Showing posts with label awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label awards. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Ethnic Actors And the Emmy's
An article about Regina King's comments about white actors and the Emmy's got me thinking. Why are there always more white actors nominated than any other race? That's right-more options and better roles.
I'm black(technically half) and when I see the preview for a black show I wait for the hook. If that hook is black family with wise(and wise cracking dad), no thanks. My upbringing was not like Cosby Show or any other show with a similar set up of a black family in a good home and neighborhood. But than again, my likes and dislikes seem to run different than "your average black male." Goth and industrial music. Lots of comic books. Sports? No thanks. Kind of makes it hard for me to relate to a number of black folks on TV.
I'm not saying there aren't good black shows. I liked Martin. Use to watch In Living Color. What I saw of Girlfriends I enjoyed(hell, just got to hear Persia Whites cover of an old Billy Holiday son and it was cool. Plus she's down with the industrial so I got mad love). There are a number of shows that are good but the thing about these shows is that they just scream BLACK AUDIENCE for the most part. The hook tends to focus on that and I think it makes it hard to get recognized come Emmy time in this kind of situation.
In contrast lets look at Big Bang Theory. Yes, it's a show about nerds and geeks but that could also mean outsider. You don't have to be a geek or a nerd to relate to feeling ostracized or different. Even though the show is a comedy and thats not a central theme it does come up from time to time. It allows for someone who may not be interested to give it a look and see Jim Parsons portrayal of Sheldon Cooper who, is just an interesting character and he gives a dazzling performance. Breaking Bad has a mostly white cast with Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul picking up honors this year but the roles are great on a show with a helluva hook.
Now, there are shows that have cast members of a different ethnicity. Archie Panjabi beat out other actress' to win the Best Supporting Actress in a drama statuette. This is is because she had one of the juicer female supporting roles on the show. The other actress' on the show being the talented Christine Baranski and the girl who plays the leads daughter. This is something to note because at times the ethnic character either gets a less than meaty supporting role or they are hampered by a large supporting cast. While I doubt True Blood will run up too many acting nods, that guy who plays Lafayette is gold. Gay, drug dealer with a bad attitude. Shit, if he was the main star, maybe. But he's not and there's a dozen other supporting cast members.
Now, I totally think there does need to be more shows with majority ethnic casts(and I'm talking English speaking Asian or Latino or Indian because there was will always be a few predominately black casted TV series'). But I also think that ethnic actors need to be aware that if you want to win a statue come Emmy time both your shows identity and where you are in the cast are going to play big. Dule Hill is great on Psyche but he hasn't gotten any nominations yet(Neither has James Roday and he's technically Hispanic. Well, barely anyone outside Tony Shalhoub gets nominated from any USA show. What the fuck is with the Emmy's? I mean, I'm still miffed about Katy Sagal not getting nominated. I know she's white and all and we're talking about ethnic actors getting nominations but that shit was ridiculous. You know what-forget what I said. Fuck the Emmy's. Fuck 'em!).
I'm black(technically half) and when I see the preview for a black show I wait for the hook. If that hook is black family with wise(and wise cracking dad), no thanks. My upbringing was not like Cosby Show or any other show with a similar set up of a black family in a good home and neighborhood. But than again, my likes and dislikes seem to run different than "your average black male." Goth and industrial music. Lots of comic books. Sports? No thanks. Kind of makes it hard for me to relate to a number of black folks on TV.
I'm not saying there aren't good black shows. I liked Martin. Use to watch In Living Color. What I saw of Girlfriends I enjoyed(hell, just got to hear Persia Whites cover of an old Billy Holiday son and it was cool. Plus she's down with the industrial so I got mad love). There are a number of shows that are good but the thing about these shows is that they just scream BLACK AUDIENCE for the most part. The hook tends to focus on that and I think it makes it hard to get recognized come Emmy time in this kind of situation.
In contrast lets look at Big Bang Theory. Yes, it's a show about nerds and geeks but that could also mean outsider. You don't have to be a geek or a nerd to relate to feeling ostracized or different. Even though the show is a comedy and thats not a central theme it does come up from time to time. It allows for someone who may not be interested to give it a look and see Jim Parsons portrayal of Sheldon Cooper who, is just an interesting character and he gives a dazzling performance. Breaking Bad has a mostly white cast with Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul picking up honors this year but the roles are great on a show with a helluva hook.
Now, there are shows that have cast members of a different ethnicity. Archie Panjabi beat out other actress' to win the Best Supporting Actress in a drama statuette. This is is because she had one of the juicer female supporting roles on the show. The other actress' on the show being the talented Christine Baranski and the girl who plays the leads daughter. This is something to note because at times the ethnic character either gets a less than meaty supporting role or they are hampered by a large supporting cast. While I doubt True Blood will run up too many acting nods, that guy who plays Lafayette is gold. Gay, drug dealer with a bad attitude. Shit, if he was the main star, maybe. But he's not and there's a dozen other supporting cast members.
Now, I totally think there does need to be more shows with majority ethnic casts(and I'm talking English speaking Asian or Latino or Indian because there was will always be a few predominately black casted TV series'). But I also think that ethnic actors need to be aware that if you want to win a statue come Emmy time both your shows identity and where you are in the cast are going to play big. Dule Hill is great on Psyche but he hasn't gotten any nominations yet(Neither has James Roday and he's technically Hispanic. Well, barely anyone outside Tony Shalhoub gets nominated from any USA show. What the fuck is with the Emmy's? I mean, I'm still miffed about Katy Sagal not getting nominated. I know she's white and all and we're talking about ethnic actors getting nominations but that shit was ridiculous. You know what-forget what I said. Fuck the Emmy's. Fuck 'em!).
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Eisner Awards Personal Favorite: 20th Century Boys
Probably amongst the best works I'm reading now 20th Century Boys is nominated in two categories, best Continuing Series and International Work-Asia. The creator Naoki Urasawa is nominated in best Writer/Artist category and his other title, Pluto is nominated in best limited series and also against 20th Century Boys in International Work-Asia.
You need to check out 20th Century Boys. It's a stirring science fiction series about a storybook made by childhood friends that becomes a guide book of sorts for a mysterious figure in the future who has created a group called the Friends.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Carl's Damn Near Accurate Oscar Predictions
BEST PICTURE
"An Education"
"Avatar"
"The Blind Side"
"District 9"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Precious"
"A Serious Man"
"Up"
"Up in the Air"
Winner: Hurt Locker
Why?: Because it won the Critics Choice awards as well as the most wards from various Critics organizations.
My opinion: Of the films nominated, Inglourious Basterds was my fav. However Hurt Locker is a good movie. Just of the five films I saw(wow, five of ten. Better than one of five right?), I would rank it last behind Avatar because Avatars effects were awesome. District 9 and Up were the other films I saw.
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Jeff Bridges for "Crazy Heart"
George Clooney for "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth for "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman for "Invictus"
Jeremy Renner for "The Hurt Locker"
Winner: Jeff Bridges
Why?: Because he's one damn near every award thus far.
My Opinion: I've only seen Hurt Locker thus far so I have to go with Jeremy Renner who was excellent anyway.
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Sandra Bullock for "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren for "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan for "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe for "Precious"
Meryl Streep for "Julie & Julia"
Winner: Sandra Bullock
Why?: Because Meryl Streep's her only competition and she has two.
My Opinion: I'm just against Sandra Bullock for some reason. Though she was cool in Speed and Demolition Man. By the way, I've seen none of these moves.
DIRECTING
Kathryn Bigelow for "The Hurt Locker"
James Cameron for "Avatar"
Lee Daniels for "Precious"
Jason Reitman for "Up in the Air"
Quentin Tarantino for "Inglourious Basterds"
Winner: Kathyrn Bigelow
Why?: She won the DGA's top honor. So that's pretty much a shoe in.
My Opinion: I'm a Tarantino fan for sure and Avatar is a stylin' movie itself. However Bigelow did a damn fine job building the tension. Besides, first woman to win would be nice.
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Matt Damon for "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson for "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer for "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci for "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz for "Inglourious Basterds"
Winner: Christoph Waltz
Why?: He's been the front runner before the race even got close to starting with his Cannes Film Festival win.
My Opinion: Only saw this film and Waltz literally waltzed throughout the film. Hell, before him Tarantino was considering abandoning the project altogether.
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Penelope Cruz for "Nine"
Vera Farmiga for "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Crazy Heart"
Anna Kendrick for "Up in the Air"
Mo'Nique for "Precious"
Winner: Mo'Nique
Why?: Because she's been the winner at all the other awards.
My Opinion: I saw none of these movies.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
"Ajami"
"El Secreto de Sus Ojos"
"The Milk of Sorrow"
"A Prophet"
"The White Ribbon"
Winner: The White Ribbon
Why?: Going with Golden Globes and buzz but... you never know. Last year Departures won when everyone thought it was going to be that Waltz With Bashir.
My Opinion: No opinion.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
"Coraline"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"The Princess and the Frog"
"The Secret of Kells"
"Up"
Winner: Up
Why?: Go back up and check the Best Picture noms.
My Opinion: Personally, Monsters vs. Alien was my fav animated flick of the year and its a crying shame Ponyo was left off. So of these, I love Up but lean towards Coraline. That said, great year for animation. Mostly...SCREENPLAY (Adapted)
"An Education"
"District 9"
"In the Loop"
"Precious"
"Up in the Air"
Winner: Up in the Air
Why?: Won some awards already.
SCREENPLAY (Original)
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"The Messenger"
"A Serious Man"
"Up"
Winner: Inglourious Basterds
Why?: Won some awards already.
ART DIRECTION
"Avatar"
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"
"Nine"
"Sherlock Holmes"
"The Young Victoria"
Winner: Avatar
Why?: Billion Dollars
CINEMATOGRAPHY
"Avatar"
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"The White Ribbon"
Winner: Avatar
Why?: Once again... Billion Dollars
COSTUME DESIGN
"Bright Star"
"Coco Before Chanel"
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"
"Nine"
"The Young Victoria"
Winner: The Young Victoria
Why?: Going with Critics here.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
"Burma VJ"
"The Cove"
"Food Inc."
"The Most Dangerous Man in America"
"Which Way Home"
Winner: The Cove
Why?: Critics...
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
"China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province"
"The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner"
"The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant"
"Music by Prudence"
"Rabbit a la Berlin"
Don't Know... But we'll say the Last Truck because of the timing.
FILM EDITING
"Avatar"
"District 9"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Precious"
Winner: Avatar
Why?: Money in the bank.
MAKEUP
"Il Divo"
"Star Trek"
"The Young Victoria"
Winner: The Young Victoria
Why?: Just a guess.
MUSIC (SCORE)
"Avatar"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Sherlock Holmes"
"Up"
Winner: Up
Why?: That's the buzz.
MUSIC (SONG)
"Almost There" from "The Princess & the Frog"
"Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess & the Frog"
"Loin de Paname" from "Paris 36"
"Take it All" from "Nine"
"The Weary Kind" from "Crazy Heart"
Winner: The Weary Kind
Why?: T-Bone just makes the right music for the movies he's involved in.
SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
"French Roast"
"Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty"
"The Lady and the Reaper"
"Logorama"
"A Matter of Loaf and Death"
Guess... The Lady and the Reaper because the title is awesome.
SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
"The Door"
"Instead of Abracadabra"
"Kavi"
"Miracle Fish"
"The New Tenants"
Guess... The Door. Don't know, sounds mysterious.
SOUND EDITING
"Avatar"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Star Trek"
"Up"
Winner: Avatar
Why?: Keeps ringing in the cash.
SOUND MIXING
"Avatar"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Star Trek"
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"
Winner: Avatar
Why?: Watch the money flow.
VISUAL EFFECTS
"Avatar"
"District 9"
"Star Trek"
Winner: Avatar
Why?: 300 million dollar movie makes billion dollars thanks to 3D tickets.
There you have. Oscar predictions. Skip the show and watch a movie instead. It'll probably be boring anyway. It always is.
Friday, January 22, 2010
2010 Ramble Awards
2009
2008
Favorite Film: Monsters vs. Aliens
Why?: Tough call. Absolutely loved Inglourious Basterds. Saw Hangover, Star Trek and District 9 twice each. And yeah, Up and Coraline were technically better animated movies but this lfick was so fun its become one of my go-to videos to watch. Seen it at least three times since boot-er, DVD.
Favorite Performance by an Actor: Chrisoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterd
Why?: That opening scene in Tarantino's latest is just killer. Waltz literally waltzes his way through this movie in villainous style as the Jew Hunter.
Favorite Performance by an Actress: Melanie Laurent for Inglourious Basterd
Why?: Most of the best female performances are on TV or in smaller films. So, since I missed a bunch of those films cause they didn't seem interesting, Melanie was the only real choice. Okay, Zoe Saldana(Star Trek, Avatar) was close but Melanie's performance as a Jewish woman in hiding in France was so strong I'm sad she has not gotten too many Supporting Noms from award shows.
Favorite Director: Neill Blomkamp
Why?: Thought I was going Tarantino? So did I but I decided with Blomkamp because District 9 was a visual treat. Not as technical and future-bending as Avatar sure, but he handles the performances, settings, and effects so damn well that this film is one of my all time fav sci-fi flicks.
Favorites in TV
Favorite TV Series: Sons of Anarchy
Why?: That second season exploded from the first episode and burned the competition. Intense work.
Favorite Performance by an Actor: Neil Patrick Harris for How I Met Your Mother
Why?: How I Met Your Mothers a good comedy but NPH makes it better. Well, most the other cast is good to but without Harris, this show would've been canceled long ago.
Favorite Performance by an Actress: Katey Sagal for Sons of Anarchy
Why?: That last scene in Season 1, episode 1 and than the next couple episodes. Sagal is awesome.
Favorite Episode of the Year: The Ring-South Park
Why?: I knew it was a South Park episode. yeah, Sons was a better season overall butt he good episodes of South Park just killed. This one revolving around Purity Rings, Jonas Bros. and a foul mouthed Mickey Mouse was genius. Plus it has a hilarious ending that's a touch nostalgic for us long time South Park fans. Interestingly, Margaritaville episode won the Emmy this year for animated episode. That one was awesome.
Favorites in Comics
Favorite Ongoing Series: Empowered
Why?: This category is, in general, ongoing series. Traditional comics, OGN series, and manga. Topping this year in Empowered because volume 5 dealt with the circumstances at the end of volume 4 beautifully and sped to a draamtic conclusion that shocked me.
Favorite Writer: Adam Warren for Empowered
Why?: Not too many comic writers doing multiple books I like. Technically none at all. Sorry Geoff Johns. So I went with Empowered's writer artist Adam Warren.
Favorite Artist/Art Team: JH Williams III & Dave Stewart for Batwoman in Detective Comics
Why?: JH Williams killed ever issue. One of my fav artists on top of his game. He and writer Greg Rucka made this one of my fav superhero books this year. Williams design work and ability to shift his style to fit the mood is what makes him great. Plus the wonderful coloring of Dave Stewart. Can't forget him.
Favorite Collected Edition: The Life & Times of Martha Washinton in the 21st Century
Why?: Despite not being my fav Frank Miller or Dave Gibbons work, it is a good book made even more impressive in this single over sized omnibus with extras galore. Where the hell were all these specials on Frank Millers Ronin Absolute edition over at DC. Dark Horse kicked this one into gear with so much cool stuff. I got the 99 dollar hardcore. I hear there's a 30 dollar omnibus coming soon. The story of poor black girl who becomes a soldier and freedom fighter is just a good kick in the ass of dull comics.
Favorite Novel
Favorite Novel I Read in 2009: The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
Why?: I checked out the paperback of The Girl with the Dragon tattoo expecting it to be over rated. That thing kidnapped me. This book, is so much mroe awesome. The second part of the Millennium trilogy about a financial reporter Mikael Blomkvist and the hacker chick Lisbeth Salander finds the duo tied up with a murder leading to Lisbeth. Its up to them to clear her name, though they are doing it separately.
Favorites in Music
Video is NSFW
Favorite Artist/Band: Kabuto the Pyhton
Why?: Despite my reservations about a rapper under a V for Venddeta mask, KTP kicked ass on the Parsletongue mixtape which I still bump sixmonths later. Plus several diss tracks, several guests verses, and collections of unsued, unreleased or older material-2009 was the year of the Python. His flow is just mean and fun. Thats a cool combination.
Favorite Album: Parsletongue Mixtape by Kabuto the Python
Why?: Despite it being too long with too much random filler, the meat of the album kills. From Saigons of Thump to the cool ass-kicking High School Musical(that has practically nothing to do with the movie other than two small references). Plus that Margret Thatcher sample for a middle verse in Open Season is just awesome.
Favorite Song: Bottoms Up by My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
Why?: Death threat switched between evil and funky so the album had mixed results. But this sexy, funky, and slightly evil track is a gem. One of my fav all time TKK songs.
2008
Favorites in Movies
Favorite Film: Monsters vs. Aliens
Why?: Tough call. Absolutely loved Inglourious Basterds. Saw Hangover, Star Trek and District 9 twice each. And yeah, Up and Coraline were technically better animated movies but this lfick was so fun its become one of my go-to videos to watch. Seen it at least three times since boot-er, DVD.
Favorite Performance by an Actor: Chrisoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterd
Why?: That opening scene in Tarantino's latest is just killer. Waltz literally waltzes his way through this movie in villainous style as the Jew Hunter.
Favorite Performance by an Actress: Melanie Laurent for Inglourious Basterd
Why?: Most of the best female performances are on TV or in smaller films. So, since I missed a bunch of those films cause they didn't seem interesting, Melanie was the only real choice. Okay, Zoe Saldana(Star Trek, Avatar) was close but Melanie's performance as a Jewish woman in hiding in France was so strong I'm sad she has not gotten too many Supporting Noms from award shows.
Favorite Director: Neill Blomkamp
Why?: Thought I was going Tarantino? So did I but I decided with Blomkamp because District 9 was a visual treat. Not as technical and future-bending as Avatar sure, but he handles the performances, settings, and effects so damn well that this film is one of my all time fav sci-fi flicks.
Favorites in TV
Favorite TV Series: Sons of Anarchy
Why?: That second season exploded from the first episode and burned the competition. Intense work.
Favorite Performance by an Actor: Neil Patrick Harris for How I Met Your Mother
Why?: How I Met Your Mothers a good comedy but NPH makes it better. Well, most the other cast is good to but without Harris, this show would've been canceled long ago.
Favorite Performance by an Actress: Katey Sagal for Sons of Anarchy
Why?: That last scene in Season 1, episode 1 and than the next couple episodes. Sagal is awesome.
Favorite Episode of the Year: The Ring-South Park
Why?: I knew it was a South Park episode. yeah, Sons was a better season overall butt he good episodes of South Park just killed. This one revolving around Purity Rings, Jonas Bros. and a foul mouthed Mickey Mouse was genius. Plus it has a hilarious ending that's a touch nostalgic for us long time South Park fans. Interestingly, Margaritaville episode won the Emmy this year for animated episode. That one was awesome.
Favorites in Comics
Favorite Ongoing Series: Empowered
Why?: This category is, in general, ongoing series. Traditional comics, OGN series, and manga. Topping this year in Empowered because volume 5 dealt with the circumstances at the end of volume 4 beautifully and sped to a draamtic conclusion that shocked me.
Favorite Writer: Adam Warren for Empowered
Why?: Not too many comic writers doing multiple books I like. Technically none at all. Sorry Geoff Johns. So I went with Empowered's writer artist Adam Warren.
Favorite Artist/Art Team: JH Williams III & Dave Stewart for Batwoman in Detective Comics
Why?: JH Williams killed ever issue. One of my fav artists on top of his game. He and writer Greg Rucka made this one of my fav superhero books this year. Williams design work and ability to shift his style to fit the mood is what makes him great. Plus the wonderful coloring of Dave Stewart. Can't forget him.
Favorite Collected Edition: The Life & Times of Martha Washinton in the 21st Century
Why?: Despite not being my fav Frank Miller or Dave Gibbons work, it is a good book made even more impressive in this single over sized omnibus with extras galore. Where the hell were all these specials on Frank Millers Ronin Absolute edition over at DC. Dark Horse kicked this one into gear with so much cool stuff. I got the 99 dollar hardcore. I hear there's a 30 dollar omnibus coming soon. The story of poor black girl who becomes a soldier and freedom fighter is just a good kick in the ass of dull comics.
Favorite Novel
Favorite Novel I Read in 2009: The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
Why?: I checked out the paperback of The Girl with the Dragon tattoo expecting it to be over rated. That thing kidnapped me. This book, is so much mroe awesome. The second part of the Millennium trilogy about a financial reporter Mikael Blomkvist and the hacker chick Lisbeth Salander finds the duo tied up with a murder leading to Lisbeth. Its up to them to clear her name, though they are doing it separately.
Favorites in Music
Video is NSFW
Favorite Artist/Band: Kabuto the Pyhton
Why?: Despite my reservations about a rapper under a V for Venddeta mask, KTP kicked ass on the Parsletongue mixtape which I still bump sixmonths later. Plus several diss tracks, several guests verses, and collections of unsued, unreleased or older material-2009 was the year of the Python. His flow is just mean and fun. Thats a cool combination.
Favorite Album: Parsletongue Mixtape by Kabuto the Python
Why?: Despite it being too long with too much random filler, the meat of the album kills. From Saigons of Thump to the cool ass-kicking High School Musical(that has practically nothing to do with the movie other than two small references). Plus that Margret Thatcher sample for a middle verse in Open Season is just awesome.
Favorite Song: Bottoms Up by My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
Why?: Death threat switched between evil and funky so the album had mixed results. But this sexy, funky, and slightly evil track is a gem. One of my fav all time TKK songs.
In case you are wondering, Chikara Pro Wrestling, fav wrestling company. Mike Quackenbush fav wrestler. Team FIST bes tag team. Team uppercut vs. Masters of 1000 Holds best match at King of Trio's Night 2. All Chikara.
Edit: If the spelling and grammers off, its because the auto spell/grammer thingee isn't working right.
Edit: If the spelling and grammers off, its because the auto spell/grammer thingee isn't working right.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Ramble Awards 2009
Last Years Here.
5 Fav Movies
#1-The Dark Knight
#2-Wall-E, #3-Iron Man, #4-Rambo, #5-Gran Torino
Yeah... I've watched this one more times than any other flick. Twice at theaters, on bootleg, then legitimate DVD release. I put off seeing Wall-E for a while but I was so engrossed by it when I finally saw it. Iron Man was awesome. Rambo and Gran Torino were films that were truely bad ass.
5 Fav Male Performances
#1-Heath Ledger for the Dark Knight
#2-Robert Downy, Jr. for Iron Man, #3-Micky Rourke for the Wrestler, #4-Clint Eastwood for Gran Torino, #5-Tom Cruise for Tropic Thunder
Come on, this will be the most remembered performance in 2008. It's already the most iconic images seeing as Heath as the Joker is on dozens of top selling merchandise. Downy might be getting the nod for Tropic Thunder at the globes but I prefered Tom Cruise. Though Downy was my second fav in Iron Man. The Wrestler was damn good but depressing. Oscars snubbed Eastwood and thats a shame.
4 Fav Female Performances
#1-Ellen Page for Smart People
#2-Cate Blanchett for the Curious Case of Benjamin Button, #3-Anne Hathaway for Get Smart, #4-Marisa Tomei for the Wrestler
I honestly believe the best roles for women are on TV. But that's also coupled with the fact I don't see chick flicks and avoid a lot of depressing movie fare. I liked this movie a lot and thought Ellen Page was funny. You should seek it out. While I wasn't as hyped by Benjamin Button I liked Cate Blanchett. Hathaways getting the nod for Rachel Getting Married but I didn't see that and enjoyed the hell out of Get Smart. Marisa Tomei was awesome in the Wrestler.
5 Fav Directors
#1-Sly Stallone for Rambo
#2-Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire, #3-Chris Nolan for the Dark Knight, #4-Clint Eastwood for Gran Torino, #5-Andrew Stanton for Wall-E
Violent. Addictive. Great, great, great action film. Stallone put out a true action classic here. Danny Boyle, Nolan and Eastwood all did great jobs on their films. Wall-E maybe my second fav Pixar film. Thanks Stanton.
5 Fav TV Shows
#1-Avatar: the Last Air Bender
#2-Mad Men, #3-Sons of Anarchy, #4-30 Rock, #5-True Blood
Avatar was awesome. Not as good as season 2 but still, I loved it. Dread the upcoming film. Mad Men and 30 Rock continue to be awesome. Enjoyed Sons of Anarchy and True Blood.
5 Fav Male Performers on TV
#1-Jon Hamm on Mad Men
#2-Alec Baldwin on 30 Rock, #3-Charles Hunnam on Sons of Anarchy, #4-Zachary Levi on Chuck, #5-Stephen Moyer on True Blood
Mad Men is such an engrossing show and Jon Hamms Don Draper is brilliant. So good my friend got his haircut and calls it the Don Draper look. Of my list the only surprise, against my top shows, is Zach Levi from Chuck which is an awesome program.
5 Fav Female Performances on TV
#1-January Jones on Mad Men
#2-Tina Fey on 30 Rock, #3-Katey Segal on Sons of Anarchy, #4-Anna Paquin on True Blood, #5-Maggie Siff on Sons of Anarchy
January Jones should have won! Yeah, I like Anna Paquin too but Jones is work in Mad Men was so emotional. Two women from the biker drama Sons of Anarchy. Great talent on that program. No surprise, Tina Fey.
3 Fav Anime Shows or Movies/DVDs or New In Japan
#1-Yuyu Hakusho Season Sets
#2-Black Lagoon: Second Barrage, #3-School Rumble
This year, all DVD pick ups. Went witht he Yuyu Hakusho seasons because it surprised me how much Cartoon Network edited. Still need to watch the final box that just came out. Black Lagoon was all kinds of awesome. School Rumble, first season was great. Second season is okay.
5 Fav Comics/Ongoings, Minis, or OGNs
#1-All Star Superman
#2-I Kill Giants, #3-Wonder Woman, #4-Empowered, #5-Water Baby
ASS is awesome! Oh yeah... I Kill Giants, which just finished, was truely remarkable. Gails making Wonder Woman good and Empowered keeps rocking. Water Baby was a fun read. But all pale to All Star Superman.
5 Fav Mangas
#1-Nana
#2-Skip Beat, #3-Excel Saga, #4-S-A/Special A, #5-Gunsmith Cats: Burst
Of course Nana though Skip Beat was close. Excel Saga was good but only two volumes released and the story is only starting to pick up now. Special A was a fun read. GSC might have bene higher but only one volume which makes me think Dark Horse is losing the license and Kodansha will be releasing it soon. Still, Nana is a perfectly executed drama about two friends. Emoitonal and at times funny.
5 Fav Comic Writers
#1-Grant Morrison for All Star Superman, Batman, and Final Crisis
#2-Joe Kelley for I Kill Giants, #3-Gail Simone for Wonder Woman,#4-Adam Warren for Empowered, #5-geoff Johns for Green Lantern and Justice Society of America
Bought more Morrison than anyone else. Everyone else on my list placed because of my fav comics or because of the output.
5 Fav Comic Artists
#1-Ai Yazawa for Nana
#2-Frank Quitely for All Star Superman, #3-Adam Warren for Empowered, #4-Yoshiki Nakamura for Skip Beat, #5-Ross Campbell for Water Baby and Wet Moon
Nana edging out ASS. Yep... more output. Empowered is a gem so Adam Warren is up there.
5 Fav Albums
#1-If by Mindless Self Indulgence
#2-Invasion of the Mic Snatchers by the Sinister Six, #3-Nudy Show! By Anna Tsuchiya, #4-Digital Gangster by MC Lars and YTCracker, #5-Chinese Democracy by Guns N’ Roses
Though Nerdcore had two albums up there(with Sinister Six being free-isn't that great?) the MSI album Ifs on top. Anna Tsuchiya's album was fun and the new GNR is addicting. Still, I don't get too many new albums these days. Maybe 2009 will be better with new TKK, KMFDM and... um... oh nevermind.
5 Fav Songs
#1-Roll the Dice by the Sinister Six
#2-Bomb This Track by Mindless Self Indulgence, #3-Displine by Nine Inch Nails, #4-Paper Planes by MIA, #5-Never Wanted to Dance by Mindless Self Indulgence
Two MSI tracks and singles from MIA and Nine Inch Nails. But on top is my fav song by nerdcore Sinister Six. Go to the site and grab it.
5 Fav Movies
#1-The Dark Knight
#2-Wall-E, #3-Iron Man, #4-Rambo, #5-Gran Torino
Yeah... I've watched this one more times than any other flick. Twice at theaters, on bootleg, then legitimate DVD release. I put off seeing Wall-E for a while but I was so engrossed by it when I finally saw it. Iron Man was awesome. Rambo and Gran Torino were films that were truely bad ass.
5 Fav Male Performances
#1-Heath Ledger for the Dark Knight
#2-Robert Downy, Jr. for Iron Man, #3-Micky Rourke for the Wrestler, #4-Clint Eastwood for Gran Torino, #5-Tom Cruise for Tropic Thunder
Come on, this will be the most remembered performance in 2008. It's already the most iconic images seeing as Heath as the Joker is on dozens of top selling merchandise. Downy might be getting the nod for Tropic Thunder at the globes but I prefered Tom Cruise. Though Downy was my second fav in Iron Man. The Wrestler was damn good but depressing. Oscars snubbed Eastwood and thats a shame.
4 Fav Female Performances
#1-Ellen Page for Smart People
#2-Cate Blanchett for the Curious Case of Benjamin Button, #3-Anne Hathaway for Get Smart, #4-Marisa Tomei for the Wrestler
I honestly believe the best roles for women are on TV. But that's also coupled with the fact I don't see chick flicks and avoid a lot of depressing movie fare. I liked this movie a lot and thought Ellen Page was funny. You should seek it out. While I wasn't as hyped by Benjamin Button I liked Cate Blanchett. Hathaways getting the nod for Rachel Getting Married but I didn't see that and enjoyed the hell out of Get Smart. Marisa Tomei was awesome in the Wrestler.
5 Fav Directors
#1-Sly Stallone for Rambo
#2-Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire, #3-Chris Nolan for the Dark Knight, #4-Clint Eastwood for Gran Torino, #5-Andrew Stanton for Wall-E
Violent. Addictive. Great, great, great action film. Stallone put out a true action classic here. Danny Boyle, Nolan and Eastwood all did great jobs on their films. Wall-E maybe my second fav Pixar film. Thanks Stanton.
5 Fav TV Shows
#1-Avatar: the Last Air Bender
#2-Mad Men, #3-Sons of Anarchy, #4-30 Rock, #5-True Blood
Avatar was awesome. Not as good as season 2 but still, I loved it. Dread the upcoming film. Mad Men and 30 Rock continue to be awesome. Enjoyed Sons of Anarchy and True Blood.
5 Fav Male Performers on TV
#1-Jon Hamm on Mad Men
#2-Alec Baldwin on 30 Rock, #3-Charles Hunnam on Sons of Anarchy, #4-Zachary Levi on Chuck, #5-Stephen Moyer on True Blood
Mad Men is such an engrossing show and Jon Hamms Don Draper is brilliant. So good my friend got his haircut and calls it the Don Draper look. Of my list the only surprise, against my top shows, is Zach Levi from Chuck which is an awesome program.
5 Fav Female Performances on TV
#1-January Jones on Mad Men
#2-Tina Fey on 30 Rock, #3-Katey Segal on Sons of Anarchy, #4-Anna Paquin on True Blood, #5-Maggie Siff on Sons of Anarchy
January Jones should have won! Yeah, I like Anna Paquin too but Jones is work in Mad Men was so emotional. Two women from the biker drama Sons of Anarchy. Great talent on that program. No surprise, Tina Fey.
3 Fav Anime Shows or Movies/DVDs or New In Japan
#1-Yuyu Hakusho Season Sets
#2-Black Lagoon: Second Barrage, #3-School Rumble
This year, all DVD pick ups. Went witht he Yuyu Hakusho seasons because it surprised me how much Cartoon Network edited. Still need to watch the final box that just came out. Black Lagoon was all kinds of awesome. School Rumble, first season was great. Second season is okay.
5 Fav Comics/Ongoings, Minis, or OGNs
#1-All Star Superman
#2-I Kill Giants, #3-Wonder Woman, #4-Empowered, #5-Water Baby
ASS is awesome! Oh yeah... I Kill Giants, which just finished, was truely remarkable. Gails making Wonder Woman good and Empowered keeps rocking. Water Baby was a fun read. But all pale to All Star Superman.
5 Fav Mangas
#1-Nana
#2-Skip Beat, #3-Excel Saga, #4-S-A/Special A, #5-Gunsmith Cats: Burst
Of course Nana though Skip Beat was close. Excel Saga was good but only two volumes released and the story is only starting to pick up now. Special A was a fun read. GSC might have bene higher but only one volume which makes me think Dark Horse is losing the license and Kodansha will be releasing it soon. Still, Nana is a perfectly executed drama about two friends. Emoitonal and at times funny.
5 Fav Comic Writers
#1-Grant Morrison for All Star Superman, Batman, and Final Crisis
#2-Joe Kelley for I Kill Giants, #3-Gail Simone for Wonder Woman,#4-Adam Warren for Empowered, #5-geoff Johns for Green Lantern and Justice Society of America
Bought more Morrison than anyone else. Everyone else on my list placed because of my fav comics or because of the output.
5 Fav Comic Artists
#1-Ai Yazawa for Nana
#2-Frank Quitely for All Star Superman, #3-Adam Warren for Empowered, #4-Yoshiki Nakamura for Skip Beat, #5-Ross Campbell for Water Baby and Wet Moon
Nana edging out ASS. Yep... more output. Empowered is a gem so Adam Warren is up there.
5 Fav Albums
#1-If by Mindless Self Indulgence
#2-Invasion of the Mic Snatchers by the Sinister Six, #3-Nudy Show! By Anna Tsuchiya, #4-Digital Gangster by MC Lars and YTCracker, #5-Chinese Democracy by Guns N’ Roses
Though Nerdcore had two albums up there(with Sinister Six being free-isn't that great?) the MSI album Ifs on top. Anna Tsuchiya's album was fun and the new GNR is addicting. Still, I don't get too many new albums these days. Maybe 2009 will be better with new TKK, KMFDM and... um... oh nevermind.
5 Fav Songs
#1-Roll the Dice by the Sinister Six
#2-Bomb This Track by Mindless Self Indulgence, #3-Displine by Nine Inch Nails, #4-Paper Planes by MIA, #5-Never Wanted to Dance by Mindless Self Indulgence
Two MSI tracks and singles from MIA and Nine Inch Nails. But on top is my fav song by nerdcore Sinister Six. Go to the site and grab it.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Coming Up...
Ramble Awards! A new format as I'll do a list with my top 5, or 3, in a certain field. I also cut down the comic one from series, OGN, mini, manga, writer, and artist by counting OGN series, minis in with series.
Yeah!
Keep a look out.
Yeah!
Keep a look out.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Catching Up With Oscar Hopefuls
I saw Slumdog Millionaires last weekend and I have to say, fine film. Different than I expected. Though I guess I didn't know what to expect. All I knew was it had a boy looking for the love of his life and the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Its more than that, taking you through the life of Jamal Malik and how the events of his life shaped him and helped to play the game despite being a slum dog. A visually stunning film with good performances all around. Definitely recommended. I don't think it'll get much in he way of Oscar nominations though, sadly. I'm sure the critics will be sadden too.
Wall-E, the Pixar/Dinesy film, is amazing. I am so mad at myself for not seeing it as I planned back when it was in theaters. This touching film about a trash compactor robot who falls for a probe robot in a dystopian future where the humans live in outer space as the planet is supposed to get cleaned up is amazing. Really, I was touched. This will win the best animated feature award but as far as I'm concerned should be in the best picture race. A bunch of critics agree with me if you check out the wiki profile.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was good. Brad Pitt turned in a good performance but... I was not as enthralled in the film as everyone else seems to be. Its a good looking film with a strong story. I definitely see Brad getting a nomination but I don't think he deserves the win. Still, if you have about 3 hours to burn you'll probably like this movie about a man living in reverse, born old and getting younger. Cate Blanchett was very beautiful and did a great job in her role.
I'll be seeing the Wrestler and Gran Torino next. Not exactly interested in Milk. For some reason, despite not seeing many of his movies, I just don't like Sean Penn. I also didn't see Brokeback Mountain. I know I'd probably like both films but I don't have the interest to see them. What other Oscar hopefuls are out to look at, I wonder... Oh... Doubt. Probably skip that one too.
I never heard of the African-American Critics Association but they picked the Dark Knight as best film of 2008. Wow. Heaths won damn near every time he's been nominated.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
For Your Consideration
Its time for movie studios to pimp out those feature films they believe to be of such quality that they deserve recognition on two specific award shows; the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
Between the two, I prefer the Golden Globes. For two reasons, splitting Comedy and Drama films in movies and lead actors. Plus the noms for Television. The Oscars? Pffff.
Oscars, listen up... you run a show that goes over three hours showcasing films that most to public WILL NOT SEE! Really, it's kind of boring. The average fan probably only tunes in to see the what the actors are wearing and hoping for a good monologue from the host. Everything else is practically filler.
I've been looking at the films that the studios are pimping and I have only seen the Dark Knight. I can probably catch Wall-E and some of the other animated flicks but that's it. And the sad thing is... I live near a movie theater. I'm also a bus ride from another one at a mall. Then there's another few farther down the same street at another mall. And guess what? None of them are playing any of these movies hearing about. No Wrestler, Seven Pounds, Doubt, Slumdog Millionaire, etc. Maybe they all come out this weekend with Punisher.
Really, if I hear people complain about the ratings again, I'm going to scream. Not really but is irritating. Seeing films I never seen nominated isn't going to make me tune in. Than again, most those films aren't ones I'd probably enjoy.
I'll just seem them on cable. Or pick them up from the local neighborhood bootlegger. (Just kidding. ::checks around with shifty eyes::)
So, Oscars... do me a favor, at least put a hit film in there. That'll surely put a few more clicks on the channel you'll be broadcasting on.
Between the two, I prefer the Golden Globes. For two reasons, splitting Comedy and Drama films in movies and lead actors. Plus the noms for Television. The Oscars? Pffff.
Oscars, listen up... you run a show that goes over three hours showcasing films that most to public WILL NOT SEE! Really, it's kind of boring. The average fan probably only tunes in to see the what the actors are wearing and hoping for a good monologue from the host. Everything else is practically filler.
I've been looking at the films that the studios are pimping and I have only seen the Dark Knight. I can probably catch Wall-E and some of the other animated flicks but that's it. And the sad thing is... I live near a movie theater. I'm also a bus ride from another one at a mall. Then there's another few farther down the same street at another mall. And guess what? None of them are playing any of these movies hearing about. No Wrestler, Seven Pounds, Doubt, Slumdog Millionaire, etc. Maybe they all come out this weekend with Punisher.
Really, if I hear people complain about the ratings again, I'm going to scream. Not really but is irritating. Seeing films I never seen nominated isn't going to make me tune in. Than again, most those films aren't ones I'd probably enjoy.
I'll just seem them on cable. Or pick them up from the local neighborhood bootlegger. (Just kidding. ::checks around with shifty eyes::)
So, Oscars... do me a favor, at least put a hit film in there. That'll surely put a few more clicks on the channel you'll be broadcasting on.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Ramble Awards!!!
Not Bests of's... but my favorites of 2007.
Comics
Favorite Comic Book: Checkmate
Yeah, I love All Star Superman but Checkmate's been coming out every month and rocking it. Despite skipping the crossover this book gets better and better. Greg Rucka and company closed out the year on top and this year looks to raise the tension level. Also enjoyed All Star Superman, Astonishing X-Men, and Fables.
Favorite Mini/Maxi-Series: 52
Yep, it ended this year and comics have seemed a lot less interesting since it ended.
Also loved Repo.
Favorite Graphic Novel/Manga: Excel Saga Vol. 16
A quieter volume but still with some silliness. Il Palazzo's Ill corp continues to grow and Kabapu's shady dealings have been exposed. but the star is an amnesiac Excel. Brilliant. Also Empowered and Wet Moon kicked ass.
Favorite Writer: Greg Rucka
Checkmate, 52, Crime Bible, and Queen & Country reprints.
Favorite Artist: JH Williams III
Lots of good art this year but those three issues of Batman Williams did makes him my choice. According to wikipedia he's related to Hank Williams the country music legend.
Anime
Favorite Anime Movie: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex-Solid State Society
Only saw a couple anime flicks this year so I picked this one. Great soundtrack and I love the Stand Alone Complex series.
Favorite Anime Series: Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
This came out this year in the US officially. It was a fun drama-comedy-science fiction series about an eccentric girl named Haruhi, her classmate Kyon and their school club the SOS Brigade searching out for fun and mystery. Little does Haruhi know that her club includes a cyborg, a time traveler, and an ESPer.
Music
Favorite CD: "Devil His Due" by Chris Randall
Never cared for blues rock much but having just finished buying all of Randall's Sister Machine Gun albums took a chance on this and loved it. The mood, the music, and lyrics... the man's got it. Too bad his releases will be all FLAC downloads and I ain't going to be troubled to figure out how to convert those. Also dug Secrets from the Future by MC Frontalot, Eat Me Drink Me by Marilyn Manson, Megaran by Random and Year Zero by NIN.
Favorite Song: "Red Carpet Grave" by Marilyn Manson
Thank god for Tim Skold and a divorce(Manson, you fucked up. Dita Von Teese is a goddess). This album was a combination of pure goth and classic heavy metal. Epitomized by this killer track.
Movies
Favorite Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean: Worlds End
Was at a masterful film that truly emphasized great cinema? ugh, no. Can i watch it more than twice and still enjoy it? Yeah. And that's why it was my favorite film. yeah, there were better movies, but I doubt they'll get as many viewings as this film will in my DVD player.
Favorite Actor: Johnny Depp
Pirates and Sweeny Tood. Two great movies I saw in theaters. Yep, go Depp. Though I doubt you're winning the Oscar this year.
Favorite Actress: Nicole Kidman
Of all the films I saw this year, Golden Compass is one of the few where a woman's performance struck me. Not that I thought this movie was great but Nicole Kidman was the glow of this film. Scary, seductive, and generally amazing.
Favorite Direction: 300 by Zack Snyder
The experience in the movie theater was like almost no other. The fans cheered, laughed, and were drawn into this flick. The visuals were stunning. Thanks Zack. Don't fuck up Watchman.
TV
Favorite New TV Series: Reaper
The new series about a slacker who finds out his parents sold his soul to the devil is fun-suspenseful-hilarious. Sam, bounty hunter for hell... just has a ring to it. Ray Wise is perfect as Satan and the guy who plays Sock is comedy gold.
Favorite TV Series: Avatar the Last Airbender
Because damn it, it's that good. It'll win next years too as we're only half way through the season.
Favorite TV Actor: Alec Baldwin
He's awesome on 30 Rock. Remind me to buy the DVD box set for season 1, will ya?
Favorite TV Actress: er... um... Tina Fey
Yeah... for the "my neighbor might be a terrorist" episode.
Thats it. Later.
Comics
Favorite Comic Book: Checkmate
Yeah, I love All Star Superman but Checkmate's been coming out every month and rocking it. Despite skipping the crossover this book gets better and better. Greg Rucka and company closed out the year on top and this year looks to raise the tension level. Also enjoyed All Star Superman, Astonishing X-Men, and Fables.
Favorite Mini/Maxi-Series: 52
Yep, it ended this year and comics have seemed a lot less interesting since it ended.
Also loved Repo.
Favorite Graphic Novel/Manga: Excel Saga Vol. 16
A quieter volume but still with some silliness. Il Palazzo's Ill corp continues to grow and Kabapu's shady dealings have been exposed. but the star is an amnesiac Excel. Brilliant. Also Empowered and Wet Moon kicked ass.
Favorite Writer: Greg Rucka
Checkmate, 52, Crime Bible, and Queen & Country reprints.
Favorite Artist: JH Williams III
Lots of good art this year but those three issues of Batman Williams did makes him my choice. According to wikipedia he's related to Hank Williams the country music legend.
Anime
Favorite Anime Movie: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex-Solid State Society
Only saw a couple anime flicks this year so I picked this one. Great soundtrack and I love the Stand Alone Complex series.
Favorite Anime Series: Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
This came out this year in the US officially. It was a fun drama-comedy-science fiction series about an eccentric girl named Haruhi, her classmate Kyon and their school club the SOS Brigade searching out for fun and mystery. Little does Haruhi know that her club includes a cyborg, a time traveler, and an ESPer.
Music
Favorite CD: "Devil His Due" by Chris Randall
Never cared for blues rock much but having just finished buying all of Randall's Sister Machine Gun albums took a chance on this and loved it. The mood, the music, and lyrics... the man's got it. Too bad his releases will be all FLAC downloads and I ain't going to be troubled to figure out how to convert those. Also dug Secrets from the Future by MC Frontalot, Eat Me Drink Me by Marilyn Manson, Megaran by Random and Year Zero by NIN.
Favorite Song: "Red Carpet Grave" by Marilyn Manson
Thank god for Tim Skold and a divorce(Manson, you fucked up. Dita Von Teese is a goddess). This album was a combination of pure goth and classic heavy metal. Epitomized by this killer track.
Movies
Favorite Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean: Worlds End
Was at a masterful film that truly emphasized great cinema? ugh, no. Can i watch it more than twice and still enjoy it? Yeah. And that's why it was my favorite film. yeah, there were better movies, but I doubt they'll get as many viewings as this film will in my DVD player.
Favorite Actor: Johnny Depp
Pirates and Sweeny Tood. Two great movies I saw in theaters. Yep, go Depp. Though I doubt you're winning the Oscar this year.
Favorite Actress: Nicole Kidman
Of all the films I saw this year, Golden Compass is one of the few where a woman's performance struck me. Not that I thought this movie was great but Nicole Kidman was the glow of this film. Scary, seductive, and generally amazing.
Favorite Direction: 300 by Zack Snyder
The experience in the movie theater was like almost no other. The fans cheered, laughed, and were drawn into this flick. The visuals were stunning. Thanks Zack. Don't fuck up Watchman.
TV
Favorite New TV Series: Reaper
The new series about a slacker who finds out his parents sold his soul to the devil is fun-suspenseful-hilarious. Sam, bounty hunter for hell... just has a ring to it. Ray Wise is perfect as Satan and the guy who plays Sock is comedy gold.
Favorite TV Series: Avatar the Last Airbender
Because damn it, it's that good. It'll win next years too as we're only half way through the season.
Favorite TV Actor: Alec Baldwin
He's awesome on 30 Rock. Remind me to buy the DVD box set for season 1, will ya?
Favorite TV Actress: er... um... Tina Fey
Yeah... for the "my neighbor might be a terrorist" episode.
Thats it. Later.
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