Gwyneth Paltrow’s Blog — GOOP

I just discovered Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog, GOOP. I haven’t yet done much exploring, but for her March newsletter she asked for top DVD rental picks from 5 directors: Steven Spielberg, Wes Anderson, Jon Favreau, James Gray and Sofia Coppola. Some interesting titles there, particularly from Wes Anderson. The newsletter’s quite brief, and well worth a look.

    

 Just read an interesting article on RopeofSilicon.com which picks up and takes off on E’s Sundance vidinterview with Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (stars of 500 Days of Summer), asking the question, Why Do So Many Romantic Comedies Suck?  The video is worth a look:  JGL is quite articulate, ZD sadly not so much, LOL.  The article really further defines the question rather than answering it, although the author does seem to feel that “star power,” or the lack of same in many of today’s films, plays a large role in the success or failure of a romcom.

There’s a lot of good stuff in the comments too.

Kym’s Picks: 03/10/2009

The Obvious:

 

Happy-Go-Lucky  Poppy (Sally Hawkins, in a Golden Globe-winning role) is a perpetually cheerful 30-year-old London teacher. When her beloved bike is stolen, she decides to take up driving, and is paired with Scott (Eddie Marsan), an instructor who’s her polar opposite. Their relationship is strained until Poppy’s bright personality attracts a co-worker, making Scott unexpectedly jealous. Alexis Zegerman and Karina Fernandez co-star in Mike Leigh’s effervescent comedy (nominated for a Best Picture Golden Globe).

 

Synecdoche, New York After his painter wife (Catherine Keener) leaves him and takes their daughter to Berlin, theater director Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman) stages a new autobiographical play in a massive warehouse amid a life-size replica of Manhattan. Meanwhile, Caden must contend with the many women in his life — including a box-office worker, an actress and a shrink — in this beguiling directorial debut (winner of a Best First Feature Independent Spirit Award) by ace screenwriter Charlie Kaufman.

 

Milk Sean Penn (in an Oscar-winning role) stars in this fact-based drama about Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was murdered along with mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) by disgruntled city employee Dan White (Josh Brolin, in an Oscar-nominated role) in 1978. Director Gus Van Sant’s compelling biopic (nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award) co-stars Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Diego Luna.

 

Rachel Getting Married When drama queen Kym (Anne Hathaway, in her first Oscar-nominated role), a former model who’s been in and out of rehab for 10 years, returns to her parents’ home just before the wedding of her sister, Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt), long-standing family conflicts begin to resurface. Directed by Jonathan Demme, this touching and humorous drama co-stars Debra Winger and was nominated for a Best Feature Independent Spirit Award, among others.

 

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas When his family moves from their home in Berlin to a strange new house in Poland, young Bruno (Asa Butterfield) befriends Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a boy who lives on the other side of the fence where everyone wears striped pajamas. Unaware of the fate of those Jewish prisoners or the role his own Nazi father plays in it, Bruno embarks on a dangerous journey inside the camp. Mark Herman directs this gripping adaptation of the novel by John Boyne.

 

Have Seen and Recommend:

 

Howard the Duck  Howard, a cigar-chomping extraterrestrial duck, is accidentally beamed to Earth by physicist Dr. Walter Jenning (Jeffrey Jones) and his assistant, Phil Blumburtt (Tim Robbins), in this sci-fi comedy produced by George Lucas. In spite of being a giant bird, Howard soon finds romance with punk-rock singer Beverly Switzler (Lea Thompson). But their happiness is threatened when government officials and a nasty space thug come looking for Howard. —  What can I say?  I like this movie, turkey though it may be.

 

Oh No!

 

Role Models  Slackers Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) have coasted their way through jobs at an energy drink company. When their goofing off catches up with them, they’re sentenced to community service with the Sturdy Wings mentoring program. The assignment is supposed to teach them responsibility, but it just proves that they’re the last people who should be in charge of kids. Elizabeth Banks co-stars in David Wain’s sidesplitting comedy.

 

Marie and Bruce  Marie and Bruce (Julianne Moore and Matthew Broderick) are a couple on the verge of a breakdown … and break-up. Told with a theatrical flair, the movie chronicles the stultifying ennui, rampant dysfunction and epic frustration that is part and parcel of most relationships (especially those that have reached their nadir). Also stars Bob Balaban, Campbell Scott and Griffin Dunne. — I thought about putting this one in Possibilities, but I suspect there’s a reason I’ve never heard of it until now.  Great cast, though…

 

Possibilities:

 

Battle in Seattle With the World Trade Organization about to convene in his city, Seattle’s Mayor Jim Tobin (Ray Liotta) tries to make sure all events go smoothly. As tensions between protestors and authorities rise out of control, activists and bystanders get caught in the crossfire. Based on the 1999 protest referred to as the “Battle of Seattle,” this drama features Charlize Theron, Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin, Connie Nielsen and Michelle Rodriguez.

 

Cadillac Records The sounds of 1950s Chicago spring to life in this musical drama based on the true story of Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody), a bar owner turned record mogul who signs a lineup of future legends to his fledgling label, Chess Records. He eventually crosses paths with the likes of Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright), Chuck Berry (Mos Def) and Etta James (Beyoncé Knowles), changing the face of popular music forever.

 

The Shiralee Itinerant laborer Macauley (Bryan Brown) and his 10-year-old daughter, Buster (Rebecca Smart), travel through the 1950s Australian outback, where they encounter a rich assortment of unusual characters, including beautiful but feisty rancher Lily (Noni Hazlehurst). Along the way, father and daughter forge an improbable yet deep bond in this 1987 miniseries adapted from D’Arcy Niland’s best seller.

 

Prometheus Triumphant: A Fugue in the Key of Flesh Banished from his plague-ridden village for his controversial experiments in reanimating dead tissue, iconoclastic Dr. Janick (Josh Ebel) retreats to the woods, where he tries to resurrect his beloved Esmeralda (Kelly Lynn), who has succumbed to the disease. Shot in aging industrial locations in Western Pennsylvania, the moody, Gothic silent film features a rich symphonic score. — Not sure about this one at all…not my usual thing but it does sound intriguing enough to make note of it.

 

Nobel Son On the verge of receiving the Nobel Prize in chemistry, Professor Eli Michaelson (Alan Rickman) learns that kidnappers have snatched his son Barkley (Bryan Greenberg), a promising graduate student. But when the captors want a ransom of $2 million — the exact amount of the Nobel Prize money — the self-serving Eli refuses to cough up the cash in this vitriolic tale about an acutely dysfunctional family. Shawn Hatosy and Mary Steenburgen also star.

 

The Baron: The Complete Series As an undercover operative for a British intelligence agency, the Baron — a handsome antiques dealer named John Mannering (Steve Forrest) — travels around the world recovering valuable art, investigating complicated cases and putting criminals behind bars. Sue Lloyd, Paul Ferris and Colin Gordon co-star in this action-packed television drama, whose production team also created the popular program The Saint.

 

A Secret Claude Miller directs this engrossing drama about a Jewish boy in post-World War II Paris who stumbles upon a mysterious toy in the attic, exposing his family’s secret dark past and how it survived Nazi atrocities. Can the child grasp the devastating truth, or will it drive him deeper into his personal fantasy world? Cécile De France, Julie Depardieu, Ludivine Sagnier, Patrick Bruel and Mathieu Amalric star.

 

Let the Right One In Twelve-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), the constant target of bullies, spends his time plotting revenge and collecting news items about the grisly murders plaguing his town. Things change for Oskar when he meets new girl Eli (Lina Leandersson), a misfit vampire who steals his heart. As a serial killer continues to prey on teen boys in the small village outside Stockholm, Sweden, Eli helps Oskar find the courage to stand up to his tormenters.

 

Documentaries and Music:

 

The Artsiders Award-winning filmmaker Chris Olsen examines the creative process from inspiration to execution in this Emmy-nominated documentary that spotlights artists, dancers, actors and other performers and asks them why they’re moved to make art. Highlights include interviews with poet and author Tyehimba Jess, comedian and voiceover artist Greg Whalen, artistic director and performance artist Atalee Judy, and sculptor Christine Rojek.

 

Rod Stewart: Unplugged…and Seated Joined by friend and former bandmate Ron Wood, Rod “The Mod” Stewart strips down to the bare essentials — musically speaking, of course — in this live acoustic set originally recorded in Los Angeles for MTV’s “Unplugged.” Selections on the list include “Hot Legs,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Maggie May,” “Have I Told You Lately,” “Reason to Believe,” “Stay With Me” and a soulful cover of Sam Cooke’s “Having a Party.”

 

Stevie Wonder: Live at Last Filmed live at London’s O2 Arena during his “Wonder Summer Nights” tour, this 2008 concert features legendary multiple Grammy-winning artist Stevie Wonder performing songs from the entirety of his spectacularly successful career. Accompanied by a 14-piece backup band, Wonder offers up tunes including “My Cherie Amour,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours,” “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and more.

 

Chen-Style Taiji: Sparring and Capture: Overwhelming Skills 1 Learn the ancient martial art of Chen-style tai chi — a series of meditative movements that help clear the mind and encourage physical vitality — with this program that features the first 20 poses in the 113-pose set, including “Shovel Mud.” Instructor Chen Erhu carefully explains and demonstrates the 20 poses, which also include “Sweep Anything Away,” “Act Rashly and Be Alert to the Enemy,” “Hercules Push Mountains” and more.

 

The Weird:

 

Growing Out After moving into a decrepit house, struggling songwriter Tom (Michael Hampton) finds an unlikely roommate in the form of a live human hand sprouting from his basement floor. As the mysterious growth continues to evolve, so does its relationship with Tom, who’s also busy falling in love with his neighbor’s girlfriend, Veronica (Devon Iott). Dark comedy, horror and musical numbers intermingle with spine-tingling glee in this warped indie film.

 

Groom Lake When Kate (Amy Acker) discovers she has a terminal illness, she persuades boyfriend Andy (Dan Gauthier) to visit Groom Lake, a reputed hotbed of alien activity, hoping to discover proof of life beyond this terrestrial sphere. Soon, the pair crosses paths with desperate government scientists, eccentric locals and a surprising — and inspiring –conspiracy of epic proportions. William Shatner directs and co-stars in this sci-fi drama.

Terminator: Salvation — Why Can’t You Boys Just Get Along?

Moritz Borman, one of the three original producers of Christian Bale’s highly anticipated debut in the continuing Terminator saga, has filed a lawsuit against his two partners, Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek.  Borman’s suit asks for $160 million in damages, alleging fraud and breach of contract.  At this time it’s unknown what, if any, effect the lawsuit will have on the film’s upcoming release.

More on Screenrant.com.

Kym’s Picks: 03/03/2009

The Obvious:

 

Australia In the days leading up to World War II, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) inherits a sprawling cattle ranch in northern Australia. Threatened by land barons, she reluctantly joins her farmhand (Hugh Jackman) as he drives 2,000 head of cattle across the outback. While on the grueling trek, they witness the Japanese bombing of Darwin, which heralds Australia’s entry into the war. Director Baz Luhrmann co-wrote this captivating historical epic Oscar nominated for Best Costume Design.

 

Have Seen and Recommend:

 

Nash Bridges: Season 2 Back to tackle more difficult cases, Nash Bridges (Don Johnson) and the other members of San Francisco’s special investigations unit face off against renegade internal affairs cops, escaped prisoners, drug dealers, counterfeiters and a dangerous assassin. This second season welcomes well-known guest stars like television personality Geraldo Rivera, baseball slugger Barry Bonds and actress Brittany Murphy.

 

Oh No!

 

Beverly Hills Chihuahua Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) is a privileged Chihuahua from Beverly Hills who rides in style in her owner’s purse — until she gets lost on a Mexican vacation, and must find her way home with the help of her newfound Latin canine friends. Salma Hayek, George Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Cheech Marin and Andy Garcia also lend their voices to the cast of this comedic live-action adventure.

 

Possibilities:

 

Stiletto After surviving an attempt on his life by his sexy ex-lover, Raina (Stana Katic), crime boss Virgil (Tom Berenger) enlists crooked detective Beck (Paul Sloan) to find the dangerous woman. While evading Beck and the cops, Raina carries out her quest to kill underworld thugs. Michael Biehn, William Forsythe, Tom Sizemore, Kelly Hu, Dominique Swain, and D.B. Sweeney co-star in this action-packed crime drama.  —  Gotta see this if only for my 2 of my long-time favorites, Michael Biehn and Tom Berenger. Hopefully my faith will pay off.  At least I’ll get to see Biehn in action again; it’s been quite a while.

 

SpongeBob vs. the Big One SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends go face-to-face with “The Big One” in this feature-length animated adventure that strands the crew on a deserted island, where they meet surfing sensei Jack Kahuna Laguna (voiced by Johnny Depp). According to Laguna, getting back home to Bikini Bottom won’t be easy. In fact, it’ll take all the courage they can muster to take on a legendary wave that dwarfs them all.

 

Bert Kreischer: Comfortably Dumb Funnyman Bert Kreischer — who did time in Disney jail, entered a birthing room after dropping acid and was dubbed “the number-one party animal in the nation” by Rolling Stone — shares his unique take on life in this uproarious comedy concert. Kreischer spent seven years as an underachieving student at Florida State University, and his life was the inspiration for National Lampoon’s popular comedy Van Wilder, starring Ryan Reynolds.  —  All hail the local boy! The single reason I’m adding this.

 

John Steinbeck’s East of Eden The trials of the Trask family unfold across three generations of American life as a beguiling but venomous beauty (Jane Seymour, in a Golden Globe–winning turn) sets in motion events that drive a permanent wedge between brothers. Arguably the most faithful adaptation of John Steinbeck’s epic novel, this acclaimed 1981 miniseries features a star-studded cast that also includes Timothy Bottoms, Bruce Boxleitner and Lloyd Bridges.

 

Lake City When Billy (Troy Garity) runs afoul of a local drug dealer, he is forced to return home to seek help from a woman he hasn’t spoken to in a year: his mother (Sissy Spacek). As they try to rebuild their relationship, they must come to terms with the tragedy that drove them apart. And when his childhood home is threatened, the new crisis may push them back together in this powerful drama about the bonds of family.

 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Anthony Hopkins delivers an Emmy-nominated turn as Quasimodo, the famed hunchbacked bell ringer who falls in love with the gorgeous Gypsy dancer Esmerelda (Lesley-Anne Down), in this 1982 made-for-TV adaptation of Victor Hugo’s enduring masterpiece. The epic romantic drama also stars John Gielgud as Charmolue, Gerry Sundquist as poet Pierre Gringoire and Derek Jacobi as dour archdeacon Claude Frollo.

 

In the Electric Mist Detective Dave Robicheaux (Tommy Lee Jones) finds himself swimming in a murky sea of corruption, deception and lies when he probes the connection between a rash of murders and a notorious New Orleans mobster (John Goodman) — and discovers secrets that were better left untold. With Robicheaux’s family, and his life, in serious danger, can he stem the rising tide of blood and bring justice back to the bayou?  —  This is based on what is arguably James Lee Burke’s best Dave Robicheaux novel, In the Electric Mist with the Confederate Dead. Alec Baldwin played Robicheaux in the 1996 movie Heaven’s Prisoners, the second book in the series.  I’ve always wondered why no one developed any of the other novels. At this point I can think of no one better than Tommy Lee Jones to play the passionate, conflicted Cajun detective. I definitely have expectations going in, which often leads to disappointment, but there’s always the chance I’ll be pleased.

 

Beyond Zero Point: The Journey to Compassion Using ancient prophecies and archaeological evidence to inform his vision and a science background to back it up, Gregg Braden expounds on his theory that the Earth has entered into a rare geophysical phase that’s transforming our consciousness. In this program, Braden points viewers to the teachings of the Essenes — authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls — for insights into the human condition and a recipe for healing the world.

 

Walking Between the Worlds Author and lecturer Gregg Braden hosts this two-part series based on his book by the same name, a program examining the intersection of two seemingly disparate ideas: spiritual teachings of the ancient world and modern-day technological advances. Braden posits that we’re currently experiencing a Shift of the Ages but notes that it isn’t a change we should fear. Rather, we should embrace it as the next step of human evolution.

 

Scott Cole: Discover Tai Chi: AM/PM Workouts Popular fitness instructor Scott Cole offers two complete tai chi workouts in this program. The first workout is designed to raise energy and increase awareness in the morning hours, and the second to release stress and tension at day’s end. Cole’s cross-disciplinary blend of tai chi movements, chi kung exercises, guided meditation and light stretching offers potent benefits that promote a healthy, balanced body and a serene mind.

 

Tribal Fusion: Fundamentals Four of belly dancing’s top performers provide a comprehensive introduction to the art of tribal belly dancing, with each dancer focusing on a different specialty in this instructional video. Moria uses squats and power yoga to target the muscles essential to isolations and control; Samantha teaches the art of finger cymbals; Sherri focuses on floor work (including body waves and back bends); and Kami introduces basic lock techniques.

 

Ashes of Time Redux In ancient China, swordsman Ouyang Feng (Leslie Cheung) retreats to the desert to recover from the sting of an affair gone wrong. With a hardened heart, he subcontracts out killings to bounty hunters, who face their own dilemmas on the road to redemption. Tony Leung Ka Fai, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Brigitte Lin and Maggie Cheung also star in Kar Wai Wong’s recut of his 1994 wuxia epic, which adds a score by Yo-Yo Ma.

 

I’ve Loved You So Long After more than a decade apart, estranged sisters Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) and Lea (Elsa Zylberstein) try to rebuild their fractured relationship. But the task is hardly easy, considering Juliette’s past. She’s been in jail for 15 years — for killing her own son. As she settles into small-town life with Lea’s family, the locals can’t help but talk. Philippe Claudel’s feature film debut garnered him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

 

Treasures IV: American Avant Garde Film: 1947-1986 Jam-packed with more than two dozen experimental films from 1947 through 1986, this compilation of shorts includes the work of Andy Warhol, Shirley Clarke, Bruce Baillie and other avant-garde filmmakers. The diverse pieces range from live action to animation and from documentary to drama. Other directors include Wallace Berman, Stan Brakhage, Marie Menken, Ron Rice, Pat O’Neill, Larry Gottheim and many more.

 

The Village Barbershop Following the untimely death of his best friend and business partner, cantankerous chauvinist Art Leroldi (John Ratzenberger, “Cheers”) begrudgingly hires female hairstylist Gloria MacIntyre (Shelly Cole) to save his struggling barbershop. This quirky indie comedy also stars Laurellee Westaway as nicotine-addicted, oxygen tank-toting neighbor Gladys and Cindy Pickett as Josie, the topless cocktail waitress who catches Art’s eye.

 

The Weird:

 

Seven Servants In this film from Iranian director Daryush Shokof, Anthony Quinn plays an elderly man who wants to exit earth in a state of unity with all creatures. To that end, he hires a quartet of manservants to plug his facial orifices with their fingers. Not your typical solution, but it seems to work for Archie (Quinn), who moves through the rest of the film thus connected. Audra McDonald appears in the final moments to sing a “death aria” into his mouth.

Actors of the Day: M. Emmett Walsh and Harry Dean Stanton

              

I brought these gentlemen up today in a discussion about underrated actors.  I wouldn’t say they’re underrated exactly, since they’re both legendary character actors who work a LOT. Still, they’re not well known by the general public. Their work is so consistently excellent, even in the worst of movies, that Roger Ebert was prompted to create the Walsh-Stanton Rule: “No movie featuring either Harry Dean Stanton or M. Emmet Walsh in a supporting role can be altogether bad.” Ebert later admitted there were some exceptions, notably Chattahoochee for Walsh and Dream a Little Dream for Stanton.

Check out their filmographies and bios at IMDb:

Walsh

Stanton