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Archive for the ‘Movies’ Category

Movie of the Week Reminder: A Taste of Romance

Posted in Movies, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 10, 2012| 1 Comment »

A Taste of Romance

The Hallmark Channel movie A Taste of Romance will debut at 8 PM on January 14.

Teri Polo stars a uptight French chef Sara Westbrook, who gets fired up when her upscale café, Chez Varenne, is suddenly overshadowed by a new restaurant moving in next door run by a group of rowdy firemen. Led by handsome former fire fighter Gill Callahan (James Patrick Stuart) and his friend Danny (Rockmond Dunbar), The Five Alarm Grill is soon a big success while Sara and Patsy (Rosy Rosemont), her pastry chef, struggle to bring in customers. Sara suddenly softens when she meets Gill’s ten-year-old daughter Hannah (Bailee Madison) who she can’t help but take under her wing when she learns Hannah, like herself, is growing up without a mom. Ignoring the obvious tension between her dad and Sara, Hannah is soon playing matchmaker.

Here is a trailer for A Taste of Romance.

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Mini-Series of the Week: Downton Abbey

Posted in Movies, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, Video on January 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Downton Abbey

On January 8 the award-winning mini-series Downton Abbey is back for another season (this time a 7-part run) on PBS starting tonight at 9 PM.

Downton Abbey’s Granthams and their family of servants have already weathered scoundrels, scandals, and a momentous succession crisis. But by November, 1916, the Great War has rendered everything — and everyone — changed. Even Downton Abbey itself, like its residents, has risen to the call of duty and transformed. At the war front, life intensifies for Downton’s young men in the face of untold horrors. Meanwhile, at Downton, war makes new and often unjust demands. Some rise to its call for a stiff upper lip and a useful turn, and others see change as an opportunity for either growth or exploitation. Far from the trenches, there remains no shortage of scheming, meddling, and dangerous attractions. As other great houses crumble, a diminished Downton Abbey struggles to prevail into a new era with its residents and its honor intact.

The cast includes Maggie Smith (the Harry Potter franchise), Elizabeth McGovern (A Room With A View), Michelle Dockery (Return to Cranford), and Dan Stevens (Sense and Sensibility).

Here is a trailer for Downton Abbey.

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Movie of the Week: Fixing Pete

Posted in Movies, Reminder, Television, Video on January 3, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Fixing Pete

The Hallmark Channel movie Fixing Pete will debut at 8 PM on January 7.

Brooke Burns stars as an emerging fashion editor and notorious perfectionist who is assigned to makeover a disheveled and famously immature sports writer. The cast includes Dylan Bruno, (Numb3rs), Stacey Keibler, John Ratzenberger (Cheers), Charlie Schlatter (Diagnosis Murder) and Valerie Harper (Rhoda).

Here is a trailer for Fixing Pete.

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Year-End Round Up: Faces to Watch in 2012

Posted in Movies, New Faces, New Shows, News, Television, Year End Round Up on December 30, 2011| 1 Comment »

Much like the New Faces of 2011, there are always entertainers of note to be on the look-out for in the new year. With the help of some online research, here are my predictions for the faces of 2012 (in no particular order):

Chris Zylka

1. Chris Zylka – Chris first got noticed for his role on the short-lived TV adaptation of the box office film 10 Things I Hate About You, but it’s been his recent (which has now been turned into a series regular) role on the new CW series The Secret Circle, as witch (warlock) Jake Armstrong that has turned heads. But it will be his role of Flash Thompson in the Spiderman reboot – The Amazing Spider-Man – that is slated for release next July that will get him even more attention.

Bella Heathcote

2. Bella Heathcote – Bella got her start on the Australian soap Neighbours and appeared in the Justin Timberlake film In Time; but it will be her turn in the much anticipated box office film Dark Shadows – alongside the likes of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Lee Miller and Michelle Pfeiffer – that will garner her a lot of attention. She is also set to star in the David Chase (the man behind The Sopranos) film Twylight Zones and Cogan’s Trade that will star Brad Pitt.

Lily Collins

3. Lily Collins – Lily got her big break in the Sandra Bullock film The Blind Side then starred alongside Peter Bettany and Maggie Q in the thriller Priest as well as with Taylor Lautner in the action film Abduction. However, it will be her role as Snow White in the upcoming box office film Mirror Mirror that will put her on the map. She will also star in the lead role in the film adaptation of the best-selling novel The Mortal Instruments with Jamie Campbell Bower as well as the film The English Teacher, which stars Julianne Moore and Greg Kinnear.

Henry Cavill

4. Henry Cavill – Unless you’ve been living under a rock, Henry should be on the top of the list for movie goers because of his recent role in Immortals and the fact that he landed the plum role of Clark Kent aka Superman in the latest reboot of that popular franchise – The Man of Steel. He will also appear in the film The Cold Light of Day alongside Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver. TV viewers will remember Henry from his days on The Tudors and movie fans will recognize him from his role in The Count of Monte Cristo.

Nicholas Hoult

5. Nicholas Hoult – As a child, Nicholas starred alongside Hugh Grant in the acclaimed film About a Boy and then had a role in the scandal-riddled British series Skins. He also appeared in the films The Single Man with Colin Firth and Clash of the Titans. As a young adult, he appeared in the hot summer blockbuster X-Men: First Class alongside James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Next year, he will have the lead role in the box office film Jack the Giant Killer alongside Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor and Ian McShane as well as the lead role in the film adaptation of the zombie-filled novel Warm Bodies.

Juno Temple

6. Juno Temple – Juno has appeared in a number of films such as Atonement, Year One, Greenberg and The Other Boleyn Girl. She also had a role in the latest film adaptation of The Three Musketeers alongside Logan Lerman and Matthew Macfayden and the buzzed-about independent film Dirty Girl. She has five films coming up next year, including The Dark Knights Rises and the drama Lovelace about erotic superstar Linda Lovelace.

Brit Marling

7. Brit Marling – Brit was the movie festival darling this year for the independent film Another Earth where she starred alongside Lost alum William Mapother; but it is the three big movies coming next year for which she will be starring that will assuredly get her noticed. They include Arbitrage with Richard Gere; The East with Alexander Skarsgard, Ellen Page and Patricia Clarkson and The Company You Keep with Robert Redford, Anna Kendrick and Shia LaBeouf.

Jeremy Irvine

8. Jeremy Irvine – Jeremy is a relative newcomer, but he is hitting the ground big with the lead role in the Steven Spielberg film War Horse that opens on Christmas Day. He will also appear as Pip in the new film adaptation of Great Expectations that will open next year as well as starring in the film Now Is Good with Dakota Fanning and Olivia Williams as well as the anticipated 2013 film The Railway Man with Rachel Weisz and Colin Firth.

Benjamin Walker

9. Benjamin Walker – Benjamin made his mark in the Broadway play Inherit the Wind (as well as marrying Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep’s daughter) and starred in the films Kinsey and Flags of Our Fathers. But it will be his upcoming lead role in the film Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and the film adaptation of John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, playing archangel Michael fighting against Bradley Cooper as Lucifer.

India Eisley

10. India Eisley – India got her big break on TV via the ABC Family Channel series The Secret Life of the American Teenager, but it will be her role as the daughter of Selene and Michael in the January 2012 release of Underworld: Awakening with Kate Beckinsale that will put her on the map.

Callan McAuliffe

11. Callan McAuliffe – Callan made his first big splash on the big screen via the 2010 Rob Reiner family film Flipped and then appeared in the sci-fi thriller I Am Number Four. Next up he will appear as young Jay Gatsby (to be played by Leonardo di Caprio as an adult) in the new film adaptation of The Great Gatsby and he will also have a role in the film Paradise Lost.

Thomas Horn

12. Thomas Horn – The young newcomer whose one claim to fame is being the Teen Jeopardy champ will star in the upcoming film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, based on the 2005 novel by Jonathan S. Foer, alongside Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. The film opens on Christmas Day and will assuredly be considered as an Oscar contender.

Sarah Gadon

13. Sarah Gadon – Sarah has a long resume of work on TV including the popular Canadian series Being Erica as well as the short-lived series Happy Town. She has also appeared in the films Charlie Bartlett, Dream House (with Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz) and A Dangerous Method (with Kiera Knightley). But it will be her role in the upcoming film Cosmopolis alongside Robert Pattinson, the film Antiviral with Malcolm McDowell and the mini-series World Without End (the sequel to the mini-series The Pillars of the Earth) alongside Cynthia Nixon and Miranda Richardson.

Asa Butterfield

14. Asa Butterfield – Asa has appeared in the box office films The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The Wolfman and Nanny McPhee Returns as well as the recurring role of Mordred in the UK series Merlin; but it is his lead role in the Martin Scorsese film Hugo that has gotten him attention. Next up he will appear in the film adaptation of Ender’s Game based on the popular novel by Orson Scott Card.

There will also be two very interesting groups of actors/actresses for which movie goers should keep an eye out for in the new year, including the following:

The Hunger Game

1. The cast members of the upcoming film adaptation of the Hunger Games novel by Suzanne Collins: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Willow Shields, Alexander Ludwig, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jacqueline Emerson, Jack Quaid, Leven Rambin, Dayo Okeniyi and Amandla Stenberg.

The Hobbitt

2. The cast of the much anticipated box office prequel to The Lord of the Rings franchise The Hobbit includes Luke Evans, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Aidan Turner, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lee Pace, Stephen Fry, Evangeline Lilly, Dean O’Gorman, James Nesbitt and Graham McTavish as well as Stephen Hunter, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Ken Stott, Adam Brown, William Kircher and Jed Brophy.

Are there any actors or actresses who you think are the faces to watch in 2012? Please share.

NOTE: I apologize in advance for any omissions, spelling errors or oversights I may have made, but I don’t apologize for any of the choices I made.

TOMORROW: Closing Out 2011

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Box Offices Movies Coming in January

Posted in Movies, News on December 28, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Based on information provided by the Dark Horizons site and internet research, here are just some of the movies you can expect to see in the movie theatres in January:

Loosies
Opens: January 11 (Limited)

A young pickpocket in the New York subways, living a fast, free, lifestyle is confronted by a woman whom he had a one night affair with, who informs him that she is now pregnant with his child. Now he must choose between continuing the lifestyle he lead or take responsibility for his actions. The cast includes Peter Facinelli, Jaimie Alexander, Michael Madsen, Christy Carlson Romano and Joe Pantoliono.

Contraband
Opens: January 13

This movie will follow the cutthroat underground world of international smuggling – full of desperate criminals and corrupt officials, high-stakes and big payoffs – where loyalty rarely exists and death is one wrong turn away. Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Giovanni Ribisi, Ben Foster, Diego Luna and J. K. Simmons star.

Joyful Noise
Opens: January 13

Two choir members have differing opinions on how to win the national choir competition. Cast includes Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Courtney B. Vance, Kris Kristofferson, Jesse L. Martin and Keke Palmer.

The Divide
Opens: January 13

Survivors of a nuclear attack are grouped together for days in the basement of their apartment building, where fear and dwindling supplies wear away at their dynamic. Lauren German, Michael Biehn, Milo Ventimiglia, Courtney B. Vance, Rosanna Arquette and Ashton Holmes star.

The Iron Lady
Opens: January 13

A look at the life of Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, with a focus on the price she paid for power. The cast include Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent and Anthony Head.

Coriolanus
Opens:  January 20

A banished hero of Rome allies with a sworn enemy to take his revenge on the city. Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Jessica Chastain, Vanessa Redgrave and Brian Cox star.

Haywire
Opens: January 20

A black ops super soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission. The cast includes Gina Carano, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender, Michael Douglas, Bill Paxton, Michael Angarano, Antonio Bandares and Ewan McGregor.

Red Tails
Opens:  January 20

A crew of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II, are called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard. The cast includes Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding, Ne-Yo, Michael B. Jordan, Method Man, Josh Dallas, Gerald McRaney, Daniela Ruah and Bryan Cranston.

The Woman in Black
Opens:  January 20

A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals. The cast includes Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer and Ciaran Hinds.

Underworld Awakening
Opens: January 20

When human forces discover the existence of the Vampire and Lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species commences. The vampire warrioress Selene (Kate Beckinsale) leads the battle against humankind. The cast also includes Michael Ealy, Stephen Rae, Theo James, Kris Holden-Ried, India Eisley and Sandrine Holt.

Man on a Ledge
Opens:  January 27

As a police psychologist works to talk down an ex-con who is threatening to jump from a Manhattan hotel rooftop, the biggest diamond heist ever committed is in motion. The cast includes Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Kyra Sedgwick, Jamie Bell, Ed Harris and Edward Burns.

One For the Money
Opens:  January 27

Unemployed and newly-divorced Stephanie Plum (Katherine Heigl) lands a job at her cousin’s bail-bond business, where her first assignment puts her on the trail of a wanted local cop from her romantic past. Jason O’Mara, Daniel Sunjata, Debbie Reynolds, Sherri Shepherd and John Leguizamo co-star.

The Grey
Opens:  January 27

In Alaska, an oil drilling team struggle to survive after a plane crash strands them in the wild. Hunting the humans are a pack of wolves who see them as intruders. Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Joe Anderson and James Badge Dale star.

Movies coming out in February will be posted at the end of January.

Enjoy!

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Year-End Round Up: Condolences for 2011

Posted in Movies, Music, Television, Year End Round Up on December 27, 2011| Leave a Comment »

The following industry personalities (listed in alphabetical order) passed away in 2011 and heartfelt condolences are extended to their families, friends and fans:

James Arness (Legendary Actor)
Nick Ashford (Motown Singer-Songwriter)

John Barry (Oscar-winning Composer)

Clarence Clemons (Saxophonist)
Jeff Conaway (Actor)
Jackie Cooper (Legendary Actor)

John Dye (Actor)

Peter Falk (Legendary Actor)
Geraldine A. Ferraro (Politician and First Female Vice Presidential Candidate)
Betty Ford (Former First Lady)
Anne Francis (Legendary Actress)

Betty Garrett (Actress)
Michael Gough (Veteran Character Actor)
Farley Granger (Legendary Actor)

Tim Hetherington (News Photographer & Oscar Nominee)

Steve Jobs (Computer Genius)

Don Kirshner (Music Mogul)

Jack LaLanne (TV Fitness Guru)
Jerry Leiber (Celebrated Songwriter)
Sidney Lumet (Legendary Director)

Christopher Mayer (Actor)
Harry Morgan (Legendary Actor)

Pete Postlethwaite (British Actor)

Peggy Rea (Actress)
Cliff Robertson (Oscar-winning Actor)
Andy Rooney (Legendary News Commentator)
Jane Russell (Legendary Actress)

Sherwood Schwartz (Legendary Producer/Series Creator)
Elisabeth Sladen (British Actress)
Bubba Smith (Former Football Player Turned Actor)
Phoebe Snow (Singer and Songwriter)
Leonard Stern (Producer, Writer and Director)

Elizabeth Taylor (Legendary Actress and Oscar Winner)

Andy Whitfield (39-year-old Actor)
Amy Whitehouse (British Singer)

Susannah York (Movie and Stage Actress)

Laura Ziskin (Spider-Man Franchise Producer)

NOTE: This list, in no way, covers all the industry talent who passed away this year. Again, condolences are extended to one and all.

Out of respect, please take a moment of silence for all those who have passed away.

NOTE: I apologize in advance for any omissions, spelling errors or oversights I may have made, but I don’t apologize for any of the choices I made.

TOMORROW: TV Ratings

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Year-End Round Up: Award Winners in 2011

Posted in Awards, Movies, Music, Television, Video, Year End Round Up on December 26, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Just like every other year, a lot of awards are given out this year with some very interesting and some very expected winners. And, while the following isn’t the full list of award winners for the past year (as that would be far TOO long) these are the highlights:

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS (January):

Favorite Movie: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Movie Actor: Johnny Depp
Movie Actress: Kristen Stewart
Action Movie: Iron Man 2
Family Movie: Toy Story 3
Favorite TV Drama: House
TV Drama Actor: Hugh Laurie
TV Drama Actress: Lisa Edelstein
TV Comedy: Glee
TV Comedy Actor: Neil Patrick Harris
TV Comedy Actress: Jane Lynch
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Fringe
New TV Drama: Hawaii 5-0
Female Artist: Katy Perry
Rock Band: Paramore
Breakout Artist: Selena Gomez & the Scene
Country Artist: Taylor Swift

CRITIC’S CHOICE AWARDS (January):

Best Picture: The Social Network
Best Action Film: Inception
Best Actor: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
Best Actress: Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter
Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Best Young Actor/Actress: Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit
Best Animated Feature: Toy Story 3
Best Comedy: Easy A
Best Picture Made for TV: The Pacific

GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS (January):

Best Picture Musical or Comedy: The Kids Are All Right
Best Actor Musical or Comedy: Paul Giamatti, Barney’s Version
Best Actress Musical or Comedy: Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right
TV Drama: Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
TV Actress Drama: Katey Sagal, Sons Of Anarchy
TV Actor Drama: Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
TV Comedy or Musical: Glee
TV Actress Comedy or Musical: Laura Linney, The Big C
TV Actor Comedy or Musical: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
TV Actress in Mini-Series or TV Movie: Claire Danes, Temple Grandin

SAG AWARDS (January):

Ensemble, TV Comedy: Modern Family
Ensemble, TV Drama: Boardwalk Empire
Male Actor, Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Female Actor, Comedy Series: Betty White, Hot in Cleveland
Female Actor, Drama Series: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Life Achievement Award: Ernest Borgnine

BAFTA AWARDS (February):

Best Film: The King’s Speech
Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech
Supporting Actress: Helena Bonham Carter, The King’s Speech
Film Not in the English Language: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Rising Star Award: Tom Hardy

GRAMMY AWARDS (February):

Record of the Year: Need You Know by Lady Antebellum
Album of the Year: The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Song of the Year: Need You Know by Lady Antebellum
Best New Artist: Esperanza Spaulding (Jazz Artist)
Best Pop Performance (Duo/Group): Hey, Soul Sister by Train
Best Traditional Pop Album: Crazy Love by Michael Buble
Best Rock Performance: Tighten Up by The Black Keys
Best Rock Album: The Resistance by Muse
Best Alternative Music Album: Brothers by The Black Keys
Best Country Female: The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert
Best Country Male: Til Summer Comes Around by Keith Urban
Best Rock Gospel Album: Hello Hurricane by Switchfoot

ACADEMY AWARDS (February):

Best Picture: The King’s Speech
Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
Actress in a Leading Role: Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Actor in a Supporting Role: Christian Bale, The Fighter
Actress in a Supporting Role: Melissa Leo, The Fighter

RAZZIE AWARDS (February):

Worst Picture – The Last Airbender
Worst Screenplay – The Last Airbender
Worst Director – M. Night Shyamalan, The Last Airbender
Worst Supporting Actor – Jackson Rathbone
Worst Sequel – Sex and the City 2
Worst Screen Ensemble – Sex and the City 2
Worst Actress – Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristen Davis
Worst Actor – Ashton Kutcher
Worst Supporting Actress – Jessica Alba

COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS (Spring):

Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift
Top Male Vocalist of the Year: Brad Paisley
Top Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
Top Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland
Top Vocal Group of the Year: Lady Antebellum
Album of the Year: Need You Now, Lady Antebellum
Single of the Year: “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert
Song of the Year: “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert
Video of the Year: “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert
Top New Artist: The Band Perry

YOUNG HOLLYWOOD AWARDS (May):

Film Actor of the Year: Garrett Hedlund
Film Actress of the Year: Elle Fanning
Breakthrough of the Year: Hailee Steinfeld
Star of Tomorrow, Male: Armie Hammer
Star of Tomorrow, Female: Isabel Lucas
TV Actress of the Year: Aimee Teegarden
TV Actor of the Year: Jesse Williams
Artist of the Year: Avril Lavigne
Cast to Watch: Pretty Little Liars

MTV MOVIE AWARDS (June):

Best Breakout Star – Chloe Grace Moretz, Kick-Ass
Best Comedic Performance – Emma Stone, Easy A
Best Villain – Tom Felton, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 1

E! ONLINE TATER TOP AWARDS (July):

Best Baddie: Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries
Best Drama: The Vampire Diaries
Breakout Star: Naya Rivera, Glee
Drama King: Jensen Ackles, Supernatural
Drama Queen: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Favorite Funny Guy: Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Favorite Funny Lady: Heather Morris, Glee

TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION AWARDS (August):

Program of the Year: Friday Night Lights
Outstanding Achievement in Comedy: Modern Family
Outstanding New Program: Game of Thrones
Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials: Sherlock

TEEN CHOICE AWARDS (August):

Romantic Comedy Film: Easy A
Actress, Romantic Comedy Film: Emma Stone, Easy A
Action Adventure Movie Film: Fast Five
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Actress, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film: Emma Watson, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Actor, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film: Taylor Lautner, Eclipse
Male Breakout Film: Alex Pettyfer, I Am Number Four/Beastly
Drama TV: Gossip Girl
Comedy TV: Glee
Action Series TV: NCIS: Los Angeles
Actor, Action TV: Shane West, Nikita
Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV: The Vampire Diaries
Actress, Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV: Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries
Actor, Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV: Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries
Breakout Show TV: The Vampire Diaries
Breakout Star TV: Darren Criss, Glee
Female Scene Stealer TV: Kat Graham, The Vampire Diaries
Male Scene Stealer TV: Michael Trevino, The Vampire Diaries
TV Show: Pretty Little Liars
TV Star, Male: Ian Harding, Pretty Little Liars
TV Star, Female: Lucy Hale, Pretty Little Liars
Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Rock Group: Paramore

EMMY AWARDS (September)

Comedy Series: Modern Family
Lead Actor, Drama: Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Lead Actress, Drama: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Lead Actor, Comedy: Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory
Lead Actress, Comedy: Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly
Supporting Actor, Comedy: Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Supporting Actress, Comedy: Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Supporting Actor, Drama: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Supporting Actress, Drama: Margo Martindale, Justified
Lead Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Barry Pepper, The Kennedys
Lead Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce
Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce
Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (November):

Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Pop/Rock Female Artist: Adele
Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group: Maroon 5
Pop/Rock Album: Adele, 21
Adult Contemporary Artist: Adele
Alternative Rock Artist: Foo Fighters
Country Male Artist: Blake Shelton
Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Country Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS (December):

Artist of the Year: Jason Aldean
Male Artist of the Year: Brad Paisley
Female Artist of the Year: Carrie Underwood
Group of the Year: Lady Antebellum
Album of the Year: My Kinda Party, Jason Aldean
Single of the Year: “Voices,” Chris Young
Single of the Year, Female Artist: “Mama’s Song,” Carrie Underwood
Greatest Hits Award: Alabama
Artist of the Decade: Toby Keith

Congratulations to all of these winners (and the countless others who won awards) over the course of 2011. Are any of your favorites included above? Was there an actress or entertainer who you thought should have received some type of award for their work in television, movies or music who isn’t listed above? Please share your thoughts.

NOTE: I apologize in advance for any omissions, spelling errors or oversights I may have made, but I don’t apologize for any of the choices I made.

TOMORROW: Condolences

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Year-End Round Up: Movie Highlights of 2011

Posted in Movies, Year End Round Up on December 24, 2011| Leave a Comment »

I don’t know about everyone else, but each year I like to set a goal for myself in terms of how many box office films I hope to see throughout the year. This year my goal was to see 25 movies; and while I didn’t quite make that goal, I did see 20.

To me, some of the stand-outs for the year included the final Harry Potter movie, the Gwyneth Paltrow-led movie Country Strong and the X-men prequel. And, I have to admit I had much more fun seeing the Selena Gomez film Monte Carlo and the Ginnifer Goodwin-led film Something Borrowed than I expected.

While I can expound on my favorite movies of the year, it is more important to focus on the actual top 15 films according to ticket sales (through December 15) which are as follows:

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2: $381 million
2. Transformers: Dark of the Moon: $352 million
3. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1: $261 million
4. The Hangover Part II: $254 million
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: $241 million
6. Fast Five: $210 million
7. Cars 2: $191 million
8. Thor: $181 million
9. (Tie) Rise of the Planet of the Apes: $177 million
9. (Tie) Captain America: The First Avenger: $177 million
11. (Tie) The Help: $169 million
11. (Tie) Bridesmaids: $169 million
13. Kung Fu Panda 2: $165 million
14. X-Men: First Class: $146 million
15. Rio: $144 million

Meanwhile, here is a list of the movies that were either a disappointment at the box office or simply had horrible-looking trailers (in alphabetical order):

30 Minutes of Less
A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
Arthur
Bad Teacher
Big Momma: Like Father Like Sun
Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star
Cedar Rapids
Creature
Drive Angry
Flypaper
Friends with Benefits
Hall Pass
Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil
Horrible Bosses
I Don’t Know How She Does It
Insidious
Jack & Jill
No Strings Attached
Our Idiot Brother
Spy Kids 4
Take Me Home Tonight
The Change-Up
The Roommate
The Smurfs
Tower Heist
What’s Your Number?
Young Adult
Zookeeper

What movies did you most enjoy seeing this year? Which movies were disappointments to you? Please share your thoughts and comments.

NOTE: I apologize in advance for any omissions, spelling errors or oversights I may have made, but I don’t apologize for any of the choices I made.

TOMORROW: Music

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Movie of the Week Reminder: Doctor Who Christmas Movie “The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe”

Posted in Movies, Recommendations, Reminder, Television, TV Calendar, Video on December 21, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Doctor Who Christmas Movie

The Doctor Who Christmas special entitled “The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe” will air on Christmas Day at 7 PM on BBC America.

It’s Christmas Eve, 1938, when Madge Arwell (Claire Skinner) comes to the aid of an injured Spaceman Angel as she cycles home. He promises to repay her kindness – all she has to do is make a wish. Three years later, a devastated Madge escapes war-torn London with her two children – Lily (Holly Earl) and Cyril (Maurice Cole) – for a dilapidated house in Dorset. She is crippled with grief at the news her husband has been lost over the channel, but determined to give Lily and Cyril the best Christmas ever. The Arwells are surprised to be greeted by a madcap caretaker (Matt Smith as The Doctor, of course) whose mysterious Christmas gift leads them into a magical wintry world. Here, Madge will learn how to be braver than she ever thought possible. And that wishes can come true.

Here is a trailer for The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe.

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Movie of the Week Reminder: Deck the Halls

Posted in Movies, Reminder, Television, TV Calendar, Video on December 16, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Deck the Halls

On December 20 the TNT telefilm Deck the Halls will debut at 9 PM.

Based on the first book in Mary Higgins Clark and daughter Carol Higgins Clark’s series of holiday mystery novels, this warm-hearted story brings together two of the authors’ most popular characters: Cleaning-woman-turned-private-eye Alvirah Meegan (Kathy Najimy) and Detective Regan Reilly (Scottie Thompson). The women investigate the kidnapping of Regan’s father and a young female driver just before the holidays. The race is on to rescue the pair and get them home in time for Christmas. Jane Alexander plays Regan’s mother, famed mystery writer Nora Regan Reilly.

Here is a trailer for Deck the Halls.

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