Obit: Hannah Montana

In case you didn't know it, Hannah Montana is dead folks. 

This last weekend Miley Cyrus hosted Saturday Night Live. Honestly, she was good. Of course I’m worried about her. I’m a mom. No mom (especially of teen girls) can watch this young’ns transformation from Disney songstress/star to slutty-smut-muffin without cringing! She also announced that Hannah Montana had been “murdered.” So sad.

I actually believe she might live to regret those words. She joked about getting all kinds of letters from moms, a few of which I have seen posted via Facebook, regarding her crazy antics at the VMAs and I realized that I do have some thoughts about this.

First of all, Miley Cyrus can sing. She’s actually really good. If you listen to her and ignore the tramping around on video, she’s quite good. She can write music that’s catchy and entertaining. Her lyrics are heart-wrenching. She has a gift. And Disney is the one that allowed all this.

I think by “murdering” Hannah Montana, Miley is turning her back on the image that created her! That is going to be a mistake. She is creating a new image now, and I get her need to be viewed as a “real artist” and not a Disneyfied star, I get that, but really, Miley, do you really think it’s wise to turn your back on everything that made you? The reason you are getting letters from mothers is because you no longer represent anything we want our daughters to admire or aspire to! Your behavior on stage and screen is frightening and shocking, which might be what you want to kill that little good girl image we have of sweet Hannah Montana, but you can do that without having a public nervous breakdown!

Ever since “Can’t Be Tamed” came out Miley has been making a statement. She is trying very hard to get as far away from her Disney image as possible. And honestly, I don’t get it. Hannah was funny, with good comedic timing and even with insipid story lines and fluffy 30-minute dilemmas, Hannah created the Miley Cyrus marketability. Someday, Miley, I think you might be sorry you turned so foul.

I’m worried. I’m worried that like so many before you we will find you in rehab, washed up, washed out and maybe even dead. I worry that your desire to toss away the squeaky-clean image of sweet Hannah Montana you will toss a fan base that might save you. Your fans have grown up with you, but there are still those that are too young still to truly understand the mess you’re creating.

Do you really want to end up like Lindsay, or Brittney? Maybe you do. Britt’s rush to discard her clean image led to early motherhood and a stint on the Crazy list for some time. Do you want to be like Amanda Bynes and end up incarcerated, essentially, for serious crazy? These are your predecessors and look what happened to them when fame and celebrity got their hold on them.

Or, do you want to be like Melissa Joan Hart (who also had some trouble, but who knew?) who now has two sweet children, a relatively stable marriage and a sitcom? Maybe you want to be the next Madonna? I don’t know what your goals are, Miley, but the path you’re heading down makes me sad. Good luck to you and may you figure out who you are before things get too much more out of hand!

The Crazy Ones

I'm just popping in here to tell y'all about the new Dramedy "The Crazy Ones." It's about a Chicago-based ad agency run by Simon Roberts, played by Robin Williams & his daughter, Sydney, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. I'm not sure what I'm more excited about; the return of Mork or the return of Buffy!

Squee!

Robin is his usual crazy/funny/weird self & Sarah is her usual snarky/fashionista/clever self. I don't know if it's going to take off but I loved it! Created by David E. Kelley, who is the guy who brought us L.A. Law, Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal, The Practice and Boston Legal... among others.

What I also loved was that fact that their first ad pitch is to McDonald's, which if you don't know is hilarious because as a wee one Sarah Michelle did an ad for Burger King and was sued (yes, personally sued) by McDonald's and could not even enter one ...supposedly, ever again. Yet, here we are, 2013 and there is an Awesome shot of Sarah Michelle's profile with the McD's logo behind her.

Awesome!

The pilot episode also featured cameos by Gail O'Grady and the inimitable Kelly Clarkson (as herself).

Check out The Crazy Ones on CBS on Thursdays at 9/8c. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Books, Movies & TV!

I've been busy... I guess, or rather, actually I have just not posted any reviews in a while so I'm covering several things today.

First I want to talk about a couple of books. I recently finished The Language of Flowers (one of the books from my aunt) and I loved it! I am not a gardener but this book talks about all kinds of plants and their meanings. The story unravels in a good way and although there were some discrepancies in the story (head-scratching things that distracted me), overall I truly enjoyed this book and after it was over I kept thinking about it. That indicates a well-told story to me. I highly recommend this book. I wouldn't call it a light read, or a romance but it is well-written and worth it.

I also read the entire Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris. I read recently that she will not be writing anymore in this series and I can see why. One thing about Ms. Harris' writing that I find amusing is that her characters go about their everyday business (like house cleaning) and Ms. Harris writes about it. I don't know if that's a southern thing or just something the author thinks about but I've noticed it in all her books. Sookie does a lot of house cleaning as well. Interesting. 
The Lily Bard series was captivating and I enjoyed the mysteries. Each book is pretty short and per Ms. Harris style, does not go exactly as you expect. A mystery I cannot solve in the first chapter is a good read for me. 

I am currently rereading a Georgette Heyer (The Grand Sophy). I absolutely adore Ms. Heyer's work and will be rereading a few of her books. 

Man of Steel--Full Cast

Over the weekend I watched two new movies. Man of Steel is the new Superman movie and I have to say I absolutely loved it. The story moved around in history and covered nearly everything the first three Christopher Reeve Superman movies did in only 143 minutes! Russell Crowe (not singing!) and Kevin Costner played Jor-El and Jonathan Kent (respectively) and both were magnificent. Diane Lane did a fine job as Martha Kent and surprisingly I thought Amy Adams' Lois Lane was perfect. She was brave as well as accident-prone as we expect from Superman's love interest. There was also a tiny bit with Lana Lang (Clark's high school sweetie) and a bit of Smallville. The Hercules/Jesus mythology was strong and Henry Cavill's Superman was an admirable and archetypal example (even though he's really a Brit). I liked the portrayal of Superman's humanity. I look forward to another one!

Brad Pitt looking yummy ... as usual.

I also saw World War Z with Brad Pitt. He looks delicious, as usual. Portraying a family man who worked for the U.N., he is basically forced to go back to work to help find "Patient Zero" in this newest Zombie flick. I love Zombies so I was excited to see this movie. I did not read the book and am unaware of the differences. I know that they changed the ending (originally this movie was supposed to be part of a trilogy) and the issue is basically resolved so I don't think there will be any sequels. (It wouldn't really make sense.) 

The Zombies in this movie move faster than any other Zombie I've seen. Other than that they look the same. Some of the other issues were that it only takes a bite to change into a Zombie (unlike The Walking Dead, where all you have to do is die). While not finding a cure, [SPOILER ALERT] Pitt's character does find a vaccine. This is an entirely new concept in my understanding of Zombie-verses. I am kind of interested in reading the book now, just kind of. 

I talk a lot about Buffy (the Vampire Slayer) but I have also been watching Angel. I am on Season 5 of Buffy now and Season 2 of Angel. I have to say that so far I enjoyed Season 1 of Angel more than 2. Buffy is still keeping me fascinated (the impromptu entrance of her sister is interesting). 

Wesley, (Charles) Gunn, Angel, Cordelia

Buffy and Dawn Summers

Angel is ticking me off, but I think we're supposed to have myriad emotions with this character because Vampires are inherently evil and he struggles against this natural tendency, which makes him very intriguing. 

Recently I found a BBC series called Copper and I watched the first episode. I love period pieces and this one takes place in New York City in 1864. Considering it's BBC I'm thinking it must be pretty authentic and I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode. I will be continuing to watch this. 

Matt Passmore/Jim Longworth

Season 3 of The Glades finally came out and I watched all of those in less than a week which explains why I'm behind on my school work. I now have six essays (750 words each) to finish up by Saturday. No problem. I enjoy The Glades because it's in Florida, they're mysteries, and the main character is easy on the eyes and quirky. All things I love. 

So that is what I've been up to lately with my free time. 

Obsession or Escapism

I keep avoiding posting to my blog because I don't know what to say. I feel bad because I committed to posting every day for a year and I've been neglectful for several weeks.
I don't have a "good excuse." I've written a few things --as explanation-- but not sure it matters so I'm just going to jump in where I am.

So, I've started watching Arrested Development. I haven't watched the new season that's only available on Netflix because I'm one of those that doesn't like to jump in at the end of the game so I'm starting from the beginning. I'm currently on Season 2. I'm a little obsessed and cannot stop watching. Ugh.

I do this.

I don't mind so much but it's distracting, to say the least.

I read entire series at once because I can't stand the suspense. And here I am watching complete series. Recently I "absorbed" Call the Midwife and all of Mad Men and now I can't watch the new season because we don't have regular TV.

Another series I'm addicted to is ending tonight, Psych. I buy the episodes via Amazon because we can watch those via our Samsung Blu-Ray player. I suppose I could buy the Mad Men episodes and also, The Glades --all of Season 3-- which has yet to be released via Netflix. Ugh, so frustrating.

With summer break starting soon I hope to watch all of the Star Trek (original and TNG) TV episodes as well as introducing (indoctrinating?) my children into Doctor Who. I'm not quite convinced yet but I hear so much about it and being a student of story, I'm interested to see what all the fuss is about.

Oh, and yes, I'm still watching Buffy (Season 5) and Angel (Season 2).

I do have other things to do. I surround myself with my "To-Do" list, including my sewing, knitting and currently, about four loads of laundry to be folded. Yuck.

What else is going on?

• Sunshine has three dates this weekend with three different guys. Booyah!
• Princess is living at home, kind of. Most of her stuff is at her "Nannying" job but she mostly only works on weekends. During the week she's here making a mess. LOL 
• Snap is working hard (maybe?) and practicing for a musical performance on Friday.
• Crackle is doing okay.
• Pop is at Six Flags Magic Mountain with Princess today. 

And stay tuned! We have an exciting addition coming to our family!

Movie Review: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

So I came up with a book review template I'm happy with so now I want to work on my movie reviews. I am very passionate about story, as you may or may not have noticed.
Yeah. I'm weird that way.

I love books and fiction because it gives us a way to study and comprehend human nature. Rather than just reading through a scientific paper with observations and commentary, we can actually experience the breakdown of human emotions from love to hate; agony to ecstasy; joy to despair... it's awesome. By relating to a fictional character we can develop compassion and understanding for real people. Have you ever wondered why so many people who read books are so well-adjusted, open-minded and ... Okay, got me, I'm just kidding. But generally speaking, Readers are a different breed and depending on your reading/viewing choices (much like music) it can say a lot about you.

I am a bit of a genre-whore. That's not a very flattering term but it's as close to the truth as anything. That being said, here is my review of an off-beat movie with Steve Carell & Jim Carrey.

Title: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Director: Don Scardino (known for a variety of TV projects from the Soap, Another World to hit comedy 30 Rock)

Writers: Jonathan Goldstein (known for a variety of TV comedies) and John Francis Daley (Dr. Sweets! from Bones, and also played the Young Tommy in the national and international tour of The Who's Tommy!, or you might know him from Freaks and Geeks)

Starring: Steve Carell, Olivia Wilde, Steve Buscemi and Jim Carrey... also featuring James Gandolfini, Alan Arkin & a cameo by THE David Copperfield, himself.

Description

When a street magician's stunts begins to make their show look stale, superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton look to salvage on their act - and their friendship - by staging their own daring stunt.

Review With Spoilers

I am just going to start off by saying I liked this movie. It is a Steve Carell show and that's okay with me. Jim Carrey is in it but his role is more of a foil to Steve Carell's Wonderstone character. I am a huge fan (fan-addict) of Steve Carell, Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, Alan Arkin and John Francis Daley. Olivia Wilde I can take or leave, she's a pretty redhead with a hot body... not exactly my motivator, IYKWIM... Anyway, the premise is two friends (by default) that learn magic together as youngsters and grow up to be the biggest show in Vegas (think Siegfried and Roy, minus the tigers--which is what you're supposed to think, right down to the spray-tans and fluffy hair).

Along comes Steve Gray, a street "performer" with a cable reality show (think Criss Angel) called Brain Rape (Mindfreak anyone?) that pretty much eliminates Burt & Anton's stale show. With declining audience attendance their show is threatened to be closed so they try to create a publicity stunt... that goes awry and Burt & Anton dissolve their partnership and friendship. Things don't get much better from there as Burt hits rock-bottom and eventually gets a gig at a nursing home where he meets his childhood idol, Alan Arkin! This is a turning point in the story and Burt's life and the rest is predictable but entertaining.

If you love Steve Carell then you will be entertained. If you tolerate him, then avoid this movie. Jim Carrey's character is neither likable nor entertaining, in my most humble opinion. And I love Jim Carrey. The parodies of Criss Angel, Siegfried & Roy, even Steve Wynn were semi-entertaining. If you're into that kind of thing. Overall, I liked the movie, as I said before, but I won't be buying it.

Book Review: Your Wicked Ways

Your Wicked Ways (Duchess Quartet #4)

by Eloisa James

Published by Avon Books, 2004.

Paperback, 384 pages. 

Listed $7.99 (I borrowed it from the Library)

Book Description

Helene, the Countess Godwin, knows there is nothing more unbearably tedious than a virtuous woman. After all, she's been one for ten long years while her scoundrel of a husband lives with strumpets and causes scandal after scandal. So she decides it's time for a change -- she styles her hair in the newest, daring mode, puts on a shockingly transparent gown, and goes to a ball like Cinderella, hoping to find a prince charming to sweep her off her feet...and into his bed.

But instead of a prince, she finds only her own volatile, infuriatingly handsome...husband, Rees, the Earl Godwin. They'd eloped to Gretna Green in a fiery passion, but passion can sometimes burn too hot to last.

But now, Rees makes her a brazen offer, and Helene decides to become his wife again...but not in name only. No, this time she decides to be very, very wicked indeed.

Book Review

I read and reviewed the first three books in this series here, here and here, and it has taken me a while to get back and finish. This story was fun and I enjoyed meeting some new characters, particularly Earl Godwin's brother and also his "strumpet," who turned out to be a lovely character. Of course I enjoyed seeing almost all of our old characters again from the first three books. Helene's motivation seems legitimate as she has watched her friends become mothers and therefore she wants to become a mother too. The fact that she would go to nearly any length, and a almost any sacrifice, which is really about her social standing, to become pregnant is interesting. 

All of Ms. James characters are intriguing to me as they have depth of personality and individualism that sets them apart from other historical fiction. Other than Helene wanting to become pregnant and her obsession with social norms, all the women were modern in their thinking about relationships and even parenting. 

Earl Godwin was difficult for me to forgive. I realized in the first book when we are first introduced to the two that their falling out early in their marriage was due to lack of communication and immaturity (and pride) so overcoming those things AND forgiving each other for past grievances was vital to creating a believable relationship. Actually, that was one of the things I liked about this story. I enjoy Alpha males and Earl Godwin is most definitely Alpha. His horrible treatment of his wife is more about making statements about other things in his life than it was about mistreating her or even being unfaithful. While many of those behaviors would be unacceptable in our time, they were not necessarily viewed the same in the 18th & 19th Centuries. 

Great strides we've made ladies! 

The friendships portrayed in this and in the other books in the series made me happy. These women loved each other and took care of each other, even better than family, which is right. At the moment when Helene is nearly ruined socially, they come together and come up with a solution--with help from an unlikely source, but it works--and it was fun to see it all play out. 

I am now done with this series and am not sure when I will be coming back to Eloisa James. My TBR pile is enormous and I have a nice little stack by Charlaine Harris that I'd like to read. So far I have become addicted to her Sookie Stackhouse books and other series (somebody PLEASE make these into a movie!) so I am hoping that this set does not disappoint.

Top 5 "Buffy" Lessons

So I haven't finished the Eloisa James yet (argh!) and it's not because I don't want to, it's because I really have been pre-occupied... ergo.

Yep, she's back. 

I'd say 'sorry' except I'm not...

5 things I've learned from Buffy so far. 

1. Teens can be dramatic... or it really could be the end of the world

Vampires, monsters, demons… aka Parents, teachers, peers. Really, do you not see that?


2. Falling in love with the wrong guy can kill you... literally (or him)

When choosing your “first” it might be a good idea to be sure his soul is already intact and not in danger of being removed. Just saying.


3. Grownups sometimes can't see things the way their kids do. i.e.; burning your "witch" daughter is never a good idea

I do wonder if the writers tried to make the parents stupid, or, if we really are that stupid.

Although even Buffy gets *tricked* now and again.


4. There are lots of ways to be taken by surprise
...

5. Teen issues are real, life-altering & hard. Give them a break.


Recommending it… again.

The Depression Detox

I have been focusing a lot on detoxing myself. The Juice fasting is about removing toxins from my body and creating better health. I know I don't get enough fresh fruits and vegetables in my diet since I am a lover of Fast Food and simple carbs. Cookies, cakes and fatty foods are my favorite. 

For a variety of reasons I have decided to go off my MEGA-doses of anti-depressant and the result is a bit of craziness that is trying but I feel will benefit me in the long run. The amount of medication I have been on for over 14 years denies me true access to my feelings. I have tried to "cope" with my feelings for so long I don't know that I really know what they are anymore. 

I do realize that this is not the best idea but I also feel the benefits outweigh the risks at this point. And so far the most annoying things are the physical side-effects of withdrawal; including (and not limited to) dizzy spells, diarrhea and nightmares.

I have dealt with the sleeping nonsense thanks to some wonderful friends who have helped me find some supplementation that is helping (the nightmares are horrendous... you have no idea!) and some reassurance that it won't last.

I don't want to talk about the diarrhea. Let's just say that I have learned and experienced the term "shart," for myself. Enough said.

Today I am watching "Happy" and wow. The science of Happiness, what a novel idea. We have measured depression and devastation and trauma and the impact that has on our psyche, but what about what brings joy, peace and happiness? Awesome. 

I am going to cry through this entire movie, but it's okay, Crying is not always bad. And when I'm done I will feel better. 

I already have and do things in my life that make me happy. I want to do more and I want to feel more. I want to experience my life and appreciate what I have.

I got this. I will check back, but today, it's good.

Buffy (Again) is Like Star Trek?

I'm back and talking about Buffy, again.

The thing is, and why I am choosing to talk about Buffy on my Gratitude day is, because of what I get out of Buffy that amazes me! And in so doing I will be comparing it to Star Trek. You see, Star Trek is considered science fiction but if you are paying attention you will notice that it's not totally about cool gadgets and space travel. 

I discovered this loveliness when I started really watching Star Trek: The Next Generation in the 90's. I believe the original series and TNG are the best because Roddenberry was very involved and if you know anything about Gene Roddenberry you know that his purpose was to tell more than just a sci-fi story, but to talk about social and cultural issues. Yep. That's what it's really about.

And so is Buffy.

True that the title is Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and there are Vampires, Demons, Werewolves, Witches and other of Satan's Spawns trying to take over the world but amidst all that craziness is a story about a bunch of teens and all that they experience as well; Love, bullying, college, girlfriends/boyfriends, fitting in, sexuality, destiny, friendship, loyalty, etc. etc. etc. 

I love this! I love that it's not about specifically what  you might think it's about. Yes, Buffy is about the Occult and saving the world from Ultimate Evil, but more importantly, and like Star Trek, it's about working together for a common cause, working together to reclaim and retain humanity.

If you are not watching Buffy or Star Trek because you think it's about something else you might want to give it another look.

Just saying.

Oscar Frenzy

February is Oscar month. That means I frantically try to see all the nominated movies so I can be informed and over-stimulated with media and get all caught up with celebrity-ism and Red Carpet-hype. 
Not really. I just like stories. I like to know who and what "the experts" think is the best. I have my opinions and those don't always agree with "The Academy" and that's expected.

This year, in my preparations, I created a spreadsheet. 
Yes. I went there. It's crazy. 
So, for your information I am allowing you access to my Grand design.
Enjoy...

Movie	Nominations	Synopsis	References/Notes	Kat's Take
Amour	Best Picture, Best Actress (Emmanuelle Riva), Director (Michael Haneke), Screenplay (Michael Haneke), Foreign Language	An older couple taking care of each other.	French	NOT SEEN. Sounds good but not interested
Anna Karenina	Cinematography (Seamus McGarvey), Production Design, Costume Design, Music: Score (Dario Marianelli),	Leo Tolstoy’s depressing story of love, hate, adultery and Russia.	Keira Knightley	NOT SEEN. Eh. Tolstoy. [yawn]
Argo	Best Picture, Supporting Actor (Alan Arkin), Adaptation (Chris Terrio), Editing (William Goldenberg), Music: Score (Alexandre Desplat), Sound Mixing, Sound Editing,	1980 joint CIA/Canadian Secret operation to get 6 Americans out of Iran.	Ben Affleck stars and directs.	NOT SEEN. I'm undecided. The whole Iran thing upsets me. War, violence.
The Avengers	Visual Effects,	Super heroes unite to fight alien and demigod forces.	Robert Downey Jr.	SEEN. Loved it. RDJ? Yes.
Beasts of the Southern Wild	Best Picture, Best Actress (Quvenzhane’ Wallis), Director (Benh Zeitlin), Adaptation (Lucy Alibar, Benh Zeitlin),	A 6-year-old girl (Quvenzhane’ Wallis, youngest to be nominated) in the bayou’s of Louisiana.	Ice caps melting, prehistoric animals emerge and long lost mama to find.  Started as a stage play.	NOT SEEN. I think I need to see this.
Brave	Animation (Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman),	Girl story about Princess Merida and her rebellion and how she fixes her mess-up.	Pixar	SEEN. Cute.
Chasing Ice	Music: Original Song (J. Ralph),	Documentary/biography of changing glaciers.	National Geographic	NOT SEEN. Not interested.
Django Unchained	Best Picture, Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz), Screenplay (Quentin Tarantino), Cinematography (Robert Richardson), Sound Editing,	A freed slave goes back to the Mississippi plantation to get his wife back. Killing and chaos ensue.	Jamie Foxx is Django, Leo DiCaprio was snubbed.	NOT SEEN. Want to see, but don't want to see. Jamie Foxx is an Acting GOD!
Flight	Best Actor (Denzel Washington), Screenplay (John Gatins),	An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals something troubling.	Drugged & drunken pilot first causes a problem then miraculously saves it, but people die.	NOT SEEN. Don't like the premise.
Frankenweenie	Animation (Tim Burton),	Frankenstein, doggie edition. A Tim Burton picture.	uh. Tim Burton.	NOT SEEN. Not interested.
Hitchcock	Makeup & Hair,	Biopic/romance of Alfred Hitchcock & wife Alma Reville during filming of Psycho.	Anthony Hopkins & Helen Mirren.	NOT SEEN. Might watch for Hopkins/Mirren.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey	Production Design, Makeup & Hair, Visual Effects,	Prequel to LOTR. Weird creatures on an Epic Journey.	Stretching a short book into three movies. Oy.	NOT SEEN. MUST SEE. Might wait until after Oscars.
The Impossible	Best Actress (Naomi Watts),	Survival story of a British family on vacation in Thailand when the tsunami strikes.	Guaranteed tearjerker. Filmed in Spain and Thailand.	NOT SEEN. Not interested.
Les Miserables	Best Picture, Best Actor (Hugh Jackman), Supporting Actress (Anne Hathaway), Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup & Hair, Music: Original Song, Sound Mixing,	Victor Hugo’s depressing tale of French revolution era crap. All singing.	Russell Crowe cannot sing.	SEEN. Loved.
Life of Pi	Best Picture, Director (Ang Lee), Adaptation (David Magee), Cinematography (Claudio Miranda), Editing (Tim Squyres), Production Design, Production Design, Music: Score (Mychael Danna), Music: Original Song (Mychael Danna, Bombay Jayshree), Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Visual Effects	Yann Martel’s story of a man who survives a shipwreck but ends up with a Bengal tiger as his mate.	Filmed in India and Taiwan.	NOT SEEN. Want to see.
Lincoln	Best Picture, Best Actor (Daniel Day Lewis), Supporting Actor (Tommy Lee Jones), Supporting Actress (Sally Field), Director (Steven Spielberg), Adaptation (Tony Kushner), Cinematography (Janusz Kaminski), Editing (Michael Kahn), Costume Design, Music: Score (John Williams), Sound Mixing,	A telling of the story of President Lincoln at the time of the Civil War & Emancipation Proclamation.	1. Abe does not die at the end of this movie. 2. Great historical information.	NOT SEEN. MUST SEE. DDL? YES!
The Master	Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix), Supporting Actor (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Supporting Actress (Amy Adams),	A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future—until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader.	Religion gone crazy. Post WWII PTSD.	NOT SEEN. Undecided.
Mirror Mirror	Costume Design,	Retelling of Snow White.	Julia Roberts as the Queen.	NOT SEEN. It's on Netflix.
Moonrise Kingdom	Screenplay (Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola),	A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out and find them. Set in the 1960s, two 12-year-olds decide to run away together.	Bruce Willis is one of the dads.	NOT SEEN. Want to see.
ParaNorman	Animation (Sam Fell, Chris Butler),	A misunderstood boy takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.	The boy can speak to the dead. Cool.	NOT SEEN. Undecided.
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!	Animation (Peter Lord),	The story of Pirates by the same folks that brought us Chicken Run.	aka Pirates! Band of Misfits	NOT SEEN. Will probably wait.
Prometheus	Visual Effects,	Alien part 56. Kind of how Alien started, before Sigourney Weaver.	Looks exciting, heard it was lame.	NOT SEEN. Not interested.
The Sessions	Supporting Actress (Helen Hunt),	A man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity contacts a professional sex surrogate with the help of his therapist and priest. Based on a true story.	Helen Hunt’s character is married yet she agrees to this arrangement.	NOT SEEN. Probably won't see.
Silver Linings Playbook	Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper), Best Actress (Jennifer Lawerence), Supporting Actor (Robert DeNiro), Supporting Actress (Jacki Weaver), Director (David O. Russell), Adaptation (David O. Russell), Editing (Jay Deakins, Crispin Struthers),	The story of Pat Solitano who tries to put his life back together after a stint in a mental hospital. He was diagnosed with “bipolar disorder” after beating up his wife’s lover. He refused medication and plans to survive by looking for the “silver linings” in life.	Love the premise of this movie!	NOT SEEN. MUST SEE.
Skyfall	Cinematography (Roger Deakins), Music: Score(Thomas Newman), Music: Original Song (Adele, Paul Epworth), Sound Mixing, Sound Editing,	James Bond # 598 hahaha	Daniel Craig.	NOT SEEN. Want to see. Might wait.
Snow White and the Huntsman	Costume Design, Visual Effects,	“Bella” as Snow White & “Thor” as the Huntsman to an evil and twisted Charlize Theron as the Queen and her brother, who is sicker than she is!	Chris Hemsworth is worth watching…	SEEN. Eh. Chris Hemsworth is worth watching…
Ted	Music: Original Song (Walter Murphy, Seth MacFarlane),	A boy’s childhood wish to have his Teddy Bear be alive comes true, only now they are grown up.	Mark Wahlberg, & Seth MacFarlane as the voice of Ted.	NOT SEEN. Want to see.
Wreck-It Ralph	Animation (Rich Moore),	A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.	John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman add their voices to this Family comedy.	NOT SEEN. Want to see.
Zero Dark Thirty	Best Picture, Best Actress (Jessica Chastain), Screenplay (Mark Boal), Editing (William Goldenbert, Dylan Tichenor), Sound Editing,	The hunt for Osama bin Laden & his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6. Controversial “true story.”	Violence.	NOT SEEN. Want to see.
Documentary/Other	Nomination	Synopsis	References/Notes
5 Broken Cameras	Feature	Palestinian farmers chronicle of his nonviolent resistance to the actions of the Israeli army.	Intense. Palestine/Israel conflict.	NOT SEEN.
Adam and Dog	Short Animated	Adam and a dog in the Garden of Eden.	Animated, Adam and Eve in a different way.	NOT SEEN.
Asad	Short, Live Action	A coming of age fable of a Somali boy as he struggles to survive in his war-torn land.	18 min., Adventure, drama	NOT SEEN.
Buzkashi Boys	Short, Live Action	Contemporary Afghanistan and the National sport of Buzkashi	28 min., Sports	NOT SEEN.
Curfew	Short, Live Action	At the lowest point of his life, Richie gets a call from his estranged sister, asking him to look after his nine-year-old niece, Sophia, for a few hours.	19 min., NYC, drama	NOT SEEN.
Dood van een Schadow (Death of a Shadow)	Short, Live Action	Soldier Nathan died during WWI. A strange collector imprisoned his shadow and gave him a new chance: a second life.	20 min., fantasy, drama,	NOT SEEN.
Fresh Guacamole	Short Animated	Transforming familiar objects into fresh guacamole.	Animated. Cooking?	NOT SEEN.
The Gatekeepers	Feature	Interviews with all surviving former heads of Shin Bet, the Israeli security agency whose activities and membership are closely held state secrets.	Israel secret service.	NOT SEEN. Available on Netflix.
Head Over Heels	Short Animated	After many years of marriage, Walter and Madge have grown apart: he lives on the floor and she lives on the ceiling.	Animated. Family, comedy, romance	NOT SEEN.
Henry	Short, Live Action	A concert pianist has his life thrown in turmoil the day the love of his life, Maria, mysteriously disappears.	21 min., drama	NOT SEEN.
How to Survive a Plague	Feature	The story of two coalitions—ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group)—whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition.	History, news.	NOT SEEN.
Inocente	Short	A personal and vibrant coming of age story about a young artist’s determination never to surrender to the bleakness of her surroundings.	Biography, news.	NOT SEEN.
The Invisible War	Feature	An investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape of soldiers within the US military.	Rape in the military.	NOT SEEN.
Kings Point	Short	Five seniors living in a retirement resort in Florida—men and women who came decades ago with their spouses by their sides and now find themselves grappling with love, loss and universal desire for human connection.	Growing old, comedy	NOT SEEN.
Mondays at Racine	Short	Every third Monday of the month, two bold, brassy sisters open the doors of their Long Island hair salon to women diagnosed with cancer…	Family, cancer, kindness.	NOT SEEN.
Open Heart	Short	Eight Rwandan children leave their families behind to embark on a life-or-death journey seeking high-risk heart surgery in Sudan.	Children, health, heart surgery.	NOT SEEN.
Paperman	Short Animated	An urban office worker finds that paper airplanes are instrumental in meeting a girl in ways he never expected.	Animated, comedy, romance.	NOT SEEN.
Redemption	Short	New York City’s canners-the men and women who survive by redeeming bottles and cans they collect from curbs.	Recycling, can collection	NOT SEEN.
Searching for Sugar Man	Feature	Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock ‘n’ roller, Rodriguez.	South Africa, musician, search	NOT SEEN.
The Simpsons, The Longest Daycare	Short Animated	Maggie Simpson spends the day in the Ayn Rand School for Tots.	Animated. Comedy.	NOT SEEN.