Sunday, February 27, 2011

Shiny, happy people...

You want your Oscar picks? I got your Oscar picks. (Along with who I think should win.)

The Illusionist... will not win.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Once, twice, three times a lady.

Or:  Three Weddings and No Funeral

It may be either in spite of or because of his status as Hollywood's most loveable curmudgeon that Paul Giamatti has turned into a bit of a national treasure.  While movie everymen throughout the years--whether it be Jimmy Stewart or Jack Lemmon or Tom Hanks--have displayed the ideal that exists within all of us, the externalizing of the leading men we all think we might be, Giamatti shows us the flaws we all actually have.  He often aims for melancholy before gregariousness.  He's a bit schlubby and walks too hunchbacked.  His characters don't always treat women well, but in their heart of hearts they certainly mean to, though weakness and selfishness often get in the way.