"Every crazy a-lister owns an island...

Nicolas Cage, Celine Dion, Charles Widmore. This is a whole new world in front of me, LL." 


Well said, 30 Rock.


Sorry to bring my TV obsession into this space again but if there is anything you should know about me it is my love of that show. Now back to the real deal.

• The King's Speech (nominated for Best Picture, Colin Firth for Best Actor, Helena Bonham Carter for Best Supporting Actress, Jeffrey Rush for Supporting Actor, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Tom Hooper for Best Director, Film Editing, Original Score, Sound Mixing, Original Screenplay).

WOOF. That's such a long list that I gave it it's own paragraph. It definitely deserves it. Going into seeing The King's Speech I was honestly expecting this super uptight, normal British period piece but I am glad to say that I am highly mistaken. Though told in a classical narrative, the continued use of the wide-angled lens, off-centered shots for the majority of the film and fantastic wallpaper made this film extremely enjoyable. Colin Firth is amazing and all the buzz is very much needed. He is poised and well constructed. Jeffrey Rush is welcomed comic relief as well as Helena Bonham Carter as well though in frightfully smaller role than usual.

• True Grit (Best Picture, Best Actor- Jeff Bridges, Best Supporting Actress- Hailee Steinfeld, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Coen Brothers for Best Director, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Adapted Screenplay), second most nominated film after The King's Speech.

I should fess up before I write this and say that I took a class on the Coens' last semester so obviously I am already enamored with their work. On the other hand, I don't believe that this is their best work (I am severely partial to O Brother). Ever a staple, their witty dialogue is well matched with both of the nominated figures this time around. Steinfeld's youth holds no barrier for her part. I do have to ask though I will not receive a response from them, what's it always with the hats?! Symbolism riddled throughout definitely make this an interesting film for their repertoire. I haven't had such a rough time understanding a male lead since Enis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain. Matt Damon is also a treat providing some of the comedic relief in a mostly serious film (can't wait for his return as Carol in 30 Rock!) Overall well executed but not their best.

• The Gruffalo (Best Animated Short Film)

BBC short film that was based off a children's book by Julia Donaldson. Very cute and entertaining for the younger set. Though it was told in the same fashion as a fable, I expected the end result of the story to have a moral but in the end, he is just a witty little mouse. The animation is very well done but definitely not my favorite in the category so far.

I would like to take this time to thank all of you for reading along. Special shout outs this week go to Zoe, Sarah and Laurie for seeing Blue Valentine with me, Ben for bringing me on a date to see The King's Speech, Sofija for passing along Mel's website for watching movies online and for all ye abroad who are reading, especially my sister Kelsey. I love you all!!

Keep checking back in! 17 down, 41 to go!