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I discuss how the last couple of episodes of The Killing, including "Off the Reservation," have worked to win me over. Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman, its leads, are the sole two reasons to watch. Are they good enough? I'm not sure, but it's been worth it for these last episodes.
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I recently watched three films that had reasons to be good but were actually very disappointing. First up, Roman Polanski's Carnage, is worth a watch, if just for the work of its four core cast members. Then there's Soderbergh's Haywire, notable for its fight sequences but little else. Lastly, there's My Week with Marilyn - with Michelle Williams in the title role-, a completely flawed and unsalvageable viewing experience.
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My thoughts on Mad Men's episode At the Codfish Ball. Highlights are mostly due to Sally Draper and her wonderful portrayal by Kiernan Shipka. Don gets turned on by Megan's successful ad pitch and Roger by Megan's mother's French forwardness. Meanwhile Peggy is told she'll be living in a house of sin if she moves in with her boyfriend.
I review two recent DVD releases: Steve McQueen's drama Shame and Jason Reitman's comedy Young Adult. Both succeed at extracting top-notch star performances, one from Michael Fassbender and the other from Charlize Theron. Shame is a better movie, but both fail to fully materialize as strong and coherent films. Aimless and little-rewarding, these are still worth watching for the performances and some well-written, winning dialogue.
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I offer up some brief thoughts on Mad Men's episode Far Away Places, as well as on HBO's new comedy Veep. Sunday night is a great time-slot for television, and these are two of the reasons why.
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I here give brief reviews of the two current best television dramas: HBO's Game of Thrones and AMC's Mad Men. Episodes Signal 30 and What is Dead May Never Die were both strong, giving further evidence that these are the shows to be watching right now, especially on that Sunday night before the long week starts up again. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.
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I reflect on the supposed "new" wave of female-oriented television fare. While questioning the authenticity of "girl" shows, I have high hopes for HBO's new series Girls, written by and starring the talented (lady) Lena Dunham. I also comment on some chick movies from the past, like Last Days of Disco and The Craft (remember those?)
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I here give my two most anticipated drama returns of the Spring season - in addition to Mad Men, of course; as well as list some of the comedies that will be premiering in April or returning after short breaks. Are you ready to see if The Killing has any real juice? Or if Game of Thrones can continue its greatness? Can Community be funny again? Let's hope.
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Here I've posted my picks for favorite Oscar nominees. Choices include Tree of Life, Moneyball, The Artist, and A Separation. Read on for the full list of nominations and my selections.
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Here they are: my 10 (+5) favorite drama series of 2011. Breaking Bad topped the list and The Hour rounded it, but I couldn't help sneaking in a runner-up spot for The Walking Dead, which greatly improved upon its debut season. Some series surprised me with how good they were (Boardwalk Empire) and others just continued to prove themselves the best (Mad Men). Read on for the full list plus links to my year's posts discussing to these great shows.
The year is not over yet and I have yet to see the majority of the recommended films, but I've posted this very temporary top list with thirteen of my favorites. I surely forgot a few and will be adding more as the year ends, 2012 begins, and I manage to see the rest of the films that will most likely make my final list. Melancholia is currently at the top and Moneyball finishes it off. Read for the rest!
My favorite movie thus far of the year, Melancholia is Lars von Trier's latest effort, and it's a hugely successful one. It stars Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg, with supporting roles played by Kiefer Sutherland, Alexander Sarsgard, and John Hurt, among others. All performances are top-notch, giving Trier the perfect raw materials to realize his startling, powerful narrative. This is two-hours of beauty, wonder, and emotional rawness. Enjoy.
Still from Wim Wenders's extremely moving and beautiful 3D project 'Pina,' the homage to the late German choreographer and dancer.
Taking a slight break from movies but highly enjoying Sunday night television dramas Mad Men and Game of Thrones.
Excited for the 2012 edition of the Bafici film festival in Buenos Aires. Special events include free evening out-door screenings of some great films.
Almost done with my Spaced TV watching. Loving every precious minute.