Every year there are debates over whether or not the Academy Award went to the person who truly deserved it, and posthumous awards attract this attention more than others. This post will be brief: Heath Ledger deserved his Best Supporting Actor Award and anyone who says otherwise is a fool. His performance was brilliant, eerie, and so dedicated it may have contributed to the loss of an amazing actor. As his family accepted his award every nominated actor and actress from the Pitts to Anne Hathaway let their eyes well up with tears. They said to remember the legacy of his performance and let it be in praise of his life, I think that's what we should all do.
Every couple of years Quentin Tarantino releases a new movie, which means blood, great music, and astounding posters. Unlike the airbrushed generic posters that float around for nearly every other movie, when a Tarantino poster is released it's artwork. Only a few days ago the new Inglorious Basterds artwork was released to demonstrate this once more. Thats right, this post is just a praising of Tarantino posters, but at least its one thats well deserved.
One of the qualities that makes Tarantino posters stand out is the use of contrast especially between varying colors. In this new, and gorgeous, Inglorious Basterds poster it is what draws your eye to the immediately to the red; it seems so vivid because there it is surround by a small area of lighter colors, and then surrounding darkenss. Then when the eyese are drawn there one can spot the swasticka. It is exactly like this that classical art is supposed to function.
Another simple reason for why Taratino's posters so good is because they embody the feel and look of the art from the time or genre his film is drawing upon. Any fan of Tarantino would say that he draws inspiration from a lot of sources and it can clearly be seen in his films. When he paired up with Robert Rodriguez for a Grindhouse film event, his film DeathProof was clearly based off of not only earlier 70's grindhouse films, female exploitation films, and of course car movies. All of these are brilliantly blended together, along with an old classic feel in the poster. In Kill Bill vol 1. Kung Fu movies were a main influence. Bruce Lee impacted the films to such an extent that not only did the main character "The Bride" wear a jumpsuit based on one of his, but also the posters are even designed to match. Kill Bill vol 2 has more of a country theme in the film and so even the poster's colors are subdued with the images softened.
Then there are the earlier classics. Jackie Brown makes it impossible to choose a favorite poster, even though it's often over looked for Tarantino's other films. Theres one with Pam Grier revisiting her Foxy Brown post as she is posing in her flight attendant suit and holding up a nice gun with a super seventies pose. Then there is the black and white ensemble cast that features them all in their element, expressing all exactly what they are known for: Pams as a tough woman, Samual L Jackson ready to scream mother fucker, Bridget Fonda looking sexy as hell, and Robert De Niro looking like a consumate Badass, though with a suspicious mustache. Finally, the main cast members has their own posters, something now common place. Is their any arguement that Bridget Fonda's is clearly the best of them? Its perhaps possible that her poster outshines her role, it was just damned good, getting her entire character across in one shot.
Then there is Pulp Fiction and Resevoir Dogs, what could be said about those films and their posters that hasn't already been said. Probably nothing actually. They have beeen posted all over not only dorm rooms for over a decade now, and even get framed nicely in expensive homes cause of their artistic quality...and Uma Thurman. I won't try to explain. I'll just show again to let you see once more. I'll leave you with those, and the thought that the next time you see a new Tarantino poster, is it just another film poster, or is it art?
In just a few days Conan O'Brien will make his last appearance of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and be handing over the ranks to incredibly inferior Jimmy Fallon. February 20th his last episode as the host will air, as O'Brien will gain reign of infamous "Tonight Show." Conan, with his huge head, fiery hair, and awkward stares has been making us laugh for years now and in order to celebrate this achievement I've compiled a list of his best moments.
The Walker Texas Ranger Lever Chuck Norris is the ultimate joke, I know it, you know it, he knows it, we ALL know it. Conan uses it beautifully, making an already good joke even better... the almighty walker texas ranger lever
Old Timey Baseball Conan, athletics, and a bunch of psychotic people who play baseball as if it were 1864. Best moments in this, when he laughs the woman's father who has "past" and then attempts to inform her that her husband is gay. Conan with an 1864 mustache and accent is amazing.
The Stewart, Colbert, Conan Fued The three pals and comedic geniuses faced off like the jets vs. the sharks and it was good. Just think all that violence over Mike Huckabee?
Conan: I think if you just yelled at the tree, the apples might fall down Do you want to try that? Mr. T: (Points and screams) Hey Apple! You better fall down!
Conan hangs with Martha Stewart
Conan attempts to joke with Martha. he seems scared however of not only their horses but her as well. She is a formidable straight woman to his lovable oaf...though a bit too frightening.
Valentine's Day, it sneaks up once a year with the only hint being the increase in chick flicks at the theaters and couples making out in public. Whether you love it or hate it, the day seems to taint your movie and television watching experience for at least a few days. If your the Valentine's day fan that means the bad movies that seem slapped together where couples are completely unrealistic are now completely plausible, and if you hate it even the most wonderful classic romances are full of crap. So to honor this dichotomy I have assembled two lists of film couples. The first falls into the believable category, you don't have to suspend your belief that they would not only get together but stay together. The second list is of couples that if by the time a sequel was created you know they have gone their separate ways. These are couples where there was chemistry and the romance was there, but if it was reality it would simply not work out that way. To narrow down the list and make it more reader friendly, I've limited it to just films created from 1990 and on, and tried to choose some popular films instead of just my favorites. On special occasions, such as holidays, I try to be nice like that.
They Lived Happily Ever After...
1. Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton in The Notebook (2004)
If any of you feel this is cheating let me know, but the point of this is the feeling the couple gives of. The feel essentially shows the duration of their lives, but even it stopped when the were 20, 30, or 60 it wouldn't have changed the fact that the viewer would have known the were going to grow old together.
2. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy A Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)
They are perhaps the craziest pair on the list, and have been together the longest. I could have selected other films featuring them but I believe their being depicted as the Cratchets shows that despite their odd back and forth dynamic there is love at the heart of the Muppet antics, perhaps that's why we love them so much as well.
3. Andy and Trish in The 40 Year old Virgin (2007)
They didn't rush things, which is always a good start. They took time to get to know things, and if he was willing to give up so many G.I. Joes they must last
4. Julia and Robbie in The Wedding Singer (1998) He even sings a song about he wants to grow old with her. If Billy Idol believes in them I have to as well
5. Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman in Hot Fuzz (2007)
Admittedly not what you probably expected, but you cant watch this and see how they spoof romantic love, and how these two actually love one another than I'm sorry but you are just an idiot
6. Belle and The Beast in Beauty and the Beast (1991)
They fell in love and broke a curse when he was a hideous monster. I think they can survive when hes a handsome prince.
7. Joel and Clementine in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
They realized just how much they loved each other when they were reminded of their faults, and decided that the other person was worth it, despite heartache and pain that may come. That is love.
8. Wall-E and Eve in Wall - E (2008)
Despite barely even being able to speak to one another, Wall-E grew to love Eve and take care of her when she was essentially comatose. Through his dedication she grew to be his friend, and then love too. Don't act like your heart didn't melt when they held hands, cause it did too!
9. Rob and Laura in High Fidelity (2000)
Despite the film also being the ultimate break-up film, the couple realizes how much they love each other and belong together through their being apart. Yes, Rob was essentially an ass who did deserve to be broken up with, but it's pretty impossible not to love him as he chronicles his heartbreaks. He finally understands that the reason he can't get over Laura is because he loves her so much, even simple things.
10. Jack and Sally in TheNightmare Before Christmas (1993)
In they end they are simply too dark and depressed to be with anyone else; they are perfect for one another.
It was a bitter Divorce...
1. Amelie and Nino in Amelie (2001)
She was stalking him, he needs to be giving her a restraining order instead of a motorcycle ride. Also he works in a porno shop, perhaps she missed that when she was stalking him
2. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice (2005)
It may seem like the perfect classic ending but one day their love hate relationship is really going to explode into just hatred. For one thing he is not going to be able to live with her family, and for another do we really think she is going to fit into his world?
3. Edward and Vivian in Pretty Woman (1990)
She’s a prostitute, even if she’s got a heart of gold, that’s going to be an issue. Especially in the smug business world he operates in.
4. Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
They may seem like an image of a happier ever after couple, but please can we be a little honest here, they can only see each other every 10 years! If they don’t think they will be straying in the mean time we truly are delving into the world of fantasy. Who's to say that her baby isn't Sparrow's already, doesn't look to much like Will...
5. Shaun and Liz in Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun may have stepped up for the zombie apocalypse but at the end it seems as if he’ settling back into his old routine. Unless Liz is willing to chill out a bit she’s going to remember why she kicked him to the curb before.
6. Andie and Ben in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Everyone who sees this tends to rave about their compatibility, but that doesn't equal longevity. Aside from the fact that their entire relationship is built on a series of escalating lies they really don't have much in common.
7. Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood in Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Though Marion is the greatest of all Indiana's matches, Jones just isn't the settling down type. He isn't meant for staying in one place. He should always be off searching for treasure, and Marion doesn't have quite the same appetite for adventure
8. Martin Blank and Debi Newman in Grosse Point Blank (1997)
He was an assassin, who was supposed to kill her father. If that's not bad enough, he also broke her heart before by leaving her on prom night. They barely know each these days. It's just an all around recipe for disaster.
9. April O'Neil and Casey Jones in TMNT (2007)
In the alternate ending the get engaged (that’s right, I watched the deleted scenes) but do they really scream of eternity. He's just sort of the wild and free guy, and she's more uptight and cautious. Not only would they have to prove that opposites can attract and last, but she just feels too good for him.
10. Mary and Ted in There's Something about Mary (1998)
I know its the whole point of the movie, but shes just too good for him. Still, my real argument is that she is going to inevitably realize that she turned down Brett Favre.... repeat... BRETT FAVRE! Yeah, I believe she would go back to him.
So write back with your thoughts. Do you completely disagree with some of these? Glad that I finally got it? Or are just absolutely disgusted that I left a certain pair off either list. Then write back and let me know so at the very least we can argue about it.
Today is Friday the 13th, so lets celebrate with yet another horrible remake of classic American horror film. Of course, I'm talking about Friday the 13th. I'll admit right now that I haven't seen it yet, but it's still fair because I'm guessing the creators haven't seen the original. Why would I say such a thing? How about they concept, the shock ending, and the murderer that made the original so fantastic, as well as the best of the series, seems to be completely missing from the remake. All that remains is Jason, and Crystal Lake.
The films website features an introduction to the movie saying,
"Welcome back to Crystal Lake in a chilling re-imagining of of the classic horror film 'Friday the 13th'"
If you move down the blood spattered scroll bar, which is really a little too gimmicky, you'll not only find descriptions of Jason Voorhees with his machete, but that Derek Mears will be taking over the role. *Spoiler ALERT for the original film* The reason this plagues fans of the original film, was that an adult Jason never even existed in the first film. Instead audiences were lucky enough to be completely surprised when Jason's mother the seemingly sweet Mrs. Voorhees, played by Betsy Palmer was the one killing all the kids at the lake. The film had an amazing ending which terrified audiences when the seemingly last survivor floated away on a canoe serenely on the lake, only to have the deformed presumed dead Jason pop out and attack at the films close! That was the introduction of his character as a murderer, and it was absolutely beautiful for effect it had on unsuspecting audiences. It seems that the creators have either completely forgotten or decided to erase this past.It seems a waste when you imagine how many members of the new audience also may not know, and could have been just as frightened as those seeing the original.
These days horror movies are not one picture deals. They either have two to four sequels like the Saw films, or if they are good enough they are eventually remade. This serves to show that as we mass produce horror films, along with all others, we should still pay attention to what made the original so brilliant. Some remakes and/or sequels are not only decent but good. Rob Zombie's 2007 Halloween remake was actually a good one, and mainly because he loved the original so much. He is a man who can be trusted to take over a horror film, because he will attempt to preserve what made it special. Next years Nightmare on ElmStreet project is another remake that can go either way, whether it will live up to its predecessor or tarnish it's name will remain to be seen.
You can call him the Fresh Prince no more, instead Will Smith is officially the king of Hollywood. Only two days ago Forbes released its first Star Currency Survey, to discover Hollywood's Most Valuable Actors. The only actor with a perfect score, was Mr. Smith.
While he may not be the most highly acclaimed actor, the one with the most Oscars, or even the oldest is it that surprising? Lets just put it this way, of the last few holiday, how many have you spent with him? Every Christmas he has a new film that's respected and does well. This year it was Seven Pounds, last year it was I am Legend (Yes, apparently he is), Ali, and how can we forget when he made us cry with The Pursuit of Happyness. He set us up with our true love with Hitch. Hell, we spend more time with him on the holiday than our own family members!
Oh, and that's not including the 4th of July. What he does then is come out, and save the world in a big blockbuster movie then. Independence Day started it all, and ever since then, we haven't been able to let him go. We've had him come back twice in the Men In Black movies, Hancock, and even Wild Wild West, where we wish we he hadn't.
Still, it seems we can't get enough of Will, it's as if he's everyone's best friend, just at the movies. He's had seven of his live-action films open consecutively at the number one spot in the North American Box Office. He's a man who hasn't got just box office numbers (though he clearly has those) but the admiration of every fan group. He's been nominated not only for Academy Awards but won BET awards, Kid's Choice Awards, MTV Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. He's the guy who if you brought to the 4th of July barbecue not only will your mom like him, so will all five generations present as he drinks a beer, cooks a perfect steak, kills an invading alien, solves all racial prejudices, and then plays on the slip and slide. It's no wonder Will Smith got a perfect score, he's become our perfect actor.
There have been several comments in magazines and on television about how last year was the year of the vampire and this year will be that of the werewolf. Between Twilight, True Blood, and Underworld mixing the beasts this coming year, plus Benicio Del Toro starring in the upcoming Wolfman it seems a possibility that those are the current phases. What shouldn't be argued however, is the enduring love of Zombies. While the other monsters come and go, the undead are continually overwhelming the entertainment industry with their deteriorating flesh, lifeless moans, and haggard walk.
Every year there is another dozen zombie films in theaters and direct to dvd. Ever since Romero's Night of the Living Dead we just cant seem to get enough of the flesh eating beings. Sure we might want to see them in a couple of different varieties, cliches, or scenarios but what we really want is just zombies. Just a few of the 2008 zombie releases include: Dance of the Dead, Day of the Dead (another one), Dead Air, Dead Snow, Diary of the the Dead, House of the Damned, Ninjas vs Zombis, Resident Evil: Degeneration, Samurai Zombie, Stripper Zombies (not to be confused with the other 2008 release Zombie Strippers) and perhaps my favorite of all the titles Mutant Vampire Zombies from the 'Hood. The zombies of our new world no longer just moan and groan they are multi talented entrepreneurs! In this latest slate of zombie films they dance, they fly in planes, are samurais, they fight ninjas, a few are Nazis, and a apparently a lot more of them are strippers. Diary of the Dead even features an Amish zombie, which really makes you wonder, wouldn't eating a living human being be against his religion?
Zombies are no longer involved in just feature films, instead they've overrun all aspects of entertainment and often in more interesting or personal ways than before. The television show Fear Itself recently aired an episode called "New Years Day" featuring a zombie Apocalypse. One special touch was that it was revealed to be from the eyes of a zombie. This perspective seems to be an intriguing one, what with video games like Possession being created. The game, set for 2010 release, would allow gamers to play as a zombie attempting to exact revenge on humans who turned you into the living dead. This game could do well, what with zombies already being a goldmine for video games. This year games like Left 4 Dead and Dead Space did well with their combination of special powers for the zombies, or the specialized location. The zombie game staple, Resident Evil, extended its system availability to the Wii last year with The Umbrella Chronicles and will move to Xbox360 as well next year with Resident Evil 5. Fans of the Wii say a benefit of playing on that system is that it feels more actually shooting at a zombie, a desire we all apparently have.
Finally, there is the literature about them. Do you know how to survive the zombie Apocalypse? You should, because even Jane Austen's characters know how to, and you don't want to be put to shame by Mr. Darcy and Victorian feminists. Thats right, even Pride and Prejudice has been given a zombie make over. The book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, is written by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith according to the publishers, and will be released in April. It features the romantic story of Miss Elizabeth Bennett fighting her feelings for the insufferable Mr. Darcy, while the dead begin to rise and the quite town of Meryton turns into a battlefield of human vs. zombies.
If you've just realized that you are wholly unprepared for a zombie Apocalypse despite your previous study of them, don't worry Max Brooks will teach you how to survive. Brooks, son of comedic legend Mel Brooks, has released two books to prepare you for the Apocalypse. The first The Zombie SurvivalGuide informs you of what is myth and reality, how to defend, and how to run. World War Z is not as tongue-in cheek as its predecessor, and is the fictional retelling of a zombie war, its effects on the world, and how people survived.
Zombies are out in mass, and you cannot escape them, they are on television, at the movies, and in our minds. Whether you choose to think of it as only fun entertainment or an inevitable future is up to you. I've met several people who have their personal zombie apocalypse plans laid out and have practically built a shrine to Max Brooks. If you fear its destiny, or just fun get used to their presence because they are here to stay.
I leave you tips from Brooks...just in case ;)
1. Organize before they rise!
2. They feel no fear, why should you?
3. Use your head: cut off theirs.
4. Blades don't need reloading.
5. Ideal protection = tight clothes, short hair.
6. Get up the staircase, then destroy it.
7. Get out of the car, get onto the bike.
8. Keep moving, keep low, keep quiet, keep alert!
9. No place is safe, only safer.
10. The zombie may be gone, but the threat lives on.
Celebrity and drug use; they are two fascinations for most people. When the two combine it's an entertainment explosion. The newspapers, magazines, and gossip programs have a field day. Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the US with nearly 69 million americans over the age 12 having admitted to trying it at least once. Still, whenever a celebrity is caught in possession or admits use there is still a whirlwind of scandal. The commonality of the drug would suggest that we should expect that in our towns not only are the kids doing it, but so are their teachers, parents, mechanics, dentists, and more. So why do we gasp in awe at our favorite celebrities getting caught, when we expect them to be living up their fame? It seems that the drugs are prohibited, in their sex, drugs, and rock & roll fantasies we once carved out for them.
There is a two tiered judgment system for celebrity drug use; certain people can indulge, while others are strickly prohibited. Tricky part for them must be guessing which column they fall into. Right now Michael Phelps is facing a firestorm for being photographed smoking from a bong. When the picture was released it was everywhere immediately, even interuppting regular broadcasts to update information, even interuppting Lost. Now the record breaking Olympian has been suspended form competition for three months because, "He disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero," according to the Colorado-Springs based federal commision. Phelps, who is 23, has apologized profusely for his admitted mistake and claimed that he is not a frequent user. Phelps was seen as an inspiration to many and certainly a role model, but when compared to others perhaps the kid is getting crucified for acting his age.
Twilight has been a pre-teen addiction, shooting every one of it's stars into the spotlight. The vampire abstinance story makes the star Kristen Stewart, 18, an instant role-models as well. When the films Stewart, who plays Bella Swan, was caught smoking from a bowl outside her apartment in November and she didn't face the same strife as Phelps. Perhaps that's because her possible romance with her costar seemed more important, or that just looking at her one would guess she'd be a smoker. Stewart and Phelps are similar in their initial situation; they are both young, fresh faces, and role models for kids all around the world. One of the key differences is in the aftermath and their reactions. Not only has she also been spotted in a bikini featuring cannibis leaves, but she has not apologized for anything. Stewart hasn't suffered for her photos, infact she seems to have expanded her fan base with posts popping up to exclaim how cool she was. Stewart not only will still be in the Twilight sequel, New Moon, but even got a nice pay raise along with her other co-stars.
This sort of treatment has happened before. Cheech and Chong made their careers off of smoker credit. Bill Clinton gained credibility when during a MTV interview he said, "I experimented with marijuana a time or two, and I didn't like it. I didn't inhale and never tried it again." He won over the crowd and not to long after, the election. Lots of others have admitted to usage including: Jennifer Aniston, Jack Black, Bob Dylan, Carrie Fisher, James Franco, Steven King, Matthew McConaughey, and Conan O'Brian. There are countless other celebrities who have dealt with marijuana usage in the media, the only difference seems to be how it is dealt with. Some get off easy and others are punished but how can they know in advance what their treatment will be. Before they get caught lighting up they need to make sure their careers won't go up in smoke.
Every year Oscar time rolls around and there a number of things that are guaranteed; beautiful dresses, too much press, one surprise win, and at least one nomination for Meryl Streep. Meryl Streep has been nominated for 15 Academy Awards in the past 20 years, and is the record holder for the most nominations by a performer. She has been nominated in a leading role 12 times, winning in 1983 for Sophie's Choice. The other three nominations were as a supporting actress, with a win in 1980 for Kramer vs. Kramer. Despite this illustrious record, the question is whether or not all of these nominations were warranted. Does Meryl Streep get nominated for her brilliant performances, or purely because she is Meryl Streep.
There are a few movies and performances that cannot be doubted for their integrity and exemplary performances. The Deer Hunter, Kramer vs. Kramer, Silkwood, Sophie's Choice, and Bridges of Madison County have all become classics to a degree. However what about other nominations, and films that still made the list. In 1982 there was The French Lieutenant's Woman where she lost to previous female nomination record holder, Katherine Hepburn. That film is not as highly regarded as many of its contenders, and many doubted whether or not she deserved such accolades for the performance. Her English accent was a particular point of doubt, as viewers found it a lacking resemblance. Her accent and nomination was again doubted in Out of Africa, for which she was nominated in 1986. Here she was even listed amongst Empire Magazines list of the top ten film accents, yet she was still nominated. Had the tradition of nominating Meryl Streep purely because she was Meryl Streep already begun?
After Out of Africa Meryl was nominated for a sting of easily forgettable films. Ironweed, Evil Angels, and Postcards from the Edge all garnered leading actress nominations within only four years time. It seems difficult to imagine these films and performances were nominated when the competition included: Holly Hunter in Broadcast News, Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, Jodie Foster in The Accused, Sigorney Weaver in Gorillas in the Mist, Anjelica Houston in The Grifters, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, and Kathy Bates in Misery. Though debate can wage over Strep's performances in each of these films, what is certain is that they have not lasted as well as those by the other contenders. Even regarding these films there was a certain element of critical and viewer backlash regarding accents, overall performance, and the films quality. It can even be said that Shirly McClaine had stolen the film Postcards from the Edge right from under Streeps feet.
This series of unmemorable performances in less than Oscar worthy films happened again only a few years later. Following her Bridges of Madison County win Streep was nominated for the likes of One True Thing, and Music of the Heart. In the former, she isn't even generally regarded as the lead character, despite her lead actress nomination. The latter is generally regarded as one of her weakest Oscar nominations. The film not only was a box office flop but costared Gloria Estefan and was directed by Wes Craven. Normally those very un-Oscar worthy characteristics would eliminate it from any of the competition, but Streep still managed a nomination. Both films were commonly panned by critics and the competition at the Oscars remained overrun by legendary performances, to which these films cannot compare. Finally, there is the Devil Wears Prada nomination, which surely deserved a second look. Streep was again nominated as a lead actress, despite the fact that Anne Hathaway was clearly the films lead. Streep's performance was praised as Miranda Priesly, a character that was created in the image of a real life Vogue editor, but was it truly worthy of an Oscar? First of all this is meant to be a comedy only on rare and exceptionally brilliant occasions are actors nominated for comedies. (read: Kevin Kline in A Fish Called Wanda) In this film Streep was mean and stylish but that doesn't necessarily deserve Oscar credit. The cruelty her character displayed was not a stretch, actors from Spanish soap operas achieve it all the time. As for the physical image of her in the role, that credit should go not to her but to the team of wardrobe people, the head designer, and hair stylists. There were only a few moments in the film where Streep had to stretch the character to demonstrate any form of humanity in her, and though she was good enough within these scenes they didn't merit another nomination.
I proffer these arguments so that whenever Oscar season and that familiar name is nominated you can begin to question why, if you haven't already. Is it that her facial structure naturally lends her to dramatic roles where her red eyes can be used for weeping, and her high cheekbones lend a harsh image to a cruel character. Is she nominated based upon the films current esteem, or just because it seems so natural by now. She is currently nominated once more for Doubt and though I have not seen the film yet, the past begs me to ask why. What once was the highest honor for film actresses now seems common place for Streep, and there comes a time when the tradition must end.
Why does it seem to be so difficult for Hollywood to cast John Connor? The character from the Terminator series has become part of our cultural language; he is a reference symbol for revolution, endurance, and strength. To date there have been four different John Connors cast to implement this image, but are they appropriate selections for that important a character?
The original John Connor was played by Edward Furlong in 1991s classic Terminator 2: Judgement Day, but his myth existed long before then. As early as 1986, in the original Terminator the concept of the ultimate savior was already born. He was already named John Connor, and tales of his glory were already being spread by his men. By the end of that first film we had a name, an idea, and fantastic genes from super-parents Linda Hamilton, and Michael Biehn. (I will Always defend Hicks!) That child was destined for greatness, but has he lived up to it?
The original John Connor, played by Furlong, was brilliant. He was edgy, adorable, and slightly criminal. I doubt there will be much debate about the best John Connor, as who could top Furlong's performance in T2? We expected John to be clever and resourceful from the start, and so for some reason his being a juvenile delinquent just fit well. He knew how to deal with the Terminators and look cool while doing so. Anyone who could teach a machine how to say, "Hasta la vista, baby" could be the man to lead us into war with style. That, and many more reasons, is what garnered him posters on teen girls' walls along with the title of best John Connor.
Yet, since this original performance there have been a series of misfortunes, let downs, and just plain bad casting decisions. In Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Nick Stahl took over the role of our now dearly beloved Connor. While, I often choose to completely ignore the existence of this film, I will include it for fairness sake. Stahl wasn't horrible as Connor, but the film simply wasn't good. We saw our Connor homeless, stealing medicine from vets, and seeming utterly hopeless. Is that what we want in our saviour? The entire film seemed to remove the great Connor that once was and replace it with a pitiless knock-off. Monologue after monologue we missed our 90's petty thief, for even he seemed more hopeful that this new face.
When Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles premiered it made a brilliant move in avoiding the disaster of T3, it pretended the film had never been made. Here, Connor was a high school kid trying to get by, portrayed by Thomas Dekker. Before the show began many had issues with Dekker, after all wasn't he essentially Claire's gay buddy on Heroes? Dekker had to ask for script changes in order to avoid being type cast as a gay character actor. Since the move to Sarah Connor Chronicles, he has been facing similar strife. The character is more T3 than T2 with a woe is me attitude, and the increased sense that he is not big enough for his destiny. In this day and age that portrayal means sideswept man bangs, too tight clothes, and the "emo kid" label. This is not Dekkers fault so much as the shows stylists, but he is finding it difficult to gain serious fans (read: not girls who want to toss their undies at him). The show is still showing promise for our Connor, but is slow to get there. He only recently made his first kill and is starting to push for independence. The show has also added a male figure, Brian Austin Greene as Derek Reese, to allow for fatherly influence as the character grows and develops. In a cast that is dominated by strong female performances it has been difficult for Dekker to gain momentum, but perhaps his time is coming still.
Finally, there is the latest in the Connor portrayals, as Christian Bale is taking over the role in the post judgement day Terminator: Salvation. The film is slated to come out May 22nd, but is already finding a lot of tension regarding its leading man. Last year Bale was already arrested in July for assault charges (which were dropped) and quickly after word spread of a blow up on set. Now, audio footage of the outburst has been leaked revealing what exactly occurred on set back last July. The nearly four minute clip features Bale cussing and yelling up a storm at the director of cinematography, Shane Hurlbut, for stepping onto set when the actors were filming. Bale saw Hurlbut, became distracted, and began a tirade on how unprofessional it was. While this is set drama with exhausted actors, it still begs the question of what we expect from our John Connors. The film has not yet been released and is facing a media frenzy over Bales fit. Removing judgements of Bale for a moment, they are everywhere after all, it is another demonstration of what Connor is not. Yes, we would like our Connor to be a bit of a badass, but who has ever expected Connor to yell at people for essentially no good reason? He may yell to save you, teach you a lesson, or as a warning but he wouldn't be cruel.
John Connor may just be a fictional character to some, but the sheer difficulty in casting and portraying him demonstrates his importance. He has come to encompass some of the most important traits and ideals of our leaders. We expect him to be not only a savior, but strong, kind, funny, intelligent, and yes, still a badass.
Commitment–Phobia has long been limited to the realm of romantic relationships, but its grasp extends much further. This avoidance and fear of long-term partnership has been applied to work, school, home life, and now we’re taking it into the entertainment industry as well.
Commitment–Phobes will settle for inappropriate partners, pursue unattainable partners, and jump in and out of relationships evading their true nature. Many of these traits can be found in our television and film viewing habits. We settle for watching what we don’t truly desire, purely because there’s nothing better. I personally cannot say I’ve ever watched According to Jim because it is the best sitcom on tv. We dream of and pursue lofty notions of what we’d like to see and hear with nothing that satisfies our ideals. That X-Files conclusion many have waited for will most likely not arrive, and lets face it Lost fans might be facing sever regrets as well. If we are fortunate enough to find what we’ve searched for, there is no guarantee that it will not be cancelled or fade from the spotlight. So we delve into a series of meaningless relationships with celebrity stories, shows, and films which we don’t truly care about and long for an escape from the monotony. Every story about Britney Spears or Jessica Simpsons weight battles does not satisfy our true appetite. If you’ve ever felt this way, you too could be an entertainment commitment phobe.
Signs You’re an Entertainment Commitment-Phobe 1. You have a long and elaborate list of requirements for your sitcom, movie, or teen idol. 2. You go from one short-lived fascintion with an actor to the next. 3. You have a habit of falling for "unavailable" entertainment like Arrested Development, Firefly, and Rome. 4. You stay in relationships that are rocky and offer little hope of commitment, sorry Heroes fans but that includes you.
5. You back out of plans at the last minute and have trouble setting a time for watching movies or television shows you once loved. Hulu, Sidereel, and Surf the Channel all contribute to this, I haven’t watched Lost in it’s original time spot in two years. 6. You have a lot of relationship trauma in your past. Arrested Development, R.I.P. 7. You are constantly blowing “hot” and “cold” in your relationships, obsessed one week and bored another with the same Lindsey Lohan scandal story.
If you are a commitment-phobe then this is the place for you. I promise to provide you with entertainment news stories, commentary, and yes the occasional rant. However, they will not be the same featured items, shows, or films that you've grown tired of listening to because the relationship has lasted too long.
I'm a television, film, music, and movie fanatic who just can't listen to the same news or review over and over again. Though I possess a few constant obsessions I'd like to vary add some variety to the media news blur by providing a few items and topics that wouldn't be normally heard.
Every year there are debates over whether or not the Academy Award went to the person who truly deserved it, and posthumous awards attract this attention more than others. This post will be brief: Heath Ledger deserved his Best Supporting Actor Award and anyone who says otherwise is a fool. His performance was brilliant, eerie, and so dedicated it may have contributed to the loss of an amazing actor. As his family accepted his award every nominated actor and actress from the Pitts to Anne Hathaway let their eyes well up with tears. They said to remember the legacy of his performance and let it be in praise of his life, I think that's what we should all do. 
hey don’t think they will be straying in the mean time we truly are delving into the world of fantasy. Who's to say that her baby isn't Sparrow's already, doesn't look to much like Will...
