A Tribute to Great Films: The Philadelphia Story (1940)

In a time when comedy is cheap and laughs come at the expense of the audience few films resemble the classic romantic comedy, The Philadelphia Story.  The film, directed by George Cukor (My Fair Lady, Adam’s Rib, A Star is Born, and Born Yesterday) follows socialite Tracy Lord (Katherine Hepburn) whose wedding plans are complicated by her husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) involving himself and tabloid writer Macaulay Connor (Jimmy Stewart) and tabloid photographer Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey).  The combination of these plot elements make for one of the funniest/sweetest films of all time.  The film was nominated for 6 Academy Award including Best Picture and Best Director.

The plot of this film centers around gossip within high society, and the way it impacts people being themselves.  In this film (based on the play) Tracy’s father has taken up with a dancer in New York City, and has walked away from the family for the time being.  As the wedding draws near he finally returns, but Tracy hopes to keep her families name out of the tabloids, and move forward with class and dignity, even though she herself had a messy divorce.

The film has a modern sensibility, and proves that throughout time motifs are transient.  I have not seen 1956 film, High Society, that retools this story, but I doubt the film can measure up (I am hesitatingly adding it to my watch list). The film The Women (1939), was directed by the same director, and was given a more modern retelling in 2008 with the likes of Meg Ryan, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith and audiences did not turn out in droves.  Films are often remade because modern day audiences say things like “I don’t like old movies” or “Why should I watch a movie about something I can’t relate to, or that’s black and white?”  When I hear people say this about film, or specifically old movies I refer them to this film, and many of the other Hepburn comedies.  The spirit of this film shines with an eternal brightness, thanks in large part to the direction of the wonderful George Cukor. 

Cukor has had two distinguished monographs placed upon him.  During his time he was known as a “woman’s director.”  Cukor directed many great performances from Katherine Hepburn in films like this one, and Adam’s Rib; he also directed Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (the performance gained no Oscar nomination), Judy Garland in a Star is Born, the film The Women, and greats like Greta Garbo.  This is only a brief list of the women he worked with, but this man knew how to get the best out of these talented women.  Cukor abhorred this label, and was more proud of another accomplishment. Cukor is the director who has had the most actors go on to win in Lead Actor category: Jimmy Stewart-The Philadelphia Story, Ronald Coleman-A Double Life, and Rex Harrison-My Fair Lady.

Cukor’s career is one of the most fascinating careers, mainly because he had a role in the future direction of the classic films The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, but is not credited as directing either film.  Cukor never shot a single scene for Oz, but he did make a few creative changes that would be instrumental to future of the film’s production.  Dorothy originally had a blonde wig, and wore fare more make-up, but Cukor told them to lose the wig, and had Garland stick with acting more youthful, and innocent.  Cukor also changed the make-up on the scarecrow, the wicked witch’s make-up, and her wig.  With Gone with the Wind Cukor was a perfectionist aiming to create the perfect world that was envisioned my author Margaret Mitchell.  Cukor spent numerous hours working with both Olvia de Haviland and Vivien Leigh to coach them; he also worked to get a southern accent out of Clark Gable, which is notably missing from the final production..  Cukor’s perfectionist style, created conflict with studio head David O. Selznick, thus allowing him to direct The Women, and start his career on a different path that lead to him working on this film with an incredibly talented cast.  These two stories are just a snapshot of what makes Cukor one of the most fascinating directors during his time, and fueled some of the great performances specifically within this film.

This film had an incredible ensemble and singling out any one of the performances is almost impossible the four main leads were all incredible.  The standout to me is the brilliant Katherine Hepburn; she is the rock of the film, and her comedic timing is something she is not given enough credit for.  Watching Hepburn deal with realizing that she has never been honest with her true self is one of the greatest evolutions to watch.  Hepburn received a Best Actress Oscar nomination (one of her 12) for this film, but did not win.  Tracy becomes well rounded, and her closing speech at the end to her party guests through the words of Dexter is so beautiful.

The only main character of the four main characters not to be nominated for and Oscar is the charismatic Cary Grant.  Grant plays a great foil to Tracy; he is witty to a fault and does a great job playing puppet master to at first cause trouble for Tracy, but down deep he involves himself with her because he still loves her.  Grant was only nominated twice for an Academy Award, but would only win an Honorary Oscar in 1970.   His snub for this film is a travesty.

While Cary Grant was not nominated for this film Jimmy Stewart was, and he won the Academy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.  Stewart’s Macaulay or Mike is the compass of the film; he is the writer in the film, and even though he is an outsider to the family you see most of the film through his lense.  Stewart’s always been a wonderfully capable actor, and plays the everyman better than anyone I have ever seen.  In this film he carries much of the working class observation on his shoulders, and allows for viewers to understand and really know the Lord family.

Most of this brilliance can be attributed to Academy Award winning screenplay,  This is one of my favorite screenplays of all time,   Screenwriter Donald Ogden Stewart knows how to weave to witty repartee, and the beautiful love story so well that you almost feel as though you are an intruder on this families hilarious yet beautiful experience.  I am beyond grateful Hollywood has not remade this film for the modern audience, and I hope some butcher never tries to have someone like Jennifer Anniston take on the Tracy Lord part, God help us all if this ever happens.

Dream Emmy Nominees in Other Categories (Mini-Series/Movie, Reality Television, Animated Programming, and Technical Categories)

The Emmy Awards are not just about Comedy and Drama, but they also have many other categories , which contribute to the fabric of primetime television.  Here are some of my dream nominees for variety programming, reality series, animated series, and the mini-series/movie category.  Six days until the nominations are announced!






                                                                                    Outstanding Reality Competition Series
RuPaul's Drag Race-A reality show so different, yet the same as many others that keeps you excited about the action week after week.  RuPaul has made Logo something to be proud of (a rare occasion).  This reality competition program continued to be on fire this season, and glitter bombs the competition into dust.  

Outstanding Reality Host

Cat Deely-So You Think You Can Dance-Deely makes hosting so effortless, and fun, as it should be; she is one of the more natural hosts working today and I appreciate her most.I am not a huge fan of this reality show (mainly because i have an ex that is associated with the show at one point) but Deely makes the reality show fresh with her natural hosting abilities.

Outstanding Variety Series
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon-One of my least favorite SNL cast members who could never keep a straight face for the camera has turned out to be one of the strongest late night hosts.  Fallon is terrific, and he has found his grove in comedy so much so that even when he hosted SNL this year he was actually one of the best hosts of the season.  Most of this can be attributed to his maturity, thanks to great work on this show.




Outstanding Mini-Series/Movie
Sherlock Holmes: Scandal in Belgravia-Although I kind of wish this went into the drama series category like Downton Abbey, I think this is one of the mini-series I have ever watched.  Mark Gattis, and Stevem Moffat constructed the most beautifully brilliant writing combined with great performances.  Choosing this specific "movie"within the second series was brilliant.  Sherlock Holmes versus Irene Adler, the henchwoman of Moriarty.  This was one of the best constructed episodes which explores more emotional levels of Holmes, brilliant!

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Mini-Series/Movie
Benedict Cumberbatch-Sherlock Holmes: Scandal in Belgravia-One of the best performances I have seen this year.  Holmes is usually cold, full of procedure, and unwilling to open up.  In Belgravia Holmes meets Irene Adler, and this opens up the emotionally raw side of him, letting one of the most touching yet heart wrenching performances commence.  Cumberbatch is brilliant as the typical Sherlock, but also shows more depth.


Outstanding Lead Actress in a Mini-Series/Movie
Julianne Moore-Game Change-When Tina Fey did her impression, audiences laughed.  When Julianne Moore stepped into these shoes for this film everyone was floored in a different way.  Moore played this polarizing role with passion, without mimicry, and that makes me feel for Palin at times, while walking away from the film hating her.  What a performance!


Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series/Movie
Ed Harris-Game Change-What's a nomination for Sarah Palin's portrayer without the man who was actually poised for the White House.  Harris gave a strong performance that was not even close to mimicry; he was strong stoic, and did the repeat loser for the bid for the highest office justice.




Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series/Movie
Frances Conroy-American Horror Story-Lange was the stand out, but Conroy was may be another over looked scene stealer in this category merely because she does not have a big name.  One of my favorite parts of this show was Conroy, I hope she can steal a nomination.

Outstanding Main Title Design
American Horror Story-I recently sited this as one of the best main title designs of all time, hence why it should be nominated and win the Emmy for this category this year.  The design is spooky, and brilliantly ties in the plot of the series.

Outstanding Animated Series
Archer-This is not the traditional animated series, but it's currently the most original on the air, and deserves to win over the tired Simpson's and South Park.  My hope is that the show gets its due and get nominated.

Outstanding Original Song-Lazy Sunday Part 2 performed by Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg-Saturday Night Live-The perfect sequel to part one, and one of the best ways for Samberg and his creative team behind his digital shorts to leave SNL.  The digital shorts made SNL relevant again, and Samberg, the mastermind behind these, had a brilliant sequel.  The first Lazy Sunday short was the first of its kind, and it made me smile to see a sequel.

Dream Emmy Ballot: Outstanding Comedy Series

This is my second to last dream ballot, which is one week away from the live Emmy nominations announcement.  Unlike in the the drama category there were a handful of series in their first season that had a great shot at entering into this category.  Shows like Girls, Veep, New Girl, and Enlightened all have chances at a nomination.  On my ballot I picked Girls, but Emmy voters are likely to go for Veep in the Comedy series category because of the topic and pedigree of the show.  30 Rock is out in all of my categories because this year was finally too weak to fit into my own personal categories, but the show will still make it into the Emmy's (out of habit).  Community should be the NBC show that replaces 30 Rock.  Two sad sack comedians have shows jockeying for a spot in this category as well, Louis C.K. and Larry David.  Both would be deserving, and looking at this long list it proves that comedy ruled this year,

The Big Bang Theory-This is is only the only traditional series within this race.  The Big Bang Theory is one of the only sitcom like shows on the air that reminds audiences why sitcoms were great.  Week after week we join the foursome of dorks and their ladies on their wacky adventures which center around academia (mainly science), comics, video games, and the Cheesecake Factory.  Leonard finally admitted Amy was his girlfriend, a big step for the socially incapable Leonard.  The funniest storyline which made this show great this year wedding of Howard Wolowitz to Bernadette.  While Howard is not usually used to the best of the shows ability, Big Bang finally made the characters story arc one of the best on the show, and it worked well.           

Community-Probably the funniest show this season.  Community started out their season slow taking the Greendale 7 to Biology class together, but the series soon hit it out the park with some of their best episodes.  In "Remedial Chaos Theory" the gang explores the possibility of seven different timelines while they play yahtzee, which made for some hilarious television.  Then watching the gang through the lens of Britta tell scary stories and try to figure out which of the group is a pyscopath.  The show hit it out of the park this year with their Law & Order spoof, filling in for the glee club, helping Dean Pelton film a commercial for Greendale, and ultimately entering a nintendo like RPG.  Episode after episode this season this show was on fire!

                                                  
Girls-A show about privilege, that tackles the hilarious situations of creator, writer, director, and star Lena Dunham in the role of Hannah Horvitz.  Hannah is surrounded by her three friends Marnie (Allison Williams), Jessa (Jemima Krke), and Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet), each lady has their own story by like within other girl centered shows, but the self obsessed Hannah is  central.  Each of these girls is flawed, Marnie thinks she is above everything, Jessa is independent yet clueless, Shoshanna is desperate to fit into the different roles she thinks she should fit, and Hannah our heroine never gives herself the credit or esteem to be self suffiecient.  These characters and this show sound horrible, but with Dunham at the center creatively she weaves all of the qualities into one of the most uniquely witty, and most innovative comedies of the year.  Walking in on your parents naked in the shower, nuff said.

Louie-Louis C.K. balances the comedy and pain of everyday life brilliantly, one of my favorite moments from this season is when his sister comes to stay with him (she’s pregnant) and she starts screaming in the middle of the night.  Louie’s neighbors come to his rescue, he does not know these two men, but one of them goes with him to the hospital meanwhile one stays with his two young daughters.  As the doctor’s start to furiously work on his sister she lets out a massive fart, and her screaming subsides.  I did one of the biggest belly laughs I have ever done.  When Louie gets home you are still laughing from the heart, but you still find the beauty in the connection he makes with his neighbors.  The central theme to this show is the balance of these two elements from Louie’s failure in sitcom to his daily struggle with love and fatherhood.  This show knocks it out the park because of the star and creator Louis C.K.

Modern Family-While the show has started to plateau in terms of creativity the show is still one of the funniest one television.  For the Dumphy’s the show centered around Claire running for city council, Haley potentially heading off to college and the family dealing with this, and Phil just being Phil.  Cam and Mtchell dealt with Lily growing up, her swearing, and potentially wanting another child.  Meanwhile the Pritchertt’s dealt mostly with the growth of Jay as he danced ballet on stage with his granddaughter, and took one magical trip to Disney.  The show is hilarious and creates these infectious moments about love and family that are incredibly meaningful.

Parks and Recreation-Vote for Leslie! Leslie Knope for office.  Amy Poehler and the ensemble at this show are one of the best working teams on comedy.  The show focused on Leslie’s election for city council; she tackled a lot of different obstacles from a relationship with her boss, getting dropped by her team, facing the town’s golden boy Bobby Newport and his hot shot campaign manager, losing Ben, trying to walk a red carpet on an ice rink that was too short, all on the road to winning her election.  What a hilarious journey.  Her team at the office of Parks and Rec had their own great moments, with Ron frisking Swanson confronting all the Tammy’s in his life, Andy and April finding their passion, and adjusting to married life with a three legged dog.  Ann and Tom started to date, Chris dealing with imperfection, Jerry being Jerry, Donna treating herself, and Ben embracing his dork dressing up as batman, and finding his groove as Leslie’s campaign manager.

The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes

Yesterday I finally sat down and started watching the first series of Sherlock, the BBC television series, which is an adaptation of the works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  Scottish author and physician Doyle created the character of Sherlock Holmes in 1887, in a series of short stories.  Holmes is seen as a "consulting" detective for Scotland Yard; he uses an acute sense of logical reasoning, has a knack for disguises, and forensic science to help solve crimes.  Doyle's characterization of this man, has left an indelible mark of literature that has moved into being an important part of film and television.

In more recent years Sherlock Holmes has captivated audiences in many different methods.  One of the most interesting adaptations, or interpretations is the television series House (or House M.D.).  Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie) is a cantankerous doctor who uses that insane acute logical reasoning, along with medical knowledge to help his team solve medical mysteries at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.  House's confident and closest friend is Dr. James Wilson, the more kind hearted, and level headed of the pair.  Most loyal fans of the show have seen this connection, but to everyday viewer probably misses out on how Doyle's massively famous detective influenced television creator David Shore.  Shore brilliantly deduced that Holmes popularity could be translated in a not so obvious way to Laurie's sarcastic doc.  The show was a massive success and recently just ended its series run this past May.

In 2009 Sherlock Holmes received a more literal adaptation with film distributed by Warner Brothers entitled, go figure, Sherlock Holmes.  This film centered on 1891 London and the the relationship between Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his trusty side-kick Watson (Jude Law) as they investigated the supposed death of Lord Blackwood.  The film, directed by Guy Ritchie,  was released on Christmas Day, opened to decent reviews, and made a large sum at the box office proving that the legend of this famous detective had a lot of bite.  Two years later in 2011 Ritchie returned to the directors chair, and brought back Downey Jr. and Law in the sequel entitled Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.  The sequels reviews were not as strong, and audiences did not show up right away but in the slow holiday season, audiences returned to 221 B Baker to watch Holmes take on his arch nemesis Professor James Moriarty (Jarred Harris).

The real crowning achievement (quality wise) in the world of adaptations is the recent BBC adaptation of the classic story.  The television series entitled Sherlock, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a modern day Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson his faithful sidekick.  This modern birthed by Mark Gattis, and Steven Moffat puts Holmes and Watson in similar mysterious situations, but uses modern day touches to help carefully create beautiful stories.  Steven Moffat's writing is brilliantly paced, and within what the Brits call the first series (or season) the three episodes explore mysteries with a commercial free 90 minutes that allows the mystery, and character development to unfold nicely.  Gattis and Moffat use classic Holmes stories to help construct their modern day adaptation of this story.  One of my favorite aspects of the show is that Watson is a blogger instead of a physician turned author, that minor detail never feels trite or pandering merely the sign these men know how to construct a modern adaptation of classic literature.

In the fall Sherlock Holmes is getting an American adaptation with the television series Elementary.  The differences are that Holmes is moving the New York, and his sidekick is Joan Watson a female played by Lucy Lui.  Obviously one of the differences here is that the homoerotic undertones to Holmes will be missing in this series, which are beautifully woven in the BBC version.  This show could be a massive success because of the lore of the character, and it's on CBS, which will pull in a wide demographic.  The major question is why does this character translate so well?

These television shows, and films are just a hand full of the most recent adaptations within 2000s.  Before the 2000s there were films dating as far back as 1939, and television series adaptations as recent as the 1980s.  This character's intense ways for crime solving are indelible.  Doyle left a lasting mark in literature that has evolved into more recent mediums of popular culture, much like the way Shakespeare influences popular culture today.  The character of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are the perfect dynamic duo, they complete each other signifying this great push and pull.  There is chemistry on friend level, which allows these two men to work congruently as they fight crime, and solve the most fascinating mysteries.  People love well plotted mysteries (they even love poorly plotted ones), but within this varying adaptations we are left with incredible adaptations of one of the most complicated men, solving mysteries, what more could modern day audiences want?  Nothing.

In Memoriam: Ernest Borgnine

Today Academy Award winning actor Ernest Borgnine passed away at the age of 95.   Borgnine passed away from kidney failure.  This man will be remembered as a living legend and character actor throughout films and television.

From 1951 through the present day Borgnine starred in 115 films, his first major notice came when he played "Fatso" in Best Picture winner From Here to Eternity.  That role garnered him a lot of attention, and helped him land the role of the lonely Italian butcher named Marty.  Borgnine earned massive critical acclaim for the role, which was a hit hit with audiences as well.  The role won him an Academy Award for Best Actor, the film also won the Best Picture Oscar.  Borgnine portrayed a wide variety of characters, and many of the characters he was known for were his villainous roles in films like Vera Cruz, and Bad Day at Black Rock.  Borgnine was not a celebrity who was afraid to shy away from television. 


In the 1960s he starred in the television comedy McHales Navy as McHale which ran from 1962-1967.  During these days few film stars went to the medium of television.  Many movie stars felt as thought television was a lower form of entertainment, but this shows that Borgnine was a different actor.  Borgnine was more of character actor, and showed he had many talents.

Borgnine has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, nominated for 3 Emmy Awards, and was honored with the lifetime achievement award by his peers in the Screen Actor's Guild in 2011.  This man was a beloved figure.

In recent years the actor garnered controversy as well as a voting member of the Academy he loudly vocalized descent against the film Brokeback Mountain; he stated that John Wayne would be spinning in his grave over the film, and that he refused to watch the film, he also said to each his own, but his attitude shows this old school mentality that is not welcome in my world of film.  Everything deserves a chance.  Even Mr. Borgnine.  I debated not writing about his death, but I felt I needed to respect his legacy, and the impact he had on film; he should have done the same.

Dream Emmy Ballot: Outstanding Directing, Guest Acting, and Writing in a Comedy Series

A strong comedy needs support from their guest actors just like a drama does, but within the comedy world these guest actors also need to be more than just superstar cameos.  Within the last decade many comedies have used guest stars to lure people into watching their shows, and have not done a good job of fitting guests into the fabric of the show.  Shows that were bad offenders with this in the past were Will & Grace, and Friends, and some current offenders are Glee, and 30 Rock.  Three of the these four shows are my favorite shows (except for Glee), but they have abused the guest acting privilege like no other. If I listed their misuse of guest stars within each of these shows the list could be longer than this entire blog post.

This year Parks and Recreation did an excellent job using their guest stars like Kathryn Hahn and Paul Rudd who fit in perfectly with Leslie's election story line.  Hahn was the bigger standout to me.  Modern Family has been a major offender at times of not knowing how to use their guest stars properly but this season using Bobby Cannavale as Cam's clown friend was genius, and Ellen Barkin as Phill's rival in real estate was side splitting.  Within the last couple of year's there have also been many nominees who played themselve in television shows like Kate Winslet and Ian McKellan in Extras.  This year Michael J. Fox and Joan Rivers got major laughs with their perspective guest starring roles on Curb, and Louie.  Fox was funny in playing against type or how we perceive him, while Joan was true to form, in coaching Louie in his career.


Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Bobby Cannavale-Modern Family
Michael J. Fox-Curb Your Enthusiasm
John Goodman-Community
Justin Long-New Girl
Paul Rudd-Parks and Recreation
Louis C.K.-Parks and Recreation

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Becky Anny Baker-Girls
Ellen Barkin-Modern Family
Patricia Clarkson-Parks and Recreation
Kathryn Hahn-Parks and Recreation
Megan Mullally-Happy Endings
Joan Rivers-Louie

Direction in a comedy series helps the performers guide them on the way to making the audience laugh.  Brilliant directors build on the shows writing, and actors to help put together moments we will never forget.  Iconic television director James Burrows who has directed for Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, The Bob Newhart Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, and Will & Grace is the best comedic director in television of all time.  Burrows brought the cast of Friends together prior to their first episode to get the group to build a comradery, that was apparent on screen.  Burrows did the same with all of his other shows, and helped define many sitcoms as massive hits, and classic television.

Today direction in a comedy has evolved because television comedies have evolved from the traditional sitcom.  Shows like Curb, Louie, Veep, and Happy Endings prove television comedies are more sophisticated than they ever have been.  Watching Brad's dance to the dentist chair in
"The St Valentine's Day Maxssacre" or the random way the dice can change events in Community's "Remedial Chaos Theory" prove that even more traditional shows have mastered a new art of bringing comedy into our living rooms.  Welcome to the new age of comedic direction, and sample on this great list of brilliantly directed episodes.

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Curb Your Enthusiasm-The Palestinian Chicken-Robert B. Weide
Community-Remedial Chaos Theory-Jeff Melman
Girls-Welcome to Bushwick aka the Crackcident-Jody Lee Lipes
Happy Endings-The St Valentine's Day Maxssacre-Joe Russo
Louie-Duckling-Louis C.K.
Veep-Chung-Armando Iannucci


Writing is the key to comedic television, shows whose writing becomes sloppy, or forgets character and becomes too slapstick is much more apparent in comedy.  Even in it's third year Community had some weak moments, but also had two of the funniest episodes of television with both "Remedial Chaos Theory" and the Law & Order spoof "Basic Lupine Urology."  Community knows how to weave character development with witty/snarky humor that resonates throughout the shows episode, and all season long.  This show is brilliantly written.


Two new HBO series hit it out of the park in their first year, Veep and Girls, two shows with female leads.  Recently Adam Carolla stated that women are not funny, but these two shows prove he is mistaken.  Dunham is the creator, writer, director, and star of her show.  While the shows humor can be off-putting to many, Dunham's self-efficacy is on point in her writing.  While Veep is written by men the show is about the first female Vice President, and the awkward moments contribute to one of the funniest political satires on office ever.  4 of the nominees in this category happen to be women as well, proving that throughout the evolution of television of comedy women are getting more opportunities to show how funny they truly can be.


Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Community-Remedial Chaos Theory-Chris McKenna 
Community-Basic Lupine Urology-Megan Ganz
Girls-Pilot-Lena Dunham
Modern Family-Little Bo Bleep-Cindy Chupack
Parks and Recreation-The Debate-Amy Poehler 
Veep-Chung-Sean Gray & Armando Iannucci & Will Smith

Movies that Put Life into Perspective: She's Having a Baby Edition

Yesterday I went to my second baby shower ever, and on Friday I went shopping for gifts for the baby shower with my friend Drew.  Baby shopping was a whole new world for me.  We ventured into Babies R Us where the women at registry area attempted to be the best saleswoman she could be, but instead ended up taking us on a wild goose chase when we had come up with our own gifts we thought would work best.  I also think I found out that I am far from ready to wanting a child.  Baby shopping was not for me.  On Saturday I drove with Drew to Rhode Island for my friend Jenna's baby show, while I am not a big baby shower guy, and I sure do not get down with the baby games I was happy to see Jenna and Nate on their way to becoming parents.  Watching these two go through this process while Jenna has been pregnant has been a fun experience, they have not freaked out (that I have seen), and they seem ready.  I am sure that there are lots of nerves on the inside, but they will do a great job.

Watching them prepare for this experience and being at the baby shower reminded me of the movies She's Having a Baby (1988).  The film is a product of the great director/writer John Hughes and stars Kevin Bacon (Jake Briggs) and Elizabeth McGovern (Kristy Briggs) as young recently married parents who are expecting a baby.  While the film mainly deals with Jake's immaturity towards impending fatherhood, the final moments of the film reveal his growth throughout the film, and his love for his wife, and their soon to be child.    The film is funny, and heartwarming like most John Hugh's films and allows you to see the growth of loves that exists when life changing events happen in people's lives.

I love this film because it makes me think about how I would react toward having a baby at the moment not my friends. The film also makes me think about just how much a baby can change.  As I was typing this I was thinking about inviting my friends out to dinner, or to the movies, and while these things are simple now they can be completely turned around when you throw a baby into the equation.  Now that I have gotten the Debbie Downer out of me, I am excited to be an "uncle" to this baby, and more excited for Jenna and Nate because they are going to be great parents.  Parenthood is an interesting road, one with peaks and valleys, but one thing is for sure that these two will have one precious bundle of joy that will love them forever when Edmund (their son's name) is born.