Happy New Year!

One of the best films of 1990 is Postcards From the Edge.  Everything about it is brilliant from the opening, to Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, the rest of the cast, Mike Nichols' shrewd direction, Carrie Fischer's witty dialogue, to the uplifting ending where Streep sings "I'm Checking Out" written by Shel Silverstein (! Where the Sidewalk Ends !), backed up by Toronto's Blue Rodeo (!).  The band's "Trust Yourself" was one of my fave...

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Review: Little Amour for Django (spoilers)

So, head's up, I babble for the first five or so paragraphs, before I get to my review.  I spent a good chunk of my Sunday afternoon on a commenter named "Antoinette" at AD who vehemently despises the Les Misérables movie.  I haven't seen it, as I'm waiting for friends to get back into town, so we can watch it together.  I know that 1) I'm either going to go all gushy over it, 2) I'm going to have a great time making fun of it, or...

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Best Actress 1995: The Face of Love

In 1995, Meryl Streep made another strong case for Oscar by starring in the Clint Eastwood film based on a national bestseller and put on an Italian accent.  I love her quote about her opinion of the source material: "I was blind to the book's power."  The film was a financial success, but her turn as Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County just didn't top her Sophie.  Elisabeth Shue, who, up until that point, was known for her...

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Movie Spoiler THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012)

Christopher Nolan wrapped up his Batman trilogy this past summer with The Dark Knight Rises to limited enthusiasm.  Many fans were ecstatic, while others were pleased, but mildly disappointed.  And, the film wasn't without detractors.  The third in the series retains a consistent detail-laden speed-through, while throwing in new characters, layering more social themes, and adding a few twists in an action-packed finale.  There's...

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Lawrence Will Play the SNL Card

One thing I never understood is why more movie stars don't take advantage of the SNL venue to drum up more support for their films.  It's a long-running institution, which allows actors to show off their goods and versatility.  But, then, for those who are more limited in range and/or nervous, live-action comedy and improv might just be too tall of an order.  And, as we've witnessed time and again, if the writing isn't up to snuff,...

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Do You Remember the Film You Fell Out of Love With M. Night Shyamalan?

Is Will Smith happy to see us or is it just standard muscle calibration?For me, it was Signs.  I put off the breakup, but, when it happened, it was short, but it got ugly.  M. Night Shyamalan now has another film coming out next year.  Remember when he got Oscar-nominated for directing The Sixth Sense?  I saw that film in the theatre two or three times.  The first time, my jaw dropped during "the big reveal."  I had...

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Best Actress 1987: Loretta Castorini

They both cleaned up well, both peaking looks-wise; but, to Cher's credit, he had practically a two-decade advantageThe frontrunner for Best Actress with the critics groups in 1987 was newcomer Holly Hunter for Broadcast News, James L. Brooks peak inside the workings and politics of primetime news.  She delivered a memorable serio-comic performance as a producer in the middle of a love triangle, Jane Craig, a more likable answer to Faye Dunaway's...

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Merry Christmas!

Here's a marvelous cover of one of the best modern Christmas songs care of Olivia Olson in one of the best Christmas movies ever, Love Actually....

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Gosling Dons Another Motorcycle Jacket

Derek Cianfrance's Blue Valentine was one of the best films of 2010.  Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams played a couple brought together by circumstances and virtue that ultimately undermine their relationship.  The complexity is both challenging and depressing.  It wasn't an easy film to watch, but I loved it.  Cianfrance's followup The Place Beyond the Pines debuted at Toronto this past Fall.  While the few bit of reviews...

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Best Actress 1994: She'll Do

When I say 1994 was the crappiest year for Best Actress in recent memory, I'm pretty confident that many will agree with me.  It was just a lame run for actresses and Jessica Lange's victory was the icing on the cake.  Not to say she isn't undeserving of multiple awards, just for something a little more substantial.  The number of Best Picture nominees which included a lead turn from a female was exactly zero, unless you count Andie...

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