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Thursday, February 04, 2010

Oscar Nominations, or, Do We Really Need 10 Best Picture Nominees?

Well, as you probably heard, the Oscar nominations were announced a few days ago. Anyone who knows us knows that we love Oscar season, even if our parties have turned into small affairs. I was pleasantly surprised by a few nominees this year, including District 9 for Best Picture, and I was really hoping that Jeremy Renner would get nominated for Best Actor, because the dude was crazy good.

Also no surprise, but I'm rooting for Kathryn Bigelow to be the first female to win Best Director, and pretty much rooting for The Hurt Locker in almost all categories. (Although I loved Inglourious Basterds, and will be quite happy with whatever that wins.) I'll be really disappointed if Avatar wins anything except effects categories- beyond looking cool, I really didn't think it had much going for it.

So, the movies we still need to see are Precious, Up in the Air, Crazy Heart, and possibly The Blind Side or An Education. I'm not going to try to get crazy and see all 10 best picture nominees, although we could get close.

If you're looking for some reading, Newsweek has their always interesting Oscar Roundtable online. This year they spoke with six possible Actor nominees. Seriously, Gabourey Sidibe is adorable, and Jeff Bridges is the coolest.

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Carrie at 2/04/2010

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Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Lost! Lost! Lost!

I’m simultaneously excited, nervous, and sad about tonight’s Lost premiere. I recall back when they announced the end point for the series, it seemed so far away. Now, in a short 16 episodes, it will be over, and another of my all-time favorite TV shows will be off the air. What else do I have left now? Fringe? True Blood? The Office? All fine shows, but none match the awesomeness of Lost. (Except for Mad Men. We still have that.) Paul maintains that a show like Lost can never happen again, and TV networks are too concerned about ratings to take a risk on a show like this for six seasons. I don't know if I totally agree, but I think he has a point.

Anyway, I don't want to think about life without Sawyer, John Locke, or Desmond yet. I don’t require answers for all the lingering questions surrounding Lost. I can be fine without knowing more about polar bears or four-toed statues, but I do expect some solid explanations about Jacob. Especially his connection to all the castaways, and if that connection is what drew them to the island. I hope to find out what the deal is with The Others, who Richard Alpert is, and what the hell Benjamin Linus’s endgame really is. (Is he evil or not?) I probably also have a boatload of other questions I’d like answered that I’m not thinking of now.

Need a recap of where we left off? I suggest reading Lostipedia’s recap of the season 5 finale, which points out themes I wouldn’t have noticed myself. There are many good columns gearing up for the season premiere, including The AV Club, Alan Sepinwall, and Doc Jensen

I know one thing’s for sure, because it’s pretty inevitable that she’s a goner: I’m going to miss the hell out of Juliet. She was a badass.


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Carrie at 2/02/2010

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Dollhouse: The End


The series finale of Dollhouse airs tonight, bringing an end to a smart, whip-fast second season. Dollhouse has evolved from a problematic and semi-generic serialized drama to an almost ingenious show that’s touched on identity, problems with technology, government conspiracies, sexual assault, insanity, PTSD in the military, and how to properly dispose of a body. And this has all happened in only 26 episodes.

I think it’s starting to become apparent that shows get better when there’s a set end point. Lost returned to excellence once it was declared that this season will be the last. The same is true for Dollhouse. Whedon and Co. had an endpoint, decided what they wanted to do, and then raced to the finish line. Some may argue that too much happened too fast this season. While it’s true that I could have seen several of the shocks could have develop over half a season or so, they did what they could with the time allotted, and I think it’s been one hell of an entertaining ride. A very dark ride, if you factor in the last few episodes.


Because it always comes down to the apocalypse, tonight’s episode takes place in 2020, relating back to last year’s DVD-only finale, Epitaph One. I’m looking forward to seeing the gang all dirty, futuristic, and sporting some serious weaponry. I’m guessing someone’s probably going to break my heart, and my money’s on formerly annoying computer tech Topher, who’s carrying around the weight of the world.

I think Dollhouse will add to Joss Whedon’s legacy of excellence. It contains some of the best acting on a Whedon show ever. I’m disappointed that more people haven’t discovered, but I hope it lives on through DVD, like Firefly did. I certainly encourage you to check it out. I’d like to think I’ve established that I have pretty good taste at this point, even if I do have an above average weakness for all things Whedon.


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Carrie at 1/29/2010

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Take that, Michigan.

With last night's win against Michigan, the Spartans are now 8-0 in the Big Ten, which is their best start in conference play ever. Woot!

The game was not pretty, but like Izzo said, I'll take a road win however I can get it. I'd probably prefer if games were a little less dramatic, because I swear basketball is taking years off of my life at this point.

Anyway, it's shaping up to be another stellar year for basketball. Onward towards March.

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Carrie at 1/27/2010

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Sunday, January 24, 2010

Thanks to Canada.

There are two bands that I'm catching up with and really started enjoying in late 2009 and into 2010. Plenty of you have probably listened to them already, but I just thought I'd share anyway. Interestingly, they're both Canadian.

The Rural Alberta Advantage - "Don't Haunt This Place"


I really love the RAA now, and they probably should retroactively be in my top albums of 2009. There is not a bad song on their album. Check it out. Seriously.

Japandroids - "Wet Hair"



I had listened to the Japandroids album enough, but it wasn't until I saw them on Jimmy Fallon that I was like, "Crap. They're really good".

Also, coincidentally, I think both bands happen to have above average drummers. So there's that, too. Thanks, Canada.

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Carrie at 1/24/2010

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Friday, January 22, 2010

For your consideration.


There are a lot of good things on TV tonight, including the telethon for Haiti and Conan's last Tonight Show. But if you want to give your DVR a workout, consider taping the premiere of Caprica. It's a new show from the producer's of Battlestar Galatica, and ultimately will (should?) explain how Cylons were made.


Now, you know I've raved up and down about Battlestar, but you're still uncertain about this series. Well, it doesn't take place in space, if that kinda thing turns you off. (I know it does for at least one of you out there.) Also, it stars Eric Stolz*. Who doesn't love Eric Stolz and wouldn't want to see them on their TV screen weekly?


Anyway, give it a shot. I hear you need no knowledge of Battlestar, and it's got some interesting takes on sexuality, religion, and politics.
*Other awesome people cast (from HBO shows I miss): Trixie from Deadwood and Atia from Rome.

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Carrie at 1/22/2010

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Haiti

I discovered a good place to keep up with news about Haiti and relief efforts - the US Agency for International Development has created a Twitter account dedicated to the response effort for Haiti.

If you haven't donated yet, it's not too late. A great organization to donate to is Doctors Without Borders, who provide crucial emergency medical care in Haiti and other areas in need. My sisters boyfriend (Dr. Jim as many of you know him) has been an active volunteer with Doctors Without Borders in the past, and has been contacted about the possibility of going to Haiti.

Support Doctors Without Borders in Haiti

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Carrie at 1/20/2010

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