? It's such a weird acting decision on Franco's part, particularly coming off the career highs he had last year with Milk and Pineapple Express. Apparently he came up with the idea himself and approached the producers of the show. Weird. That's all I can say.

Screen Goddess Top 5 - Jane Fonda

2009-09-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

1. They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (Sydney Pollack, 1969)

2. Klute (Alan J. Pakula, 1971)

3. The China Syndrome (James Bridges, 1979)

4. Coming Home (Hal Ashby, 1978)

5. Julia (Fred Zinnemann, 1977)

(Belated) Sunday Blessings - Ben Cohen

2009-09-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, Ben Cohen is the subject of this week's Sunday Blessings. I so enjoyed his spread in Attitude and his general adorable hairiness, that I figured why not spend more time admiring the man's sex appeal. In actuality I don't know much about the man, other than he recently turned 31, is English and plays professional rugby. While Cohen is straight he is aware of his gay following and is comfortable enough with his status as a sex symbol, to often shed his clothing for calendars and photoshoots. Those are aspects that many European sports stars share, which seem to be absent from sports players here in America. I can never figure that out. Why aren't any football or baseball players willing to pose in their underwear or less? It's kind of disappointing. Who wouldn't want to see a glimpse of what Tom Brady or Derek Jeter have under those uniforms? I just think they should all take some tips from their European counterparts. Amen.

Poor Jenny Slate

2009-09-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

In her very first outting on SNL, she drops an f-bomb, and worse off, it was in the middle of a very lame sketch. Actually the whole season premiere was kind of lame. To be fair Slate's sketch was just tempting an f-bomb, with the actresses repeatedly having to say frickin' over and over again. Hopefully this doesn't become a big deal, and the actress isn't punished by being kicked off the show, since I actually think she has the potential to become a very funny cast member.

Ben Cohen in Attitude

2009-09-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

How can you not love gay-friendly rugby star Ben Cohen's photospread and interview, in the October issue of British gay magazine Attitude? He's so hairily adorable.

Glee and Other TV Programs

2009-09-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

When Glee premiered a couple of weeks ago, I had my worries about the series, but luckily over the past two weeks the show has gotten better, and my conern has been easing. The pacing has started to slow down, giving a more even tone to the episodes. The plotline over Terri faking a pregnancy, while still soapy and ridiculous, has actually become less of a problem, with the character becoming more simpathetic. And while I never took issue with Jane Lynch's hilariously demented cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, I'm enjoying the fact the character is being better fleshed out. Last night's episode provided a better understanding of Sue's thinking, and she actually gave some good advice at the end of the episode - Even if the crowd is booing you, act as if they are cheering you. The biggest surprise over the last few episodes, however, is the male cast members becoming the stand outs. I'm seriously loving Chris Colfer's and Cory Monteith's performances as the Kurt and Finn. The biggest concern I have about the program now, is the continuation of Stephen Tobolowsky's character Sandy. The performance, while funny in a bit part in the pilot, is now really annoying. The character should definitely be written off, and since Tobolowsky isn't a regular cast member, it shouldn't be that hard.

Elsewhere on the television, The Good Wife and Eastwick made their premieres. Both had entertaining, if not great, starts, but of the two I'd consider The Good Wife as the program most likely to get better over time. Julianna Margulies gave a promising performance, and she's surrounded by interesting actors including Christine Baranski, Josh Charles and Chris Noth. I that even though it is a law drama, it focuses on the defendents rather than the prosecution, and the trial parts seem more realistic. Hopefully the series goes in the direction of becoming a workplace drama, rather than another boring crime procedural. Eastwick, on the other hand, seems like it could quickly fizzle, even though it has the benefit of being able to go in any number of directions. I just worry it will become a stale copy of Desperate Housewives, with some magic thrown in every once in a while. I will, however, always enjoy the presense of Rebecca Romijn.

Lily Tomlin Joining Damages

2009-09-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

I forgot to discuss the news, but last week it was announced Lily Tomlin would join the cast of Damages for its third season, along with Martin Short and Campbell Scott. Tomlin and Scott will play a mother and son who go up against Patty Hewes, while Short will be playing their attorney. I'm very excited for the casting news, particularly for Tomlin, as the show's greatest quality is its creation of interesting female characters. She should definitely have great material to work with - a show down between her and Close must be epic! I do have the slightest disappointment that this likely means Tomlin won't be returning to Desperate Housewives, which I though she was a hoot on last season. How did she not get an Emmy nomination for it? The casting of Campbell Scott and Martin Short is also promising, though I do hope Short's performance isn't pitched to the rafters, as is sometimes the case. With all these additions to the program's cast, hopefully Marcia Gay Harden manages to make a reappearance on the program. I loved her performance and character, not to mention her boobies!

Emmy Awards - The Morning After

2009-09-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Last night's Emmy telecast was easily one of the best I'd ever seen. Having Neil Patrick Harris host was a brilliant move on CBS's part, and I think we can assume the next time the network gets the ceremony, NPH will be back as emcee. Whoever hosts next year's ceremony on NBC (most likely their go-to guy Conan O'Brien) has some pretty big shoes to fill. I loved the Dr Horrible bit, with NPH and Nathan Fillion in character. Fillion is entertaining on Castle, but the procedural doesn't fully utilize his charisma and comedic talents. He needs his own half-hour comedy series, preferable on HBO. I enjoyed the presentations by Ricky Gervais (as usual) and Jimmy Fallon (surprisingly). I also loved the fact the Music and Lyrics category was moved to the Primetime Emmys, so the overexposed Justin Timberlake could except an award live, but he lost to the team who wrote Hugh Jackman's opening Oscar number.

While the show itself was great, the actual award winners were all over the place. The night started off with a great win for Supporting Actress in a Comedy, the always adorable Kristin Chenoweth from Pushing Daisies, but any happiness from that win was stripped away once the Supporting Actor in a Comedy trophy went to Jon Cryer. I had predicted a win for him, but mainly as a joke about how bad the Emmys can sometimes be. They proved me right. What is it about NPH that stops them from giving him the prize? I was happy Lost's Emerson picked up the prize for Supporting Actor in a Drama, though my own pick would have been Aaron Paul, and while I love Glenn Close on Damages and Bryan Cranston on Breaking Bad, I kind of wish they hadn't repeated their wins from last year. The same goes for Alec Baldwin and his Best Actor in a Comedy win. Seriously, will Carrell ever get the award. The big prizes for Comedy and Drama Series went to deserving winners 30 Rock and Mad Men. I was worried Mad Men would lose, as it had only picked up one trophy at the Creative Arts Emmys, for hairstyling, and only one other Emmy last night for writing. I thought there could have been a backlash against so much attention being paid toward a cable television series. You know the networks are steamed about being shut out of most categories these last two years, but hey that's what happens when you fill you're schedules with a bunch of crime and medical procedurals.

My Emmy Winner Predictions

2009-09-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Primetime Emmys are handed out tomorrow night, so I thought I'd have a got at predicting the winners. Sometimes its easy to guess whom the voters will pick, put more often the winners can seem completely random. There are some questions about this year's ceremony. Will Mad Men win the big prize again? How big of a sweep will 30 Rock have? With Jeremy Piven not in the running, can Neil Patrick Harris finally win an Emmy?

Drama Series:
Big Love
Breaking Bad
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men
Will Win: Mad Men, although I have a sinking suspicion House may take the prize.
Should Win: Mad Men. The only other nominee that's even close to its brilliance is fellow AMC drama, Breaking Bad.

Actor, Drama:
Simon Baker - The Mentalist
Gabriel Byrne - In Treatment
Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad
Jon Hamm - Mad Men
Michael C. Hall - Dexter
Hugh Laurie - House
Will Win: I think they'll want to award the star of a break out network show, and give the prize to Simon Baker
Should Win: Jon Hamm and Bryan Cranston were both great this season, but I'd give it to Hamm.

Actress, Drama:
Glenn Close - Damages
Sally Field - Brothers & Sisters
Mariska Hargitay - Law & Order: SVU
Holly Hunter - Saving Grace
Elisabeth Moss - Mad Men
Kyra Sedgwick - The Closer
Will Win: Glenn Close - the Emmys do love their repeat winners
Should Win: January Jones! Oh, she's not nominated. Mary McDonnell! Whoops, again not nominated. Elisabeth Moss, just for her scene with Vincent Kartheiser in the second season finale.

Suppoting Actor, Drama:
Christian Clemenson - Boston Legal
Michael Emerson - Lost
William Hurt - Damages
Aaron Paul - Breaking Bad
William Shater - Boston Legal
John Slattery - Mad Men
Will Win: Hurt or Emerson seem like the obvious choices, which means they'll bestow the award to... William Shatner!
Should Win: Any of the men, aside from the Boston Legal boys, would be deserving of the award, but I'd give it to Aaron Paul for expanding the depth of his character.

Supporting Actress, Drama:
Rose Byrne - Damages
Hope Davis - In Treatment
Cherry Jones - 24
Sandra Oh - Grey's Anatomy
Dianne Wiest -In Treatment
Chandra Wilson - Grey's Anatomy
Will Win: I don't know. I'll just guess Dianne Wiest because she won last year
Should Win: I don't really have a preference, though I wouldn't mind a make up Emmy for Sandra Oh.

Comedy Series:
30 Rock
Entourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
Weeds
Will Win: Barring some revolt against the series' domination, 30 Rock takes this in a cake walk.
Should Win: It's a toss up between 30 Rock and The Office.

Actor, Comedy:
Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock
Steve Carell - The Office
Jermaine Clement - Flight of the Conchords
Jim Parsons - The Big Bang Theory
Tony Shaloub - Monk
Charlie Sheen - Two and a Half Men
Will Win: Alec Baldwin again, though an upset by Jim Parsons wouldn't surprise me.
Should Win: Steve Carrell! The Michael Scott Paper Company plotline was beautifully acted.

Actress, Comedy:
Christina Applegate - Samantha Who?
Toni Collette - The United States of Tara
Tina Fey - 30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - The New Adventures of...
Mary Louise Parker - Weeds
Sarah Silverman - The Sara Silverman Program
Will Win: Tina Fey - everyone still loves her.
Should Win: Christina Applegate. I'm going to miss Samantha.

Supporting Actor, Comedy:
Jon Cryer - Two and A Half Men
Kevin Dillion - Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother
Jack McBrayer - 30 Rock
Tracy Morgan - 30 Rock
Rainn Wilson - The Office
Will Win: NPH seems like the obviouc pick, but again, it is the Emmys, so I'm going to predict Jon Cryer.
Should Win: Neil Patrick Harris!

Supporting Actress, Comedy:
Kristin Chenoweth - Pushing Daisies
Jane Krakowski - 30 Rock
Amy Poehler - SNL
Elizabeth Perkins - Weeds
Kristen Wiig - SNL
Vanessa Williams - Ugly Betty
Will Win: Tough call, but I'll go with Amy Poehler for her final season on the show.
Should Win: Any of the ladies would be deserving, but I really want Kristin Chenoweth to pick up the trophy.

Do Not Make Tim Gunn Angry

2009-09-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Anyone who watched last night's episode of Project Runway, witnessed former drug addict Johnny get the cold shoulder from Tim, after being kicked off the show. Tim showed little sympathy for the man, not doling out his usual goodbye hug, nor did he even look at Johnny when he told him to back his knife and go. Tim was of course mad at the "designer" for the ridiculous lie told on the runway, about Johnny having to quickly redesign a dress after his first was destroyed by a steamer. The truth was Tim criticized his first dress, which was ugly, though I thought the oragami birds was an interesting idea, so Johnny crunched it up and threw it into the garbage. While lying to the judges was wrong, it was also completely unnecessary for the situation. Johnny destroyed the first dress because Tim Gunn told him it was bad. That is a completely justifiable reason to make a new garment. There was no reason to create an elaborate lie, especially considering Tim Gunn and the other contestants knew what had happened. I mean really. He probably would have had a decent chance at staying, if he hadn't doomed himself by lying. But hey, lying is what crack-whores do.

Since I'm writing about reality television, i always want to mention the booting of the adorable Mattin from Top Chef this week. Though his dismissal was understandable - why would you serve raw fish at a rach cook out - I'm still going to miss the adorable Frenchie. Anyway, at this point isn't kind of obvious who will be the final five contestants - Jen C, the Voltaggio brothers, Kevin and Mike I. Although I could see the show have someone unexpected (Ashley?) remain until the final four or five.

Why Is Lisa Simpson on Mad Men?

2009-09-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, it wasn't actually Lisa Simpson, but Yeardley Smith, the actress who provides her voice, who made a brief appearance on last night's episode of Mad Men as a nurse in the hospital where Betty gave birth. I find it interesting that the cast members of The Simpsons continue to do other acting gigs, considering how much money they make per episode of the animated series. Out of the cast only Julie Kaver doesn't do other work. I suppose it's the love of acting which makes them branch out, and I'm guessing Yeardley didn't take the bit part for the paycheck. She's most likely a fan of the program, and would take any opportunity to appear on it.

"Shmemmys" Handed Out

2009-09-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, the Creative Arts Emmys, or the Shmemmys, were handed out at a ceremony hosted by Kathy Griffin. The awards show was taped and will air next weekend on the E! channel, so I do look forward to watching it. Sadly, Kathy did not win the prize for Best Reality Series, losing to A&E's Intervention. I suppose you can't win every year, unless you're named The Amazing Race, and last summer's season of My Life on the D-list wasn't the strongest, so its not too big of a loss. It will definitely provide her with a lot of fodder, and she'll most likely win again next year if she submits either the Prop 8 or Maggie's bucket list episode. In the other categories, Tina Fey deservably won for Best Guest Actress for her appearance as Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live, and Pushing Daisies was a big winner, taking home three trophies for Costumes, Make Up, and Art Direction. It's kind of ridiculous the show didn't recieve a nomination for Best Comedy Series. Mad Men, on the other hand, only picked up one trophy for Hairstyling, which makes me worry it doesn't have enough support to win Best Drama Series next weekend. Though really, the Emmy awards often make very little sense.

Sunday Blessings - Charlie Hunnam

2009-09-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Having watched the season premiere of the FX series Sons of Anarchy the other night, I'm devoting today's edition of Sunday Blessings to its star Charlie Hunnam. The series' first season aired last year, and though I was tempted to watch because of the casting of actors I enjoy - Katey Sagal, Ron Perlman, Maggie Siff (I'm so glad she's continued working after her great recurring role on Mad Men) - I never sat down to watch it. A series centered around a motorcycle gang had little interest to me, and I found the notion of former British model Charlie Hunnam playing a rugged member of the gang laughable. So then why did I watch the second season premiere? Well... it's a very shallow reason. I had heard Hunnam showed off his booty in the episode. He did, and it was lovely, but the show as a whole drew me in. I wasn't completely sure what was going on all the time, since I missed an entire season's worth of story, but it was interesting none the less, and I can see myself becoming a regular viewer. The ladies of the show, Sagal and Siff, are of course the stand outs, and I have to give credit to any series that can create interesting female characters. As for Charlie Hunnam, he's surprisingly believable in the role, at least looks wise. He's got just enough scruff to potentially be a member of a motorcycle gang, though he'd still be the prettiest member of the gang by far. Acting wise, I find Hunnam a very limited actor, and I didn't believe he displayed as much internal turmoil as was necessary for the character. Although, I don't believe his acting chops are what get him casted so often, and I can't really complain if he's willing to show some skin. Amen.

On My Television Screen

2009-09-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

The new television season began this week with a few premieres. On Tuesday I caught the series premiere of the new Melrose Place. It was an alright debut, but much of the new cast seemed unable to grasp the tone of the nightime soap. Katie Cassidy, as publicist Ella Simms, was the obvious stand out, understanding the over-the-top nature of her character and the series. If the show doesn't work out, let's hope she still has a long television career. On Wednesday was the season premiere of the high school set comedy/musical Glee. The premiere of Glee has me worried for the series, as the pacing was even faster than the pilot episode, which I found too rapid. At the rate it's going, the series could burn out rather quickly. I also take issue with the series' depiction of Will's wife Terri, who became an even bigger monstrosity in the premiere rather than becoming a more fully developed character. The show already has a great one-dimensional villian in Jane Lynch's cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, so the use of Terri seems arbitrary and almost cruel, but if you've seen creator Ryan Murphy's other series Nip/Tuck, you can tell he has a problem with female characters, often turning them into grotesques. Let's hope the series balances itself out as it continues.

Oh Joan

2009-09-07T10:59:00.001-07:00

"I do, however, find your ad unfortunate."

Oh Joan, you always know how to make me laugh.

Design Star "Celebrity" Episode

2009-09-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

On last night's episode of HGTV's Design Star, the final three contestants designed rooms for celebrities - Tiffani Thiessen, Jason Priestly and my girl Kathy Griffin. The episode was a hottie showcase, beginning with contestant Dan getting out of bed shirtless, and featuring Mr. Priestly, whom I've had a crush on since the early days of 90210, and Tiffani Thiessen's husband, actor Brady Smith. The guy is in almost every commercial on television and he always grabs my attention. Someone really needs to cast him on a series, preferably one on HBO which features nudity. It was also fun to watch the producers and editors trying to make sure Kathy didn't hijack the episode, which she can do so easily. Her room makeover was probably the least well done, but her designer Antonio stayed because of his personality. I actually don't disagree with the judges decision. Lonni, who was kicked off, did a better room, but she doesn't have a personality that could carry a series. Dan, while pretty, probably couldn't carry one either, unless of course, he did every episode in his underwear, which I wouldn't be opposed to. Plus HGTV already has a hot gay Design Star winner with David Bromstad. That leaves Antonio as the inevitable winner, as long as he doesn't completely botch the final challenge, and I have to admit, in his own sort of way, Antonio is kind of sexy. I'm guessing the accent and tattoos are probably what do it for me.

Screen God Top 5 - Gene Hackman

2009-09-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

1. The Conversation (Francis Ford Coppola, 1974)

2. Bonnie and Clyde (Arthur Penn, 1967)

3. The French Connection (William Friedkin, 1971)

4. Unforgiven (Clint Eastwood, 1992)

5. The Royal Tenenbaums (Wes Anderson, 2001)

Sunday Blessings - Dave Salmoni

2009-09-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

This week Sunday Blessings is devoted to Dave Salmoni, an animal trainer and host of multiple Animal Planet/Discovery Channel series and specials, including Living with Tigers, Rogue Nature, Into the Lion's Den, and Predator vs. Prey. His most recent series Into the Pride had him living with a pride of lions for six months in order to.... um.... prove something? Look, I'm sure there's a good reason for him living with these big cats, but I don't exactly know what that is, since it's not really the words coming out of his mouth that draw my attention. Let's face it, the reason Salmoni has been growing in popularity is his body, which is often on full display, and adorable nature of seeing this tough guy play around with the big kitties. Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel are fully aware of the beefcake aspect and have actually been promoting the series with videos of him showering with a bucket of water. Hey, it's a smart marketing strategy. It's also nice to know Salmoni is aware and appreciative of his gay fan base, remarking in an Advocate.com interview, "I feel like my gay fans are the most appreciative. I get lots of e-mails from them, and they're not shy. A young girl may say, 'Hey, I really like you, you're kinda cute,' whereas a gay guy will be like, 'Hey, take your shirt off more and you'll get better ratings.'"Amen.

"End" of the Week - Jason Statham

2009-09-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Taken from the films Crank and Crank: High Voltage. This will probably be my last "End" of the Week posting for a while.

"Don't Stop Believing!"

2009-09-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

Oh, I can't wait until Glee premiers next Wednesday. I found myself watching the Director's Cut of the pilot episode last night, and I have to admit the slightly expanded episode had better pacing than the original. I'm not dissing the original pilot, which I though was great to begin with. It's just my biggest problem with it was its sometimes overly frantic pacing, and the Director's Cut seemed to lessen it, making the episode even better.

My Problem with Top Chef's Casting

2009-09-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last night, Preeti was kicked off Top Chef, and deservedly so - why would you make a pasta salad on Top Chef? - but, she is now the third woman in a row to get kicked off, and it seems certain Laurine and Jesse will be gone soon as well, which makes me wonder about the casting decisions. There are definitely more "great" male chefs on the series than there are "great" female chefs. While I noticed it in previous seasons, the disparity in talent between the men and women is much greater this season. Out of the women, I only see Jen C. as a potential winner, while I can see several of the men potentially winning - Kevin, the Voltaggio brothers, Mattin, and to a lesser extent Mike and Eli. Yes, there is a bias in the industry and its harder for women to achieve high positions, but thousands of chefs audition for the show each year, so there is no reason why Top Chef can't choose an equal number of highly talented men and women to appear as contestants. It's not even as if the less talented women made it on the show because of entertaining personalities. Some I forget are even on the show - each episode I find myself asking, "Has Laurine been on since the beginning?" So then why exactly are they cast? I just don't get it.

More Ladies for SNL

2009-09-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Story at Zap2it. Jenny Slate and Nasim Pedrad are joining the cast of Saturday Night Live for its upcoming season, and hopefully these women can get some good material. In the last few seasons, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have left the show, leaving a huge void in the program for talented female cast members. Out of the women who replaced them, only Kristin Wiig has really broken out. I do put a lot of the blame on the writers, as there hasn't been as many memorable sketches centered around women, since Fey stopped being the show's headwriter. With regards to the two joining cast members, I'm particularly excited for Jenny Slate, whom I usually find funny. Just please let her get a memorable character.

A New Month = New Oscar Predictions

2009-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Since my last predictions, the release dates for a number of potential contenders (The Wolf Man, Shutter Island, The Tempest) were pushed back to 2010, and the releas date for Terrence Malick's new feature, The Tree of Life was moved forward to this year. In addition, Tarantino's latest effort, Inglourious Basterds, has become a hit. Will that translate into multiple nominations for the film? Maybe. So far the only two locks for nominations are Up for Animated Feature and Meryl Streep in Julie & Julia for Best Actress, but that won't stop me from trying to predict these things.

Picture:
Amelia
Bright Star
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Invictus
The Lovely Bones
Nine
Precious
Up in the Air

Director:
Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker
Lee Daniels - Precious
Clint Eastwood - Invictus
Peter Jackson - The Lovely Bones
Rob Marshall - Nine

Actor:
Javier Bardem - Biutiful
George Clooney - Up in the Air
Daniel Day-Lewis - Nine
Morgan Freeman - Invictus
Christopher Plummer - The Last Station

Actress:
Abbie Cornish - Bright Star
Carey Mulligan - An Education
Saorise Ronan - The Lovely Bones
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia
Hilary Swank - Amelia

Supporting Actor:
Matt Damon - Invictus
Jude Law - Sherlock Holmes
Alfred Molina - An Education
Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

Supporting Actress:
Marion Cotillard - Nine
Judi Dench - Nine
Helen Mirren - The Last Station
Mo'Nique - Precious
Susan Sarandon - The Lovely Bones

Adapted Screenplay:
An Education
Invictus
The Lovely Bones
Precious
Up in the Air

Original Screenplay:
Biutiful
Bright Star
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Up

Cinematography:
Amelia
The Hurt Locker
The Lovely Bones
Nine
The Tree of Life

Editing:
The Hurt Locker
Invictus
The Lovely Bones
Nine
Public Enemies

Art Direction:
Agora
Amelia
Invictus
Nine
Public Enemies

Costume Design:
Agora
Bright Star
Nine
Sherlock Holmes
The Young Victoria

Make Up:
Inglouious Basterds
Sherlock Holmes
Star Trek

Original Score:
Bright Star
Brothers
The Lovely Bones
Public Enemies
Up

Sound Mixing:
Avatar
A Christmas Carol
Nine
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Sound Editing:
Avatar
A Christmas Carol
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Up

Visual Effects:
Avatar
District 9
Star Trek

Animated Feature:
Coraline
Ponyo
Up

Screen God Top 5 - Gene Kelly

2009-08-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

1. Singin' in the Rain (Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen, 1952)
2. The Pirate (Vincente Minnelli, 1948)
3. Anchors Aweigh (George Sidney, 1945)
4. On the Town (Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen, 1949)
5. An American in Paris (Vincente Minnelli, 1951)

Laura Linney Heads to Showtime

2009-08-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

The talented screen actress Laura Linney will executive produce and star in her own series on Showtime, entitled The C Word (an interesting title?), about a woman with cancer (story at EW). Why are all my favorite film actresses moving to television? The small screen already took my Holly Hunter and Toni Collette, and now it's taking my Linney. It's not as if the actress doesn't still get challenging film roles (The Squid and the Whale, Jindabyne, The Savages), but all those films seem to be independents, so the paycheck for the television series is probably better. I only wish I had Showtime. Grrrr. Network television seriously needs to step it up, as all the well-made, female centric series are on cable television. Pretty soon they're not going to have any nominations in the Lead Actress Emmy categories.

"End" of the Week - Sean Lamont

2009-08-28T10:17:00.001-07:00

From his Gods of the Stadium calendar spread. I don't watch Rugby, but he makes me want to.

Oh, Anne

2009-08-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

You have to love the ever talented, but always crazy Anne Heche. Celestia appeared on last night's The Late Show with David Letterman, supposedly to promote Hung, but ultimately knocking her ex-husband. While most celebrities would have skirted the issue, Heche answered all questions asked by Dave, and ranted about her "lazy ass" ex-husband, why she'll never get married again, and why Dave shouldn't have married his girlfriend. It was funny to a point - "Oh, I got another check from Anne! Yeah!," had me dying - but it went on too long, making her seem very bitter. Still, I wouldn't have my Celestia any other way. It's also interesting to note that Dave seems to be the host who gets the most honest and craziest celeb interviews. Over the years he's had a cursing Madonna, a boob flashing Drew Barrymore, an "out there" Farrah Fawcett, an odd Joaquin Phoenix, and of course, my favorite Nicole Kidman moment - the post Cruise divorce line, "I can wear high heels now." What is it about Dave that allows guests to be so off-the-cuff?

Screen God Top 5 - Viggo Mortensen

2009-08-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

1. Eastern Promises (David Cronenberg, 2007)
2. A History of Violence (David Cronenberg, 2005)
3. The Lord of the Rings (Peter Jackson, 2001-2003)
4. Psycho (Gus Van Sant, 1998)
5. A Perfect Murder (Andrew Davis, 1998)

"Bye Bye Birdie..."

2009-08-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

I only watched the film Bye, Bye Birdie once, when I was in middle school. At the time I didn't think much of it, but after last night's episode of Mad Men, showcasing the opening number by Ann-Margret, I kind of want to go back and rewatch the film. I don't know if the film's opening actually had much significance, or the series just elevated the sequence, making it seem more important. I was also pleasantly surprised by the appearance of Embeth Davidst, playing the wife of Jared Harris' Lane Pryce. I doubt they would have hired the actress for one brief scene, so I expect to see more of her character during the season.

Sunday Blessings - Eric Dane

2009-08-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

This week Sunday Blessings is devoted to actor Eric Dane. Why? Well, there's that whole video thing traveling around the internet. I do feel bad for the guy and his wife, as I usually do when a celeb video is leaked without permission. It's a total invasion of their privacy. What people do in their own time shouldn't be exploited or judged, as long as they're not doing anything illegal. Having said all that, I still totally checked out the video. It was boring, but Dane definitely has a cute butt. That's all I'm going to say about it. Most people came to know Dane because of his role on Grey's Anatomy - he made a great first appearance, exiting a shower with only a small towel - but, I had actually first noticed him some years earlier, on the short-lived, Andre Braugher series, Gideon's Crossing, playing an intern at a hospital. The series also co-starred the adorbale Hamish Linklater, who's currently on The New Adventures of Old Christine, playing Julia Louis-Dreyfus' brother. Dane's a decent enough actor, but I've never been wowed by one of his performances. That's not to say he isn't capable. I'm just guessing his best attributes are his looks, which are damn fine. The body is to die for (those pecs!), and I kind of dig the premature greying he's got going on, which, thanfully, he isn't dying. Amen.

Project Runway - It's Back Baby

2009-08-21T12:32:00.001-07:00

After all the courtroom drama, they're finally airing the new season of Project Runway on Lifetime. I missed all the drama. They started off the season well, with the first challenge being a red carpet look. They're were some pretty, pretty dresses, and I liked the winning dress by Chris. I also find him kind of cute, even when he insists on wearing the sideways baseball cap. The losing dress by Ari was crazy bad, but I still thought she should have stayed over Mitchell and his 30 minute see-through nitegown. It was a seriously crappy move on his part, to blaime his model Yosuzi and then dump her on Models of the Runway. I still don't know what to make of the models' show, which seems to just be cobbled together bonus stuff, rather than an actual show. Preceding the season premiere of Project Runway, was the all star challenge. Daniel Vosovic won the competition, which I thought was completely ridiculous. He made a great red carpet look, but the rest of his collection stunk. Korto or Chris would both have been preferable winners.

"End" of the Week - Clive Owen

2009-08-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

From the film Close My Eyes. Why doesn't the man shed his clothes more often?

Top Chef Season Premiere

2009-08-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

The season premiere of Top Chef aired on Bravo this past Wednesday night, and it was a welcome return. They started this season with a mise en place relay race, which I always enjoy, and it was made better by having four teams participate. I do feel bad for Preeti, who was made to shuck clams by her team even though she'd never done it before. Honestly, if you know one of your teammates has never done something, why would you give the person that task to complete? You're going to lose. My favorite contestants, based entirely on physical appearance, are the Voltaggio brothers, Michael and Bryan. I also enjoy the adorable Frenchman, Mattin, and Jen C., who won the quickfire challenge and has a cockiness about her that makes me want to route for her. As for the rest of the contestants, they look as if Bravo just dragged them out of a stoner party in someone's dingy basement. A couple of them would gross me out if I were to ever see them preparing my food. Kevin seriously needs to shave off whatever that thing on his face is.

Make It Two Weeks in a Row

2009-08-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

For a second week in a row, Bear Grylls has exposed himself on the Discovery Channel's Man vs. Wild. Is there now any doubt the network and Bear are completely aware of why a good portion of the audience tunes in? I could just really do without all the animal killing, which seems to have increased on the series. Seriously where's the ASPCA? Anyway, here are some pics from the episode:

Mad Men and Vanity Fair

2009-08-20T11:09:00.001-07:00

The current issue of Vainty Fair features an article about the series and features a beautiful Annie Leibovitz photo spread of Jon Hamm and January Jones. You should check it out. I'm so happy the Mad Men is back on my television. It really kills me to have to wait so long in between each season. The season premiere was this past Sunday on AMC, and it was great as usual. The whole sequence with Sal and the bellboy was just yowza, and Don Draper's line to him - "Limit your exposure." - still gives me chills. The office drama is also interesting. "Moneypenny" had me dying from laughing. I cannot wait to see the direction the series will go this season.

2009-08-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

GQ Magazine did a profile on Florida Gators' quaterback Tim Teabow (story here), and while much of it focused on his Christianity, the real importance of the article, at least in my opinion, was the photo spread devoted to the man's body, and damn what a body it is!

Happy (Very Belated) Birthday to Madonna

2009-08-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

This heat wave on the East Coast has just killed me this past week, and I am behind on several postings. Sunday was Madonna's 52nd birthday, and I completely forgot to write anything about it. Like any good gay, I'm a huge fan of Madge, so I'm happy she remains prolific into her fifties, while so many other acts eventually lose some relevance in pop culture and the music industry. In honor of her birthday, here's a listing of my top ten favorite Madonna songs.

1. "Like a Prayer"
2. "Vogue"
3. "Papa Don't Preach"
4. "Human Nature"
5. "Express Yourself"
6. "You'll See"
7. "Oh Father"
8. "Ray of Light"
9. "Sooner or Later"
10. "Holiday"

Screen God Top 5 - Marlon Brando

2009-08-17T11:16:00.001-07:00

1. A Streetcar Named Desire (Elia Kazan, 1951)

2. On the Waterfront (Elia Kazan, 1954)

3. Last Tango in Paris (Bernardo Bertolucci, 1973)

4. The Godfather (Francis Ford Coppola, 1972)

5. Apocalypse Now (Francis Ford Coppola, 1979)

Sunday Blessings - Jeremy Piven

2009-08-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

With the opening of The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard this weekend, today's edition of Sunday Blessings is devoted to Jeremy Piven, to which I can now hear a collective groan. Yes, I think Jeremy Piven is actually sexy, and yes, I believe him to be a pretty good television actor. He was funny in supporting roles on The Larry Sanders Show and Ellen, and I thought he was great on the original Cupid series. I'd actually consider that his best performance to date, has he possessed an endearing charm which hasn't been displayed since. And while his performance Entourage may have been over awarded, he has created a great character out of Ari Gold, and certainly deserved at least one of those Emmys. Now, as why for why people dislike him, it might not be completely unjustified. Leaving the Broadway production of Speed-the-Plow, claiming mercury poisoning from sushi, was just a bizarre situation, and he doesn't seem able to joke about himself, which perhaps is what hurts people's perceptions of him most. I mean let's be serious; are we not suppose to notice what's going on with the top of his head? Throughout the nineties he was working the receding hair line, which he did well, and combined with his hairy chest, which is now unfortunately shaven, he gave off a sexy daddy vibe. Then he appears on Entourage, and all of a sudden he has a full head of hair. It's as if all his chest hair migrated to his forehead. Why did he have to do that? Piven looked good bald. But now that he got plugs or a hairpiece, he should at least acknowledge it, making a crack about it on a talk show or something. I think people might cut him a little slack if he did. Amen.

Kathy and Levi

2009-08-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

I know this happened a week ago, but it still has me laughing my butt off. He's seems so scared of her.

Kate, Joan and Zombies

2009-08-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

This week it was announced Kate Winslet was attached to a television miniseries adaptation of Mildred Pierce, most likely for HBO, written and directed by Todd Haynes (story at Variety). Many on the web are already complaining about remaking a classic film, but I am actually looking forward to the project. I love the original 1945 film. If I were to ever do a ranking of the top 100 films, I would include it on my list, and I love Joan Crawford's brilliant performance as Mildred, but the television miniseries doesn't scare me, as it's not so much a remake of the film but rather another adaptation of the novel by James M. Cain. Plus it will be written and directed by Todd Haynes. The man's responsible for Safe, Velvet Goldmine, I'm Not There and Far From Heaven, so I have full faith in him doing the project right. I do wonder about the casting of Kate Winslet. Though I believe her to be a great actress, she has a different screen presense than Crawford. How exactly will Haynes and Winslet interpret the character of Mildred? Hmm?

In other television news, AMC is in talks with writer/director Frank Darabont to create a television series based upon the graphic novel series The Walking Dead, about a group of people trying to survive in a world filled with zombies (Variety). The project sounds promising aside from the involvement of Frank Darabont. Having seen The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, I have to say I'm not a big fan of Darabont's work, but I didn't see his adaptation of The Mist, which is perhaps closest in tone to the zombie project. Perhaps horror influenced drama is his strong suit and I don't realize it. Either way I'm happy about the direction AMC is going, becoming a home for a wide variety of projects.

"End" of the Week - Thomas Jane

2009-08-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying Thomas Jane's series Hung and happy about its renewel for a second season. Not only does a second season mean the potential for the series to become brilliant after the set up of the first season (a la Breaking Bad), but it also means Thomas Jane showing more skin.

Poor Anita

2009-08-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sadly Anita Lo was kicked off Top Chef Masters this week. Even though she was my favorite, I think she did deserve to go home - a raw bar in the under a hot sun = eww. For a while there I thought they'd kick off Michael Chiarello for being "mean" to the former Top Chef contestants, but the critics actually judged him entirely on the food and he stayed. I know a lot of people have gripes about him, but I actually like him more because of this episode. I could never stand past contestant Dale or his ego, and I'm happy Chiarello took him down a few notches. Plus it doesn't hurt that Chiarello is kind of a silver fox. Now that Anita's gone, who do I think will win? I'd have to say Hupert, since he seems the most consistent and exciting chef.

Bear Once Again on Display

2009-08-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

The season premiere of Man vs. Wild aired last on the Discovery Channel, and host/adventurer Bear Grylls was once again "forced" to strip bare to survive wading through a freezing cold river. If there's one thing I've leared from the series, it's that if you take off all your clothes, you'll survive anything. Seriously though, I'm now convinced Bear Grylls, the producers and the network realize a good portion of the audience tune in to see Bear's bare bottom. The sequence occured near the end of the episode, but the show kept indicating he would strip, so as to make sure people stay tuned. When Bear did bare all, it wasn't a brief glimpse. Essentially his ass was all up in the camera for a prolonged period of time. Of course, his frontals were blurred, because, after all, we do not want to frighten the children. Lets just hope Bear continues to put himself on display this year, because last season lacked skin, decreasing my interest in the series.
Here are some pics from last night's episode:

Oh, Kathy I'm Gonna Miss You

2009-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

It seemed Kathy Griffin was everywhere the last few days. She attened the taping of the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, with date Levi Johnston - a hilarious publicity stunt. Also on Sunday, Comedy Central aired The Roast of Joan Rivers, which was hosted by Kathy. It was funny, with relativlely unknown comic Whitney Cummings and the roasted Rivers herself having the two funniest sets. Then last night, Kathy guest-hosted Larry King Live, interviewing Joan Rivers and her date Levi Johnston. In a bizarre sort of way, I love the fact Levi is becoming a male equivalent of Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian (famous for being famous), as admittedly he's nice to look at. I just wish he'd have a more engaging personality. To top off the past couple nights, the season finale of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List aired on Bravo, and I'm going to miss the show. I originally had qualms about the series being so filled with celebrity guests this season, but I have to admit it might have been its best season yet. I smell another Emmy. But now, sigh, we're going to have to wait until next year to see Kathy's further adventures. That's too far of a wait! I also wonder where the show will go from here. I suppose next season could center around Kathy promoting her upcoming tell-all book, which will be released next month. How great is that book going to be? Hopefully Kathy will actually be able to do the talk show circuit, considering how many shows she's banned from.

Screen God Top 5 - Jude Law

2009-08-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

1. The Talented Mr. Ripley (Anthony Minghella, 1999)

2. I Heart Huckabees (David O. Russell, 2004)

3. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (Steven Spielberg, 2001)

4. Gattaca (Andrew Niccol, 1997)

5. Closer (Mike Nichols, 2004)

Sunday Blessings - Dennis Quaid

2009-08-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Because of this weekend's release of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, today's edition of Sunday Blessings is devoted to co-star Dennis Quaid. I'm kind of having an appreciation for the older guys this weekend, having just devoted Friday's "End" of the Week posting to the 54-year-old Bruce Willis, and now devoting this post to the 55-year-old Quaid. Honestly though, the actor does not look his age. What deal with the devil did he have to make to retain his looks for this long? Quaid still has the ripped abs he first put on display in the 1979 film Breaking Away. How is that possible? Sigh. Anyway, I don't understand why Quaid took a supporting role in a crappy action movie like G.I. Joe. I'm guessing it's for the paycheck, which I completely understand. His profile has waned over the second half of the decade, after the huge career upswing he had beginning in 2002 with the surprise hit The Rookie and Far From Heaven, which featured his best perfromance to date. I'm still mad over him not receiving an Oscar nod for the film. Seriously Academy how could you have passed him over. Quaid followed up with In Good Company and a starring role in the successful disaster film The Day After Tomorrow. However, after those pictures came a remake of Yours, Mine and Ours with the almost forgotten Rene Russo, the bizarre American Dreams, and the forgettable Vantage Point. On the plus side, Quaid's currently in the process of filming The Special Relationship, in which he plays President Bill Clinton, opposite Hope Davis as Hilary Clinton and Michael Sheen as, once again, Tony Blair. The casting of Quaid was an interesting choice, and hopefully it will remind people of what a great actor he can be. Amen.

RIP John Hughes

2009-08-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week director John Hughes passed away at the age of 59. It's kind of shocking he died from a heart attack relatively young. Hughes, of course, is best know for his eighties teen comedies including Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, a movie I still love. While he continued writing and producing films through the nineties and aughts, Hughes hadn't actually directed a film since 1991's Curly Sue, deciding, instead, to retire from the public life. His eighties efforts, however, will cement his status in pop culture history.

"End" of the Week - Bruce Willis

2009-08-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Bruce Willis may be 54 years old, but the actor is still one of the sexiest men around.

Thank God My Anita's Still There!

2009-08-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

I started to worry Anita Lo was going to get kicked off Top Chef: Masters last night. Luckily she stayed and Art Smith got the boot. Honestly how could you use rice ice cream for a challenge? That stuff is gross. He should have just done a sorbet. Although, then my Anita would have been gone. Even after last night's failures, I still believe she's the one to beat on the show. The critics seem to love her, and really how could you not?

A Musical Project from Hugh Jackman?

2009-08-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Will Hugh Jackman ever appear in a film musical? This week it was announced the sexpot was attached to a movie musical about the showman P.T. Parnum, entitled The Greatest Showman on Earth. (story at Variety.) It would be an original work, scripted by former Sex & the City writer Jenny Bicks (an interesting choice), and singer Mika is in talks to write the music and lyrics. This all sounds very promising, but will it actually ever get off the ground? The Greatest Showman is the fourth musical Jackman has been attached to, after a remake of Carousel, a screen adaptation of The Boy form Oz, and Steven Soderbergh's 3-D musical - none of which are even close to being made. Until the picture actually starts filming, I'll wait to get excited. I just wish Jackman would stop getting distracted by Wolverine and finally make a movie which features singing and dancing.

First Oscar Predictions of the Season

2009-08-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

With Oscar season starting in a few months, it's time to start making some predictions. The expansion of the Best Picture category from five to ten nominees makes it more interesting to predict this year. Will it lead to more films from earlier in the year being nominated? I doubt it. It's still early in the year, since the "prestige" pictures don't start arriving until October, but as of right now, here's the direction I could see the Oscar nominations going.

Picture:
Amelia
Bright Star
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Invictus
The Last Station
The Lovely Bones
Nine
Precious
Shutter Island

Director:
Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker
Lee Daniels - Precious
Clint Eastwood - Invictus
Peter Jackson - The Lovely Bones
Rob Marshall - Nine

Actor:
Javier Bardem - Biutiful
Paul Bettany - Creation
Daniel Day-Lewis - Nine
Morgan Freeman - Invictus
Christopher Plummer - The Last Station

Actress:
Abbie Cornish - Bright Star
Carey Mulligan - An Education
Saorise Ronan - The Lovely Bones
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia
Hilary Swank - Amelia

Supporting Actor:
Matt Damon - Invictus
Richard Kind - A Serious Man
Alfred Molina - An Education
Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

Supporting Actress:
Jennifer Connelly - Creation
Judi Dench - Nine
Helen Mirren - The Last Station
Mo'Nique - Precious
Rachel Weisz - The Lovely Bones

Adapted Screenplay:
An Education
Invictus
The Last Station
The Lovely Bones
Precious

Original Screenplay:
Biutiful
Bright Star
The Hurt Locker
A Serious Man
Up

Cinematography:
Amelia
Bright Star
The Lovely Bones
Nine
Shutter Island

Editing:
The Hurt Locker
Invictus
The Lovely Bones
Nine
Shutter Island

Art Direction:
Invictus
Nine
Public Enemies
Shutter Island
The Tempest

Costume Design:
Amelia
Bright Star
Nine
Public Enemies
The Tempest

Make Up:
Sherlock Holmes
Star Trek
The Tempest

Original Score:
Avatar
Biutiful
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Public Enemies
Up

Sound Mixing:
Avatar
A Christmas Carol
Invictus
Nine
Star Trek

Sound Editing:
Avatar
A Christmas Carol
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Up

Visual Effects:
Avatar
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Star Trek

Animated Feature:
Coraline
Ponyo on the Cliff
Up

Quote of the Week

2009-08-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

"I think Jeremy Piven raped some chick on Ellen." - Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List

True Blood & Ed Quinn

2009-08-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

This is a really shallow post, since I basically just want to mention the hotness of actor Ed Quinn on the current season of True Blood. He's playing the Texan vampire Stan Davis, and in every episode he's dressed in tight black clothing that perfectly accentuates his 6'4'' frame. The preview for next week's episode showed him wearing a cowboy hat, which just does it for me. Sigh. I just hope before the end of his run on the series, we get to see some skin from him - at the very least see him shirtless. In general, I'm becoming more invested in the series and am especially fond of the budding relationship between Hoyt and Jessica, though I fear it will not end well. It's just a hunch.

Screen God Top 5 - Paul Newman

2009-08-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

1. Hud (Martin Ritt, 1963)
2. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Richard Brooks, 1958)
3. The Verdict (Sidney Lumet, 1982)
4. The Hustler (Robert Rossen, 1961)
5. Sweet Bird of Youth (Richard Brooks, 1962)

(Belated) Sunday Blessings - Ron Livingston

2009-08-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

My weekend was quite busy, so this post comes a day late. So, anyway, the focus of this week's Sunday Blessings is actor Ron Livingston, star of the new ABC space-drama Defying Gravity, which aired its pilot episode last night. Livingston may not be obviously hot, but he has an everyman kind of sex appeal; though if every man was as adorable as the actor, the world would be a more attractive place. Over the last two decades, Livingston has appeared in a number of films and television series. However, the two roles he's most famous for are Peter Gibbons, the disgruntled office worker in the cult classic Office Space, and Berger, Carrie's short-term boyfriend during the final season of Sex and the City. You have to feel bad for Livingston for the role of Berger. He gets a romantic role on the last season of a hit tv show, and the character turns out to be the worst boyfriend Carrie had over the course of the series - an insecure writer who has bad sex with Carrie and dumps her on a post-it note. At least he gets another shot at the romantci lead role with Defying Gravity. The show itself is decent, if not great. It comes off as a cross between Grey's Anatomy and Danny Boyle's Sunshine. I wish they'd get rid of the cheesy music, elimate Livingston's narration, and better write the drama occuring on the ground. The show does have potential - love/sex in space and all - I just fear it will get squandered. I do give the show bonus points for having Livingston shirtless a number of times, and showing off his great legs. Seriously his legs are amazing - where has he been hiding them all this time? Amen.

"End" of the Week - Bear Grylls

2009-07-31T10:17:00.001-07:00

Sure, I may have mentioned Bear Grylls' bottom in previous posts, but I believe the Discovery Channel star's backside is worthy of multiple discussions.

Anticipation!

2009-07-30T11:15:00.001-07:00

Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta starts tonight!

Diane Keaton Moving to Television?

2009-07-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Story here. Diane Keaton, one of the geatest film actresses ever in my opinion, will move to the small screen, starring in a half hour HBO comedy series about a feminist icon starting a sexually explicit magazine for women. The series will be written by Marti Nixon, a producer/writer previously involved in a number good to great television series, including Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Point Pleasant. Mad Men, Grey's Anatomy, and Brother & Sisters. I think the series sounds promising, and hopefully it will provide great material for Diane Keaton. She's really only had two notable performances this decade - Something's Gotta Give and The Family Stone. With few great film roles for older actresses, it seems television is the place to go. Sally Field, Glenn Close, and Holly Hunter have already made the jump from big screen to small, and while they've been successful in their transitions, it's still a pity, since I feel their talent should be on display in theatres rather than just my television screen. Oh well, at least with Toni Collette, Edie Falco, and now Diane Keaton, the Emmy category for Best Actress in a Comedy should become very interesting.

Discovery Channel's The Colony

2009-07-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

If you're not watching anything on Tuesday nights at 10 pm, you should definitely check out the Discovery Channel's new reality series The Colony. Essentially an "experiment" in which ten people try to survive in a post-apocalyptic America, the series features engaging participants from various professions trying to create a society without much of our modern conveniences, the most entertaining aspect being how quickly these participants adapt to their circumstances, as if the situation was real. They already have genuine fear and anger toward the fake bike gang/marauders who pretend to break into the colony to steal supplies. The show also benefits, like any other good reality series, from male eye candy. George, the doctor, and Joey, the contractor/ex-con are both worthy of some attention. Anyway, I really recommend the show. It's a hundred times better than Bravo's Tuesday night reality programs, Miami Social and NYC Prep. The casts of both of those series need to be put on a bus and driven over a cliff. Yeesh.

Screen God Top 5 - Ewan McGregor

2009-07-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

1. Moulin Rouge! (Baz Luhrmann, 2001)

2. Velvet Goldmine (Todd Haynes, 1998)

3. Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)

4. Down with Love (Peyton Reed, 2003)

5. Young Adam (David Mackenzie, 2003)

Sunday Blessings - Liev Schreiber

2009-07-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Today's edition of Sunday Blessings is devoted to actor Liev Schreiber, who starred most recently in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a film which I should have been excited for, considrering the combined hirsute goodness of Schreiber and Jackman, but failed to see because of the horrid reviews. Schreiber has been in the industry since the mid-ninties, first appearing in a number of indies including Party Girl, The Daytrippers, Denise Calls Up, and Big Night. Denise Calls Up, a so-so film, is worth a rental for any Schreiber fan, just for a scene in which he's wearing nothing but a strategically placed phone. Following his indie-film start, he did a number of horror features, some good (Scream, Scream 2) some bad (Phantoms, Sphere), but his career really took off after playing Orson Welles in the HBO televsion movie RKO 281, a role for which he received a Golden Globe nomination in 2000. This past decade has been good to Schreiber in general. He gave the best performance in the remake of The Manchurian Candidate, got to write and direct his first feature, Everything Is Illmuinated, won a Tony for his performance in Glengarry Glen Ross, had a successful guest run on CSI, and met his fiancee and mother of his child, Naomi Watts, on the set of The Painted Veil. Even though the film got panned, appearing in Wolverine was also a plus for him, as it gave Schreiber greater exposure, which will lead to more roles in bigger films. Hopefully some of those films require him to show a little skin. Amen.

Adrian Grenier's Fuzzy Coin Slot

2009-07-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Dlisted. I'll admit it - I'd go after that. It's just a pity he's not a better actor.

"End" of the Week - Daniel Craig

2009-07-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

Daniel Craig was willing to bare himself, in a number of his films. Sadly, now that he's become a bigger star since Casino Royale, I fear those days are over,

Congratulations Anna

2009-07-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Last night on the finale of The Fashion Show, it was revealed Anna won the competition based on voting from the viewers. Anna had been my favorite competitor during the course of the season, though I wasn't a big fan of her final collection, as it lacked cohesion and rehashed previous designs, but I'm still happy for her. I thought she had a good chance of winning, since her outfits had the most saleability, appealing to a broad demographic. She definitly could find success starting her own line of clothing, but based upon her collection, I don't believe she could be a great "designer," though I could be totally wrong - her "vagina dress" and the Swarovski evening gown both showed ingenuity. Anna's fellow finalist, Daniella, was chosen as the judges' favorite, receiving a much smaller check than Anna as a prize. Poor James-Paul went home empty handed. I did like his final collection best. During last night's finale we also got to see the rest of the contestants in a reunion situation. Jonny D was sporting a bizarre mohawk, though I still found him hot. I'm still annoyed that he was the first to be kicked off, particularly because Kristin quit the show right after his elimination, and that would have been reason enough to bring him back. Grrrr! The final collections by Johnny R and Merlin, which were used as decoys during the final runway, were also shown, and let me just say "Yowza," in regards to Merlin's collection. I actually sort of enjoyed the over-the-top theatrics of his collection, but it was most definitly a costume showcase rather than a fashion show.

What Are They Doing?

2009-07-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson seem to be having a fun time together. I guess they're wrestling in their bathing suits? It's an interesting photo to say the least. I honestly don't know whether I should be laughing or getting turned on. Eh... maybe I could do both.

Dan from HGTV's Design Star

2009-07-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

The new season of HGTV's Design Star premiered last night, and already I'm having impure thoughts about contestant Dan. Each of the previous seasons has featured male eye-candy willing to design shirtless - David Bromstad, Todd Davis, Mikey Verdugo. Let's hope Dan follows in this wonderful tradition and starts decorating rooms sans shirt.

Screen God Top 5 - Cary Grant

2009-07-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

1. His Girl Friday (Howard Hawks, 1940)

2. Notorious (Alfred Hitchcock, 1946)

3. The Philadelphia Story (George Cukor, 1940)

4. Bringing Up Baby (Howard Hawks, 1938)

5. North By Northwest (Alfred Hitchcock, 1959)

Sunday Blessings - Robby Ginepri

2009-07-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Today's edition of Sunday Blessings is going to be on the short side, as it's been a busy weekend for me. The focus of the post is American tennis player Robby Ginepri. Like with most other sports, I don't follow tennis. I know many people find it exciting, and I can actually understand why people could get excited for the sport, unlike say with baseball, where I still don't get how someone can be enthused by it at all, but tennis just doesn't interest me. Yet even with my lack of interest in the sport, there always seems to be a player who grabs my attention on sheer sex appeal. In the early nineties it was Andre Agassi, in the late nineties Pete Sampress, especially after he did the shirtless got milk? ad (yum), and now Robby Ginepri. Sure Andy Roddick is cute, but Robby is a sexy, hairy beast, and that always wins out for me. Amen.

The Fashion Show Finale & Andy Cohen's New Gig

2009-07-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Part 1 of The Fashion Show's finale aired this past Thursday night. After having followed the show for nearly three months, I was excited for the runway collections of the four finalists. Of course, I ended up being hugely dissapointed by the boring results. The whole season had been rather ho-hum, but I thought the final four were actually deserving, and given no limitations would create some exciting collections. Nope. My favorite designer from the season was Anne, having loved her detail work and use of patterns. Her final runway collection, however, wasn't an actual collection, but rather a hodge-podge of well made garments, and she recycled styles and techniques she used in previous challenges. Reco had proven to be alternately stylish and tacky throughout the season, but his tacky side seemed to win out with regards to his final collection. The outfits lacked cohesion and some were just plain ugly (the black dress with the upside-down v). Daniella's previous efforts were often worthy of appreciation - I thought her grey evening gown with the Swarovski crystals was gorgeous - and her final collection was actually a collection. I liked the idea behind her garments, but I thought most of the oufits seemed poorly made and rather cheap looking. The one collection I actually had some excitement for was James-Paul's, which is surprising, considering I thought he was the least of the four finalists. It was by no means a great collection, as he needs to learn how to edit his designs, use color and better cut and drape to fit the body, but there was thought behind his designs, some interesting use of fabrics, and enough theatricality to make me smile. The four finalists was cut down to three to be voted on by the public. Reco was the one eliminated, which I'm happy about, as he didn't deserve to win but would have just out of popularity.

If you stuck with Bravo later into Thursday night, you got to watch the hot mess that is What What Happens, Live, a chat/promo show hosted by Bravo executive Andy Cohen. I find humor in the fact Cohen wants to be a celebrity in his own right, rather than just a man behind the scenes. It's one thing for him to write a blog on the network's website and act as moderator for various cast reunions, but hosting his own talk show puts him right out in front. Mr. Cohen is definitely nice to look at, so I really can't complain about it too much. The show itself was an odd mess, containing an interview with habitual liar Danielle from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, a brief chat with Fashion Show castoff Reco via satellite, and a phone call from Sarah Jessica Parker, which was essentially a plug for her upcoming Bravo competition series. Cohen himself was the most interesting aspect of the show, as he seemed to get more inebriated as it went on and gayer than he usually comes across in the reunion shows. The topper was him gushing over how hot 19 year-old Levi Johnston is. While I hate to admit it, I actually agree with Cohen, especially after seeing the photospread Levi did for GQ, but there was still that moment where I was thinking, "Oh my God. Is he actually saying this." Even though it's completely accepted for an older guy (ie Leno, Letterman, O'Brien) to objectify 18/19-year-old (sometimes even younger) girls, it's still a huge taboo to objectify a younger guy. There was something refreshing about Cohen's gushing, if still a little creepy.

"End" of the Week - Christopher Meloni

2009-07-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Meloni was willing to show off his assets in a number of episodes of Oz. It's a pity network television doesn't show any sort of nudity, otherwise Law & Order: Special Victims Unit could be a lot more interesting.

Emmy Nomination Reactions

2009-07-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Emmy nominations were announced yesterday morning, and there were a number of surprises, but also a good deal of disappointments - it is the Emmys afterall. In their last chance to award Battlestar Galactica, the Emmy voters decided to ignore it once again, with its only major nomination being for direction. I actually thought the show had a chance of picking up a surprise Drama Series nod, as Star Trek: The Next Generation had received a nomination for it's last season, but alas that was not the case. The really surprising shutout, however, belongs to True Blood, which didn't receive any major nominations. HBO had really been pushing the series, but as I had suspected, it had a problem connecting with the voters, being both a genre show and very, very gay. It didn't even get a writing or direction nom, which is where I thought it would make an appearance, since the Emmys seemed to like Alan Ball. Oh well, better luck next year. Even though I love both series, Mad Men and 30 Rock dominating the writing categories, each getting four out of the five nods, is kind of ridiculous. They're we're a number of other series that deserved at least one writing nod. Anyway, a run through of the major categories:

Best Drama Series:
Big Love
Breaking Bad
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

This year they expanded the categories to six nominees, which of course means we wind up with seven nominees. They seriously need to rewrite the rules to prevent ties. Anyway, cable doninated the category with five of the seven nominees. The networks are probably grumbling, but hey, maybe they should do better quality work. Fox should feel lucky it even got the House nod, since it clearly shouldn't be a part of this lineup. Mad Men will win this in a landslide, since I can't figure out what could challenge it, and the series easily deserves the win. A Breaking Bad win would also make me happy, but I don't think it has the same support in the industry.

Lead Actor - Drama:
Simon Baker - The Mentalist
Gabriel Byrne - In Treatment
Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall - Dexter
Jon Hamm - Mad Men
Hugh Laurie - House

I'm almost shocked by the James Spader snub, seeing as it was the final season of Boston Legal and the Emmys have loved the performance for some unknown reason. As for the men who did receive nods, I think all but Michael C. Hall as a chance of winning. If I had to, I'd put my money on Jon Hamm, but then I think that if they wanted to award him, they'd have done it last year. Maybe he's just too pretty for them to reward. My second guess would be Baker, in a surprise similar to Patricia Arquette's bizarre win for the first season of Medium.

Lead Actress - Drama:
Glenn Close - Damages
Sally Field - Brothers & Sisters
Mariska Hargitay - Law & Order: SVU
Holly Hunter - Saving Grace
Elisabeth Moss - Mad Men
Kyra Sedgwick - The Closer

As expected they ignored the two best leading lady performances - Mary McDonnell and January Jones. Damn you Emmy voters! I'm happy for Elisabeth Moss's nod, I just wish they had room for both Mad Men ladies. Did Hargitay need another nomination for a character who hasn't really grown in a while? Expect Close to win again, though I wish it was Moss, just for the scene in the finale where she tells Pete she had his baby.

Supporting Actror - Drama:

Christian Clemenson - Boston Legal

Michael Emerson - Lost

William Hurt - Damages

Aaron Paul - Breaking Bad

William Shatner - Boston Legal
John Slattery - Mad Men

Yippee! Aaron Paul got a well deserved nomination. Of course, the Emmys had to ruin it by giving two nods to the men of Boston Legal. I know, I know - I like to rag on that show, but I find it overly awarded. Paul deserves the win, but I'd be happy with a Emerson, Slattery or Hurt win as well, but since this is the Emmys, expect Shatner to take the prize.

Supporting Actress - Drama:
Rose Byrne - Damages
Hope Davis - In Treatment
Cherry Jones - 24
Sandra Oh - Grey's Anatomy
Dianne Wiest - In Treatment
Chandra Wilson - Grey's Anatomy

There were some serious surprises in this category, as they ignored previous favorites rachel Griffiths, Candice Bergen, and Katherine Heigl. Unfortunately they also ignored the best supporting actress turn by Marcia Gay Harden, but they voted for Rose Byrne. I like, not love, Byrne on Damages, but in no way is she a supporting character. She is most definitley the lead, as the series centers around her and her relationship with Close's Patty Hewes. Oy. I don't think there's a single front-runner in the category, as any of them could take the prize, but since she won last year, I'll guess Wiest.

Best Comedy Series:
30 Rock
Enourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
Weeds

Again with the seven nominees, but hey, at least they threw out Two and a Half Men. Poor Pushing Daisies - no nod again, even though it was the best comedy series on television. The Emmys also seem to seriously dislike Desperate Housewives. Seven nominees and still no room for the ladies of Wisteria Lane. I actually think that if the show was submitted in the drama categories it would get some nods. Yay for How I Met Your Mother, but boo to Family Guy. I'm a casual viewer of the series, but even I admit this past season sucked, and the fact it has a Best Comedy Series nod while The Simpsons doesn't is a travesty. The Weeds nod I just find weird, as it finally received a nomination for its least successful season. 30 Rock will win, duh!

Best Actor - Comedy:
Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock
Jermaine Clement - Flight of the Conchords
Tony Shaloub - Monk
Jim Parsons - The Big Bang Theory
Steve Carrell - The Office
Charlie Sheen - Two and a Half Men

They ignored his show in the Best Comedy Series category, but they still had to nominate Charlie Sheen, and over Lee Pace no less. Argh. I find it funny they nominated one of the guys from Flight of the Conchords over the other, when it seems a both or neither type situation. Baldwin will win this again, though I think Carrell deserves it this season for the Michael Scott Paper Company plotline.

Lead Actress - Comedy:
Christina Applegate - Samantha Who?
Toni Collette - The United States of Tara
Tina Fey - 30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - The New Adventures of Old Christine
Mary-Louise Parker - Weeds
Sarah Silverman - The Sarah Silverman Program

This is a pretty good line up, and I have no real complaints. I just wish they'd found room for Amy Poehler for Parks & Recreation. The Sarah Silverman nomination still has me chuckling. The fact they can appreciate her brand of humor, gives me some hope in the Emmy voters. I'd say Fey easily walks away with this again, seeing as how Emmy voters haven't yet got their love for her out of their systems. I think she may one day be the winningest female actress.

Supporting Actor - Comedy:
Jon Cryer - Two and a Half Men
Kevin Dillion - Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother
Jack McBrayer - 30 Rock
Tracy Morgan - 30 Rock
Rainn Wilson - The Office

They really seemed to go gangbusters for 30 Rock this year, with two nominations in this category, but the true shock is Jeremy Piven's omission. I guess the whole fiasco over leaving Speed the Plow because of "food-poisoning" from sushi, actually affected peoples' views of him. This clearly puts the win up for grabs, but I'm leaning towards Harris, as love for him seems to be growing. Plus it would be cool to see the host win an award.

Supporting Actress - Comedy:
Kristin Chenoweth - Pushing Daisies
Jane Krakowski - 30 Rock
Elizabeth Perkins - Weeds
Amy Poehler - Saturday Night Live
Kristin Wiig - Saturday Night Live
Vanessa Williams - Ugly Betty

Hands down, this is the best set of nominees this year, even without a nod for Jenna Fischer. I'm excited that they finally nominated Krakowski, and that they nominated Wiig and not just Poehler. Since last year's winner, Jean Smart, wasn't even nominated, the trophy can go to anyone. I'd give it to one of the singing ladies, Chenoweth or Krakowksi, but I'm guessing the actual winner will be Poehler for her last season on Saturday Night Live.

Kathy Griffin to Host the Schmemmys

2009-07-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

Story at ETOnline. Funny lady Kathy Griffin was chosen to host this year's Primetime Creative Arts Emmys, or as Kathy as has famously called them the "Schmemmys." It's actually a brave decision to choose her as host, particularly considering her "Suck on it Jesus" acceptance speech from two years ago. I can't wait to see how this turns outs, but I'm just hoping she doesn't turn down her brand of humor too much. I understand she doesn't want to anger the voters and award's body, but as proven by her two Emmy wins, they can actually appreciate her jokes. In realted news, Griffin was nominated, again, for two Emmys - one for her reality series My Life on the D-List and one for her special She'll Cut a Bitch. I wonder if Kathy can win three years in a row for Best Reality Series. Her biggest competitor Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, wasn't even nominated this year. However, Mythbusters, which is such a guilty pleasure for me, did finally receive a nomination in the category, after several years of being snubbed, so yay! I'll further discuss this years' Emmy noms either later tonight or tomorrow. There we're actually several wtf omissions and inclusions, both good and bad.

Channing Tatum in GQ

2009-07-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

The shirtless photo of actor Channing Tatum comes from Auugst's issue of GQ magazine. I'm happy that even on the cusp of stardom (G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra might make him a full blown Hollywood leading man, depending on its success), Tatum continues to do beefcake photo shoots. If only Chris Evans would follow his lead, dammit! Now, I can admire Tatum's ripped look in the spread, but I have to admit preferring him when he carried a a few extra pounds. I'm probably alone in that regards.

A less ripped Tatum, which I prefer

Emmy Nomination Predictions

2009-07-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

The nominations for the Emmy Awards are announced this Thursday morning (July 16th), so I though I'd give a try as guessing the nominees in the major series and acting categories. This year the categories have expanded to fit six nominees, which would suggest some surprises, but it's the Emmys, so the nominees will ultimately remain boring.

Drama Series:
24
Boston Legal
Damages
House
Lost
Mad Men

Essentially the same line-up as last year, except switching out Dexter for 24, which wasn't eligible last year. Most people are predicting True Blood to make the cut, but I have my doubts, seeing as it would have to jump the hurdles of being both a genre series and extremely gay. I consider both Breaking Bad and In Treatment as runners-up, which might take the place of either 24 or Lost.

Lead Actor, Drama:
Gabriel Byrne - In Treatment
Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad
Jon Hamm - Mad Men
Michael C. Hall - Dexter
Hugh Laurie - House
James Spader - Boston Legal

I simply guessed the same group of men as last year, but of those men, I consider only Hamm and Hall to be locks. Michael Chiklis, Kiefer Sutherland and Simon Baker have just as much chance at getting nods as the other four men. I also wouldn't be completely shocked by a surprise sympathy nomination for Patrick Swayze.

Least Actress, Drama:
Patricia Arquette - Medium
Glenn Close - Damages
Mariska Hargitay - Law & Order: SVU
Holly Hunter - Saving Grace
Sally Field - Brothers & Sisters
Kyra Sedgwick - The Closer

Look, I'm happy for the fact television is providing middle-aged actresses with prominent roles, and the Emmys are willing to notice them, but can we get a better group of nominees. The two best leading lady performances were given by Mary McDonnell and January Jones, yet I fear both will go unrecognized. McDonnell's snub will sting the most, seeing as it will be the fifth year in a row she'll go unnominated for one of the best performances on television ever.

Supporting Actor, Drama:
Jeremy Davies - Lost
Michael Emerson - Lost
William Hurt - Damages
John Mahoney - In Treatment
William Shatner - Boston Legal
John Slattery - Mad Men

Rather than going for more interesting performances by lesser known actors - Aaron Paul, Lucian Msamati, Ryan Kwanten, Michael Cudlitz - the Emmy voters will likely go for bigger named stars. I'm pretty sure about all my guesses, except for Davies, who could just as easily be replaced with John Larroquette or Josh Holloway.

Supporting Actress, Drama:
Candice Bergen - Boston Legal
Marcia Gay Harden - Damages
Katherine Heigl - Grey's Anatomy
Sandra Oh - Grey's Anatomy
Dianne Wiest - In Treatment
Chandra Wilson - Grey's Anatomy

For the most part, this is a boring line-up, and as much as I like Oh and Wilson, I don't feel they should be nominated year after year. If one of these actresses were to be passed over, I fear it would be Harden, who actually gave the best supporting performance this past television season, but then, who would replace her - Hope Davis, Rachel Griffiths, Alison Bill, Cherry Jones, Jane Kaczmarek?

Comedy Series:
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
Entourage
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
Two and a Half Men

I highly doubt CBS will garner three nods in this category, but what are the other options? Pushing Daisies was ignored last year, despite a slew of other nominations, so I'm guessing it won't get a nod this year. The only other serious choices would be Flight of the Concords or a Desperate Housewives return, though it would be a total kick if the Emmy voters went outside the box and gave a nomination to something like Chuck or Parks & Recreation.

Lead Actor, Comedy:
Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock
Steve Carrell - The Office
Jim Parsons - The Big Bang Theory
Lee Pace - Pushing Daisies
Tony Shaloub - Monk
Charlie Sheen - Two and a Half Men

This category should to be a lot more fun than it is. Sheen and Shaloub again? I'm just hopin Pace can hold on to that nomination, and not be replaced by Johnny Galecki, which I believe might happen. I usually like Galecki, and loved him on Roseanne, but he seems to just get steam-rolled by the rest of the Big Bang cast. My biggest fear is one of the Entourage leading men making it into this category. That's scary just thinking about it.

Lead Actress, Comedy:
Christina Applegate - Samantha Who?
America Ferrara - Ugly Betty
Tina Fey - 30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - The Old Adventures of New Christine
Mary-Louise Parker - Weeds
Amy Poehler - Parks & Recreation

A typical group of ladies, with the addition of Poehler for her first starring role. I wonder if Toni Collette might make an appearance, replacing Applegate or Ferrara. What about the Desperate Housewives? With a rejuvenated season (though, really only the first half seemed fresh) might one of them get a nod. If so, expect it to be Felicity Huffman, though Eva Longoria Parker was the real best-in-show. Plus, there's always Debra Messing waiting in the wings.

Supporting Actor, Comedy:
Jon Cryer - Two and a Half Men
Kevin Dillon - Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother
Tracy Morgan - 30 Rock
Jeremy Piven - Entourage
Rainn Wilson - The Office

It would be nice if John Krasinski finally got nominated, but I doubt it will ever happen, since he's the cute guy on the series. Actually do we even need this category, considering we all know Piven will win for the fourth time in a row? Piven can pretty much guarantee winning the award until either he takes his name out of submission (the respectable thing) or the show ends.

Supporting Actress, Comedy:
Judy Davis - The Starter Wife
Kristin Chenoweth - Pushing Daisies
Amy Poehler - Saturday Night Live
Jean Smart - Samantha Who?
Holland Taylor - Two and a Half Men
Vanessa Williams - Ugly Betty

This is probably the most wide open category with several serious contenders. Besides these women, you also have Conchata Ferrell, Jenna Fischer, Kristin Wiig, Dana Delaney, Swoozie Kurtz, Jaime Pressly, Elizabeth Perkins, Tracey Ullman (her category placement is weird) and Jane Krakowski. Krakowski definitely deserves a nod, but I fear she'll be passed over again, even though she had more screen time this season. Judy Davis is my completely-out-there guess, but I figure since she won last year for the same role in the mini-series/tv movie category, she has a decent shot at a nod this year.

Screen God Top 5 - Ralph Fiennes

2009-07-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

1. Schindler's List (Steven Spielberg, 1993)

2. Quiz Show (Robert Redford, 1994)

3. The English Patient (Anthony Minghella, 1996)

4. The Constant Gardener (Fernando Meirelles, 2005)

5. Strange Days (Kathryn Bigelow, 1995)

Sunday Blessings - Jeremy Renner

2009-07-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

This week's Sunday Blessings is devoted to actor Jeremy Renner, currently starring in the Kathryn Bigelow directed, Iraq war film, The Hurt Locker. Renner may seem an odd choice; he's doesn't fit the standard of beauty - his face is kind of short, the eyes set wide apart -but it works on him, and I find the man rather sexy. He's also a few years older than he looks. While looking for info on Renner, I found he was 38 years of age, yet I would have sworn he wasn't a day over 30/31. I'm guessing it's the babyface that makes him seem younger. Anyway, the actor first made an impact in the film industry playing serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in Dahmer, a film which I have yet to see, though everyone keeps telling me to do so. Following the performance he garnered supporting roles in S.W.A.T., North Country, The Assassination of Jesse James..., and 28 Weeks Later, and while I always seemed to notice him - "oh, hey it's that guy" - it wasn't until the "zombie" movie that he truly grabbed my attention. In the film Renner gave a better performance than required (true of most of the cast), and he came off far sexier than before. I'm guessing it was the short-cropped hair and military uniform that did it for me. Plus, I love a man who can handle a large weapon. Renner also recently starred in the ABC drama series The Unusuals, about a group of New York City cops, giving a great performance. It would be nice if Emmy voters gave him an Emmy nomination, but I can pretty much guarantee that won't happen, considering the series' lack of success. As for The Hurt Locker, the film is gathering much accolades and awards buzz, but it's still early in the year, so whether or not that translates into actual Oscar nods remains to be seen. At least the film's critical success will provide Renner with more opportunities in the industry. Well, one hopes as much. Amen.

Hardy from Miami Social

2009-07-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Everytime I saw a commercial for the upcoming Bravo reality series Miami Social, I grew more and more convinced cast member Hardy seemed familiar, especially with that name. Then I remembered he was on the second season of Big Brother (yes, I actually watched the program when it first started). He was sexy, in a himbo sort of way, almost always appearing shirtless. I also remembered after appearing on the show, it came out he had appeared in a softcore film. I don't know why, but that makes me chuckle. As for Miami Social, I don't know if I'm going to watch it. Just from the commercials, I can already tell I'd have the urge to push these people off a cliff. Yeesh. Anyway, here are some images of Hardy from his "film." Ha.

Ryan Reynolds Is the Green Lantern

2009-07-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

from Variety: Ryan Reynolds has landed the role of Hal Jordan in the upcoming Green Lantern film. It's not an inspiring choice for the role. I'd actually prefer Bradley Cooper who was also in the running or Nathan Fillion. I also don't understand why Reynolds needs to carry two superhero franchises simultaneously - Deadpool being the other. There seems to be this need by every upcoming actor to appear in as many franchises as possible - Christian Bale, Shia Labeouf, and now Reynolds. Spread the wealth! I'm now more interested in who the producers cast for the rest of the Green Lantern Corps, and there better be a Green Lantern Corp, since it's the best part of the series.

Bradley's crying because he didn't get the part.

"End" of the Week - Seann William Scott

2009-07-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

From the straight-to-DVD movie Balls Out: Gary the Tennis Coach. They should have at released it in theatres for a limited time. That behind deserves to be seen on the big screen.

Adrien Brody's Man Cleavage

2009-07-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

Oh Mr. Brody, we all know you're hot (in an offbeat sort of way) and you have a rocking body, but that doesn't excuse unappealing fashion choices. If you want to show off some skin and make a statement, go shirtless or just wear a wifebeater. You'd get the same point across without looking like a gay Japanese teenager.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

2009-07-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

Having missed it in theatres last year, I watched Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day last night on Tivo. It's an entertaining, if slight, film, and it reminded me how much I adored Frances McDormand, Lee Pace (oh God how I miss Pushing Daisies!), and Amy Adams. I don't believe Adams actually gets enough credit as an actress. She's often criticized for playing the same naive type in every film, but I wouldn't consider her character Delysia as naive, since she knows exactly how to sleep her way to success. In reality, it's a very Marilyn Monroe type performance. The true stand out of the film, however, is Scottish character actress Shirley Henderson, playing the manipulative Edythe, her usual babydoll voice coming off quite sinister. It's too bad she didn't gain any awards buzz for the performance.

Who Needs Sleeves?

2009-07-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

A photo of actor Christopher Meloni on the set of Law & Order: SVU. I'm guessing the dress shirt lacks sleeves so his suit jacket has a better fit on camera, or maybe it's just too hot. I don't know, but anytime Meloni shows skin, it's a good thing. If it were up to me, the man would be half-naked on every episode of SVU. That was the one great aspect of Oz.

Really? An Indy 5?

2009-07-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

story: So apparently a new Indiana Jones film is in the works. Even though Kingdom of the Crystal Skull turned out soooo wrong, the prospect of making a lot more money is tantalizing enough for Lucas and Spielberg to team up again. Sigh. Really?

"Thank You for Being a Friend"

2009-07-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

I'm still chuckling from Monday night's episode of My Life on the D-List, featuring Kathy's mother Maggie's bucket list. Betty White was, as always, a pistol, The Griffin Girls was a good laugh, and Maggie's genuine emotion at the end was touching. I guess we can all assume the episode will be Kathy's submission tape for next year's Emmys, and she'll probably get another win. In general, I like how this season has turned out so far, and how Kathy has been "honoring" female entertainment legends, who aren't currently grabbing all the headlines - Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin, Stevie Nicks, Liza, Jane Fonda, Betty White...

Screen God Top 5 - Warren Beatty

2009-07-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

1. Bonnie and Clyde (Arthur Penn, 1967)

2. Reds (Warren Beatty, 1981)

3. McCabe & Mrs. Miller (Robert Altman, 1971)

4. Shampoo (Hal Ashby and Warren Beatty, 1975)

5. Splendor in the Grass (Elia Kazan, 1961)

Sunday Blessings - Chris Messina

2009-07-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

This week's edition of Sunday Blessings is devoted to character actor Chris Messina. Now, you're probably wondering who the hell Chris Messina is. Well, damn it I'll you. He might be familiar to you after popping up in a number of indie features including Towelhead, Ira and Abby, Vicky Christina Barcelona, and the recently released Away We Go. He will also be featured next month in the Meryl Streep film Julie & Julia, playing Amy Adams' husband. I, however, will always think of him as Claire's boyfirend Ted, from the final season of HBO's Six Feet Under. How could you not fall in love with that character? Sigh... I miss that show. So why exactly did Chris Messina all of a sudden come to mind when deciding whom to center this post on? Yesterday, I watched the Patrick Dempsey rom-com Made of Honor, which is such a irritatingly crappy film, and in the film Messina has the thankless role of Dempsey's jerky friend (though really all the roles in the film are thankless). While sitting though the horror, I had to focus on something positive, and, of course, male eye candy won out. Since I had previously posted about co-star Kevin McKidd, and Patrick Dempsey takes some hits from me for being the star of the picture, though I did appreciate the scene in which he wore a way-too-short kilt, Messina gets the post devoted to him. Let's just hope he never appears in a film this bad again. Amen.

KA-BOOM!

2009-07-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

I'm actually not a big fan of fireworks. The noise irritates me.

"End" of the Week - Ryan Reynolds

2009-07-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd start a new weekly posting, entitled "End" of the Week, essentially showing the "end" of a male celebrity worthy of objectification. The post is on Friday, which is the end of the work week, sooooo... there's the joke. We'll start things off this week with Ryan Reynolds, currently staring the hit rom-com The Proposal. The pics come from a previous film of his entitled Buying the Cow. I have not seen the film, since it sounds like crap, but the images make me think twice.

Happy Belated Birthday Lindsay Lohan

2009-07-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

The "actress" celebrated her 23rd birthday yesterday. Sigh... what happened to her? She showed talent and promise in comedies Mean Girls and Freaky Friday, and a wilingness to act alongside more talented ensembles in A Prairie Home Companion and Bobby, but alas she's decided to go the route of a fame-seeking celebrity. Paris Hilton has to play the role of fame-whore because she doesn't have real talent, but Lindsay, you actually have talent, so you don't have to go that route.

Neil Patrick Harris to Host Emmys?

2009-07-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

(Variety). If this is finalized, it will be the third awards show he hosted this year, after the TV Land Awards and the Tonys. Harris would make a fine host for the broadcast, as evidenced by his previous endevours, but I hoped CBS would have chosen Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson to punch up the show. Oh well, at least its better than last year's decision by ABC to have the five nominated reality hosts emcee the broadcast. Now if only the Emmys voters would come up with better nominees. Hah! What are the chances of tha happening?

Screen God Top 5 - Daniel Day-Lewis

2009-06-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

Usually on Mondays I post Screen Goddess Top 5, but I though I'd change it up a bit, and post a Screen God Top 5 for the next few weeks. It's the same structure - my five favorite performances by the actor, ranked. I'm going to star things off today, with my favorite living actor, Daniel Day-Lewis.

1. There Will Be Blood (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2007)

2. My Beautiful Laundrette (Stephen Frears, 1985)

3. My Left Foot (Jim Sheridan, 1989)
4. The Age of Innocence (Martin Scorsese, 1993)

5. Gangs of New York (Martin Scorses, 2002)

Really America - Transformers 2?

2009-06-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Really, America? Really? Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen had to gross over 200 million dollars in its first five days? Really? Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen had to gross over 60 million dollars on its opening day, making it the biggest Wednesday opening ever? Really? Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen had to have the second highest opening day ever, just behind The Dark Knight? Really? I don't get it. Who are all these people going to see it on its opening day... its opening weekend? Fine, I get the fact people want to see dumb action movies during the summer, but I don't get why everyone had to see it opening weekend. Like I could understand if a bunch of teenagers went to see it this past weekend, and then gradually older people went and saw over the next couple of weeks because they had nothing better to do. But no, everyone went and saw it this opening weekend, and that high of an opening meant people saw it multiple times. Really, America? Really?

Sunday Blessings - Thomas Jane

2009-06-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today's edition of Sunday Blessings is devoted to actor Thomas Jane, star of HBO's new comedy Hung. I have high hopes for the series, and not just for the rugged sex appeal of Jane and the promise of his nudity, though that is a big part. The series co-stars two of my favorite underused actresses, Anne Heche and Jane Adams, who play his ex-wife and his pimp, respectively. Any show that can give these two women great material gets high regards in my book, so fingers crossed. I also hope for the success of the series, as I find Thomas Jane an interesting actor, who never really got his due. After spending most of the nineties appearing in bit parts, Jane flirted with becoming a leading man, starting with Deep Blue Sea, a crap film that was modestly successful. The film led to starring roles in Dreamcatcher, The Sweetest Thing and The Punisher, none of which were of high quality, though The Sweetest Thing always makes me laugh, and none of which did huge box office. Since movie stardom never came, switching gears and focusing on an HBO series, may have been his best career move. Jane can do comedy well, as evidenced by his guest appearance on Arrested Development as himself. I wish the best of luck to him and Hung. The show could make a great pairing with True Blood for a Sunday night male eye-candy extravaganza. Amen.

RIP Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

How odd yesterday was, losing two pop culture icons within hours of each other. Farrah Fawcett's death had been expected, after suffering the last few years with cancer, but Michael Jackson's came as a complete shock. The two stars will surely be missed, having left an indelible mark on American pop culture over the last thirty years. In both cases I wasn't around for their rise to superstardom, having been born in 1982. My earliest memories of them take place after the two were well established. I would always watch the syndicated reruns of Charlie's Angels around the ages of four and five (god, I was so gay), and I remember thinking the music video for Michal Jackson's "Bad" was one of the greatest things ever. In retrospect the video is kind of hokey. After their passings, what I most wonder about is how will they be remember thirty years from now? Without a doubt, Michael's music will live on, but I wonder how his personal life will affect people's perspectives.

Marry Me Ludo!

2009-06-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'm speaking of chef Ludovic Lefebvre, who competed on last night's episode of Top Chef Masters. His temper would eventually annoy me, so really I wouldn't want to marry him, but an angry, shaggy, heavily-inked Frenchman - I want that naked in my kitchen! Ludo didn't win, meaning, unfortunately, we won't see more of him in the challenge, but I am happy with the actual winner chef Rick Bayless. This is the third episode in a row, where I believe the most deserving person actually won. What I like most about Masters is the scoring process, where in each judge gives up to five stars for a meal and the person with the most stars wins. The process makes the decision seem objective, or as objective as critiquing food can possibly be. On the original Top Chef, the contestants backstories and personalities can often influence the judges/producers decision making. Had Masters featured the same panel and judging process, Hubert Keller, Suzanne Tracht, and Rick Bayless would most likely not have been the winners, replaced, instead, by Tim Love, Graham Elliot Bowles, and probably my Ludo.

What the What?

2009-06-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced, starting this year, the Academy Awards' Best Picture category would expand from five nominees to ten, an entirely unexpected surprise. The last time the Academy shook up the award categories, adding Best Animated Feature, there was a drawn out process. The category was suggested in 1999 (great year for animated movies), approved in 2000, and the first award was handed to Shrek in March of 02. While there must have been talks behind the scenes, the decision to go from five to ten Best Picture nominees appeared to come out of nowhere. A ten nominee field, while surprising, isn't unprecedented. For a period of time in the thirties and forties, the Academy experi The urge to expand must have arisen from the failure of The Dark Knight and WALL-E to score nods earlier this year. Both films were in the running, garnering enough precursors, but ultimately failed because they were genre pictures. Had one or both made the cut, the ceremony would likely have garnered higher ratings. It just came off as missed opportunity for the Academy, and I'm guessing they didn't want it to happen again. The move does increase the chances for a Best Picture nomination for Up, making it only the second animated film to garner a Best Picture nod, after Beauty and the Beast, and it brings some excitement to the race, as we don't know what to expect. However, I still remain cautious, because while we think this opens the race to more independent or foreign-language films, it more likely means getting more midbrow "prestige" pics that didn't have enough critics' support to break into the top five. Had the ruling been in 2005, Memoirs of a Geisha and Cinderella Man would have been nominated over the likes of A History of Violence and The New World.

RIP Ed McMahon

2009-06-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Television personality Ed McMahon died this morning at the age of 86. In the last few years, McMahon was mainly in the public eye because of his various financial and health problems, but I will always remember him as the host of Star Search, which I tuned into every weekend when I was just a wee lad.