Oscars 2007

I am not sure what it says about the Oscars this year that it has taken me so long to post. I was excited this year but I found the ceremony to be lukewarm and lacking in star power. I didn't take my usual play-by-play notes as unsurprising wins were the norm. OK, I will admit to being mildly distracted by the man (who reminds me of Daniel Craig - less smolder, nicer smile) hanging out in my living room, but even without that presence I found the telecast uninspired. The comedy sketch by the comedians was cute but when it hit 12:45am and I was barely conscious I knew this was not a show for the record books. It was passable. But I am starting to think the the Oscars are losing their lustre to the outside world.

Without a huge celebrity contingent they become a dull, three-hour parade of people you've never heard about. And, although I respect the instituion's desire to reward the talent behind the talent in filmmaking, I don't really care what sound editor jane is wearing or has to say. Maybe these feelings represent the downward slide in films generally. None of the films of this year truly inspired me. But remember ten years ago when the field included Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump and The Shawshank Redemption ALL in one year? And so, my annual commentary has become a venting post this year because I felt let down with the crown jewel of the film awards collection and I really wanted it to shine. Still, I found some fashion to add to my list. Check my faves from this year's red carpet...

Kate Winslet ... I new it!
Helen Mirren ... Timeless elegance
Jessica Biel ... OK, a bra would have helped but THAT colour!
Cate Blanchett ... Original and Beatiful

... 2005 ... 2006 ...

Visiting Seth Green's Imagination

I totally Heart Seth Green. I loved him as Oz on Buffy. I loved him as Scott Evil in the Austin Powers films. And now I love him as one half of the demented duo that created Robot Chicken. Yeah - I'm late to this clamback too (just like I was to "LOST" and "Arrested Development") but I am finally here. Shout out to Simon for introducing me to this marvelous 15 minutes of pop-culture-fueled entertainment.

The premise is that a mad scientist has built a robot chicken and he is educating said chicken in all the information of our world. What we, the viewer, gets to enjoy is a series of stop-motion sketches about the important things in life. Spoof, farce, satire, parody, joke - pick a term and it will apply as Robot Chicken takes you on a crazy tour of iconic images. For anyone who grew up in the 70s/80s, watches too many movies, and is well-versed in all things uselessly "cool" there is something in Robot Chicken for you. If not it will probably just confuse you all to hell. I offer its Empire Strikes Back spoof below.

Oscar Day Fashion

So it is Oscar Day and thanks to my cable connection I can watch red carpet activities ALL day. Really, what could be better? I am getting stoked for the event tonight and even though I have tons of work to do I have a feeling I am going to be a slacker instead. It doesn't help that I have company coming tonight - who I plan to ignore while watching the telecast. But on this red carpet afternoon, as the horrific Canadian commentators attempt to say things worthwhile, I wanted to post a review of my fave Oscar fashions from the fast few years. Previously I have missed out on the avid dress watching because "regular" cable only gives you that half hour before the show starts and only shows a slim-picking of celebrities so you never get the full effect of the red carpet satorical drama. And I love me some pretty dresses. I am sure that Kate Winslet will show up - once again - looking fabulous so lets start with her ...

Kate Winslet (blue)- my favourite dress of all time
Kate Winslet (red) - simply stunning
Cate Blanchett - one of the most delicious dresses evah
Nicole Kidman - the one that made her an icon
Renee Zellweger - gorgeous details
Charlize Theron - wonderful and original colour
Halle Berry - the best use of embroidery
Kate Hudson - goddess
Jessica Alba - an ingenue does good
Reese Witherspoon - wins ribbons for class
Salma Hayak - sexiest structure out there
Catherine Zeta Jones - making a statement
Jennifer Lopez - the green dream

Bio-Blogs are Back!Bio-Blog #14 - Katrina

A new season of Bio-Blogs starts now as I bring you another friend of mine from out in the world. We kick off this series with the wonderful mate - and all round woman extraordinaire - of the guy we finished with last year. So this is Katrina. I met Kat when she was dating my university pal Scott and it was not all roses and smiles in the beginning. I really think there is something about be-friending the romantic partners of your dear friends that we all find hard at times. But in the end, Kat and I found some common ground in hosting decent get-togethers, Scott's fashion-sense(less) and our all-around awesomeness. To say that Kat is a force is an understatement. She is s woman who has always tackled life head-on with determination and a wicked sense of humour. She is an excellent writer, musically talented and about to complete her first year of motherhood (about which I don't think she could be happier). And for all these things I find her an inspiration and I am glad we become friends afterall.

Complete these sentences:
I am ... a mother, daughter, sister, friend, partner, wife, 12 year old girl and 31 year old woman.
I can ... do pretty much anything I set my mind to, except maybe pee standing up.
I love ... chocolate. And my son. And my husband. Not necessarily in that order (depends on the day).
I will ... do it all, maybe just not all at once.

What is your sign? Taurus
Where were you born? Montreal
Where do you live now? Oakville

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Jamaica. I loved the people. They were so happy and laid back, enjoying life, unencumbered by the constant need for material things like we are in North America.

What is your favourite:
Movie: The Royal Tenenbaums
Book: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
TV Show: Grey's Anatomy
Drink: Oyster Bay Sauvingnon Blanc

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Justin Timberlake

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
My mother, because she is my closest friend, the smartest person I know, and I don't get to see her nearly enough.

How do you know Raye? She went to university with my husband Scott

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Fearless, Intelligent, Beautiful

Do you have your own website? Yes - Fickle Feline

TV Rant

Just wanted to take a moment to vent my frustration with the way that "American Idol" is messing up my TV schedule. First it bounces "House". Then it has "Bones" off the schedule for the week and "Lost" on early. And then it moves "Grey's Anatomy" so that I almost miss it (and some of my friend did). Enough with this silly, results-based reality series. Grrrrr...

1000 Word Images of WTF

These days I am working on toning my figure and elevating my external hotness to match my inner awesomeness. And I know it might be easier if I was a celebrity who got PAID to be at the gym and had my perfectly portioned meals sent to my home. And I could have long hair one day and a perfect bob the next. And I could wear designer gowns using the best undergarments and I would look fabulous - always. But then I sit back and think about how far it may go or the price I might pay ...

Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C

... and I'm just fine with what I have Thank you.

Babel Letters of the Departed Sunshine QueenOscar Opinions 2007

When we wake up (go to bed?) a week from now a new crop of Oscar winners will have been crowned. There will be more water cooler discussion about who got robbed, who wore what, and who didn't show up. There will likely be commentary about that one song number that just wasn't right and that speech that went too long (or was cut unjustly short). There will be "I knew its!" and "Who would've knowns?" And some people will be smiling over there Oscar pool winnings. I never bet on the Oscars - I only offer preferences. This has been hard this year as I have not seen many of the films. But I offer the following nonetheless:

Supporting Actor
Alan Arkin - Little Miss Sunshine
Jackie Earle Hayley - Little Children
Djimon Hounsou - Blood Diamond
Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls
Mark Wahlberg - The Departed

I like this category for its pure diversity this year. A wide range of performance are represented and that is what makes races interesting. If you were to bet on trends then Eddie Murphy would be the only horse here. Arkin was a scene-stealer in Sunshine but only makes it halfway through the film (still, actors have won for less - Dame Judi!). It would be interesting to see either Hounsou or Wahlberg get this award for playing outright frustration. I haven't seen Little Children yet (it only played a week in HFX and I skipped my planned viewing to hang out with a boy, I should have known better!)
Momentum Winner: Eddie Murphy
My Sentimental Preference: Djimon Hounsou

Supporting Actress
Adriana Barraza - Babel
Cate Blanchett - Notes on a Scandal
Abigail Breslin - Little Miss Sunshine
Jennifer Hudson - Dreamgirls
Rinko Kikuchi - Babel

Another motley crew of nominees that will likely make voting hell for the Academy members. That being said it depends on how the mind of the average voter works. If they go by trend it will be Hudson. A preference for a proven past will pick Blanchett. Those wanting to make a statement will chose Babel and likely split the vote between Kikuchi and Barraza. Or they will go with the film they have actually seen and reward the adorable Breslin. I haven't seen Dreamgirls or Notes on a Scandal but from the previews alone it appears to me that the decision should be between these two ladies but ingenues often trump past winners so this award is likely a lock for Hudson (take that Simon, Beyonce and all you thin girls!)
Momentum Winner: Jennifer Hudson
My Sentimental Preference: Cate Blanchett

Lead Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio - Blood Diamond
Ryan Gosling - Half Nelson
Peter O'Toole - Venus
Will Smith - The Pursuit of Happyness
Forest Whitaker - The Last King of Scotland

The first thing that should hit you about this list is the strong presence of the NEXT generation. Although DiCaprio has been here before (deservedly so), the addition of Gosling (one of the most powerful young actors today) and Smith lets us know that all is not lost in the future of film. Whitaker has been racking up the accolades for his role but actors cloder to death's door can sometimes come in and steal the prize in the end. However, O'Toole's previous Honorary Oscar prize may push the door open for another to win this year.
Momentum Winner: Forest Whitaker
My Sentimental Preference: Leonardo DiCaprio

Lead Actress
Penelope Cruz - Volver
Judi Dench - Notes on a Scandal
Helen Mirren - The Queen
Meryl Streep - The Devil Wears Prada
Kate Winslet - Little Children

Historically, this category has suffered from a lack of options. Every year there seems to be a void in the area of strong female roles. This year is slightly more promising and yet, still sort of odd. Cruz is the "not like the others" entry this year but I cannot comment on her deservedness because I have never seen her in a film of her native language. I am sure she is much better in that context. Streep is the most decorated actress of the lot but why she has received an nod for such a horrible film and weak character I'll never understand. Dench and Mirren (recently showcased together in "Vanity Fair"s Hollywood issue) are a decent fight. Winslet enters the race again and proves she deserves to be in this company having 4 other previous nominations (one less than Dench and two more than Mirren). She will also show up in one of the best dresses! But the Academy loves a strong real-life portrayal (see: Nicole Kidman in The Hours or Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote) so the Queen is going to get her crown.
Momentum Winner: Helen Mirren
My Sentimental Preference: Kate Winslet

Adapted Screenplay
Borat
Children of Men
The Departed
Little Children
Notes on a Scandal
Original Screenplay
Babel
Letters from Iwo Jima
Little Miss Sunshine
Pan's Labrynth
The Queen

The screenplay races are interesting because it is often the place where smaller films get noticed and strong films without the acting or directing chops get rewarded. It is not surprise that Borat is found here. Still, screenplays are vital to the characterization and story arcs in film and contribute to the overall experience. This fact makes these two catagories highly political as voters try to spread out the recognition while still taking a position on what is "best". So will this year have the screenplay awards matching the top film selections or will it veer to the other side to reward those other solid films. And with four of the best film nominees all in the original category how will voters how much the story weighs into the film itself?
Momentum Winner Adapted: The Departed
My Sentimental Preference: The Departed
Momentum Winner Original: Babel
My Sentimental Preference: The Queen

Best Film
Babel
The Departed
Letters from Iwo Jima
Little Miss Sunshine
The Queen

A little review on the best picture nominees. I was lucky enough to actually see 4 of the 5 nominated films.
Letters from Iwo Jima only played for a week and I never found the time to watch 2.5 hours of Japanese at the time. Still, the film has gotten wonderful reviews but since it is also nominated in the Foreign Film category I think its win is more likely there.
Babel is this year's Crash and everyone knows it. It boasts a strong ensemble and some great performances. It is also abstract, sometimes strange and often slow. Its love it or hate it experience and non-American-centric position takes it out of the running for the top film this year.
The Departed was one of my favourite films this year and even though is a somewhat bloated endeavour it succeeds in both direction, performance, story and visuals. And it is that combination that wins big awards (unless Scorcese has made it).
The Queen is a small film by comparison to the above three. At times it feels like a TV movie and may have been better served as such rather than a big screen offering. Still, the performances are top notch and the quiet battle of past and present is solidly portrayed.
Little Miss Sunshine is the entry I cannot understand. An indie version of National Lampoon's Vacation is not an Academy Award winning film. Still it is fun, interesting and full of fantastic acting and maybe that's enough.
Momentum Winner: Babel
My Sentimental Preference: The Departed

... 2005 ... 2006 ...

Heart Day

In honour of Valentine's Day I offer a little quiz to find your love addiction level.

You Are 67% Addicted to Love

Might as well face it, you're very addicted to love. But you're not really getting the deep love you seek. Short lived, dramatic relationships are more your style. Let go of needing someone, and you may find someone you actually want.

Are You Addicted to Love?

Winter Rocks

There hasn't been much of a winter on the east coast this year. The temperature has been unseasonally warm and the snow has been little and far between. This has been disappointing to me as I wanted to get some winter shots to add to my portfolio.

Still, I managed to spend a couple of hours onthe shore of Herring Cove on a day free of work (I love lieu time!) and full of sunsine. I love days like this one when the sky and the ocean are saturated with coolness and the rocks and the trees just pop! There was even a light dusting of snow to hint at the season.

Drunkity, Drunk, Drunk

It has taken two full days to recover but finally I can report on the World's Biggest Pub Crawl that was held in Halifax on Friday night. Originally I was not planning on attending this crazy event but I bowed to MBA-peer pressure and got tickets to the "sold out" circus a week before. I then convinced my co-worker Lana to be my partner-in-crime for the evening and off we went to join 3200 other Haligonians on the downtown streets. (Check us below feeling happy and later barely standing! - don't I look fabulous?!)

The evening began mellow enough (despite the Jaager-bomb shots) at 6pm and it took a few quick Keiths to get people smiling. But then it was on to the Lower Deck for an hour and a half of draught pounding and that did the trick. It is always a bad thing to have Colin & I at the Deck together and this time was no different. I really don't know where my competitive drinking spirit comes from but damn! Then it was the Red Stag where things got even worse and although I maintained my good mood it was a miracle of physics that I stayed vertical as long as I did. Of course I got my comeuppance at Bubbles Mansion where gravity finally kicked in on the dancefloor. Oh well, only fell down once - so I can't really complain! Lastly to Mercury but I don't remember much about that except that I had to go home - where I went about eating chocolate ice cream at 4am. All in all it was exactly the night I was looking for - a full-on, good-times drinkfest. And, yeah, I know I'm not a frosh anymore but sometimes its still nice to just go for it.

BANG!

OK - I got bangs! Or a fringe. Or whatever you call it. That chunk of hair that covers your forehead and hangs in your eyes. Yeah, that. Got it. It was something I had been thinking about for a long time and even though my sis-in-law swore I would hate them I am actually (two hours later) chuffed at the results. I can't remember the last time I had bangs. I think it was back when we sprayed them into two sections and made little walls above our heads. Note: I will NOT be doing that this time. But I was looking for a real change to my hair look this year and I thought this might be the way to go. So today I am rocking the suave straight look. We'll see what happens when I actually have to style them myself and my natural curl kicks in. But really? I think it's gonna be great.

The D Word

Today I want to discuss the "D word" = Dating. This is a word that has meant little to me in my life. I don't think I have ever dated someone. And I have never spent my time going on dates with different people. I have a wonderful FAUX-Date system with my buddy Wade that works out nicely but it's not the same with friends. The entire dating thing is supposed to be about romantic potential. It is an old-fashioned construct for how men and women can interact to find love. And it is completely awkward.

However, in the past few months I have actually started dating. (I've always been a late bloomer!) Thanks to some random introductions and an internet connection I have been out with some new guys for social times. And it has been interesting and fun but with limited results. Currently I am working on something with potential that is moving slow but that's probably a good thing. Ahhhh ... dating. A word that holds so many connotations and (maybe) so much promise but really is about hanging out with strangers and hoping for chemistry. Hmmmm ... I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

... The R Word ...

Amazing Grey's

Do you know what I love? I love that each week I watch "Grey's Anatomy" and I have NO idea what is going to happen next. With last week's dual proposals I was gobsmacked. Didn't see either of those things coming ... at this point in the season ... at the SAME time! And so of course, tonight's episode became one of my bigger MUST-SEE Thursdays. Being the dull pragmatist that I can be I assumed a Yay for Burke & Christina with some sort of caveat and a Nay for Callie and George. So of course the show has to prove me wrong and work in both YAYs and then almost kill the entire staff, give Meredith's mom temporary lucidity and put Mark and Addison back in bed together. Like, OMG! So much was packed into this one episode that it has completely repositioned the show for the rest of the season. It was like a visual energy drink experience.

I am sure that fans all over will be slagging the show's improbabilities in timeline and how dysfunctional the relationships appear to be but that is what I love about it. Grey's has always been a messy show. It is as screwed-up as people's lives feel to be. There is no underlying ethics agenda (like most mainstream sitcoms or soaps) or sugar-coated relationships. It is a train wreck of human interaction every week. And that's why I can't look away. (And finally, that moment of joy between Burke & Christina at the end? Priceless! They're back!)