The End of the tour: You don't have to know anything about the late author David Foster Walkace to enjoy this film that does a nic job to getting to the heart and humanity of an author who is being interviewed by a Rolling Stone reporter played by Jesse Eisenberg. At about an hour and ten minutes the conversation between the two men starts to run its course a bit, but Jason Segel gives a career changing performance as David Foster Wallace. While it's doubtful, it'd be nice to see him recognized when Oscar nominations come out. 7 out of 10
Me, Earl and the Dying Girl- While the three main character have interesting relationships in this film, the film itself is pretty basic Sundance indie. There are lots of quirky cliches (like the folksy cool but annoying parents that almost no one in real life has), and the whole premise of the two leads remaking classic films is a flimsy one. The filmmaker should gave trusted that the leads could be interesting characters and telling their stories would have been enough. 6 out of 10
The Wolfpack- here is another film with teenagers remaking movies. This time it's about a group of brothers who are forced by their father to stay holed up in their New York apartment. There should be an interesting story there, but only glimpses of it are told. I did like when the brothers finally got to explore the world outside their apartment, but the film doesn't do much to differentiate between all of the similar looking brothers. 6 out of 10
The Salt of the earth- Sebastião Salgado is a great photographer, and here he talks about how his beautiful photos as they are displayed on this screen this documentary is like watching someone's vacation slide show. It's dull but very pretty. I basically watched it because it was nominated for an Academ award for best documentary. On a side now that I've seen all 5 nominees from last year. This is how I'd rank them.
5. The Salt of the Earth
4. Last Days of Vietnam
3. CitizenFour
2. Virunga
All of these are underwhelming. I gave them all a 5 or 6. The only documentary from these nominees that I can recommend without reservation is
1. Finding Vivian Maier
Hopefully the Academy will choose a better group of docs this year.
Cinderella- I was surprisingly charmed by this film. This may be the best version of Cinderella I've seen. Even though there are basically no songs, Disney is able to use special effects in a powerful way to show the transformation Cinderella goes through to go to the ball. It also takes a bit of a feminist bend on a story that definitely needs it. My only minor complaints are that the story drags a bit after the ball (but this happens in every adaptation), and I would've liked to have seen Cate Blanchett go more over the top as the step mother. Kenneth Branagh does a nice directing job here. 8 out of 10
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Film Reviews: Slices of American Pie
When something tragic like the Paris attacks and 9/11 happen, the aftermath can bring out the best in humanity. Unfortunately,as I have seen in the last couple weeks, it also does the opposite for some people.
Coincidentally the last two weekends I saw two films that were for good or bad truly unique American stories.
Spotlight directed by Thomas McCarthy is about one of America's (and ultimately the world's) most tragic stories. It is about the cover up that happened to protect priests in Boston (and ultimately the rest of the country and the world) who were sexually abusing children.
The story is interestingly told from the media's point of view which was an interesting choice when you think about how much news media is disliked in modern American society. What I hoped would not happen is that the media would be seen as the perfect savior of these victims. Thankfully this is not that kind of story. The movie doesn't point fingers in one place, but points it's fingers in multiple places and shows there is enough blame to go around even among the films protagonists, the Boston Globe news organization. Ultimately, the movie is brave enough to finally tell the story that desperately needs to be told.
This is a peak in Thomas McCarthy's sparse yet interesting directing career. He has dealt with tough issues in a more folksy way before as he dealt with illegal immigration in the great film The Visitor. This is his first film to take an unflinching look at a tough topic, and he gets away from a few of his indie film quirks. Hopefully what he does here in Spotlight is only the beginning for him.
As for the acting, this is truly an ensemble film and for the most part all of his main characters are able to show something interesting because of the capable actors playing them. Liev Schreiber plays against type in perhaps his quietest least showy role ever. Rachel McAdams is forgiven for the romance/romantic comedy hell she put many through. Her role isnt so much a standout as it shows that she's been capable of so much more than what she was previously given. Hopefully, she will be given that chance. Michael Keaton plays Michael Keaton well here and coming on the heels of losing the Oscar in Birdman, he may get some recognition for this. However, the actor who does the most with his role is not surprisingly Mark Ruffalo who is always great at making roles that are not always written as the most interesting and Making them into something that steals the show.
Spotlight isn't an easy film, but it is a must see. It is one of those films that shows a dark side of our country and hopes that by being reminded of our dark moments in history, we will never let them happen again.
Much less dark is Brooklyn. It's the American immigrant story that we have seen in film many times before . Especially now I can see that it might get criticized for glamorizing and white washing the immigration experience. That would beside the point though as Brooklyn tells the ultimate American Dream folktale through the eyes of an Irish woman played by Saoirse Ronan who played the young manipulating child in the otherwise awful adaptation of Atonement.
The film is an important reminder especially now that America is a nation of immigrants and how dare we build walls and shield ourselves from others who may want their chance to partake in this land of opportunity. It is ultimately not a heavy movie and doesn't need to be to get its message through.
Visually the movie is a beautiful painting. Backdrops, costumes and even eyes are colored with soft yet lush pastel colors. The.performances are also great. There are some nice supporting roles here for Jim Broadbent and especially Julie Walters. Emory Cohen as Tony is likely to breakout big after this very charming role. But it is young Saoirse Ronan who steers the film sometimes with only a
facial expression who deserves the most recognition. She has the potential to have the career of the Meryl Streeps and the Glenn Closes of the world.
Brooklyn is a charming film and it is the kind of film that Hollywood used to make and rarely does anymore. It is the kind of film that makes the viewer want to soar.
Spotlight 9 out of 10
Brooklyn 9 out of 10
Other great films that show the dark side of religious power: The Magdalene Sisters, Doubt, The Boys of St. Vincent, Priest, and Deliver Us from Evil
Other great film about the American immigration experience: The Visitor, A Better Life, In America, House of Sand and Fog, and The Namesake.
Coincidentally the last two weekends I saw two films that were for good or bad truly unique American stories.
Spotlight directed by Thomas McCarthy is about one of America's (and ultimately the world's) most tragic stories. It is about the cover up that happened to protect priests in Boston (and ultimately the rest of the country and the world) who were sexually abusing children.
The story is interestingly told from the media's point of view which was an interesting choice when you think about how much news media is disliked in modern American society. What I hoped would not happen is that the media would be seen as the perfect savior of these victims. Thankfully this is not that kind of story. The movie doesn't point fingers in one place, but points it's fingers in multiple places and shows there is enough blame to go around even among the films protagonists, the Boston Globe news organization. Ultimately, the movie is brave enough to finally tell the story that desperately needs to be told.
This is a peak in Thomas McCarthy's sparse yet interesting directing career. He has dealt with tough issues in a more folksy way before as he dealt with illegal immigration in the great film The Visitor. This is his first film to take an unflinching look at a tough topic, and he gets away from a few of his indie film quirks. Hopefully what he does here in Spotlight is only the beginning for him.
As for the acting, this is truly an ensemble film and for the most part all of his main characters are able to show something interesting because of the capable actors playing them. Liev Schreiber plays against type in perhaps his quietest least showy role ever. Rachel McAdams is forgiven for the romance/romantic comedy hell she put many through. Her role isnt so much a standout as it shows that she's been capable of so much more than what she was previously given. Hopefully, she will be given that chance. Michael Keaton plays Michael Keaton well here and coming on the heels of losing the Oscar in Birdman, he may get some recognition for this. However, the actor who does the most with his role is not surprisingly Mark Ruffalo who is always great at making roles that are not always written as the most interesting and Making them into something that steals the show.
Spotlight isn't an easy film, but it is a must see. It is one of those films that shows a dark side of our country and hopes that by being reminded of our dark moments in history, we will never let them happen again.
Much less dark is Brooklyn. It's the American immigrant story that we have seen in film many times before . Especially now I can see that it might get criticized for glamorizing and white washing the immigration experience. That would beside the point though as Brooklyn tells the ultimate American Dream folktale through the eyes of an Irish woman played by Saoirse Ronan who played the young manipulating child in the otherwise awful adaptation of Atonement.
The film is an important reminder especially now that America is a nation of immigrants and how dare we build walls and shield ourselves from others who may want their chance to partake in this land of opportunity. It is ultimately not a heavy movie and doesn't need to be to get its message through.
Visually the movie is a beautiful painting. Backdrops, costumes and even eyes are colored with soft yet lush pastel colors. The.performances are also great. There are some nice supporting roles here for Jim Broadbent and especially Julie Walters. Emory Cohen as Tony is likely to breakout big after this very charming role. But it is young Saoirse Ronan who steers the film sometimes with only a
facial expression who deserves the most recognition. She has the potential to have the career of the Meryl Streeps and the Glenn Closes of the world.
Brooklyn is a charming film and it is the kind of film that Hollywood used to make and rarely does anymore. It is the kind of film that makes the viewer want to soar.
Spotlight 9 out of 10
Brooklyn 9 out of 10
Other great films that show the dark side of religious power: The Magdalene Sisters, Doubt, The Boys of St. Vincent, Priest, and Deliver Us from Evil
Other great film about the American immigration experience: The Visitor, A Better Life, In America, House of Sand and Fog, and The Namesake.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
My Top 20 Showstopping Singalong Musicals
This is not to be confused with my favorite musicals of all time. For example Next to Normal would be high on that list, but it's not exactly a sing a long musical so it's not on this list. To qualify the show had to have three or more strong sing a long songs. Jukebox musicals like Mamma Mia and American Idiot and musicals based on musical movies like Beauty and the Beast and Grease were not eligible.
20.. Guys and Dolls
Three best singalong songs: Three best singalong songs: Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat, Adelaide's Lament, I've never been in love before.
19. Sound of Music (perhaps one of the mst overrated musicals, but it does have some strong songs)
My Favorite Things, Climb Every Mountain, Edelweiss
18. Hairspray
Good Morning Baltimore, You Can't Soo the Beat, I Can Hear the Bells.
17. Annie
Tomorrow, It's a hard knock life and Maybe
16. Sunset Boulevard
As if we never said Goodbye, The Lady's Paying and With One Look
15. My Fair Lady
I could've danced all night, On the street where you live, Wouldn't it be loverly.
14. Matilda
Naughty, When I grow up, My House
13. The King and I
Something Wonderful, I Have Dreamed, I Whistle a Happy Tune.
12. Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Wig in a Box, Midnight Radio, and Wicked Little Town
11. Phantom of the Opera
The show itself I don't think too much of, but it has a lot of great songs. AllI Ask if You, Music of the Night, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.
The Top 10
10. Avenue Q.
There's a fine fine line, Everyone's a little bit racist, if you were gay
9. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
A Little Priest, Not While I'm Around, By The Sea
8. A Chorus Line
Nothing, At the Ballet, What I Did for Love
7. Evita
This is where I start having a hard time choosing only three. Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Don't Cry for me Argentina, Rainbow High
6. Cabaret
Cabaret, Maybe this time, Willkommen
5. Wicked
The top 5 get five songs each. Popular, Defying Gravity, For Good, I'm not that girl, No one mourns the Wicked.
4. West Side Story
Somewhere, America, A Boy Like That/I Have a Love, I feel Pretty, One Hand OneHeart. Even choosing just 5 was hard.
3. Into the Woods
No one is alone, Moments in the Woods, I know things now, Giants in the sky, Stay with me
2. Rent
La Vie Boheme, Light my Candle, I'll Cover You, Tango Maureen, What You Own
1. Les Misérables
The perfect musical except when Javert sings. It gets ten songs! I dreamed a dream, Master of the House, Do You Hear The People Sing, one Day More, On my own, A little fall of rain, Empty Chaurs at Empty Tables, bring Him Home, Fantine's Death: Come to Me, Valjean's Death: Finale
7. Evita
This is where I start having a hard time choosing only three. Another Suitcase in Another Hall, Don't Cry for me Argentina, Rainbow High
6. Cabaret
Cabaret, Maybe this time, Willkommen
5. Wicked
The top 5 get five songs each. Popular, Defying Gravity, For Good, I'm not that girl, No one mourns the Wicked.
4. West Side Story
Somewhere, America, A Boy Like That/I Have a Love, I feel Pretty, One Hand OneHeart. Even choosing just 5 was hard.
3. Into the Woods
No one is alone, Moments in the Woods, I know things now, Giants in the sky, Stay with me
2. Rent
La Vie Boheme, Light my Candle, I'll Cover You, Tango Maureen, What You Own
1. Les Misérables
The perfect musical except when Javert sings. It gets ten songs! I dreamed a dream, Master of the House, Do You Hear The People Sing, one Day More, On my own, A little fall of rain, Empty Chaurs at Empty Tables, bring Him Home, Fantine's Death: Come to Me, Valjean's Death: Finale
Friday, October 30, 2015
Two horrors and a heart
Since it is Halliween week, I decided to pick up some new horror movies.
Insidious 3 was one of the films and I need to be reminded when part 4 inevitably comes out that I really don't like this horror franchise. The first one was pretty good. I didn't like the second one at all, and the third one is just slightly better than 2. Insidious 3 adds nothing new to the series, but what it does have is more Lin Shaye who is really the best part of the whole series. If they want to keep going they really need to make her the lead. She,is much more compelling that Dermot Mulroney who is considered the lead of this one.
Then I caught We are Still Here which on the surface doesn't add much to the whole haunted house genre. But a funny thing happened, and I can't get this one out of my head. The story itself isn't so fresh, but it feels very real because the cast is made up of middle age normal looking actors who you could just as easily spot at the grocery store. While it is not particularly original, it does deserve a watch for its realistic approach to the genre.
Then I had enough of average horror films, and I needed some heart. I found that with I'll See you in My Dreams. It's hard to believe that Blythe Danner has never been a lead in a film, but she has definitely earned the chance and she is the best part of this movie. The movie itself is charming, but has its problem plot points that I won't ruin. I liked the scenes with her friends. Danner's character is friends with characters played by June Squibb, Rhea Perlman, and Mary Kay Place, who should be the next incarnation of The Golden Girls. It's also nice to see Sam Elliot who will still be sexy at any age as well. I would definitely not be disappointed if Blythe Danner gets an Oscar nomination for this. It's a lovely performance.
Insidious 3- 5 out of 10
We Are Still Here 6 out of 10
I'll See you in my Dreams 7 out of 10
Insidious 3 was one of the films and I need to be reminded when part 4 inevitably comes out that I really don't like this horror franchise. The first one was pretty good. I didn't like the second one at all, and the third one is just slightly better than 2. Insidious 3 adds nothing new to the series, but what it does have is more Lin Shaye who is really the best part of the whole series. If they want to keep going they really need to make her the lead. She,is much more compelling that Dermot Mulroney who is considered the lead of this one.
Then I caught We are Still Here which on the surface doesn't add much to the whole haunted house genre. But a funny thing happened, and I can't get this one out of my head. The story itself isn't so fresh, but it feels very real because the cast is made up of middle age normal looking actors who you could just as easily spot at the grocery store. While it is not particularly original, it does deserve a watch for its realistic approach to the genre.
Then I had enough of average horror films, and I needed some heart. I found that with I'll See you in My Dreams. It's hard to believe that Blythe Danner has never been a lead in a film, but she has definitely earned the chance and she is the best part of this movie. The movie itself is charming, but has its problem plot points that I won't ruin. I liked the scenes with her friends. Danner's character is friends with characters played by June Squibb, Rhea Perlman, and Mary Kay Place, who should be the next incarnation of The Golden Girls. It's also nice to see Sam Elliot who will still be sexy at any age as well. I would definitely not be disappointed if Blythe Danner gets an Oscar nomination for this. It's a lovely performance.
Insidious 3- 5 out of 10
We Are Still Here 6 out of 10
I'll See you in my Dreams 7 out of 10
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Actors of the future
In 2009 I saw a performance by a relatively unknown actor that blew me away. The actor was Carey Mulligan and the film was the excellent An Education. I hoped that based on that performance, Mulligan would have an interest career ahead of her. So far I have not been disappointed. She has made interesting choices as opposed to popular ones. She has continued to show quality work in movies like Drive, Never Let me Go, and most notably in Shame with Michael Fassbender. 2015 has been a good year for her. She is getting good reviews in Suffragette, and earlier this year she starred as a more conflicted Elizabeth Bennet type character in the costume drama Far From the Maddening Crowd. In this film her character Bathsheba Everdene (she knows it is a terrible name) was not two but three men vying for her attention, but we know in the first five minutes who she should ultimately choose. The audience cheers for the brooding sexy sheep farmer played by Matthias Schoenaerts. With any luck Schoenaerts will be in every movie from now until the end of time. There is nothing new here, but the leads have great chemistry. It's charming, entertaining and comfortable. It's streaming and on DVD now so check it out.
I bring Carey Mulligan up because 2015 has another fairly new performer blowing people away with an amazing performance. Indie film lovers noticed Brie Larson a couple years ago in Short Term 12 and this summer she charmed larger audiences as Amy Schumer's sister in Traunwreck, but she may have just entered Academy award nominee with a great future ahead of her territory with an excellent performance in the new movie Room.
Room was a popular book a few years ago, and it is a hard book and movie to review without giving too much away. Basically, it is a story told by a young child, played by Jacob Tremblay in one of the best performances I've seen a child actor ever give, about growing up in a small room with no contact with anyone except his mother (played by Larson). If you don't know the story that's as much plot as I am going to give away. It is a riveting, harrowing and ultimately uplifting film and Brie Larson will show you why she is one of the most interest actors to watch right now. It is also great to see Joan Allen back again in a strong supporting performance. Even if she a Little bit over botoxed these days, she is also an actor who has taken an interesting path and hopefully she will continue to get character roles like this as she gets older.
The subject matter of Room is a little tough, but it would be a shame to miss out on one of the best performances of the year by Brie Larson. Get ready! This is an actor we will be hearing a lot more from!
Far from the Maddening Crowd 8 out of 10
Room 9 out of 10
I bring Carey Mulligan up because 2015 has another fairly new performer blowing people away with an amazing performance. Indie film lovers noticed Brie Larson a couple years ago in Short Term 12 and this summer she charmed larger audiences as Amy Schumer's sister in Traunwreck, but she may have just entered Academy award nominee with a great future ahead of her territory with an excellent performance in the new movie Room.
Room was a popular book a few years ago, and it is a hard book and movie to review without giving too much away. Basically, it is a story told by a young child, played by Jacob Tremblay in one of the best performances I've seen a child actor ever give, about growing up in a small room with no contact with anyone except his mother (played by Larson). If you don't know the story that's as much plot as I am going to give away. It is a riveting, harrowing and ultimately uplifting film and Brie Larson will show you why she is one of the most interest actors to watch right now. It is also great to see Joan Allen back again in a strong supporting performance. Even if she a Little bit over botoxed these days, she is also an actor who has taken an interesting path and hopefully she will continue to get character roles like this as she gets older.
The subject matter of Room is a little tough, but it would be a shame to miss out on one of the best performances of the year by Brie Larson. Get ready! This is an actor we will be hearing a lot more from!
Far from the Maddening Crowd 8 out of 10
Room 9 out of 10
Friday, October 23, 2015
If I chose the Emmys-The Winners
Oops I forgot about these! better late than never!
Best Female Actor (Lead or Supporting) in a TV Movie or Miniseries
Khandi Alexander Bessie
Zoe Kazan Olive Kitteridge
Jessica Lange American Horror Story:Freak Show
Queen Latifah Bessie
Frances McDormand Olive Kitteridge-WINNER
Mo'Nique Bessie
Sarah Paulson American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best Male Actor (Lead or Supporting) in a TV movie or Mini Series
John Gallagher Jr. Olive Kitteridge
Richard Jenkins Olive Kitteridge
Bill Murray Olive Kitteridge
David Oyelowo Nightingale- WINNER
Cory Michael Smith Olive Kitteridge
Michael Kenneth Williams Bessie
Finn Wittrock American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best TV movie. Or mini series
American Horror Story: Freak Show
Bessie
Nightingale
Olive Kitteridge-WINNER
Best Reality Television Show
The Next Food Star
Project Runway
Rupaul's Drag Race
Shark Tank
Survivor
Top Chef Boston - WINNER
Best Guest Actress in a Series
Christine Baranski The Big Bang Theory
Kate Burton Scandal-WINNER
Marla Gibbs Scandal
Allison Janney Masters of Sex
Laurie Metcalf The Big Bang Theory
Rita Moreno Jane the Virgin
Julianne Nicholson Masters of Sex
Cicely Tyson Scandal
Best Supporting Actor in a Conedy Series
Tituss Burgess Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt-WINNER
Jaime Camil Jane the Virgin
Adam Driver Girls
Nick Offerman Parks and Recreation
Marcus Scribner blackish
Steve Zissis Togetherness
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Allison Janney Mom
Carol Kane Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Jenifer Lewis blackish
Melanie Lynskey Togetherness-WINNER
Lauren Weedman Looking
Constance Wu Fresh off the Boat
Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson blackish
Jonathan Groff Looking
Chris Messina The Mindy Project
Jim Parsons The Big Bang Theory
Jeffery Tambor Transparent-WINNER
Josh Thomas Please Like Me
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Tracee Ellis Ross blackish -WINNER
Mindy Kaling The Mindy Project
Ellie Kemper Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Lisa Kudrow The Comeback
Amy Poehler Parks and Recreation
Gina Rodriguez Jane the Virgin
Best Comedy Series
Blackish
Getting on
Looking
Parks and Recreation
Togetherness
Transparent-WINNER
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Guest Actor in a Series
Christian Borle Masters of Sex
Beau Bridges Masters of Sex
Reg E. Cathey House of Cards
Jon Hamm Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt-WINNER
Paul Rudd Parks and Recreation
Sam Shepard Bloodline
Courtney B. Vance Scandal
Bradley Whitford Transparent
Best Supporting Actress in A Drama Series
Uzo Aduba Orange is the New Black
Annaleigh Ashford Masters of Sex
January Jones Mad Men
Maura Tierney the Affair
Lorraine Toussaint Orange is the New Black-WINNER
Bellamy Young Scandal
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Jim Carter Downton Abbey
Michael Kelly House of Cards
Ben Mendelsohn Bloodline-WINNER
Joe Morton Scandal
Craig T Nelson Parenthood
Jussie Smollett Empire
Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Kyle Chandler Bloodline
Jon Hamm Mad Men
Freddie Highmore Bates Motel
Peter Krause Parenthood
Kevin Spacey House.of Cards
Dominic West The Affair-WINNER
Best Lead Actress in a Drama
Lizzie Caplan Masters of Sex
Olivia Colman Broadchurch
Viola Davis How to Get Away With Murder
Taraji B. Henson Empire
Ruth Wilson The Affair
Robin Wright House of Cards-WINNER
Best Drama Series
The Affair
Empire
House of Cards
Mad Men
Orange is t he New Black-WINNER
PParenthood
The Walking Dead
Best Female Actor (Lead or Supporting) in a TV Movie or Miniseries
Khandi Alexander Bessie
Zoe Kazan Olive Kitteridge
Jessica Lange American Horror Story:Freak Show
Queen Latifah Bessie
Frances McDormand Olive Kitteridge-WINNER
Mo'Nique Bessie
Sarah Paulson American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best Male Actor (Lead or Supporting) in a TV movie or Mini Series
John Gallagher Jr. Olive Kitteridge
Richard Jenkins Olive Kitteridge
Bill Murray Olive Kitteridge
David Oyelowo Nightingale- WINNER
Cory Michael Smith Olive Kitteridge
Michael Kenneth Williams Bessie
Finn Wittrock American Horror Story: Freak Show
Best TV movie. Or mini series
American Horror Story: Freak Show
Bessie
Nightingale
Olive Kitteridge-WINNER
Best Reality Television Show
The Next Food Star
Project Runway
Rupaul's Drag Race
Shark Tank
Survivor
Top Chef Boston - WINNER
Best Guest Actress in a Series
Christine Baranski The Big Bang Theory
Kate Burton Scandal-WINNER
Marla Gibbs Scandal
Allison Janney Masters of Sex
Laurie Metcalf The Big Bang Theory
Rita Moreno Jane the Virgin
Julianne Nicholson Masters of Sex
Cicely Tyson Scandal
Best Supporting Actor in a Conedy Series
Tituss Burgess Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt-WINNER
Jaime Camil Jane the Virgin
Adam Driver Girls
Nick Offerman Parks and Recreation
Marcus Scribner blackish
Steve Zissis Togetherness
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Allison Janney Mom
Carol Kane Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Jenifer Lewis blackish
Melanie Lynskey Togetherness-WINNER
Lauren Weedman Looking
Constance Wu Fresh off the Boat
Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson blackish
Jonathan Groff Looking
Chris Messina The Mindy Project
Jim Parsons The Big Bang Theory
Jeffery Tambor Transparent-WINNER
Josh Thomas Please Like Me
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Tracee Ellis Ross blackish -WINNER
Mindy Kaling The Mindy Project
Ellie Kemper Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Lisa Kudrow The Comeback
Amy Poehler Parks and Recreation
Gina Rodriguez Jane the Virgin
Best Comedy Series
Blackish
Getting on
Looking
Parks and Recreation
Togetherness
Transparent-WINNER
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Guest Actor in a Series
Christian Borle Masters of Sex
Beau Bridges Masters of Sex
Reg E. Cathey House of Cards
Jon Hamm Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt-WINNER
Paul Rudd Parks and Recreation
Sam Shepard Bloodline
Courtney B. Vance Scandal
Bradley Whitford Transparent
Best Supporting Actress in A Drama Series
Uzo Aduba Orange is the New Black
Annaleigh Ashford Masters of Sex
January Jones Mad Men
Maura Tierney the Affair
Lorraine Toussaint Orange is the New Black-WINNER
Bellamy Young Scandal
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Jim Carter Downton Abbey
Michael Kelly House of Cards
Ben Mendelsohn Bloodline-WINNER
Joe Morton Scandal
Craig T Nelson Parenthood
Jussie Smollett Empire
Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Kyle Chandler Bloodline
Jon Hamm Mad Men
Freddie Highmore Bates Motel
Peter Krause Parenthood
Kevin Spacey House.of Cards
Dominic West The Affair-WINNER
Best Lead Actress in a Drama
Lizzie Caplan Masters of Sex
Olivia Colman Broadchurch
Viola Davis How to Get Away With Murder
Taraji B. Henson Empire
Ruth Wilson The Affair
Robin Wright House of Cards-WINNER
Best Drama Series
The Affair
Empire
House of Cards
Mad Men
Orange is t he New Black-WINNER
PParenthood
The Walking Dead
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Film: Short reviews of films I have recently seen: Goodnight Mommy, About Elly, Mad Max:Fury Road and Unfriended
Goodnight Mommy: This German film doesn't really feel like a horror movie until the final third. It's story about a mother who gets plastic surgery and her children think she's an imposter takes a scary turn into its last act and its chills are numerous. Try not to figure out the twist. I figured it out and it's more fun to not know. 7 out of 10
About Elly: Since The Separation, my favorite film of 2011, Ashghar Farhadi is a director I get excited to see we work. What a treat it was to watch About Elly, an earlier film of his. While it feels a little soapier than A Separation and The Past. Farhadi's trademark of taking small moments and making them compelling human drama is here on display. I definitely recommend it to view the early work of a filmmaker who I'm convinced will one day be considered a master. 8 out of 10
Mad Max: Fury Road- It is hard to argue that there hasn't been a more beautifully filmed movie than this Mad Max for a long time. But let's face it, it's really just a movie with a lot of battles and chasing across the desert. As much as I live Tom Hardy, his Mad Max feels like a supporting character. The real stars here are Nicholas Hoult and especially Charlize Theron. 5 out of 10
Unfriended: This teen horror movie takes place on a character's computer screen. It is a device that I thought would get old as it did in an episode of Modern Family, but it is done here to great effect and the film is surprisingly suspenseful and interesting. While it's still teen horror schlock, this cautionary tale about cyber bullying surprised me and definitely could've been much worse. 6 out of 10
About Elly: Since The Separation, my favorite film of 2011, Ashghar Farhadi is a director I get excited to see we work. What a treat it was to watch About Elly, an earlier film of his. While it feels a little soapier than A Separation and The Past. Farhadi's trademark of taking small moments and making them compelling human drama is here on display. I definitely recommend it to view the early work of a filmmaker who I'm convinced will one day be considered a master. 8 out of 10
Mad Max: Fury Road- It is hard to argue that there hasn't been a more beautifully filmed movie than this Mad Max for a long time. But let's face it, it's really just a movie with a lot of battles and chasing across the desert. As much as I live Tom Hardy, his Mad Max feels like a supporting character. The real stars here are Nicholas Hoult and especially Charlize Theron. 5 out of 10
Unfriended: This teen horror movie takes place on a character's computer screen. It is a device that I thought would get old as it did in an episode of Modern Family, but it is done here to great effect and the film is surprisingly suspenseful and interesting. While it's still teen horror schlock, this cautionary tale about cyber bullying surprised me and definitely could've been much worse. 6 out of 10
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