Midnight Movie House

King Kong

Okay, King Kong + Peter Jackson + Jack Black! This is going to be very interesting, indeed.

CNN.com - Jack Black takes on 'King Kong' - Mar 30, 2004

The Most Adventurous Mind In Hollywood

Here is an interesting article on Charlie Kaufman.

CNN.com - The most adventurous mind in Hollywood - Mar 22, 2004

Walk Like A Man, Kill Like A 'Soprano'

Hey all you Sopranos fans, here's an article about the newest cast member to join the show.

CNN.com - Walk like a man, kill like a 'Soprano' - Mar 25, 2004

MPAA's Valenti to retire

Jack Valenti oversaw the creation of Hollywood's movie ratings system. It seems he's stepping down from his post. Here's an article where you can read more about it.

CNN.com - MPAA's Valenti to retire - Mar 24, 2004

Oh, the fun of germ exposure! :(

Hi everyone!
I know I said I was going to post my review of 21 Grams this weekend and then I wound up not doing so. Well, it seems that being around numerous sniffling college students has caused me to get my second virus in 3 weeks. I'm in the early stages of it and feel like complete hell. Due to that, my review is going to be delayed until I'm functioning a little better. I will say this. . .

GO RENT IT! SEE IT! SEE IT! SEE IT!

. . . 21 Grams is simply a fantastic movie! The other movie I saw this weekend was the remake of Dawn of the Dead. I was very, VERY pleasantly surprised by this. I really liked it a lot! I would definitely recommend it. Oh, and make sure to stay until the end of the credits or you will miss a lot! Also, make sure to arrive on time because it starts quickly and never lets up. If you're 5 minutes late you'll miss out on a great opening. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to take more Advil for the aching and soak in a nice, warm bath.

My Other Surreal Experience At Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival

Okay, I strangely have a little time to finally write this out. Along with completely changing my life due to my first experience at Roger Ebert's Overlooked Films Festival, I also formed a new connection with my father. One of Ebert's film choices was the movie A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries. This movie was based on the author James Jones. How did this bring me closer to my father, you ask? Well. . . no he's not James Jones, but he did write a lot about him. My father, James Giles, edited a book called The James Jones Reader, with J. Michael Lennon, that consists of "Outstanding selections from his war writings including From Here To Eternity, The Thin Red Line, and Whistle." He also wrote a book that was a critical study of James Jones simply entitled James Jones. In part of his research on Jones, my father spent time with Gloria Jones (James Jones' wife). This time was shown--minus my father--in the movie A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries. One of the special guests Ebert had at the festival for the film was Kaylie Jones, the daughter of James Jones. While my father was spending time with Gloria, Kaylie, and Jamie, it was a 16 year-old Kaylie who drove my father to James' grave site. My father wrote a short story of his experience at the James household called "3 Days In Byzantium." It was published in a magazined called Confrontation. I met Kaylie's brother Jamie when I was in the booming metropolis of Robinson, Illinois with my father as he did his research on James. I remember, at the ripe old age of 13, thinking Jamie was just gorgeous. I also remember Jamie thinking that my theory on a town not actually being a town unless it has a McDonald's and a public swimming pool made perfect sense. Needless to say, Robinson IL had neither. Kaylie, however, wasn't present in Robinson so I didn't meet her for the first time until Ebert's festival. Anyway, watching that movie was a great experience for everyone at the festival, but it was even more special for me because as I watched it I knew precisely when to mentally insert my father into the movie. I also knew one of the children in the movie and had heard much about the other one. This gave me a new understanding of my dad's time with Gloria, Kaylie, and Jamie and it gave me a new understanding of them as well. Now, in a different way Ebert will be giving me yet another connection to my father at this year's film festival. One of Roger's selections is My Dog Skip. My Dog Skip is based on a book by Willie Morris. Willie Morris was at the James household while my father was there. I'm starting to think Ebert has some sort of psychic connection to myself so that he knows to show films related to my father at each festival of his I attend. I'm telling you, it's just plain weird. Cool, but very weird. So again, thanks Roger Ebert! Also here are a few more links to some of the people above. . .

Kaylie Jones' IMDB.COM listing

Willie Morris' IMDB.COM listing

The book link for A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries

21 Grams

I'm told 21 Grams is out on video now so if you have the chance, rent it! I just got back from seeing it at a cheap theater where I live. Amazing film! I'm gathering my thoughts now and it's midnight so I'm going to hold off on the full review until tomorrow. Until then, I had to post to say not to miss this film! Stunning performances, amazing editing, and it really makes you think.

A pensive 'Grasshopper,' a brutal killer

Here's an article for all you David Carradine fans.

CNN.com - A pensive 'Grasshopper,' a brutal killer - Mar 17, 2004

'Office' boss sees humor all over

Here's a good article from CNN about Ricky Gervais.

CNN.com - 'Office' boss sees humor all over - Mar 17, 2004

Denzel Washington signs on to Superfly

This is also from TV Guide's website today. . .

Denzel Washington is set to reunite with Training Day director Antoine Fuqua for The Return of Superfly, a biopic of Harlem heroin kingpin Frank Lucas, Variety reports...

Oliver Stone's "Looking For Fidel"

This is from TV Guide's website today. In the meantime, I would definitely recommend watching the movie Fidel. This movie came out in 2002 and was directed by David Attwood and written by Stephen Tolkin. I am far from a history buff (so I don't know exactly how accurate it was), but I thought it gave a good picture of Cuba and how Fidel rose to power.

FIDEL FOUND: Oliver Stone's newly overhauled HBO documentary about Fidel Castro will finally see the light of day on April 14. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Looking for Fidel replaces an earlier version, titled Comandante, which apparently failed to address a recent crackdown on Cuban dissidents.

Stephen King on the Silver Screen

Here is an article about Stephen King adaptations and how they fare on tv or in the movies. The article is prompted by the new movie "Secret Window" with Johnny Depp. I wasn't aware that movie was a King adaptation until I saw it this weekend. Fortunately, it was a very good one. As usual, Johnny Depp made the role with his own little touches. The man can do no wrong!

CNN.com - Look through any 'Window' - Mar 11, 2004

Movies & How We Speak

Here is a brief article on how movies affect the way we speak.

CNN.com - 'Wardrobe malfunction' named top phrase - Mar 12, 2004

R Rating For Movie Smoking

Okay, I am 100% against smoking, but I think this is going way too far. Kids are going to smoke if they want to and I highly doubt an actor smoking in a movie is going to make them feel they have to start themselves.

CNN.com - Researcher: R rating for movie smoking - Mar 11, 2004

Top 10 Movie & TV Cars

Okay, I have to admit that I'm not into cars at all. However, I was a huge fan of "The Dukes of Hazzard" when it originally aired so this article interested me. Enjoy!

Enthusiasts' favorite movie and TV cars - Mar. 11, 2004

A Little Film Called "Latter Days"

CNN has an article on a film called "Latter Days." I haven't heard anything about the movie, but I thought this article was interesting. Also, I always try to bring attention to smaller films so that they are not missed by the masses.

CNN.com - Gay Mormons in love - Mar 10, 2004

Star Gets Monster Coverage

Here is an interesting article about Charlize Theron from The Chicago Tribune.

Screen Queen Gets Monster Coverage

Dr. Seuss' Star

All I have to say about this is that it's about time! Also, I've linked to 2 Dr. Seuss related websites. Click on his name each time it appears in blue and you will be linked to them. I'll also have them at the bottom of this post.

RHYMES WITH JAR: Here's some news even a grinch could love: Iconic children's author Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel was honored posthumously Thursday with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The honor is part of a monthlong celebration commemorating what would have been Geisel's 100th birthday.

DR. SEUSS
DR. SEUSS ON THE WEB

Ricky Gervais on Alias

While I intend to focus on movies at this site, I will sometimes post things about a TV show I like. I absolutely LOVE Alias so I'm always going to post news on it. Also, I've heard great things about The Office and I definitely plan on renting that soon. I missed it the first time it came around. At any rate, this is from TV Guide's website today.

Office Star's New Alias
by David Hochman

How did Ricky Gervais follow up his double Golden Globe win for BBC's The Office last month? He went straight to work filming scenes for Sunday's episode of Alias (9 pm/ET on ABC). Here's what the British funnyman thought of his weird, wicked week in sunny Los Angeles.

TV Guide Online: Aside from The Office, you haven't really acted before. What was it like starring in a big TV action-drama?
Ricky Gervais: The hardest part was keeping straight-faced. Everybody around me was in black and cool and wearing Gucci and Armani and guns, and there I was in a jumper looking like a country fisherman. I couldn't take myself seriously. I just pretended to be Jack Bauer from 24.

TVGO: Who do you play?
Gervais: All I can tell you is he's a very, very bad man indeed. An international terrorist. Let's just say he's somebody I most certainly wouldn't like to sit next to on an airplane.

TVGO: Still, it sounds like a pretty cushy gig compared to the BBC.
Gervais: I admit, it was hard not to become a diva. The first day, I was intimidated. The next day, it was old hat. The third day, I was blasé and by the fourth, they were lucky I showed up.

TVGO: Is Jennifer Garner as beautiful as she appears on TV?
Gervais: Not compared to me, actually. People will realize why they had to get me on the show. They needed my body.

TVGO: What was your most surreal Hollywood moment of the week?
Gervais: Aside from Jennifer Aniston saying the name "Ricky Gervais" [when she announced the Golden Globe winner], it was looking out in the audience and seeing Danny DeVito, Michael Douglas and Jude Law staring silently at me. All I could tell myself was, "Say something, you idiot!"

TVGO: What did you learn about Hollywood?
Gervais: Contrary to popular belief, people in Hollywood aren't hung up on agents and helpers and how they look. At least not all the time. But more to the point, I realized I am a writer and not an actor.

TVGO: Does this mean you're not staying stateside?
Gervais: I don't want to pop up as a Mr. Brit on every other television program. I've done it once. Now I need to go home to where it rains and where I can walk everywhere.

TVGO: If NBC's upcoming version of The Office goes badly, will you care?
Gervais: Nope, because it doesn't matter to me. I've done my bit. I wish them all the luck in the world. Two hundred and fifty million Americans don't know me or The Office. It's like somebody doing a cover of your song. You don't hang about the studio going, "No wait, don't sing it like that. Softer. Softer!" So my life's not going to change.

Paul Bettany on Reality TV

This is from the TV Guide website today. Since reality tv costs a lot of actors jobs, I'm always interested to hear what they think of it. It seems Paul doesn't have a high opinion of it himself so I guess we won't catch him watching Forever Eden. ;)

Paul Bettany's Reality Rant
by Angel Cohn

While he mostly stars in period movies like Master and Commander and A Knight's Tale, Paul Bettany still keeps up with small-screen trends. In fact, studying the history of the Middle Ages for his new film, The Reckoning (now in limited release), made him worry what future generations will think of us, based on reality TV. The mere idea sends Jennifer Connelly's otherwise placid husband into a frustrated tirade.
"I'm so frightened that in 2000 years time, some archaeologist is going to come across some video of a reality-TV show," Bettany says, "and go, 'This is what they were watching? Who were these f------ idiots? What were they doing? They spent money to watch somebody in their f------ room, sitting there talking?' I find that really shocking."

"[I] sit there and [I] watch these things, and I can feel my brain atrophying as I'm watching," the 32-year-old Brit continues. "I'm becoming more stupid by the second. It is going to be such an indictment of our culture. There should be a mass burning of reality-TV show [video tapes]. There really should be."

Bettany particularly despises shows featuring former stars trying to recapture lost glory. "Johnny Lydon was on this one in England, I'm a Celebrity — Get Me Out of Here! Johnny Rotten! I got a bit teary."

It should be noted that Lydon — the front man for the Sex Pistols — walked off Celebrity's British version after a foul rant. But that doesn't help assuage Bettany's annoyance. "The point is that [Lydon] walked on," he says. "At some point he went, 'Oh f--- it, I'll do it. It'll be a f------ laugh.' [I say to Lydon], 'No, it won't be a f------ laugh. It will be the end of you. And now, everything that you ever say is suspicious to me. Everything you say is like a turd falling into my drink. I don't trust you anymore, and I used to look to you to lead.' It is so depressing."

Johnny Depp Stuff

Here is a page with some good biography information on Johnny Depp.

Depp Biography

And here is a neat thing from The Internet Movie Database today about Depp. It's about time he got the praise. He is one of the best actors out there today and I really respect him for choosing to stick with quirky roles instead of selling out for big bucks.

Depp "Moved" by Accolades
Oscar nominee Johnny Depp has been deeply moved by the numerous accolades he has received for his performance in Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. The movie hunk has been propelled back into the spotlight thanks to his portrayal of roguish pirate Captain Jack Sparrow in the swashbuckling adventure. And Johnny - was lives with partner Vanessa Paradis and their two children in France - admits he never expected such attention for the role. He says, "I'm very thankful. I'm very grateful for this past year, and certainly the things that have happened, I had no expectations at all. Certainly not nominations of any sort. So I'm very touched, very moved."

Secret Window: Depp's New Movie

I wasn't sure what to make of this movie based on just the ads--even though they looked pretty cool. It looks like CNN gives it a good review. I'm glad to hear it, but given that it's Johnny Depp I probably would have seen it anyway. Hell, I'd watch that guy paint his house he's so good. Click here to read the review.

The Ring 2

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I, personally, very much preferred the American version of The Ring over Nakata's Ringu, but maybe he'll make a great sequel. Let's hope!

RING ROOTS: Japanese filmmaker Hideo Nakata, whose 1999 flick Ringu spawned the horror smash The Ring, is in talks to replace Noam Murro at the helm of The Ring 2, Variety reports. As reported here Wednesday, Murro dropped out of the upcoming sequel due to "creative differences" with DreamWorks.

Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival!!!!

Well, it's that time of year everyone! It's time to get your tickets to Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival! Two years ago, Jeff and I went to this for the first time and we had a great time! Unfortunately, circumstances last year prevented me from being able to attend. This year I'm greatly looking forward to it. Click here for more information on the event.

Spaulding Gray Found Dead

When he went missing I feared the worst. I hate to say my worries were confirmed. Please click here for his obituary from CNN.

Schindler's List

CNN has an interesting article on the movie Schindler's List that I would recommend checking out. Just click on the movie title (which should be in blue).

Kidman Signs for Narnia Movie?

I adore Nicole Kidman so this news makes me look forward to the movie even more.

Hollywood superstar Nicole Kidman has been signed to star in a new movie version of CS Lewis' classic children's novel The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe. Studio bosses at Disney - who are backing the project - were desperate for Kidman to play the White Witch, and her two kids with ex-husband Tom Cruise, Isabella, 11, and Connor, nine, convinced her to say yes. A Tinseltown source says, "Nicole's kids don't pay great attention to her career - she's just mom to them. But when she mentioned she had been asked to star in the movie they went wild. They even asked for jobs as extras." Kidman even made a secret visit to New Zealand last week to see locations and meet the crew. Walt Disney chairman Richard Cook recently said of the movie - which is due to start filming later this year - "It's a very, very ambitious project and one that we believe could be very important to the studio."

Caviezel Under Protection

I was worried something like this would happen. The very people who are offended by the film are attacking Jim Caviezel, the actor who played Jesus. I am all for people having the right to protest, but you don't carry it as far as attacking an actor who played a role in a film. That is disgusting and it's horrible that Jim Caviezel has to worry about this simply because he took a job. Speak your mind, but don't threaten or harm others.

The Passion Of The Christ star James Caviezel is being protected by a security team from attack by religious fanatics following his performance as Jesus Christ in the Mel Gibson movie. Studio bosses are concerned that zealots will attack Caviezel for his role in the controversial film and have hired a 'protection squad.' A furious mob have already screamed 'anti-Semite' and hurled a bucket of lamb's blood at Oscar-winning actor and director Gibson in a New York street. A studio source tells British tabloid newspaper Daily Star On Sunday, "There are some crazy people out there and everything is being done to protect Mel and Jim from physical attack." Caviezel, a devout Catholic, says, "Of course I'm scared that someone could get it in his head to make me a target. But I won't let this stop me doing my business. I'm an actor, helping to promote a movie I truly believe in."

Information On Aileen

I love the Crime Library website because they are loaded with information and articles on most of the criminals you could think of. Here is a link to Aileen Wuornos' story. It's definitely an interesting read!

2 Old, But New To Me Must Sees!

Hi all,
This weekend I saw Monster and Mystic River. I know these have been out for a while, but if either of them have come to the theater by me they've only stayed there a minute. At any rate, what great movies! I've linked to both of the official sites for them here so just click on the titles. I will be posting my reviews of both this week. In the meantime, rush out and see both of them if you haven't already! I hope you are all having a great weekend!

"Monster" and Me

This is a really interesting article about a woman who was out "drinking, drugging and partying in Central Florida" at the same time as Aileen Wuornos. As most of you know, Charlize Theron just won the Best Actress Oscar for playing Aileen in the movie Monster. To read the full article you'll need to watch a brief ad to get a free day pass. I know that's a pain, but I don't want to violate copyright laws and post all of my copy of the article. It's definitely worth sitting through the ad though, so please don't let that deter you. Oh, and thanks Kimba for posting this!

Salon.com Life | "Monster" and me

The Sopranos--Bullies, Bears And Bullets: It's Round 5

I personally claim the title of Steve Buscemi's biggest fan so I am thrilled to hear he'll be joining the cast this season. Thanks to Joni for sending me this article. It's a good read for anyone interested in The Sopranos.

TV Weekend | 'The Sopranos': Bullies, Bears And Bullets: Itâ?™s Round 5

Religion As A Sales Tool

Here is an interesting article on how religion affects sales in the entertainment industry.

CNN.com - Religion as a sales tool - Mar. 4, 2004

Spielberg on The Passion of the Christ. . . Not!

All I have to say is that I now have even more respect for Spielberg for refusing to comment publically on something that he has not seen. I wish more people would do that and not comment due to what they've heard about the film.

CNN.com - Spielberg: Won't comment on 'Passion' - Mar. 4, 2004

Nostalgia Ain't What It Used To Be

Here's an interesting article from CNN about how the 70's are represented on screen today.

CNN.com - Nostalgia ain't what it used to be - Mar. 4, 2004

Mr. Sark!

I love, love, LOVE Mr. Sark from Alias so I was thrilled to see an interview with his alter-ego David Anders on TV Guide's website today. For those who also appreciate this great actor, and his truly fun character, here is the interview.

Alias Bad Boy's Secrets
by Lauren Kanter
David Anders

It's not just viewers who are blown away by the twists and turns on ABC's spy drama Alias. Dave Anders — the show's British bad boy Mr. Sark — gets his share of surprises, too. Sark has gone from a mere recurring character in Season 1 to a major player in the North American cell of The Covenant last month. His rising status as a TV terrorist is quite an unexpected coup for this 22-year-old actor.

"In the first season, I didn't know how long I was going to be around," Anders tells TV Guide Online. "I [even] wanted to get Jennifer Garner's picture and autograph. On the picture, she wrote, 'To David: Welcome to prime time. Get comfy. You're going to be here awhile.' I was like, 'What the hell does she know? She knows something I don't!'"

Not bad for an Oregon native with only two professional acting credits on his résumé before booking Alias. (He'd done the Olsen twins' short-lived sitcom, So Little Time, and a straight-to-DVD thriller called The Source.) And Sark's role will keep growing, thanks to his new Covenant gig, a budding affair with Vaughn's double-agent wife, and finally getting a first name — Julian — after two years without one. "I'm being brought into the forefront of the show," he laughs. "I'll wear tight Lycra and heels, like Jennifer, and run up and down stairs."

Anders can't give up top-secret details on the new Alias episodes (beginning Sunday at 9 pm/ET on ABC). But he is willing to blow the cover on a few plotlines the show's scribes considered, yet never brought to the screen...

"Sydney and Sark were going to be related. But I think people caught on to that and it was kind of a mixed, lukewarm reaction," Anders reveals. "[Then,] Lauren and Sark were going to be brother and sister. They batted around the idea of us consummating the relationship and then finding out, but that's a little weird — even for Alias!"

What would he like to see happen to Sark? "I don't know if I could write it any better than the writers," Anders says. "I got my wish of a first name. Beggars can't be choosers."

Stephanie March on Law & Order: SVU

I can't even tell you how much I loathe the new DA who took Stephanie's place. That is partly because Stephanie was so wonderful in that role and partly because her replacement is so terrible in it. Anyway, here's a section of TV Guide's interview with Stephanie. To read the whole thing, go to the Insider section of TV Guide's website today. I included only this bit because it was the part that dealt with Law & Order and the rest of the interview was about her upcoming movie roles, etc.

TVGO: For the record: Why did you leave Law & Order?
March: I want to be certain to emphasize that I have zero complaints about Law & Order. It was a fantastic work experience and I really miss the people quite a bit. But, you know, you get to a point where you feel like, as a character, you kind of said everything you can say. And then it becomes quite redundant. It was my first on-camera job after college. I got really lucky and I thought, I just have to do a couple of more things before I get too comfortable. Perhaps all I need is a long break.

Jennifer Garner on Oprah

"Why is everyone so afraid to say the word girdle? Nobody's perfect." She then went on to say she definitely wears them. Anytime an actress stresses that they don't wake up looking perfect I think it's great. The media spends way too much time making women feel like they should look like that naturally so I appreciate actresses stressing that they're wrong. I still remember Cindy Crawford's great quote "I wish I woke up looking like Cindy Crawford."

Depp On Pirates Of The Caribbean II

Personally, I'm looking forward to this; especially Johnny Depp's performance.

Depp Looks Forward to 'Pirates' Sequel
Johnny Depp is desperate to step into his pirates outfit and appear in a sequel to The Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. Oscar-nominee Depp, 40, desperately misses playing swashbuckling character Captain Jack Sparrow in the Disney blockbuster - a role he based on Rolling Stone Keith Richards - and he's desperate to start filming a follow-up to the hit 2003 film. Depp explains, "I went through a decompression period after the first film. If you're really connected with a character, you always do to some degree. You miss the guy. You miss being that person. The only thing that was in the back of my mind was the hope that there would be a sequel some day, so that I could meet him again."

Dress Like Christ!

Some of us caught onto this idea a long time ago. However, we did it for the hell of it, not because of a movie craze. I have a great blue and gold cross from The Metropolitan Museum of Art myself.

Gibson's 'Passion' Sparks Christian Fashion Craze
Mel Gibson's new movie The Passion Of The Christ has inspired a new craze across America for Christian-themed jewelry. The hit film, which follows the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, is at the center of continued controversy with accusations of potentially inciting anti-Semitism. But as well as fierce debate, the movie has also led hordes of people to buy such souvenirs as crucifixes, lapel pins and cards tied to the film's promotion. A particularly popular item is a pendant fashioned from a single nail made of pewter and attached to a leather strap, say officials of Bob Siemon Designs, licensed by Gibson's Icon Productions to produce jewelry linked to the film. The pendants represent the nails used in the film to fasten Christ to the cross. The company has shipped around 75,000 cross pendants to Christian bookstores across America and approximately the same amount of nail pendants.

Mel On His Critics

I absolutely agree with him. The people who have prejudged this movie are missing out on so much.

Gibson "Forgives" His Judgemental Critics
Mel Gibson has a message for the harshest critics of his movie The Passion Of The Christ - he forgives them. The devout Catholic, whose movie depicting the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life has sparked accusations of anti-Semitism, insists he will try to adopt a forgiving attitude to those who have prejudged his work. He says of the controversy, "It's like a wave. I didn't expect anything this huge. For an entire year, it's been nothing but nasty editorials and name-calling. Right out the box, without anyone even seeing it, pre-judgment and condemnation, which is like totally so wrong, I think. I just hope they can kinda see clearly, that's all. It's kind of a knee-jerk reaction. I can't say that it's always coming from someplace wholesome. It's not personal - you try not to have it be personal. If you take on resentments like that, they'll kill you. So you gotta give 'em away and try and perform an act of love even for those who persecute you, and I think that's the message of the film." The movie took in $23.6 million in just one day when it opened in America on Wednesday.

Independent Spirit Awards

I've spent the past week in the fog of a nasty virus. That means I've been saving up all this stuff to post. I'm finally feeling better so that is why you're getting some very late news from me tonight. Anyway, I thought I'd post the main winners of the Independent Spirit Awards for you all. I've got to rent Lost In Translation as soon as I can!

YOU GOT SPIRIT?: Lost in Translation was the big winner at Saturday's Independent Spirit Awards, nabbing honors for best film, best director and screenplay for Sofia Coppola and best actor for Bill Murray. Oscar's indie equivalent also singled out Charlize Theron for Monster, Djimon Hounsou for In America and Shohreh Aghdashloo for House of Sand and Fog.

Oscar Secrets Revealed

Every year at the Oscars things happen or people are thanked that leave the rest of us saying "huh?!" TV Guide's website took the time out to explain some of these moments from this year's broadcast. Enjoy!

Oscar Mysteries Solved!
by Michael Ausiello

The 76th annual Academy Awards may be history, but questions linger like sweat stains on Peter Jackson's tux. For instance, was Sandra Bullock really late to rehearsals? Who's Renee Zellweger's mysterious "beloved" and what is the Oscar winner's connection to Vincent D'Onofrio? Did ABC's censors have to utilize that five-second delay? And is Charlize Theron dating her lawyer? We'd also like to know what Marcia Gay Harden was hiding in that beehive 'do not of hers, but some things are best left up to the imagination. Everything else warrants an explanation.

Who is Renee Zellweger's "beloved" John Carrabino, and why does she keep bringing him along to these awards shows?
Often mistaken for Bob or Harvey Weinstein — and let's face it, the dude looks like he crawled out of their gene pool — Carrabino is, in fact, Zellweger's longtime manager. That said, these two need to get a room — or at least make out. All the sexual tension is driving us nuts.

Zells also singled out Law & Order: Criminal Intent's Vincent D'Onofrio "for teaching me how to work." When was that exactly?
As movie buffs no doubt recall, the pair played distant lovers in the 1996 drama The Whole Wide World. "The film didn't have a very high profile," points out TV Guide Online's own Maitland McDonagh, "but it got very solid reviews."

Why was presenter Jim Carrey's head shaved?
The actor-comic-contortonist went crome-domed for his role as Count Olaf in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, which is currently filming.

Did best actress champ Charlize Theron bring her attorney as her date? And if not, who was that handsome fella Oscar producers cut to when she thanked her "lawyer, Steve Warren?"
We can put an end to all the legal drama now: The weepy hunk in the white dinner jacket was actually Theron's actor-beau, Stuart Townsend — Peter Jackson's original Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings. He was replaced by Viggo Mortensen after Jackson realized he was too young for the part. Long story short, Sunday night had to suck for him.

Is Theron really bringing her Oscar home to South Africa "next week" as she said in her speech?
Yes. Monster just "opened in South Africa, so I am going to do some press over there for the film," she later said.

How did the Oscars do in the ratings?
Despite the snoozefest that was Sunday's telecast, ABC estimates that 43.5 million witnessed Rings' clean sweep — up 25 percent from last year's war-tinged ceremony. It was the most-watched Oscars in four years and the No. 1 entertainment program of the season.

How did the show's length compare to years past?
According to TV Guide statistician Nick Spagnoli, "from opening shot to final credit it was 3 hours and 45 minutes." Adds fellow researcher Ethan Alter: "That's a little longer than last year, but just about normal" for Oscar.

While presenting the Sound Mixing and Sound Effects Editing categories with Sandra Bullock, John Travolta quipped that the Speed star was late to rehearsals. True?
"Yes, she was," confirms an Academy rep, who adds that the practice schedule had to be "adjusted" to make room for Miss Belatedly.

Did ABC have to utilize its Boobygate-inspired five-second delay to block out any racy content?
"No," says a network rep. Still, rumors persist that censors considered blurring Uma Thurman's horrid Swiss Miss-meets-Geisha Girl getup.

Best supporting actor winner Tim Robbins gave a shout-out to "the Geiss family" while at the dais, adding that, "Your dad's smiling down on you." Who's this mysterious clan?
"They are friends of mine who lost their dad," Robbins explained backstage.

Speaking of Robbins, why did the political activist (and noted Dubya hater) refrain from slamming our commander-in-chief, opting instead to use his time on-stage to encourage victims of abuse to get help? Has he suddenly gone soft on us?
Not likely. "I actually didn't even know what I was going to say when I went up there," he says. "And [the abuse bit] just occurred to me at that moment." Rest assured, Mr. Susan Sarandon would not think twice about pulling a Michael Moore at a future awards show. "If you're going to live in a free society... sometimes what other people say is going to make you uncomfortable. That's part of what it is to live in a free society."

While introducing a clip for Lost in Translation, lead actor nominee Bill Murray joked that he wanted director Sofia Coppola removed from the pic four days into filming. They say all truth is said in jest...
... and they would be right. Backstage, Coppola all but confirmed that she and Murray did not hit it off at the start. "I think the first few days just, you know, he was jet-lagged, and we were trying to figure out how to work with a crew in Japan," she says. "We don't speak the language, and they work differently. There's just cultural differences, and the first couple days were kind of rough and confusing for us. But then we figured it out and had a good time." Lucy Liu couldn't have said it better herself.

Did Michael Ausiello really win TV Guide's annual Oscar pool? And if so, what was his take-home?
Yes, Ausiello was crowned Oscar-pool king by correctly calling 21 of the 24 categories. He walks away with a year's worth of bragging rights — but no cash, since gambling is illegal in New York. That said, drinks are on him tonight!

Loads of Sundance Stuff

I stumbled across this site today and it's great! Definitely check it out if you're interested in Sundance.

ifilm on Sundance

The Chronicles of Narnia Come To The Silver Screen

I read some of these, but that was in 5th or 6th grade so I hardly remember them. I do remember really liking the ones I read so it will be neat to see them hit the silver screen. I only hope Disney does as good a job as Peter Jackson did with The Lord of the Rings!

Fresh off LOTR's Oscar victory, Hollywood's falling in love with flicks based on classic fantasy novels. Next up, Disney plans The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for Christmas 2005. And just like Rings, there's room for profitable sequels, since C.S. Lewis wrote seven Narnia novels. The book series focuses on four kids who stumble into a frosty, magical world, where they befriend a talking lion and do battle with the evil White Witch.

Alias From Day 1!!

I know this is a way off, but I encourage anyone who hasn't watched this series to catch it from the beginning as soon as the reruns begin.

TNT has acquired cable rights to reruns of Alias. The deal allows the cabler to begin airing episodes in fall of 2005.

Nintendo Moves Beyond Games

Here's an article about Nintendo's new system that will be released this holiday season.

Nintendo DS details begin to emerge - Mar. 3, 2004

Godzilla Retires!

Hmmm. . . does this mean he gets to collect retirement? More importantly, does this mean Gamera will be back?

"Gamera is my friend." --That little brat, Kenny.
"Man, I hate Kenny." --Crow T. Robot from Mystery Science Theater 3000

CNN.com - Godzilla taking a break -- for now - Mar. 4, 2004

New Batman Movie

The cast of this new movie just keeps getting better, but is it just me or does the title Batman Begins really suck?

BATMAN CASTING: Gary Oldman has joined the cast of Batman Begins, Warner Bros.' new take on the Caped Crusader starring Christian Bale. Oldman will play a detective on the Gotham police force. The rapidly expanding ensemble also includes Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman and Ken Watanabe.

India's Zee Cine Awards

It's. . . Bollywood!

CNN.com - Bollywood fever rages in Dubai - Feb. 26, 2004

Dr. Seuss

Granted, this is a few days late, but I love Dr. Seuss so I had to post it. Oh, and I'm still upset that they allowed Mike Meyers near the Cat In The Hat movie and wound up botching it so badly.

CNN.com - Hoorah! Hooray! It's Dr. Seuss' birthday! - Mar. 1, 2004

My Oscar Thoughts As I Viewed The Show

Okay, as the Oscars began I grabbed a notebook to jot down my own thoughts during the night. I didn't think to write down times so please keep in mind this is in order from the start of the night until the end.

How surreal is it to see Sean Penn and a clean cut Johnny Depp at the Oscars?

How sweet was it seeing Keisha Castle-Hughes meet her "stud" Johnny Depp during the pre show special?

Great comments from Tim Robbins in relation to child abuse!

In reference to the Lord of the Rings montage. . . OH SAM! (Note: Sorry, inside joke for a few friends).

Angelina Jolie. That woman is just gorgeous!

Billy Crystal and Robin Williams in their San Francisco married couple pose. Okay, if I ever take the plunge I want those two on my wedding cake. LOL.

In accepting for the Finding Nemo win there was a shout out to Steve Jobs. Macs rule!

JC Penny ad. Is that Oswald from Drew Carey? More importantly; pleated, ruffled denim?! I had the good taste not to wear that when denim skirts were big in the 80's and, well, I've seen The Passion of the Christ and would still rather be crucified than have to pay attention to fashion. What some highly-paid people design often frightens me.

Loved the stars favorite films bit, especially. . .
Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown. . . 21 Grams
Hillary Clinton. . . Kill Bill
Rush Limbaugh. . . 21 Grams
Saddam. . . Holes

Shohreh Aghdashloo from House of Sand & Fog. How freaking stunning is she?! You had no idea in that movie. I mean she was pretty, but damn!

Renee wins! I'm so happy for her. She deserved it for both Chicago and Bridget Jones Diary but was up against people like Nicole Kidman for The Hours and Nicole HAD to win for that since she didn't for Moulin Rouge. It just like the year Russell Crowe was up for The Insider against Kevin Spacey for American Beauty. You wanted both to win, but Kevin more so you hoped Russell would get it for The Insider when the next Oscar ceremony came around. It's just one big confusing circle.

Tom Hanks. For the love of god, STAND STILL!

The Bob Hope tribute was nice and I loved his joke about deserving an Oscar for attendance.

Music Ques tuning out winners. Just shut up! People shouldn't be cut off like that. I really detest this practice!

T Bone Burnett! Great musician, great to hear him!

1st best song performances. I still protesting this category from 1990 when Storybook Love from The Princess Bride lost to Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid. I still remember how incredible the presentation for Storybook Love was and that was in 1990!

United's ad. Very neat, very Waking Life.

The "What Stars Are Thinking" montage. Great, but steve Martin did it better with his "People Who've Slept With Me" montage a few years ago.

Blake Edwards award. I had no idea he was behind Days of Wine & Roses. Great, but very depressing, film!

Bill Murray presenting Lost In Translation. Love the "we were politely refused" joke about wanting to leave the film due to Sofia.

Sandra Bullock. Great dress. . . until the Mardi Gras feather boas started attacking it.

1st movie with sound question? I knew that thanks to Gretchen Bisplinghof and her Introduction to Film & TV Criticism class at Northern Illinois University a few years ago.

Julia Roberts. Wow! Great dress for the figure! I usually don't care for what she wears but she looked exceptional!

Diane Lane's dress. AHHH! My god, someone stop those diamonds from strangling her. The whole time I watched I was worried she was about to turn blue. Awful dress!

Best Documentary Feature: The Fog of War. WOW! I was sure it was going to be Capturing The Friedmans.

How perfect was the shot of the guy behind Diane Keaton, who was sleeping during the Academy president's speech, after Billy Crystal had just joked about the president being a "weapon of mass sleep induction." Whoever that cameraman was, he deserves a raise.

The death tribute, aka: Applause-o-meter. It's always a nice reminder that even dead we're still in a popularity contest. Nice tribute, but don't overwhelm it with a silent pan up to the roof of the Kodak theater. We know that aint heaven and lord help us all if it is. ;)

"Do you know that people are moving to New Zealand just to be thanked?" Great one, Billy.

Performance of The Triplets of Belleville song. Entertaining! Go Mouf Mouf! Go Bill Murray clearly digging it!

Pepsi ad with Biz Markie song. NO! NO! I thought that was never to be mentioned again once it left the charts?!

10:12 pm. Sapphire is being an extremely accommodating kitty by putting up with me fidgeting around to find comfortable note taking positions. Go Rizzles!

Jack Black & Will Ferrel. Absolutely hysterical! Then again, Jack Black is great so that's no surprise! Also, loved their deadpan delivery when not signing. Book those two to host next year!

Best Song Winner. I'm NEVER happy with this. I preferred the Belleville song and Scarlet Tide from Cold Mountain.

Uma Thurman. Usually stunning, now. . . What the hell are you wearing? Wait, has everyone checked to see if their bed sheets are still there?!

I only hope I look as amazing as Susan Sarandon did tonight when I'm her age.

Sofia's writing win. Very sweet. Very nice comment about Bill Murray being "her muse." Loved the comment about friends encouraging her past page 12 since I've also suffered the horror of writer's block.

The Annheiser Bush "responsibility matters" ad. I don't care if you think they're doing drugs, if you've taught your kid that it's okay to answer his cell phone during a movie you need to attend parenting classes. And kids, don't do that or I, and everyone else who came to the movie to hear IT, not you talking on the phone, reserves the right to whip out a tazer and stun your rude selves!

Congratulations Peter! To pull off what you did with those 3 films was simply amazing. I wondered if you and Sofia would split the vote causing a Clint upset, but I'm glad to see the predicted favorite win. You've come a long way from Bad Taste, but as soon as I saw Heavenly Creatures I knew you would.

Samantha Morton. Go rent Morvern Callar. She's great in it!

Adrian Brody and his breath freshener. I'm still laughing over that. Hysterical!

Loved what Charlize Theron said about Christina Ricci being the "unsung hero of this film" Christina's great. Go rent Pumpkin to see for yourself.

Loved Johnny Depp's "what" as they called his name and then him laughing at himself as he realized what he'd just done. The reason I loved this is because you can tell he's having a lot of fun tonight. Well, that and the fact that I simply love Johnny Depp!

Sean Penn--Johnny Depp--Bill Murray. How the hell do you choose?! This is what I hate about award shows.

Sean Penn. Very nice accolades to fell actors, both fellow nominees and non-nominated. His comment about this "roller coaster I'm learning to enjoy" was a nice acknowledgment of how truly uncomfortable being there he is. Props to him for being able to do so in front of a standing ovation.

Lord of the Rings. This had to win. Had to. I sat through all three movies amazed at what I was seeing on screen. Further, I was awed by what is possible in moviemaking these days.

All in all, a long, but great night! Oh, and in honor of the Lord of the Rings, HEEERE'S SMEAGOL!

Oscars: The Show Behind The Show

Hi all,
I took notes during the Oscars to post my own review and then the cold I had developed on Saturday took a turn for the worse. I am going to post my own thoughts as soon as I feel better so here is an article from CNN to tide you over.

CNN.com - Oscars: The show behind the show - Mar. 1, 2004

Jon Stewart & The Daily Show

Here's something from CNN on Jon Stewart. I like him myself, if anything because he's an equal opportunity satirist.

CNN.com - Young America's news source: Jon Stewart - Mar. 2, 2004

Mark of the Beast on Passion Tickets

Talk about an unfortunate coincidence! If the ticketholders are smart they'll hang onto these because it wouldn't surprise me if they became some sort of collector's item.

CNN.com - Passion tickets bear 'mark of the beast' - Mar. 1, 2004