The Reel Spin

The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Recap... And the winners are...

Ahhh, the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards.  I always find the Globes to be one of the more entertaining awards shows to watch.  Not quite as stuffy as the Oscars, and honors are given to stars of both film and television.  This year's show was no exception.  It was a good time, and there were quite a few funny moments... although, not so much from host Ricky Gervais.  He was very well-behaved this evening.  Let me rephrase that, compared to last year's show, he was very well-behaved. Although, I still think he took the opening jokes on Jodie Foster and her film, The Beaver, a bit too far, but I digress.

The real "funnies" of the night were a bit on the naughty side...

Example 1 - Seth Rogen.  Presenting an award alongside the always lovely Kate Beckinsale, Rogen gave quite possibly the best line of the night, "Hello, I'm Seth Rogen, and I am currently trying to conceal a massive erection."  Beckinsale couldn't stop laughing, and neither could we.  

Example 2 - Madonna.  I don't think she took too kindly to Gervais' tongue-in-cheek introduction... that she was still "like a virgin."  Madonna was quick to retort, "If I'm still just like a virgin, Ricky, the why don't you come over here and do something about it?  I haven't kissed a girl in a few years -- on TV." Madonna 1, Gervais 0.

Example 3 - George Clooney.  He couldn't resist going there. Accepting his award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for The Descendants, Clooney decided to get in on the naughty fun.  He thanked fellow nominee Michael Fassbender (who was nominated for his role as a sex addict in Shame), for "taking over the frontal nudity responsibility that I had."  He went on to tell Fassbender that he could essentially play golf with his hands behind his head.  Off-color, yes.  But, with Clooney's delivery, it was funny... and unexpected to say the least.

There were lots of other special moments that weren't quite as risque.  Who could resist Ludovic Bource's Best Original Score - Motion Picture acceptance speech for The Artist?  He was completely charming with his French accent, and made all our hearts melt when he literally sent kisses to his family back home.  Sweetness.  And speaking of sweet... could married couple Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy have been any more adorable when they sang their presentation for Best Perfomance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - TV... well, they stole the show.  

Another one of the best "awww"- worthy moments, had to be when The Artist won for Best Motion Picture - Comedy... "Uggie" (the sweet dog from the film) was allowed on stage with the rest of the cast.  Only fitting, since he truly was one of the stars of the movie.  He even did a few tricks for the audience.  

And who could resist the Spanish and English acceptance speech given by Modern Family's Sofia Vergara and executive producer Steve Levitan for Best Television Series - Comedy? She was giving the speech in Spanish, and Levitan "loosely" and hilariously translated in English.  Any question as to why their show is so funny?

There were also lots of gorgeous dresses all around... my favorite was Julianne Moore.  She was stunning.  The green accessories were a nice touch.  Claire Danes and Kate Winslet also looked amazing.

And since we're on the subject of all things amazing, I have to mention Octavia Spencer's Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture win for The Help.  There were lots of great wins tonight... I was particularly thrilled to see both the show Homeland, and its lead actress, Claire Danes receive honors.  But, there was no award tonight that seemed more deserved than Spencer's win.  I admit, I am slightly biased, because I have had the pleasure of knowing her for many years.  But even with this disclaimer, it means that I've known her work for a number of years.  Her amazing body of fantastic work.  Octavia Spencer can do anything.  She is side-splittingly funny, and can also break your heart with a glance of an eye.  She deserves all the accolades the world can give for her portrayal of 'Minny.'  She owned that role in a way that no one else could.  I am proud to say I know her, and I'm proud to say that the rest of the world will finally know what a fantastically talented actress she is.  This is just the beginning.

To see if your favorites took home a Globe, click here.

 

Band to Watch: Teletextile...

Teletextile.  Don't know them?  You need to.

And I can prove it with one song, "I Don't Know How to Act Here." 

Click here to see what I mean.

Perhaps, it's because I can relate to this song so much on a personal level, but Pamela Martinez's lyrics have a way of taking hold of your heart and forcing you to take note.  

"I can't choose my feelings, I confuse my feelings here... In the dark I still call your name, carved in my mind it's endless."

Anyone who has ever been in love can relate to those feelings. We can't choose those we fall in love with... if we could, life would be so much easier.  Try as we might to move on from someone who still has our heart, the longing is endless.  And, I promise you, try as you might... you won't be able to stop listening to this track. The video is pretty sweet too.  The playful shadows are a nice touch.

Want to know more about Teletextile or when they're playing a city near you?  Check out the band's site here.

Mike D schools on the proper usage of "Illin"

Beastie Boys fans, you'll love this!  Stephen Colbert fans, you'll love this!  

Mike D of Beastie Boys fame stops by The Colbert Report to settle a dispute on the proper usage of the term "illin."

Check it out here...

LCD Soundsystem Documentary... Watch the trailer now!

April 2nd, 2011 was a sad day for many music fans as it marked the final concert for the enormously popular band, LCD Soundsystem.  

Luckily, there were cameras around to document this epic performance at Madison Square Garden, as well as other moments from James Murphy and the band's final days.  The trailer has made its debut as the directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace will be premiering the documentary, Shut Up and Play the Hits, at this year's Sundance Film Festival.  

See the trailer here. 

The Shins release new track... worth the wait?

The Shins decided to give us a little taste of what is in store on their upcoming album, Port of Morrow, by teasing us with one of its tracks.  Entitled "Simple Song," the track is anything but simple.  

Have a listen here.  

So, was it worth the wait?  Personally, I'm still on the fence.  In serious "like" with the track, but not in "love" yet... maybe we just need more time with one another... 

House of Lies -- Should you check it out?

New Showtime series?  Okay, I'm down.  With the success, and let's face it, amazingness of Homeland, I believe it when Showtime tells me I need to watch their new show.

So, I did.  And, with Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell heading up the cast, I was expecting nothing short of awesome.

Sadly, House of Lies, is not awesome.  It is slick.  I'll give it that.  But, it is also incredibly crass.  And, I can handle crass with the best of them, but with this much raunch, there needs to be some kind of purpose.  Some kind of payoff.  Don't do it just to do it.  At least try to help it move the plot along in some fashion.

I will say that Don Cheadle is fabulous.  He is normally cast as such a stand-up guy, so it's actually kind of nice to see him deliver in role that isn't exactly the most likeable.  

Showtime, please turn this show around.  You have the talent. You have the look.  And I don't even mind Cheadle's character talking to the camera.  But, please give this show a real edge and real story... not just needless raunch, because you think that's what viewers want to see.  They also want to be entertained.

Young Adult... What was that song?

I'm going to be honest.  I saw this film for one reason.  And that reason is, Diablo Cody.  I'm a fan.  As a writer, she has an interesting voice (I'm sure you all know and remember Juno), so I knew this wouldn't be an ordinary film.  

Was this Cody's greatest work ever?  No.  But, it felt honest, and I liked that about it.  I will say that Charlize Theron shined in the starring role.  She wasn't afraid to really go for it and show her vulnerability.  Definitely a plus.

But, to me, there were two unsung heroes of this movie.  The real star, in my opinion, is Patton Oswalt.  A lot of you know his comedic work, or may recognize him from shows like King of Queens, but he's capable of so much more, and this was a true breakout role for him in that regard.  Finally, the world will see his talent.

The other hero of the film... and to be fair, it set the tone for the entire movie, is the track, "The Concept" from Teenage Fanclub.  Yes, I'm a fan of the band also.  I love all their albums, and the memories that come with them.  This song is no exception.  But, whether you're familiar with the track or not, you'll come out of the movie humming the tune.  And, that my friends, is a promise.  As I was leaving, I kept hearing everyone ask, "What was that song?" -- so, I'll help you guys out... this is the song... click here to listen, and enjoy!

 

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

This is a song I always enjoy hearing... "What are you doing New Year's Eve?"  Ahhh... so beautiful... reminds me of the holidays and happy times and cute boys all rolled into one. And there are so many fun versions to choose from... Harry Connick Jr.'s being one of my favorite.  

But, today Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt decided to give him a run for his money with their take on the classic. Part of the charm of the song is the romanticism and whimsy of it all... Deschanel and Gordon-Levitt capture both with ease.  

They are adorable and this video is as well... click here to start your New Year with a smile!

Sleigh Bells tease with Reign of Terror...

I know I'm not alone in admitting my love of all things Sleigh Bells, and I'm not talking about the holiday ones.  I mean the ones of the loud, fierce, indie rock variety.  It's hard to imagine the duo topping their debut Treats, but I cannot wait to see them try.  

The band has released a teaser video in anticipation of their follow-up release, Reign of Terror (click here to view).  It's quite the appetizer.  Fans of their live shows will enjoy the clips from their time on the road, and Alexis Krauss looks amazing as always.  I'm ready for the main course.  Bring it.

"Oh, I need your bedroom eyes..."

In case you missed it, the Dum Dum Girls rocked the house last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,  Performing their infectious hit "Bedroom Eyes," the girls looked amazing and sounded even better...

Love, love, love this song and this performance.  Click here to see why...