Top 5: Best and Worst Dressed of the 2011 SAG Awards

The ceremony of the 2011 SAG Awards were slightly disappointing, but the fashion on the red carpet was not. There were some good ones and some... not so good ones... so let's get to it!

WORST DRESSED

5. Amy Adams in Herve L. Leroux

I am NOT a fan of this dress in the least. The details on it are NOT flattering nor are the pretty. They are just awkward. She looks lumpy in some spots and flattened down in others. Not what you want when walking the red carpet. Also.... the slicked back pony tail is something I've NEV ER understood. It's hardly ever very flattering because it makes the woman look bald looking head on. At least her make up is fine.

 4. Jennifer Lawrence in Oscar de la Renta

Yeesh... See on the TV it looked much better than it does in pictures. Unfortunately pictures are what you are judged by and what most people remember. This color is just a little TOO much. I think in theory the shape is nice, with the straps, but it's overpowering and looks slightly messy. Also, the belt with the bow cuts her torso and makes it look much too short. And her hair and make up are too harsh. If each thing was tweeked a little, it would have been tons better.

3. Christina Hendrix in L'Wren Scott

Dear LORD. I think my comment when I saw this was "Xtina looks like Evan Rachel Wood will in 15 years." I usually LOVE her and I defend her style choices, but this just did not land, for me. The make up makes her look older, and the black is just overpowering. I know it's January, but don't wear long sleeves... especially with shoulder pads. Just... no.

2. January Jones in Carolina Herrera

At first, when she arrived, I thought this was Tilda Swinton, which would mean Tilda did really well! But then I realized it was JanJones and I was appalled. This dress is just... not pretty. It has sleeves... and again I don't usually like dresses with sleeves on them. But besides that, she is SO young and usually does something so fresh and this just makes her look old. All of it. Hair, make-up, everything. She usually looks so hot... and this... ugh.

 1. Melissa Leo in Randi Rahm

Whoever told her to wear this needs to be punched in the face because.... there is no better way to accent your flaws than to wear some sort tight, shiny fabric. She looks frumpy, if that's possible in a gold dress. And her hair is a mess. She better shape up for the Oscars since she's favored to win.

 BEST DRESSED

5. Haliee Steinfeld in Prada

This girl TOTALLY gets it. Or at least her stylist does. She looks absolutely perfect. When I first saw this, I was a bit surprised and confused at the choice for the stripes... but as the night wore on I thought "It's GENIUS!" Of course she should wear that dress! She's young, she's beautiful, this dress was perfection. CANNOT WAIT to see what she wears to the Oscars.

4. Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

I LOVED this dress on her. I thought that it was very sexy for her to flaunt her tiny chest with this v-neck. I read some criticism that she doesn't have enough to wear this, but I disagree completely. With more she would have seemed too slutty. This is a dress showing her pride in her body and that she feel sexy with her figure. And she ROCKED it. Very hot. 

3. Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta

I absolutely died when I saw her in this dress. My jaw HIT the floor. Usually she only wears black.... she has 100 times over made up for it in this number. Not only is it bright red, but the shape is so flattering. And on top of that, the details of the flowers are so elegant and beautiful! She just looks STUNNING!

2. Sofia Ferrara in Roberto Cavalli

Um... I don't know if figures come in any form more perfect. She is DELICIOUS. And so hilarious, too. I was glad to see her in something other than red, and she made it clear she would NOT be wearing it. This color is one of the most beautiful colors EVER. I LOVE to see on the red carpet and especially wrapped around someone as Va VA VOOM as Sofia. She ROCKED this dress. The details in the front wrap around her and hug her just perfectly. It could not have been a better choice.

1. Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen

From the moment I saw this I knew that she would be one of my favorite of the night. She is FLAWLESS. The pattern and the flow of the dress is just gorgeous, and her hair/make-up is soft, sultry sexy. She is beyond Vixen.

Now come see these ladies, plus more at my photo album on Facebook where you can add your individual comments to each one! I'd love to hear all your thoughts about every dress and tux! Bring it on.

Live Blog: SAG Awards 2011

Remember if you want to catch my SAG Award updates CLICK HERE. I'll be updating via my Tumblr all night, starting at 5 pm central. That's in about an hour! Get pumps for Red Carpet and Ceremony fun!

Movie Review: Blue Valentine

I saw Blue Valentine a week ago and was just unable to get the review out before the Golden Globes took me as a prisoner. Luckily I have my original reaction to the film in writing so I can give you guys an honest first impression. I feel the same today as I did leaving the theater.

The movie made me angry, which could be argued that that was the purpose of the film. It's provocative and frustrating and it's supposed to get a rise out of you. However... there were a few things that I thought were off. I left feeling frustrated, not just because of the story, but also how it was told. 


First of all, the story is about the demise of a relationship and it's told in flash back with scenes from the beginning of their love interspersed throughout scenes from the ending of their marriage. As characters and plot go, I don't have much to complain about. It was a passionate, tragic, raw look into what it's like to watch a relationship fall to pieces. I was frustrated within these constraints for all the right reason. My perspective was that the character, Cindy (Williams), wasn't fair to her husband. All Dean (Gosling) wanted to do was love her, and she was so closed up and noncommunicative that she made him bitter, which eventually lead to them not being able to work together. She should have communicated her needs and he would have done anything for her.

It was easy for me to pick Dean's side because Cindy's character seemed selfish and cowardly while Dean would have changed whatever it took, if she had only spoken the words. However, she spends years NEVER voicing her issues. Despite my frustrations with the characters (which is a testament to the actors), they were played to perfection. The performances are amazing and worthy of awards. It's a TRAVESTY that Ryan Gosling didn't receive an Oscar nom for this role. Especially with his precious interpretation of love that he does so well. The story and portrayals were great. No complaints there. Those parts achieved all they were meant to.

On the other hand, there were two things that bothered me about the film itself. Firstly... the dialogue was... to be desired, for lack of a better description. So many times when these two characters were talking to each other, they could only barely express themselves, and when they did they just repeated one of two phrases over and over again. "Babe! Babe!" "I can't do this! I can't do this!" BE SPECIFIC. Now, I understand that this is truly how many real couples communicate when in a fight, and I understand that that was the point. I get it. HOWEVER, even if that's true, in a movie they need to have a script with a few better lines than that, because I became distracted away from the story because I was so frustrated with how repetitive it had become.

Secondly, I thought some of the shots were too tight. I understand the idea behind it, that in present day the two lovers felt suffocated, and the tight shots were to help us feel that way, but it was TOO much. There was a line and they crossed it. They should have pulled back in a few places and I would have been more emotional about it and less distracted or irritated. It gave me a headache at one point. 

In the end, it was ALL great, and I think I liked it, though, they went a centimeter over the line on all the things I am annoyed about. It is not enough to make me dislike it but enough for me to notice and leave upset and confused about it. Had it been slightly tweaked, I think I would have left much less distracted and much more devastated and satisfied by this film.

No matter what, it is worth seeing at least once, no matter your reservations, because these performances were beautiful. (If any of you were worried about the original NC17 rating, they cut one of the scenes that made it that way, and everything else is pretty neutral. It's not outrageous.)

Oscars Nominations 2011: REACTION POST!

Oscar Nominations came out this morning! I was driving to work at the very time they were being announced, so I depended on my counterparts: Matt and Kevin, to fill me in. These are my reactions!

I'm SURE this face was made
in reaction to the Nolan snub.

Things I am upset about from the #Oscar nominations: No Andrew Garfield (though I understand), no Ryan Gosling (that I do not understand), no Mila Kunis, Toy Story 3 in best picture (UGH; OVERRATED), no Never Let Me Go or Harry Potter score (though it wasn't expected), The Coen's over Nolan (COME ON ACADEMY, LET'S NOT GET CRAZY), TS3 in best adapted screenplay (SO stupid), and best song for TS3.... (overall I guess I just don't understand what everyone sees in this film), Ruffalo nominated, & ALL OTHER NOLAN SNUBS. Seriously, it was slightly ridiculous.


Things I am excited about from the #Oscar nominations: Jesse Eisenberg being nominated (break those stereotypes, boo!), THE BALE FINALLY ZOMG (sweet victory is ours, Bale-heads), Hailee Steinfeld (!!! She's only adorable and awesome!), Nic, Nat, Michelle, The King's Speech drank everyone's milkshake (12 nods! It's cool because it was a great film AND a surprise!), Gasland being nominated for best documentary (I was wondering if it would make it, and it did!), Nolan getting credit for being a BADASS writer (I wish he'd win), Deathly Hallows at least getting one nod (!), and the fact I've seen 8 of the 10 best pics!


For full nominee list click here!
What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments! :)

Top 5: Best and Worst Dressed of the 2011 Golden Globes

The Golden Globes were last night and I sat and on my couch from 4 to 10 pm watching all the coverage I could. And now, for my favorite part of the festivities: my best and worst dressed of the night!

To add your own comments for all of these looks, individuallly, PLUS 13 others who walked the red carpet last night, CLICK HERE! I'd love to hear all of your opinions of each outfit! You may have to "like" my blog to comment the album, so get to it and join in the conversations!

WORST DRESSED

 5. Emma Stone in Calvin Klein

You all know how much I love this girl. So you all also know how hard it is for me to say that this look did NOT land. I don't understand the idea of a red carpet dress with cap sleeves... nor do I understand Emma Stone with any other color hair than red. Especially not BLOND. I understand it is for a role but OMG GO BACK, BB! Not to mention, her face seems to be much more "tan" than the rest of her and the color of this dress just off-sets everything else... And other than that, she's too thin. She needs to go back to her original weight and original hair color... and skin color for that matter. I LOVE her, but this looks was disappointing to me.

4. Sandra Bullock in Valentino

 Oh baby GIRL. WHY are you trying to hide underneath some Asian girl's weird bangs? CHANGE YOUR HAIR! I think without the awful hair choice, the dress would have looked better, but paired with that, it all looks like a hot mess. And the weirdest thing is that on stage she didn't look nearly this bad. I don't know why, but this look does not photograph well AT ALL.

3. Michelle Williams in Valentino

I feel like she may have dug through her mom's old hippy clothes and ironed it and just threw it on. I don't understand this look and she looks TERRIBLE. With that sassy short do, she could have done SO MUCH. I don't know how she landed on this one.

2. Halle Berry in Nina Ricci

 Uh... Just because your body might be "slammin'," does NOT give you permission to dress like a skank at an awards show. There is so much bad about this outfit, I don't even know where to start. All that to say this was inappropriate for her age and especially inappropriate for the Golden Globes. She looks like a streetwalker.

1. Juliann Moore in Lanvin

DEAR HEAVENLY LORD. WHAT is going on here? I don't know who decided that this was ok, but they need to be shaken roughly by the shoulders lest they make this mistake AGAIN in the future. First of all, just one full sleeve RARELY works, but it especially doesn't work with a crazy Anne-of-Green-Gables PUFF sleeve overlaying it. OH YEAH and with a gold choker tangled up in it. Then, the color of her shoes is atrocious. The only good thing about this look is the color of the dress, and MAYBE her hair and make-up. But because the dress is such a train-wreck, it's hard not even notice that.

BEST DRESSED

5. Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

This dress was awesome! And those shoes were scary... But since you couldn't see the shoes all night unless she posed like this is was all ok! Marchesa is one of my favorites, so it is no surprise I loved this dress. Sparkly and fun! She could have done something else with her hair, but honestly the look is great regardless.

4. Dianna Agron in J Mendel

This girl is just BEAUTIFUL. I imagine that designers are fighting each other for a chance to have her wear their dress. She looks awesome in this nude shade. It's a hard shade to pull off, and she was one of the few who was able to do it. Also, her hair and make-up are perfection! Truly she is a classic beauty.

3. Julia Stiles in Romona Kevaza

This look is so stunning. She's absolutely one of my top 5 best dressed. Her hair and make-up are so classy. Old Hollywood. As for the dress, the roussing makes her torso look curvey and long, and the mermaid shape is so elegant. The one shoulder with the ruffles is a detail that brings the whole things together. WONDERFUL!

2. Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

Besides pink, this dark green was the color to wear this night and Mila pulls it off beautifully. The texture of the dress is so interesting, and it hugs her just right. The train is elegant, and the knot detail on her shoulder balances it well. Plus, her hair and make-up are flawless.

1. Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf

I could not say enough about this beautiful little person. She may be one of the most adorable humans on Earth. I couldn't wait to see what she would wear and how she would show off her tiny baby bump, and she did not disappoint. This shade of pink is perfect on her, ad the sweet little ruffle in the front highlights her bump beautifully. Plus the red rose is a nice addition and really pops! Her make-up and hair make her look so naturally beautiful. She was absolutely glowing.

 

Live Blog: Golden Globes 2011

Hey all! I will be live blogging the Red Carpet and the Ceremony for the 2011 Golden Globes over at my Tumblr! So if you have a Tumblr you can follow me over there! If you don't have a Tumblr, never fear. You can still click on my link and RSS my Tumblr to find the updates. I'll make sure each post over there has GG2011 in the title. Have a great time tonight watching the awards!


COME ON OVER TO THE GOLDEN GLOBES LIVE BLOG.

Enjoy! Comments are welcome on this post if you want to start up any GG convesations!

Live blogging begins in 3 minutes! (4pm central time!) This is an experimental new way to live blog, so I hope it works. Let me know what you guys prefer.

Movie Review: The Social Network

I had been so uneasy about going into this film because there was SO MUCH HYPE. I didn't see it for forever (obviously, since I am just now writing my review) specifically because of all the over-stated, ultra-hyped comments I had heard about it. I knew there was NO WAY it could live up to all of that. Thankfully, a friend of mine who usually has the same taste and reactions to films as me saw it and said she was unimpressed. I was relieved, honestly. That made me feel like I could go into it with lower expectations and no pressure for me or the film.

Turns out the hype and/or my low expectations were irrelevant. The movie is intoxicating in a way I cannot explain, and I loved it. In fact, I saw it for the first time last Saturday, bought it on Tuesday and watched it again, and now I am watching it again (a night later) with cast commentary. Fantastic.

The opening scene of this movie is really great. Immediately I was impressed with the script. Writing for a cast of characters that are mostly ALL geniuses has to be incredibly difficult, and they did it amazingly well. Through the conversation with his girlfriend, so much about Mark is revealed. We see his lack of social skills, how incredibly smart he is and how it gets in the way of normal conversation, and then the fact that he can’t help but be pretentious and awful. We also see his need to feel accepted yet elevated to those around him. Then when the conversation ends with him pissing off whomever he's talking with, we see on his face that he’s frustrated and bitter, as though that seems to happen to him a lot. All of this we learn within the first 2 minutes.

From there we are driven into Mark Zuckerberg's quick rise to creator of Facebook. A few people have said that this movie is kind of cold, but I felt very connected to the human side of this story, and I think it had a lot to do with the subtle performances by this young, up-and-coming cast. Jesse Eisenberg isn't just playing a douche-bag. There is much more to him than that. As we saw in just the first scene, there are lots of factors at play here. Andrew Garfield stretches his acting legs, as well. He had perhaps the most endearing part to play and does it with charisma and a vulnerability that is so genuine, I felt it in my chest. Even with a script that is very event-driven, and technically-driven, these character anchor it. At least that is what anchored it for me.

People tend to feel like the Mark character is just the worst. However, I have a different perspective. JT comes in as Sean Parker, the creator of Napster, and we see Mark's face light up at seeing what life is like for the people allowed into the "exclusive" clubs. Pursuing this relationship was ultimately what caused him to screw over his only friend, Eduardo. Blinded by perhaps achieving the exclusive life he's always wanted, Mark allows Parker to be his mentor. Parker manipulated Mark into allowing him to have a piece of Facebook. Eduardo is left to tag along, is lied to, and eventually is dropped from the project. Parker says the first time he sits down to talk to Mark and Wardo, "I don't have a dog in this fight. I'm just a fan who stopped to say hi," but that is obviously not true. He saw potential to get something out of it for himself, and he jumped at it. He is the most despicable character in the movie, in my opinion.

As far as Jesse's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg, it's been said that it was an easy thing to do, that he was basically just playing a jerk. Plus, the character does things that are so unlikable, the easiest thing to do is to write him off as nothing more than a jerk. However,  I disagree. Jesse studied up and really dug deep for this role. The fact is, Mark hides all of his emotions under the surface. Anything Jesse shows has to be through layers and layers, which is something that is very hard to do, and yet he does it. It's very subtle, but it's absolutely there. The best summary quote for Mark as a character is "You're not an asshole, Mark. You're just trying so hard to be." Underneath the superiority, the bitterness, the brilliance, and the apathetic exterior are real emotions, and to be able to show that only after you have layered on all the rest takes true talent. Jesse is a real actor, and hopefully this role (and an Oscar nom) will break him of the "Michael-Cera-clone" stigma that exist. He certainly deserves better.

Andrew Garfield, for me, was the best part of this movie. He's so lovable the entire time, you can't help but want good things to come true for him. He's the nicest of guys and he makes it very easy for the audience to be enraged that, of all the guys in the world, he gets screwed over by his best friend. Throughout the movie, Andrew plays Eduardo as such a sweet guy who always wants to do the right thing, always wants to be there if he's needed, and who sincerely loves his best friend. Which makes it that much harder to know he's being used and manipulated. But also, the fact that he is so (I'll say it) precious the whole movie makes it that much more awesome when he explodes at Mark and Parker at the end. Without contest, that is my favorite scene of the entire movie, especially the line "I love standing next to you, Sean. Makes me look so tough." If there was any question for award voters that this kid deserves nominations, I bet that was the scene that tipped the scale in his favor.

See this movie. If for no other reason except you know that you'll have to in order to follow the rest of this awards season. Yes there is hype, yes it's ridiculous, yes it's because the movie is actually good. Check it out and see for yourself. I am immeasurably glad that I did, even though I didn't want to, at first. WORTH IT.

Movie Review: True Grit

Most everyone knows my feelings about the Coen brothers. I am not their biggest fan. However, as the opening weekend of True Grit got closer and closer, I kept feeling like I needed to see it. For some reason I had a hunch that I would like this Coen film, and I have to say that following my gut worked out. I really enjoyed it!

I couldn't believe how much fun I had during this movie. I laughed throughout, and I can honestly say that I was not expecting that. Jeff Bridges is was so rough and tough and yet very lovable. I adored his slurred speech and accent for his character. From the very beginning, there was no doubt in my mind that he was a true ace, but it was obvious he had a soft side, too. Matt Damon's Texas Ranger was just the perfect balance of cocky and clueless. He was charming a lot of the time, but then he'd get a little bit in over his head and have to be taken down a few notches. And Hailee Steinfeld was an absolute enigma, the heart of the film! This young gal has never been in a movie before this one, and she blew it out of the water. First time out, and she's an Oscar contender. Talk about batting 1000...or a hole in one... or whatever other sports analogy you can think of that equals perfection. Hailee was absolutely fabulous.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to connect to this movie. Usually, I have found the Coens' films to be cold and detached, however, I really loved the characters and felt linked in. One of the driving forces of the film is Rooster Cogburn's obvious attachment that increases for Mattie throughout the movie. He tries not let her in, but she's so persistent, and so relentlessly and effortlessly awesome, she cracks her way into his heart. Also, the hilarious banter between those two and LaBoeuf is the icing on the cake. Even in moment where I didn't expect and feel it was appropriate to laugh, I had to, because of some of the great one-liners.

"Where's Mr. LaBoeuf? Is he ok?"
"Indeed, even a rock to the head cannot quiet him but for a few minutes."

It's an old fashion western, but doesn't feel dated. I must now eat my words, because lo! and behold, a Coen brothers movie finally exists that I truly enjoyed and want to see again. And, dare I say, I also would like to own this movie one day? I think that might be true as well.

Movie Review: The King's Speech

I went to see this movie with my mother over Christmas break because I knew that we both love Colin Firth. There aren't many women who can resist him as the original screen-Mr. Darcy in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. Also, after his Oscar nomination last year and all the buzz for his role in The King's Speech for this year, I knew I just HAD get on board. (It's been my goal to not fall down on the job this year and actually see as many Oscar movies as possible. I've done well so far!)

I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie because I hadn't read up on it. I only knew that Helena Bonham Carter was also in it and had some Oscar buzz of her own. Also, somewhere along the line, I heard Geoffrey Rush was in the movie, but I had forgotten that fact until he appeared on screen. (It was quite a happy surprise. I think I may have squeaked in excitement.) This movie was SUCH a delight. It is a period drama, but the history and stress of the surrounding plot is secondary to the human story. This is truly a story about a man who has to overcome a huge struggle and defeat his fear. In doing so, he is able to be the man he needs to be, but also he makes a life long friend. It's very inspiring, and when the credits rolled, I had felt so many emotions throughout: amusement, sadness, empathy, and triumph. It was truly a joy to watch.

Colin Firth's performance was mesmerizing. Of all the actors who could fit in the "Best Actor" category this year, my vote is for Firth to win. He is my personal favorite for that. But the thing that really kept the movie going was the chemistry between Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Those two together are what make the film so enjoyable and make it easy for us to relate to and love these characters. Not to mention, their banter is hilarious. I would suggest that anyone who wants to see a truly awesome performance and a nice, inspirational film should rush to the theaters to see this one before it is gone. And if it is not near you, Netflix it as soon as you can.

THE BALE (aka: Movie Review: The Fighter)

Happy New Year to you all! I know it's been an eternity since I wrote a real blog with substance, but that ends NOW! Over the break I was able to see a few great movies, and this entry will be dedicated to telling you about the first one, The Fighter.

My friends and I have gotten into the habit of referring to Christian Bale as "The Bale" since he is beyond awesome and mostly rules in all ways possible by a human being. He's stunning to look at, has about a million different dialects and accents he can use, and is enormously talented as an actor. Even his outburst a few years ago was turned into a hilarious and epic dance remix that should be found on youtube. To me, Christian can do no wrong, and never has. Even in movies like Laurel Canyon or Little Women, The Bale can't help but be a true BAMF to the core. Not only does he have more cult classics than most any other actor (American Psycho, Equilibrium, The Newsies, Velvet Goldmine), but he also does pay his dues in indie films like The Machinist and Rescue Dawn. Not to mention, he could drink your milkshake even as a kid (12 years old) when he was hand picked by director Steven Spielberg, and starred in Empire of the Sun. As if that wasn't enough, he also has been a part of the biggest revival of an American icon in film history (at least in my humble opinion) by being Batman, the ULTIMATE hero. Not just anyone can play Batman. And Christian is not just anyone.

However, Christian has never received an Oscar nomination. No... I did not say he's been nominated but never won, he's never even been NOMINATED. The injustice is too cruel. But fear not, there is hope, for I have seen The Fighter and have come to report today that INDEED Christian Bale's performance is OSCAR-LISCIOUS. Get ready Academy, there is no other supporting actor that even compares to this man's rendition of a cracked-out, pseudo-hero brother of a losing boxer. Bale has this tied DOWN. He's won every award for this role so far, and I don't think we'll be seeing the guy slowing down. And it's about TIME, too. Go on wit' ya bad self, Bale, and enjoy the sweet victory. You deserve it!

But seriously, Bale captures this character so well, at the end when they showed us the real person he had portrayed I was shocked. Dicky sounded and acted just like what I had seen Christian play for the last 2 hours. It was said that while he and Mark were filming this movie, they acted so much like the brothers that they were mistaken for the brothers by people who were used to seeing them around town. That is a big testament to what a wonderful job these two actors did in these roles. And I was especially excited, because in each film Christian has been in lately, it seems he's been overshadowed by something or someone else. I believe my exact words as I left this theater were: "Finally, Christian is in a movie were he steals focus!"

As far as plot goes, The Fighter isn't anything ground breaking. You can probably guess how things are going to go. However, even though it was a sports movie with adversity and triumph, a plot we've seen before, I still enjoyed seeing this story play out. The script is good and entertaining, and the acting, as I have said, was superb. My only complaint was that Mark Walberg's character, Mickey, was portrayed as kind of a wimp in life. Not talking boxing, I mean how he let everyone near him push him around. He let his sisters bully him, his mom bully him, he let Dickey walk all over him him, he let his sisters bully his girlfriend. By the end I just wanted to shout at him. Thankfully, in the end, we know how things go for Mickey.

So, if you are in for a movie that gets you jazzed up, go see The Fighter. If nothing else, go to see Christian Bale's most awesome performance to date. Awards season can not be more exciting for me this year!