About Last Night... (1986)

"About Last Night..." is one of those Brat Pack films that I never got around to until today.  It was not one of the best 80s films, but it was tolerable.  This one featured a bunch of selfish young single men and women in Chicago (Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, James Belushi, and Elizabeth Perkins) looking for one night stands.  Two of them decided to take it to the next level and moved in together after a couple months.  The movie followed their trials and tribulations as well as the constant disapproval of their friends and former lovers.  Personally, I'd rather watch most of the other Brat Pack films.  Just as a fair warning, this film is full of vulgar language and features Demi Moore and Rob Lowe completely nude.  This film gets 3 out of 5 stars because the acting was solid, the material was culturally significant when it was released in 1986, and I can't dock a film too much just because I don't personally care for the subject matter.

2010 Emmy Fashion

I know this blog is about the quality of the television shows and movies produced, but at the same time a part of me feels compelled to see how these stars are dressing.  Many of them looked fabulous, but I always wonder what some of them were thinking.  How can you make millions of dollars a year and then show up looking like you just rolled out of bed and put on a trash bag?  Anyways, here are some of the highlights.

Personally, I feel like it's hard for a guy to go wrong at these awards shows.  Most black tuxes look fabulous, with a traditional bow tie or with the new tux tie.  I thought that Jimmy Fallon and Joel McHale wore their tuxes quite well.  However, some things went a little awry.  Ty Burrell looked odd in his grey suit with the satin collar, and Matthew Morrison looked like a little boy who had outgrown his tux.  It just didn't fit right, and it wasn't very flattering.

Ty Burrell and wife

Many of the women looked fabulous in their gowns.  By far, the best was Claire Danes in her glittery Armani gown.  Jane Lynch looked extraordinary in her purple taffeta gown.  Glenn Close wore a lovely green strapless gown, while Eva Longoria Parker best wore black that night.  Amy Poehler and Julie Bowen both looked fabulous in their gowns, especially considering they just had babies.  Lea Michele's Oscar de la Renta navy gown was gorgeous, but she went a little overboard with the necklace.

Claire Danes

Jane Lynch

Glenn Close and daughter

Lea Michele

Amy Poehler

Julie Bowen

The worst dressed, hands down, was January Jones. Her Versace gown was a hot mess, as was her hair style, or bed head. The actress herself described her dress as a peacock, but she forgot to mention the Madonna boob cones that were attached to the front.

January Jones

2010 Emmy Awards

Since I am writing this blog about movies and television, I figured I should watch the Emmy Awards show.  Usually, I just read who won the next day, and sometimes I watch Joan Rivers pick apart the fashion with her daughter.  I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the awards show.  Jimmy Fallon hosted, and there were a couple amusing skits.  He opened with the cast of "Glee," and they ran into Betty White giving rap lessons and Sue Sylvester in her Adidas track suit giving Tina Fey a slushie along the way.  It was great when they turned down Kate Gosselin for a spot in their glee club that was desperate for members.  There was also an amusing skit very reminiscent of Jimmy's days on "SNL" where he gave a musical tribute to shows that ended this year.

Here is a list of the winners, in the order in which they were aired:

• Supporting Actor, Comedy - Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family"
• Writing, Comedy - Steven Levitan, Christopher L. Llyod, "Modern Family"
• Supporting Actress, Comedy - Jane Lynch, "Glee"
• Guest Actress, Comedy - Betty White, "SNL"
• Guest Actor, Comedy - Neil Patrick Harris, "Glee"
• Director, Comedy - Ryan Murphy, "Glee"
• Actor, Comedy - Jim Parsons, "Big Bang Theory"
• Actress, Comedy- Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"
• Reality Show - "Top Chef"
• Writing, Drama - "Mad Men"
• Supporting Actor, Drama - Aaron Paul, "Breaking Bad"
• Supporting Actress, Drama - Archie Panjabi, "The Good Wife"
• Actor, Drama - Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
• Guest Actress, Drama - Ann-Margaret, "SVU"
• Guest Actor, Drama - John Lithgow, "Dexter"
• Actress, Drama - Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"
• Writing, Variety - "Tony Awards"
• Director, Variety - Bucky Gunts, "Vancouver Olympics"
• Variety Show - "The Daily Show"
• Supporting Actress, Movie - Julia Ormond, "Temple Grandin"
• Supporting Actor, Movie - David Strathairn, "Temple Grandin"
• Writing, Movie - "You Don't Know Jack"
• Actress, Movie - Claire Danes, "Temple Grandin"
• Director, Movie - Mick Jackson, "Temple Grandin"
• Actor, Movie - Al Pacino, "You Don't Know Jack"
• Mini Series - "The Pacific"
• Movie - "Temple Grandin"
• Drama - "Mad Men"
• Comedy - "Modern Family"

In addition, they presented George Clooney with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his work on the television fundraisers for September 11th, the tsunami, and the Haiti earthquake.  Clooney was very humble in his acceptance.

Let me say that I felt like most of these awards were well-deserved.  "Modern Family" is one of the funniest shows to appear on television in the last ten years.  Eric Stonestreet (Cam on "Modern Family") deserved the Emmy, but I have a soft spot in my heart for Jon Cryer, and I feel like "Two and a Half Men" has been unjustly snubbed by the Emmys.  Jane Lynch, hands down, deserved the Emmy for her role as Sue Sylvester in "Glee."  Betty White got an Emmy for her appearance on "SNL."  She's such a comedic gem.  Kyra Sedgwick finally got her first Emmy for her work on "The Closer."

It was very touching to see "Temple Grandin" take home so many Emmys.  I must admit that I haven't seen it yet, but I will add it to the short list.  It was very touching when they brought Temple herself up on stage when they accepted the award.

I will also have to admit that I have never seen "Breaking Bad" or "Mad Men," but they both take home so many Emmys every year.  It amazed me to see Hal from "Malcolm in the Middle" (Bryan Cranston) take home his third Emmy for a drama.  The competition was stiff this year, which was bad for the nominees, but great for those of us who like great television.

Persons Unknown Season 1 Finale

"Persons Unknown," which I previously mentioned, aired its two-hour season finale on Saturday.  The finale, with its many plot twists, exceeded my expectations.  All summer, they were teasing that "all would be revealed" by the end of the season, and they stayed true to their word.  Any questions you may have had before the finale were resolved, but the season finale brought a number of new questions to mind.  When the season finale aired, you realized just how far "The Program" really extended.  I also realized how truly special Janet is.  She's definitely not your average single mom.

Viewership for this series was low all summer.  I hope that people will watch this show and realize what a hidden gem it is.  If you like government conspiracies, mysteries, or psychological thrillers, then this show is right up your alley.  All I can say is that the last couple minutes of the season finale definitely opened up the possibility for an outstanding new season.  I can't wait!

The Back-up Plan (2010)

"The Back-up Plan" is the latest Jennifer Lopez romantic comedy.  I went into it with low expectations, but I still found myself disappointed.  My husband thought it was one of the worst movies he had ever seen, but I wouldn't rank it that low.  Afterall, I did laugh several times, and there were several cute scenes with animals.  However, the plot was somewhat unbelievable (even for a romantic comedy).  The premise is that two people meet by accident, and then the guy decides he will devote himself to a commitment phobic woman who has artificially inseminated herself.  The acting was also subpar.  I guess I'm disappointed with this film mainly because there were a couple of interesting supporting characters who were funny, but were often left out of the spotlight.  This film gets 2 ½ out of 5 stars.

Melissa & Joey

Maybe it's just the nostalgia, but I'm really enjoying the new sitcom on ABC Family, "Melissa & Joey."  I've never watched a sitcom on this channel, but this new show is an updated version of the classic "Who's the Boss?" starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence.  I used to watch Melissa Joan Hart in Nickelodeon's "Clarissa Explains It All," but most would know her from the more recent "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch."  Joey Lawrence was on another show from my childhood, "Blossom."  In this updated version, Melissa Joan Hart plays a local politician who is currently raising her nephew and niece.  Joey Lawrence was recently divorced and out of a job, so he moved in and became the manny.  The jokes on the show can be corny (it is ABC Family), but overall I've liked the episodes that have aired so far.  I recommend this show if you enjoyed the Tony Danza original series or if you really enjoy sitcoms where a guy and a girl pretend to dislike eachother when you know there's more that will probably surface later.

Our Family Wedding (2010)

"Our Family Wedding" is a modernized version of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" that focuses mainly on the bickering between the fathers, played by Carlos Mencia and Forest Whitaker.  I was surprised to see Forest Whitaker in a romantic comedy about an interracial couple who have decided to get married much to the surprise of their unsuspecting families.  The movie provided several good laughs, but it could be a cheesy rom-com at times.  Overall, I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.  I would recommend it for a day when you need to have a couple laughs, but I probably wouldn't watch it more than once.  If you want to watch a great movie, rent the original.

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

The extremely hyped up independent film "The Kids Are All Right" was a pleasant gem this summer.  Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play a lesbian couple who have two children by a sperm donor played by Mark Ruffalo.  The women have a solid partnership, even though one has a successful career and a wine addiction while the other seems to drift from job to job without much success.  The sperm donor comes into play when one of the kids (played by Mia Wasikowska) turns 18 and her younger brother begs to meet his biological father.  This is a heartfelt dramedy that gives a refreshing portrayal of marriage and family life.  I give this film 3 ½ out of 5 stars simply because there were elements of the film that really detracted from your empathy for the characters, and the film was overhyped due to its novel portrayal of marriage.

You Kill Me (2007)

"You Kill Me" is a dark comedy about a Polish mob hitman (Ben Kingsley) who has an alcohol problem.  The alcohol problem is so bad that he is messing up his hits and he is sent to rehab in California.  While working at a morgue in California, he meets a girl at a funeral (Tea Leoni), and finds the will to get better.  I had never heard of this movie before watching it, and I was very pleasantly surprised.  I really enjoyed this movie, but you must go into it knowing it's a dark comedy.  I highly recommend the film and give it 3 ½ out of 5 stars.

The Other Guys (2010)

I was so excited to go see the latest Will Ferrell movie, "The Other Guys."  In this film, Will Ferrell plays an unlikely detective who prefers paperwork while his partner, played by Mark Wahlberg, is always looking to solve crimes.  This screwball comedy featured a lot of Will Ferrell's typical stunts, and Mark Wahlberg did a great job.  I found the film to be much funnier than I expected, particularly the running gags about Ferrell's car (Prius) and his wife (played by Eva Mendes).  This movie was Ferrell's best in a long time (since "Anchorman" in my husband's opinion, and since "Old School" in mine).  I give this film 3 ½ stars out of 5.

Inception (2010)

The long-awaited Christopher Nolan film "Inception" topped the box office when it was released this summer.  The extremely talented cast of this mysterious thriller includes old talent like Michael Caine and Ken Watanabe, as well as younger actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, Ellen Page, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  Like the previews, I will not give away the plot and its various twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat even after the credits are rolling.  However, I will say that the movie centers around a team that has the ability to infiltrate dreams to steal secrets.  Inception is proposed, which is trickier, because it involves planting an idea into someone's mind rather than extracting secrets.  I was very impressed with the acting, especially by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  The film had a novel plot, terrific cinematography, and outstanding special effects (which are all the more impressive when you find out that most of the effects are not computer generated, like the hotel scene).  This film is the best of the year!  It gets 4 ½ out of 5 stars.  Go see it...in IMAX if possible.

The Switch (2010)

My husband and I went to see "The Switch" in the theater today.  Even though it is a romantic comedy, my husband enjoyed the movie almost as much as I did.  This film features long-time friends played by Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman.  You might remember Jason Bateman from "Arrested Development" which is currently being made into a film.  The plot of the movie is centered around a woman who gets artificially inseminated, but by the wrong sperm.  I was wondering how the writers could make a film about this without it seeming really selfish or evil, but you really develop a liking for both characters.  There were great supporting comedic lines from Jeff Goldblum throughout the movie.  The film started strong and hillarious, but faded more to a typical romcom toward the end.  For that, I give this film 3 ½ out of 5 stars.

Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)

"Nothing Like the Holidays" follows a loving Puerto Rican family living in Chicago with lots of problems.  There's a husband, played by Alfred Molina, who is keeping secrets from his wife.  There are several children including John Leguizamo who married a non Puerto Rican played by Debra Messing.  Some parts of the movie are funny while others are very real and touching.  This movie more accurately portrays at family gathering at Christmas than those that depict an always happy family.  I was pleasantly surprised to see Jay Hernandez, who I think is a terrific actor, but he doesn't appear in many films.  I loved his role in "Crazy/Beautiful."  This film was great, but some of the stories weren't wrapped up as beautifully as I would have preferred.  Because of the somewhat abrupt ending, I give this film 3 ½ out of 5 stars. 

The Boys are Back (2009)

This film, based on the novel by Simon Carr, features Clive Owen as a man whose wife dies and leaves him to take care of his young son.  The grieving father choses some unconditional parenting methods to help his son deal with his grief.  Thrown into the mix is an older son from his first marriage who comes to stay with him while he is still grappling with the loss of the love of his life.  "The Boys are Back" is an emotional film that made me tear up several times.  The story is compelling, very real, slow at times, and often depressing.  I give this film 3 ½ stars out of 5. 

The Ghost Writer (2010)

I had heard a lot of hype about Roman Polanski's latest film, "The Ghost Writer."  If you are weary about the director, you can take some comfort in knowing that not a single child or teenager appears in this film.  In this film, Ewan McGregor fills in as the replacement ghost writer for the memoirs of the former prime minister of Britain (played by Pierce Brosnan) after the mysterious death of the previous ghost writer.  The beginning of the film is kind of slow, but if you stick around through the end of the film, you will not be disappointed.  The number of twists and turns in this film makes for an exciting political thriller.  In addition to a great cast and interesting plotline, the mood of the film is portrayed very well by the cinematography.

Overall, I will give this film 3 ½ out of 5 stars.  I debated giving it 4 stars, but the beginning of the film was slow, and it did not live up to all the hype.  That said, this was a solid film and I recommend it.

Summer Reality Television

I revealed my top five picks for summer television, but there are several reality shows that I watch, and they warrant their own list.

1. Teen Mom - MTV

The reality show that follows up teen mothers from "16 & Pregnant" is back in its second season.  I admit that watching this show is somewhat like watching a trainwreck, but I'm addicted.  This show has given me a lot of insight.  I should warn you, though, that it can be depressing.

2. Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List - Bravo

This two-time Emmmy winner is back on Bravo and is as hillarious as ever.  Kathy is great, but her mom Maggie often steals the show.  Maggie reminds me of my own grandmother in some ways.  In my favorite episode so far, Kathy met up with Levi Johnston (Bristol Palin's baby daddy) in Alaska and trouble ensued.

3. Cake Boss - TLC

Buddy is back with his bakers in his second season.  This show is fun to watch just for all the Jersey and Italian family references.  The cakes he produces are amazing works of art, but the crazy family behind the scenes really makes this show.

4. 19 Kids and Counting - TLC

This may come as a surprise to many.  I started watching this show when there were several less children just because I was appalled that one family could have so many kids and name them all beginning with the letter 'J' no less.  At first I started watching to gawk at their extremely conservative values, but the drama with baby Josie and her medical issues has really softened my heart this season and made the family much more human and likeable in my eyes.

5. Bridezillas - WE

This show is definitely going downhill.  I'm not really sure where they find these brides.  Most of their antics are way over the top, but sometimes it is funny to watch how trashy they can be.  This was a favorite of mine when I was engaged because I had evidence to show my future husband that I was not that bad.  Now, we just wince in pain at the thought of the guy who actually says 'I do' to these bridezillas.

Summer Shows on my DVR

There are a number of fantastic shows this summer that have filled the space left behind by Modern Family, Community, and other regular season favorites.  Here are the shows currently set to record weekly on my DVR.

1. Persons Unknown - NBC

This show is such an underrated gem with several breakout performances by lesser known actors.  Nobody watches this show, which is a shame.  This suspenseful mystery is based on the kidnapping of several strangers who are isolated in a town in the middle of nowhere.  The mysteries continue to unravel each week.  Hopefully, viewership will increase so this doesn't get cancelled before the mysteries are unveiled. 

2. Rizzoli & Isles - TNT

I loved Angie Harmon in Law & Order, and she is back in this witty cop drama featuring Harmon as tomboy homicide detective Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander as OCD fashionista coroner Dr. Isles.  The show combines humor from personal drama as well as interesting murder cases and forensic science.

3. Covert Affairs - USA

This new show features Piper Perabo as sometimes inept rookie CIA operative Annie Walker.  Each week has an interesting crisis, but the best part of this show are the developed supporting characters.  These include a husband and wife duo working for the CIA, a blind playboy techie, and an intriguing love interest from Annie's past whose story line continues to develop.

4. Hot in Cleveland - TVLand

This funny series featuring Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, and Wendie Malick is an updated version of "Golden Girls" set in Cleveland.  Three best friends with completely different personalities are living together and starting fresh from midlife.  Betty White steals the show with many quips, reminiscent of Estelle Getty in "Golden Girls."

5. My Boys - TBS

"My Boys" is in its fourth season, and the only disappointment so far is the absence of Jim Gaffigan, who decided not to return to the show.  A show about a tomboy in my favorite city Chicago is hard for me to pass up each week.

Welcome

Welcome to my latest endeavor.  I love many different types of films, and I watch a lot both at the cinema and through my new subscription to Netflix.  My recommendations and honest reviews of movies (old and new) and television shows will be posted regularly.  I welcome your comments, even if you just want to rant about how incorrect I am.  With that said, enjoy!