Nice to see you again, little Quizzlet. It’s been far too long. I’m making up my own questions this week. They’re deliberately crafted so I can cover a few topics on my mind which might not deserve an entire post. Please take a silly stab at them yourselves in the comments.
Appetizer: How does it feel to be an Uncle?
Feel free to now think to yourselves, “Wait, THIS doesn’t deserve its own post, jerktard?” Relax. There’s no doubt in my mind that wee Bonnie Mackenzie will feature as prominently on my blog as she will in my life. I’m driving to Jay Peak this very afternoon for a little skiing and a whole whackload of doting. My camera is charging and you’ll be sorry that thought ever crossed your mind when you’re assailed by at least 7 baby videos on Monday. Oh for shame.
Soup: What movie should win the Oscar for Best Picture on the 27th?
I’ve now seen all the nominees except Toy Story 3. I bought it for my friend Mary’s kids but have heard it’s rude to open and watch a DVD before giving it to a child for Christmas. Regardless, at this time in our conversation I feel comfortable giving you my one/two-sentence opinions on the other 9 nominees in descending order of adoration:
- The Fighter: I loved this movie, can’t wait to see it again and sincerely hope that it wins. If you haven’t seen this yet, ask yourself, “why?” and then ‘speedbag’ your own breasts/ballsac.
- True Grit: I already knew every line of the original 1969 version but the Coens, Jeff Bridges and especially Hailee Steinfeld put thoroughly re-watchable (I’ve now seen it 3 times) fresh spins on the source novel.
- Winter’s Bone: The world desperately needed a redneck meth mystery and this one cooked up real good.
- The King’s Speech: The cast and director of my predicted winner did this amazing script proud while shedding light on a fascinating royal who’s been all but forgotten by history.
- Black Swan: No desire to see it again, didn’t exactly cry when it was over (although I did feel like taking a shower) but Portman deserves the nod for Best Actress.
- Inception: Definitely deserves the Oscar for Best Special Effects in a year full of standouts (ahem, Tron) but as a whole this embarrassingly overrated movie bored me. Shouldn’t be nominated in this category.
- The Social Network: Enjoyed Fincher’s work here as I always do – but I’m tired of hearing about this flick and want it to go away.
- 127 Hours: Boyle and Franco made an impressive team but in a year already full of worthy contenders this nomination reeks of silly overstuffing as it has no chance of winning.
- The Kids are All Right: Gotta call it like I see it here – not that remarkable a film and more overstuffing directly related to
Hollywood’s gay marriage fascinationpopular social themes.
A quick note on what isn’t on the Academy’s list – I’m definitely not the only person who thinks that at least a couple of films on the above list should have been replaced with The Town. Affleck’s a bit of a douche but he’s definitely coming into his own behind the camera.
Salad: Did Gervais go too far at the Golden Globes?
Are you kidding, Quizzlet? He made watchable an obligatory, self-serving circle-jerk designed to appeal to the foreign press. Next year hold it in fucking Brussels. Any Hollywood heavyweight who shows up for an award show where The Tourist was nominated for best picture with a straight face deserves whatever Ricky dishes out. He’s one of the funniest humans alive and I have been a huge fan of his for over a decade now. Watch him tear Tinseltown’s elite a new one below…
Main Course: Which weekly TV series are you currently geeking-out over?
Glad you asked, Quizzlet. Season 2 of Justified starring Seth Bullock Timothy Olyphant started this week and rest assured that’s a very good thing. Better yet, grab yourself a jar of apple pie flavored moonshine and sit your damn self down in front of the TV next Wednesday at 10pm. But it’s not all redneck’s n’ roses – while one of my favorite new FX series got renewed, the woefully under-watched and underappreciated Terriers didn’t make it off the beach.
Time’s James Poniewozik ranked Terriers at #10 on his Top 10 List of television shows in 2010. The Daily Beast’s Jace Lacob selected the show as part of his top 10 shows of 2010. HitFix.com’s Alan Sepinwall ranked Terriers at #3 on his top 10 list for 2010 as well as #1 on his list of best new shows of 2010. The AV Club ranked it as their number 7 show of the year.
There’s no doubt in my mind FX knows how to market a new show. If I see one more promo for Lights Out or Archer I’ll probably start watching them (who am I kidding – I already do. FX shows rule). I think the network underestimated Terriers and the resulting lack of faith was reflected in the minimal advertising campaign. If there’s any good news, it’s that Terriers had a recurring plot arc which ran in one form or another through the entire 13 episode lifespan. That, coupled with the optimistic and open-ended finale, will make it quite enjoyable as a stand alone season. Seek out a torrent (shhh!) and I’ll post a link to the DVD if and when it’s released. Check out the awesome, cheeky little theme song below. We hardly knew ye.
Dessert: What is the airspeed velocity of a European swallow?
Enough already, Quizzlet. I have some work to finish up and still have to drive to Vermont today. I’ll see all you fresh-faced kids next week.
I think its great that you are so jazzed to be an uncle! I’m an uncle too. Mark’s sister’s kids called me uncle megan for a bit. I hope its just because they were really young and didn’t understand what the word meant….otherwise, it may be time for a make over!
I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie in the theatre. I have limited time these days so I am counting on the Oscar’s to sort it out for me..or you can. If I could only see one movie listed above what would it be?
I can’t see how Ricky Gervais was anymore harsh that US weekly, TMZ, etc. At least he had the balls to do it face to face!!!!
Totally gleeking out over Glee. For real.
I like you! nice recap for me as I havent seen anything. swanks Unc. SOOO does this mean Janet is a Mama???!!!!!
OK. I have seen TS3, Social Network, and after last night, Winter’s Bone, or as I like to call it,Winter’s What Exactly Was the Point of This Boring Piece of Shit. Boy did that suck. The Kids are Alright is on now. Gotta be better.
Megan – see the Fighter. Especially because you’re from Massachusetts. You’ll have to work through your Glee issues on your own.
So, DVS, you’re on the fence about Winter’s Bone then… I definitely liked it more than you. On top of that, I learned how to skin a squirrel.
MBOK – Yes! Janet is a Mama. I’m going to post a cute video of Bonnie Mackenzie (named after my Mom) that I took whilst babysitting yesterday. It’s beyond cute. Stay tuned.
Dave,
Sorry about the mixed message on Winter’s Bone….I’ll try to be more clear next time.
So, I watched The Kids Are Alright last night, and I didn’t like that either. Please help me understand why these movies are being nominated for best picture. I think if you have 9 nominations for Best Picture, the movies should be so outstanding you can’t NOT nominate them. So far, of the 3 I’ve seen (I will NOT see Black Swan. Too scared) The Social Network is the best, and even that didn’t really blow me away.
Gotta tell ya, I wasn’t that impressed with The Fighter. Bale was fantastic, but other than that, I give the film a solid C.
Watched The Social Network yesterday. Good story but I wasn’t blown away.
I can’t wait to see The Kings Speech, though.