Film Fascination

I am the movie critic for The Little Paper of San Saba, a town with no theater. Nonetheless, a good friend, Cecil, decided I needed a press pass worthy of my title. So far, this has garnered no free movies, no free popcorn - just a few laughs. I don't care. I love the movies and the experience. The concept of NetFlix is cool - discs in the mail or streaming video whenever you want to watch a movie. We even have a big screen and comfy chairs with cupholders. But I am easily distracted and less involved at home.

I enjoy the movie theater experience and agree with a quote from director Werner Herzog (WSJ, 2/23/10). "I'm sitting there in awe and astonishment and I enjoy to be in a place where there are people around you and the curtain opens and the miracle begins."

Superb acting, dialogue, scenery, costumes - there's just nothing like movie magic.

This year the nominees for Best Original Screenplay are:
Mark Boat: The Hurt Locker
Quentin Tarantino: Inglourious Basterds
Alessandro Camon and Owen Moverman: The Messenger
Joel Cohen and Ethan Cohen: A Serious Man
Bob Peterson, Peter Doctor, and Tom McCarthy: Up

All worthy contenders. Writers rule!

Reel Fun at Ben's Chili Bowl

Last night was opening night for Reel Affirmations 18, the LGBT film festival in Washington, DC. The 11 day festival, presented by One In Ten, is the premier event organized by the group -- who also produces comedy shows, mini-film festivals and other fun events throughout the year.

I served on the board of One In Ten for a number of years, so opening night is always a good chance to catch up with some good friends.

The opening night film, Breakfast with Scot, was quite fun and I would highly recommend it. The comedy features Tom Cavanagh, of the hit series ED, Scrubs, and the new series Eli Stone, and Ben Shenkman of Angles in America and Law & Order.

Eric (Cavanagh) lives for all things hockey, manly and orderly. His partner Sam (Shenkman) suddenly finds that he is temporary guardian of his young nephew Scot - a swishy 11-year old who was recently orphaned. As the three settle in Eric soon begins to rethink the compromises he's made in his own life in order to be 'accepted.'

The breakthrough with the making of this film is that it's the first time a professional sports league has allowed their logo and uniforms to be used in a gay-themed movie.

Breakfast with Scot is a touching film that should be viewed by the whole family. It deals in a subtle way with prejudice, and how one young boy manages to bring even the school bully around to become his friend. The film is available on DVD, so if you get a chance to see it, do.

By this point you might be wondering why the title of this post is "Fun at Ben's Chili Bowl." Well, before the film started my friend and I ducked into Ben's for a chili dog and fries. Ben's Chili Bowl is a landmark in Washington, DC -- a place where it's not uncommon to see Bill Cosby when he's in town, or a host of other celebrities. Well last night Ben's lived up to its reputation in that regard.

Almost as soon as we sat down, out walks Sarah Jessica Parker -- who had been dining in an adjacent room. A couple of young women quickly surrounded her to have their picture taken with the Sex in the City star. Sarah looked great, was very friendly with everyone, and said hello to my friend and me as she passed our table.

As she left Ben's I turned to my friend and quipped, "I only take you to the best spots in DC!" ha

.

It's Oscar time!!

NOMINATIONS - 79TH AWARDS - WHO WILL WIN


Best motion picture of the year
BABEL
THE DEPARTED
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
THE QUEEN


Achievement in directing
Alejandro González Iñárritu - BABEL
Martin Scorsese - THE DEPARTED
Clint Eastwood - LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
Stephen Frears - THE QUEEN
Paul Greengrass - UNITED 93


Performance by an actress in a leading role
Penélope Cruz - VOLVER
Judi Dench - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Helen Mirren - THE QUEEN
Meryl Streep - THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
Kate Winslet - LITTLE CHILDREN


Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Adriana Barraza - BABEL
Cate Blanchett - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Abigail Breslin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Jennifer Hudson - DREAMGIRLS
Rinko Kikuchi - BABEL


Performance by an actor in a leading role
Leonardo DiCaprio - BLOOD DIAMOND
Ryan Gosling - HALF NELSON
Peter O'Toole - VENUS
Will Smith - THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Forest Whitaker - THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND


Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Alan Arkin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Jackie Earle Haley - LITTLE CHILDREN Djimon Hounsou - BLOOD DIAMOND
Eddie Murphy - DREAMGIRLS
Mark Wahlberg - THE DEPARTED


Best animated feature film of the year
CARS
HAPPY FEET
MONSTER HOUSE


Best documentary feature
DELIVER US FROM EVIL
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS
JESUS CAMP
MY COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY


Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
"I Need to Wake Up" - AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
"Listen" - DREAMGIRLS
"Love You I Do" - DREAMGIRLS
"Our Town" - CARS
"Patience" - DREAMGIRLS


Adapted screenplay
BORAT CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR
MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN
CHILDREN OF MEN
THE DEPARTED
LITTLE CHILDREN
NOTES ON A SCANDAL


Original screenplay
BABEL
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
PAN'S LABYRINTH
THE QUEEN