Cool Site: BookLamp

    I recently discovered something for my fellow bookworms! Do you LOVE Pandora? Isn't it wonderful to find new artists that are similar to your musical taste? Well, now you can do the exact same thing with books! *NERD ALERT* Best part about it: it's free! After typing in your favorite book or author, you can find plenty of novels (fiction and non-fiction) that this site thinks you'd be interested in. I know it can be overwhelming to choose a good book. I love the various option this site provides. New authors and classics like Jane Eyre are right at your finger tips. All you need to do is go online or your local book store and dig into that great new novel.

http://booklamp.org/

TV Recommendation: The Hour

    I recently discovered a great new show that has filled the void this summer's TV season. The Hour is set in England during 1956. *Don’t stop reading! Wait, let me finish!* The wonderful Romola Garai is a first time producer for a new hourly broadcast program. She entails her good friend/frequent co-worker (Ben Whishaw) to come along. They’re sick and tired of being second rate. These two usually cover debutantes and non-hard hitting stories. However, tensions arrive with a new debonair host played by Dominic West. This won’t be your typical workplace drama. It’s going to get competitive as I see a little love triangle forming!

  

    Immediately (because it’s based in the 1950s), The Hour has been compared to Mad Men but I’m here to tell you: these are two completely different shows. The Hour should be in along the lines of Network or even Broadcast News. Also, for all those dummies out there: Mad Men is set in the 1960s America. Um, yeah, we had some major differences back then! *If you forget this is the Cold War Era, look around to see literally everyone chain-smoking.*

    Now, some folks might be bored with this concept. I can tell you I only check it out after seeing Garai’s name. Yet, after seeing the first episode, I was happily surprised to be caught off guard on how well-written and paced the series is. There are spies involved! Elements of crime drama, suspense, comedy, and political intrigue seep into the main plot lines and you just want more! Don’t compare it to other period pieces; The Hour has it’s own style and sophistication that brings me back for more.

    Garai perfectly conveys the struggle as a woman in the workplace.  She should be a “good little housewife” instead of wanting a career. What I love about her character is the inability to back down and go straight for the story. It’s hard enough being a woman in the 1950s but doing a man’s job was unheard of during that period. I'm ecstatic to see Garai shine brightly in a well deserved series. Whishaw was poetic perfection in Bright Star. Here, he’s not a mopey writer anymore but stands out as an electric journalist on the trail for the most worthy story. West is the Cary Grant prototype as a slick ladies man presenter. The tender moments when he tries to woo over Garai help me forget his tough character on HBO’s The Wire.

    The newest TV British import is already a hit in the UK and has been opted for a second season. American audiences have gotten a taste of this show with the latest 2 episodes airing on BBC America. I’m a little late to the series but there are 4 more episodes to go before the 1st season is over. I highly recommended watching it for a smart and wildly addictive series. You may think it starts off slow but stick around. You won’t regret it.

The Hour airs Wednesday Nights at 9pm on BBC America.

Florence Is Back!

    The original and vibrant Welsh songbird is back with TWO new songs. Florence released her last album Lungs in 2009. I've seen her THREE times in concert. I consider her to be one of the greatest performers EVER. It's not a concert - it's an experience! The new album is set for November 7th and was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in England. I'm beyond excited to hear her new material. Below is the video for "What The Water Gave Me" which is the first single. The second "Strangeness and Charm" will be on the album but I've actually heard her sing this song live. It's breathtaking! It's destined to be a bestseller and will rock our socks off.

"Lay me down / Let the only sound be the overflow / Pockets full of stones / That's what the water gave us!"

See It or Skip It: Crazy, Stupid, Love

    I’ve recently discovered the recipe for a joyful rom-com-drama. It entails two main ingredients: great writing and an outstanding cast. Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marissa Tomei, and Kevin Bacon are what I call “outstanding.” I do like how Hollywood is putting big casts together but it can get overwhelming if done incorrectly, i.e. Valentine’s Day. Each of these actors brings Crazy, Stupid, Love to another level on its own terrain. I can safely say it’s the best romantic comedy I’ve seen in over 2 years.

    Now, please don’t confuse the premise with the likes of Will Smith in Hitch. Yes, there’s a bit of that “male makeover” routine but this film has what Hitch was missing - a heart. *Don’t get me wrong – it was an entertaining film but a far cry from good!*

    The movie opens up as Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) hears the horrible news that his wife of 25 years wants a divorce. Instead of the quest of becoming a sad divorcee still pining for his ex-wife, Ryan Gosling’s Jacob comes to the rescue. Here is a handsome smooth talking man that can get (and probably has) any women he wants. Cal desperately wants to become his disciple.

 

    Yet, as the story progresses, Cal in a way grows up and becomes a better man. All the while, Emily (his ex) still misses him but tries to live without him. Their children are adorable. Teenage son, Robbie believes his 17 year old babysitter is his “soul mate.” He sends her texts and publicly proclaims his love (at the high school, no less). Sadly. he doesn’t realize she’s also got her eyes for someone else which is when fun unfolds.

     Emma’s Hannah is a career driven law student that isn’t falling head over heels over Jacob’s lothario game. She’s not about to go for a  pick-up line even if he does have some classics (“Fancy face” is just what he calls a lucky lady one night). My favorite scene is Hannah and Jacob’s first night together.”Seriously?! You’re like Photoshopped” It’s great to hear there was a lot of  improvisation! I have a special place in my heart for their recreation of the famous Dirty Dancing ending.

    On the other side, one of the most endearing moments in the film is when Cal and Emily call each other about to fix the power breaker. Their love and history is so evident that it spills onto the screen. It got a little misty-eyed in the theater.

     Ryan is wonderful in comedy and fits easily into the role of the know-it-all ladies man, Jacob. Steve Carrell, as shown in Dan In Real Life, not only has a talent for comedy but also for drama. I enjoyed the touching moments and the overwhelming emotion portrayed on his face. Julianne Moore is simply STUNNING. Truthfully, I can’t think of anything she wasn’t wonderful in! A magnetic actress in every genre. Emma Stone is funny and cute as usual. She the type of girl any fella can go for.

    The supporting characters do a terrific job of not overshadowing the plotline. Scene stealers Jonah Bobo and his wishful love, Analeigh Tipton (from America’s Next Top Model) provide easy comedic relief. It’s just like a complicated love story - the younger version. Marissa Tomei is hysterical as an unforgettable one-night stand. You have to wonder why she’s not doing more comedies. He may have broken up a marriage but Kevin Bacon doesn’t have a big role. I still liked his company on screen.

    The tribulations of a marriage isn’t a new concept to Hollywood films but it’s refreshing to see how a “recycled” storyline of cheaters, one-night stands, losers and playas can be so well executed.

VERDICT: SEE IT

Coming This Fall: New Girl Starring Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel posted 2 new posters for her show, New Girl on her Twitter page yesterday. It looks to be a delightful new comedy as she plays a dumped gal who moves into an apartment with 3 guys. I, for one, cannot wait. Besides being a talented songbird, this gifted comedienne is cute as a button in just about everything she does.

   

The New Girl is set to premiere in September 20th at 9pm on FOX. 

Check out the funny promo trailer. 

 

Paul Rudd Is A Marketing Genius For My Idiot Brother

   Paul Rudd’s crazy antics in this Funny or Die video literally had me laughing so loud that I was told to “SHH.”

    He’s starting the promotion kick as his new film, My Idiot Brother, is to be released Aug. 26th. I’m excited for this new movie. He plays the “outcast” sibling of a fabulous female cast which includes Zooey Deschannel, Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer, and Rashida Jones.

    In this clip, he pitches out new promo ideas to media mogul Harvey Weinstein. It speaks for itself so take a look. Paul needs to be in more movies! He’s unstoppable…”Oh, is this your Oscar? … SLAM”

Paul Rudd Pitches Harvey Weinstein from Paul Rudd

Buzzworthy Music Tuesdays: Aug 9th

The Head & The Heart

  

    I discovered this fantastic Seattle indie band from the MySpoonful website. I've been in love ever since I heard lead singer's Josiah Johnson deep yet scratchy voice. Their soft and soulful vocals provide a mesmerizing sound to the background of folk music.

     I was never a fan of folk music until I heard Glen Hansard poor his heart out in Once. I always thought it use to sound either depressing, boring, or like country music. How wrong I was! Folk music snuck into my bones and shook the very essence of what I understood music to be. *Wow, exaggerate much, Chris?* Music isn't Top 40. It took me years to comprehend this. To listen to a simple guitar and a sincere voice is literally music to my ears. To think I use to listen to Danity Kane (ONLY for 5 mins) and not be embarrassed! *Ugh, I can't believe I just said that!*

 

Summer Under The Stars: TV Heaven

    For the past few years, Turner Classic Movies has delighted viewers with a month programming full of Classic Hollywood Icons. This month continues this schedule with TCM showing 24 hours of one movie star. I love “Summer Under The Stars” but regret the limited space on my DVR. How can I choose between a Carole Lombard or James Stewart film? Oh, the madness! 

    August started with Marlon Brando but there are many more to come. The rest of the month’s line up is below. I would generally recommend some more films but I just can’t. There are so many amazing films from each of theses actors. I am completely overwhelmed! I’ve put their most notable or (in my opinion) best films in parentheses for easy reference to watch over the month.


His Girl Friday playing on 8/14


8/4 – Ronald Colman (Random Harvest)
8/5 – John Garfield (The Postman Always Rings Twice)
8/6 – Lucille Ball (The Long, Long Trailer)
8/7 – Charles Laughton (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
8/8 – Orson Welles (A Touch of Evil)
8/9 – Ann Dvorak (Scarface)
8/10 – Shirley Maclaine (The Apartment)
8/11 – Ben Johnson (She Wore A Yellow Ribbon)
8/12 – Claudette Colbert (It Happened One Night)
8/13 – James Stewart (Mr. Smith Goes To Washington)
8/14 – Ralph Bellamy (His Girl Friday)
8/15 – Lon Chaney (The Phantom of The Opera)
8/16 – Joanne Woodward (Paris Blues)
8/17 – Humphrey Bogart (To Have or Have Not)
8/18 – Jean Gabin (Pepe Le Moko)
8/19 – Debbie Reynolds (Singin’ In The Rain)
8/20 – Montgomery Clift (From Here to Eternity)
8/21 – Cary Grant (The Philadelphia Story)
8/22 – Joan Crawford (Mildred Pierce)
8/23 – Conrad Veidt (Casablanca)
8/24 – Joan Blondell (Gold Diggers of 1933)
8/25 – Burt Landcaster (Sweet Smell of Success)
8/26 – Peter Lawford (It Should Happen To You)
8/27 – Linda Darnell (A Letter To Three Wives)
8/28 – Carole Lombard (My Man Godfrey)
8/29 – Anne Francis (Blackboard Jungle)
8/30 – Howard Keel (Kiss Me Kate)
8/31 – Marlene Dietrich (Blue Angel)

Goo Goo For Gaga

    Now, I understand what it’s like to be a fan. Admiring an artist for their talents and um, other qualities is not a new concept. Then, I saw the tattoos of Lady Gaga’s super fans and I knew I’d never have this amount of dedication. Best Week Ever posted an article on the 16  most outrageous Gaga ink. All I have to say is WOW. I am a Gaga fan - what girl from NY isn't?? I do like the cartoon but I bet most those are going to be a pain in the ass to remove. Seriously, who isn't going to regret having a massive Little Monster tattoo on their necks? Check these out and the rest over on their blog.


P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face



Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!





Buzzworthy Music Tuesdays: Aug 2nd

The Weeknd

    You may have heard the song on Entourage's final season commerical. This Toronto R&B singer is making a name for himself. His debut album dropped (House of Balloons) earlier this year to rave reviews. More impressive is that this 21-year-old singer released his album by himself without a record label. He's even sneaking up on remixes from that other Canadian, Drake. Take a listen below. With killer hooks and smooth beats, expect to see this guy in the future.

Sandwich Snacks: Today's Dinner Roundup

     New Posters  

The Ides of March

    George Clooney stars and directs this film about political campaigns. Ryan Gosling, Marissa Tomei, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Evan Rachel Wood and Paul Giamatti join him in what’s to be a “must see” movie. View the creative poster with half George and half Ryan.

The Muppets

    The final poster for Jason Segel's muppet extravanganza is finally here. After many teasers, the poster has all our old friends and the lovely Amy Adams. I don't care what age you are. Who DOESN'T love the muppets?

     New Trailers  

New Year's Eve

    Gary Marshall has a made a almost sequel to Valentine’s Day. New Year’s Eve is the same concept – big cast, one day in their lives, love… blah, blah, blah. I won’t even mention the cast because I don’t have the space in the entire blog universe. Eh, why lie? I’ll probably see it.

Hell on Wheels

    This Civil War TV drama follows a ex-Confederate seeking payback for the murder of his wife by Union soldiers. Must point out that COMMON is a costar with the role as a former slave. Now I hope this doesn’t take time away from his music. *I still miss his Gap ad’s.* AMC’s Western is set to premiere in November.

Battleship

    I can’t believe they based a movie on the battleship game. “C5, DIRECT HIT!” Liam Neeson just can’t say no to a role apparently. Oh! Rihanna (oo na na, what’s my name?) plays an unglamorous part as a member of the crew; unfortunately, you won’t see her fire red hair anywhere in the trailer.

Sandwich Snacks: Lunch Box Roundup

News

  

        Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling *drooling* are teaming up again for The Gangster Squad; a period piece with Sean Penn. Emma will be caught between two men.Who will see choose: A detective or a mobster. Is it too early to buy my ticket?

              Robyn's cover of Coldplay's "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" is streaming online and it will rock your ears off.

          More news on Fran Drescher's new show, Happily Divorced. Not only was it renewed for a second season but she has a visitor! Mr. Sheffield is back! Charles Shaughnessy will make a special guest appearance. I'm so excited for this. I love The Nanny and still watch incessant repeat on NickAtNite.*Oh goodness, did I just admit that in public?*

        You may have a lot in common with artist Santigold. A fun little article on Spin reveals her love for The Smiths, Sixteen Candles, and just being awesome. Got to love this gal!   

     New Trailers/Clips

  

Blast from The Past

  

    An OLD Mickey Mouse Club clip of Ryan Gosling and Justin Timberlake has surfaced online. The boys were SANGIN' like Jodeci. It's corny but in a great I-can't believe-that-just-happened-way. Too bad Justin didn't put that to good use... Oh, wait...Nevermind.

In Time

    Boy, I have Justin Timberlake and Ryan twice posted here. Sorry, but with summer movies and their busy career schedules - it seems I can work around the clock with these two. The trailer for Justin's film In Time was posted online. The clip was screened earlier for the Comic-Con audience. The movie provides the concept of time replacing money. It's looks to be a slick action packed film. Minority Report it may not be but I think we owe JT a chance to prove he really is leading man material (Friends With Benefits doesn't count since we know he can do comedy all  too well.) The film also stars Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, Matt Bomer, and Alex Pettyfer. It's seems JT is adding actor to his permanent resume. *Hello, JT from the Mickey clip, I know you still go it!*  

   

   

    

              

   

Buzzworthy Music Tuesdays: July 26th

Austra

    Nylon Mag is offering a Summer Playlist on iTunes that I highly recommend. IT'S FREE. Here's the link. Expires this Sunday. 

    On the playlist is Lose It by Austra. I've played this song REPEATLY. It's a catchy tune with easy lyrics. You might be saying "What is this? Electro pop/New Wave? Didn't I just see this girl running for the "L" train in Williamsburg?" Why yes is your answer to all! This song (by a Canadian band, eh) makes you want to bop your head, dance, and even do the forbidden fist pump. Take a second to open your ears to this insanely addictive song while watching their quirky video.

TV Recommendation: Zen

    Several of the best shows on TV can be found on Sunday Nights. I myself watch True Blood, Drop Dead Diva, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Falling Skies, AND Masterpiece Classic. *I sincerely don't know how I manage it!* Sunday has always been home to "prime' television; speaking of which, Masterpiece Classic is not just for geezer and Anglophiles. I recall a certain Cookie Monster and his love of Masterpiece Theater (the name has changed since then). Just to name a few shows: Downton Abbey, Sherlock Holmes, Little Dorrit, Pride and Prejudice were all British production shown on PBS. I can say tonight's programming keeps in this good company.

    Tonight is the second installment of Zen for Masterpiece Mystery. Rufus Sewell stars as the titled character. He's a snazzy detective solving crimes on the cobble streets of Rome. A man that can effortlessly rock an Armani suit deserves our attention.

    In this story, it seems the majority of the Italian government officials are corrupt. Why accepting bribes for murder cases? Oh, just another day at the office. What's special about Aurelio Zen is his morale and uncharted honesty which makes him an outcast in his department. This trait makes him a choice target for criminals and colleagues alike. The first chapter involves two murder cases that aren't so easy to solve. Nothing looks as it seems and our detective has to go digging for dirt. Zen has a romantic subplot with the married office secretary. Hey! Hey! The affair is (for lack of a better word) charming. She has a "complicated" relationship. For once, an adulterer doesn't act like a total sleazebag.  

    The first episode ("Vendetta") is currently streaming at on the PBS site. I thoughly enjoyed this series because it felt like what a "mystery" was suppose to be. *Also, it fills the void left by Downton Abbey until that comes back in January.* I encourage you to take a look for a stylish thriller mixed with splashes of intrigue, romance, and comedy. Zen still lives with his mother. A man on the brink of 40 and doesn't have his own place. Yeah, that is sure to provided entertainment (or a sad reminder for some.. Sorry, fellas!)  

 Masterpiece Mystery - Zen: "Cabal" airs tonight on PBS at 9pm (check your local listings.)

See It or Skip It: Beginners

   The first thing you should know about me is that I am a self-diagnosed “FILM JUNKIE.”  I live, breathe, and dream films from every decade to all genres. With that said, it’s going to be difficult to boil down my favorite film of the … last 6 months. Beginners is without a doubt that choice. 

   Bridesmaids was hysterical. Midnight in Paris was charming. Tree of Life was….well… um, visually stunning? Okay let’s stop being pretentious and just call Brad Pitt’s movie  like it is. It was a 2 ½ hour nap at the theatre. Yes, I just saved you $13.50 at the movies. You’re Welcome! Otherwise, this 2011 year has had an excellent choice in films for everyone. 

   Beginners is a limited released, lower budget, indie film from director Mike Mills.  This former graphic artist provides such an original vision & concept to his storytelling that it’s shocking to think he isn’t a household name.  What’s great & frankly brings more emotion to the story – is that it’s based on his real life experience! Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, Big Fish) is Oliver – a quiet yet introverted Californian graphic artist in his late 30s. For the record, Ewan does his finest acting here in his entire 20-year career span. Right off the bat, you can see he’s not exactly flourishing in his family nor romantic relationships. (So unrealistic! Have you seen this man? Moulin Rouge, anyone? Swoon.) His father, Hal, played with elegance & charisma by Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music) is 70 years old. After being married to Oliver’s mother for over 44 years, he jumps out of the closet and reveals he is gay. Now, before you think this is some liberal rainbow celebration, I can honestly say this: It’s a simple love story with elements of comedy and drama.