Wednesday, October 31, 2007

I heart John and Elizabeth Edwards.



John Edwards '08

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Monday, October 29, 2007

WHO'S HOTTER: James Marsden or Ralph Fiennes?


















You guys seem to have narrowed this last contest down to two. So I've decided to complete it the old fashioned way: just let me know who's hotter. The loser will then have another challenge before we move on to Round 3.

Don't worry, this is all going somewhere... trust me. In the meantime, enjoy these sepia-tinged photos, courtesy of my new iPhoto skills (I've been having a little too much with it lately).

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Sunday, October 28, 2007

"Falling Slowly"... an original?

I've seen this song being bandied about as an original song contender (and nominee in small little awards things). But isn't it ineligible? Wasn't it released on a CD Glen Hansard made before Once was ever conceived? I hate to say it, but that seems like a cut and dried case of "NOT original."

But maybe I'm wrong? I could have misinterpreted the info I gleaned way back when.

Or maybe some people just have very very lax rules. But the academy - at least in this particular category - does not. So I'm not expecting the song to go anywhere. But I'd love to be wrong.

Does anybody know more than I do? Anybody?

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Saturday, October 27, 2007

WHO'S LEAST HOT? Choose one!
















Bana, Clift, Craig, Crowe, Dean, Evans, Farrell, Fiennes, Gosling, Gyllenhaal, Law, Marsden, McGregor, Newman, Owen, Rudd. All of these men won their matches. All are hot. But please choose one of them who excites you less than the rest. The one who receives the most votes (if there is one) will not be kicked off the island, but will be subjected to a fate that you know not of, as of yet. Stay tuned for further developments.

p.s. I must say, I'm a little surprised about the Jackman and Beatty defeats. But they did indeed go down. Jamie and Monty finally ended up tied, and I decided to do the responsible thing and break for Monty... he deserves it.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Rock Hudson is such a babe.

Seriously. I just watched Written on the Wind for class, and *growl*, how I want him. So gorgeous, and masculine, and TALENTED! There was quite a fine actor behind the looks; he reminds me of Cary Grant.

Did Rock and Monty Clift ever get together? You'd think they would have. Seriously. That'd be HOT.

I have to see more Rock Hudson films... and Douglas Sirk films, too. Luckily, there's a bit of an overlap. I really have to check out All That Heaven Allows and Imitation of Life, ASAP. The latter was shown on the big screen yesterday, for school, but I was sick and sleeping, dammit. That makes me mad.

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Sunday, October 21, 2007

random Golden Globe comedy/musical update

I love the Golden Globe comedy/musical categories.

Here's how things look right now in Best Picture:

1) HAIRSPRAY
I don't really think it'll win. But I don't see how it can miss the nod. It's already opened and proved itself a contender. It's both a comedy AND a musical, it's been both well-reviewed AND well-attended, and it's just so much fun. It may be too lightweight to win here, but it'll be among the nominees.

2) KNOCKED UP
This year's zeitgeist mainstream comedy hit. It's as well-reviewed as Hairspray, and it's made even more money. The only thing against it is that it's rather low-brow... and that (I believe) kept the same director's 40 Year Old Virgin off the shortlist. But I think the HFPA voters realize it's time to honor Judd Apatow. It'll be hard to deny him this year... but they can if they want to.

3) ONCE
Still a teensy weensy foreign indie, but its box office (nearly $10 million) is now as good as can be expected of arthouse fare. It's actually made BIG money relative to its budget, and it's one of the best-reviewed films this year. And despite it's teensiness and Irishness, it's totally accessible, and damn hard not to at least like (I myself love it). So I think it'll place here. Maybe nowhere else, but at least here.

4) SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Here it gets more dicey, cause we're getting into unknown quantities. But I bet they'll nominate this one here even if it's bad. It'll get lots of votes on pre-release hype alone... unless it's a total bomb, on the level of, say, Elizabeth: The Golden Age... in which case Johnny and Helena will probably STILL be globe-nommed... but the movie, probably not. Though if it's actually good, it could easily win. No film seems like much of an early favorite... except maybe this one.

5) JUNO
This one could ride Ellen Page's acclaim right into the top category. Pre-release buzz is defeaning; apparently the studio has more faith in this than in The Savages, hence the latter's move to December. Juno's being touted as "this year's Little Miss Sunshine"... and we know what happened with that one. BUT this is not an ensemble; the attention's focused mainly on Ellen Page. So that might be where the nominations focus, too.

6) THE SAVAGES
See above. But it could still easily place here IF it doesn't get lost in the December shuffle AND it's categorized as a comedy. Neither of those is a sure thing. So I remain skeptical (though Linney individually is looking strong).

7) I'M NOT THERE
My early hunch on this appears to have been wrong. The jury's still out on its critical reception, and even Nathaniel doesn't love it. So mainstream awardage seems unlikely. After all, last time Haynes made a film, the critics gave the HFPA a clear go-ahead to nominate it, and they... didn't. As a biopic of a famous musical icon, this one stands a better chance, but I'm not holding my breath. I'll probably have to settle for a Blanchett win.

8) RATATOUILLE
It's as acclaimed as Finding Nemo and The Incredibles - arguably moreso - but with the globes' new animated category, it'll be much harder for Ratatouille to place here. In fact, it might be impossible. Anybody know the rules of eligibility?

9) ENCHANTED
Could be a huge hit... or not. And even if it is, they could ignore it. Time will tell.

10) (tie) WAITRESS & LARS AND THE REAL GIRL
I think their supporters will rally round Keri Russell and Ryan Gosling, respectively. So I doubt these two will make a play here... though it is possible.

Probably not gonna happen: MARGOT AT THE WEDDDING

Any of the top 8 are still quite possible, but I think this order is pretty accurate about their chances. What do YOU think? I might do one of these for each of the other comedy/musical categories when I have time, but right now, I'm going to bed. Catch y'all later.

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Saturday, October 20, 2007

And that concludes Round Two.

Second round's over. Their fates are in your hands now, people. Though I may yet have some surprises in store, before we move on... there are a couple new guests I might let crash the party...

WHO'S HOTTER: (round two)
Jake Gyllenhaal or Taye Diggs?

JACOB BENJAMIN GYLLENHAAL

Nationality: American
(an L.A. baby)

Age: 26

Height: 6'

Trademark: Young Hollywood's premier "It Boy"; played a gay cowboy (and the hotter one, at that)

Notable Work:
Donnie Darko (2001)
Lovely & Amazing (2002)
The Good Girl (2002)
Moonlight Mile (2002)
Jarhead (2005)
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Zodiac (2007)

In Theaters Now:
Rendition (2007)

SCOTT L. (TAYE) DIGGS

Nationality: American
(New Jersey native)

Age: 36

Height: 5' 10''

Trademark: today's greatest black song n' dance man (take that, Jamie Foxx!), with a hell of a body to boot

Notable Work:
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
TV's Ally McBeal
Chicago (2002)
Rent (2005)
(also appeared in Rent onstage)

Upcoming:
Days of Wrath (2008)

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WHO'S HOTTER: (round two)
Enrique Iglesias or Ewan McGregor?

ENRIQUE MIGUEL
PREYSLER IGLESIAS


Nationality: Spanish
(born in Madrid, so yes he is Latin by some standards)

Age: 32

Height: 6' 1.5''

Trademark: gorgeous body, gorgeous face, gorgeous voice (sensing a theme?); also likes to tease the gays

Notable Work:
several hit albums,
has also acted in films and TV

Upcoming:
Oh, I don't know. I just think he's gorgeous. I do love me the Latin (especially Spanish) guys.


EWAN GORDON McGREGOR

Nationality: Scottish

Age: 36

Height: 5' 10.5''

Trademark: likes to sing and strip... a lot; has a "huge talent"

Notable Work:
Trainspotting (1996)
The Pillow Book (1996)
Velvet Goldmine (1998)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Down With Love (2003)
Young Adam (2003)
Big Fish (2003)
the Star Wars prequels
(1999-2005)

Upcoming:
Cassandra's Dream (2007)
The Tourist (2007)
...and lots of stuff for 2008.

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WHO'S HOTTER: (round two)
Russell Crowe or Gael Garcia Bernal?

RUSSELL IRA CROWE

Nationality: Australian
(born in New Zealand)

Age: 43

Height: 5' 11''

Trademark: big, burly and sexually potent; has lots of aggression to take out on anyone willing

Notable Work:
L.A. Confidential (1997)
The Insider (1999)
Gladiator (2000)
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Cinderella Man (2005)
3:10 to Yuma (2007)

Upcoming:
American Gangster (2007)
Tenderness (2007)
Body of Lies (2008)
Nottingham (2009)


GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL

Nationality: Mexican
(born in Guadalajara)

Age: 28

Height: 5' 6''

Trademark: short and sweet, with inexplicably potent sex appeal (and plenty of talent)

Notable Work:
Amores Perros (2000)
Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
El Crimen de Padre Amaro (2002)
Diarios de Motocicleta (2004)
La Mala Educación (2004)
La Science des rêves (2006)
Babel (2006)

Upcoming:
Blindness (2008, with Mark Ruffalo and Julianne Moore)
...and several Spanish films.

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Friday, October 19, 2007

WHO'S HOTTER: (round two)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Ryan Gosling?

JOSEPH LEONARD
GORDON-LEVITT


Nationality: American
(born in L.A.)

Age: 26

Height: 5' 10''

Trademark: sitcom star turned indie film sensation; played a gay hustler (HOT); resembles a darker-haired and darker-skinned Heath Ledger

Notable Work:
TV's 3rd Rock from the Sun
Mysterious Skin (2004)
Brick (2006)
The Lookout (2007)

Upcoming:
Killshot (2008)
Stop Loss (2008)
Uncertainty (2008)
The Frog King (2009)



RYAN THOMAS GOSLING

Nationality: Canadian
(born in Ontario)

Age: 26

Height: 6' 1''

Trademark: the new big indie film actor (with a slight bit of competition from JGL); the perfect blend of looks, charisma and talent; reported to be an all-around great guy

Notable Work:
The Believer (2001)
The Notebook (2004)
Half Nelson (2006)

(brilliant and sexy in that last one; see it RIGHT NOW if you haven't)

Upcoming:
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
The Lovely Bones (2008)
(he just dropped out)

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Evans vs Beatty is updated...

...with spiffy new pictures. They're even enhanced, for high-contrast black and white beauty. I thought those two deserved it.

Also, I'm thinking of going ahead with the last four matchups now, despite the fact that it hasn't been a week. I'm itching to see who survives. So keep an eye out for new posts.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Why I just can't get excited about politics anymore

Everyone sucks. Our political landscape is just one big abusive relationship. Wake me up when the 2008 elections are over.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

WHO'S HOTTER: (round two)
Jude Law or Orlando Bloom?

DAVID JUDE LAW

Nationality: British

Age: 34

Height: 5' 11''

Trademark: supernaturally pretty; also lithe, furry, and über-talented

Notable Work:
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
A.I. (2001)
Road to Perdition (2002)
Cold Mountain (2003)
I Heart Huckabee's (2004)
Breaking and Entering (2006)
...and Wilde (1997) for the gorgeous, gratuitous nudity.

Upcoming:
Sleuth (2007)
My Blueberry Nights (2007)

ORLANDO JONATHAN BLANCHARD BLOOM

Nationality: British

Age: 30

Height: 5' 11''

Trademark: girly/pretty, but with the ability to flip up backwards onto a horse (impressive)

Notable Work:
the Lord of the Rings films (2001-2003)
the Pirates films (2003-2007)
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Troy (2004)
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Upcoming:
nothing at the moment

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WHO'S HOTTER: (round two)
Chris Evans or Warren Beatty?

CHRISTOPHER ROBERT EVANS

Nationality: American
(Massachussets native)

Age: 26

Height: 6' 0.5''

Trademark: oozes sex, and takes his shirt off often

Notable Work:
As with (dearly departed) Ryan Reynolds, it's not about the work. It's about how hot he is. Just look at him.

Upcoming:
The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond, Push, The Night Watchman, Under the Blue Sky (all 2008)

Maybe one of these has a nude scene? Or at least a part where he takes off his shirt... please please please



HENRY WARREN BEATTY

Nationality: American
(Virginia native)

Age: 70

Height: 6' 2''

Trademark: the ultimate old-school heartthrob, and king of Hollywood

Notable Work:
Splendor in the Grass (1961)
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Shampoo (1975)
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Reds (1981)
Dick Tracy (1990)
Bugsy (1991)

Upcoming: no new projects to speak of; pretty much retired

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WHO'S HOTTER: (round two)
River Phoenix or Paul Newman?

RIVER PHOENIX
(born River Jude Bottom... c'mon, you know that's hot)

Nationality: American
(Oregon native)

Age: forever 23
(his age of death)

Height: 5' 10''

Trademark:
the Gen X James Dean, his angelic, otherworldly beauty interlaced with an easily corrupted innocence

Notable Work:
Stand by Me (1986)
Running on Empty (1988)
My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Upcoming:
sadly, nothing. ever. again.


PAUL LEONARD NEWMAN

Nationality: American
(Ohio native)

Age: 82

Height: 5' 9.5''

Trademark: infinite charm and sexiness, and the most famous blue eyes in movie history

Notable Work:
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
The Hustler (1961)
Cool Hand Luke (1967)
Rachel, Rachel (1968)
Absence of Malice (1981)
The Verdict (1982)
The Color of Money (1986)
Road to Perdition (2002)
...and many more.

Upcoming: not too much

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WHO'S HOTTER: (round two)
Mark Wahlberg or Ralph Fiennes?

MARK ROBERT
MICHAEL WAHLBERG


Nationality: American
(Massachusetts native)

Age: 36

Height: 5' 7''

Trademark: Calvin Klein underwear

Notable Work:
the Calvin Klein ads
Boogie Nights (1997)
Three Kings (1999)
The Perfect Storm (2000)
I Heart Huckabees (2004)
The Departed (2006)

Upcoming:
The Happening (2008)
The Fighter (2009)
The Brazilian Job (2009)


RALPH NATHANIEL FIENNES

Nationality: British

Age: 44

Height: 6'

Trademark: those eyes, that voice, the menacing, sly smile... utterly tortured and unattainable

Notable Work:
the Harry Potter movies (2005-???)
Schindler's List (1993)
The English Patient (1996)
The End of the Affair (1999)
Spider (2002)
The Constant Gardener (2005)

Upcoming:
In Bruges, The Hurt Locker, The Dutchess, The Gifted, The Reader (supposedly all 2008... whoa)

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The tournament will continue in a moment...

...and boy, are there some tough matches coming up.

I'm glad I'm not the one voting. Really, really brutal week this time. Just painful.

Have fun...

Sunday, October 14, 2007

State of the races

Here are the vote totals so far:

Clive Owen is three ahead of Tony Leung (5-2).

Ditto James Marsden over Ryan Reynolds (6-3).

Jamie Bell is somehow edging Monty Clift (7-6).

Since Colin changed his vote, Paul Rudd and Anderson Cooper are now TIED (4-4). Anderson was trailing the whole time until recently... looks like I'll be deciding this one...

In another close race, Eric Bana is juuust ahead of Hugh Jackman (5-4). Greg apparently voted "eenie meenie minie moe" style, and it looks like vote could be the deciding one. Hmm...

In a not so close race, Daniel Craig has left Cary Grant in the dust (6-1).

Likewise, James Dean is trouncing Matt Damon (6-0). Poor Matty. Dean will be tough for ANYONE to beat. It looks as though he's in this thing for the long haul.

And finally, in another 3-vote spread, Colin Farrell's got the drop on Aaron Eckhart (5-2).

The polls are still open, btw. I've decided to just leave them open until round one is entirely done. You're free to change your votes. But please don't do so recklessly. I don't want things to get crazy.

Oh also... please do still vote even in races that look finished (i.e. Damon vs Dean). Because I may decide to base the round three pairings on the vote spreads; the highest-spread guy facing the lowest-spread, etc. (whoa, I just wrote about guys facing each other while "spread"... nice). But anyway, please vote regardless of the vote spread, cause the final totals matter.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Yes, Al Gore won a Nobel Prize, but he DID NOT win an oscar.

This is really annoying me. Every single article I've read about Gore winning the Nobel Prize yesterday (have you heard?) also mentions how he "won an oscar" earlier this year. Except HE DID NOT.

Don't get me wrong: I love Al Gore and I loved An Inconvenient Truth, and I wish I could vote for Gore next year cause I couldn't in 2000 (I was 17). But he DID NOT "win an oscar." Davis Guggenheim did. Because he directed the movie. Just because it's about Gore, and starts Gore, doesn't mean the oscar went to Gore. I'm pretty sure it's actually on Guggenheim's mantle right now.

If Grizzly Man had won Best Documentary (which it should have), would people be claiming Timothy Treadwell had won the prize? No. He may have been responsible for most of the footage, but he was not the director of the movie. If Erin Brockovich had won Best Picture, would people be claiming Julia Roberts had won two oscars? No. Now, I get that categories like Best Doc and Best Foreign are a little non-standard in terms of who they're actually awarding, but in every other case, the director gets the benefit of the doubt.

This is just so obvious a concept that I can't even believe I'm discussing it. But if I see one more article titled "First an oscar, now the Nobel Prize!" my head will explode.

Because Glenn couldn't.



I thought Glenn would appreciate some shirtless pictures of Hugh, since he apparently couldn't post them himself. Aren't these cute? I thought so.

Happy birthday, Hugh! You're 39 now, just like everyone else.

p.s. good luck in your contest against Eric Bana... you're gonna need it.

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Thursday, October 11, 2007

Random fact of the day night:

Many of the men in this week's contests are 39. Most of them, even, if you count Jackman (who'll be 39 tomorrow), Damon (who'll be 39 in two years) and Grant (who was 39 at the peak of his stardom). I guess this means 39 isn't really that old? At least not for men.

Sadly, James Dean was nowhere near 39. And Farrell might not make it there either if he keeps livin' fast.

Jesus, I need to go to bed.

I'll see you all tomorrow.

OK, fine, more help

I was just thinking how it's not fair to let Jackman, Bana and Craig have all the shirtless fun. All 8 guys should have their fair share. So here you go:

Except damn, there aren't any good ones of Eckhart or Grant (wtf?), so here's two more of Daniel Craig. We can always count on him:


















God, I'm so shallow... I'm inclined to agree with Sora: I hate me, too.

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A little help

For those of you who may (understandably) be having trouble deciding between Bana and Jackman, I've decided to give you a little help. You know this contest wouldn't be complete without:






































































And here's a pic of Hugh in a wifebeater and Eric in a tight white shirt:



















And here's an amazing picture of Daniel Craig, just because:

OK, I'm done now.

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