So I made my last post of my picks for the worst movies of the year a little while ago, but wanted to finish out the year with some strong late season additions before creating my list of the best movies of they year. This was an incredibly strong year for movies and a few of the movies on my list will have gone mostly overlooked. If you haven't seen some of these, I recommend them all very highly. You will see themes of actors showing up in multiple entries here and there is a reason for that. Many movies are driven by great actors and this year proved to me that people like Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Lawrence, and others are among the best in the business. For the year of 2013, I am doing the best 13 films of the year. And here they are:
13. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I enjoyed the first Hunger Games movie enough to buy it the first day it was out on DVD. I am captivated by the intense, although at times, sickening story behind this saga. In this installment though, we see a much better film, mostly due to two things: a greater budget, and better acting. The budget for this film was twice the first, and that created a much better visual setup which made it much more enjoyable to watch. On top of that, we have better acting from Jennifer Lawrence and an amazing supporting role from the great Phillip Seymour Hoffman. I also loved the roles from Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks again in this.
12. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Not everyone will agree with me on this pick. I originally didn't know what I thought about this film upon my first viewing but after seeing it a second time, and really digesting it, this was a great film. Great acting and directing work here from Ben Stiller, and amazing supporting work from Kristen Wiig, and a great cameo from the great Sean Penn. While I believe Adam Scott was a tad under-utilized in this movie, I still richly enjoyed this beautiful, layered film.
11. Nebraska
Bruce Dern here caps off a 5 decade career with what might be one of his best performances ever. He is just superb as a borderline alcoholic who believes he's won a sweepstakes prize and goes with his estranged son to Nebraska to claim it. Along the way we have a tale of reconciliation and family that is still tugging at my heart. Alexander Payne, the director, made a superb choice of filming this in black and white that made it even more hauntingly beautiful.
10. Mud
This is one of the most overlooked films of the year. It is also the most universally acclaimed movies of the year with a 98% critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Matthew McConaughey gives a moving performance as the title character, a fugitive trying to find his true love. This movie reminded me why McConaughey became a movie star in the first place. We also get great supporting work here from Reese Witherspoon, and surprisingly natural work from newcomer Tye Sheridan.
9. Dallas Buyers Club
With performances in movies like Amistad, A Time to Kill, Killer Joe, and The Lincoln Lawyer to his credit, it is surprising that Matthew McConaughey has never received a major awards nomination before this year, but he has already received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, and don't be surprised if an Oscar isn't far behind. His performance as a homophobic man who is diagnosed HIV positive is layered, deep, emotional, and haunting. It is one of the best performances of the year, and I believe he should be the front runner for both the Golden Globe and Academy Award here. This is a great film and we get amazing supporting work from Jared Leto, another who should be an awards favorite for this work.
8. The Place Beyond The Pines
This is another movie that was severely overlooked. It is a three act film in which each act follows a different line but all connects in a way that creates one of the best pieces of story telling I have seen in years. The first two acts of this film are driven by great performances by Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling. Ryan Gosling owns this movie as a down on his luck stunt driver who takes to severe methods to take care of his family. Eva Mendes also does fantastic work in this film, and Ray Liotta reminds us why no one else on earth should ever play a dirty cop but him. It is gritty and hard to watch at times, but it is a beautiful film.
7. All is Lost
Robert Redford only has one acting Oscar nomination to his name (for one of my all time favorite movies, The Sting) but here he gives an amazing performance as a man lost at sea with almost no hope of survival. This movie has very little dialogue and Robert Redford is the only character, which, like Cast Away, means I was worried about it. (I was not a huge fan of Cast Away.) But this movie blew me away. Robert Redford is nearly a dead lock in my opinion to receive an Oscar nomination for his work here, and it is that performance that drives this film to true greatness.
6. 12 Years A Slave
In my original review for this movie, I said that I was in tears at this movie, and for good reason. This is a gripping tale of a free man that gets trapped in hell as he is sold into slavery. Powered by rich performances from great actors like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender, and unflinching directing from Steve McQueen this movie seems to be the favorite for Best Picture. I would have no argument with that. It is a deeply moving, emotionally disturbing film, that still rings with importance in a world full of hate and discrimination.
5. Captain Phillips
Tom Hanks is fantastic in this movie, and he will more than likely get an Oscar nod to go with his Golden Globe nomination for this film, but I am of the opinion that Barkhad Abdi is the driving force of this movie. This is the true story of an American cargo ship overtaken by Somali pirates. Abdi gives one of the best supporting performances I have seen in years as the leader of the Somali pirates. This movie is intense, gripping, and superb from beginning to end.
4. Gravity
This is easily the most visually striking movie of the year. Alfonso Cuaron creates the most visually advanced movie for its time since probably The Matrix was released nearly 15 years ago. This movie is also powered by a great performance by Sandra Bullock, who does even better work than she did in her Oscar winning work in The Blind Side a few years ago. She has seemed a lock to win every major Best Actress award since the movie's release a few months ago, and rightfully so.
3. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela is my personal hero, and I have always admired what he has stood for throughout his life. Here we have a great bio pic starring Idris Elba, in what may be the best role of his career. He, almost as well as Morgan Freeman did in Invictus, captures the quiet dignity and intensity of one of the world's greatest leaders. This movie is aptly timed as we lost Mr. Mandela this year as well, covering from his early life all the way to his election as president of South Africa.
2. Out of the Furnace
Christian Bale gives a great performance in this gritty, intense, and sometimes violent movie about family and the need to look out for one another. This movie achieves true greatness on all levels. The performances from Bale and Casey Affleck as brothers are captivating and these two have true chemistry. Woody Harrelson gives his most disturbing and menacing performance since Natural Born Killers, and proves, once again, why he is one of the best character actors alive today. This is a haunting film that I was digesting days after originally seeing it.
1. American Hustle
When I was making this list, there was no question what my number 1 movie would end up being. This movie was amazing, and David O Russell has a third masterpiece film in a row after The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook. Christian Bale cemented his stand as the best actor of his generation (knocking off Leonardo DiCaprio who I used to believe that was and is now number three behind Bale and Bradley Cooper). I will be fairly shocked if this movie does not garner Oscar nominations in all four acting categories with Bale for Best Actor, Amy Adams for Best Actress, Cooper for Best Supporting Actor, and Jennifer Lawrence as Best Supporting Actress. I think Bale and Lawrence are the most likely to take home trophies come Golden Globe and Oscar night though. I cannot say enough about this film. The performances are captivating, the music is inspired, and the direction and writing is great. I also did not see the twist at the end of this film coming. Hands down the best film of the year.
So there is my list. I know y'all have other ideas of what you think were the best movies. Let me know what movies should have made my list. I know this was a strong year for movies which is why things like Fruitvale Station, Inside Llewn Davis, August: Osage County, Saving Mr. Banks, and others couldn't make the list but let me know what you think.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Friday, December 20, 2013
Ten Worst Movies of 2013
Alright friends, this is my favorite year. This is when I get to go back and review the year of films that was and decide what my ten favorite movies were and the ten worst movies of the year. This one, the ten worst, I generally love more because I get to re-scream about movies that made me depressed because they were so bad, made me want to vomit from being so disgusting and so forth. So without any further ado, here is my list of the worst cinematic garbage that was created this year.
10. Man of Steel
I know a TON of people loved this film, and I was not one of them. I didn't like this film the first time I saw it. It was depressing and sad and an insult to everything Superman stands for. The more I think about this film and talk about it with people, the more I absolutely hate this film. And to think that Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures green lit a sequel that will be Batman vs Superman? Please. They cast Ben Affleck as Batman (not the best choice) but won't let him direct, which means the sequel will probably be even worse than this one.
9. A Good Day to Die Hard
I love Die Hard. I love Die Hard 2. I love Die Hard: With A Vengeance. I even enjoy Live Free or Die Hard (mostly because of great comedic work from Justin Long and surprisingly menacing work from Timothy Olyphant) but I had no need for this dopey, horrible fifth sequel to one of the best action franchises in history. It was tedious, long, boring, generally unfunny when trying to be, and just plain bad.
8. Hangover Part III
Like A Good Day to Die Hard, I love the original movie in this franchise. The Hangover is one of my all time favorite comedy films, but this movie was just terrible. It had a few decent laughs, most of which they got into the trailer anyways so I already knew the jokes. This was over the top disgusting (even for one of these films) and to top it off, this movie has nothing to do with crap hitting the fan because of the guys having a massive hangover. So what's the point?
7. Getaway
Ethan Hawke had a good year for movies with Before Midnight and The Purge (a surprisingly good film), but this is one I think he wants to forget. This was the absolute worst reviewed movie of the year with a 2% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and rightfully so. Ethan Hawke was just phoning in this performance in between jobs he legitimately wanted and to top it off, I was supposed to believe Selena Gomez as a car jacker? This was just bad film making at its finest. The intense action, though badly edited, was enough to keep this from being closer to number 1 on this list.
6. Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
This year saw some great teenage books adapted into film. We had Beautiful Creatures, which surprisingly wasn't too bad, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire which was a phenomenal film, but this was just bad. It was dopey acting from actors who honestly aren't very good in Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower, and to top it off the veterans like Jared Harris and Jonathan Rhys Meyers were even terrible as well. When one of your TV spots is interviewing fans of the book about their excitement to see the movie, rather than clips of the movie, you know your movie is bad. Good news is though, we won't be getting a sequel anytime soon from how badly this panned at the box office.
5. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
I'm hoping all of you have forgotten this would-be comedy from earlier this year. In a year where Now You See Me did really well, this was another magician movie, but this time gone horribly wrong. Steve Carell was decidedly unfunny in this and Jim Carrey wasn't much better. This movie had no laughs, and I didn't even smile while watching it.
4. R.I.P.D.
This is another film I wish I could just forget. I was actually lucky enough to not have to pay anything to see this movie, but I saw it later on after it was released on DVD. This is a terrible film with horrible performances from great actors. It hurts to see Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds wasted on such a bad script. To top it off, they don't even try to make it enjoyable. It just comes off as plain boring, sloppy garbage.
3. The Host
An adaptation of a Stephanie Meyers novel is the worst words for my ear to ever hear and this was no different. Another teenage adaptation gone horribly wrong from the author of the Twilight series (I refuse to call it a saga which has a positive connotation). This is a bad story about aliens taking over human bodies and it just makes for a plain boring movie. When three of your six "If you like this..." movies on iMDb are two twilight films and a Nicholas Cage movie, your movie probably should have never been made.
2. The Lone Ranger
This is Gore Verbinski and Jerry Bruckheimer's heads getting way too big. Johnny Depp is the top billed star and he isn't even the title character. Him and Armie Hammer have no chemistry, and Johnny Depp's performance would kill the career of a lesser actor. This movie had a two and a half hour run time and the most entertaining part was the previews for other films. I can't believe that Disney is still letting this team create a fifth Pirates movie after seeing this trash.
1. Grown Ups 2
Here we go, the worst of the worst. Any year Adam Sandler puts out a film now, every other film is competing for the second worst film of the year. My hatred for all things Adam Sandler after he came out with the following movies in succession: Grown Ups, Just Go With It, Jack and Jill, That's My Boy, and Grown Ups 2 knows no bounds. He is unfunny and this movie was disgusting with jokes about urination, defecation and injuries to male genitalia. The sad part is that Sandler owns his own studio to make his movies, so we are continually subjected to this stuff. He has another movie slated for release next year and two more filming. Congratulations America. This is bed you've made and I have to lie in it.
Well I'm glad reliving that is over. None of those movies are ones I would ever choose to sit through again. Let me know if you had a movie that had you rolling and moaning at how bad it was that didn't make my list. Or maybe you loved one of the movies on this list. I know many of you loved Man of Steel. Here's your chance to convince me why. Leave a comment below.
10. Man of Steel
I know a TON of people loved this film, and I was not one of them. I didn't like this film the first time I saw it. It was depressing and sad and an insult to everything Superman stands for. The more I think about this film and talk about it with people, the more I absolutely hate this film. And to think that Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures green lit a sequel that will be Batman vs Superman? Please. They cast Ben Affleck as Batman (not the best choice) but won't let him direct, which means the sequel will probably be even worse than this one.
9. A Good Day to Die Hard
I love Die Hard. I love Die Hard 2. I love Die Hard: With A Vengeance. I even enjoy Live Free or Die Hard (mostly because of great comedic work from Justin Long and surprisingly menacing work from Timothy Olyphant) but I had no need for this dopey, horrible fifth sequel to one of the best action franchises in history. It was tedious, long, boring, generally unfunny when trying to be, and just plain bad.
8. Hangover Part III
Like A Good Day to Die Hard, I love the original movie in this franchise. The Hangover is one of my all time favorite comedy films, but this movie was just terrible. It had a few decent laughs, most of which they got into the trailer anyways so I already knew the jokes. This was over the top disgusting (even for one of these films) and to top it off, this movie has nothing to do with crap hitting the fan because of the guys having a massive hangover. So what's the point?
7. Getaway
Ethan Hawke had a good year for movies with Before Midnight and The Purge (a surprisingly good film), but this is one I think he wants to forget. This was the absolute worst reviewed movie of the year with a 2% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and rightfully so. Ethan Hawke was just phoning in this performance in between jobs he legitimately wanted and to top it off, I was supposed to believe Selena Gomez as a car jacker? This was just bad film making at its finest. The intense action, though badly edited, was enough to keep this from being closer to number 1 on this list.
6. Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
This year saw some great teenage books adapted into film. We had Beautiful Creatures, which surprisingly wasn't too bad, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire which was a phenomenal film, but this was just bad. It was dopey acting from actors who honestly aren't very good in Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower, and to top it off the veterans like Jared Harris and Jonathan Rhys Meyers were even terrible as well. When one of your TV spots is interviewing fans of the book about their excitement to see the movie, rather than clips of the movie, you know your movie is bad. Good news is though, we won't be getting a sequel anytime soon from how badly this panned at the box office.
5. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
I'm hoping all of you have forgotten this would-be comedy from earlier this year. In a year where Now You See Me did really well, this was another magician movie, but this time gone horribly wrong. Steve Carell was decidedly unfunny in this and Jim Carrey wasn't much better. This movie had no laughs, and I didn't even smile while watching it.
4. R.I.P.D.
This is another film I wish I could just forget. I was actually lucky enough to not have to pay anything to see this movie, but I saw it later on after it was released on DVD. This is a terrible film with horrible performances from great actors. It hurts to see Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds wasted on such a bad script. To top it off, they don't even try to make it enjoyable. It just comes off as plain boring, sloppy garbage.
3. The Host
An adaptation of a Stephanie Meyers novel is the worst words for my ear to ever hear and this was no different. Another teenage adaptation gone horribly wrong from the author of the Twilight series (I refuse to call it a saga which has a positive connotation). This is a bad story about aliens taking over human bodies and it just makes for a plain boring movie. When three of your six "If you like this..." movies on iMDb are two twilight films and a Nicholas Cage movie, your movie probably should have never been made.
2. The Lone Ranger
This is Gore Verbinski and Jerry Bruckheimer's heads getting way too big. Johnny Depp is the top billed star and he isn't even the title character. Him and Armie Hammer have no chemistry, and Johnny Depp's performance would kill the career of a lesser actor. This movie had a two and a half hour run time and the most entertaining part was the previews for other films. I can't believe that Disney is still letting this team create a fifth Pirates movie after seeing this trash.
1. Grown Ups 2
Here we go, the worst of the worst. Any year Adam Sandler puts out a film now, every other film is competing for the second worst film of the year. My hatred for all things Adam Sandler after he came out with the following movies in succession: Grown Ups, Just Go With It, Jack and Jill, That's My Boy, and Grown Ups 2 knows no bounds. He is unfunny and this movie was disgusting with jokes about urination, defecation and injuries to male genitalia. The sad part is that Sandler owns his own studio to make his movies, so we are continually subjected to this stuff. He has another movie slated for release next year and two more filming. Congratulations America. This is bed you've made and I have to lie in it.
Well I'm glad reliving that is over. None of those movies are ones I would ever choose to sit through again. Let me know if you had a movie that had you rolling and moaning at how bad it was that didn't make my list. Or maybe you loved one of the movies on this list. I know many of you loved Man of Steel. Here's your chance to convince me why. Leave a comment below.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
10 Movies Every Guy Should See
Hey guys (and girls), I decided to do another (sort of) Top 10 movie list since I haven't been to the movies in a while. Here is my list of 10 movies every guy needs to see, in no particular order. My Ten have been chosen from the list of the 100 movies on The Art of Manliness blog. The full list can be found at: www.artofmanliness.com/2009/07/13/100-must-see-movies/ , but here is my Top 10 choices.
1. Gladiator
This Ridley Scott classic (Can a movie be considered a classic only 13 years after its initial release?) is a staple for any man's movie library. A fantastic film that won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor (Russell Crowe), this movie stands out above the crowd for its moving performances and flawless direction. This was the best career performance of both Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix.
2. Casablanca
This is the quintessential romance movie of all time. Boasting 4 lines on the AFI's 100 greatest movie lines list, this is a tragic romance movie for the ages. Humphrey Bogart is magnificent in this film and richly deserved the Oscar nomination he got for it. This movie, like Gladiator, also won Best Picture. If you want to learn how to be a real gentleman, watch this film. It doesn't get any better than toasting the woman you love with the line, "Here's looking at you, kid."
3. Top Gun
Seriously. I don't think I can say enough about this movie. This is one of my personal favorites ever since I was a kid. Every boy and man dreams of being Maverick. He is just the epitome of man. And who wouldn't want a best friend like Goose? This is a great film about friendship and love and overcoming adversity, but if you want to just watch a bunch of stuff blow up, this is great either way.
4. Rocky
This is, in my opinion, the best sports movie of all time, and the most inspirational movie of all time. Sylvester Stallone is fantastic and was nominated for Oscars for writing and acting in this film, and richly so. His fight with Apollo Creed is one of the greatest fights in the history of boxing films, and his love with Adrian is one that all men can relate to.
5. The Godfather
"The Godfather is the I Ching. The Godfather is the sum of all wisdom." Tom Hanks described the Godfather as such in his film, "You've Got Mail" and he is entirely correct. The Godfather's show of family first is fantastic for any father to watch. It is the quintessential gangster film and is one of the all time greats in all of film history.
6. The Great Escape
This true story of a large group of Allied POW's grand escape from a Nazi prison camp is fantastic. There are great bits of humor and great performances from Steve McQueen, James Coburn, and Charles Bronson. It is also a very daring movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially from the escape till the end of the film. And if nothing else, the movie includes one of the greatest motorcycle chases in the history of film.
7. Braveheart
Another great film along the same lines of Gladiator. Mel Gibson directed and starred in this instant classic about the Scottish rebel William Wallace. He gives a very moving performance and the entire film makes you feel like you were a part of the rebellion that it shows. All of us men aspire to be this kind of man, willing to lead and help others be the best they can be.
8. Field of Dreams
This is a fantastic family movie. There are few greater movie dads than Kevin Costner's Ray Kinsella who risks losing his farm to create a baseball stadium in his corn field. This is another childhood favorite of mine. It works as a family drama, at times a comedy, and a sports movie.
9. Star Wars
I don't think this requires much description. Star Wars, like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Matrix, reinvented what science fiction could do. George Lucas' direction creates some visuals that even today are top notch. Plus, like many of the movies on this list, you get great lessons on family and standing up for right against the powers of evil.
10. The Shawshank Redemption
This is currently the top ranked movie on The Internet Movie Database (or iMDb for short) and rightfully so. Both Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are amazing as convicted murderers who are serving together in Shawshank Prison in Maine. Together, over 20 years or more, they grow into the type of friends all men should aspire to be. It is a great lesson to us as well that through common decency we can find personal redemption in the darkest of places.
So that was my list of 10. What of the other 90 do you think might have been better choices, or is there a movie on even the Art of Manliness list of 100 that you think they missed. Let me know what you think.
1. Gladiator
This Ridley Scott classic (Can a movie be considered a classic only 13 years after its initial release?) is a staple for any man's movie library. A fantastic film that won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor (Russell Crowe), this movie stands out above the crowd for its moving performances and flawless direction. This was the best career performance of both Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix.
2. Casablanca
This is the quintessential romance movie of all time. Boasting 4 lines on the AFI's 100 greatest movie lines list, this is a tragic romance movie for the ages. Humphrey Bogart is magnificent in this film and richly deserved the Oscar nomination he got for it. This movie, like Gladiator, also won Best Picture. If you want to learn how to be a real gentleman, watch this film. It doesn't get any better than toasting the woman you love with the line, "Here's looking at you, kid."
3. Top Gun
Seriously. I don't think I can say enough about this movie. This is one of my personal favorites ever since I was a kid. Every boy and man dreams of being Maverick. He is just the epitome of man. And who wouldn't want a best friend like Goose? This is a great film about friendship and love and overcoming adversity, but if you want to just watch a bunch of stuff blow up, this is great either way.
4. Rocky
This is, in my opinion, the best sports movie of all time, and the most inspirational movie of all time. Sylvester Stallone is fantastic and was nominated for Oscars for writing and acting in this film, and richly so. His fight with Apollo Creed is one of the greatest fights in the history of boxing films, and his love with Adrian is one that all men can relate to.
5. The Godfather
"The Godfather is the I Ching. The Godfather is the sum of all wisdom." Tom Hanks described the Godfather as such in his film, "You've Got Mail" and he is entirely correct. The Godfather's show of family first is fantastic for any father to watch. It is the quintessential gangster film and is one of the all time greats in all of film history.
6. The Great Escape
This true story of a large group of Allied POW's grand escape from a Nazi prison camp is fantastic. There are great bits of humor and great performances from Steve McQueen, James Coburn, and Charles Bronson. It is also a very daring movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially from the escape till the end of the film. And if nothing else, the movie includes one of the greatest motorcycle chases in the history of film.
7. Braveheart
Another great film along the same lines of Gladiator. Mel Gibson directed and starred in this instant classic about the Scottish rebel William Wallace. He gives a very moving performance and the entire film makes you feel like you were a part of the rebellion that it shows. All of us men aspire to be this kind of man, willing to lead and help others be the best they can be.
8. Field of Dreams
This is a fantastic family movie. There are few greater movie dads than Kevin Costner's Ray Kinsella who risks losing his farm to create a baseball stadium in his corn field. This is another childhood favorite of mine. It works as a family drama, at times a comedy, and a sports movie.
9. Star Wars
I don't think this requires much description. Star Wars, like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Matrix, reinvented what science fiction could do. George Lucas' direction creates some visuals that even today are top notch. Plus, like many of the movies on this list, you get great lessons on family and standing up for right against the powers of evil.
10. The Shawshank Redemption
This is currently the top ranked movie on The Internet Movie Database (or iMDb for short) and rightfully so. Both Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are amazing as convicted murderers who are serving together in Shawshank Prison in Maine. Together, over 20 years or more, they grow into the type of friends all men should aspire to be. It is a great lesson to us as well that through common decency we can find personal redemption in the darkest of places.
So that was my list of 10. What of the other 90 do you think might have been better choices, or is there a movie on even the Art of Manliness list of 100 that you think they missed. Let me know what you think.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Quick Reactions - Golden Globe Nominations
The Golden Globe Nominations were announced about 90 minutes ago and here are some quick reactions. Before I begin, I do want to mention I much prefer the Golden Globes to the Emmys or Oscars every year since you don't get awards for the technical mumbo jumbo no one really cares about. That being said, here are my reactions. Keep in mind, some of these reactions are to movies that have not yet been released or that I have no yet seen, so I am basing my reactions on trailers and reviews of people whom I trust, such as Richard Roeper, who's reviews for these films can be found at www.richardroeper.com
Movies - Drama
So I'll just put these all together based on what fell in the drama category. My first reaction is pure joy to see Matthew McConaughey get nominated for what may be his best performance ever in Dallas Buyer's Club. I've heard a lot of buzz that he might be a contender for a best supporting actor award somewhere for Wolf of Wall Street but it seems like without a nomination here, chances are he is a dark horse come Oscar time along with Jonah Hill. However, with Tom Hanks getting a nod as well for Captain Phillips and Robert Redford getting nominated for All Is Lost, I believe McConaughey is a lock for an Oscar nod come January. I have no argument with anyone nominated here at all. I believe come Oscar time, when drama and comedy are combined, we'll see Hanks and Redford probably giving way to Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale for their work in Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle respectively.
I have no argument for the women nominated in the best actress in a drama category, though I believe everyone there is fighting for second since I believe Sandra Bullock is a lock to win here and the Oscars. Her only real competitor for an Oscar looks to be Amy Adams who's role in American Hustle is generating a lot of buzz.
I was super excited to see Rush get some love and get a nomination for Best Picture - Drama. It is a phenomenal film that I thought would get looked over because of how early in the year it came out, but it did get a nomination, as did Daniel Bruhl who did fantastic work in that film as well. I don't think either has a chance of winning, but to get nominated in a year filled with incredible films, this is a great achievement. I believe 12 Years A Slave is probably the front runner here, but we'll know more come closer to awards time.
Movies - Comedy
Okay, so let me start by saying, I was not aware that Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle would qualify as comedies, and I believe that made the drama field a little less crowded. Those two movies by themselves seem to be the front runners in a pretty week year for comedies. I think American Hustle sweeps the major categories here with wins for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, as well as taking home Best Supporting Actress. I would say they take home Best Supporting Actor as well for Bradley Cooper, but the Hollywood Foreign Press is much bolder than the Academy so I believe Barkhad Abdi from Captain Phillips, or even Jared Leto from Dallas Buyers Club have a decent shot at stealing this away. However, come Oscar time, look for the Academy to give ultra love to another David O. Russell film in American Hustle. I wouldn't be surprised to see it sweep the acting categories at the Oscars, but probably not here at the Globes.
Television Series - Drama
Again, I think everyone here is playing second to Breaking Bad, with the exception of supporting actor since Aaron Paul didn't do a lot in the second half of season 5. This show is a near lock to win for Best Series and Best Actor. In it's final few episodes, Bryan Cranston did some of the best work I have ever seen in television or film. He was menacing, scary, and I never knew what Walter White would do. I love that show, but that man haunts my dreams, and I give the credit for that fully to Bryan Cranston, who is one of the greatest actors living today. With a pretty weak year for television, I am surprised awards favorite Mad Men got no love anywhere. I think it could have received nominations for Best Series, Best Actor (perennial nominee Jon Hamm), and Best Actress (other perennial nominee Elisabeth Moss). I think it should have also squeaked out a nominee for Best Supporting Actress for Christina Hendricks who was phenomenal this season. I also think they missed on not nominating Anna Gunn from Breaking Bad, who after her Emmy win this year, I figured was a lock to win a Golden Globe. In a nomination category that includes Hayden Pannettiere, Sofia Vergara, and Monica Potter, we couldn't find room for Anna Gunn and Christina Hendricks. Major snubs there. My other big snub is perennial snub Timothy Olyphant for his amazing work in FX's Justified. FX as a network gets little to no love, so we'll see if that ever happens, but I think he deserved a nomination over both Liev Schreiber, and James Spader. We could have done without those two as fluff nominees and put in Hamm and Olyphant and this immediately becomes a much stronger categories.
Television Series - Comedy
No real surprises here. I think the early favorite to win Best Show is going to be awards show favorite Girls, an HBO product that I am personally not a big fan of. I think The Big Bang Theory or Modern Family probably deserve to win, though don't be surprised to see a late push from Brooklyn Nine-Nine which, despite low ratings and not a lot of hype, is one of the better comedy shows I've seen come along in a while. My votes for the best actor would go to Jim Parsons, who is the funniest actor working in television today. His role on the Big Bang Theory is amazing and he completely makes that show. I think the award will probably end up in his hands at the end of the night, but don't be surprised to see Michael J. Fox in his return to television win as well. He is fantastic in his new show as well. For Best Actress, I have believed for a while that Zooey Deschanel deserves to win for her amazing work in New Girl, but it looks like it probably won't happen. Awards shows love Edie Falco for her work in Nurse Jackie, but even Falco has said that isn't a comedy so I don't know why we're still giving her love for it.
So there are my gut reactions with where we are for the nominees across the board. Let me know what you think. Leave me a comment with who you think could win, or should win, or even people you think may have been left off.
Movies - Drama
So I'll just put these all together based on what fell in the drama category. My first reaction is pure joy to see Matthew McConaughey get nominated for what may be his best performance ever in Dallas Buyer's Club. I've heard a lot of buzz that he might be a contender for a best supporting actor award somewhere for Wolf of Wall Street but it seems like without a nomination here, chances are he is a dark horse come Oscar time along with Jonah Hill. However, with Tom Hanks getting a nod as well for Captain Phillips and Robert Redford getting nominated for All Is Lost, I believe McConaughey is a lock for an Oscar nod come January. I have no argument with anyone nominated here at all. I believe come Oscar time, when drama and comedy are combined, we'll see Hanks and Redford probably giving way to Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale for their work in Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle respectively.
I have no argument for the women nominated in the best actress in a drama category, though I believe everyone there is fighting for second since I believe Sandra Bullock is a lock to win here and the Oscars. Her only real competitor for an Oscar looks to be Amy Adams who's role in American Hustle is generating a lot of buzz.
I was super excited to see Rush get some love and get a nomination for Best Picture - Drama. It is a phenomenal film that I thought would get looked over because of how early in the year it came out, but it did get a nomination, as did Daniel Bruhl who did fantastic work in that film as well. I don't think either has a chance of winning, but to get nominated in a year filled with incredible films, this is a great achievement. I believe 12 Years A Slave is probably the front runner here, but we'll know more come closer to awards time.
Movies - Comedy
Okay, so let me start by saying, I was not aware that Wolf of Wall Street and American Hustle would qualify as comedies, and I believe that made the drama field a little less crowded. Those two movies by themselves seem to be the front runners in a pretty week year for comedies. I think American Hustle sweeps the major categories here with wins for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, as well as taking home Best Supporting Actress. I would say they take home Best Supporting Actor as well for Bradley Cooper, but the Hollywood Foreign Press is much bolder than the Academy so I believe Barkhad Abdi from Captain Phillips, or even Jared Leto from Dallas Buyers Club have a decent shot at stealing this away. However, come Oscar time, look for the Academy to give ultra love to another David O. Russell film in American Hustle. I wouldn't be surprised to see it sweep the acting categories at the Oscars, but probably not here at the Globes.
Television Series - Drama
Again, I think everyone here is playing second to Breaking Bad, with the exception of supporting actor since Aaron Paul didn't do a lot in the second half of season 5. This show is a near lock to win for Best Series and Best Actor. In it's final few episodes, Bryan Cranston did some of the best work I have ever seen in television or film. He was menacing, scary, and I never knew what Walter White would do. I love that show, but that man haunts my dreams, and I give the credit for that fully to Bryan Cranston, who is one of the greatest actors living today. With a pretty weak year for television, I am surprised awards favorite Mad Men got no love anywhere. I think it could have received nominations for Best Series, Best Actor (perennial nominee Jon Hamm), and Best Actress (other perennial nominee Elisabeth Moss). I think it should have also squeaked out a nominee for Best Supporting Actress for Christina Hendricks who was phenomenal this season. I also think they missed on not nominating Anna Gunn from Breaking Bad, who after her Emmy win this year, I figured was a lock to win a Golden Globe. In a nomination category that includes Hayden Pannettiere, Sofia Vergara, and Monica Potter, we couldn't find room for Anna Gunn and Christina Hendricks. Major snubs there. My other big snub is perennial snub Timothy Olyphant for his amazing work in FX's Justified. FX as a network gets little to no love, so we'll see if that ever happens, but I think he deserved a nomination over both Liev Schreiber, and James Spader. We could have done without those two as fluff nominees and put in Hamm and Olyphant and this immediately becomes a much stronger categories.
Television Series - Comedy
No real surprises here. I think the early favorite to win Best Show is going to be awards show favorite Girls, an HBO product that I am personally not a big fan of. I think The Big Bang Theory or Modern Family probably deserve to win, though don't be surprised to see a late push from Brooklyn Nine-Nine which, despite low ratings and not a lot of hype, is one of the better comedy shows I've seen come along in a while. My votes for the best actor would go to Jim Parsons, who is the funniest actor working in television today. His role on the Big Bang Theory is amazing and he completely makes that show. I think the award will probably end up in his hands at the end of the night, but don't be surprised to see Michael J. Fox in his return to television win as well. He is fantastic in his new show as well. For Best Actress, I have believed for a while that Zooey Deschanel deserves to win for her amazing work in New Girl, but it looks like it probably won't happen. Awards shows love Edie Falco for her work in Nurse Jackie, but even Falco has said that isn't a comedy so I don't know why we're still giving her love for it.
So there are my gut reactions with where we are for the nominees across the board. Let me know what you think. Leave me a comment with who you think could win, or should win, or even people you think may have been left off.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Ender's Game Review
So, in full disclosure, I have never read the book that this movie is based on. Many with me in the theater though had read and loved this book as a child. Those who have read this semi-classic novel by Orson Scott Card may disagree with how I feel concerning this movie, but so be it.
Ender's Game is set in the future, 50 years after an invasion of an alien race known as the Formics. It is decided that Earth's best hope for survival is genius children because they can comprehend complex situations faster than adults can. The best and brightest of these is Andrew Ender Wiggins, or Ender. Ender then goes through training in Battle School and Command School so he can prepare for an all out offensive against the Formic race. I won't spoil the rest for those of you who haven't read the book, but I did not see the end of this movie coming at all.
Some of the visuals and effects in this movie were just breathtaking. It was very well done from that perspective and apparently this movie took nearly 3 years post filming to finish. There are certain scenes, especially in the last major battle simulation where I can really see how that could be. Some of those visuals are just insane. However, at the same time, director Gavin Hood creates some parts of this movie that just seem to drag. While the movie doesn't bore you at all, there are times where you wish it would get to a good part. Though, in Hood's defense, as he also served as the screenwriter, those are some of the more important plot sequences.
The acting in this movie was decent. You get an alright performance from Asa Butterfield, who plays Ender. He is obviously young and newer to acting, and as such, some of his more emotional moments felt forced and I did not feel like it was genuine. He was at his best though in battles and at the command. He was sharing the screen with Academy Award Nominees Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, and Viola Davis along with Academy Award Winner Ben Kingsley and held his own for the most part. The supporting work, especially from adult commanders Ford, Davis and Kingsley was great and I loved the nearly emotionless Ford who pushes Ender to, if not past, his own limits. As a side note, Harrison Ford has put together a decent year in film between this, 42 and Paranoia. It's good to see him getting back to form after making some terrible films the last few years like the new Indiana Jones and Cowboys and Aliens.
Overall, this movie is entertaining though it did lack some of the punch I felt it could have had. The message behind it was one I could get behind, though I think it missed some of its ability to portray it to an extent. While there were gorgeous visuals, some of the sci-fi action sequences were a tad bit bland, or were over too quickly to keep my interest as it went. I liked this movie, though I feel it could have been better. I give it a B.
Ender's Game is set in the future, 50 years after an invasion of an alien race known as the Formics. It is decided that Earth's best hope for survival is genius children because they can comprehend complex situations faster than adults can. The best and brightest of these is Andrew Ender Wiggins, or Ender. Ender then goes through training in Battle School and Command School so he can prepare for an all out offensive against the Formic race. I won't spoil the rest for those of you who haven't read the book, but I did not see the end of this movie coming at all.
Some of the visuals and effects in this movie were just breathtaking. It was very well done from that perspective and apparently this movie took nearly 3 years post filming to finish. There are certain scenes, especially in the last major battle simulation where I can really see how that could be. Some of those visuals are just insane. However, at the same time, director Gavin Hood creates some parts of this movie that just seem to drag. While the movie doesn't bore you at all, there are times where you wish it would get to a good part. Though, in Hood's defense, as he also served as the screenwriter, those are some of the more important plot sequences.
The acting in this movie was decent. You get an alright performance from Asa Butterfield, who plays Ender. He is obviously young and newer to acting, and as such, some of his more emotional moments felt forced and I did not feel like it was genuine. He was at his best though in battles and at the command. He was sharing the screen with Academy Award Nominees Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, and Viola Davis along with Academy Award Winner Ben Kingsley and held his own for the most part. The supporting work, especially from adult commanders Ford, Davis and Kingsley was great and I loved the nearly emotionless Ford who pushes Ender to, if not past, his own limits. As a side note, Harrison Ford has put together a decent year in film between this, 42 and Paranoia. It's good to see him getting back to form after making some terrible films the last few years like the new Indiana Jones and Cowboys and Aliens.
Overall, this movie is entertaining though it did lack some of the punch I felt it could have had. The message behind it was one I could get behind, though I think it missed some of its ability to portray it to an extent. While there were gorgeous visuals, some of the sci-fi action sequences were a tad bit bland, or were over too quickly to keep my interest as it went. I liked this movie, though I feel it could have been better. I give it a B.
Friday, October 18, 2013
12 Years A Slave Review
As I begin to write this review, I have to take time to pause and say something about this film, as it is one that should move any viewer to the very soul. This movie is a real story of a real man named Solomon Northup. He was a free man, born in the northern states and then later kidnapped and sold into slavery where he remains for 12 years, hence the title. That being said, this movie does not hold anything back. You see the realities of life as a slave and they are harsh, brutal, and for many will, and for all should, make you sick to watch. Never have I felt so moved by a film to want to change and have more compassion for my fellow man since I saw Crash for the first time 6 years ago. I ask that you see this movie, but do not see it for its value as entertainment because you will be disappointed. See this movie because it should change who you are, and how you feel about those around you.
As I said, this movie centers on the life of Solomon Northup who was illegally sold into slavery. There he faces brutality and the horrors of life as a slave. He has to give up his name, his family, and has to hide the fact that he is an educated man with the ability to read and write. Three time Golden Globe Nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor gives what may end up being the most moving performance of the year as Northup. He is one of the most consistent actors working today and gives a career best performance. His work is transcendent and Oscar level and I believe he has a great chance to become the first African American winner of the Best Actor Academy Award since Jamie Foxx for his role as Ray Charles.
The supporting work in this movie is amazing as well, though many of the characters are people who you will despise through the end of the film. Paul Giamatti has a short role as a man named Freeman who is one of the most purely evil and despicable characters I have seen in film since Cristoph Waltz's character The Jew Hunter in Inglorious Basterds. He is amazing and, like many other actors in this, his role is nomination worthy. I don't believe he will garner any awards momentum though due to his shorter running time in the film. Michael Fassbender gives what may be the best role of his career as a brutal slave owner named Edwin Epps. Even as Magneto, I didn't believe him to be this sadistic and hateful, but Michael Fassbender, who I believe to be one of the best younger actors working today (though he is 36) and his performance should garner huge awards consideration. The other great character worth noting is Ford, a southern gentleman played by the always solid Benedict Cumberbatch (who has had one of the best years in films this year with three great roles in Star Trek: Into Darkness, this, and The Fifth Estate, the latter which may garner him some awards talk). He has a chance to show compassion on Solomon but passes up the opportunity and Northup's life delves further and further into hell.
The writing in this movie is unflinching. The directing by Steve McQueen is fantastic. This movie does not apologize for its subject matter. It just shows it how it is. It isn't a fantasy movie like a Gone With The Wind or Django Unchained. It is a real life story that happened to real life people in America. The fact that this movie is not apologetic about that I truly appreciated. It made it that much better. I loved this film for being everything a film should be. I hated the emotional tear it left in my soul, but this could be the best movie of the year, and in my opinion, is the first truly important movie of the decade. I give this movie a resounding A+
As I said, this movie centers on the life of Solomon Northup who was illegally sold into slavery. There he faces brutality and the horrors of life as a slave. He has to give up his name, his family, and has to hide the fact that he is an educated man with the ability to read and write. Three time Golden Globe Nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor gives what may end up being the most moving performance of the year as Northup. He is one of the most consistent actors working today and gives a career best performance. His work is transcendent and Oscar level and I believe he has a great chance to become the first African American winner of the Best Actor Academy Award since Jamie Foxx for his role as Ray Charles.
The supporting work in this movie is amazing as well, though many of the characters are people who you will despise through the end of the film. Paul Giamatti has a short role as a man named Freeman who is one of the most purely evil and despicable characters I have seen in film since Cristoph Waltz's character The Jew Hunter in Inglorious Basterds. He is amazing and, like many other actors in this, his role is nomination worthy. I don't believe he will garner any awards momentum though due to his shorter running time in the film. Michael Fassbender gives what may be the best role of his career as a brutal slave owner named Edwin Epps. Even as Magneto, I didn't believe him to be this sadistic and hateful, but Michael Fassbender, who I believe to be one of the best younger actors working today (though he is 36) and his performance should garner huge awards consideration. The other great character worth noting is Ford, a southern gentleman played by the always solid Benedict Cumberbatch (who has had one of the best years in films this year with three great roles in Star Trek: Into Darkness, this, and The Fifth Estate, the latter which may garner him some awards talk). He has a chance to show compassion on Solomon but passes up the opportunity and Northup's life delves further and further into hell.
The writing in this movie is unflinching. The directing by Steve McQueen is fantastic. This movie does not apologize for its subject matter. It just shows it how it is. It isn't a fantasy movie like a Gone With The Wind or Django Unchained. It is a real life story that happened to real life people in America. The fact that this movie is not apologetic about that I truly appreciated. It made it that much better. I loved this film for being everything a film should be. I hated the emotional tear it left in my soul, but this could be the best movie of the year, and in my opinion, is the first truly important movie of the decade. I give this movie a resounding A+
Monday, September 23, 2013
Emmy Award Reviews
It's been a long time since I got anything up on here review wise, but the Emmy Awards were last night which gives me a great chance to get something up and start regular reviews again. So here are my reactions from what I consider the most important categories.
Best Drama Series, Winner: Breaking Bad
Anyone who knows me will know that I have absolutely ZERO problems with this win. I believe Breaking Bad to be the second best show ever created very closely behind The Wire. (As a side note, if they have an amazing ending next week, it could jump The Wire for best of all time.) While the other nominees are great shows, and I recommend all of them, Breaking Bad is leaps and bounds ahead of the others, at least this past year.
Best Actor, Drama Series, Winner: Jeff Daniels from The Newsroom
WHAT?!? That was my reaction immediately upon hearing that win. I would have sworn Bryan Cranston was in line for his fourth Emmy for his performance as the greatest character ever put on television in Walter White from Breaking Bad. Though after I thought about it, Jeff Daniels, who is great as a news anchor in HBO's The Newsroom, richly deserved this award. My hat's off to you sir.
Best Actress, Drama Series, Winner: Claire Danes from Homeland
Awards shows continue to give Homeland more credit than it probably deserves. While the show is great, and Claire Danes intricate performance as a slightly deranged CIA agent is incredible, Elisabeth Moss from Mad Men was better this year. She was incredible and I believe should have won this award. I think Vera Farmiga from Bates Motel and Robin Wright from House of Cards were both more deserving as well.
Best Supporting Actor, Drama Series, Winner: Bobby Cannavale from Boardwalk Empire
This was another surprise win, and another bad choice in my opinion. If you aren't giving this award to Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad for a third time, then it needed to go to Mandy Patinkin who is the greatest actor working in television today. His performance from Homeland is intricate, and is acted to perfection by the man who gave us my favorite line in the history of film (Hello. My name is Inigo Montaya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.).
Best Supporting Actress, Drama Series, Winner: Anna Gunn from Breaking Bad
While I am very pleased to have a win for Breaking Bad and Anna Gunn is great, I do not believe she was the best in the category. Her performance in the season this award covers was amazing, but I would have loved to see a win for Christina Hendricks from Mad Men. She was just breathtaking and not just by being absolutely beautiful in a Marilyn Monroe type style. Her performance was just incredible this season and has gotten better each and every year Mad Men has been airing.
Best Comedy Series, Winner: Modern Family
I have no problem with this at all, except for one thing: Big Bang Theory was also nominated. That is the single funniest show on television today and should have won this. Though because it didn't, Modern Family is the obvious choice in a day and age when the good sitcoms are few and far between.
Best Actor, Comedy Series, Winner: Jim Parsons from The Big Bang Theory
This is positively the perfect choice. Jim Parsons is a genius of a comedic actor, and Sheldon Cooper is positively the funniest character on television all because of this tremendously talented actor.
Best Actress, Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus from VEEP
In my nomination reactions post, I mentioned that I think they butchered this category. They missed the two best comedic actresses on television today in Zooey Deschanel and Mindy Kaling, both of whom should have been nominated. Instead we nominated leads from three shows (VEEP, Enlightened, and Nurse Jackie) that aren't even funny which leaves us with a horrible category. If you were going to pick one of the people here, at least pick the funniest woman alive in Tina Fey.
Best Supporting Actor, Comedy Series, Winner: Tony Hale from VEEP
If you are going to say that Modern Family is the best comedy show on TV, then this award needs to go to one of the three men nominated in this category. All three richly deserve the award though my vote would go to Ty Burrell, who's character Phil Dunphy is the second best character on comedic television (next to Sheldon Cooper).
Best Supporting Actress, Comedy Series, Winner: Merritt Weaver from Nurse Jackie
Edie Falco, who is a genius actress in her own right, plays the title character in Nurse Jackie and has admitted that this show is not a comedy, so it begs the question, why is someone not in a comedy winning this award? Mayim Bialik has one of the funniest characters on television today in Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory and she absolutely should have won this award. If you aren't going to give it to the obvious best choice, then Julie Bowen from Modern Family would have been a great choice as well.
A couple other notes. I am happy that Bob Newhard, a living legend, won an Emmy for his great performance on just one episode of The Big Bang Theory this past season. I was also happy to see the wins for The Colbert Report as well, which is one of my favorite shows on TV. Let me know what you guys think, and if you have any old movies, or movies you know are coming out soon, you would like to see me review, let me know.
Best Drama Series, Winner: Breaking Bad
Anyone who knows me will know that I have absolutely ZERO problems with this win. I believe Breaking Bad to be the second best show ever created very closely behind The Wire. (As a side note, if they have an amazing ending next week, it could jump The Wire for best of all time.) While the other nominees are great shows, and I recommend all of them, Breaking Bad is leaps and bounds ahead of the others, at least this past year.
Best Actor, Drama Series, Winner: Jeff Daniels from The Newsroom
WHAT?!? That was my reaction immediately upon hearing that win. I would have sworn Bryan Cranston was in line for his fourth Emmy for his performance as the greatest character ever put on television in Walter White from Breaking Bad. Though after I thought about it, Jeff Daniels, who is great as a news anchor in HBO's The Newsroom, richly deserved this award. My hat's off to you sir.
Best Actress, Drama Series, Winner: Claire Danes from Homeland
Awards shows continue to give Homeland more credit than it probably deserves. While the show is great, and Claire Danes intricate performance as a slightly deranged CIA agent is incredible, Elisabeth Moss from Mad Men was better this year. She was incredible and I believe should have won this award. I think Vera Farmiga from Bates Motel and Robin Wright from House of Cards were both more deserving as well.
Best Supporting Actor, Drama Series, Winner: Bobby Cannavale from Boardwalk Empire
This was another surprise win, and another bad choice in my opinion. If you aren't giving this award to Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad for a third time, then it needed to go to Mandy Patinkin who is the greatest actor working in television today. His performance from Homeland is intricate, and is acted to perfection by the man who gave us my favorite line in the history of film (Hello. My name is Inigo Montaya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.).
Best Supporting Actress, Drama Series, Winner: Anna Gunn from Breaking Bad
While I am very pleased to have a win for Breaking Bad and Anna Gunn is great, I do not believe she was the best in the category. Her performance in the season this award covers was amazing, but I would have loved to see a win for Christina Hendricks from Mad Men. She was just breathtaking and not just by being absolutely beautiful in a Marilyn Monroe type style. Her performance was just incredible this season and has gotten better each and every year Mad Men has been airing.
Best Comedy Series, Winner: Modern Family
I have no problem with this at all, except for one thing: Big Bang Theory was also nominated. That is the single funniest show on television today and should have won this. Though because it didn't, Modern Family is the obvious choice in a day and age when the good sitcoms are few and far between.
Best Actor, Comedy Series, Winner: Jim Parsons from The Big Bang Theory
This is positively the perfect choice. Jim Parsons is a genius of a comedic actor, and Sheldon Cooper is positively the funniest character on television all because of this tremendously talented actor.
Best Actress, Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus from VEEP
In my nomination reactions post, I mentioned that I think they butchered this category. They missed the two best comedic actresses on television today in Zooey Deschanel and Mindy Kaling, both of whom should have been nominated. Instead we nominated leads from three shows (VEEP, Enlightened, and Nurse Jackie) that aren't even funny which leaves us with a horrible category. If you were going to pick one of the people here, at least pick the funniest woman alive in Tina Fey.
Best Supporting Actor, Comedy Series, Winner: Tony Hale from VEEP
If you are going to say that Modern Family is the best comedy show on TV, then this award needs to go to one of the three men nominated in this category. All three richly deserve the award though my vote would go to Ty Burrell, who's character Phil Dunphy is the second best character on comedic television (next to Sheldon Cooper).
Best Supporting Actress, Comedy Series, Winner: Merritt Weaver from Nurse Jackie
Edie Falco, who is a genius actress in her own right, plays the title character in Nurse Jackie and has admitted that this show is not a comedy, so it begs the question, why is someone not in a comedy winning this award? Mayim Bialik has one of the funniest characters on television today in Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory and she absolutely should have won this award. If you aren't going to give it to the obvious best choice, then Julie Bowen from Modern Family would have been a great choice as well.
A couple other notes. I am happy that Bob Newhard, a living legend, won an Emmy for his great performance on just one episode of The Big Bang Theory this past season. I was also happy to see the wins for The Colbert Report as well, which is one of my favorite shows on TV. Let me know what you guys think, and if you have any old movies, or movies you know are coming out soon, you would like to see me review, let me know.
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