North By Northwest

November 9, 2009

One of AFI’s Top 100 films of all time, North By Northwest is a more than a classic. It was the fourth and final time that Cary Grant collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock, and is easily the most beloved action suspense movie of his impressive oeuvre.

Watching the 50th Anniversary Edition of newly remastered and restored North By Northwest, which was just released last week on DVD and Blu-ray, I am reminded that they simply do not make films today of that caliber. From the pace to the iconic cinematography (the train, crop plane and Mount Rushmore scenes in particular), this is a beautifully crafted piece of cinematic history.

I highly recommend that you pick up a copy for yourself or as a holiday gift for a fellow film fan. In addition to screenwriter commentary, there are over 3 hours of special features including two new documentaries, The Master’s Touch: Hitchcock’s Signature Style and North By Northwest: One for the Ages.

As an ad man who stumbles into a spy vs. spy world in North By Northwest, Cary Grant has George Clooney’s looks and charm, combined with Don Draper’s style (Mad Men). Co-starring Eva Marie Saint (On the Waterfront) and James Mason (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), this is a can’t-miss thriller.

Enter to Win! Passes to Advanced Screenings of Clooney’s “The Men Who Stare at Goats”

Posted by JOpinionated

Contests, Film

October 29, 2009

0 comments

If you live in Northern California, here is your chance to win passes to a screening of the new dark comedy, The Men Who Stare at Goats.

Next Thursday (11/5/09), there will be advance screenings of the film in the following cities: San Francisco, Sacramento, Cupertino and Fresno. The contest begins tomorrow and ends on Wednesday at noon!

Simply text the word JOPINIONATED and your zip code to 43549 for your chance to win 2 passes! Ten winners per screening will be chosen, and they will be notified via text message.

In addition to George Clooney, The Men Who Stare at Goats features Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor and Kevin Spacey. Inspired by Jon Ronson’s non-fiction bestseller, the movie is directed by Grant Heslov (the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of Good Night, and Good Luck).

Text away, and thanks for entering!

FlashingForward: My New Site

Posted by JOpinionated

Television

October 26, 2009

0 comments

I never officially announced it here, but it was brought to my attention that I’ve failed to even provide a link in the sidebar. Doh!

In addition to my Lost site, I recently created one called FlashingForward; it is a spoiler-free, theory-specific site dedicated to the new ABC series FlashForward.

You may have noticed that I have been posting less frequently here. In addition to a very time-consuming Lost Rewatch project and the new FlashForward site, I spend most of my spare time catching up on the many shows I watch per week. I have no intention of abandoning you or this site, and hope to include more film and DVD reviews soon, as well as analysis of our favorite new series’.

See you soon!

-Jo

Fall TV 09: October Report Card

Posted by JOpinionated

Television

October 14, 2009

0 comments

As we snuggle beneath the blankets of fall, I thought it was time to grade each new and returning series thus far (at least those I actually watch).

Alphabetically, of course:

The Amazing Race: B
Seriously bummed at last week’s unfortunate elimination due to lost passports.

The Biggest Loser: B+
Pulls the heartstrings, completely inspiring. You can’t help but root for these contestants, and have to like a reality show that changes and saves so many lives.

Bones: B
I am on the impatient bandwagon that wants Booth & Bones to just date already. It is detracting from the show at this point, and just about everyone wants to see them together.

Bored to Death: B-
This new HBO series has yet to capture my attention entirely, but I enjoy the cast and will continue watching.

Brothers & Sisters: B
They are handling Kitty’s crisis with proper poignancy. Bonus points for not forcing more of Ryan or Tommy on us.

Community: B
I really like Joel McHale and Danny Pudi, but am not in love with the rest of the supporting cast…yet.

Cougar Town: B
A new and true guilty pleasure. I liked Courtney Cox in Dirt and even more in this role.

Curb Your Enthusiasm: B
I am rooting for him to reunite with Cheryl, and was very entertained by the Seinfeld reunion.

Desperate Housewives: C+
I tuned back in this season solely because of Drea de Matteo. But the new-family-with-mysterious-son storyline is beyond stale on Wisteria Lane.

Dexter: A
Unforseen character twists and surprising endings, plus an even more complicated family life has made Dexter even more compelling this season.

Dollhouse: B+
With the exception of the baby episode, I have loved the second season thus far.

FlashForward: A
My favorite new drama in five years. Here is my new FF theory site, if you’re interested.

Fringe: A
Tied with House for the best first episode of the fall season. They have kicked it up a notch in all areas.

Glee: A
No other show makes me smile or actually reflect fondly upon the awkward years as much as this one.

The Good Wife: B+
A very pleasant surprise and my first ever CBS procedural.

Grey’s Anatomy: B
It took six seasons, but I finally like Meredith Grey.

Heroes: C
I loved the first season, and have been quietly and patiently awaiting a return to form. As of this week, Heroes has been removed from my TiVO Season Pass list for good.

House: A-
Now THAT was a stellar season premiere. I have to say that I miss having Thirteen around.

Medium: A-
Given NBC’s recent series of primetime errors in judgement, I am thrilled that CBS picked up this series.

Modern Family: A
So. Damn. Funny. Easily the best new comedy of the season.

The Office: B-
I loved the last 15 minutes of the Jim & Pam wedding episode. Other than that, I have not laughed out loud once yet this season.

Parks & Recreation: B
A huge improvement from its freshman effort. I now much prefer to watch Amy Poehler than Steve Carell.

Private Practice: B
Bring Naomi back to the right floor, and hire on Charlotte to work there as well. Let the entertaining relationship fireworks begin.

Survivor: Samoa: C+
Perhaps CBS should have reconsidered their over-promotion of Russel as the biggest villain ever. Compared to Richard Hatch, he is dull and rather gross.

I am excited for the return of 30 Rock, tomorrow night on NBC. And Nip/Tuck returns to FX this evening; it became a guilty pleasure long ago.

But the new show I am now anticipating the most is V, which debuts on Tuesday, November 3 (ABC). I’ve seen the pilot, and loved it. Stay tuned for a preview review soon.

Let me know what you think about Fall TV thus far; which shows are you enjoying the most and least?

Let’s Get Ready to Roller! Whip It,Good

Posted by JOpinionated

Film

October 2, 2009

0 comments

After leaving a screening of Whip It, my first thought was simply, “that was a hell of a lot of fun.” Over a week later, I concur with my original assessment.

You do not need to be familiar with the world of roller derby to enjoy this movie. Whip It is refreshing in the sense that it is a female-centric film that focuses on athletic ability far more than romance. However, I would not label Whip It as a chick-flick; trust me, husbands and boyfriends will be just as interested and absorbed in the rink action as wives and girlfriends. There is a great deal of physicality and talent on display for all to admire.

The ensemble cast of Whip It is a huge draw, from the very likable Ellen Page to the brilliant Kristin Wiig. Daniel Stern and Marcia Gay Harden are terrific as Page’s parents, as is Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) as her best friend. Other stand-outs in the rink are singer/actress Eve, actress/stuntwoman Zoe Bell, the versatile Ari Graynor (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Dunham’s sister on Fringe) and the multifaceted Juliette Lewis, who embodies the ’enemy’ with great ease and humor.

Aside from Jimmy Fallon’s reliably funny turn as the in-house Derby announcer, actor Andrew Wilson steals the show as the Hurl Scouts coach, Razor. His look in Whip It reminded me of Luke Wilson in The Royal Tenenbaums; clearly I was probably the last person on earth to realize that they are actually brothers.

Whip It was written by relative newcomer Shauna Cross, and marks Drew Barrymore’s impressive directorial debut (she also appears in the movie).

So if you’re seeking a fun night out with a date, your family or group of friends, Whip It is the perfect action comedy film for you.

Deceptive Daddy DEXTER: Season 4 Begins Tonight (Spoiler Alert)

Posted by JOpinionated

Television

September 27, 2009

0 comments

I have seen the first four episodes of Dexter, and will caution you that there are spoilers contained in the preview below.

There is not a father on television more flawed than Dexter Morgan. The fourth season of Showtime’s hit series Dexter kicks off tonight, and there are a few rather large surprises in store for more than just our favorite serial killer.

Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and Rita (Julie Benz) are now a party of five; married and living in a new house with their baby Harrison and her children Astor and Cody. It is safe to say that Dexter has been taken out of his comfort zone, which used to be a dark apartment for one, housing beloved blood samples from his many vigilante kills. Balancing family, work, the dark passenger (his inner voice) and his domineering ghost father Harry (James Remar) proves to be more than Dexter can handle, and the exhaustion that ensues certainly takes its toll.

John Lithgow joins the cast of Dexter this season as the Trinity Killer, Arthur Mitchell. His character makes the Ice Truck Killer (S1) seem benign in comparison. Lithgow is simply brilliant, mesmerizing and creepy as Mitchell, who kills his victims in threes. Although he is primarily known as an Academy Award nominated (The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment) and Emmy winning (3rd Rock from the Sun) actor, Lithgow is no stranger to the villain role. Richochet or Cliffhanger, anyone? Of course there are some who consider his turn as the reverend in Footloose to be villainous, given his ban on dancing and fun in Kevin Bacon’s small town.

Detective Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) faces more turmoil in her personal life, as FBI Special Agent Frank Lundy (Keith Carradine) returns just as she has settled into a normal relationship with Anton (David Ramsey). Her fellow detective, Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington), continues down a slippery slope by making questionable choices both on and off the job. And expect an interesting power struggle this season between Lieutenant Laguerta (Lauren Velez) and detective Angel Batista (David Zayas).

There are two very significant surprises within the first four episodes of Dexter; one is more of an eyebrow-raiser, the other a jaw-dropper. The addition of suburban bliss to Dexter’s already complicated life results in a very compelling and entertaining beginning to the fourth season of this stellar series.

Dexter returns tonight on Showtime at 9pm ET/PT; here is a sneak peek of Episode 401, “Living the Dream.” If you’re not already caught up, visit the Episode Guide for recaps from all previous seasons. You can also follow Dexter on Twitter and become a fan of the series on Facebook.

TV & Film Recommendations for This Week (9/21/09)

Posted by JOpinionated

Books, Contests, Film, Television

September 21, 2009

0 comments

I am going to try to provide a weekly list of links to shows, films and general pop culture that I think you would enjoy. Let me know if this is something that you’d be interested in!

Television: Series Recommendations & Reminders

In addition to the following, I will also be checking out the series premieres of Cougar Town (ABC, 9/24) and The Good Wife (CBS, 9/22).

Dexter
SHO, returns Sunday (9/27)

I will reviewing the first four episodes this week – stay tuned for an extensive (spoiler-free) Season 4 preview right here, on or before Sunday!

Dollhouse
FOX, returns Friday (9/25)

One of the most unique new shows of 2008 returns for a sophomore season, following a mind-blowing DVD & iTunes only episode (“Epitaph One”) that did not air with the first season.

FlashForward
ABC, premieres Thursday (9/24/09)

This is, without question, the best pilot I have seen in five years. Stunning cinematography, fantastic script and cast, immediately intriguing. I have already started a website for the new series, and will be giving away copies of Robert J. Sawyer’s book FlashForward there later this week.

At Comic-Con earlier this summer, I recorded a personal FlashForward video, and had the opportunity to interview the cast after the panel.

I highly recommend that you visit and bookmark the official FlashForward websites, JoinTheMosaic and TruthHack (which are confirmed to be canon), as well as the official message board with both cast and creative team participation and interaction.

Grey’s Anatomy
ABC, returns Thursday (9/24)

Here is my spoiler-free preview/review of the two-hour season premiere.

House
FOX, returns tonight (9/21/09)

TiVO/DVR alert: the season premiere runs 2 hours and 1 minute long.

I am giving away House S5 on DVD; if you haven’t entered already, click here for a chance to win! The contest has been extended through tomorrow.

Medium
CBS, returns Friday (9/25/09)

New network and night alert: Fridays on CBS.

Modern Family
ABC, premieres Wednesday (9/23/09)

My favorite new comedy series of 2009 (aside from Glee, which is more of a variety comedy show). Original premise, very likable cast and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments in the pilot alone.

Fall Film Recommendations, Part 1

Bright Star
Written & directed by Jane Campion. Starring Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw.
In wide release: 9/25/09

A beautiful film about the secret affair between poet John Keats and his outspoken neighbor Fanny Brawne, in early 1800′s London.

The Informant
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by Scott Z. Burns
Starring Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale and Melanie Lynskey
In wide release: now

You can’t go wrong with Soderbergh and Damon, and it’s nice to see McHale both on the new NBC series Community and on the big screen. And of course Lynskey, whom I have enjoyed since her film debut with Kate Winslet in Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures (1994).

The Invention of Lying
Written & directed by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson
Starring Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor, Fionnula Flanagan, Rob Lowe and Tina Fey
In wide release: 10/2/09

Great cast and very funny trailer; I may be attending a screening next week and will then post a review.

Precious (Based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire)
Directed by Lee Daniels, screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
Starring Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe
In wide release: 11/13/09

There is early Oscar buzz about a potential Best Actress nomination for Mo’Nique in this film, which is Executive Produced by the powerhouse combination of Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.

DVD Release of the Week

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital Download
9/22/09

Some people love Jennifer Aniston; to each their own. I simply prefer another Jennifer (Garner), given the choice, when buying or renting romantic/relationship films.

Have a great week!

« Older Entries

Next Entries »