Armchair Commentary

The 69th Golden Globes - What Went Down

The 69th Golden Globes have happened; click here for the full list of winners, including which ones you can order on DVD, Blu-ray, or Amazon Instant Video; the others you can sign up to be notified whenever they become available to pre-order. Meanwhile, check out some opnions on last night's ceremony.

Everyone will talk about the heart warming success of the The Help, or on a bigger scale the strength of important and sometimes hilarious roles for women, Bridesmaids. Of course one has to mention the definition of acting class and brilliance with the incomparable Morgan Freeman. These are the deserved themes of the evening but here are a few other, smaller moments that supplied an overall flat night with some memories.

Classy Christopher

    

Christopher Plummer. Kudos to this gentleman being recoginzed for his role in The Beginners. Although there is a whole new generation of leading men from George Clooney to Leo and Pitt, there is just something about that classic generation of Hollywood that will never be matched again. There is definitely some old school Tinseltown glamour in thanking your bartender in an acceptance speech.

 

 

 

Good for Joey

Maybe it was just me but it just felt good to see Matt LeBlanc up there receiving an award for Episodes. Not because I was rooting one way or the other but because I thought it was the most geniune and humble moment of the night. LeBlanc was authentic, truly nervous and suprised and it was heart warming.

Pure Harmony

    

It was just the moment that put a big smile on your face. Husband and wife William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman harmonizing a little ditty while presenting. How can you not like these two?

 

 

 

These "Talkies" Are Going to Kill the Movie Biz

I guess we were all wrong about this whole "sound" thing. It appears that the real darlingn of last year and this year's awards circuit might be The Artist. It's time to face reality if you're a big movie and award show fan. You are going to have to watch a silent (mostly) film. It's already won best movie at the Critic's Choice and now Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes. It could shock at the Oscars.

Just Shut Up!

Madonna, you are just....obnoxious. We get it, you directed a movie. Good for you. You were sure to remind us of that in you boring and awkward speech as you uttered "My Movie" countless times. Guess what, nobody saw it and your movie career is still the source of punchlines not praise.

Best David Bowie Impersonation

      And the winner is........Tilda Swinton. Brilliant actress and I'm sure when the movie is made about the life and times of David Bowie  she will play the role and probably receive a Golden Globe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table We Most Want to Sit At

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman? Yes, please. While Tina Fey's photobomb was one of the most gif worthy moments of the night, we can only imagine the champagne buzz chatter emmenating from that table. As Liz Lemon would say, "I want to go to there."

--Adam & Megan

Screenwriters/"Reno 911!" Stars on TV vs. Movies, and Creating By Committee

Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon are probably best known as the stars of Reno 911!, but they've also written hit movies like Night at the Museum. And they've written a book, Writing Movies for Fun and Profit, that's a hilarious and genuinely insightful read for anyone who wants to know more about how stories get  to the big screen. They recently talked with Amazon Studios about screenwriting and why comedy is so tough, and in this interview they answer such burning questions as: Will they write a book about writing TV for fun and profit? Did they really make more on unemployment than while doing '90s cult comedy favorite The State? How is working in TV different from working in movies? What happens when you try to create great entertainment by committee?

Best DVDs of 2011: Kids and Family

You could say that 2011 was the year of the book in the kids and family DVD genre. There were Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Mr. Popper's Penguins, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, and Winnie the Pooh--all movies based on childrens and young adults books. It was also the year of the unexpected--writers took a Shakespearean romantic tragedy and made it into high comedy and called it Gnomeo and Juliet, mashed the genres of animation and spaghetti Western together in Rango, completely reinvented a bunch of classic fairytale characters in Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil, and added a whole new back story to the classic Rapunzel fairytale and renamed it Tangled. The end result for viewers is a comfortable familiarity juxtaposed with a sense of the impending unexpected that keeps the entire family guessing. Check out my top ten kid and family picks for the year below and then head over to the Best of 2011 in Movies & TV store to see the best of lists in other categories.

 

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2: Though I hesitate to put a film rated PG-13 at the top of a best of list for children, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was far and away the best film released on DVD in 2011.  And while the Harry Potter films are certainly not appropriate for the very young, families with older children have grown and bonded over the Harry Potter films for a full decade. This final chapter in the series is a masterful mix of romance, adventure, and magical effects that stays true to the author's intent, is visually stunning, and, most importantly, provides a satisfying ending to a truly epic journey.
2. Rango: A chameleon starring in an animated Western is one strange idea, but clever writing, skilled animation, and great voice talent combine to produce a film that's highly entertaining for both kids and adults--on two completely different levels, of course. 
3. Kung Fu Panda 2: Sequels often fall short of their predecessors, but Kung Fu Panda 2 is funny, well animated, and full of action. Po has definitely grown up in this second film, but he hasn't lost his most lovable qualities, or his penchant for steamed buns, and when he and the Furious Five wage a fierce battle against a mysterious and deadly new weapon, it keeps everyone on the edge of their seat. Equally interesting is Po's quest for inner peace, which really just boils down to dealing with his own insecurities.
4. Tangled: Not your typical imprisoned princess, the impulsive and maybe even a bit schizophrenic Rapunzel leaves her tower to embark on a quest that will forever change the lives of herself, Flynn Ryder, and the entire kingdom--not to mention the way viewers think about this classic fairytale character.
5. Megamind: An interesting look at a villain whose destruction of the world's last hero also destroys his own sense of purpose and happiness.
6. Mars Needs Moms: An intriguing adventure with some interesting characters and a message that speaks to both kids and adults--even if the story is rather far-fetched and the characters act a bit predictable at times. The motion-capture technology is pretty cool too.
7. Rio: While this film doesn't really offer anything new plot-wise, it's a visual feast of color that pits cute, lovable characters with the best of intentions against some not-so-smart bad guys in a battle that spans from a dingy back room to the streets of Rio de Janeiro and even the middle of a Carnaval parade. Throw in a little romance, some fun Brazilian music, and a little self-discovery and you've got a recipe for family fun.
8. Mr. Popper's Penguins: While the script writers and filmmakers took some serious liberties with the  original book, Jim Carrey did a great job of capitalizing on the comic possibilities of caring for a flock of penguins in the middle of New York City. This movie is funny, heartwarming, and has a great message about the value of family.
9. Gnomeo and Juliet: Garden gnomes acting out the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet is absolutely ridiculous, but somehow the film actually works. Romantic tragedy turns comedy thanks to a heavy dose of humor and a commitment to pushing everything way over the top. Tons of famous voice talent doesn't hurt either.
10. Winnie the Pooh: Because who doesn't love a Winnie the Pooh film? Especially one that's as well done as this one.

What are your favorite kids and family DVD picks for 2011?

--Tami Horiuchi

 

Fall Television 2011: New Shows

Ah, fall! Along with your crisp, cool days and the craving for warm apple cider, you bring about television's newest offerings. The networks seem to have recurring (or is that repetitious?) themes this year. Magic abounds, as do fairy tales and other monstrous creatures. And, since the 60s worked so well for AMC's Mad Men, we should have known the era would be ripe for the picking. The following list--in no particular order--are a few of the new series we're looking forward to this year. **Warning, spoilers ahead**

 

Ringer, Aired September 13, The CW

The premise: Sarah Michelle Gellar returns to television, in not one role, but two, playing twin sisters--Bridget, witness to a crime and on the run from the FBI; and Siobhan, trapped in a high society life and loveless marriage. The pilot episode threw a lot at us (affairs, a faked suicide, attempted murders, impersonation), and might have been better served over two hours. But we admit we're hooked already.

Why we're watching: Umm, SMG is back on television! And for all of the other above reasons. For all that the pilot was busy, we can't wait to see where this winding neo-noir road leads us. Also starring Ioan Gruffudd as Siobhan's husband, Kristoffer Pulka as Siobhan's lover, and Nestor Carbonella (and his too-good-to-be-true eyelashes) as an FBI agent searching for Bridget, all good reasons to tune in.

 

Death Valley, Aired August 29 on MTV

The premise: Not for the feint of heart or stomach, MTV's original series is in your face gore and snark … and is incredibly fun. Told Cops-style, this mockumentary follows the UTF precinct officers (Tania Raymonde, Texas Battle, et al.) under Captain Dashell (Bryan Callen) as they take on the vampires, zombies, and werewolves that inexplicably appeared in the valley. While it started a few weeks ago, you can get caught up online.

Why we're watching: Irreverent adult humor that turns the supernatural trend on its sparkling head. 

 

Person of Interest, Aired September 22 on CBS

The premise: After September 11, 2001, eccentric billionaire (is there any other kind?), Finch (Michael Emerson of Lost fame) created a pattern-recognition system that collects information--through computers, cell phones, and cameras on the street--to predict who will become involved in violent crimes. Some years later, he teams up with Reece (Jim Caviezel), a presumed-dead CIA agent, to help him stop those crimes. While it doesn't sound like these two initially trust each other: Reece pokes into Finch's past and Finch doesn't really trust anyone. Complicating matters is Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson), who starts tracking Reece.

Why we're watching: Complicated premise? Perhaps. Hopefully this show will find the gray line separating protection vs. spying vs. paranoia … then stomp all over it and make us think. Besides, we'll watch anything with Michael Emerson.

 

2 Broke Girls, Aired September 19 on CBS

The premise: A(nother) modern take on The Odd Couple, this time featuring snarky street smart waitress Max (Kat Dennings) and bankrupt ex-heiress Caroline (Beth Behrs), who works with Max. These two opposites not only decide to live together, but to start a business together.

Why we're watching: In less capable hands, we might be dubious, but exec producer Michael Patrick King worked on Sex and the City, and we've heard that was a success! Also, Kat Dennings (usually) walks that delightfully fine line between sass and being obnoxious very skillfully, so count us in.

 

Terra Nova, Aired September 26 on Fox

The premise: Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, this is one of the most ambitious series we've seen in a while. Terra Nova takes us 138 years into a bleak future, where humans have all but ruined Earth. The discovery of a rift in time prompts a new generation of “pilgrims” to go back in time to a prehistoric, Cretaceous-period Earth so they can start fresh. The Shannon family (including Jason O'Mara and Shelley Conn) take the plunge, so to speak, and come under the leadership of Commander Nathaniel Taylor (Avatar baddie Stephen Lang). As the Shannons learn to survive on this new--but old to them--world, they come under the attack of a rogue group of residents called the Sixers, for reasons unknown; deal with the Commander's cagey tactics; and, oh yeah, there's dinosaurs.

Why we're watching: The series is exec produced by Spielberg, and the man knows his way around dinosaurs. Think what you will about Avatar, Stephen Lang was ridiculously over-the-top entertaining, and his role here has a similar feel. And then there's those dinosaurs …

 

The Secret Circle, Aired September 15 on The CW

The premise: Newly orphaned 16-year-old Cassie (Britt Robertson) is sent to live with her grandmother in the town her mother grew up in, but never talked about. Cassie is approached--and tested--by five of her new classmates (including Thomas Dekker as Adam) who break the news to her: she's a witch, as were all of their parents until something tragic and unspoken happened. Cassie's arrival completes the circle of magic they formed, upping their powers to dangerous and hard to control levels. Keeping things from getting too new agey, two of the parents (Natasha Henstridge and Gale Harold) seem to have a bloody agenda … one that involved killing Cassie's mother, perhaps to lure/force her back?

Why we're watching: Magic seems to be the new vampire, but we're okay with that--for now. Britt Robertson was a delight to watch in Life UnExpected, as was Thomas Dekker in the still missed Sarah Connor Chronicles.

 

Prime Suspect, Aired September 22 on NBC

The premise: A remake of the British Hellen Mirren staple, Jane Timoney (Maria Bello), is a tough, no-nonsense NYC homicide detective (as so many female cops on television seem to be), who will deal with hostility from both the perps she arrests and her fellow officers. Unlike the UK version, which used an entire mini-series for the case, each murder will be solved within an episode.

Why we're watching: This adaptation is executive produced by Alexandra Cunningham, who worked on the original, as well as NYPD Blue. Though it will probably follow the typical procedural formula we're used to, there's comfort in that style and it's worked for many a cop show. Then there's that news-making hat …

 

Revenge, Aired September 21 on ABC

The premise: Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp) tells it straight: she's come home not to dispense forgiveness, but to exact revenge against those who destroyed her family. Her new neighbors have no idea who Emily is, as she skillfully blends into the community, makes new friends, and sets her plan into motion.

Why we're watching: Every season needs at least one guilty pleasure show, and we're hoping this will be worthy of our time. While the Klingons may prefer their revenge served up cold, there's nothing like a warm summer in the Hamptons to really heat things up!

 

Grimm, October 21 on NBC/ Once Upon A Time, October 23 on ABC

The premise(s): Taking the fairy tale trail, you have two options (or both, we won't make you chose!). Grimm seems to be the darker of the two, following Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) who discovers he's descended from a line of criminal profilers--called Grimms--tasked with keeping the world's mythological creatures in line.

Once Upon A Time looks to be a beautiful mystery set in the (subtly) named town of Storybrooke, Maine. A group of fairy tale characters are trapped in the town and have been cursed to forget their true origins, including Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin), her--possibly--long-lost daughter, Emma (Jennifer Morrison), and, of course, Prince Charming (Josh Dallas). We'll also be treated to flashbacks showing the characters' former lives in Fairy Tale Land.

Why we're watching (both): Though viewers may tune into Grimm, which airs a couple days earlier, and not give Once Upon A Time a chance, we think the two shows will be different enough that you can enjoy both and not feel like you're getting a second helping of the same entreé. Here's wishing upon a star …

Pan Am, Aired September 25 on ABC

The premise: Based on a woman's actual experiences (executive producer Nancy Hult Ganis), many of the larger storylines are at least modeled after real events, including the stealth rescue mission to Cuba and the assassination of JFK. Follow Laura (Margot Robbie) as she runs out on her wedding and takes to the skies with her sister, Kate (Kelli Garner), a Pan Am stewardess. Joining the sisters are they travel around the world are fellow stewardesses Maggie (Christina Ricci) and French-born Colette (Karine Vanasse), and pilot Dean (Mike Vogel).

Why we're watching: Set in the heyday of airline travel, flying has never looked so good. But we don't think this show will be all pie in the sky. It doesn't sound like the writers are going to back away from the tumultuous political climate of the early-to-mid 60s.

 

Which new shows are you watching? --Jill Corddry

Fall Television 2011: Returning Shows

Get your DVR warmed up! May's cruel cliffhangers are unfurling as fall 2011-2012 television season begins. Everyone has their favorite genre(s)--from procedurals to dramas to sitcoms and everything in between--and we won't judge. Though we can't possibly list everything coming back this fall, here are a few returning series we're looking forward to. The following list is in no particular order. **Warning, spoilers ahead**

Supernatural, September 23 on The CW

Where we left off: So … Castiel is God now…

Or at least he thinks he is. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) are up against their toughest (at least emotionally) big bad yet, as their juiced-up-on-souls friend takes over as the ultimate power hungry CEO. Early clips indicate the former angel isn't exactly a benevolent dictator and will no doubt cause Sam and Dean trouble, but rumors indicate the Castiel (Micha Collins) isn't the worst thing the Winchester brothers will encounter in the show's seventh season.

 

Castle, September 19 on ABC

Where we left off: The secret of who killed Detective Beckett's mother and why was (mostly) revealed, and surprisingly, involved Captain Montgomery, who ultimately sacrificed himself to save her. As Beckett bled on the ground after being shot at the captain's funeral, Castle whispered, “I love you.”

Season four picked up where the last season ended, and we all knew Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) would survive, because Rick Castle (Nathan Fillion) wouldn't be Castle without his muse. With the departure of Captain Montgomery last season, we're getting a new face in the squad: Captain Victoria “Iron” Gates (Penny Johnson). Though Beckett has been telling everyone she doesn't remember anything regarding her shooting, she confesses to her therapist that she does … which more than likely accounts for her putting some distance between her and Castle, and should cause some interesting conflicts. The rumor mill indicates the 3XK killer will be back at some point, and we're hoping for some hilarious hijinks for Detectives Esposito (Jon Huertas) and Ryan (Seamus Dever) as the latter plans his wedding.

 

Chuck, October 21 on NBC

Where we left off: “Guys, I know King Fu!” After the Intersect was forcibly removed from Chuck's brain, Morgan inadvertently downloads it, becoming the new Intersect. Oh yeah, and the entire team was fired, Sarah and Chuck bought the Buy More (and the secret rooms below) after getting married, and they're starting their own spy business.

The much loved geek-spy series is coming to a close after five seasons, but at least the creative team knew in advance and can plan a proper farewell. Besides having a new Intersect in town and some notable guest stars villains (Mark Hamil and Craig Kilborn), Chuck (Zachary Levi) has to adapt his role from super Intersect spy to handler as Morgan (Joshua Gomez) learns to use his newly amped-up brain. And no one thinks it will be cake for Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) to work together as their own bosses.

Fringe, September 23 on Fox

Where we left off: Both rapidly deteriorating parallel universes were brought together by a time-traveling Peter Bishop, who quite literally disappeared before our eyes. And no one cared. Or even noticed.

We cannot wait to see how Peter (Josh Jackson) is reintegrated into the show, since we've been promised he hasn't been written out! But besides that, the season should prove a fascinating look at what would happen if Peter had never existed. How far over the edge would his crazy scientist father Walter (the amazing John Noble, also playing "over there's" Walternate) have gone? Fauxlivia (Anna Torv, also playing Olivia in “our world”) would never have had a baby … or at least not Peter's son. We're assuming much of the season will deal with both worlds trying to stop the process that's destroying them both, and a healthy dose of the fringe-type science that makes this series what it is.

 

How I Met Your Mother, September 19 on CBS

Where we left off: Marshall and Lily are having a baby!

As excited as we are for this fun couple (Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan) and their impending bundle of joy, we want the main focus of the show's seventh season to come back to Ted (Josh Radnor) and his search for love (and the mother of the title). There's also the lingering question of who on Earth managed to snare Barney (the legen-wait for it-dary Neil Patrick Harris) and get him to pop the question. Is his wedding where Ted meets the woman of his dreams? Love is also--possibly--in the air for Robin (Cobie Smulders) with guest star Kal Penn.

 

Glee, September 20 on Fox

Where we left off: The New Directions finally made it to NYC and Nationals, only to have their dreams once again dashed when Finn kisses Rachel on stage.

Whew! It almost feels like we had a whole season of Glee over the summer with all the off-camera theatrics and rumors: Rachel (Lea Michele) and Kurt (Chris Colfer) are graduating and leaving after this season … no they aren't; they're getting their own series (which might have been kind of awesome!); no, wait, they'll be sticking around. And then there was the reality show that selected three winners for small roles. No wonder we're tired! Here's hoping this season returns focus to its true strengths: the singing, the dancing, Jane Lynch's tyrannical Coach Sue Sylvester and the outrageous story lines that made us love season one.

 

Modern Family, September 21 on ABC

Where we left off: Mitchell and Cameron are thinking of adopting a another baby.

This multi-family-within-a-family series has too much going on for us to dive into each and every aspect of this upcoming season, but season three opens with the families exploring their inner cowboy on a dude ranch, giving Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) a chance to see if they are ready to adopt a boy. We can't wait to watch as this part of the clan prepares to enlarge their family. Also in the future, Jay (Ed O'Neill) and Gloria (Sofia Vergara) have their hands full as Manny (Rico Rodriguez) runs afoul of the law.

 

The Walking Dead, October 16 on AMC

Where we left off: Big badda boom! The survivors battle zombies as they escape an explosion at the C.D.C.

Season two picks off seconds later, with Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and the rest of the survivors speeding away from the burning remains of the C.D.C. Fans of the graphic novel will recognize their destination, as they try to get to the farm of Hershel Green (Scott Wilson). Fingers crossed the departure of producer Frank Darabont won't hurt the show. Viewers should take heart that star Andrew Lincoln had this to say: “The scripts are sooo good,'' he insists. ''They're amazing.”

 

Psych, October 12 on USA

Where we left off: Serial killer Yang was back for a third (and final … probably) time, as she helped catch her partner Ying. Shawn and Juliet hooked up last year, but kept it a secret due to a no dating policy within the Santa Barbara police department. But Detective Lassiter caught them kissing.

Normally a summer staple, Psych was moved to fall to make room in USA's busy schedule, and we've been craving our fake psychic Shawn (James Roday) and his partner Gus (Dulé Hill) more than a pineapple upside down cake. As always, we're prepared for a plethora of pop culture references, ridiculous crimes, and Shawn's even crazier antics as he tries to solve them. We're assuming that strict rule-following Lassie (Timothy Omundson) will have a problem with the still burgeoning relationship between Shawn and his partner, Juliet (Maggie Lawson) … but what will he do about it?

 

Bones, November 3 on Fox

Where we left off: Bones is preggers! Booth is the daddy!

Okay, so fans of the show all knew star Emily Deschanel was pregnant (and recently delivered a baby boy), but we certainly didn't expect to see it written into the show, even though Temperance Brennan (Deschanel) had previously explored having a child. This season will be abbreviated due to her real life pregnancy, but we can only imagine the challenges the non-couple couple will go through as things progress: Booth (David Boreanaz) will no doubt grow increasingly protective and Bones will try to carry on as though nothing has change--at least not with the work. We can already a see a rounded Bones crawling through some vile crime scene, thinking nothing of it. Oh yeah, and there's the rest of the squints, Angela (Michaela Conlin) and Hodgins' (T.J. Thyne) new baby, the rotating squinterns, and all those murders.

 

What returning shows are you most excited about? --Jill Corddry

Emmys Best & Worst Moments

This year's Emmys likely threw all oddsmakers off their game, because a lot of the "should win but won't" contenders actually took home a trophy this year (more on that in a minute). Though Modern Family dominated the Comedy category such that host Jane Lynch at one point said "Welcome to the Modern Family Awards," there was still plenty of trophy love to go around. Speaking of Lynch, the Glee star proved a very game Emmys host, throwing herself into the song-and-dance opening number that has become requisite for these events. While she didn't have as many sight gags and good one-liners as previous hosts Jimmy Fallon and Neil Patrick Harris (her take on Jersey Shore was totally unnecessary), her effusiveness still carried the ball well. On the downside, there was some spice missing from the presenters (no Steve Carell, no Stephen Colbert to perk up a telecast), which ranged from bland to awkward at times.

You can see the complete list of winners & nominees here as well as buy past winners at Emmy Central. Here's a rundown of highlights and lowlights for this year's awards.

BEST

• Amy Poehler, who years ago rallied her fellow nominees into wearing funny eyewear when their names were called, was likely the culprit behind this beauty-pageant reinvention of the Lead Actress in a Comedy category. Poehler and the other contenders actually ran up to the stage during the reading of the nominees, then stood holding hands and shedding pre-emptive tears (Tina Fey). Then, when Melissa McCarthy's name was called, everything from the camera zoom to the rose bouquet and crown that appeared made this a true "winner" moment, which was not only hysterical but heartwarming in that whole female empowerment vein. No wonder there was a standing ovation *before* the winner was announced.

• Host Jane Lynch's opener featured her appearance in a number of TV series. While this is nothing new, her interaction with the Mad Men cast was fantastic, particularly when a) Lynch hit on Peggy, b) Roger Sterling tried to imagine "watching the Emmys on your phone" by putting the handset up to his eyes like binoculars, and c) Don Draper ordering Lynch out the door when she suggested in the future people would fast-forward commercials.

• What a swan song for Friday Night Lights, which finally picked up some Emmy love, including Kyle Chandler for Lead Actor in a Drama. The only downside here is that he beat Jon Hamm, who was finally about to pick up his first win for his finest work to date on Mad Men.
• Critical favorite Margo Martindale (Supporting Actress in a Drama for Justified) was also a surprise winner but a deserving one, totally screwing over anyone's predictions. The tearful reactions from her castmates Walton Goggins and Timothy Olyphant says it all.

• The wife of Steven Levitan (creator, Modern Family), who gave the camera some priceless eye-rolling while her husband discussed their sex life in front of millions.

• The medley by Lonely Island, which livened up a buttoned-up awards show like the Emmys (sample tunes: "Three-way," "I Just Had Sex"). It's not every day you see Michael Bolton in guyliner (watch the original SNL digital short here). Bonus for having John Stamos, Ed Helms, and Maya Rudolph sub for Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga. Best part: when they "freaked Bill Macy."

• The Office-set sketch involving a revolving door of characters from other shows, interviewed mockumentary-style: Law & Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, Castle's Nathan Fillion were among those interviewed in character. And Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul sold crystal meth to Creed. Ha!

WORST

• Lynch employed a Celebrity Doo-wop group called the Emmytones (including Zachary Levi, Joel McHale and Taraji P. Henson) who sang introductions to the genres during the telecast (comedy, drama, reality series). This sounded good in theory, but the singers were neither funny nor impressive. However, it did get me to look up what else Wilder Valderrama has ever sung on YouTube.

• The horrible voice-overs accompanying the winner's walk to the podium, which were intended to be dry and witty but were awkward and corny at best. Sample: "Julian (Fellowes) is British. And he lives England." "Ty Burrell was a linebacker at Hidden Valley high. His mascot was not shaped like a bottle of salad dressing."

• Yet another gag involving Sofia Vergara where her accent gets made fun of. It's happened every awards show; it's getting old now.

• The rehabbed Charlie Sheen appeared to wish the cast and crew of Two and a Half Men all the best; however, he half looked like he was holding back the urge to add something scathing. And it didn't help that Jon Cryer and new star Ashton Kutcher poked fun at him in a later appearance.

• Drew Barrymore, producer of the new Charlie's Angels show, appearing with the show's stars to say that "Hollywood loves a legacy" and she's "passing the torch." Does anyone even remember that movie? Is Charlie's Angels considered a legacy?

MEMORABLE QUOTES
"I don't know what I'm going to talk about in therapy now." --Julie Bowen, winner of Supporting Actress in a Comedy

"I'd like to thank my dog sitter, Kitty, for taking care of my dog, Kevin." --Peter Dinklage, winner of Supporting Actor in a Drama

“There are so many movie stars doing TV now that TV stars have been forced into providing voices for video games. And those very same video games are then turned into movies starring the very same people who put the TV stars out of work in the first place. Hakuna Matata, my friends, circle of life?” --Jane Lynch

"I got to have sex with Kate Winslet many, many times... thank you for allowing me to insert myself into your world of Mildred. And to my wife Kate, for having to listen to me talk about that every day... Thank you my darling, and I'm sorry." -- Guy Pearce, winner of Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie

"A lot of people are very curious why I'm a lesbian. Ladies and gentleman, the cast of Entourage." --Jane Lynch

"We are showing the world that there's absolutely nothing wrong with a loving, committed relationship between an old man and a hot young woman. Looking around this room, I see many of you agree." — Steven Levitan, accepting for Modern Family

What did you think of this year's Emmys? --Ellen

The Best Movies & TV of 2011 So Far

In picking our Best of 2011 So Far list, we took everything that released between January 1 and August 15 of this year, put the names in a jar, shook it, and wrote down whatever pieces came out at random.

Just kidding. But we DID get in a room and debate the merits of a great movie in a mediocre Blu-ray release vs. a mediocre movie with a spectacular Blu-ray release; how to compare a great movie that released this year vs. the re-release of a classic movie; and the comedic chops of one Russell Brand (be assured, this did not derail our conversation too much). Without further ado, here's a look at our editors' picks on DVD, Blu-ray, and Instant Video.

Top 10 on DVD
1. The Social Network
2. The King's Speech
3. Mad Men: Season Four
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I
5. True Grit
6. Black Swan
7. The Fighter
8. Tangled
9. The Walking Dead: Season One
10. True Blood: The Complete Third Season
>See the rest of the top 50 on DVD

Top 10 on Blu-ray
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part I
3. The Social Network
4. Black Swan
5. True Blood: The Complete Third Season
6. Tangled
7. The Fighter
8. Raging Bull (Two-Disc 30th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
9. The Incredibles (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)
10. The Walking Dead: Season One
>See the rest of the top 50 on Blu-ray

Top 10 on Instant Video
1. Black Swan
2. Biutiful
3. Dexter: Season Five
4. Waiting for Superman
5. Justified: Season Two
6. The King's Speech
7. Tangled
8. The Fighter
9. The Killing
10. The Walking Dead: Season One

What are your picks for the Best of the Year So Far? --Ellen

Nicolas Cage vs. Nic Cage

  VS   

Dear Nicolas Cage,

What happened? Where did it all go wrong? When did you go from a sometimes brilliant actor who chose quirky and original scripts to the guy that starred in The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans? (Side note - one of the worst titles ever thought of) It's a rare feat for someone capable of onscreen gold like Raising Arizona and Moonstruck, to almost completely derail their own legitimacy and relevance in the lexicon of popular film, by their own hand.

Sure, there are occasional blips on the radar that still give us hope like your super hero potrayal in Kick-Ass but the past decade has been a whole lot more unwatchable than it has been inspiring. Have you yourself been subject to some sort of mind altering occurence that has split you into some sort of Jekyll and Hyde character? Is there a epic, bloody battle for dominance being waged inside your soul  that has spanned the last 25 years? That's what I'd like to think, that there are truly two of you. One, Nicolas Cage, the man who made us laugh in Honeymoon in Vegas and broke our hearts Leaving Las Vegas and then, Nic Cage, the evil side vying for supremacy over your soul and obviously......winning. He who is responsible for Drive Angry and Bangkok Dangerous. Please stop him. Please. If I had to divide your filmograhy up into good and bad, I'd be willing to give you Faceoff, Conair, heck, I'm even throwing in The Weather Man and The Family Man, cause I'm a sucker. But The Wicker Man, Ghost Rider, Windtalker? Come on!!!! Maybe you should have kept your name Coppola. Perhaps that would have allowed you to make better choices.

Sorry, I got a bit angry but it's only because I love ya man. You can be so great, so fun to watch. So come back to us Nicolas. Take pleasure in guttin' that other side of you, the evil Nic. You used to be like....unbeatable.

Sincerely,

A confused fan.....kind of...but not really anymore

P.S. Is it too late to stop the inevitablility of the Ghost Rider sequel? Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengenance, really?

Ivan Reitman on the Lessons of Ghostbusters, the Upcoming Sequel (and ... Ashton Kutcher?)

Ivan Reitman has made a lot of terrific movies: Meatballs, Stripes, Kindergarten Cop, No Strings Attached. But there’s one that’s special. One that’s helped define what a blockbuster comedy is, and brought joy to millions. That movie is Ghostbusters. “I like to think it did something that hasn’t been seen before – that combination of humor with a fairly original story, original characters, a mix of genres,” said Reitman, who recently judged the Amazon Studios Best Comedy Script contest. “It’s kind of a scary film and kind of a funny film. And a film of a scale that had not been attempted before that I can think of, and it really set this whole new genre.”

There are lessons in Ghostbusters for every screenwriter, and the most important one is: Don’t try to make another Ghostbusters. For one, Reitman himself is on the case (more on Ghostbusters 3 in a bit). But more importantly, the thing Reitman most wants screenwriters to be is authentic. Don’t try to make the movie or write the script that you think someone wants you to write. More specifically, he added: “Think about: What part of my own experience is unique to me? What do I have genuine and original insight into what is my own experience that I can ascribe and impart in my own way that has not been seen before?”

Some might say that with a cast that included Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis and Annie Potts, it would be hard to go wrong. And Reitman wouldn’t disagree. “Sometimes an inspirational performance can take a script out of failure,” he said.  “But it’s very hard to make a bad script a lot better. I’d much rather start with a better script.” He had it with the first Ghostbusters. And the second? “There’s lots of funny stuff in the second Ghostbusters, but we didn’t quite get the story right, particularly the threat,” he said. “The actors were interesting, but I thought the plot was less than stellar in comparison to the first one, so there was a certain level of disappointment. Though taken on its own, it was a good movie.”

Ghostbusters 2 came out in 1989, five years after the original. And Ghostbusters 3? Coming next year, reportedly. “I think it’s going to happen,” Reitman said. “We really all want it to happen. Though I’m not sure about Bill. I think he’s gone to a place in his performance career that it’s not as important to him as it may be with others.”

Reitman won’t discuss the specifics of the plot, but he will acknowledge the pressure. “It’s an interesting pressure. People do sequels all the time now, and there doesn’t seem to be quite as much pressure on those screenplays as there is for a Ghostbusters movie. There’s such a love for the original film that it has placed almost a unique weight on it.” Fortunately, he said, they have a “very good” screenplay ready (by Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg, who wrote Bad Teacher).

Speaking of pressure, Reitman is confident that Ashton Kutcher, his leading man in No Strings Attached, can handle what awaits when he leads one of TV’s hottest comedies, Two and a Half Men, into its post-Charlie Sheen era this fall. “Ashton is undervalued as an actor,” Reitman said. “He’s thought of as a good looking boy … but he’s a really good, subtle actor.” And funny. And Reitman would know.

-- Studios Steph

(Learn more about Amazon Studios and is opportunities for writers, filmmakers and movie fans.)

And the Nominees Are...

The 63rd Primetime Emmy® Awards were announced this morning with just a few surprises. HBO's miniseries, Mildred Pierce, led the competition with 21 total nominations. Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire came next with 19 and 18 nominations respectively. Friday Night Lights fans all over are rejoicing at the nods for Lead Actor, Lead Actress, and Outstanding Drama. And Peggy fans like myself, are ecstatic about Elisabeth Moss' nomination once again for Lead Actress in a Drama. HBO once again dominated the other networks with 105 nominations, but let's face it...they make darn good TV.

I was thrilled at Game of Thrones making it into the Outstanding Drama race as well as The Big Bang Theory finally getting some Emmy love (5 nominations including Outstanding Comedy, Lead and Supporting Actors). And after an underwhelming sophomore season, I am fine with Glee receiving far less nominations this year than in 2010.

Very disappointing was yet another Emmy snub of Community and Fringe. However, I am the most frustrated with the lack of an appearance for The Walking Dead- come on people! How is this not Outstanding Drama?

Here is a look at the nominations for outstanding series. For all things Emmys, check out Emmy Central. Don't forget to watch the Emmys on September 18 at 8/7C on Fox.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men

OUTSTANDING COMEDY
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
Glee
Modern Family
The Office
Parks and Recreation

Well, what do you think? Did your favorite show make the cut? --Amanda

Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men