Pop Culture Diary

This post was inspired by one of my favorite pop culture blogs, NY Mag's Vulture, which recently asked Gillian Flynn, one of my favorite writers from EW, to keep a diary on her pop culture consumption for a week. I figured that was an easy way for me to write about the pop culture that's on my mind, so amazingly I managed to do it. This obviously doesn't include the vast amounts of online articles I read about pop culture daily because that would show my ridiculousness in a different way.

Day 1
9:00 a.m. 
I’m about 70% into "A Dance With Dragons," the most recent entry in "A Song of Ice and Fire," which I mostly read on the subway. Chris generously let me borrow one of his many reading tablets and I’ve enjoyed not carrying around these massive books in my purse. Oh my, how IS Tyrion going to get out of this one?

10:00 a.m.
Friday means trailer day! I watched (and shared) trailers for “2 Days in New York” and "For a Good Time Call." I had read positive things about Julie Delpy’s follow up to “2 Days in Paris” and I’m excited to see Chris Rock in a “dramatic” role. I hadn’t head of “For a Good Time Call” until seeing this trailer but it looks fun. I have residual good feelings toward Ari Gaynor so I’d see this as part of marathon movie day. Later I watched the trailer for “Pitch Perfect,” a kind of “Glee” meets “Bring it On.” I shared the trailer with Carolyn who replied within minutes with simply: Carolyn: well i'll obviously be seeing that

11:00 a.m.
I’m on Spotify for most of the workday so instead of obsessively listing what songs I listen to here I’ll give you the name of the playlist. Today was a Rolling Stones day. I recently created a Wes Anderson playlist after seeing "Moonrise Kingdom" and noted that he uses a lot of Stones in his movies. Realizing I didn’t think I’d ever listened to a full Stones album I subscribed to this Ultimate Rolling Stones one and I am LOVING it.

7:00 p.m.
I took advantage of my summer Friday to catch an early showing of "Prometheus" I managed to avoid spoilers so I was excited to see it. Saw some great trailers beforehand, most of which I’d already watched online.

• "Django Unchained": SO PUMPED! Oscar for Leo!
• "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter": I still haven’t decided on this one, I think I’ll wait for reviews to roll in to decide if it’s worth going in the theater.
• "Frankenweenie": I feel like I’ve seen this trailer for MONTHS. Time to come out so I can stop.
• "Savages": I hold out hope for this one, only because I love Taylor Kitsch and God knows he needs a win after "John Carter," which I did see, and "Battleship," which I totally meant to. He deserves better and Oliver Stone should be able to deliver. The trailer looks equal parts creepy and exciting. Also, hey Benicio!
• "Gangster Squad": Is it just me or is this the only movie where Ryan Gosling’s accent actually makes sense? Loving everything I’ve seen and read about this.

So anyway, "Prometheus…"

SPOILER ALERT: I’m so confused! I was actively enjoying the film while I was watching it but then it was over and I was like, meh. Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace are both fantastic. I genuinely thought the tattooed geologist was Christian Bale for a good 20 minutes of the film. I also knew Guy Pearce was in the movie and therefore thought he was tattooed geologist’s respected friend who wanted to CUDDLE AN EYEBALL. So. Much. Confusion!

On the other hand the scene where she performs her own C-section will haunt me for months. Overall, I just can’t muster up much enthusiasm for the film. I get that the black goo is obviously the catalyst for creating life but if this film was made to answer questions about the "Alien" mythology it failed miserably by creating so many more questions than we were prepared for. But of course, there will be a sequel to answer those quesitons! We should have known that going in guys.

10:00 p.m.
Made it home to hang out with my kitten and started watching "Crazy, Stupid, Love" since I just ordered it from Amazon to push me into free shipping. Am interrupted by Alison alerting me to the fact that a man is going to walk on a tightrope across Niagara Falls. Am transfixed for a solid half hour with terror and wonder. Finish "Crazy, Stupid, Love," watch the latest "Ricky Gervais Show" (God bless Karl Pilkington) on HBOGO and go to sleep.

Day 2 
9:00 a.m. 
I recently started watching "Breaking Bad" from the beginning on Netflix. I'm enjoying it but am not flying through episodes like I thought I would. I had hoped to get all caught up before the new season starts but that's not looking good right now. However, I now understand why Cranston always steals away the win from Jon Hamm at the Emmys, even though I'm not 100% supportive of it. I watch a good portion of an episode while I’m getting ready.

10:30 a.m.
Before leaving for the day I watch the trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson's movie about Scientology, "The Master." The teaser for this focused on Joaquin Phoenix but this time PSH gets his turn. He's doing his creepy best. Man, remember "There Will Be Blood?" PTA is just the best. Also, FNL's Landry as PSH's son. Impeccable casting! I am sold.

12:00 p.m.
I spend most of the day at the Jazz Age Lawn party on Governor's Island so while there is still culture (jazzy costumes, dancing, orchestra) it doesn’t quite fit this diary.

5:30 p.m.
Exhausted and sunburned I return home with some Five Guys and with every intention of watching "Animal House," which I’ve had from Netflix for weeks. Can’t seem to muster enthusiasm for it and decide to peruse Netflix Instant instead. I settle on "Kick Ass," which I’d never seen. It was fun but I think I’d heard it talked up too much.

9:00 p.m.
I gorge on two episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" because I’m obsessed with it. They are followed by an episode of a spin off called "Randy to the Rescue," where Klienfeld’s “fashion director”/resident gay travels to Vegas with wedding dresses in tow to help brides find their wedding look. I obviously set a series record to this as well.

11:45 p.m.
Some more episodes of "The Ricky Gervais Show" and I’m asleep with a kitten by my side.

Day 3 
9:00 a.m. 
Up to make it to brunch I watch more "Breaking Bad" while I get ready. Walter just shaved his head and now looks like the badass he is.

11:00 a.m.
Meeting friends for brunch in Harlem but they are running late so I get some more "Dance With Dragons" reading done.

6:00 p.m.
Settle down in front of the TV with my computer to get some work done. I also recently started watching "Happy Endings" from the beginning so I decide to watch that while working. I’m liking it a lot, though I wonder what the recappers say about Elisha Cuthbert’s character. Am I supposed to dislike her this much?

11:15 p.m.
The usual "Ricky Gervais" episodes play while I fall asleep.

Day 4 
8:00 a.m.
Watch some "Breaking Bad" while getting ready for work.

9:00 a.m.
More "Game of Thrones" on the subway. I’m about 85% done per my borrowed Kindle.

12:00 p.m.
Today’s Spotify playlist is Ultimate Mad Men, which I’ve been listening to a lot since season five started and has now ended. Favorite entries from the past season include “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,” by Dusty Springfield and “He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss)” by The Crystals.

8:30 p.m. 
Had a date but it ended early so I was home in time to watch "The Bachelorette" and still fast forward through commercials. It’s ridiculous but I am helpless against it. The recaps on EW the next day make the humiliation of admitting I watch it worth it.

11:15 p.m.
To shake things up I watch the pilot of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as I drift off to sleep. Pants tent!

Day 5 
8:00 a.m.
More "Breaking Bad." Walter made a deal with Tuco and Jesse just doesn’t think it’s a good one.

9:10 a.m.
More "Game of Thrones." I’m about 87% done. If Dany doesn’t show up in the conclusion of this I’m going to pissed.

10:30 a.m. 
Take a short break to watch the new "The Dark Knight Rises" trailer. So much more Bane! I have already secured my tickets to opening day for this and am convinced it will be the highlight of my summer.

12:30 p.m.
Back to the playlist that started the Stones obsession, my Wes Anderson playlist. I was inspired to make this after seeing his most recent movie, "Moonrise Kingdom." It is fantastic and I recommend to all who love Wes Anderson. If you don’t like him, I must say, this is the most Wes Anderson-y of his films I can think of so steer clear.

6:30 p.m. 
Decide to catch up on some DVR’d TV including "True Blood" and the last two episodes of "Girls." "True Blood" I can’t even say I really enjoy watching anymore. I feel like I’ve seen all these plots before. WHY are we subjected to watching Tara be a vampire? Wasn’t everyone excited when they thought she was dead and we didn’t have to listen to her anymore.

As for "Girls," I’ve really enjoyed its first season. The pilot got way overhyped but the successive episodes really built on who these characters are. There has been so much written about the show that it feels superfluous to add more so I’ll just link to some of my favorite articles about it and leave it at that.

However, I will say these last two episodes were especially affecting as we see SPOILER Hannah and Marnie move farther away from each other as they each realize hard truths about themselves. We’ve all been there, right? Then Bobby Moynihan shows up and makes the season with his hilarity. "Girls," I’m signed on for season two along with DONALD GLOVER!

A.V. Club article I liked: http://www.avclub.com/articles/how-girls-challenges-the-masculine-expectations-of,81266/

10:30 p.m. 
When I turn off the DVR "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II" is on HBO and I watch until INCREDIBLY OLD SPOILER Snape is about to die and I have to turn it off because I don’t want to go to sleep a teary mess.

11:45 p.m.
Ricky Gervais and Co. lull me to sleep.

Day 6 
8:00 a.m. 
Nothing like watching some meth being cooked to start the day.

9:00 a.m. 
More—you guessed it—"Dance with Dragons!"

2:15 p.m. 
Break down and watch the new "Breaking Dawn Part 2" teaser trailer. Yes, I know these movies are terrible. I suffer from a condition where I can not stand reading about pop culture events when I haven't seen/read/listened to said event. I’ve managed to not give in to this condition on things like "50 Shades of Grey" but my condition got me to read/watch "Twilight" so long ago it seems silly to stop now before it’s finished.

4:00 p.m. 
As a palate cleanser, I watch the new "Anna Karenina" trailer. I hadn’t heard about this adaptation but I am sold immediately.

5:00 p.m.
Leave promptly so I can eat before heading to "The Book of Mormon" tonight!

9:30 p.m.
The Book of Mormon just got out and WOW! So fun! I forgot that I paid the big bucks to get a really good seat so I had a perfect seat for all the hilarity. My favorite part had to be when Jesus calmly called one of the missionaries a dick. And he promptly sang “I can’t believe Jesus just called me a dick!” Also, the cameos by Hitler, Darth Vader and Yoda were most welcome. Definitely worth the money. The songs will be in my head for days.

Day 7
12:00 a.m.
Head home after drinks with a visiting friend and read my "New York Magazine" because I’m too tired to focus on "Game of Thrones."

12:45 a.m.
Watch "Curb Your Enthusiasm" to try and fall asleep. Have a tough time of it since my kitten has been alone all day and wants to PLAY. So I have to watch three episodes before he calms down enough for me to actually fall asleep.

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The usual "Breaking Bad," "Dance with Dragons" morning commences. Oh look Dany did show back up. I finish the book and have decided to read "The Devil in the White City" next.

1:40 p.m.
I’m headed to the Newport Folk Music Festival at the end of July so I created a playlist of the bands playing to prepare myself. I’m really liking Blind Pilot and City and Colour so far.

4:45 p.m.
Watch "$ellebrity" trailer. Hadn’t heard of this one and am impressed all these celebrities agreed to talk to the filmmaker. I am easily sold, which I’m afraid is the point the movie is making. Conundrum!

5:03 p.m.
The day is winding down and I’ve lost motivation so I watch the "Celeste and Jesse Forever" trailer, which starts Andy Samberg and Rashida Jones in a film they co-wrote. I’d read about this during Sundance and am clearly going to see it. Looks like they’ve got great chemistry and will probably make me cry my eyes out.

2012 Oscar Picks

It's that time of year and once again, I won't be able to watch the Oscar telecast live because of a conference. That, plus it being the KU-Mizzou game on Sat. made me declare this the worst possible weekend my work could have scheduled this conference. So even though my viewing will be a few days late, I still wanted to offer up some picks. I was successful in seeing all nine movies nominated for Best Picture even if I really didn't want to (I'm looking at you War Horse). Plus, I am running our office Oscar pool so, for what's it worth, here's how I predict the night will go down (and how it should have).

Best Picture
The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

First the two "what were they thinking" awards go to War Horse and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. I didn't hate Extremely Loud as much as most reviews did, probably because of residual affection for the book, but by no means should it be on here over The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or Bridesmaids. War Horse felt incredibly artificial for me. It was trying so hard to be the traditional Oscar film that it failed to make me feel anything; and I cry at EVERYTHING! No tears during a war movie—something has to be wrong. The rest of this list is filled with movies that I liked but can't muster up much passion for. The film I saw most recently was The Tree of Life, and while I enjoyed it, I'm not done thinking about it to decide if I love it. I'd say the movies that are on this list where I walked out of the theater excited by what I had just seen would be Hugo and Midnight in Paris. Hugo because I'm a film geek and the last half hour is film geek catnip, and Midnight in Paris because I love Paris and Woody Allen. The award for making me weep goes to The Descendants, which I really liked a lot. It feels effortless and obviously deals with a subject matter I have some experience in (losing a parent, not a parent cheating, just to clarify). Moneyball I also thought was very entertaining but probably not a movie I'd watch over and over again. The Artist is a completely charming movie. It's a tad overlong, which most of these are, but overall I enjoyed watching it. Would I watch it and enjoy it again? Sure. Does it feel like the best picture of 2011? Just no.

Will Win: The Artist
Should Win: Uh, I'll go with Hugo but I'd put The Descendants and Midnight in Paris on even keel with it.

Note: As I was writing the rest of this post I realized I failed to mention The Help at all in this section. Makes sense since I also don't understand all the hoopla about the movie itself. Its nominated performances are completely deserved. Viola Davis can do no wrong in my opinion. But The Help belongs in this category like The Blind Slide did a few years ago. NOT AT ALL. Both are enjoyable movies that got way overpraised in the interim between release and awards season.

Best Directing
Michel Hazanavicius--The Artist
Alexander Payne--The Descendants
Martin Scorsese--Hugo
Woody Allen--Midnight in Paris
Terrence Malick--The Tree of Life

Here is where I get the admiration for Malick for sheer ambition. Does the movie succeed as much as he hoped it would? Like I said, I'm still deciding. It's my pick for the ideas he contributed to create truly remarkable and beautiful imagery (I think the film will, and should, win cinematography). I also wouldn't be upset to see Martin Scorsese win either, again, because the film was clearly a passion project for him. However, it's clear Hollywood is in love with Michel Hazanavicius and I get it to a degree. He got people to fall in love with a silent movie in 2011 (well, he and Harvey Weinstein)

Will Win: Michel Hazanavicius--The Artist
Should Win: Terrence Malick--The Tree of Life

Best Actor
Demián Bichir--A Better Life
George Clooney--The Descendants
Jean Dujardin--The Artist
Gary Oldman--Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt--Moneyball

This is probably the toughest category to call. Convincing cases can be made for everyone on this list, most obviously George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Jean Dujardin. I have not seen in A Better Life so I can't speak to Demián Bichir. I love me some Gary Oldman and I liked Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but his performance got a little lost for me while I was trying to figure out what the hell was going on. I'll give props to Brad Pitt making a very interesting choice, doing a wonderful job with it and for the fact that he was really a champion in getting the film made in the first place. Yes, Dujardin had to keep the move chugging along without saying a word, and he was very charming while doing so (and on SNL) but I can't say it was simply his performance that made the film so enjoyable. That movie was more the sum of its parts then just him. That being said, it is Clooney that makes The Descendants so affecting. The lost look in his eyes through most of the film keeps you just on the edge of heartbroken, until he goes ahead and pushes you over the edge at the very end.

Will Win: Jean Dujardin--The Artist
Should Win: George Clooney--The Descendants

Best Actress
Glenn Close--Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis--The Help
Rooney Mara--The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep--The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams--My Week with Marilyn

I have not seen The Iron Lady or Albert Nobbs but from the trailers I know exactly why these two women are here. I can say with confidence that Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the only performance of these that I have seen where I left the theater thinking, man she did a fantastic job, and yes, I've seen the Swedish version. I have a severe girl crush on Michelle Williams and I think she was stunning in My Week with Marilyn, making a mediocre movie watchable. However, Viola Davis is just lovely in The Help. She is the reason the film itself got any notice beyond being just a serviceable adaptation of a popular book.

Will Win: Viola Davis--The Help
Should Win: Viola Davis--The Help

Best Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh--My Week with Marilyn
Jonah Hill--Moneyball
Nick Nolte--Warrior
Christopher Plummer--Beginners
Max von Sydow--Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Wouldn't it be amazing to see Jonah Hill win an Oscar? I hope that day comes someday. But it won't be this weekend.

Will Win: Christopher Plummer--Beginners
Should Win: Christopher Plummer--Beginners

Best Supporting Actress
Bérénice Bejo--The Artist
Jessica Chastain--The Help
Melissa McCarthy--Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer--Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer--The Help

Ditto above for Melissa McCarthy. It is great to see her even on the short list for a performance that despite being insane (and hilarious) is actually really grounded. This is especially evident in the scene where she confronts Kristen Wiig and then bites her on the ass and makes Wiig punch her. I hope that is the scene the Academy chooses to show as her Oscar clip. Enough about the dress shopping scene please! Regardless, it's The Help's ladies' night.

Will Win: Octavia Spencer--The Help
Should Win: Octavia Spencer--The Help

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Descendants (Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash)

Hugo (John Logan)

The Ides of March (George Clooney, Grant Heslov & Beau Willimon)
Moneyball (Steven Zaillian & Aaron Sorkin)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan)

I haven't read any of the books (or seen The Ides of March as a play) these movies were based on, but I know Moneyball was thought of to be an insane choice to adapt into a movie. So kudos to Aaron Sorkin and Steve Zaillian for that one. However, I think it is Dean Pelton (and team)'s moment in the sun.

Will Win: The Descendants
Should Win: Moneyball

Best Original Screenplay
The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius)
Bridesmaids (Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig)
Margin Call (J.C. Chandor)
Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen)
A Separation (Asghar Farhadi)

Here is my spoiler category. Conventional wisdom has either The Artist or Midnight in Paris taking this one, but I'm going all in on a Bridesmaids upset. Otherwise the ceremony is going to be the most boring thing ever. It won't happen but sometimes blind hope is all one has in this world.

Will Win: Bridesmaids
Should Win: Bridesmaids

2011 Movie Rundown

It's been too long friends but, fear not, I haven't been idle. I've done well seeing the best of the season's films. My best of the year can be gleaned from this. My post diving deeper just isn't coming together in a timely fashion, so my apologies. 

This year’s total was 42, up three from last year. What did I miss? Where did I go wrong? Speak now...

Perfection

Bridesmaids

The Muppets

Excellent

50/50

The Artist

Crazy Stupid Love

Drive

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Hanna

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II

Midnight in Paris

Shame

Super 8

Solid

Captain America: The First Avenger

A Dangerous Method

The Descendants

The Help
Hugo

The Ides of March

Like Crazy

Moneyball

Paul

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Thor

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

X Men: First Class

Perfectly Fine

The Adjustment Bureau

The Adventures of Tintin

Contagion

Friends With Benefits

Horrible Bosses

Our Idiot Brother

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Eh

The Guard

No Strings Attached

One Day

Young Adult

Your Highness

Just Silly

Bad Teacher

Scream 4

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part I

Just Bad

The Hangover Part II

Water for Elephants

Modern Family: Phil on Wire

Season 3, Episode 3: Someone is snoring at the Delgado-Pritchett house. While Gloria thinks it is Jay, the camera pulls back to reveal that the family has gotten a dog that snores loud enough to wake Gloria. Jay is clearly smitten with Stella, enough to allow her to sleep in the bed when he won't let Manny, who we see is sleeping on the floor. ("Answer the question, Jay")

The newest addition to the family likes to spend time chewing on Gloria's shoes and taking all of Jay's affection, including Gloria's place in the shower with him.

At Cam and Mitchell's, Cam decides he wants to go on a juice fast. Mitchell fears a hungry Cam will disrupt a dinner at his boss's house, especially since Cam goes through six stages when he is on a diet:
 
1. The Clean Sweep—Cam throws out all junk food in the house.
2. Attack Mitchell—Mitchell tries to avoid this by joining in the juice fast. It's them versus food.
3. Soap Actress—Cam becomes incredibly emotional, distraught that his sister just can't put herself out there more. Why ARE men so superficial?
4. A Rush of Epiphanies—Cam doesn't need food. Architecture is EVERYWHERE! And true, Spaniards DO make amazing athletes.
5. Despair—Cam can't even bring himself to seek when Lily hides.
6. Rage—The kitchen cabinets never stood a chance.

Mitchell does admit he is proud that Cam has made it farther in a diet than he ever has before. Though he fears what stage comes next.

Over at the Dunphy's Phil and Luke are watching Man On Wire and marveling at how awesome people are. Cam stops by to drop off the junk food from their house. Luke quickly commandeers it and hides it in his room. Watching the film inspires Phil to fulfill his dream of walking on a tightrope. He and Luke set up a test run in the yard and Luke's enthusiasm, while appreciated by Phil, is really the result of way too much chocolate.

Alex is being placed in a higher math course, the same course Haley is taking, and has been at least once before. Distraught that the girls will be in the same class, Haley spells out some ground rules: No looking at Haley in class and no texting Haley in class. Claire lectures the girls that sometimes they need to just rise above the small stuff as a school cop comes buy to lecture her about stopping in a loading/unloading zone. Claire, sensing this was a time for a lesson, politely "rises above" an unpleasant situation. She naturally thinks of a great comeback line after driving away.

When the girls return from their first day in the same class, it was obviously a disaster. Haley thought 8 was a prime number and Alex reminded the teacher to give the class homework. Claire tries a "subtle" manipulation ("The two of you could have been super Dunphys") to get the girls to help each other out: Haley helps Alex with her social standing and Alex helps Haley with her schoolwork. However, the girls take this to mean Alex helps Haley cheat if she gets a seat at the cool table at lunch.

Phil continues his quest to be a tightrope walker in the yard but is having trouble, complete with awesome "swear" phrases such as "Chicken and a biscuit!" and "Bartles and Jaymes!"

Gloria, frustrated with Cam's call asking to describe all her meals for the day, stumbles across Stella caught in the act of chewing on her clothes. Gloria offers up one of Jay's shoes and tries to get Stella to chew on it to give him a taste of the dog's show-induced wrath.  Stella is not interested so Gloria manages to show the dog how it's done by eating the shoe herself while promptly discovered by Jay and Manny. Note: This is as ridiculous as it sounds. It does allow for a patented "animal reaction shot" that TV shows think never fail. They are right.

The next day when Claire is picking up the girls from school she gets a call that they are in the principal's office for cheating. While on the phone, school cop comes over to give her another parking lecture (and a ticket). This time Claire does not rise above. She lashes out and rips up the ticket and throws it in the cop's face. The girls emerge from the principal's office to find mom lecturing them while handcuffed. None of the ladies can be considered Super Dunphys today.

Phil picks up Luke from school after Luke throws up. Luke confesses saying he doesn't need a doctor. he ate all the junk food Mitch brought over because of their "Jew Fast." Phil tells Luke it's OK, as long as he learned a lesson and ruminates that he too learned a lesson about his ability as a tightrope walker. Luke mentions perhaps the problem is that the rope was only six inches off the ground, where Phil knew he could fall. If the rope was higher, Phil would have to stay on it. "Genius!" Phil exclaims. And yes you can have a donut!

At Mitch's boss's party, which is a fundraiser for sea life, the juice fast is weighing on both the men. As Mitch's boss tells a story about a sea lion (Snorkles) who he befriended and then who died because of a plastic bag, Mitch and Cam lose it and run out into the water. Mitch admits he is starving was only doing the fast for Cam. Cam admits he was only doing the fast for Mitch. I love you the way you are, etc. Cue embrace (I think a kiss would have been appropriate here. It would have felt more natural than just a hug. I still think the show is avoiding the kissing thing too much, even after the beautiful kiss episode of last season. Have we seen Cam and Mitch kiss since?)

As the Dunphy ladies return home, the girls apologize for their behavior. The arrive in time to see Phil walking a tightrope seven feet in the air. "Don't even bother, he's in the zone. He can't hear you," Luke warns them. Phil putting his dream into action instead of just talking the talk wraps the episode up in a nice little saccharine-filled bow. It's sweet and only truly cringe-inducing when Claire utters the line: "Turns out I've had my Super Dunphy all along." (Shudder)

Kind of a meh episode for me, but what did you guys think? Did the end segment make your eye twitch with cute overload?

Great lines and observations: 

Claire: "Right now our daughters are upstairs making a decision they think is their own but really was an idea that was skillfully implanted by me." Phil: "Inception, Claire. Dangerous game but I like it."

Phil: "Luke, grab your camera." Luke pops up from couch: "I was just sleeping." Pops handful of candy in his mouth.

Phil: "If I had a nickel for every time I puked in school do you know how much money I'd have? Luke: "35 cents?" Phil: "Exactly."

Mitch: "It's tough enough to deal with Cam when I'm at full strength, but I have been fasting just as long as he has and I do not have the energy to deal with a big, needy brisketcase . . . basketcase."

Mitch: I really think you need to eat something." Cam: "What? You are supposed to be my support! Away from me temptress. And I never thought I'd call you that in a negative way."

Gloria to Jay: "You used to put me first. You used to want me in that shower." Manny: "Should I be here for this?" Gloria: No Manny it's OK, I go. I want you to know this, where I come from men cherish woman. It goes wife, mistress, dog, dog always at the bottom.

Cam as Mitch is crying: "I think he just needs a little air." Mitch: "You know who else needed air, SNORKELS!"

Summer Movie Recap

Summer is officially over. During the past four months (I'm counting from the beginning of May) I saw 17 movies, some more than once. Overall, I'd say about five of them could count as memorable. Most are middling. However, middling is still worth discussing so now a rundown...

Thor
Who would have thought five months ago that Thor wouldn't be a complete mess? It's got its flaws for sure and I couldn't tell you at this point what the central conflict was about beyond Thor is banished to Earth, is a fish out of water and makes Natalie Portman swoon, but its sense of humor and dazzling visuals elevate it beyond the usual superhero nonsense. It is still nonsense, of course, but when Thor finishes his drink and promptly throws it on the ground it sure was fun.



Bridesmaids
Five viewings later I still laughed out loud, teared up and yearned for my best friends.


Midnight in Paris
Escapism the Woody Allen way. Allen takes my decade-long desire to move to Paris and personifies it on screen.


The Hangover Part II
Why was this made? It was better the first time, and even then, not the best comedy I've ever seen.

X Men: First Class
A duet between greats. I hadn't seen Michael Fassbender in anything before this

Super 8
Nostalgia for a time in movies that i didn't get to experience first hand. All the kids' performances in this are great. The movie is pure popcorn fun the way it ought to be for summer movies. Yes, the creature at the end is somewhat disappointing but who cares when it was so much fun to watch the lead up to its reveal?

Bad Teacher
Biggest wasted potential. The trailer made me laugh every time I watched it. I don't think I laughed out loud once during the actual movie.

Horrible Bosses
It's officially time for Charlie Day to be in more movies. This was fun enough, if not especially memorable for anything except Jennifer Aniston doing her best to play against type. it worked for me,  but now, a few months later, I can't seem to muster up any great enthusiasm for it. Worth a Netflix for sure.


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Two hours of pure payoff is reason enough to understand why they split the last Harry Potter novel in half. Yes, anyone who hasn't been paying attention would be hopelessly lost watching this, but I judge them for trying to watch it without any other context. And true, I have some quibbles about things that were changed, etc, but in the end, it didn't really matter.  Everyone in the cast is in top form—especially Alan Rickman and Ralph Fiennes. It was exciting from beginning to end. and oh what an ending. So. Much. Crying.

Captain America: The First Avenger
The best word I can use is classic. Captain America felt old-fashioned in the best sense of the word. 


Friends With Benefits
Way better than the same movie from earlier this year, but still, the exact same movie from earlier this year. This time it takes place in New York, has leads with actual chemistry but still manages to indulge plenty of the cliches of the romantic comedies it claims to abhor.


Crazy, Stupid, Love
I loved everyone involved. The (mostly improvised) pillow talk between Stone and Gosling ranks up there with some of the best scenes in modern romantic comedies.  Their chemistry crackles throughout the movie but the more important chemistry is the surprising one between Gosling and Steve Carrell. Funny, charming and lovely.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes
While the trailer made my eyes roll once I started reading reviews, I was so confused. How could it possibly be good? The answer is Andy Serkis. His Ceasar is a fully formed character and he outpaces every "human" actor in the film. I actually felt myself get excited for a possible sequel. That's rare when something isn't named Harry Potter or Batman.

The Help
Don't overreact! Yes, the performance of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer (and Jessica Chastain belongs in with them) are superb. Emma Stone is her usual husky-voiced, adorable self. But calm down people. It's just a regular, serviceable feel-good movie.


One Day
After reading too much about people harping on Anne Hathaway's accent and the TWIST ending, I still gave One Day a chance. The accent didn't bother me and the twist I could see coming but I still reluctantly enjoyed this in spite of my better judgment. It's no masterpiece but the chemistry between Hathaway and Jim Sturgess worked for me. I still swooned and cried like a girl. So mission accomplished, One Day.

Our Idiot Brother
It's the Paul Rudd is charming show! Watch Paul Rudd have long hair and a beard! Watch Paul Rudd's great chemistry with a dog named Willie Nelson! Watch Paul Rudd make silly mistakes and be almost instantly forgiven! It's perfectly fine. 

Modern Family: When Good Kids Go Bad

Season 3, Episode 2: Though this aired directly after "Dude Ranch," I'm just getting around to recapping it. Deal.


The episode opens with Claire shopping with the "mad fun" Phil. When he gets distracted by an attractive woman, Claire ends up falling into a display of canned peaches. Claire insists that Phil pushed the cart, which pushed her into the display, but Phil denies any wrongdoing. Later, when Phil is recounting the story to the kids and Claire insists that it was Phil who pushed her, the family gangs up on her to make fun of her need to always be right. This inspires one of the most realistic exchanges this family has had in awhile, with all the kids (and Phil) chiming in with placating asides about Claire being right all the time. Families do this and it's nice to see something that is grounded in reality, especially in an episode when Claire moves from pleasantly neurotic into shrill territory.


Meanwhile, Cam and Mitchell are planning to announce to the family that they are going to adopt a baby boy but are having trouble with Lily's proclamation that she hates the idea of a baby. She also mentions that she "wants the baby dead." In an effort to warm Lily to the idea of a baby, the men host a play date where Lily promptly pushes the baby out of Cam's arms with a cry of "My daddy!" Clearly concerned, Mitch thinks her attitude stems from her dependence on Cam—a result of Cam's coddling nature.  Cam can't even take Lily to preschool, opting to take her shopping to buy matching hats. Cam also allows Lily to hang from his neck like a stuffed monkey with Velcro hands and holds her hand even when he's in the shower. OK, he realizes, maybe he does coddle her.

When Cam is struggling with his new no-coddling policy, Mitchell is enjoying the fact that (for once) a parenting issue isn't his fault—previous issues that were his fault include being distant, working too much and messy french braids. To ease Cam's suffering, Mitchell decides to take Lily to school where he learns from Ms. Elaine (amazing teacher name) that the real trouble is that Lily has trouble sharing, a trait Mitch confesses she probably got from him.


Over at the Delgado-Pritchett residence, Gloria is letting Manny's principal have it after he accuses Manny of stealing a locket. "What do you think all Colombians are criminals because the Colombian necktie is a symbol of violence all around the world?" Gloria yells through the phone. Later, Jay confronts Manny about the stolen necklace and eventually breaks him by making him sweat under the lights in the garage. Manny says he took the necklace as a token from one of his crushes, and Jay insists Manny confess to Gloria, after ensuring that Manny doesn't actually want to wear the locket. The next morning, Manny comes clean and Jay suggests that Gloria make Manny confess to the principal, though she worries that he'll be labeled as the "jewelry thief" along with his other titles such as "the boy with the pan flute," and "the boy with the puffy shirt."


At school, Manny is expressing his fears about confessing when Gloria decides to let him off the hook and breaks into the owner's locker to return the locket, only after making Manny promise to never do anything dishonest again. On the way to Cam and Mitchell's, Jay asks Manny how his confession to the principal went and Gloria tries to steer the conversation elsewhere before Manny can give himself away.


I don't even want to get into a relatively pointless C-storyline about the girls tricking Luke into moving into the attic in order to not share a room. It mostly serves the "Claire is always right" storyline. Though, man, I love Luke.



Prepared for the adoption announcement with an "It's Gonna Be A Boy" banner, sparklers and Footloose's "Let's Hear It For the Boy" at the ready, the family gathers at Cam and Mitchell's. While Luke is talking to Cam, Lily pushes him with another cry of, "My daddy!" "This isn't over," sneers Luke. Mitch admits that Ms. Elaine told him that Lily has a problem with sharing, which she might have gotten from him. Cam, angry that Mitchell let him suffer all day, says they are not making the adoption announcement because he's not feeling joyful, a sentiment Mitch says he shares (finally).


Jay confronts Gloria about Manny's confession and says he knows she she never took him to the principal. Gloria's poker face doesn't crack. "You'd be surprised what people can live with, Jay," she says like a stone cold fox.


Angry that no one in her family believes her about Phil pushing her in the market, Claire pulls out a security video she got from the grocery store to prove she is right. It's at this point where we start to hate Claire instead of laugh with her. She puts the video on. She was right! "Suck it!" she tells her family. When Gloria points out she shouldn't tell her children to suck it, Cam agrees and points out that you never no what kids will pick up. Mitch vehemently apologizes and says they both need to examine their actions if they are going to adopt another baby. With the cat out of the bag, Cam hurries to unfurl his banner, queue up his song and light his sparklers. Jay says no kid wants a sibling and Claire hated Mitch so much that she put him in the dryer.

"I didn't do it because I hated you. I did it because my friend Marcy said it wouldn't run with a kid inside and I knew it would. I was right." Claire admits she has a sickness. Jay tries to diffuse the situation by proposing a toast to Manny, celebrating the fact that he was someone who stood up and admitted he was wrong. Of course, Manny can't handle the guilt and confesses to Jay that Gloria broke into the locker and had them run away. Jay relishes the fact that he was right and it's clear where Claire got her sickness from.

Not as successful for me as "Dude Ranch" what with all the annoying Claire bits and the Dunphy kids non-storyline, but still had some solid laughs. The show needs to tone it down on the "Claire is uptight" stuff and make us like her again after two episodes where she has played overbearing and insufferable. Otherwise, I always love to see Manny cracking under guilt and Phil cracking everyone up.

Great lines and observations: 

"Freestyle sandwich rap: Tucked in between  two whole wheat slices, pastrami and Swiss are my only vices." Phil's market sandwich rap.


Cam: "My sister was born with a full set of teeth." Mitch: "That's not true." Cam: "You should have seen her crib. It looked like beavers lived there."

Gloria: "My cousin Rosamarina when she was 14 she stole something and after that everyone thinks of her as the girl who steals cars. Jay: "She stole a car?" Gloria: "Cars. But after she got that label, what else could she do?"


Claire: "I'm going to skip this meeting of the 'Pile on Claire Club." Phil:"I guess I pushed her into that pile too."


Luke: "Do you have any furniture? I'm moving into the attic." Mitch: "The attic?" Luke: "Yeah, at least it's big. Grandpa said you used to live in the closet."

"Great Governor!" Phil's reaction to the realization that Claire has needed to be right since she was a child.

Modern Family: Dude Ranch

Season 3, Episode 1: They're back! After (somewhat annoyingly) dominating the Emmys on Sunday, the Delgado-Pritchetts (plus Dylan) are heading to a dude ranch. Last year Hawaii, this year a dude ranch? Downgrade, family.

At least Cameron and Mitchell can use the opportunity to butch up their pop-up, musical photo book in their quest to to adopt a (domestic) baby boy. Phil wants to use the dude ranch experience to prove his manhood as well. He's been practicing his cowboy skills—shootin', ropin' and pancake eatin'—for weeks to impress Jay. Jay has other things to worry about, like Cowboy Hank who, while adept at giving nicknames (Bossy for Claire, Hollywood for Manny), is less skilled when it comes to flirting with Gloria. Luckily, she can't hear most of it since she can't seem to pop her ears from the plane, and therefore, is speaking even louder than usual. For some reason the horses seem skittish around her, despite her self-proclaimed horse whisperer skills.

Later at the pool, Alex is trying to get some reading done ("Freakanomics," ha!) and Luke is showing Manny his German firecracker. A tween Italian stallion named Jimmy makes Alex's acquaintance by soaking her with a cannonball and insulting her by calling her gorgeous. As the adults go for a horse ride, Jay's horse veers left, just like his uncle who had a stroke; Mitchell is riding side saddle to protect against a potential cow bite; and Gloria, aka Cactus Flower, rides like a beautiful conquistador per pervy Hank.

Alex has another encounter with Jimmy who steals a kiss—her first kiss. Claire, unhappy that Dylan had to come along, vows to make more of an effort to welcome him after Phil points out he knows how it feels to fall for a girl who's dad thinks he's not good enough. She goes to Dylan's tent to apologize and inadvertently makes him think she's coming on to him. While Dylan admits that if things were different he'd gladly share Claire's bed and raise Haley, Alex and Luke, he loves Haley and declines Claire's non-advances.

At the campfire, Mitchell admits he thinks he and Cam might be rushing into adopting another baby. Before he can explain, he is interrupted by Dylan who is down on one knee proposing to Haley. He barely gets the words out before he is interrupted by Claire refusing to even entertain the idea of Haley settling for Dylan. Distraught, Dylan goes to his room where he warns that there might be a fan that sounds likes someone crying.

The next morning Mitchell expresses his fear of being a father to a boy because of his lack of machismo. Jay advises Claire to stop interfering with Dylan and Haley or she'll end up with a boob for a son-in-law, which Phil rightly takes personally. Haley shows up to declare Dylan missing and the whole group saddles up to find him before he gets spacey from not eating every few hours. Alex confronts Jimmy about stealing her first kiss, telling him it wasn't supposed to be from a Mario Brother and he takes it "back" by kissing her again. In no time, they are making out. Cowboy Hank splits up the group—Claire and Haley, Buffalo Phil and Jay and himself and Gloria—to look for Dylan.

Luke approaches Mitch to tell him how he, as a boy, thinks Mitch is a great uncle. Mitch, realizing Luke has been sent by Cameron, quickly breaks him. Luke tells Mitchell about the firework and Mitchel, horrified by boys obsession with destroying stuff, takes it away. When Luke stalks off saying Mitch isn't fun Mitch caves and says they'll set the firework off together. "You just made the best decision of your life," Luke tells Mitchell. They stick the firecracker in a birdhouse and run like mad before being disappointed when it seems not to work. Naturally, it blows up the birdhouse seconds later and both are in awe of the explosion. Mitchell realizes he can handle being a father to a son after all!

While Phil and Jay search for Dylan, Phil confronts Jay about his crack about son-in-laws. Jay considers asking Phil "man to man" if he thinks Cowboy Hank is hitting on Gloria apology enough and they ride off to confront the villain. Claire and Haley have it out over Dylan with Haley telling her mother she said no to the proposal and that Claire needs to allow her to act like an adult. She's not a baby anymore, Mom! Who hasn't said these words to their mother? They find Dylan and he says he's taken a job at the ranch and him and Haley are over. "We're from different worlds. She's in high school, he's a ranch hand," Dylan says.

When Gloria is screaming for Dylan, Cowboy Hank gets a little too handsy and Phil and Jay arrive just in time. Cowboy Hank says it was an all act so Jay could be the hero and rescue his wife. Phil lets Cowboy Hank know he will only be checking somewhat satisfied on his comment card, because, well, he was still great with the kids. As everyone says farewell to the ranch, Alex and Jimmy get some last minute making out in; Haley says goodbye to Dylan, as Phil weeps in the background; and Cam and Mitch have some butch photos for the photo book, which Cam promptly improves with glitter.

All in all a satisfying episode reacquainting us with why we love this family to begin with. I realized how much I'd missed Phil all summer. Though last season was uneven compared to the first, this episode shows promise that all wrongs have been corrected.

Great lines and observations:

New baby Lily looks remarkably like old Lily, only a little more lively. Her playing with Cam and swinging with Alex was very cute. Her teeth upset me, but I guess kids have bad teeth. I sure did—ahem—headgear.

Gloria "I want my ears to pop." Manny: "Try putting a little rouge on them. (pause) Nobody gets me."

Mitchell: "I want to teach my son all the things my dad taught Claire."

Dylan's horse song: "I rode a horse for the first time today. Wasn't a surprise when it went neigh."

Luke explaining how Manny will know when the firecracker has gone off: "First all the electronics will go out. Then comes the heat flash. Afterwards, the living will envy the dead."

Phil on his nickname from cowboy Hank: "Buffalo Phil. Worth the wait."

What Looks Good: 2011 Upfronts

This has been sitting in drafts for awhile. Apologies.

For the uninitiated, what is an upfront?

From Wikipedia:
In the North American television industry, an upfront is a meeting hosted at the start of important advertising sales periods by television network executives, attended by the press and major advertisers. It is so named because of its main purpose, to allow marketers to buy commercial airtime "up front", or several months before the television season begins.

I've been following all the upfront coverage all week. Here are the shows that on first glance, make me most excited for next season (or mid-season in some cases).

ABC
Apartment 23
Note: I will always love Dawson Leery.


FOX
Alcatraz


Terra Nova


New Girl


CBS
2Broke Girls
Note: The laugh track in this turns me off. But my love of Kat Dennings is making me curious.


Person of Interest
Note: I will watch anything Benjamin Linus is in from this day forward.

Casting Couch: John Holloway & Viggo Mortensen

I flipped by Hidalgo on TV this weekend and voiced something to my roommate that I've thought for some time, so I thought I'd share. After watching Josh Holloway (Lost's Sawyer) be hilarious on Community and then happening to flip the channel to Hidalgo starring everyone's favorite King of Gondor, Viggo Mortensen, I decided my inner casting genius needed to break free.

Cast these men in a project together! Preferably as brothers. Preferably as dueling brothers of some kind so we can watch them kick each other's ass and make snarky quips back and forth. Both are obviously incredibly attractive. Both can play badass and funny. I think they deserve a Fincher, the Coens, Tarantino or perhaps even Nolan. Someone make this happen!

Now to you. Leave your suggestions for a plot, a director and/or writer in the comments.

Summer Movie Picks

Apparently summer movie season "officially" beings this weekend with the release of Thor. Some might say it began last weekend with the surprising success of Fast Five. I cannot in good faith accept that Paul Walker had anything to do with the start of the summer movie season. With that in mind, there are plenty of movies to get excited about this summer. Here are 10 (in order of release date) that are on my radar.

Bridesmaids (May 13)
Trailer
This is a bit of a cheat since I've already seen Bridesmaids twice (what up, sneak previews!). But I'll still see it again once it's actually released because every time I see a trailer, I see new lines I didn't see in either screening. This tells me that the filmmakers had enough funny material to warrant a lot of jokes that are getting cut, so I'm still in for surprises. I won't go into spoiler mode but what I can say is this movie is hilarious, touching and a refreshingly real look at women friendships—not seen through the ridiculous fantasy lens of Sex and the City and other rom-com drivel. Kristen Wiig is Annie, a down-on-her-luck (but she's still banging Jon Hamm, so not too shabby) singleton who agrees to be maid of honor for her childhood friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). She joins the other bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, The Office's Ellie Kemper and scene-stealer Melissa McCarthy) and the inevitable hijinks ensue. It's definitely worth an RSVP for ladies (and, yes, gentlemen too).
Note: My friend Stephen rightly pointed out that the movie has even more cred because it was directed by Paul Feig, creator of the brilliant Freaks and Geeks and director of many amazing Arrested Development episodes.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (May 20)
Trailer
I gave up on Pirates of the Caribbean after the second one. What a terrible movie. I didn't even know what happened in the third until I read a summary on Wikipedia a few months ago. Johnny Depp agrees with me. So the news that a fourth was even made didn't excite me—until I saw the trailer. It could be because I did skip three that I'm wistful for some Captain Jack Sparrow. It could be my unabashed love for Geoffrey Rush in everything the man does. It could be Ian McShane as Blackbeard or Penélope Cruz as his daughter who shares a past with Jack. But it's most likely because summer is the time for fun at the movies. And what's more fun than Johnny Depp in full Jack Sparrow mode? (crickets)

The Hangover Part II (May 26)
Trailer
The Wolf Pack is back. Despite not remembering that these boys were known as the Wolf Pack, back they are and this time in Bangkok. Gathered for Stu's (Ed Helms) nuptials, the gentlemen once again have too much fun and lose someone important in the process. Instead of a baby, there's a monkey. Instead of missing teeth, there's a Mike Tyson-inspired tattoo. Instead of Ken Jeong as crazy criminal Mr. Chow, there's oh wait . . . Ken Jeong as Mr. Chow. With all the key players and plots in place, anticipation runs high. Let's hope The Wolf Pack lives up to their name (and makes me remember it this time).

The Tree of Life (May 27)
Trailer
There is a shot of a dinosaur on the poster! There are shots of space in the trailer! I have no idea what this movie is about and I've already exceeded my limit of exclamation points in one paragraph! What I do know is Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain are the mother and father of a boy who grows up to be Sean Penn. Too. Much. Excitement. For. No. Concrete. Reason!


X Men: First Class (June 3)
Trailer
Impeccable casting is the key to this X Men. James McAvoy as a young Patrick Stewart is inspired. First Class tells the story of how Charles became Professor X and came to lead his band of merry mutants. We'll also see how Erik aka Magneto (Michael Fassbender) became Prof X's eventual adversary. We also meet Mystique (Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence), Dr. Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne), Emma Frost (January Jones) and Beast (About A Boy's kid all grown up Nicholas Hoult). I think its safe to say that this group will prove that origin stories really are more fun.

Super 8 (June 10)
Trailer
J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg together on paper looks like the new spaghetti and meatballs. With Super 8 we have the whimsy, coming-of-age feeling of E.T. combined with the monster movie fun of Jaws (and to a lesser extent Abrams' Cloverfield). While filming a zombie movie one night in 1979, 14-year-old Charles and his friends witness a train crash that unleashes something en route from Area 51. Friday Night Lights' Kyle Chandler plays the town's deputy who leads the hunt for what's making animals and humans disappear. With '70s nostalgia in full swing paired with creepy alien invasion, Abrams and Spielberg appear to have made old school meets new school movie magic.

Bad Teacher (June 24)
Trailer
Cameron Diaz returns to her raunchy comedic roots as a teacher who drinks, smokes, curses and is determined to get into sweet substitute Justin Timberlake's pants. Now, on paper, this doesn't seem like a good idea. But the trailer is surprisingly effective. It could be the kids getting repeatedly hit with balls. Or it could be that surrounded by Jason Segal, Phyllis and a bespectacled JT Cameron Diaz looks palatable even, dare I say, funny—something she hasn't been in a very. long. time.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (July 15)
Trailer
This should be painfully obvious but I'll recap. Payoff. Payoff. Payoff. I was honestly surprised how good Part I was with so little to work with. Every scene needed to be there but there was relatively little action compared to what's in store for the second part. Not to mention emotion galore! The trio are at their best, a whole bunch of Snape, an amazing walk in the woods, a detour in King's Cross—so many reasons to be counting down (and dreading) the days until July 15th.

Cowboys & Aliens (July 29)
Trailer
Summer blockbusters don’t take risks. Hence all the superheroes, sequels and boy wizards ruling screens this summer. Here is one that features the explosions, aliens and movie stars of traditional summer fare with a decidedly original mash-up of genres that should keep things fresh. Daniel Craig plays an 1870s gunslinger with a mysterious bracelet and a bad case of amnesia. Harrison Ford is an old enemy Craig has forgotten. They team up with House’s Olivia Wilde to battle aliens who start attacking their sleepy Western town. I read reports of the trailer eliciting laughs when it was first shown to theaters, but this movie plays it straight, despite its Snakes-on-Plane-type title. The real question is can they avoid camp to stifle the laughs without removing all the fun? With Ford and Craig in front of the camera and Jon Favreau, Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard behind, I’d say we’re in good hands to find out.

Crazy, Stupid, Love (July 29)
Trailer
This is a late addition to my radar as I didn't know a thing about it until I saw the trailer. Steve Carrell's wife (Julienne Moore) cheats on him, thus thrusting him back into a dating world that has changed considerably since the last time he visited. Helping along the way is dreamy, possibly photoshopped, Ryan Gosling, who in the meantime is falling for adorable Emma Stone. Noteworthy mostly for being a trailer for a romantic comedy that didn't make me roll my eyes, I have faith in the cast (and director John Requa, who did I Love You Phillip Morris, which was vastly underrated) to make this a romantic comedy that actually achieves its two goals: romance and comedy with a dash of a actual charm.

Honorable Mentions
The Art of Getting By: Trailer
Green Lantern: Trailer
Larry Crowne: Trailer
Horrible Bosses: Trailer: Trailer
Captain America: The First Avenger: Trailer
Friends With Benefits: Trailer
30 Minutes Or Less: Trailer
Our Idiot Brother: Trailer