New to See on DVD!

A really interesting mix of movies out on DVD, this weekend.  Of course, with all the network shows back on the air AND a bunch of the cable shows back too, you might just want to catch up and clean out your DVR.  But, let’s try to entice you with a movie!

The Invention of Lying – If you watched the Golden Globes Sunday, you saw Ricky Gervais hawking his movie.  It sounds very promising, a comedy set in a world where no one lies, until a writer (Gervais) starts stretching the truth, for his own gain.  Jennifer Garner is his love interest.

Whiteout – Kate Beckinsale stars at U.S. Marshall Carrie Stetko, who is investigating a murder in Antarctica and trying to wrap things up before the sun sets for six months.

Pandorum – This is one I want to check out.  Crew members of a space ship wake up after a long in flight slumber and have no memory of who they are, where they’re supposed to be going, what they’re supposed to be doing.  Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster and Cam Gigandet star.

Gamer – Good cast, not sure what happened here.  Michael C. Hall, Kyra Sedgwick and Gerard Butler star in this thriller about a future world, where humans can control other human behavior via a large, multi-player online gaming environment.  Scary.

Smokin’ Aces 2:  Assassin’s Ball – Tom Berenger stars as Walter Weed, a desk jockey in the FBI who finds out someone’s taken a hit out on his life.

According to Greta – It sounds like a remake of On Golden Pond.  Hillary Duff plays a young, rebellious and suicidal girl who is sent to stay with her grandparents for the summer.  I’ll bet she gets her act together!  Ellen Burstyn plays Grandma.

No Greater Love – Very big in the Christian community, it’s the story of a couple who’ve been sweethearts all their lives.  Something bad happens, though, and she takes off.  He is forced to raise their son alone.  Ten years later, they meet again and are forced to examine their faith and forgiveness.

Come Dance at My Wedding – A young woman is about to be married and discovers that she has a Dad, who is available to walk her down the aisle.  Roma Downey and John Schneider star.

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging – Totally British comedy/drama about a 14 year old who writes about her life’s ups and downs in a diary, which is focused on what she is learning about kissing.

Che – If you can handle five hours of drama, you’ll want to check out Che, which is getting the Criterion Collection treatment.  The movie’s been available, but here, it’s put together, as Steven Soderbergh wanted it.  It was originally so long, they released it in two parts.  So, you get the scope of the man, played brilliantly by Benicio del Toro.  It’s really worth watching, just for his performance.  As it covers much of the revolutionary’s life, it is a bit uneven, some parts much more interesting than others. 

Kingdom of the Spiders – A 1977 B movie finally gets a DVD release.  Dr. Rack Hanson is investigating a rash of animal deaths on area farms.  Guess what caused them?  Guess who plays Rack Hanson?  William F. Shatner!!  Awesomeness.

Streamers – A Robert Altman film from 1983.  I don’t remember this at ALL.  Matthew Modine stars, with George Dzundza and David Alan Grier.  It’s about some recruits about to be sent to Vietnam who find out one in their midst is homosexual.

Chantal Akerman in the 70s – It’s a 3 disc boxed set from Criterion Collection, showcasing great movies from the Belgian born filmmaker.  These are five early films that put her on the map:  La Chambre, Hotel Monterey, News From Home, Je, Tu, Il, Elle and Les Rendez-vous d’Anna.

Outrage – A documentary that reportedly indicts closeted politicians who lobby for anti-gay legislation in the United States.

Behind the Player:  Ace Frehley – The latest chapter in the documentary series on musicians features Ace Frehley discussing his music life and Kiss experience.

• 21 Jump Street – Season 1
• Cranford: Return to Cranford and The Collection (Cranford/Return to Cranford)
• Dallas – Season 12
• Damages – Season 2
• Defying Gravity – Complete Series
• Durham County – Season 1
• Fraggle Rock: The Animated Series – Complete Series
• The Game – Season 2
• Girlfriends – The Final Season
• Hunter – Season 1
• Jonathan Creek – Season 1
• Law & Order – Season 7
• New Tricks – Season 2
• Pawn Stars – Season 1
• Renegade – Season 1
• Scooby’s All-Star Laff-A-Lympics – Vol. 1
• Thirtysomething – Season 2
• Waking the Dead – Season 4
• Weeds – Season 5

 

Haiti

Do you feel de-sensitized to the plight of the people of Haiti?  I am about as empathetic as I can be, but there is a part of me that wants my money to help people here.  And then, I see pictures like this…

That kid is skin and bones.  He’s just been pulled from the wreckage of his home or school or someplace that felt safe, before the earth collapsed.  Who knows how long New York’s finest worked to get him free, how long his mother might have heard his cries for help get weaker and weaker?  To help, right now, you can type the keyword:  Haiti. 

Or you can watch and participate in tonight’s Hope for Haiti telethon.  Bruce Springsteen, Bono and The Edge, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Keith Urban, Dave Matthews, Sting, Kid Rock, Stevie Wonder and so many other stars are involved. 

Tomorrow, you can help by just logging on to iTunes and buying some of the songs from the amazing performances.  I already know I’m going to do that, because I got an alert that Peter Gabriel is donating one of the songs from his incredible new album for the effort.  He does a cover of David Bowie’s Heroes, with a stripped down acoustic backing, and it’s powerful.  The song downloads will be just 99 cents each.  Heck, after Michael Jackson died, all of his songs shot up to $1.29 each.  This is a steal.  All of the proceeds go to Haitian relief!

Wonderland?

I keep reading things that say magazines are dying.  But, can’t you just see a whole bunch of girls picking up the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine, so they can practice kissing John Mayer?  Tough to do with a computer monitor!

John Mayer is a prolific tweeter, and if twitter is to be believed, he has read the interview, has fussed over it (“Just read my Rolling Stone cover article. I’m still not sure if I would want to hang out with me”) and finally states that while he’s not totally comfortable with everything used in the article, it’s all how he truly feels.

He talks about his break up with Jennifer Aniston (which may or may not be the inspiration for his new single, Heartbreak Warfare), his take on Tiger Woods and how he hasn’t had much luck with the ladies lately.  Personally, he’s not my cup of tea.  I waver in my opinion of him.  He’ll do an interview where he comes off as a total tool, then I’ll read an essay he wrote for a blog or Esquire and think, hmmm, he’s got a good soul.  There’s no denying he’s very, very intelligent.  And, I guess he’s just a big boy who’s been given great success and access to all sorts of toys.  So, there’s a work ethic and a philosophy I admire.  See?  I’m wavering right now!  Anyway, it’s not his mind that will be selling copies of this Rolling Stone.  And, I’m hoping you Fans of John will enjoy the view.

I Heart Shaq!

I have mad love for Shaquille O’Neal.  I always have.  I know he can be a little cantankerous, but I’m always on Team Shaq.  Last night, he cracked me up!  After the Cavaliers game, he told reporters that he has an idea to help the NBA AND raise money for Haitian relief.  You see, Lebron has bowed out of the All Star Weekend Slam Dunk contest.  Shaq said, “As his manager, I will only allow LeBron to do the dunk contest if Vince Carter comes back out, if Kobe comes back out… we can get a big prize, and half of the money go to the people of Haiti and the other half to the winner… So tweet it. Facebook it. E-mail it and hopefully it gets out. Vince, we’re calling you out. Kobe, we’re calling you out. We’re calling everybody out. If those guys step up in the dunk contest, then I will allow my client to step up.”  My Client!!  That’s awesome.

I like to think if I was in his colossally large shoes, I would live life like Shaq.  He seems to enjoy himself.  He still works, and that’s a sacrifice, because it means staying in shape.  He gives back.  And he seems to have a lot of fun in his charitable efforts.  He does things like Twitter scavenger hunts for signed sneakers and definitely enjoys his toys.  He uses his off season to do TV shows, like Shaq Vs and the one where he tried to get some Florida kids to eat better, work out and lose weight.  He’s done a rap album and a movie. 

I don’t know much about his personal life.  I don’t want to know.  I just enjoy what he puts out there.  And, I’m so glad he’s part of the Cavaliers.

Globes Fashion Postscript

Without question, one of the most moving moments of the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night was Mo’Nique winning best supporting actress.  She looked beautiful and gave a very polished speech, at the end, urging anyone who had ever been “touched” to talk about it.  Those of us who are on the rubenesque side can appreciate her golden grecian inspired gown.  What we didn’t know, until now, is what that draping of the dress was covering up!!

What the…  !!  Okay, yes, I’ve been known to let the legs go, especially this time of year.  But would I lift my skirts to show everyone the sasquatch??  No, sirree!  I’m disgusted, and yet, weirdly inspired.  And, her man doesn’t seem to mind.  If you know the story, you have to admire their relationship.  Bottom line, I saw the legs, so I wanted to share the legs, because it’s just not something you want to experience alone!! 

Red Carpet Raves from the Golden Globes

I really take the results of the Golden Globes with a grain of salt, every year, because these awards are decided by a handful of journalists/movie critics from foreign outlets, who seem to be easily swayed by cool marketing campaigns.  BUT, I always love to watch the show, because it’s a loose vibe, it mixes movies with TV, and it’s fun to see the fashion parade.  So, let’s look at the winners!

Well, come on.  You knew I’d have to start with Miss Halle, right?  She’s incredible.  And, while I don’t necessarily love this dress with her just standing there on the red carpet, when she walked onto the stage, she just worked it!  No one rocks a short hairdo like Halle B.  I like that she picks different designers too, this dress is from Kaufman Franco, and it dispels any of the recent rumors that she’s pregnant, unless it’s VERY early!

Kate Winslet is a curvy girl who has had some well publicized battle with her weight.  She seems to have found the right formula to best showcase her assets, plus she looked terrific.  As in her Oscar year, she went with a midnight blue gown, which was oh-so-flattering, from Yves Saint Laurent.  Watching the telecast, I was thinking, “Good night!  Everyone’s hair looks horrible!”  Back story, it was a rare rainy day in Southern California.  Those folks don’t always prepare for the weather.  Lots of dos got plastered on the red carpet with the moisture in the air and in their hair.  So, I’m not going to hold that against anyone, this year.  In fact, if you look closely at some of the gowns in the paparazzi shots, you can see the water stains!  Designer hearts stopped everywhere!

Honestly, I don’t know if the kid can act, but whenever I see Chace Crawford (or his doppelganger, Zac Efron), my heart skips a beat.  He’s just a well put-together young man.  I really like the narrow suit and thin tie, the pocket square and the matinee idol hair.  He LOOKS like a movie star.  This look is also perfected by Matthew Bomer in White Collar on USA Network.  We might get a better idea of Chace’s chops when he stars in a remake of Footloose, later this year.

On a night when I didn’t necessarily agree with all of the outcomes, I was really happy to see Julianna Margulies win for The Good Wife.  I really like the show, there aren’t many real hourlong dramas like this on TV anymore.  It’s old school.  And, if she is not as good as she is, it does not work.  And, did you see her and George Clooney hug and kiss on her way up there???  *sniff*  That does a heart good for us old er alums.  Julianna’s dress was a little different, but very classy and flattering.  She looked smashing!

One key to red carpet dressing is being age appropriate.  The worst, in my opinion, is a little girl wearing a grown up dress.  I have a little more sympathy for the women of a certain age, because I suspect they don’t have as many flattering, yet suitable, dresses to choose from.  Jane Lynch never strikes one as the most feminine ingenue, but I think this dress really works.  I really like the color, it’s different.  The belt shows off her waistline, the halter/neckline is flattering.  At least she didn’t have to stoop to the big top over the black skirt or other matronly garb I’ve seen in years past!  And Jane, and Jodie Foster, both look great in the short hair.

I can’t really tell you why I like this look, I just do.  The halter top is a very flattering neckline for Carrie Ann Inaba.  The dress looks confortable, with a looser bodice over a tight, fish-tail shirt.  One of the things that struck me about it is that it’s lowcut, in a pretty way.  She doesn’t have all of her girls falling out.  Yes, I know that Halle did it, but she is in a category by herself.  Everyone else who does just looks like they’re trying too hard.

Which brings us to Christina Hendricks.  Sorry, I can not fault the girl.  I’ve seen her try to contain her womanliness, it’s impossible.  So, what Christian Soriano did was try to balance her frame with pretty peach ruffles to draw the eye down.  She is beautiful.  My husband always, ALWAYS notices her.  Ahem.  She stands out in a crowd of miniature sized girls with mosquito bite bosoms.  I would have dialed back the lipstick color, but she might still be in Mad Men mode.

Jennifer Aniston took some heat for her slit-to-there dress.  And, the fashion police said she looked sloppy.  Well, yes, her hair is a little unkempt in this shot, but she’s another one that made my husband sit up and notice, when she came out on stage to present.  And, I thought she looked beautiful.  The gown is pretty conservative, otherwise, and the slit gives it a little “wow” factor.  I say, she works out and wants to be noticed, I don’t mind a little cougar coming out on Golden Globes night.

David Duchovny and Tea Leoni are also taking some heat from the fashionistas, but I don’t hate them.  Again, he’s tall and lean and can totally wear the thin tie and narrow suit.  Is Tea dripping with beads and pricey jewelry?  No.  She looks California chic, with a shimmery top in the perfect color for her eyes.  He holds the umbrella, so her hair stays fluffy.  They are together and look quite happy, and because I like them as a Hollywood couple, very much, that makes me happy.  I like the long black pearl necklace with the open neckline.  And, I hope they had fun!  Did I miss your favorites?  Do you disagree?  I’d love hear it!

New to See on DVD!

This is a great week to rent a few flicks, especially if you like interesting little movies.  Lots of film festival babies are just out on DVD.

Moon – A tour de force of acting from Sam Rockwell, written and directed by Duncan Jones, son of David Bowie.  Rockwell plays an astronaut nearing the end of a three year mission on the Moon and starting to have some strange visions.

The Hurt Locker – Film critics love the way Kathryn Bigelow returned to the big screen and directed a spartan and taut look at the guys on an elite Army bomb squad in Iraq.  My son liked this one more than I did.

Halloween II – Sheri Moon Zombie is Laurie Strode, who is coming to terms with her brother Michael’s deadly return to their Illinois town.  Rob Zombie wrote and directs.

Departures – This movie from Japan won an Oscar for best foreign film, last year, and I’ve wanted to see it for the longest time.  A cellist is out of work and takes a job preparing the dead for funerals, which is not seen as a good career in Japan.  But, he likes it.

The Brothers Bloom – Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo are the Brothers Bloom, con men and millionaires who decide to do one last job and take an eccentric rich girl on the trip of a lifetime, around the world.  Rachel Weisz is the girl.  This movie opened the Cleveland International Film Festival in 2009.

In the Loop – This may be the diamond in the rough, this weekend.  It’s about the US President and the Prime Minister of the UK deciding to declare a war, and all the political wrangling, therein.  It’s a satire, starring James Gandolfini.

Cliffhanger – A film from 1993 finally getting a DVD release.  Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow and Janine Turner star.  It’s about a botched mid-air heist and the ensuing Rocky Mountain search for suitcases full of cash.

I Can Do Bad All By Myself – Tyler Perry is back as Medea and Joe.  Medea catches some kids in a criminal act and forces their only relative, played by Taraji P Henson, to take them in.  Trouble is, she’s a mess too.

Fame – This is the 2009 version with nothing new to offer, just another look at kids in the New York Performing Arts Academy.  Watch Glee instead.

Downloading Nancy – Maria Bello plays Nancy, who is unhappy in her marriage and her life.  She meets a guy on the internet and asks him to kill her.  Jason Patric and Rufus Sewell also star.

Amreeka – It’s a drama about an arabic speaking single mother and her teenage son as they try to settle down in a small town in Illinois.

Big Fan – Oooh, here’s another one you might not know about, but I plan to watch this weekend.  I hear it’s great.  Patton Oswalt plays a huge fan of the New York Giants who struggles to deal with his feelings after he gets beat up by his favorite player.  It’s available Instantly on Netflix.

Post Grad – Okay, first off, the main character’s name is Ryden Malby.  That seems a little pretentious, doesn’t it?  But, it’s Alexis Bledel, and I like her, so…  She graduates from college, strikes out, and is forced to move back home, where she tries to deal with her weird family, find a guy and a job and grow up!

Sorority Row (or House on Sorority Row) – It’s a thriller about some sorority sisters who accidentally kill one of their own in a hazing incident and cover it up.  BUT, a serial killer decides to exact vengeance on them all.

Passing Strange – This is a theatrical production of the stage musical that Spike Lee did, I think for HBO.  It’s a story about a black artist who leaves Los Angeles to explore new things in Europe.

The Burning Plain – Drama about a mother and daughter trying to re-connect and bond after a long estrangement.  They must work out the issues of the girl’s difficult childhood.  Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron star.

8 1/2 – It’s the Federico Fellini film from 1963, getting a re-release and Criterion Collection treatment, because of the new film, Nine.  Nine is the Broadway musical (and film), based on the Fellini masterpiece about a man and what he thinks about all the women in his life.

By the People:  The Election of Barack Obama – Documentary about the 2008 Presidential campaign.

 

• 10 Things I Hate About You – Vol.1
• Becker – Season 3
• Bugs Bunny – Cupid Capers
• ER – Season 12
• Fame – Season 1 and Season 2
• Ghost in the Shell 2.0
• House of Payne – Vol. 5
• Jon & Kate Plus 8 – Season 5
• Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut A Bitch
• Make It or Break It – Vol. 1: Extended Edition
• The New Adventures of Black Beauty – Season 1
• Robin Hood – Season 3
• Route 66 – Season 3
• The Simpsons – Season 20
• Top Gear – Season 11 and Season 12
• Transformers – 25th Anniversary: Season 2, Vol. 2

 

Life UneXpected

You know I always like to check out new shows on TV.  But this week, I’m just swamped, with all the network shows back, plus the cable shows I watch are all back for a few weeks, and NOW, there are even some new shows starting!  I’m planning to watch Human Target on Fox, even though I know it will only last 3 episodes, because, you know, it’s Fox.  Why bother, you ask?  Three words:  Jackie.  Earle.  Haley.  ‘Nuf said, unless of course, you want me to start quoting Bad News Bears Breaking Training.  “I don’t need you!  I don’t need anyone!!!!”  Ahhh, Kelly Leak.  Good times.

Whew!  Okay, back to the present.  And, I have some very good news to report to you, if you’ve been missing snappy dialogue and topical drama for the younger set.  The CW is rolling out a promising new show called, Life UneXpected.  I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of the first few episodes, and I really like it.  I watched it with the boy, and he really likes it, so bonus!  They have the 18 year old male crowd!  You won’t know most of the cast, but this guy should look familiar (and speaking of looks, he’ll be going into Daune’s Eye Candy shortly!!).  His name is Kerr Smith.  He plays a radio morning show host in Portland who’s really a sympathetic sweetheart in a drama that involves his fiance/on-air partner, played by Shiri Appleby (from Roswell!).  We had a chance to talk about the show, some of the other TV he’s done, and how he’s made television history (though he says he didn’t even realize it!).  Listen to the podcast online, or download it to your iPod or other device, here.  It’s Daune on Demand!

And be sure to check out Life UneXpected on Monday night at 9pm on The CW.  I really do recommend it.  And, I will love to hear what you think of it, next week!!

Movie Review: The Book of Eli

I felt like I needed to shake the dust out of my shoes, after watching The Book of Eli.  The latest movie from The Hughes Brothers really transports you to another time, a time after some kind of apocalyptic event turns the United States into a dustbowl.

Denzel Washington plays the main character, we can only assume he is Eli.  He’s been on the road for a long time, and he knows how to take care of himself.  Part of his strength comes from his faith, his faith and a book he carries.  The book of the title is powerful, and other people want it, namely Gary Oldman, as Carnegie.  He runs a town where Eli stops to charge his battery.  Carnegie is intrigued by Eli and lures him in with his women, played by Jennifer Beals and Mila Kunis.  I don’t want to give too much away, because part of the enjoyment you get from watching The Book of Eli is having its secrets revealed.  It’s interesting that it comes out at about the same time as The Road, because the landscapes of the two movies are similar.  I didn’t see The Road, because I couldn’t read the book, because it was just too upsetting for me.  The Book of Eli does not have that “child in constant peril” aspect, so I was eager to check out the story.  I haven’t seen a Denzel Washington movie in a while.  I’d forgotten how commanding his presence is.  He is a powerful man, and Eli knows how to handle weapons, when he’s threatened.  There is some violence, here.  As you’d expect, it’s a rough life in a rough landscape.  But, Eli appears to be a righteous man.  And, you want to join him to see where his path leads.  There’s something so noble about a person who perseveres.  Some parts of the movie reminded me of Deadwood, from TV.  Speaking of HBO, it was nice to see Ray Stevenson, my Titus Pullo from Rome, here as Carnegie’s right hand man.  The themes of westerns can be hokey, and I thought the ending of the film was a bit of a groaner.  But, it didn’t keep me from liking it, and Eli stayed with me for a long while after I saw the movie.  I liked it more, the more I thought about it, and I definitely want to see it again.  The Book of Eli gets 8 out of 10.

Movie Review: The Lovely Bones

I will say this for The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold’s story stirs up emotions.  People who’ve managed to read the book are passionate about it, to the point that they will probably sink Peter Jackson’s movie, financially.  But, he did not help himself, with some of the choices he made in making the film.  Some critics, mostly people who’ve read the book, hate the movie.  So, let’s preface my review by letting you know I have not read the book.  My experience was marred, somewhat, by my having to hold my left hand up to the side of my face during some of the most important scenes, because the woman next to me (in the press section of the theater) was texting, and I was shielding my eyes from the light. 

She asked me, right after the movie, if I liked it.  I guess that’s what you normally ask someone after a movie.  But, how can you say you like a two hour story about a horrific crime committed against a sweet young girl and the torment it causes the people who love her?  Nope, I didn’t like it.  But, I thought it was a good movie.  Peter Jackson really captured 1970’s middle America.  There’s a line in the movie about how, at that time, people were not aware of bad things that happened to kids.  I remember some sadistic teachers showing a horrible movie about a child molestor to raise awareness, when I was a young girl.  But, Stranger Danger was this far off concept.  Captured time or not, if you read the book, you probably won’t like the movie.  If you didn’t, see it for the performance of Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon.  She’s luminous, capturing the sweetness and energy of a young girl on the brink of maturity.  And, Stanley Tucci plays Mr. Harvey.  He did not want to take the role, but eventually felt that there were aspects of the story that were important, and he wanted to be a part of it.  His character is creepy and chilling and scary in his cunning.  Much of the criticism heaped on the film stems from the in-between place that Susie exists, after the unthinkable.  This is where the special effect budget was blown.  Roger Ebert even went as far as to suggest that teenage girls would think that getting raped and killed by a serial killer would seem attractive, if they’d end up in a place like that.  Uhhhh… not very likely.  In my mind, Susie deserved to be in such a place after experience such evil on earth.  For me, where the movie fails is in the aftermath.  Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz play Susie’s parents.  Susan Sarandon is “comic relief” as a boozy Grandma.  But, they’re all kind of wallpaper.  I’d like to see more interplay and emotion, as they all deal with their grief in their own ways.  I didn’t feel any resolution, as folks moved on.  It just felt very sad and shallow to me.  Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be, but I wanted to feel something hopeful or healed at the end.  I just felt empty.  There’s nothing to be gained from a young girl losing her life in that way, even if she gets to go to heaven.  It’s just not right.  The Lovely Bones is sad and suspenseful, but for subject matter and some shallowness, it gets a 7 out of 10.