Leslie Nielsen dead,the Naked Gun star

Famous comedian Leslie Nielsen dead has been reported  today due complications of pneumonia in a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale. Leslie Nielsen most widely known for his act in series of Naked Gun movies.

Died:November 28,2010

Image source: Wikipedia

Leslie Nielsen was born February 11, 1926 with the age of 84. Just three months to go before his upcoming birthday.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 | Review

The end is neigh. This is Lost all over again man...

If the first two Harry Potters were the series' blockbuster and Prisoner of Azkaban was the art piece, Deathly Hallows Part 1 is the character study of the Harry Potter films. I wouldn't say this was the best Harry Potter film because I still feel Goblet of Fire is tops but Deathly Hallows Part 1 has certainly amped the artistry of British filmmaking and thespians to a whole new high. Burn Twilight! Burnwith my Inflamari charm!

So for those who are retarded, this is only the first half to J.K Rowling's finale book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows with the concluding second part to premiere next year. This film is all on Harry, Ron and Hermione and one long ass camping trip. We follow the three as they go on a perilous journey to find and discover the remaining Horcruxes which houses Lord Voldemort's souls and in doing so makes him mortal again.

Now in the book, this portion of the movie only takes up the first 200 pages of the 800. Part 1 can't help but be the prelude to the big finale it is but David Yates and the cast has done an absolutely phenomenal job of stretching those 200 pages into a spectacular 3 hour film of heavy drama performances.

Part 1 squeezes in the final character developments, ties up continuity plot lines and brings audiences on one final nostalgic trip down the series to show how far the three main characters have come before pulling out all the stops in the final film. I feel Part 1 out of any of the previous films has given Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint the chance to prove their worth as actors. The three of them carry this film. We literally have 1 hour 30 minutes of just the three of them talking to each other in the woods. And it is so compelling, so well written and performed beautifully by the three.

We have Harry Potter, a boy who has tremendous weight of responsibility and the burden of blame for the people who have died in his cause. Ron Weasley, the guy who will always be known as Harry Potter's sidekick, living in his shadow, destined to be second to the Boy Who Lived. And Hermione Granger, the strong female who seals the bond and keeps them together albeit the prejudice of her being a Muggle born. All these and so many other elements brought out and developed in full dramatic force for the pleasure of the audience. The drama that Part 1 has is unbelievably intense. If I didn't know any better, I would say this would be the series' best chance of being nominated for an Oscar in writing or acting.

And the cinematography is really breathtaking. I mean gorgeous! A visual opus of real, no green-screened or special effected British mountain sides and plains. I love the idea of them shooting everything on locations instead of doing everything against a green screen like them cheap Americans because it does translate that reality to the screen with better performances and visuals.

My only problem is that beneath the fantastic performances and visual effects, Part 1 really doesn't have a strong narrative. Mostly due to the fact that this is merely the first 30% of the book, the film is anticlimactic and does drag after awhile. It's like that build up episode to a series finale on television where the audience is hoping for something to happen and right where things get good, the screen goes black and the words say "to be continued" well that's exactly how Part 1 was and it may put some people off about the film.

But I think it has done swimmingly as the build up to the epic final I know awaits the world in July. I await that moment with baited breath..... cause I'm jacking off to a picture of Emma Watson. So so so HOT!

RATING: 8/10

Oscar Talk: Toy Story III & The Animated Race

I hate to be a killjoy (honest, I do) but the burgeoning Best Picture campaign for Toy Story III keeps on leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Of course that’s because the film itself left me feeling marginally unsatisfied. It’s a sort of déjà vu that I’m experiencing, I was feeling this way last year when Up was taking the awards’ races by storm and it looks as if Toy Story III has an easier path ahead of it. From Coraline to The Fantastic Mr. Fox to The Princess& the Frog it was an unusually strong year in the category but this year’s picking is more than slim. True, I’d give How to Train Your Dragon (which is admittedly, the sole other animated film I’ve seen so far) a slight edge over Toy Story III because it’s candour and freshness is much more appealing and (forgive the weak pun) animated; but neither of the two seems to be a great credit to its form.

I’ll probably see Tangled sooner or later – if only for the sake of being a completist (I’ve somehow managed to avoid Despicable Me so far). I already have a slight built-in aversion to Tangled - not so much the film, but the ridiculousness of the story behind its renaming. The thing is, even if it’s doing better than anticipated there’s virtually no possibility of it uprooting Toy Story III which is the favourite – sentimentally, and otherwise., though I'd be happy if it really is good. The question now isn’t if Toy Story III is going to win the race, it’s how much of a threat it could be in the Picture category. Obviously, I’ve no choice but to resign myself to the continued ten-nominees situation and if push comes to shove I’d prefer to see Toy Story III on the nomination more than something like Inception or The Town both of which are being touted as serious contenders, the former more-so than the latter.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m existing in the clouds, but I still don’t feel that the race is as wrapped up as some seem to believe. Of course we all know that it isn’t over until it really is, but I’m just having this feeling that a serious contender is being ignored – what, I don’t know. I don’t think Toy Story III is it, a Best Picture win for it would be exceedingly surprising. I suppose, as it stands Pixar needs to prepare space for the inevitable trophy that’s going to be handed to Toy Story III. It’s months before the fact, but I figure if there’s any race that’s “wrapped” it’s this one. And I’m probably the only person (along with Armond White) who won’t be ecstatic about this. Ha. I just wish we'd have gotten something a little...better, could Tangled be it.

Grand Lotto Results Nov 27 2010

The highest Php 693,229,971.60 jackpot of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office or PCSO, Mega Lotto 6/45 is to be win with the following number combination.

22-55-51-14-54-45

That's a huge money to have. Just a 10% of that jackpot, I will be able to live the way I wanted to be. Since I didn't place a bet, I will never have a chance in winning the said jackpot.

Let's just wish that there is/are already winner/s of this jackpot so that everyone will be at peace of mind. If the amount of jackpot reaches billion, I think it would just stir controversies and anomalies.

Young Justice to premiere in Cartoon Network on Friday

For kids and even adults who has been around for the past two decades, I doubt no one knows Superman, Batman, Robin, Green Lantern, Flash and other DC superheroes who are members of the Justice League.

Young Justice, a young version of Justice League? Absolutely! The latest cartoon show, which is currently on its pilot stage will premiere today (Friday, November 27) on Cartoon Network. Although the latest show are focused on Young Justice or the young versions of the Justice League superheroes,the producers also promised to include a wide variety of beloved DC characters.

If you can't hardly wait to know more about Young Justice, you may watch the trailer below.

TV Week in Review: 21st - 24th November

Between the VMA’s obstructing my regular ABC schedule on Sunday and Thanksgiving obstructing my regular view of everything on Thursday it was a rather dry weak for TV. Ironically, all four of the five shows turned in top notch episodes making up for the more-or-less less than excellent showing last week.

            

Dexter: “Teenage Wasteland”

Just when I think I can say I know Dexter like the back of my hand, it surprises me with an episode that’s so evenly tempered that beguiles you into this false sense of security and bam – they’re at it again. Pacing; it’s not my favourite episode of the season but it’s one of those that’s excellently paced. It’s framed by Gordon Chase at the beginning and the end, nice work there – but the character development that abounds? Lovely. There’s an emotional confrontation of sorts that occurs somewhere in the middle between Deb and Maria, and it works (like many things this episode) brilliantly. Maria comes off as unfeeling, but Lauren Veleez really tries hard to subvert that notion (I won’t stop championing her) and Carpenter delivers in more ways than one. The fact that that scene is followed, immediately, by her realisation that Quinn was after Dexter only increases the tension. I really want to hate Quinn but Harrington keeps on doing excellent work, and Liddy? God, that man scares me. I didn’t love Astor’s return, and the thing is – on paper – her friend’s trouble shouldn’t be more than generic. But it works. I always like seeing Dexter in the paternal light and the moments at the end with Astor were particularly well played. The fact that Astor’s friend was being abused acts as a nice (if unsubtle) parallel for Lumen’s own issues. And that ending? Hot damn, how brilliant was that? Seriously, again I say JULIA STILES FOR THE EMMY! She just handles that scene so brilliantly. Only three episodes left before the season ends, and I don’t want it to.

[A-/A]

Glee: “Furt”

 

Ryan Murphy gets a lot of shtick for his writing on Glee, and I’d probably agree with anyone who says that of the three creators Falchuck’s characterisations are strongest. Still, the Murphy episodes can be good (“Laryngitis” comes to mind) and this episode’s strength lay in its writing. We get two main arcs each branching out forming other stories and what’s more the two main arcs are actually reconcilable. There’s the Carol and Burt wedding which I liked because yes, Mike O’Malley is great on the show but Romy Reosemont is so underrated and good as Mrs. Hudson. I hope we see more of her down the road. That arc was only part of the Kurt storyline as the bullying arc continues. It’s nice to see they’re actually holding true to the Rachel/Kurt friendship somewhat and her plan was...inspired. Though I just have to interject and say that that entire Sam/Quinn storyline made me want to vomit. Please, can’t they just expel Chord Overstreet from the show? Ugh, but I digress. On the other hand we have the return of Sue’s mother to Ohio to coincide with her wedding to herself. The arc was just beautifully done and that rendition of “Ohio” was a killer. Honestly, Kurt’s transfer doesn’t break my heart because I don’t really care for the character – but he’s obviously not leaving the show, so it doesn’t really matter. It’s interesting to see the storyline developing though, and I still want to know where the Azimo is. He always seemed to be the more fearsome of the two back when he and Karofsky were on their bullying spree in Season One. Two things though, where the f*** is Jayma Mays? And can they just make Puck and Santana an official couple, those two are just too awesome (even if Puck, along with Tina, does absolutely nothing this episode).

[A-]

Parenthood: “Happy Thanksgiving”

After last week’s underwhelming turn Parenthood is back in business. What continues to impress is their continued ability to handle clichéd themes and make them refreshing. Camille is preparing for Thanksgiving and like the typical matriarch of old is doing it all on her own and feeling neglected. There’s the Gordon/Adam fiasco with him selling the company and whatnot; Crosby trying to impress his mother-in-law; Drew missing his absentee father and Julia unable to cope with the “conventional” bits of motherhood – i.e. baking a perfect pie. True, I’m a bit miffed that I haven’t had a good storyline for Erika Christensen to sink her teeth into in some weeks, but even with little to work with she makes Julia’s anal personality realistic with her inability to be perfect at everything (god forbid). As I predicted, Gordon is a giant douche and I’m not sad to see the back of him but it’s nice seeing Adam grow a backbone without seeming annoying like he sometimes comes off as. Crosby is still the least interesting sibiling, but I’ll cut him some slack because I think Joy Bryant's Jasmine is terrific. On a sidenote, can we just give Miles Heizer a bigger storyline. The guy is easily the strongest child actor on the show – and that’s saying something. Drew’s moments with Zeke had a certain poignancy that was mirrored in the scenes with Camille and Julia and then Camille and Amber. And how nice was it seeing the four siblings and their parents dancing in the kitchen? Very. It’s sad to see Sarah depressed again (good work Lauren Graham) and god knows what Christina will do about Haddie’s new boyfriend, or whatever he is.

[B+/A-]

Modern Family: “Mother Tucker”

It’s weird, I really love Jesse Tyler Ferguson on this show but whenever we get a brilliant episode he gets the horrible arc. This is a case-in-point. I don’t know, I’d probably accept the mother-in-law with boundary issues on a show like Everybody Loves Raymond (generic and dull, says I) but it just seems oddly placid for Modern Family. Sure, watching Mitchell and Cam banter will never NOT be hilarious but damn, they need a real arc! But the rest of the episode? AMAZING. Can anyone resist the elderly infectious ways of Manny (I don’t know what else to call it). I just love watching him and Jay bond and the fact that he actually was sick did make me roll my eyes, but only because Gloria is ridiculous which Sofia Verara knows and milks for all it’s worth. It’s weird, though, the Dunphy’s get the A-plot but the title has nothing to do with them...but I digress. Come on, an episode about Hayley’s boyfriend? I love Sarah Hyland, so yes please. And Ty Burrell? He may end up uprooting Ferguson as my overall MVP. I just find his speaking voice hilarious and that emotional bit at the end works without feeling jarring or disjointed.

[B+/A-]

Things That Made Me Go Hmmm

• Dexter beating that guy up was more chilling than any of his murders this season, take that for what you will.
• Sue calling Kurt Porcelain. The writing was just so snappy this episode.
• How cute is Manny and his miniature golf course antics?
• I wonder if those crazy critics will lambast Parenthood for having a 13 drink beer for fun, and a twelve year old drink the same to avoid problems. Hee.

         

Standouts

Jane Lynch in Glee A

Michael C. Hall in Dexter A-/B+

Ty Burrell in Modern Family B+

Jennifer Carpenter in Dexter B+

Lauren Graham in Parenthood B/B+

Jesse Tyler Ferguson in Modern Family B/B+

Cory Monteith in Glee B

       

Did you watch either of the four this week? Did you like them too?

Failure to Launch, Season One: Episode 4

I knew I’d end up featuring this guy sooner or later here I suppose better sooner than later – Anthony Anderson. Anderson easily ranks in the top ten of actors I find most annoying. He’s one of those character actors who shows up in a slew of Ebonics’ movies playing the same tired old wingman and making feeble attempts at comedy that fail to impress. Am I being harsh? You bet. Let’s take a look at the evidence.

         

Prosecution, Exhibit A: Kangaroo Jack

I cited this some time back as one of the worst films of the last decade, and that’s

a pronouncement that wasn’t done lightly. This film is awful, truly everything about it is, but Anderson is the most awful portion. From the over exaggerated expressions, the whiny voice the terrible acting – it was all just a very, very bad accident, but it can’t be that much of an accident. They did read the script after all.

Prosecution, Exhibit B: Romeo Must Die

I like Romeo Must Die. As far as Asian actors go I’d say Jet Li is one of the better ones and I’m a big fan of Aaliyah. It’s a typical action/romance/comedy but it’s enjoyable enough. Anthony Anderson doesn’t help. True, his involvement doesn’t turn the entire film into a hot mess or anything but his presence adds nothing. The only thing that makes him slightly passable is the fact that the characters in the film find him just as annoying, so there’s always the vicarious thrill of seeing him embarrassed. Call me cold-hearted, whatever.

Prosecution, Exhibit C: King’s Ransom

King’s Ransom is one of those awfully generic unfunny comedies that infuriate me to no end. It involves a running gag on kidnapping, and truly the script is awful but having Anderson as the lead makes it even worse. Usually I think that Rotten Tomatoes is ridiculous, but I can’t argue with the 0% rating for it. (I forgot to list it in my worst of the decade list, but who’d want to remember this?)

Defence, Exhibit A: The Departed

I don’t think it’s coincidental that the film where I find him tolerable is the one where he has a minute amount of screentime that’s balanced out by having Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga and Leonardo DiCaprio buttressing the talent in the film and preventing any potential annoyances he may incur. He works in The Departed. I don’t know why, and I don’t know how...but he does. The only time I can admit to that happening.

                    

This seems essentially cut and dry to me, but what do you think about Anderson? Guilty? Innocent? Has he Failed to Launch? 

             

Previously

Eva Mendes Guilty (3), Undecided (2) 

Jac Black, Verdict: Guilty (4), Undecided (2), Innocent (1)
Matthew McConaughey, Verdict: Guilty (8) Innocent (0)