Camera Obscura

There are enough articles out there lamenting the return of summer as it pertains to the television watching experience. It should be noted that the rise in reality TV during a time when people should be outdoors doing exactly what they are watching is ironic, but not really problematic. Reality TV is all around us, 365 days a year. Personally, it is during the summer that I find some of the most interesting shows that would normally not get a spot in the line up are shown. Here is what I am currently obsessing over on TV this summer:

"Oddities"- I didn't even know there was a Science Channel, but a friend of mine turned me on to it and was shocked when he discovered I had never heard of this show before. Even more strange, I have been familiar with the cast and concept for some time. "Oddities" focuses on Obscura Antiques & Oddities in Manhattan's East Village. Specializing in the strange and unusual, Lydia Deets would certainly be a regular there, they have exactly what you're looking for. That is, if what floats your boat is anything from a human skull, to turn of the century medical equipment, to a taxidermied two-headed calf. Yep, it's that kind of place. I heard about it a couple years ago when actress Chloe Sevigny made a video tour/introduction to the neighborhood for Bust magazine. It's pretty cool and worth checking out. New episodes air Saturday and there is a mini-marathon on the 18th. Check local listings.

"Auction Hunters"- I got sucked into this show a few months ago at a friends house. Seriously, I have the best friends. How do they know about these things?! The show follows the Laurel and Hardy of storage auctions, Allen Haff and Ton Jones as they scouer California, and sometimes the whole country, in search of forgotten treasure. I love the enthusiasm both have for what they do, as well as the value of many of the items they find. There has been some chatter on the web that the whole show is fake and both Haff and Jones are actors. Personally, I wouldn't call a few appearances as Thug #1 or Bouncer or Detective #2 an acting career. Heaven forbid they try to supplement their income with extra and day player work. Isn't that what southern California is all about? Both say that about 80% of their purchased units are "busts", so doesn't it make sense to have some easy work on the side? Regardless, the show is pretty entertaining and airs on Spike TV throughout the week.

"My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding"- This one my sister turned me on to. If you've never seen it, it's worth checking out one episode just to squelch your curiosity. I don't recommend watching too many in too short a space, as they narrator repeats herself a lot as if the premise is impossible to comprehend or our brains may have leaked out our ears since last week and we forgot all about what we were watching. Seriously TLC, it's not rocket science. What it is, is a big hot mess. The show focuses on Gypsy's and Irish Travellers in England as they embark on their big day. Oddly, the most shocking thing isn't that most of the brides are 18 or under, it's the outrageous wedding dresses they were. Many are so heavy and cumbersome that they cut into the girls and permanently scare them. It's a fascinating look at a usually camera shy culture.

"The Killing"- If you missed out on this series, it's a bit late to jump in now. The season finale is this Sunday but it has been picked up for a second season (yea!!) and I'm sure AMC will re-run the whole thing after the season ends. Set your DVRs now! Based on a popular Danish TV series, the story follows the disappearance of a young woman in Seattle and the possible connections she may have to the changing political climate there. Detective Sarah Linden thinks it's her last day on the job when the body turns up and she's forced to stay on and partner up with her replacement, former NARC detective Steven Holder who may have a past of his own. The show is moody and dark and calmly paced. Each episode offers a clue into the disappearance and murder of Rosie Larsen or into the surviving characters. The pace can seem languid at times, but it all works to build suspense week to week. Those viewers who think "Mad Men" is like watching paint dry should probably avoid this series as well. Of course, you should probably avoid life all around. Just kidding. Kinda. Some of my best friends can't get into either show. Check listings for repeat showings.

NBC Thursdays- During the fall, there is so much competition for space on the schedule that often, shows I like get pushed aside. Case in point- NBC. I love "Community" and "30 Rock", but I know they will re-run in the summer so I set them aside while I watch other crap. This is the best thing about summer! Network TV is in re-runs and now you can catch up. My favourite new show of the mid season was "Happy Endings" on ABC. I totally forgot when it was premiering so I missed the first few, but you can watch them on Hulu or on abc.com. This is the new "Friends" for the 20-30 something set. The episode on hipsters and zombies alone is enough to get you obsessed with this show!

"SYTYCD" - My all time favourite reality show. Say what you will about some of the judges (poor Mary Murphy), but this is a show were the contestants have to have actual talent. Talent and drive they have perfected since they were very young. It showcases all forms of dance from the street performer to the classically trained ballerina, though the contemporary dancers do seem heavily favoured. It's not their fault really, just the name of the game. You need to be amazing at your style of dance as well as be able to learn choreography and a basic understanding of other styles. Cat Deely is the most enigmatic host on TV and it is an outrage that she has not been nominated for an Emmy.

Cable Rocks- Covert Affairs, White Collar, The Closer, The Glades, Eureka, In Plain Sight, and True Blood (#waitingsucks) all return this summer. I just got into "White Collar" and already am hooked on the story lines. The best part is, with the exception of "True Blood", you can jump right into any of these shows. Okay, okay; you can jump into "True Blood" as well, although by now you would be well advised to watch the Season 3 recap (playing constantly) or just set  your DVR for 7 PM Central time when the Season 3 finale followed by a series refresher airs before the new episode.

Two words: The Inbetweeners. The boys are back for the third and final season. If you're not watching, you're an idiot. Or, you don't have cable.

Of course, there are several new shows still upcoming that have my attention peaked:

Falling Skies on TNT- Can Steven Spielberg lead us wrong? If this show were on network television, I would be more worried the answer might be yes. Instead, basic cable outlets like TNT seem to stand behind their projects a lot more than network. Fingers crossed, this show following the aftermath of an alien invasion 6 months later has the chops. Noah Wylie in the lead role certainly helps.

Suits on USA- This show could really fall on it's face. The premise alone makes me cringe, but the charismatic Gabriel Macht will pull me in every time. Here, he plays a lawyer tasked with hiring the firms latest rookie pawn. Instead, he's charmed by a con man (sort of?) who knows everything there is to know about the law, just without the degree. I'm predicting I'm over this show in three weeks.

Wilfred on FX- Possibly the weirdest show coming to a TV near you. Ryan, suicidally down on his luck, begins to see his attractive neighbors dog in a new light. Specifically, as a man in a dog costume. Elijah Wood, as the lead, should bring the right mix of angst and humour. My understanding is this show is best watched after many cocktails or other enjoyments.

Alphas on Syfy- Kind of like "X-Men" if the mutants were getting pay check and health benefits. The always amazing David Strathairn could be the new Professor X. Well, not really. How could he be replaced? Still, my little geek heart is all over this one.

Whisker Wars on IFC- Was there any doubt the founder of Moustache Tuesday would not watch this show? this semi-mini-series follows Team USA as they travel the country competing in beard competitions in preparation for the world event. I love to see the winners every year and wonder, "What the hell do you do for a living?"

The Hour on BBC America- No info as of yet on the site, but Variety ran a nice article. The 6-part mini-series follows the adolescents of broadcast journalism during the Cold War. May sound boring, but there's a great cast and an espionage story line that should make it must watch TV.

What are you excited about watching this summer?

The Cape Lags

How do you make a show about a would be superhero completely and utterly boring? How do you turn off the key demographic of 10-16 year old boys? Just ask the creative minds behind NBC's new drama "The Cape". What should be a fun and adventurous show about a framed cop out for vigilante justice is instead a big snooze fest.

David Lyons was a real charmer on "er", but here he just looks bored and desperate. As good cop turned scape goat Vince Faraday, he should radiate charm and wit. The signature one liner's that are so popular with comic book crime fighters feel stale and over worked. Maybe it's the accent. Fan boy goddess Summer Glau (TVs "Firefly") is once again given nothing to do with or for her powerful fan base. Her Orwell, a mysterious wunderkind, is a talking head on a screen, sometimes literally, who rolls in to save Faraday's ass when he gets in over his head (which seems to be about every 10  minutes of film). I love her, but I'm tired of 90 lb women beating the crap out of guys three times their size and never getting injured. Meanwhile, out hero is cut, shot at, poisoned, and bruised. Come on!

The plot is also a bit hackneyed and stale. Faraday is a good man with dark secrets who is framed by evil mastermind Chess (James Frain, "True Blood", "Elizabeth") and presumed dead. Chess is actually Peter Fleming, the saviour of the city and the man who privatized it's security and police force. What could he want I wonder... Instead, he has gone into hiding with a group of bank robbing circus performers. For real. There, he learns about justice and crime fighting from Max Malini (Keith David, he's in everything). He takes his cues from the comic book hero he secretly reads to his son every night, the Cape. Even our hero's inspiration is uninspired! The magical cape given to him from Malini comes complete with the ability to grab and throw objects, para glide, and look cool when he uses a smoke bomb to "disappear" from the room. It's a cool idea, but the budget is not there on TV to make it really work. Basically, he's Batman without the money or butler.

I want to make a plea to anyone and everyone who is thinking about or working on a comic book show or movie- Watch other successful comic book shows and movies! I understand that Christopher Nolan's interpretation of "Batman" was dark, brooding, and a bit slow and "talkie"; but this is an exception to the rule, not the rule. We want to see the evolution of our hero of course, but we also want to see him be a hero! We want action and fights. We want a clear distinction between good and evil. We want it to make some sense.

You can check out the premiere here if you missed it, but I would just save your breath and two hours of your life.

Golden Globe Nominations

The nominations have been announced and as with every year there are some surprises and some snubs. Below is the complete list with my opinions on who will and/or should win. Of course, we'll have to wait until January 16th to find out for sure!

Best Motion Picture- Drama
- "Black Swan"
- "The Fighter"
- "Inception"
- "The King's Speech"
- "The Social Network"

Personally, I would love to see "Inception" win here. This is a movie that continues to twist audiences brains and illicit deep conversation. "Black Swan" is an amazing film, and if it is going to win any of the major awards in the U.S., the Golden Globe is it. Voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press (HFP), this movie has done very well over seas and has a very European feel to it.

Best Performance by an Actress- Drama
- Halle Berry ("Frankie and Alice")
- Nicole Kidman ("Rabit Hole")
- Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone")
- Natalie Portman ("Black Swan")
- Michelle Williams ("Blue Valentine")

This is Portman's to lose. I've heard amazing things about Williams but am with holding judgement until I see "Blue Valentine". Berry and Kidman play other versions of past winners and Lawrence should just be excited for the nomination.

Best Performance by an Actor- Drama
- Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network")
- Colin Firth ("The King's Speech")
- James Franco ("127 Hours")
- Ryan Gosling ("Blue Valentine")
- Mark Wahlberg ("The Fighter")

This is going to be a tough race. I would put my money on Franco and his extremely honest performance, but we may be surprised by Firth or Eisenberg. Wahlberg does a wonderful job in "The Fighter" (my full review will be posted later today), but the star of that show is really Christian Bale.

Best Motion Picture- Comedy or Musical
- "Alice in Wonderland"
- "Burlesque"
- "The Kids Are All Right"
- "Red"
- "The Tourist"

These are some weird nominees. Recently, it seems like the HFP is just grabbing at straws for enough films to fill this category. That being said, I think "The Kids Are All Right" is the clear winner. "Alice" was all style, no substance. "Burlesque" hasn't won raves for anything. "Red" may be a surprise here, but I didn't like it. And, why is "The Tourist" in this category? Is it funny? If so, maybe I misjudged it but I think others will be confused as well.

Best Performance by an Actress- Comedy or Musical
- Annette Bening ("The Kids Are All Right")
- Anne Hathaway ("Love and Other Drugs")
- Angelina Jolie ("The Tourist")
- Julianne Moore ("The Kids Are All Right")
- Emma Stone ("Easy A")

Holy f-ing Batman, Batman! Stone is nominated for "Easy A"? I'm tickled pink over this even though I don't think she will win. What a coup for her and "R" rated comedy though. My monies on Bening.

Best Performance by an Actor- Comedy or Musical
- Johnny Depp ("Allice in Wonderland")
- Johnny Depp ("The Tourist")
- Paul Giamatti ("Barney's Version")
- Jake Gyllenhaal ("Love and Other Drugs")
- Kevin Spacey ("Casino Jack")

Hmmm.... I'm not in love with any of these. Depp may cancel himself out, though I did like his performance in "Alice". Giamatti is an award show favorite but not enough people have seen his movie. I didn't even know it was out yet, though it does look good. Gyllenhaal has been overshadowed by Hathaway and Spacey has been off the radar for too long and no one saw that movie. It's a coin flip.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
- Amy Adams ("The Fighter")
- Helena Bonham Carter ("The King's Speech")
- Mila Kunis ("Black Swan")
- Melissa Leo ("The Fighter")
- Jackie Weaver ("Animal Kingdom")

I have heard amazing things about "Animal Kingdom" but it's not out in my market yet. Melissa Leo (Oscar nominated in 2009) should win this hands down. Her turn as a deluded mother/manager in "The Fighter" was brilliant.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
- Christian Bale ("The Fighter")
- Michael Douglas ("Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps")
- Andrew Garfield ("The Social Network")
- Jeremy Renner ("The Town")
- Geoffrey Rush ("The King's Speech")

I feel bad for everyone not named Christian Bale this year. He was mesmerizing. It takes a lot for us to forget we're watching Batman, but he is able to do it.

Best Animated Feature
- "Despicable Me"
- "How to Train Your Dragon"
- "The Illusionist"
- "Tangled"
- "Toy Story 3"

I don't watch a lot of modern animated movies. For me, everything after "The Secret of Nihm" is lost to me. So, I will defer to my friends who said "Despicable Me" was amazing.

Best Foreign Language Film
- "Biutiful" (Mexico, Spain)
- "The Concert" (France)
- "The Edge" (Russia)
- "I Am Love" (Italy)
- "In a Better World" (Denmark)

I have to vote for "I Am Love" simply because I cannot deny my platonic love for Tilda Swinton. She can do no wrong! Close second for Javier Bardem"Biutiful" and "In a Better World".

Best Director- Motion Picture
- Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan")
- David Fincher ("The Social Network")
- Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech")
- Christopher Nolan ("Inception")
- David O. Russell ("The Fighter")

Another race I'm glad to not be a part of. Who the heck is going to win?! I'm betting on Aronofsky. He is a true auteur and made an exceptionally beautiful and haunting film. Nolan seems destined to be the bridesmaid again this year, but I might but a little action on him. Russell and Hooper are out. The only person who could upset this is Fincher.

Best Screenplay- Motion Picture
- "127 Hours" (Simon Beaufoy, Danny Boyle)
- "Inception" (Christopher Nolan)
- "The Kids Are All Right" (Stuart Blumberf, Lisa Cholodenko)
- "The King's Speech" (David Seidler)
- "The Social Network" (Aaron Sorkin)

I really want this to be "Inception". What a marvelous piece of writing. His ability to keep it all straight in his head should be reason enough to reward Nolan. Sorkin however is also a good bet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Best Score- Motion Picture
-"The King's Speech" (Alexandre Desplat)
- "Alice in Wonderland" (Danny Elfman)
- "127 Hours" (A. R. Rahman)
- "The Social Network" (Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross)
- "Inception" (Hans Zimmer)

Who wouldn't love to see Trent Reznor on stage accepting a Golden Globe. I'm pretty sure it's the 2nd sign of the apocalypse and fraking cool! Elfman has never won and I think is hardly going to with this effort. Rahman won last year for "Slumdog" and this However, I think the award goes to Zimmer. He made something simply amazing and my sister's boyfriend (and budding Zimmer himself) says he is the man. I agree.

Best Original Song- Motion Picture
- "Bound to You" ("Burlesque")
- "Coming Home" ("Country Strong")
- "I See The Light" ("Tangled")
- "There's a Place for Us" ("Chronicles of Narnia")
- "You Haven't Seen The Last of Me" ("Burlesque")

I have no idea... "Burlesque"?

Best TV Series- Drama
- "Boardwalk Empire"
- "Dexter"
- "The Good Wife"
- "Mad Men"
- "The Walking Dead"

Finally, competition for "Mad Men". I would really love to see "Boardwalk" take this one home (though the safe money is still on "Mad Men"). As much as I love zombies, I don't think the voters will.

Best Performance by an Actress- TV Drama
- Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife")
- Elisabeth Moss ("Mad Men")
- Piper Perabo ("Covert Affairs")
- Katey Sagal ("Sons of Anarchy")
- Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer")

I'm thinking about making "Gemma for President" shirts so I can show my support of the fantastic Katey Sagal. It's about time she gets some recognition! PS- I totally watch "Covert Affairs" and cannot believe it was nominated. It's like "Alias" but kind of funny.

Best Performance by an Actor- TV Drama
- Steve Buscemi ("Boardwalk Empire")
- Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad")
- Michael C. hall ("Dexter")
- Jon Hamm ("Mad Men")
- Hugh Laurie ("House")

Someone bring Cranston down! There should be a rule that the same person cannot win "x" years in a row. I'm sending all my good juju to Buscemi and his brilliantly sympathetic and frightful "Nucky" Thompson.

Best TV Series- Comedy or Musical
- "30 Rock"
- "The Big Bang Theory"
- "The Big C"
- "Glee"
- "Modern Family"
- "Nurse Jackie"

All hail "Modern Family"!

Best Performance by an Actress- TV Comedy
- Ton Collette ("United States of Tara")
- Edie Falco ("Nurse Jackie")
- Tina Fey ("30 Rock")
- Laura Linney ("The Big C")
- Lea Michele ("Glee")

I love Laura Linney and hope she gets it. Her show makes me a bit crazy, but she does a great job on it. Otherwise, it's a fight to the death between Collette and Falco.

Best Performance by an Actor- TV Comedy
- Alec Baldwin (30 Rock")
- Steve Carell ("The Office")
- Thomas Jane ("Hung")
- Matthew Morrison ("Glee")
- Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory")

It's Parsons for the win, but who wants to make side bets on whether or not Jane shows up with shoes on or not?

Best Mini-Series or Made for TV Movie
- "Carlos"
- "The Pacific"
- "Pillars of Earth"
- "Temple Grandin"
- "You Don't Know Jack"

While I would like to see "The Pacific" win, I think it will go to Emmy-winning "Temple Grandin"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series
- Hayley Atwell ("Pillars of Earth")
- Claire Danes ("Temple Grandin")
- Judi Dench ("Return to Cranford")
- Romola Garai ("Emma")
- Jennifer Love Hewitt ("The Client List")

Big money again on Danes, though I am pleased to see the inclusion of Garai. She is an actress I have liked for a long time and am glad to see her get some due.

Best Performance by and Actor in a Mini-Series
- Idris Elba ("Luther")
- Ian McShane ("Pillars of Earth")
- Al Pacino ("You Don't Know Jack")
- Dennis Quaid ("The Special Relationship")
- Edgar Ramirez ("Carlos")

Another tough race. I hope Elba wins. He was amazing in "Luther" on BBC America. Really, any of them could win and I'd be happy.

Best Performance by a Supporting Actress- TV
- Hope Davis ("The Special relationship")
- Jane Lynch ("Glee")
- Kelly MacDonald ("Boardwalk Empire")
- Julia Stiles ("Dexter")
- Sofia Vergara ("Modern Family")

Please be Lynch, please be Lynch, please be Lynch. She is the best (and possibly only) reason to watch "Glee". maybe there can be a tie between her and MacDonald!

Best Performance by a Supporting Actor- TV
- Scott Caan ("Hawaii Five-O")
- Chris Colfer ("Glee")
- Chris Noth ("The Good Wife")
- Eric Stonestreet ("Modern Family")
- David Strathairn ("Temple Grandin")

Make that two reasons to watch "Glee". Colfer is amazing, but I think it's more about the writing. Caan is the best thing about his show too, but it's too new. Money on Stonestreet with a possible upset by Strathairn. I just love him, although I always think he might smell a bit. Can't explain it.

There you go! Who would you vote for?

Moguls & Movie Stars

Last night I caught an episode of TCM's "Moguls and Movie Stars" series, about the history of Hollywood filmmaking. The episode I watched, "Brother, can you spare a dime?" focused on Hollywood from 1929-1941, specifically the creation of the major studios, the transition from silent to "talkies", and the creation and, in some cases, destruction of the studio star. To top it off, it's narrated by Christopher Plummer whom I simply adore!

It was fascinating and I hope they release it on DVD. It would make the perfect gift or addition to your film library.

If you have cable, the series is running through December 13th. I missed the first 3 episodes, so I really hope they re-run them later. Check out their site in the link above and mark your calendar and DVR to record!

Under the Boardwalk

Under the Boardwalk

If you have HBO or if, like me, you have a lovely friend with it who allows you to come over and stare at the TV for a couple hours; then I hope to god you are watching "Boardwalk Empire". Created by Martin Scorsese and Terrence Winter ("The Sopranos"), it's a sweeping epic about the birth of the American gangster and the struggle and sometimes luxury of Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition. Whatever you think you know about smuggling and gangsters, this show will school you. It's also nice to see the way "the other half" lived life then. We never see or hear about the average Joe or Jane just trying to make ends meat and succeed where their parents failed.

At the heart of the show is Steve Buscemi's "Nucky" Thompson, AC's greedy and nasty county treasurer. If it's illegal, he's got his thumb in it. As one of the characters said, "He doesn't just have his thumb in it, he's got his whole hand messy". It should come as no surprise that Buscemi lends a depth to Thompson that could not have been found on the page. He is at once vile, greedy, mean spirited, loving, caring, naive, dis-enchanted, and strong. His main concern is looking out for #1, and why shouldn't it be? In a town where anyone can get gotten to, it's important to limit your friendships and keep your eyes peeled.

The antithesis to Nucky is Kelly MacDonald's Margaret Schroeder, an Irish immigrant married to a lush of a man and stuck raising 2 kids on pennies a day. She meets and forms a relationship with Thompson that is still not fully explained. What is it about "that Schroeder woman" that get all the men riled up?

Great performances and writing abound. The cast of secondary characters reads like a who's who of Hollywood and independent cinema: Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road") is the Prohibition Agent with as many secrets as the bad guys, Michael Stuhlbarg ("A Serious Man") is an up and comer in the New York crime syndicate,  Paz de la Huerta is Nucky's main squeeze and former 2-bit dance hall girl, Aleksa Palladino ("Find Me Guilty", "Manny & Lo") is Michael Pitt's common law wife (see rant below), Shea Whigham ("Tigerland", "Wristcutters: A Love Story") is Nucky's brother and chief of police (a job he hoped would get him more respect), Vincent Piazza ("Rescue Me" TV) is young Lucky Luciano before the name meant anything, and in a hopefully Emmy and Golden Globe winning performance is Stephen Graham ("Public Enemies") as Al Capone. He is scary to watch.

I only hope HBO doesn't lose their stomach and realize just how much this might be costing them as they did with "Rome" and "Deadwood". Hopefully with producers like Scorsese, Winters, and Mark Wahlberg (yep, Marky Mark); they can hold out to tell an amazing story that needs telling.

What's made me a bit obsessed is Michael Pitt as Jimmy Darmody, a war vet and aspiring thug who was protected by Nucky until he went too far. Now, he's hanging out in Chicago with Capone (not a good idea) and getting himself further and further into a life of crime. He is simply mesmerizing and it reminded me of all the amazing performances he has turned in over what is already a full career at 29. A few of my favorites:

The Dreamers (2003)

Bernardo Bertolucci's films always have a sense of realism to them as opposed to fantasy. The camera angles, the lighting, the sets. Even when the language is "classic", the feelings evoked are true to any you or I might feel in a lifetime. An American studying in Paris (Michael Pitt), meets and falls in love with a bohemian brother sister duo (Louis Garrel and Eva Green). The Dreamers doesn't set out to shock, if anything the casual attitude toward nudity and the taboo seem almost normal. I particularly love a scene where Matthew (Pitt) is embarrassed to change clothes in front of Theo (Garrel). It is the turning point to the movie: the naive American intrigued and embarrassed by the mature French. All too soon, the roles will reverse and the film will come full circle. In the "making of" doc, Bertolucci talks about bringing the modern to the past. Inter-cutting clips of the original film clips the trio were impersonating such as Godard's "Jules et Jim", as well as the news reels with shots of demonstrations showing the speakers who are now playing themselves in the movie is genius! This movie is NC-17 for full frontal male and female nudity. If that upsets you, don't rent (and buck up!). If you're not bothered, this is one to add to the queue.

Funny Games (2007)- Michael Haneke's English adaptation of his own film hit American audiences hard and left a lasting impression on those who saw the film. Whether you liked it or not, you were going to talk about it. While on vacation at their lake house, a young family (Tim Roth- always love, Naomi Watts- please keep doing stuff like this) and their sun are taken hostage by the young guests of their neighbor. Pitt and Brady Corbet (also amazing in Gregg Araki's "Mysterious Skin") are the young tormentors who want to play a game with the family- Can they survive until morning? Sadistic and horrifying, the young tormentors represent not only an American fear of strangers and reluctance towards kindness but a world fear. The original Austrian film is the same almost frame by frame. Why then did I love this remake when the shot for shot Gus Van Sant remake of "Psycho" had me calling for blood (pun definitely intended)? Because here Haneke has his say, making his film, his way, with the twist of making it more commercial for American audiences. The themes and technique of the film warrant a wider audience and I think he was smart to tackle it himself. Better the original writer and director than some punk from Hollywood.

Not for the faint of heart. Stephen King named it his 5th favorite film of the year, and regardless of how you feel about his books or movies; the man knows pop culture.

Last Days (2005)- I hated this movie. Seriously want to punch Gus Van Sant in the throat. His work has become a caricature of what it once was and the man who so brilliantly represented young adult hood is now middle aged and out of touch. It's that I can see the work that makes me angry; it is not longer effortless. Still, Pitts performance as Kurt Cobain in a fictionalized account of his final days is riveting. He commands the silence and offers a natural performance in a movie that wants desperately to be art.

Murder by Numbers (2002)- This was on TV the other day and I totally forgot how much I liked it despite the fact that I own it! Barbet Schroeder ("Single White Female", "Barfly") directs Sandra Bullock is a tough as nails detective who must match wits with a pair of genius, young psychopaths. Ryan Gossling (straight off his tour de force performance in "The Believer") is the mastermind behind the perfect crime who enlists Pitt as his sidekick. Another film about violence for violence sake, it reserves judgement for the audience to make. Any fan of "Law & Order", "CSI", or forensics will see the brilliance in the duos attempt at committing the perfect crime. Is it possible? What elements must be present to achieve it? Can a depressed detective and her new partner (Ben Chapman- Where has he been?) gather the evidence they need to arrest the wealthy kids thumbing their nose at authority?

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)-  Hansel falls in love with American GI Luther and they want to get married. Problem is, gay marriage is not recognized in communist Germany so Hansel becomes Hedwig but the surgery is botched and she is left alone. Pitt stars as Tommy Gnosis, a quiet Christian teen, who befriends Hedwig and forms a band. Eventually he leaves her, as everyone does, to become a star in his own right with the songs he's stolen from Hedwig. I'm beginning to sense a pattern here. The songs are fun and if you get the chance to attend a midnight screening, I highly recommend it.

Fright Fest: The Final Frontier

Fright Fest: The Final Frontier

I freely admit, I am horrible with sub-dividing larger categories. On the other hand, I can't seem to stop trying. Ask me my favorite movie and I immediately want to divide the category. How can anyone pick just one? It's hard enough picking my favorite horror movie (as evident by this list). When I start separating, there are always a few left over that I can't decide where they fall. What the heck am I supposed to do then? Make a miscellaneous category I guess.

"Night of the Comet" - After a comet passes the Earth disintegrating the population or turning them into zombies; it's up to a pair of Valley girls to stay alive and stay away from the scientists who want to discover why they're alive.

Oh man, this movie is both horrible and amazing. It's super 80s in all the best ways, but the tension in the film is real. I read a lot of reviews about this movie that made it sound like the filmmaker was purposefully making  a mock-horror movie or farce. I don't think that's the case. I think it was meant to be serious, it kind of is, and not a big joke. It's hard to tell with movies from this time period though. I mean, someone though Leprechaun was going to be a good scary movie. Instead, it's hilarious. Now, they're aware and make comedies.

"Black Circle Boys" - The new kid in school (Scott Bairstow) meets the wild Black Circle Boys lead by Eric Mabius. They're into the occult and drugs and all the other things outsiders in films are supposed to like. Soon, Bairstow realizes he's in over his head but, will the Boys let him walk away?

Disclaimer #1: I rented this movie solely because Eric Mabius was in it and I heart him. Then, he kept popping up in movies and TV and I didn't know what to do with myself. This was the crazy goth rocker I loved in this movie! What the frak is he doing on "Ugly Betty". Anyway, Disclaimer #2: Donnie Wahlberg is in it and he will not annoy you. When did he start to think he was the next Marky Mark? Oh yea...

I love these kinds of movies where teens get sucked into a life of the occult and devil worship. It's hilarious and I wonder where these kids went to school. Probably the same places that have huge school dances that cost thousands of dollars and big house parties with kegs and a bar but no parents or police. Maybe they break out into song or spontaneously choreographed dance number. I'm pretty sure these places only exist in movies and the Lifetime channel.

"The Witches" - Nicolas Roeg ("The Man Who Fell to Earth"- rent it. Seriously) directs this adaptation of Roald Dahl's book. When a young boy goes on vacation with his grandmother, they never thought they would be sharing their hotel with a witches convention. To make matters worse, the Grand Witch (Anjelica Huston- divine) and her cronies hate children and want to turn them all into mice.

I saw this movie when it came out and fell in love. There's something about Dahl and his work that speaks to both children and adults. Perhaps it's that he doesn't talk down to children or white wash events. His books are often scary but they always end with a high moral center. Therefore, this movie is great for people my age who grew up with this movie to watch it again, those with kids, and even adults who have never seen it before. It is a bit dated, but eventually you won't even notice.

"Plan 9 From Outer Space" - Ed Wood, Jr follows up "Glen or Glenda" [side note: I saw it on PBS once and had no idea what I stumbled upon. It was wonderful!] with this tale about a group of aliens who have burned through plans 1-8 of Earth takeover. That just leaves plan 9: turn humans into zombies and vampires.

Okay, so maybe this is the "worst movie of all time" or maybe it's genius. I can't decide. I saw this after I saw Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" so maybe I'm biased. You have to admire a man who kept pushing at his dream no matter how little he had or how hard they pushed him down. This is no award winner but it's not as bad as some may have you believe. I love it.

"Return of the Living Dead III" - When Julie is killed, her boyfriend Curt takes her body to his father's military lab and brings her back to life. Now the love birds are on the run from the military and a biker gang. How will their undead love survive?!

Melinda Clarke ("The Vampire Diaries", "The OC") is Julie and I totally forgot that fact until I looked this movie up for this list. How funny! She gets all goth/punk pierced chick about half way through. I love seeing how people got their start. "Living Dead 3" is my favorite sequel to the original. It's hilarious and kind of forgets it's a zombie horror movie. Instead it plays like a love story with gore. Is there any better kind?

"Jaws" - If you haven't seen this movie you should hit yourself in the face. A giant great white shark shows up off the coast of New England and begins to eat people. Bill Butler's cinematography and John Williams score are high points in an already amazing film.

I debated putting this movie on the list. I don't consider it a horror movie but everyone else seems to. I understand that when it came out it scared the bejeezus

"The House of Usher" - I love Edgar Allan Poe. Who doesn't that ever considered themselves an outsider? Adapted from one of my favorite stories. When Philip arrives at Usher Manor to propose to Madeline, he discovers she is deathly ill and her brother not far behind her. Philip attempts to wait it out, until the Usher curse begins to lose control.

Vincent Price is amazing (was there any doubt) as the eldest Usher, as is Myrna Fahey as his sister. I just love seeing him so young. Mark Damon (Philip) went on to act in several other horror films, but made a real name for himself as a producer with such works as "Das Boot", "Monster", and "The Lost Boys".

"Ghost Hunters" (TV) - By day, the founders of TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) are Roto Rooter plumbers but by night, they investigate claims of hauntings all across the Northeast and now the country. Available on DVD and on Syfy Wednesdays.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you will enjoy this show about paranormal investigators. I also believe it to be the best reality based ghost show on TV today. The cast is personable and professional. It seems I've been talking about this show a lot recently. Several of my friends don't watch it because they either believe it will be scary (it certainly can be) or they think it a joke. The most important distinction between this show and it's copy cats is that they set out first to debunk, then to prove. It's always a bit sad when they have to tell a home owner that their house isn't haunted, they just need new plumbing or foundation. On the other hand, when they capture actual evidence of a haunting it's enough to give you goosebumps. Anytime they're at a lighthouse, you are sure to be in for a treat. At one location, a chair moved across the room on its own. At one of the they investigate, a shadow figure materializes out of the floor, runs towards camera, then disappears. I can't even go into what happens at the legendary Stanley Hotel (made famous in "The Shining"). Just trust me and watch it.