soft rock star

Rango & The Adjustment Bureau

2011-03-13T13:41:00.003-05:00

I saw my first two movies in theaters this year. They are the only two wide-release movies that have scored over 70% on RottenTomoatoes.com this year. Doesn't say much for the quality of movies that have come out in 2011 and it's no coincidence that we haven't been lured to go to a movie until now. I'm please to say that both movies (Rango & The Adjustment Bureau) were worth seeing. I'm not a huge animated movie fan and the beginning of this movie got off to a bit of an odd start but overall it was entertaining and the animation was probably the best I've ever seen for a movie like this. I'm still not sure how a lizard has hair done up with curlers, but I guess lizards don't talk and wear clothes either nor do snakes wear cowboy hats and turtles need wheelchairs, haha. Suspending any semblance of reality is necessary when watching an animated movie! The other movie we saw: the Matt Damon/Emily Blunt thriller, The Adjustment Bureau was an excellent film. Wit shades of Inception but with a love story as the main theme, the movie was intricate, exciting and interesting. I love that every once in a while movie studios are still willing to make movies that aren't sequels or remakes and don't insult the audiences intelligence. And I just have to say how much I love Emily Blunt. She's such a likable actress. I highly recommend both films.

It's Kind Of A Funny Story.

2011-02-21T22:15:00.003-06:00

I saw this movie, a couple times actually, over the last week and I really enjoyed it. Zach Galifianakis was well used (unlike how he was in Dinner For Schmucks), both funny and poignant. Keir Gilchrist did a nice job of not seemingly overly pathetic for being an overwhelmed 16-year old with a fairly privileged life but a desire to kill himself & a real need to gain some perspective. The cast of character actors added real depth to roles that could have been cookie-cutter with lesser actors. And the overall tone of the movie closed in on, but never crossed the line to, saccharine. Just a really nice, engaging, funny and touching film.

Good Music.

2011-02-18T11:28:00.003-06:00

RIP Peggy Rea (1921-2011)

2011-02-11T09:40:00.000-06:00

LuLu Hogg (Dukes Of Hazzard)

Chloe By Drew Droege

2011-02-08T20:06:00.000-06:00

These send-ups or Chloe Sevigny are absolutely hilarious. If you aren't familiar with her just watch a minute or so of this video. The Big Love actress just has a certain air about (not to mention a manish look) that is captured brilliantly by comedian Drew Droege. I really didn't know a lot about her and I still laughed out loud watching these clips. Short, sweet and very funny.

2011-02-01T23:14:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom. I miss you.

Oscar Nominations

2011-01-25T08:57:00.007-06:00

Best Picture
"Black Swan," Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver & Scott Franklin, Producers
"The Fighter" David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman & Mark Wahlberg, Producers
"Inception," Emma Thomas & Christopher Nolan, Producers
"The Kids Are All Right," Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte & Celine Rattray, Producers
"The King's Speech," Iain Canning, Emile Sherman & Gareth Unwin, Producers
"127 Hours," Christian Colson, Danny Boyle & John Smithson, Producers
"The Social Network," Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca & Ceàn Chaffin, Producers**
"Toy Story 3" Darla K. Anderson, Producer
"True Grit" Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen & Joel Coen, Producers
"Winter's Bone" Anne Rosellini & Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers

Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem in "Biutiful"
Jeff Bridges in "True Grit"
Jesse Eisenberg in "The Social Network"
Colin Firth in "The King's Speech"**
James Franco in "127 Hours"

Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale in "The Fighter"
John Hawkes in "Winter's Bone"
Jeremy Renner in "The Town"
Mark Ruffalo in "The Kids Are All Right"
Geoffrey Rush in "The King's Speech"**

Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in "The Kids Are All Right"
Nicole Kidman in "Rabbit Hole"
Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter's Bone"
Natalie Portman in "Black Swan"**
Michelle Williams in "Blue Valentine"

Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams in "The Fighter"
Helena Bonham Carter in "The King's Speech"
Melissa Leo in "The Fighter"**
Hailee Steinfeld in "True Grit"
Jacki Weaver in "Animal Kingdom"

Animated Feature Film
"How to Train Your Dragon" Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois
"The Illusionist" Sylvain Chomet
"Toy Story 3" Lee Unkrich**

Directing
"Black Swan," Darren Aronofsky**
"The Fighter," David O. Russell
"The King's Speech," Tom Hooper
"The Social Network," David Fincher
"True Grit," Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Music (Original Score)
"How to Train Your Dragon," John Powell
"Inception," Hans Zimmer
"The King's Speech," Alexandre Desplat
"127 Hours," A.R. Rahman
"The Social Network," Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross**

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
"127 Hours," Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
"The Social Network," Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin**
"Toy Story 3," Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton & Lee Unkrich
"True Grit," Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
"Winter's Bone," Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini

Writing (Original Screenplay)
"Another Year," Written by Mike Leigh
"The Fighter," Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson; Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
"Inception," Written by Christopher Nolan
"The Kids Are All Right," Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
"The King's Speech," Screenplay by David Seidler**

** = Who I'd Like To Win

R.I.P. Jack LaLanne (1914-2011)

2011-01-24T22:24:00.001-06:00

The King's Speech

2011-01-23T22:27:00.002-06:00

Got to see The King's Speech over the weekend and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It definitely will grab a spot on my personal Top 10 movies of 2010. I can see why it's winning so many awards for the best film of the year. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush both gave masterful performances and Helena Bonham Carter was charming as well. She's actually pretty lady when she isn't looking like a crazy witch like she does in real life and and all the other movies she's been in lately. Now I've seen just about all 'big' films I wanted to see in advance of the Oscar nominations tomorrow.

Happy B-Day Betty!

2011-01-17T22:55:00.002-06:00

America's Sweetheart Betty White is 89 today! I was driving home tonight, listening to the radio and the DJ said "Betty White turns 89 today (disbelieving chuckle) and she's still as sexy as ever!" Was it wrong that my stomach turned a little? I mean, I LOVE me some Betty White. She is an unbelievable mix of funny, gracious, genuine and caring... heck, even vibrant, but sexy? Nothing against old people... seriously I love old people! But I've also seen what happens to old people's bodies... especially people close to 90 and I'm sorry, but I highly doubt Betty White looks in the mirror when she gets out of the shower (aren't you glad I conjured that visual for you?) and the word sexy comes to her mind. Now I couldn't care less what Betty White looks like. I just hope she's around for many more years charming the heck out of everyone. Happy Birthday Betty!!

Funny Comedians (Sometimes it's Not An Oxymoron)

2011-01-15T13:26:00.014-06:00

A while ago I posted my least favorite comedians list and meant to soon follow it up with an equally long list of my favorites. Well, enough time has passed that I can't even find that first post, haha. But I've had pics of my faves on my desktop for ages now so I suppose it's time to post them here:

First on Saturday Night Live both in weekend update and in weekly skits, it was easy to see that Tina Fey had a knack for biting, witty, timely, sarcastic humor. As the first female head writer on the show she made it a very funny place... a place that hasn't been nearly as funny since she left. So thank goodness we have 30 Rock. It continues to show off Fey's humor and surrounds it with an excellent cast. She has shown that she is not just a great writer but a great performer and actor as well. Her impression of Sarah Palin during the 2008 presidential election was pitch perfect. I will see/watch anything Fey writes because I know it will be good. That can't be said about too many comedians in my opinion.

I've been watching Letterman since he moved from NBC to CBS and I've enjoyed his dry wit and intelligence ever since. There is simply no comparison between Letterman's humor and Leno's. It's like night and day. You either enjoy real humor and authenticity (even if Dave can be kranky and curmudgeonly) or fake, pandering humor that falls flat the vast majority of the time. Letterman certainly mellowed and become more political, environmental and sentimental since his son was born and I think it makes him a more genuine person, despite the troubles he's had in his personal life.

Amy Sedaris is probably not as well known a comedian but that is a real shame. Her quirky, hilarious sense of humor certainly runs in the family (her brother David is a well known author) and her appearances on Letterman's show as well as her own TV show (and later, movie, Strangers With Candy) showcase her knack for quick-witted, dry, left field comedy.
Jerri Blank is a blunt, selfish character that isn't at all off-putting thanks to Sedaris' abundant charm. I've had the pleasure of seeing her perform live and she just seems like such a fun, idiosyncratic woman. I can't imagine what spending a day with her would be like. I have the feeling it would be one of the funniest, weirdest days you could ever have. I really wish she were more visible in TVs and movies.

Since Tina Fey left Saturday Night Live there is really only one real reason to keep watching the show and that reason is Kristen Wiig. I clearly remember that first season she was on. We were laughing our asses off at home and wondering why the studio audience wasn't doing the same. It seemed it took a little longer for everyone else to warm up to Wiig's humor but now she is clearly the star of the show. From Penelope to Gilly to The Target Lady to her Lawrence Welk sister, Wiig's characters silly, demented, manic, neurotic and hilarious. And her turn in movie after movie since then has been wonderful too. She's made every movie she's been in better no matter what the size of the role. I have a feeling she has a very serious side too that maybe we'll see more of in the future.

Ricky Gervais is one of those rare comedians that can take incredibly awkward situations and make them truly funny. There is a brand of humor that had risen in the last 10 or so years that is centered around wildly awkward, generally hard to watch moments and in general, I hate that kind of comedy. But he pulls it off for some reason. His TV Extras was terrific and his hosting of the Golden Globes (and his appearances on other awards shows) is usually the comedy highlight of the evening. His laugh in and of itself is genius. I could do without his need to inject his religious views (or lack thereof) into so much of his latest offerings (I get it, you hate God) but I'll gladly take the rest of it!

She's bawdy and rude. She's wickedly mean and offensive. She's crude and insensitive. And she's frickin' hilarious. I'm not particularly big on insult comics. But Lisa Lampanelli is an equal opportunity insulter. Whether it's Blacks, Latinos, Hispanics, skinny bitches, Gays, disabled people... no one is left out. And she is as quick to make fun of herself as anyone else. We saw her live and the room was in stitches. In our PC world, it's just fun to spend an hour or two hearing disgusting, horrible, dirty jokes. It wouldn't be funny if you knew it wasn't all an act. Clearly this woman doesn't really think these things. She's just found a way to make a living off of it and I'm simply not offended. I know some people are (one man in our audience was thrown out for going off on her) but my gosh, life is hard enough. If you can't laugh off the stereotypes and see how silly they really are, then you're just making it that much harder.

I've been a fan of Jane Lynch's long before she was on Glee. I'm just happy she is finally being recognized in a huge way for her sassy, tough, perfectly delivered comedy. Sue Sylvester is the personification of funny. And although Lynch doesn't write her own comedy, her delivery and timing is perfection. No one finds the humanity in such unlikable characters as she does. She's been in excellent movies and she's been in absolute crap, but just like Kristen Wiig, she just elevates any movie that she is in. You want to like her no matter how vicious and mean she is. And that is not only the mark of a great comedian but a great actress (of which she is both).

You know you really do like a comedian specifically when someone else tries to do not only their brand of comedy but actually tries to do comedy written by that comedian and fails. I know I seem to be in the minority, but I can't stand Seinfeld. I didn't find the show funny at all. I think part of the problem for me (besides just not finding Jerry Seinfeld to be funny at all) is that the entire cast was neurotic and paranoid. It was just way too over the top. Why should Larry David succeed where Seinfeld fails? I have no idea, haha. But I do think it's maybe because on his show (as in real life I'm sure) he stands alone more as the paranoid, neurotic one. And one is enough. He is a genius at what he does though. I wanted to hate his show when I first saw it and I ended up loving it.

I don't make a habit of watching The Colbert Report but when I do I always enjoy it. Steven Colbert is just so highly likable, even as a conservative, pompous ass. Even the simple gesture of running to meet his guests and taking in the applause for himself is hilarious. He's certainly been funny for years before this show (of course on The Daily Show but also on Strangers With Candy. His authenticity and likability shines through regardless of how empty and self-serving his characters are supposed to be. He, perhaps the most of any of these comedians listed, is probably least like his TV persona. But I think that is what makes his comedy work so well. You know he's a great guy so it's more fun to see him try not to be.

RIP John Dye

2011-01-14T23:49:00.004-06:00

This post is going to make me sound profoundly square but I don't care. Yes, I watched Touched By An Angel... not religiously (puns!) but I did watch it sometimes. I had just lost my mom and both my grandmas (one who lived with us and one who lived next door) over the span of several years and as cheesy as this show was, it really was nice to watch a program that let me cry and spoke to my feeling of loss and made me feel like maybe someday the pain would go away.

The cast included John Dye who played Andrew, the angel of death. I can't say he was one of my favorite characters on the show. In fact, I enjoyed the show more for the stories and the guest actors than the regular cast. But the man was part of a time in my life that was hard and sad and part of something that helped me. And to see that he has died at such a young age (47) is tragic. I just wanted to acknowledge his passing.

R.I.P.

2011-01-09T22:28:00.006-06:00

Christina Taylor Green, 9, Dorothy Morris, 76, Arizona Federal District Judge John Roll, 63, from bottom left, Phyllis Schneck, 79, Dorwin Stoddard, 76, and Gabe Zimmerman, 30.

My heart goes out to the families of the victims of that senseless shooting in Tucson. I'll never understand the mind of someone that thinks killing innocent people will somehow validate their pathetic existence. I only hope these deaths are not in vain. Why it takes an unthinkable tragedy like this to make people stop and think about what drove someone to such a heinous act I'll never fathom. But if some of the rhetoric and divisiveness in Washington is put to bed as a result, that would be at least one possible good thing that may come of all this.

I also hope Sarah Palin takes some serious flack for her reckless online cross hares posting that included Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' district. A nutjob basically accepted Palin's 'call to action.' I know Palin doesn't have the heart to actually feel any guilt or responsibility for her part in this but she should. Yes, the mentally unstable man that pulled the trigger is ultimately responsible, but for society at large (especially the fear-mongering, hate-stirring politicians and television news networks, papers, blogs) to not look at themselves and see what ills such anger and lack of understanding and respect for people who don't share their opinions can cause would be absolute folly.

Favorite Songs: 2010 [Part II]

2011-01-06T22:14:00.005-06:00

I decided ten songs was not enough so here are ten more songs that I think represent the best 2010 had to offer...

Metric "Black Sheep"
After releasing my favorite album of 2009, Metric returned with a couple soundtrack songs in 2010. "Eclipse (All Yours)" from Twilight and this song from the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. "Black Sheep" shows my favorite band at their best. It's like two songs seamlessly melded into one: the driving, heavy verses coupled with that soaring chorus. Emily Haines voice is captivating.

Woodpigeon "Enchantee Janvier"
This is a grossly overlooked and underappreciated group who I featured on my 'best of' list last year as well. I absolutely love Mark Andrew Hamilton's voice. Glorious female harmony and lovely instrumentation. This song is a perfect slice of indie-pop.

Honorable Mention: "Woodpigeon vs. Eagleowl (Strength In Numbers)" "Empty-Hall Sing-Along" "My Denial In Argyle"

Tapes 'n Tapes "Freak Out"
I've known these fellas since they first got together and released their debut EP back in 2004 and it's so great to hear new music from them! This lead track from their new album being released in just a few days harkens back to the spirit of their breakthrough LP The Loon. Incredible hook here.

Honorable Mention: "Badaboom" "Nightfall"

Beach House "Walk In The Park"
This whole record is full of lovely, haunting pop songs that landed the album on just about every critics Top 10 list for the year. This moody yet engaging track stands out as one my favorites from the CD.

Honorable Mention: "Better Times"

Yeasayer "O.N.E."
There isn't much else on this record that sounds anything like this song. The lead singer's voice on this track is sorta like the second coming of Boy George, haha (that's really selling it, eh?). Upbeat instrumentation set to melancholy lyrics. And the song has a whole second act that, when mixed with the first part at the end, raises it to a whole other level. Plus check out those ladies the first time they dance in the video. I laugh every time. Not sure I'm supposed to, but I do.

The Futureheads "Heartbeat Song"
This song had me hooked from the first listen. I was singing the chorus for hours afterward. Wickedly catchy indie rock. What's not to love? Well, maybe the video, haha. But the song? The definition of awesomeness :)

Katy Perry "Teenage Dream"
Every year there is a pop song that permeates even the reaches of people who are, shall we say, a little finicky when it comes to their music. There is no denying the hook. No denying just how damn catchy it is. And everyone falls under it's spell. Last year is was "Party In The USA" (which is really saying something when you can overcome Miley Cyrus). This year, for me anyway (and others, I believe, as it was mentioned by the readers of Pitchfork) it was "Teenage Dream."

Heck, I also enjoyed the Glee version! Wicked background harmony.

Erik Hassle "If It Takes All Night"
I posted this song not too long ago on my blog but it gets a year-end mention too :)

Bikini "American Mourning"
Dance music doesn't get any better than this. The beat is hypnotic. It's just plain awesome.

Honorable Mention: "A Cheerlaeder" "Palm-Aire"

Jeremy Messersmith "Organ Donor"
A Minneapolis musician who created a morbid yet gorgeous album of 60's influenced pop. The whole record is wonderful. And check out the cool video for this one :)
Honorable Mention: "Lazy Bones" "Violet!" "Knots" "A Girl, A Boy, And A Graveyard"

Ted Williams: Best Story Of The Young New Year

2011-01-05T21:51:00.002-06:00

I love this story...

Columbus Dispatch: "The smooth baritone of Ted Williams became an Internet sensation yesterday when a Dispatch.com video compelled millions of viewers to take a closer look (and listen) at a homeless panhandler who sometimes works the Hudson Street ramp off northbound I-71.

Carrying a hand-scrawled cardboard sign touting his 'God-given gift of voice,' an otherwise ragged Williams was recorded last month offering up his radiant pipes to an idle commuter for spare change. ...

'My boss said to me: 'If you don't get him hired, you're fired,'' said Kevin McLoughlin, director of post-production films for the National Football League. ...

Shane Cormier, a Los Angeles agency owner whose clients have done voice-over work for Ford, Sprint and Western Union [said] 'We could make him a millionaire' ...

And a $10,000 offer for voice-over work for the Ohio Credit Union League will be presented this morning ...

Cleveland Plain dealer: "The Cavaliers and Quicken Loans were so taken with the story of Ted Williams, the homeless man from Columbus with the golden voice, that they have offered him an unspecified job with the team and assistance with housing."

Update: CBS News: "He said that he was headed back to Brooklyn, N.Y. - where he grew up - Wednesday for a reunion with his 92-year-old mother. 'I'm getting a little emotional. I haven't seen my mom in a great deal of time. She doesn't believe it,' he said. 'One of my biggest prayers that I sent out was that she would live long enough for me to see me rebound or whatever, and I guess God kept her around and kept my pipes around to maybe just have one more shot that I would be able to say, 'Mom, I did do it.'"

Later update: The Washington Post's Alexandra Petri suggests Williams' "amazing, golden radio voice" makes him a perfect replacement for outgoing White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

TSA not so fast update: New York Daily News: Williams "had expected to fly to New York to do a live interview on the "Today Show" tomorrow morning and see his 92-year-old mom ...

But TMZ reported that airport officials will not let him board a plane because he doesn't have proper identification to make the trip. Instead, he spent the afternoon at a Columbus, Ohio, courthouse trying to obtain a copy of his birth certificate."

Eric says: Five days in, I proclaim the homeless man with the radio voice to be the feel-good story of 2011.