Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Victory!

This will be the shortest blog in the world.

RON ZOOK FIRED! HOORAY! Everyone should throw a party and cheers to a failure of a coach and season. Of course, it's always sad to see someone get fired. But still, it's been a rough couple years in Illinois football.

So rejoice while you can! Let's hope Mike Thomas can hire a better, more educated, quality coach to put the program back on the map.

It took way too long, but the Zooker is outta here.

And that, is all I have to say about that.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Pleasantly surprised


All right friends, this blog has finally happened and I know you were waiting all week for it. I finally saw Breaking Dawn. Now, let me give you a little of my Twilight history before I go into detail about this little franchise. So, I read the first three books the same summer the fourth one came out. Now I, like everyone else, was obsessed. I read them very quickly and thought they were so good. Then I saw the first movie and saw the error of my ways. There is no doubt that these books and movies are guilty pleasures. I can’t lie that when I do read the books that they make me happy in some parts. Most of the time, however, I’m irritated about how much Stephanie Meyer repeats herself. We get it, Edward is handsome, Bella is clumsy. Essentially what I’m getting at, is me and Twilight have a weird relationship. I went to the midnight showing of the first two movies and realized it wasn’t really worth my time anymore. But there is no denying I would see this movie. So without further ado, he’s my thoughts.

I was pleasantly surprised. Now this is Twilight we are talking about so there are of course bound to be some really cheesy scenes, bad acted scenes, poor effect scenes and just overall horrible dialogue. And this movie is no exception. But for some reason I still kind of liked it. I did go in with very, very low expectations, which I’m thinking I should do with every movie from now on. I thought it was going to be the worst one yet, but I don’t think anything can beat the original. Anywho, for a book that shouldn’t be two movies, this first part certainly dragged a little. There were a lot of lingering shots of Bella’s face and you’re suppose to understand what she’s thinking by her expression. If I didn’t read the book, I’m not sure if I’d get it, but who is really seeing these movies that haven’t read the books?

Things that I was happy about: Bella’s wedding dress (and post wedding dress) was pretty (despite their kiss lasting like a minute long), the wedding speeches were hilarious and unexpected, the honeymoon location is to die for – I want to go to there, Bella having her human minutes, the CIG – for the most part – was well done, her eyes were awesome at the end. Things that I wasn’t so happy about: The random part where Edward talks about the humans he’s killed – it just seemed out of place, the long lingering walk and painful expression on Bella’s face walking down the aisle, the random dancing scene in Rio, anything with the wolves seemed forced, that damn wolf scene where they all talk like they’re Batman, the CIG on Reneesme’s face.

So, as you can see, I had mixed feelings about the movie but most of them were postitive. There is no doubt that my favorite scene was the wedding speeches, mainly because Anna Kendrick (Jessica) is my hero and needed more lines in this movie. Billy Burke (Charlie) is also my hero and steals any scene he is in. What I also really like about this book in general is there is more of the family in it so it was not just all about Bella and Edward swooning over each other. Although, there was plenty of them fondling over their love during the honeymoon.

Essentially the problem with this movie is nothing happened. I mean obviously there were things that happened, but I felt like the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows set up everything but it was also its own separate story. I feel like with this movie it clearly set up things for the next one but it was just … blah. Like it could have been condensed to an hour instead of two. Basically, there was no plot. That of course, didn’t mean it wasn’t entertaining. I for one, am definitely looking more forward to the next film where we get some interesting things, like the vampire history and just watching Bella experience her new life.

With that I give you some side notes.
1. No surprise there that Breaking Dawn was the winner at the box office again this weekend. Although, it did have some films that got awesome reviews this weekend. There are still so many things on my list and I waste time seeing Breaking Dawn. I suppose I can now say, after seeing it, it was worth it.
 2. This is a very interesting article about Harry Potter being up for the Oscars and thought I would share it with you all. Thanks to mother who emailed me this. I thought it made good points and only has me more anxious for Oscar season. Check it out and let me know what you think.
 3. So I know these trailers came out a while ago but I haven’t found time to talk about them yet. But the Snow White movies that I talked about a while ago released their trailers and they couldn’t be more different. First you’ve got the badass, dark Snow White and the Huntsman. Then you have the humorous, Julia Roberts being awesome Mirror, Mirror that just looks down right entertaining (and a totally different role for Roberts). I can pretty much say I’ll be seeing both of these movies.

With that I say… Live long and prosper.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Giving thanks to television

In the spirit of Thanksgiving (even if it is a day late) I thought I would give thanks to my favorite things that I love on television right now. I have to say, I am stealing this idea from what my main source website (tvline.com) did. My way is going to be a little different though because I would like to address everything television, including shows that might not even be on air anymore (Lost). So let's all give thanks to that little box in our living room who somehow provides the greatest entertainment anyone could ask for.

JJ Abrams
There is no way my television life (or movie for that matter) would be complete without the brilliant creations of my man JJ Abrams. You don't know who Abrams is?! He is only a genius, the next Spielberg. He is the creator of shows like Alias, Felicity, my favorite Lost and my current favorite Fringe. He directed Star Trek and Super 8 (he also wrote this one). He is a genius and without the creative shows like Lost and Fringe, I would not love TV as much as I do. Not to mention his continual creation to expand the expectations and has a new show premiering in January called Alcatraz. Totally looking forward to that one.

The funny ladies
I am of course not only talking about the brilliant Tina Fey or Amy Poehler, both who out perform anyone else on television with their amazing and quirky characters. But also the new generation (and old for that matter) like Melissa McCarthy (who won the Emmy this year) but also April on Parks, Robin and Lily on How I Met Your Mother, and of course Annie, Britta on Community (I'm not a big Shirley fan). All of these women make me laugh and make a statement that women can be funny too. But let's not forget who really pioneered this movement: all the women who have been on SNL. Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, even the older ones like Jane Curtin and Gilda Radner.

Let's not forget the men
There are many female powerhouses out there right now. Women are kind of rocking out on television at the moment. Think about it: Revenge, Once Upon A Time, Homeland (power to Clare Danes), New Girl, 2 Broke Girls. Women are getting star roles and doing a great job. But they couldn't succeed without their male counterparts. Props to Patrick Dempsey on Grey's, Jason Segel and NPH on How I Met Your Mother, Mandy Patinkin on Homelnad (and Damian Lewis) and who could leave out (well a lot of people considering he doesn't get a dang nomination for his role) John Noble in Fringe. These men are great characters with comedic timing, great dramatic performances and support their women well.

ABC for its discovery of great television
Finally. It only took ABC a long time to discover what a great television was again and now have one of the best line ups on television. From Once Upon A Time to Revenge to hits like Modern Family and classics like Grey's and Private Practice, ABC is certainly doing much better than NBC. Although I am still uncertain, Pan Am has also done pretty well and I have to say it's great to see some good shows happening on ABC. I can remember when they had Lost, Grey's, Desperate Housewives, Pushing Daisies (one of the greatest shows ever, and ended way too early), Ugly Betty, and the launch of Dancing With the Stars. All of these shows were very popular when they started and of course lost viewership but that was one of the best years of television ever. ABC is coming back and am so happy they got rid of those struggling shows and investing in fun television (Revenge).

Premium television
What would my life be without the channels like HBO and Showtime. From Sex and the City to True Blood from Dexter to my new favorite Homeland, these channels know how to make great television. I've also watched Weeds and The Big C and brilliant storytelling is what they know best. I may not have watched HBO's critically acclaimed shows like Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire but even True Blood is addicting (certainly a guilty pleasure). They may swear, there might be inappropriate sex scenes but they sure know how to tell a story and keep you guessing (hence, Dexter).

With that I give you some side notes.
1. I just have to complain a little. Why the heck does ABC Family have a countdown to the countdown to the 25 Days of Christmas?! Can they not think of anything else to put on their channel?? Why don't they celebrate other holiday's like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa? It's like two months of Christmas talk! That totally ruins the holidays for me and is unnecessary. Thankfully we all can watch the Santa Clause and Home Alone now because it now is Christmas time. I appreciate you all listening to my soap box.
2. Classics never die. It was announced today that Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving beat out Lady Gaga's special on Thursday night. Now, I have nothing against Gaga she is pretty talented, but you can't go wrong with some Snoopy and Woodstock.
3. I suppose I should give some congrats to J.R. Martinez for winning Dancing With the Stars. I'm not a huge fan of the show anymore, especially the stars they had this season. But it's pretty cool that he won and beat a Kardashian. I still have to say my favorite reality television show is So You Think You Can Dance. Although watching fat people bouncing and losing weight on Biggest Loser is pretty entertaining.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Cutler's catch-22

Oh Jay Cutler, how you love to rip the hearts out of Bears fans. Last season you get sacked in an insane amount of times and can't throw the football and yet somehow we end up winning the division. Of course that dream was shattered when the now-unstoppable Green Bay Packers are on a tear still undefeated this season. But we fans came into this 2011 with some high expectations. Those expectations were kind of shot down when the New Orleans Saints completely embarrassed you on national television. But then all of the sudden something happened. Ever since that awful Detroit Lion game where the Bears lost 24-13, Cutler was still the top passer.

Then they went on a completely different path defeating the Eagles and the Lions. He is playing great, finally. Understanding the system and comprehending Mike Martz's offense. Things have finally get together, for the first time in a like forever, the Bears offense is scoring the points instead of the Bears defense. And then it all just falls away (most likely) now that Cutler broke his thumb in Sunday's game against the Chargers. So now we must put the rest of the remainder six games in the hands of Caleb Hanie (unless the Bears hire a veteran free agent but that seems unlikely unless Hanie screws up real bad against the Raiders this Sunday).

So here are my thoughts on Cutler's injury. It just plain sucks. There is no other way to describe it (well I could swear but that would seem unprofessional in my blog). How I look at it, it is similar to a catch-22 in a way. Let me explain: Cutler threw an interception (that wasn't his fault as the receiver fell down). Instead of just watching the Chargers run the ball back for a touchdown, Cutler chased him down and forced him outside (which caused the broken thumb). Now, my bet is, if he didn't run down the field to chase after the interceptor, he would have been criticized. Probably not a lot, but there certainly would have been some anger as fans (because Bears fans are never satisfied). Here's the thing though, he shouldn't have tried to stop that guy. And now that he has, he can no longer play in the regular season.

Isn't that just the luck of the Bears. He does something right and now is being punished. Life's rough I tell you. Now, I'm not even sure if the Bears will make the playoffs. If you remember earlier in the year I said I was confident the Bears would make it as a wildcard team, and so far that prediction seemed plausible. Now, I'm not as confident. We'll see how Hanie performs, the good thing, I suppose is that he has this whole week to prepare. The defense will definitely have to step up big and Forte will need a way better performance than he had last game. Overall, I'm crossing my fingers at this point the Bears can make it to the playoffs so Cutler has a chance to finish out this season.

With that some lovely side notes.
1. So what's my most anticipated Turkey football game tomorrow? I'm gonna have to say that's a pretty easy one as the Packers and the Lions face off. I mean, usually, the Lions play someone on Thanksgiving and it's a complete blow out because they've sucked for so long. But here's hope that they beat the Packers for the first time this season.
2. The Illinois football team is hopeless. Let's see Ron Zook outta here please and thank you. That's all I've got to say on that, my words aren't even worth it.
3. On Tuesday, Ryan Braun was named the National League MVP and I'm just gonna say, yeah that's not a bad choice. I mean he did help the Brewers win the NL Central for the first time in 30 years, which is pretty impressive considering the Cubs are you know busy winning all those titles (or not). But congrats to him and of course congrats to Justin Verlander for earning the American League MVP.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Let the Games begin

So I know I mentioned in my last week's blog that the new Hunger Games trailer was released but for some reason I found myself watching it over, and over, and over again. At this point I don't even know how many times I've seen it. But considering I watched it an estimated a hundred times, I felt inclined to talk about it further than just saying the trailer was released. Considering this is my next Harry Potter, since I'm totally over Twilight (yes, that's correct I haven't even seen the new movie yet), I should go into depth about how I feel about this film.

Warning: Do not read any further if you haven't finished the first book, it will ruin things and then you'll yell at me for ruining things. I will try not to talk about what happens too much. So here goes, my first impression of the trailer: awesome. By far one of the best trailers I have seen in a long time. Harry Potter never made a trailer like this, building an incredible amount of suspense and actually had my heart beating at the end of the trailer, nervous for what was about to happen. Although it had nothing about what actually what happens when the games start (except for when Katniss puts her hands up in honor of Rue) it built a great amount of anticipation for the movie. This is only the first trailer so I'm not surprised that they didn't give too much of the games away. I'm guessing further down the road they might.

Now, after my first impression, I took the time to go through the trailer slowly and see the actual scenes in slow motion. And what I got from that is the sets, costumes and appearances of the characters are extreme. I wasn't sure how I felt about Cesar's blue hair and I was a little disappointed by Katniss's dress for interviews, but I'm hoping it looks better on the big screen. I also liked the clothes they wear in the arena, I could tell each district had different colors and even though that's not how it is in the book, it will be good for the viewers eyes. They made the Capital look very futuristic and the people in it are going to be very eccentric looking. The set for the arena looks very promising from the little I saw from it.

As for the people that are in the uniforms, I'm extremely pleased with Jennifer Lawrence's look for Katniss. She lost a lot of weight for the role and her brown hair looks very good (I personally think she looks better with brown than her natural blonde hair). The 21-year-old looks a lot younger with her lost weight and I think she could pull off 16. Fun fact she is almost exactly one year older than me as her birthday is one year and one day before me. Anyways, I'm super pumped for her and very excited about Peeta. That was probably one thing that was missing from the trailer: not enough Peeta. If I didn't know anything about the books I would think Gale is a bigger character than Peeta, but we all know he isn't (at least not in this one). But his look and sound is perfect, but I'm anxious to see how he does in actual scenes.

Overall, this trailer could not have gotten me more excited. Typically after Harry Potter trailers I'm speculating whether this will be in it or this part will and how the new characters will do. For this Hunger Games trailer my speculations were completely erased and I am probably 100 times more excited. I am only reassured this movie will live up to my expectations, but you know when it gets closer (it comes out March 23) I will most likely be freaking out way more and second guessing my initial thoughts. Let's just hope the trailer only touched the surface of how awesome this movie is going to be.

With that, I give you some movie side notes.
1. Like I said earlier, I haven't seen Breaking Dawn Part 1 yet but it is no surprise to me that it led the box office with $139 million. Thank gosh it didn't beat Harry Potter, otherwise I would have been devastated (even though I know Harry Potter has better fans) but we won't talk about that.
2. Christopher Nolan announced the other day that The Dark Knight Rises will start eight years after the Dark Knight ended. I'm not sure how I feel about this but it certainly wasn't something I was expecting. I think I need another trailer until I make up my mind if I like that or not. But interesting nonetheless.
3. I'm super excited for this week because there are some incredible movies coming out that I'm super psyched for. Some of those include The Muppets, Hugo, Arthur Christmas, The Artist and My Week With Marilyn. My Week is of course the first live action movie (she did the voice for the Tales of Despereaux and a TV movie) that Emma Watson will be in. Even though it is a small role, I can't lie that I really just want to see this because she's in it.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Who new Revenge could be so sweet


Oh where to begin. I have waited anxiously for Friday all week, not just because I’ll be going home for thanksgiving break tomorrow but I finally get to talk about the new exciting shows I am watching this season. But before I get into the new shows I watch, I would like to first just give you a little update on how I think the seasons for my regular shows are doing.

First let us recap all of the shows I watch: How I Met Your Mother, Fringe, Grey’s Anatomy, Parks and Recreation, Community, The Good Wife, Dexter, oh and Glee (almost forgot that one). And of course 30 Rock but that isn't on right now because Tina had to go and have a baby. Anyways, so far pretty much every show has had a better season than the last. HIMYM is probably on track to have one of its best seasons if they would just find someone for Ted to date. Fringe is amazing yet frustrating. Love Grey’s despite what happened in the last episode, but still kind of hoping this is their last season. Parks is better than ever, and really loving Leslie running for office but also what happened in last night's episode (if you haven't watched it, go now!). The Good Wife is amazing and dramatic and just super entertaining with a great new angle and Dexter has finally kicked into gear as a very interesting and different season.

For the two shows that I didn’t mention are because they have been a little disappointing. Community for one is not having the best start. There has probably had two good episodes this season that I have really enjoyed and that had smart, witty writing like it usually does. I am sad about it not coming back after the winter break but maybe it will be good for the show and their writing team. As far as Glee goes, I’m getting very over it, very quickly. The same stupid storylines, the annoying Sue banter, the continual debate about being gay and Rachel being perfect. It’s getting very repetitive. The only thing that has me coming back: the music (especially after this weeks mash-up of Adele, that was pretty awesome even if they were singing Adele, which is hard to live up to).

But now on to the new exciting things I want to talk about. So, as of right now I am watching five new shows. There is one in particular that gets me very excited for Wednesday nights, like I was very upset it wasn’t new last week and that of course, is Revenge. Now you may be judging me right now if you’ve seen the commercials and not the actual show. It is a bit of a soap opera but it is also it is a creative, twisty show, with interesting characters and suspenseful episodes. I would totally recommend this if you haven’t checked it out yet.

As for the other shows I watch, that is Pan Am, Once Upon a Time, New Girl and Homeland and I am loving Once and Homeland. Once is a little cheesy and still has a long way to go to gain my respect but the first three episodes have been very fun and different. Homeland (which is on Showtime if you’re confused and never heard it. That’s probably why), is incredibly creative and really interesting; there’s no real show like it on television right now. As far as Pan Am and New Girl go, I’m not totally hooked yet. Pan Am is slowly losing my interest but I seem to keep coming back for Chrisina Ricci. New Girl is entertaining but not the greatest written or acted show. It has gotten better the last two episodes though.

Other shows I have checked out and hope to catch up with over breaks when I don’t have an insane amount of homework are Ringer and Up All Night. I did, I have to say, watched the first episode of Charlie’s Angels and all I have to say about that is thank god it got cancelled. But if you do want a new show this season and haven’t quite found it yet, I would totally tell you to watch Revenge. It is only eight episodes in and you can easily catch up because you will literally watch them one right after the other, they are that addicting. I would name it rookie of the year if there was such an award in television.

With that I have some side notes for you.
1. WOO! Congrats to Dexter for getting renewed for another two seasons. Showtime announced today that the show will continue this serial killers story for another two years. Aww yeah!
2. So who is counting down the days to Jan. 12? I know I am. 30 Rock is returning to my life! I have of course been watching the reruns that air on Comedy Central like everyday to get my fix of Tina, but really excited for the new episodes arrive. 
3. And some exciting news for you Ugly Betty fans. Becki Newton, who played Amanda on the show that was canceled too early, is coming back to TV on .... HIMYM! She is going to be Barney's new love interest and I must say I am uber excited about this one! Her first episode is expected to air in January and will be a recurring character through this season.

And with that I say... Live long and prosper.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Not what you would expect

While sitting around thinking about the different sports topics I could blog about, my mind was blown. The sports world is going crazy at the moment. Well first, obviously, you've got the Penn State scandal, then the whole NBA refusing to sign a new contract and then the start of the college basketball season. Not to mention the NFL is in the heart of its season and college football is coming to a close. So, now the question is what do I talk about.

And the decision, is none of the above but instead baseball. More specifically I would like to address this whole Zambrano issue that is happening with the Cubs. It was announced on Tuesday that the crazy, stupid, stuck up, cocky, bad for the clubhouse pitcher would have a chance to return to the Cubs. Wait? Isn't this the same guy who said he was quitting the team after being ejected from an Atlanta game because he was trying to take Chipper Jones' head off? Yes, same guy. For some reason, Theo Epstein, who personally am extremely excited about, said he has a chance of coming back.

No. This is a bad, bad idea. Zambrano's time with the Cubs has come and gone. He needs to go, like right now. To be honest, I was a huge Big Z fan. After that whole altercation with Derrick Lee in the dugout, I thought he was a changed man. Of course, every spring training he says his anger management is good and he will no longer trow fits on the mound or the clubhouse. Like that actually would happen.

Now, I'm not in the meeting where Zambrano and Epstein talk but I don't know what Zambrano said that convinced the organization to keep him. Personally, it might just be time for a change. I mean the guy has been on the Cubs since 2001. That is 10 seasons and a lot of headaches. Even though the pitcher, surprisingly, does have a winning record with the Cubs, it's time to turn over a new leaf. Let the guy go. He'll be able to find a new team quickly but he is like a Milton Bradley, just bad for the environment. With this new organization I think it's time to start fresh and that means getting rid of bad ju-ju Carlos Zambrano.

With that I give you some side notes.
1. Congrats, as hard as it is for me to say, to Coach K on getting his 903rd win and the most winningest coach in college basketball history. Although I hate Duke, I mean who doesn't, that is one heck of an achievement.
2. Raise your hand if you're sick of hearing about Penn State! (I'm raising my hand). I know this is a huge controversy and what not but I'm kind of tired of hearing about it. Even People Magazine has a story about it in their latest magazine (note: It is the sexiest man issue and Bradley Cooper won, a little upset about this but what can you do). Coverage has slowed down a little bit but I'm sure we'll be hearing about this one for a long time.
3. What did I tell you earlier this season about the Bears? Yes, they have had their troubles but look at that convincing win on Sunday against the Lions that they are for real. And now in the hunt for a wildcard spot, which I already said was going to happen (no one can beat those pesty Packers.) So here is to hoping they can continue their success through their last seven games.

With that I say... Live long and Prosper.

Monday, November 14, 2011

I’M BACK! GET EXCITED!


I know, I know. You have all missed me. Go ahead and exclaim to the fact that I finally have returned from my long hiatus. I would like to blame the education system in this country from my long awaited return. For some reason professors think they need to give us work outside of class to learn, personally I don’t know if I agree with that philosophy, but who am I to say what’s right.

Any who, I thought instead of being what people would call “productive” I would be my sense of productive and give you a nice winter movie preview. Now since the last time we talked the only new movie I have seen is Moneyball. To give you a quick recap it was slow moving, well acted and a well written story that I thoroughly enjoyed (but I love baseball, so yeah). I would certainly recommend it, mainly because it was fun to see Jonah Hill in a serious role; furthermore it was fun to see him surprise me in doing a great job in the serious role. Other than Moneyball it has been pretty much what’s been on TV (unless you count the other time I saw Harry Potter and then saw it again when I bought the DVD).

So, to focus on what is to come, I am going to give you a little preview of the five movies coming out during Oscar season that I am excited for and will make a run in the awards shows.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Gary Oldman is returning to our lives in a quality film, finally. With only a small appearance in the last Harry Potter film, Sirius Black is back in action as my favorite chameleon. What do I mean by chameleon? It is how I love to refer to Mr. Oldman because he looks incredibly different in each movie he is in. Example, he plays Beethoven in Immortal Beloved, a terrorist in Air Force One, Dracula in Dracula and of course Jim Gordon in the recent Batman films. Anyways, he is in this thriller set during the Cold War playing an espionage veteran who comes out of retirement to catch a Soviet agent. The film also has Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones and Mark Strong. Amazing cast? I think yes. Trailer here.

War Horse
Finally Spielberg is back my friends with a great looking, cinematic masterpiece. The shots in the trailer are incredible so I can’t wait to see the actual film, not to mention John William is doing the score. War Horse is based off the play focused on a horse, Joey and his journey through WWI. The man who owns him, Albert, tries to find Joey after he is forced to the cavalry. This movie just looks like classic Spielberg and definitely attracting some buzz. Not any crazy actors in this one except my good friend Remus Lupin is in it, aww yeah! Trailer here.

Carnage
If you watch this trailer, Carnage looks like, well it doesn’t look like it’s about anything. But that doesn’t mean I’m not seeing it. Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, Jodie Foster and John C. Reily. That right there is reason enough to see this, actually it’s pretty much the only reason to see it considering the whole movie is filmed in one apartment as parents argue about an altercation between their sons. This one looks a funny, quirky, entertaining film.

Extremely Loud Incredibly Close
So this is one of those movies based off an incredibly (get it? Incredibly is in the movie title) well-received book that I have gotten halfway through and it’s a pretty unconventional one (in a good way). The success of this movie will lie in the hands of the young Thomas Horn who plays the nine-year-old Oskar Schell. It is a very sad, touching story about Oskar and his mother after his father is killed in 9/11. He is on a journey to find a key for a lock his father left him. Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks star as Oskar’s parents. This will be one my mom will need Kleenex for. Trailer here.

The Artist
Not sure if I wanna see this one but I could not, not put it down. It is a silent film, black and white, which puts in a category above the rest. I’m nervous about no dialogue but Jean Dujardin, who plays movie star George Valentin in Hollywood 1927, has been getting a lot of buzz about best actor. It looks pretty magical and brings many people back when movies were fantastic so I’m actually kind of anxious to see this one the more I think about it. Trailer here.

Some very quick side notes
1. Other notable movies I wanna see whether they are Oscar worthy or not. The Muppets, Breaking Dawn (guilty pleasure I swear), Happy Feet 2, Hugo, My Week With Marilyn (I was gonna write about this but only so much room, this one does have Emma Watson in it), Arthur Christmas, and The Iron Lady (plus a lot, a lot, a lot more). And then one special movie coming out in March debuted their trailer today ... HUNGER GAMES! A.K.A my next Harry Potter (but not quite). Trailer here.

2. Yay! Billy Crystal as Oscar host! This is exactly what the show needs; an awesome host that will put it back on track. Personally I wanted Tina, but she did just have a baby, so I’ll wait anxiously for debut in the 2013 Oscars.

3. For all you Star Wars fans, yeah Tina listen up! The Phantom Menace is coming back to theaters Feb. 10 … in 3D! Who’s excited? This girl is! Despite people calling it the worst Star Wars movie I personally am a big fan of Jar Jar Binks and look forward to watching the pod racing in high quality 3D. People to come with me would be much appreciated.

With that I say… Live long and prosper.