25 best septuagenarian-plus performances
Seeing as though the senior crowd is all the rage in Hollywood of late, it’s only fitting that a 25 best be dedicated to the all-time best performances by actors 70 and over. In my searching, I found that it’s a rare feat that Hollywood allows this magic to happen, but on the rare occasion non-twentysomethings garner some spotlight, magic can happen – peruse away!
the product placement quiz #1
best films: #22: MONSTERS, INC. (2001)
To call it utterly unique, innovative, and groundbreaking is an understatement. And as I sit and ponder how little credit it received where credit was due (it’s less-than-genius, more famous 2001 counterpart Shrek pales immensely in comparison to this achievement), Monsters, Inc. goes down in my own personal record books as one of the most underrated gems of this past decade. From the insanely intricate animation (that quivering blue fur was more realistic than anything 3-D has to offer) to the other-worldly premise, the people at Pixar outdid themselves here. They’ve created an entirely different world that’s never been thought up before (more than you can say for Shrek‘s easy sight gags and dated pop culture references), and Monstropolis is a nirvana of detail and depth. And leave it to Randy Newman to deliver yet another successful soundtrack/score to the Pixar folks. When others will choose a throwaway Smash Mouth song as an anthem, Newman ignites the comedic talents and showmanship of John Goodman and Billy Crystal to great effect (and garnered a much-deserved Oscar for Best Original Song, I may add). Mike, with his mono-ocular demeanor and sardonic wit, pairs so effortlessly with Sully, the big lug with a heart of gold. And even though detractors may say it slips into far-too-cutesy territory with its third member of the central trio, adorable human toddler Boo, I see her as an essential part of Sully’s character; she’s the purely joyous glee he never realized existed (or that he could elicit in another person). So though the animation studio has churned out success after success since 2001, Monsters, Inc. remains possibly the greatest testament to the depths of their writing, nay dreaming, abilities.
20 best movie clothes horses
We all know Hollywood is known for its glamour and glitz, but in the fictional venue, it’s time to muse over which gals could rock the best wardrobes. Here are my 20 favorite – which costume donner got left off most heinously??
september oscar talk
Well it’s that time of year, folks. As the September doldrums ensue with their crappy throwaway horror romps and movies that the studios have no faith in, it’s about time to focus on that glimmer of hope known as October, November, and December (before, of course, the inevitable equally crappy January swarms in). As the year comes to its big finish, my mind is ticking away at what the big nominees will be at the upcoming Academy Awards. Here are my current predictions (in order of my confidence in them) – make your revisions down there in the comments!
casting crew: the INGRID BERGMAN story
It’s been ages since I’ve done a Casting Crew, and they are generally reserved for potential big-screen adaptations of popular 60s and 70s sitcoms. But in honor of Ms. Bergman’s recent birthday (and date of death, strangely enough) on August 29, I thought I’d take a stab at casting an Ingrid Bergman biopic, including some major players in her life. Shower me with gripes about my casting choices and your own picks in the comments!
25 potential film-based real estate investments
Okay, so since I’ve been MIA of late, I thought I had some ‘splaining to do. It turns out when you’re in career limbo you find yourself bouncing from residence to residence until the big take-off comes. And in honor of that lovely experience, I present to you my 25 most optimum film residences. Pardon me while I contact my realtor…
Journalistic Skepticism 