Best Picture

The Artist- I saw it and I hated it, well hate is a strong word but It was not my cup of tea.  With that said though, I think it should win and will win the Oscar. I think it’s the best throwback to Old Hollywood I have seen in a very long time. What they did with this film was manage to take a typical film and make it unique. Number 1 for the win.

Hugo-I haven’t seen it yet but it looks incredible and with Martin Scorsese taking us on this journey, I would love this picture to be the upset, if there is one. Number 2 in the race to win.

The Help- I saw this and I enjoyed it.  Do I think it deserved a nomination for Best Picture? Certainly not, but it did have all of the qualifications TO garner a nomination. Civil rights, powerhouse performances, and Spielberg’s name attached to it (with Dreamworks). Personally, even though I enjoyed it, I feel like it came out too long ago and something more recent should have gotten a nomination instead. I give this 3rd place in the race to win.

War Horse-Every year I always set out to watch every film nominated for every category (yes that even included Norbit) but this year will be the first boycott I’ve ever done.  I may be a bitter cynical bitch, who enjoys Serial Killers and movies that show people getting dismembered, but one thing I won’t tolerate is watching anything that has multiple animal deaths. I can sort of guess from the trailer and movie title alone, there might be a few horses who bite it in the film. Just to make sure I’ve asked the 2 people who have seen this film and they confirmed that many a Mister Ed get’s blown to shreds. (I also find movies with generic plots, 1st grade storytelling, and predicable musical accompaniment to be just as horrifying Regardless I think it will be 4th place in the race to win.

Midnight in Paris- I like who Woody Allen is, but sometime his schtick can get old. Annie Hall remains in my top ten, and he’s certainly done some amazing work, but I didn’t connect with this. I liked the idea of the film, and since I recently just went to Paris, it was exciting to watch, but Best Picture worthy? Not quite and certainly not Allen’s best. It will be 5th place in the race to win.

Extremely loud & Incredibly Close- First off, WHAT THE FUCK? Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited to see the film, and loved the book…but seriously Academy, who the hell did Stephen Daldry have to fuck to get this nomination?? You can’t play the 9/11 card 11 years after the fact, and I know Tom Hanks is an Academy favorite but seriously, something went very wrong here. This movie just came out, AND was destroyed by critics (normally I don’t pay attention to critics, but it was kind of world wide with this film). Regardless this will be 6th place in the race to win for 1 reason…. 9/11.

Moneyball-I really enjoyed this movie. It’s a true story of the underdogs of America’s favorite pastime-Baseball.  Brad Pitt is so believable as the main character, you can’t help but root for him. The only complaint I have is Jonah Hill. He is by no means bad, but should immediately go up to Albert Brooks and apologize for stealing his Supporting Actor nod. I would say this is ranked 7th place in the race to win.

The Descendants- Knew this nomination was coming. I really wish everyone would stop kneeling before Clooney like he’s a god. I’ve seen almost all of Alexander Payne’s films and in my opinion, this was the laziest. I think it deserves 8th place in the race to win.

Tree Of Life- I haven’t seen this yet except for the first 20 minutes (which visually was beautiful) To have it be a best picture nominee, especially after it dropped off the radar almost as soon as it came out? Only two words can explain this and it’s Terrance Malick. This director may not have many films under his belt, but what he’s made, has been wowing critics to this day. (Again though..Someone was blowing the right people) I would say it would be 9th place in the race to win.

**This year is the best example, if there isn’t enough films that deserve the Academy’s attention, then simply don’t nominate them. Yes I am partial to Drive, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and My week with Marilyn, but there are too many “Chocolate” nominees for me to take any of this seriously anymore. Someday the Academy Awards will go back to awarding TALENT and not the most popular kids in the class.

If I was given a chance to pick the nominees it would be (in no particular order) The Artist, Hugo, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Drive, My week With Marylin, Ideas of March, Midnight in Paris, Adventure of Tin Tin, The Help.

Actor in a Leading Role

Jean Dujardin(The Artist)- He did a great job and deserves to win. He’s this year’s Roberto Benigni and I’m sure it will be a cute acceptance speech. Hands down the winner.

Gary Oldman(Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)- I didn’t like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy but for god sakes it’s Oldman!!! Personally I feel his talents should have been awarded for every movie he’s been in, and it would be amazing if he was the upset. 2nd place in the race to win.

Brad Pitt(Moneyball)-He is very natural and giving in this role. This is what you want to see of an actor, and he certainly delivered the goods. 3rd place in the race to win.

George Clooney(The Descendants)-Ugh surprise surprise. Still have no chance of winning Sir, so just soak in your nomination and go home to your leggy female wrestler companion of the month. 4th place in the race to win.

Demian Bichir(Better Life)- I have yet to see this film, but another WTF. Come on Academy. I don’t want to judge because I’ve heard he’s brilliant in it but Really?! The only reason I support upsets like this, is it allows people to be aware of a possible great film, that they might not have seen otherwise. In general though, no upset here. Sir you are dead last.

If I had my choice, the nominations would have been: Ryan Gosling for Drive, Leo Dicaprio for J Edgar (or I dig the Gary Oldman nominee), Ewan McGregor for Beginners, Jean Dujardin for The Artist and Brad Pitt for Moneyball.

Actress in a leading role

Meryl Streep(The Iron Lady)- It’s Meryl Streep, is there any doubt? Hands down the winner.

Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn)- This is the only reason I would be sad for Streep to win. Michelle Williams is slowly making her way up the Hollywood ladder as a pretty amazing actress but it’s this film that she truly comes into her own. She is hands down brilliant as Marilyn Monroe, and if you want to hope for an upset, this is the one. 2nd in the race to win.

Rooney Mara (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)- This is one of the only times I will applaud getting a nomination for changing your appearance in a role. Mara did much more then alter her appearance, she truly became Lisbeth.  I’m also partial to this because I loved the movie so much (which is why I put her ahead of Viola Davis) 3rd in the race to win.

Viola Davis (The Help)-She did her job and it was done right. Did it blow me away? Not at all, but I would never say her performance was bad. I put her in 4th in the race to win.

Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs)- They needed 5th and here she is. I would say though, it’s a fantastic performance, because who knew how much of a man Glenn Close really was? She and Demian Bichir can go have a chuckle at the bar, while the winner is announce. Dead last.

Even with some of my mocking, I have to say that I don’t see anything wrong with this category. The Academy got it right with nominating true talent and while I’m partial to Williams taking home the gold, anyone who wins it would be well-deserved. (Ok I might throw a small tantrum if Glenn Close wins, but you get my point) If I had to choose a replacement for someone, I would maybe pick Tilda Swinton for We need to talk about Kevin, instead of Close.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Christopher Plummer (Beginners)- The real standout of this movie was Ewan McGregor, but don’t think I hated Plummer. I wasn’t wowed by his performance, but he’s old, established and playing a gay character (Ooh scandalous…) It was a solid performance but his age is w-hat gets him the gold. Hands down the winner.

Kenneth Branagh (My week with Marilyn)- I thought he was phenomenal and if anyone deserves to upset Plummer this is the guy to do it. 2nd place in the race to win.

Max Von Sydow (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close)-I would say he just got the nomination because he’s old and established but that’s why we have Plummer, so really I can’t tell you why. Because of age and 9/11 I put him in 3rd place in the race to win.

Nick Nolte (Warrior)- I haven’t seen this yet, but heard nothing but great things about his performance. He’s at 4th place in the race to win, because most of the time the subtle powerhouse performances go unnoticed.

Jonah Hill (Moneyball)- Pure example of The Academy riding on the popularity/shocking train. There is no reason for Hill to be nominated and should thank his lucky stars, because his name will never be called again in this sort of atmosphere. Go have a drink while the real actors win. Dead last, see ya buddy.

The Academy got it incredibly wrong with Hill and possibly Von Sydow. First off there is Albert Brooks in Drive, then Tom Hardy in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hell I would even accept Uggie the Dog from the Artist before I would ever call Hill’s name.

Actress in a Supporting Role

Octavia Spencer (The Help)- Just like Viola, she came in, did her job and did it well. In my opinion, she was the one to stand out throughout the whole movie. My obvious choice would be McCarthy just for the pure awesomeness, but give it to Spencer, she deserves it. Hands down the winner.

Berenice Bejo (The Artist)- We might have a full Artist sweep which is why I place her 2nd in the race to win. I will say though, she did have a pretty spectacular prescience onscreen.

Jessica Chastain (The Help)- First off, hasn’t Jessica been in like 85 movies this year?? Regardless I think that will hurt her chances. She definitely stood out in this movie, but Spencer was much better. I place her 3rd in the race to win.

Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids)- I was going to have her dead last, but seriously Albert Nobbs, are you even out yet??? Anyway, whether you loved or hated Bridesmaids you can’t deny that she was the standout of the movie. I knew her as the lovable Sookie in Gilmore Girls and others know her as the sweet Molly on Mike and Molly but who KNEW she had such raunch to her?? Also the fact that almost all of her dialogue was ab-libed, you have to reward talent like that. Still I place her 4th in the race to win, but would go back to loving the Oscars if she took home the gold!

Janet McTeer (Albert Nobbs)- Tell Demian Bichir and Jonah Hill I said Hi at the Bar. Dead Last Sweetie.

I think they got it sort of right in this category with the exception of Janet McTeer. I would have maybe liked  to see Chloe Moretz get a nod for Hugo but other than that, pretty good nominations.

Best Director

Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist)- It’s the year of Silent Films, just let them have it. Hands down the winner.

Martin Scorsese (Hugo)- One of my favorite directors, so it would always be nice to see him be the upset. 2nd in the race to win.

Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris)- One of my least favorite Woody Allen films, but the Academy still loves him. 3rd in the race to win.

Alexander Payne (The Descendants)- If Clooney was not in this film, it would get overlooked (which is a good thing). Still has a better chance than Malick. 4th in the race to win.

Terrance Malick (Tree of Life)- You can’t deny how visually stunning this film is, but as a lover of all things abstract, I’ve seen many better directors get overlooked in this category for me to take this pic seriously. Dead Last.

Where do I start: Nicolas Winding Refn for Drive, David Fincher for Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,  Spielberg for Adventures of Tin Tin (thought I would say War Horse didn’t ya, hell. no.) Simon Curtis for Marilyn,  Hell I would even accept George Clooney for Ides of March.

Those are my rants Hope you enjoyed!
I will leave you with this. The documentary Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory is nominated and I desperately want it to win.  It’s certainly not the best out of the trilogy but it’s such an important story that needs to be shared.

If you don’t know, Paradise Lost is about the West Memphis Three. The trio of teenagers, who were wrongfully accused (well not according to the courts) of murdering 3 little boys. That sent them away to prison for almost 18 years, with the “Leader” Damion Echols sentence to death row. They struggled to clear their names for over 18 years until last year they accepted a plea. They were to declare they were guilty, in order to be set free. Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings anyone??) used all of his own money to reopen the case to explore new evidence. Ultimately his passion along with many other people, saved the lives of 3 men, who spent most of the adult life hidden away in a prison cell. If this documentary wins and all 3 men take the stage, it will be such a historic moment for all to see.

Let me give you the jist of what it’s about: Matt- A busy lawyer and partial absentee father, who’s the sole trustee that controls land on the island of Kaua’i. He has to  decide either to sell it or to keep it, all while dealing with his family’s meddling and opinions. They to are trustees, but ultimately  it’s Matt’s decision and everyone, including the whole town, questions his every move . Then there’s his wife Elizabeth who’s in a coma after a boating accident.  In typical fashion, Matt suddenly realizes all the things he should have been before her accident (fyi, I hate that in movies and in real life. It takes a wife to be in a coma before the man realizes her importance?? Come on). That leaves Matt suddenly in charge of being a sole parent to his rambunctious 10 year old daughter Scottie and his hellion of a teenager, 17 year old Alex.

See how quickly I gave you that synopsis? Well that’s how quickly you get it in the film.  We are thrust into this family’s life, during a very emotional time, but I never quite feel the pain they are going through. The reason being? Maybe because I never got to know their characters. Every person in this film seems to just pop up when it’s there time, and give an emotional performance, but excuse me? I don’t know you, don’t give me 5 minutes of your time and expect me to feel your sadness.  I understand this movie wasn’t about his wife’s accident and more about him suddenly having to raise 2 girls and be more of a father, but at least give me something a bit more profound then your generic tale of a man who works too hard to make time for his family, leaving his wife lonely and seeking other means to fulfill her desires. I don’t think either of the girl’s are bad actresses but I’ve seen more father-children bonding in the movie Mr Mom.

You discover in the film (and in the movie trailer-so don’t call me a spoiler), that the reason his daughter is so angry and confused is because she knew all along that his wife was cheating on him. He decides he must track down her lover, but it’s not for the reasons you might think. I still find it quite ridiculous that NOW he’s angry and wants answers? Well I hate to tell you Matt, but it’s too late, she’s never waking up. The subplot of  to sell or not to sell his land, is really just forced and awkward throughout the film, and quite frankly just a way to show the beautiful surroundings of Hawaii. There’s a “surprise” (if you really want to call it that) twist in the plot, but by the time it’s discovered you simply don’t care.

I agree with a friend when he said that Clooney was miscast for this role. The issue I have with him is, he’s a likable guy, but an actor? I don’t think so. Viewers like nostalgia (hence why the silent film The Artist is sweeping awards season) and George Clooney personifies the modern day Cary Grant. There are some actors that are versatile and others that are just themselves.  Think about it! I love Sarah Jessica Parker, but she is literally SJP in every role (or maybe it’s Carrie Bradshaw). Jennifer Aniston’s movies are not awful but she’s playing Jennifer Aniston. Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts are 2 others (in my opinion) My point is though, Clooney isn’t bad, but he’s just not good at doing anything else that isn’t “Clooney”.  This role is exactly what his character would be in Up in the Air if he got married and had kids. His schtick  is getting old and this movie made me realize it completely.

Most of the time with the Golden Globes, if you have a new show and you got nominated, you automatically win. If you have won twice before and nothing else new has come out, then you win (you get the idea) Awards shows are always a popularity contest but this awards show takes the cake for that.

At the same time, I feel this show is the funnest of them all because of the casualness, and because of the categories. So here are my predictions and we will see come Sunday if I was correct

Best Motion Picture — Drama
“The Descendants”
“The Help”
“Hugo”
“The Ides of March”
“Moneyball”
“War Horse”

*Even though I have only seen one of the films nominated (The Help), I feel this is a piss poor collection of films. If I had to hope for a win, it would be for good old Martin Scorsese

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama
Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs”
Viola Davis, “The Help”
Rooney Mara, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady”
Tilda Swinton, “We Need to Talk About Kevin

** I’m torn, usually awards are given to people who just alter their looks somehow, so the obvious choice would be Mara (who I loved in the film) but the Oscar train seems to be full speed ahead for Streep, so we’ll go for that.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama
George Clooney, “The Descendants”
Leonardo DiCaprio, “J. Edgar”
Michael Fassbender, “Shame
Ryan Gosling, “The Ides of March”
Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”

** There is too much talk of this being his year, so sure give it to him. Personally I would have rather them give it to Fassbender just for his penis performance alone!

Best Motion Picture — Comedy or Musical
“50/50″
“The Artist”
“Bridesmaids”
“Midnight in Paris”
“My Week With Marilyn”

**Has anyone not said anything bad about the Artist? I think Hollywood is going to go all retro this year and give a nod to the silent film era. Mark my words, this will also win best picture at the Oscars. Personally I think it should go to Marilyn.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Comedy or Musical
Jodie Foster, “Carnage
Charlize theron, “Young Adult”
Kristen Wiig, “Bridesmaids”
Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn”
Kate Winslet, “Carnage”

** She has no chance for winning the Oscar, which she so rightly deserves, so PLEASE give her this.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Comedy or musical
Jean Dujardin, “The Artist
Brendan Gleeson, “The Guard”
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, “50/50″
Ryan Gosling, “Crazy, Stupid, Love.”
Owen Wilson, “Midnight in Paris”

** Oh Gosling, your glistening pecs will just have to be awarded another time.

Best Animated Feature Film
“The Adventures of Tintin”
“Arthur Christmas”
“Cars 2″
“Puss in Boots”
“Rango”

**Horrible choice for Animated films, but with Spielberg and Lucas backing this, you know the Globes don’t want to piss off the Kings.

Best Foreign Language Film
“The Flowers of War” (China)
“In the Land of Blood and Honey” (USA)
“The Kid With a Bike” (Belgium)
“A Separation” (Iran)
“The Skin I Live In” (Spain)

** Brad’s gonna win, so why not let Angie do so as well. It will be the talk of the town and something they can tell their millionth kid someday.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Berenice Bejo, “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain, “The Help”
Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”
Octavia Spencer, “The Help”
Shailene Woodley, “The Descendants”

** I really hope Octavia get’s it though, or Jessica Chastain. Both made that film what it is today.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Kenneth Branagh, “My Week with Marilyn”
Albert Brooks, “Drive”
Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”
Viggo Mortensen, “A Dangerous Method”
Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”

** I was torn as well between Hill and Branagh. Branagh was fantastic in the movie, but everyone keeps on buzzing about Hill…and he did just recently lose weight

Best Director — Motion Picture
Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
George Clooney, “The Ides of March”
Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”
Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”
Martin Scorsese, “Hugo”

** If they give it to Clooney just for being Clooney, then fuck them with a capital F

Best Screenplay — Motion Picture
Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon – “The Ides of March”
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist”
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash – “The Descendants”
Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin – “Moneyball”

** I feel like the Artist is going to dominate the film but the writing was a harder choice, it’s either between Allen or Sorkin.

Best Original Score — Motion Picture
Ludovic Bource – “The Artist”
Abel Korzeniowski – “W.E.”
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross – “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”
Howard Shore – “Hugo”
John Williams – “War Horse”

** If John Williams gets this over Reznor, I will make sure a war traumatized horse anally rapes him.

Best Original Song — Motion Picture
“Hello Hello” — “Gnomeo & Juliet,” music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin
“The Keeper”— “Machine Gun Preacher,” music and lyrics by Chris Cornell
“Lay Your Head Down” — “Albert Nobbs,” music by Brian Byrne, lyrics by Glenn Close
“The Living Proof” — “The Help”; music by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr.; lyrics by Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas
“Masterpiece” — W.E., music and lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

** I feel like Elton always wins, right?

Best Television Series — Drama
“American Horror Story”
“Boardwalk Empire”
“Boss”
“Game of Thrones”
“Homeland”

** My new favorite show personally, was American Horror Story. Do I think it deserves to be up there with Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire? Certainly not, but I still hope it wins.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Drama
Claire Danes, “Homeland”
Mireille Enos, “The Killing”
Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Madeleine Stowe, “Revenge”
Callie Thorne, “Necessary Roughness”

** She’s in a new show and hasn’t won since My So Called Life, let’s call it what it is…nostalgia

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Drama
Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire”
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
Kelsey Grammer, “Boss”
Jeremy Irons, “The Borgias”
Damian Lewis, “Homeland”

** Dear god I hope he doesn’t win (on a personal level, I’m a fan of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and it was some crazy shit what he did to Camille!) Really though, give it to Cranston or Buscemi or someone who actually deserves it. Not an actor who will be on a one season show, only for it to be canceled mid-season.

Best Television Series — Comedy or Musical
“Enlightened”
“Episodes”
“Glee”
“Modern “Family”
“New Girl”

** Zooey D is absolutely delightful as Jess on the New Girl, but the show itself is downright awful. Modern Family has been slipping in it’s comedy, but I still think it deserves to win

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Comedy or Musical
Laura Dern, “Enlightened”
Zooey Deschanel, “New Girl”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Laura Linney, “The Big C”
Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”

** She’s adorable, nuff said

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Comedy or Musical
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
David Duchovny, “Californication”
Johnny Galecki, “The Big Bang Theory”
Thomas Jane, “Hung”
Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes”

** Baldwin seems to be the only logical choice. I love Big Bang but Jim Parson makes the show for me.  I can’t really see Galecki getting it, when I feel Parson’s should have been nominated again.

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

“Downton Abbey”

“The Hour”

Cinema Verite

“Mildred Pierce”

“Too Big to Fail”

** I have to ask though, was this not nominated for everything last year??

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Romola Garai, “The Hour”
Diane Lane, “Cinema Verite”
Elizabeth McGovern, “Downton Abbey” (Masterpiece)
Emily Watson, “Appropriate Adult”
Kate Winslet, “Mildred Pierce”

**She’s a big name actress playing a role on the small screen…Obvious choice

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Hugh Bonneville, “Downtown Abbey” (Masterpiece)
Idris Elba, “Luther”
William Hurt, “Too Big to Fail”
Bill Nighy, “Page Eight” (Masterpiece)
Dominic West, “The Hour”

** The only name Golden Globe viewers will recognize

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story”
Kelly MacDonald, “Boardwalk Empire”
Maggie Smith, “Downtown Abbey” (Masterpiece)
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”
Evan Rachel Wood, “Mildred Pierce”

** She’s fantastic as Constance and again, it’s a new show, but wow Vergara has really made me laugh out loud this season.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones”
Paul Giamatti, “Too Big to Fail”
Guy Pearce, “Mildred Pierce”
Tim Robbins, “Cinema Verite”
Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”

** Give it to the little guy!! hehe. Seriously though, he deserves to win, and this is coming from someone who is madly in love with Stonestreet’s character on Modern Family.(Humor wise, not Gosling wise)

Drive- Hands down my favorite movie of the year. People question my love for Ryan Gosling and think it’s just a schoolgirl crush, but in reality this man has been on my acting radar for years. I think he is one of the greatest, genuine actors of our time.

In drive, the driver (he is never given a name) is a stunt car driver/mechanic by day and a getaway driver by night. At night he is quiet, sneaks in, gets the job done, and gives the criminals only 5 minutes to do their work, then they are never to see him again. His boss Shannon (Brian Cranston) borrows money from a mobster (Albert Brooks) to buy a car for the driver to race, that deal doesn’t sit well with the mobsters business partner (Ron Perlman). During all of this, the driver meets Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her young son Benicio. While he is a loner, a connection is built between the three and you start to see emotion come through that is usually masked behind his tough exterior.  It isn’t until her husband gets out of jail, when the movie starts to accelerate.

What makes this movie amazing, is the Noir aspect of it, it was like watching a modern day Taxi Driver. It’s violent but with a purpose, quiet but loud at the same time. Very little dialogue is uttered, but so much is heard and felt throughout the entire film, and it’s joined by a fantastic soundtrack. I would love for Gosling to win accolades for this role, but alas, I think the academy might be too afraid of this.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo- In a nutshell the basic premise of this movie is a man, Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), is hired by retired CEO Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to write a family history on the Vanger’s as well as investigate the murder of his niece, who disappeared 40 years prior. While working, he hires an intelligent researcher/computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), a young punk with a very troubled past.

I walked into this movie with an immediate hatred. I tried to get through the Swedish movies and the books after they became such an international hit, but they bored me to tears. I heard it was violent and shocking, but quite frankly I’ve seen worse. The original Lisbeth (Noomi Rapace) wasn’t horrible but I just didn’t feel a connection with her. I just viewed her as a sad, mopey, hipster punk who had it rough. On top of that, I loathed Fincher’s last two films (Social Network and Benjamin Button). He is one of my favorite directors because of films like Seven or Fight Club, and has such a raw grittiness that I adore. I will admit though, seeing what he lacked in his last two films, I didn’t think he had it in him anymore. I was wrong and have never been so happy about that!

First off, I’m always slightly partial because Fincher started an amazing collaboration with one of my favorite musicians, Trent Renzor. He did the soundtrack to Social Network (so I guess I didn’t loathe the movie, only slightly hated) and he again created an amazing soundtrack to this film. Ok with all that said….I absolutely loved everything about this movie (well not everything, but you get the idea). It was fantastic, dark, raw, and dirty. The opening sequence alone is one of the best opening’s since Zombieland. It was Fincher at his true form, a crime drama with an edge. The new Lisbeth (Rooney Mara) brought a child-like innosence to the disturbed character. She was literally (and figuratively) naked and raw in every scene she was in. In fact, I was left wanting more of her character and less of the main plot.

My Week with Marylin- I always had hesitation on saying I thought Michelle Williams was a good actress. With breakout performances in Brokeback Mountain and Blue Valentine, I still couldn’t shake that I used to love watching her on Dawson’s Creek. Well if there was ever a movie to solidify her Hollywood status, it’s this film.  What I loved about it was it didn’t focus on the “Betty Boop” Monroe most people tend to identify with. It showed Marylin as an actress who sometimes couldn’t push past her demons and insecurities, and how that almost destroyed her career and ultimately ended her life. Michelle Williams didn’t just play her, she truly became Marilyn and not in a silly “character actor” way.  What I also love is that this isn’t just a Marylin Monroe bio pic, the supporting cast (Kenneth Branagh, Judie Dench, Emma Watson, Julia Ormand, just to name a few) also wows and the setting is beautiful.

I know I didn’t really “describe” the film, so here you go. It’s a true story about a Production Assistant starting out in the film world, who works on the British set of the Prince and Showgirl, starring Sir Laurence Olivier and Marylin Monroe (who at the time is a newlywed to Arthur Miller). When Miller leaves the country, this assistant and the showgirl develop a friendship and a week of love, in hopes to distract Marilyn from the pressures of Hollywood and fame.

Bridesmaids-Hilarious and Sweet with a breakout performance by Melissa McCarthy. Yes it can be viewed as The Hangover with girls, but there is more to this movie than that. Being a woman, I obviously related to the bridesmaids woes, but it also appeals to both men as well. Don’t pretend and say you haven’t  had that “where has my life gone” moment, especially turning 30. Everyone has a friend or is that themselves where they think it can’t get any better. Bridesmaids tugs at your heartstrings awkwardly but then takes a crap in the middle of the street to make you laugh.

You don’t need a synopsis…it’s a comedy with fart jokes, relationships, and a whole lotta Wilson Phillips!

50/50-I will always go see a Seth Rogan movie and I get more and more impressed with Joseph Gorden Levitt with each film, so what if this one happens to be about cancer, I’m there!

The story is loosely based on screenwriter Will Reiser’s (who wrote this movie) life. It’s the story of Adam (Levitt) and Kyle (Rogan). Adam does everything by the book, doesn’t drink, do drugs, recycles, and lives a simple life. He’s best friends with Kyle, and he is your typical…well he’s Seth Rogan. One day Adam discovers he has cancer and his world is turned upside down. Suddenly his life plan changes and he has to learn how to adapt. Not one to show much emotion, he has to learn to face his fears and let people in. His girlfriend(Bryce Dallas Howard) lacks compassion, but he surprisingly finds solace and strength with people he never thought he would have .

Yes it’s about cancer and dying but it can be touching and funny as well. In my opinion, when something happens, you have to see the humor in things or else you, and everything else around you, will crumble.

Bonus points for a nice soundtrack

X-men First Class- Forget Captain America, and Thor, the comic book movie to see is this one. The film is a prequel to the X-men series, so we get to see how it all started. Who doesn’t love comic book movies, especially when they are done this well, and I especially love getting to know these mutants more than dealing with fancy explosions or special effects. Both lead characters Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr/Magneto (Michael Fassebender) are well cast, with Fassbender being exceptionally good, and who doesn’t love a campy Kevin Bacon.  With the exception of the GOD-AWFUL (and I mean it when I say without a doubt the worst acting ever on the face of this earth) January Jones, the rest of the cast is well played and allows you to just go along for the ride that is called X-men First Class.

Crazy Stupid Love-Yes I know another Gosling flick but trust me, this sleeper hit will warm your heart. It’s a story about  Cal (Steve Carrell) and Emily (Julianne Moore), a married couple going through a separation.  They have children, with one intelligent, wise beyond his years, son (played by a talented Jonah Bobo). During this Cal struggles to find his identity as a newly single man. While drinking away his sorrows at the bar one night, he connects with womanizer Jacob (Ryan Gosling). It’s then that Jacob decides to teach Cal the ways to get a woman into bed. It’s silly and funny but tender at times. Gosling plays Jacob ridiculously over the top, but it’s his first “silly” role and I think he played it wonderfully. Emma Stone and Kevin Bacon also have small roles, which stand out, but the real chemistry goes to Carrell and Moore.

Hobo with a shotgun-This Canadian exploitation film was the winner of Robert Rodriguez Grind house trailer contest. It stars Rutger Hauer as a hobo who arrives in a town called Hope Town, but has since been re-named Scum Town. It’s ruled by The Drake and his sadistic sons, and no one gets out of there alive if they don’t play by the rules. Trouble ensues once the evil rulers see the Hobo fighting back. One of the best, campiest, exploitation films I have seen in a long time. If you don’t like movies like Night of the living dead, Machete, any Troma films, Black Dynamite, etc then this isn’t your cup of tea, so don’t even bother.

Rise of the Apes- I would consider this film staring John Lithgow and James Franco, to be your basic well done popcorn flick. The Ape effects (done by Andy Serkis) are incredible and instantly make this film a more intelligent action film.  The chemistry between Caesar and Franco is heartfelt and genuine. It’s a touching story even with all the action.

Human Centipede 2-What can I say, it’s been a slow year. I’m surprised I could pick 5 films let alone 10. Yes it’s disgusting and beyond over the top but you know what? I have to respect a director who tries to go Avant Garde with a film that involves sewing people’s heads to other people’s asses. I hope every actor in the film (especially the lead character Martin) never works again. Leave this as their lasting legacy and make their children and grandchildren proud.

Now let me start off by saying that I don’t believe the Globes are an accurate portrayal of talent. The whole reason I watch the show is the same reason I would read an Us Weekly, for pure guilty pleasure. With the vibe of the show being much more laid back than the Academy Awards, you watch the show in hopes that people will say something wrong, what are they wearing, and how drunk will they get? I think Gervais did an amazing job hosting for the second year in a row. I know he is getting a lot of slack for some of his remarks this year but let’s face it, he’s only saying what we all are thinking! (For example…why the hell was The Tourist nominated, if not for any other reason then they accept bribes). What I find funny though, is most of the actors and actress’s seemed put off by his comments, yet Robert Deniro can make a blatantly offensive joke about immigration and it’s all ok? Most of the time you wonder how in the hell did half of these people get nominated (Hello that’s for you Miss Jennifer Love Hewitt), so if Ricky want’s to go balls out and kick some people where it hurts the most (their ego) then I say let him! It’s much more fun that way.

It’s was hard for me to watch the show for the winning aspect because for the most part, I felt it was a very disappointing year in film (with the exception of a few stand outs). I walked out of Social Network thinking it was decent, Black Swan was a train wreck for me. You know it’s been a rough year if I think a Cohen Brother’s movie is top pick. Just like the Oscars though, I always watch and hope for the year of an upset. Highly doubtful though with this year, it all seems to be set in stone unfortunately.

Ok onto the category’s:

Best Actor:

Mark Wahlberg for The Fighter:  Hands down this nomination should have went to Jeff Bridges for True Grit. What made The Fighter not work in my book was the acting. I think it could have been a decent film if it wasn’t for how silly I thought everyone was in it. I enjoy Wahlberg in a few movies but for the most part he is the same one dimensional character in every film. As much as I loved The Departed I have never agreed with his nomination for that either.

James Franco for 127 Hours: I have been a fan of Franco from back in the Freaks and Geeks days. I’m glad they recognized his work in this film because I feel he did a great job in it.

Ryan Gosling for Blue Valentine: I absolutely loved everything about this film. I’m glad critics are taking notice, and I think Gosling puts everything he has into each role. Someday I hope the academy wakes up and recognizes him, but usually how it goes, is it will happen with the wrong film. They really missed the boat for some of his truly great performances, and I just wish they don’t stop giving him a chance.

Jesse Eisenberg for Social Network: I really thought this vote was a lock, but thank god Colin Firth seems to have unhinged that. Do I hate Eisenberg? Not at all, but I enjoy him in the same way I like Michel Cera, in that they are good playing themselves. I stand by my comment that I believe his performance as Mark Zuckerberg was essentially just a darker version of his character in Zombieland. If I start to see some great range with him, then sure I’ll jump on that bandwagon.

Colin Firth for The King’s Speech: *The Winner* I have yet to see this movie but from the trailer alone, I can tell he does an excellent job. I have always enjoyed his work and I am glad that this year seems to be his year!

Best Actress:

Halle Berry for Frankie and Alice: Ok first off, where is this movie, is it even done being made, why the fuck was she nominated? I fully believe that you should give actors credit when the role is completed. This should have went to Hailee Steinfeld for True Grit.

Michelle Williams for Blue Valentine: I’m going to try not to be biased since this was my favorite movie of the year. In general I’m just glad this film and their actors are getting reconized. I actually think her performance in Brokeback Mountain was a smidge better, but in all in all I really dig the roles she is picking.

Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole: I will be the first to admit I do not think Kidman is a good actress, which is why I was surprised how blown away I was by her performance in Rabbit Hole.

Jennifer Lawrence for Winter’s Bone: I thought this was a stellar movie and a great job as a first time actress. Did she blow me away though? Not at all, personally I think Hailee gave the performance of the year. I’m glad to see a little known movie and actress get the accolades they deserve though!

Natalie Portman for Black Swan: *The Winner* I like Natalie Portman and think she is adorable in most roles she is in. This is not the case where I was “too surprised” to see her in such a dark role, I just didn’t think she had enough depth to pull it off. When I watched her in it, I found it all quite ridiculous. She has been scandalous before (in the movie Closer) and that worked, but for some reason here it did not. Regardless the buzz started very early about her performance and once that happens, it is unlikely that it gets derailed anytime soon.

Supporting Actor:

Michael Douglas for Wall Street Money Sleeps: This was a death vote. Who thinks one would survive stage 4 throat cancer? If he was healthy as a horse there is no way this would happen.

Jeremy Renner for The Town: I liked this film but wasn’t wowed by it. His role made it more enjoyable for me. I think the work that he is picking lately will keep him around for awhile.

Geoffry Rush for The Kings Speech: Again haven’t seen the film but just from the trailer, Geoffry Rush has never let me down.

Andrew Garfield for The Social Network: If you can believe it or not, I thought he should have won this over Bale. Even though I was not a fan of the film, I thought he was incredible in the movie and after seeing him in this and Never let me go, he will  be an actor I will watch in the future.

Christian Bale for The Fighter: *The Winner* I love Bale but quite honestly he only gets these accolades for how much stress he puts on his body. Don’t get me wrong he was phenomenal in The Machinist, but in this movie he could have done better.

Supporting Actress:

Jackie Weaver for Animal Kingdom: I will admit at first I was unaware of what this movie even was, but after checking out clips I have to say from the previews she gives a pretty raw performance. It’s odd though they would recognize something so off the map.

Amy Adams for The Fighter: There simply was not enough movies to pick for nomination is the only reason I can explain The Fighter getting as many nod’s as it did. I found her boston accent alone to be utterly ridiculous and it was a role that did not fit her.

Melissa Leo for The Fighter: *The Winner* There is no reason for Leo to have won unless they are still on a high from her performance from Frozen River. At this point if this is how the Oscars are going to go then please nominate Mila Kunis and have her win.

Mila Kunis for Black Swan: Actually I have to say Mila did an alright job in Black Swan. I found her character way more believable than Portman’s. Did she show amazing depth and range? No. but after the other nominations I would say the toss up would have been between her and Carter for me.

Helena Bonham Carter for The King’s Speech: I like her and her kooky fashion. She has never let me down and I’m sure when I finally see it, I will be proven right.

Best Picture:

Here are the pictures that were nominated:

Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, King’s Speech and Social Network.

Here is what should have been nominated:

Inception, 127 Hours, True Grit, Kings Speech and Blue Valentine (ok ok that was just because I loved it)…take note Academy Awards!!!!

Social Network was the winner and will be the winner for every other movie award event. I do not agree with it but then again lets look back on other past winners: Shakespere in Love, Chicago, Driving Miss Daisy, Hurt Locker…so what I guess I’m trying to say is even the most ridiculous movies win sometimes.

The rest of the Golden Globes is purely a popularity contest. It always goes to the newcomer of the hot show at the moment (past included Keri Russell for Felicity, Claire Danes for My so called Life, the year of the soprano’s, the year of Mad Men…you get my drift). We knew from day one that Boardwalk Empire, Glee, and everyone in those respected shows would take home the awards. Yes I understand to each their own but there are much better quality shows on TV at the moment. Personally I think Dexter and Modern Family had their best seasons yet. Others will probably agree with the winners. I am simply giving examples as to why it’s the most wonderful AND most frustrating time of the year

- I see you are drinking Whiskey, would you ever consider using whiskey while giving me an oral favor?

- Excuse me, I couldn’t help but over-hear that you like horror films. When you get scared do you ever, ya know, pee your pants from terror?

- I recently have developed diabetes, due to my lack of nutritional intake and have discovered that I can no longer perform naturally. I have developed a fetish involving Swiss Cheese, would that be something you are interested in?

- Wow this is weird, normally I wouldn’t be talking to someone I have no interest in dating, but I wanted to tell you that I would hate to see you give up on your film dreams

- I would like to tell you that I do not like the way you do your hair.

- Nice Boobs

- I hate to bother you, but do you like to play with animals in a sexual way?

I also have some other tips for the men out there looking for love.

#1 Holding a puppy in your picture does not automatically qualify you as a decent loving guy. Hell for all we know you beat up some little kid, just to steal the puppy to have him in the picture.

#2 Would you drop your pants at a bar? If not, then why make your main profile picture of you from the waist down?

#3 The bathroom is a place that has the worst lighting for anyone in the world, so trust me, you posing in front of your bathroom mirror does not flatter you.

#4 The many different “myspace” angles of you making various “tough guy” faces only shows girls out there that you have not one friend who will help you out and take a picture of you.

#5 Referring back to #1, including children, grandmothers, and flowers does not automatically deem you a nice guy.

#6 We get it, you’re an “artist” but posing with you holding a guitar with a somber face on, does not make you talented and brooding.

#7 If you are trying to break away from the “Meat-Head” stereotype, then put down the hair gel, change out of your pink shirt and stop having every picture of you drinking a beer at some bar.

#8 Glamour Shots never worked for girls, so why should it work for you?

#9 We get it, you like Sports

#10 If you are the one that wanted to post a profile, then please don’t have group shots only of you and your friends and then not disclose which one you are.

Other tips for men when filling out their profiles:

#1 Getting your master’s = you don’t have a job

#2 I am an artist not some corporate drone= you don’t have a job

#3 I work hard but I play even harder=You will never have time for a significant other, all you want is some arm candy and someone to service you on your command.

#4 TYPING A PROFILE LIKE THIS ONLY MEANS THAT YOU ARE TOO DUMB TO REALIZE THE CAP LOCK WAS ON. IT DOESN”T MAKE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING.

#5 I have been through enough that I tend to be a bit picky nowadays=You must be a size 0 to enter this ride..

This is just some simple tips to help the men out there this is scary world of dating. Lord knows I’m not an expert, but I have certainly been around the block!

I think the reason I felt a connection so much, was because I could relate to the un-sureness of the main character Sarah. She is a woman who had all the dreams in the world to explore life, to study novels, to engage in the mind of others.  Somehow, however, that is not her current life, as she has ended up in dreary Suburbia, slowly becoming one of “those” women. It’s the struggle she faces, being in a lost marriage, almost losing her identity right before our eyes, is what scared me the most from this book. She is determined not to become a clone, to stand out and be an individual, yet society casts a disapproving look everywhere she turns.

It is during this confusion, that she meets Todd the “Prom King” of the playground. He is a stay at home dad, while studying to take the bar exam, while his wife is the breadwinner making documentaries. Beneath his perfect skin, and flashy smile lies a sadness in his eyes, almost as if he is aware of Sarah’s confusion and is drawn to her because of that.

They start out as friends, almost allies amongst the other clones that surround the neighborhood, but once the attraction is let out of the bag, is where their seedy romance begins. Sarah can’t help but fall in love with this man, who normally would not give her a second glance, while I believe he is falling for someone who normally wouldn’t care to discover his true side.

There are other characters in the book that are just as engaging, most specifically Ronald a convicted sex offender who lives with his mother in the neighborhood. This is a man, who  may be trying to re-start his life, but his creepy demeanor and loner behavior does not help convince the other neighbors around him. Specifically retired cop Larry, who makes it his mission to make Ronald feel very unwelcome in the area. The taunting and the violence hit a high mark in the end, with Larry soon feeling remorse over the pain he put this villain through.

The reason I related to this book so much, is because my biggest fear in life is becoming a clone and subjecting to society standards of what an adult should be. I would never have children, just to have them and I would never say I Do, because it is what you are supposed to do. These are all the things Sarah never wanted in her life but somehow got. My greatest fear is becoming and doing the things Sarah does in this book

This is a story about Julien and his new friend Sophie who meet as young children. Julien is dealing with the tragedy of his mother dying, and Sophie is dealing with the stress of living with two parents who are Polish Immigrants in the ghetto. Both are not very popular in school, and one day they bond and form a deep friendship over a tin carousel they find on the street.

Sophie, always one to stand out, turns this childhood curiosity over a tin box, into a fun game of truth or dare. The game is simple, each time someone has hold of the tin carousel the other has to complete a dare. The games start out innocent, with child-like imagination, but as they both grow up, the dares become more involved, more sexual and more intense. Not realizing how connected they truly are to each other, the more involved the dares become, the more tension is filled between them.

After the dares threaten to ruin their bond, they both go their own way to start their own lives, only to meet again 10 years later, and then another 10 years later.  On the eve of their final meeting,  they unite later in the evening, setting off a series of events that leads to their ultimate fate.

People who are a fan of Gondry films or Amelie will get sucked into it. If you are not able to set your mind free while watching something, then this might be a movie to skip.