I loved Deadwood and Damages is one of my favorite new shows in a long time, so I was very pleased to learn that Timothy Olyphant (Sheriff Bullock, pictured with Molly Parker of Swingtown) has joined the cast.
William Hurt has also signed on for the next season of Damages, and I can’t wait for his interaction and scenes with the great Glenn Close. The Big Chill Reunion Alert!
This weekend I devoured the first three of the Ex Machina comic book series. This morning I woke up next to Volume 3 on the bed exactly where I fell asleep reading it, and smiled with the thought of so many young kids for whom that is ritual and familiar. It was a first for me, and I’m loving it.
It was a pleasant surprise to find that gay marriage is one of the storylines in Ex Machina. The early volumes were written several years ago, even before it became legal the first time in California. Writer Brian K. Vaughan has infused this superhero series with several other hot-button political issues, as well as 9/11 references (handled quite appropriately and with respect).
So far I only have 5 volumes, but hope to at least read, if not own, the other 30 at some point soon.
Sweeney Todd could be the son of Edward Scissorhands and Captain Jack Sparrow. Well, in California anyway.
I’d seen an adaptation of Sweeney Todd on HBO when I was younger, and given the gore, it wasn’t exactly kid-friendly fare. It still isn’t. But I really enjoyed the film version of this Broadway musical.
Johnny Depp continues to choose roles which fit him perfectly; odd and quirky characters which I cannot imagine any other actor playing with such success. Sweeney Todd marks his 6th collaboration with director Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride), and together they are the goth alternative to DiCaprio and Scorsese.
But my favorite among the cast in Sweeney Todd is Alan Rickman. I have been a huge fan of his since the little-seen but fantastic indie film Truly Madly Deeply (1990). Yes, the original Die Hard put him on the map, but I prefer him in Love Actually and as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.
As for Helena Bonham Carter, this is the first time since 1992 (Howard’s End) that I’ve actually enjoyed her in a film. Everyone probably associates her with Fight Club these days, but that wasn’t my favorite role for her. Like Depp, she is a better fit in musicals like Sweeney Todd and costumed period pieces like The Wings of a Dove.
Sweeney Todd is an entertaining film and a great rental, but definitely not for the young or faint-at-heart.
Although the dates and times are only tentative at this point, I am already contemplating the creation of what will be a masterful spreadsheet and schedule for my weekend in San Diego next month. Hello, my name is Jo and I find great joy in structure.
So far, I have a 4-Day Pass, a roundtrip flight, rented car and a place to stay. I’m hoping to have some Get Lost with JOpinionated swag created as well, to pass out to fellow Lost fans. Any suggestions?
I am at the Rookie level with regard to comic and serial novels. I am primarily attending Comic-Con because the following television shows will be holding panels there (which usually include producers, writers and actors…and if we’re lucky, teasers for the next season).
7/24
7/26
Of course there will be plenty of other panels, but the above are on my personal wish list. There’s no guarantee that I’ll get into any of them, but you know that I’ll wait for as long as I have to and do whatever is necessary just to attend the Lost panel.
It is no secret that I love lists.
So when AFI recently released their Top 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres, I was quite happy.
Here are the categories:
Enjoy, and feel free to share which of their choices you strongly agree or disagree with (and I will do the same when I have more time).