Best Presidents in Movies/TV

Josiah 'Jed' Bartlett (played by Martin Sheen)-The West Wing-Jed Bartlett is everything I want in my President; he is wise, funny, but down to earth.  Although the President lied about his disease, as far as fake Presidents go he would be at the top of my list.  Sorkin has created two great Presidential characters in his time (one listed below Michael Douglas) and both of them have their similarities, but Jed Bartlett almost this mythical evolution of a character, and we get to see him evolve throughout the show's entire history.  The clip below is one of the reasons I admire him.

David Palmer (played by Dennis Haysbert)-24-24 had a lot of Presidents, Charles Logan, Wayne Palmer (brother), Allison Taylor, but you never forget the first.  While Charles Logan was the the most intensely crazy, Palmer was always the sound leader you wanted running the government.  David Palmer had to deal with a Lady Macbeth type wife, who tried to control everything from behind the scenes.  Palmer (the first in office) was the first, and best President on this show!

Laura Roslin (played by Mary McDonnell)-Battlestar Galactica-From Secretary of Education to President, Laura Roslin had the fight in her to make her one of the strong television President's I have ever seen, while battling cancer.  With little training this woman helped bring together civilization in the fight against the cylons, brilliant leadership.

Dave Kovic/Bill Mitchell (played by Kevin Kline)-Dave-What if you were a stand in for the President at events because you look like him; he has a heart attack, and then his staff asks you to secretly replace him?  This wonderfully charming film shows what happens when a regular guy (with common sense) steps into the oval office.  Kline is his usual charming self, and he takes on this role with great aplomb.

Andrew Shepherd (played by Michael Douglas)-The American President-Before there was Jed Bartlett, Aaron Sorkin wrote the character of Andrew Shepheard, a widower who courts a woman while President of the United States.  Both of his Presidents are liberal man, namely Democrats.  One of the best roles in his career, Douglas gets the opportunity to give great speeches about why history matters, and what role government plays within our system.  Brilliant character!

James Marshall (played by Harrison Ford)-Air Force One-Get off my plane!  The most bad ass President to grace either television or film.  Marshall takes on Russian hijackers of Air Force One on his own.  Harrison Ford is one of the coolest men, and no one has ever made the Presidency look so tough.

Thomas J. Whitmore (played by Bill Pullman)-Independence Day-Taking on an alien invasion gives you a few points in the tough department as well.  The clip below says it all about Pullman's President Whitmore;he is the kind of man you want leading you to battle in one of those tricky situations.

A Tribute to Great Films (and the Election): The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Many people would probably assume I would post about V for Vendetta on the 5th of November. Not so, the election movie that I am going to pay tribute to this month is The Manchurian Candidate (1962).  The film follows two soldiers whose platoon are captured during the Korean Conflict.  While in combat the soldier are kidnapped by the North Koreans and hypnotized to be under their control.  One soldier, Raymond Shaw, is set with a much more dangerous task through hypnosis.

This is one of my favorite films of all time, and is a brilliant critique of the Cold War, and the evolution of the American political structure.  Senator John Iselin represents a Joe McCarthy like character who is climbing the political stratosphere, and proclaiming there are Communist at all levels in the government.  The character is offish, and represents the power of manipulation that also effects some of the main two characters Major Marco Bennett (Frank Sinatra) and Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey). 

Shaw is Iselin's step son, and after he comes back from war, there is obviously something different about him; he comes back touted as a major war hero, a memory planted in his mind, and the mind of those he was serving with in Korea.  His status as a hero catpaults him to national celebrity bringing recognition to his step father, just the way his mother Mrs. Eleanor Shaw Iselin (Angela Landsbury) planned.

The direction from John Frankenheimer, along with Geroge Axelrod's script are amazing.  Frankenheimer builds this mysterious tension that is unlike anything that had been done before. The combination of this script and direction takes you on a journey where you have to confront what is real and what is not.  Who can you trust, and who is pulling the strings within the government.  Politics is a dangerous/dirty game, and this film proves that there is always more than meets the eye.  This is a beautifully directed intense thriller with some great characters.

While I have never thought Sinatra to be much an actor (great singer) he stretches himself here more than he did in any film, even his Oscar winning role in From Here to Eternity.  The most stunning performance comes from Angela Landsbury whose dark turn as Mrs, Iselin is one of the best villains to grace the screen; she is cold calculating, and manipulative as she gets her son to do things in order to further her husbands political capitol.  Watch this film and you will have a hard time picturing her in Cabot Cove.

This film showed people for the first time a different representation of the American political system, filled with corruption.  The Manchurian Candidate focused on a system that allowed someone like John Iselin to be the Vice Presidential candidate because scarred people into thinking there was no one better.  Sounds like what Mitt Romney is doing with his "plan" for the economy.  The 2012 Presidential Election has had a winding path, and while I always encourage people to vote, I can't support their vote for this man who is just not going to take this country in the right direction.  Tomorrow is a scary day, and I will be on the edge of my seat.

Politics has become a different game, and this film shows the birth of the change, who controls what and how it effects the American system.  The film was re-made in 2006, and while there may be have been a few changes the message is timeless.

Flight is a Bumpy Ride, Piloted by Solid Direction from Zemeckis and a Brilliant Performance from Denzel

Flight (3 1/2 out of 5 Stars)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Cast Away)

Written by John Gatins (Summer Catch, Coach Carter, Real Steel)

Starring: Denzel Washington, Don Cheedle, and John Goodman

Daylight savings almost prevented me from going to the movies tonight.  A fun tip for people checking movie times, if you are going to a Regal (I am assuming AMC does the same thing) Fandango is the only accurate website/app to use for looking at move times.  My intention was to see Cloud Atlas today, but because of how long the film is I ended up seeing Flight instead.  Flight ended up being a  bumpy ride, piloted by solid direction from Robert Zemeckis and a brilliant performance from Denzel Washington.

Flight, centers Captain Whip Whitaker (Washington) a pilot who ends up helping land a plane as it appears the plane is going to crash and kill everyone.  Instead of the plane crashing Whip miraculously glides the plane in saving the majority of the passengers on board.  The main problem in the after effects is the fact that Whip was drunk and high while flying the plane.

The film centers around Whip's addiction and the role it has played throughout his entire life.  As the story progresses there is no clear point that explains what happened to him to cause his drinking, but the root of the evil in his life is not the problem the main point is that he has a problem.  Whip has two face two large problems in the film the fact that he has an addiction and the fact that he was drunk and high while flying the plane.  With some casualties on the flight Whip faces prison time.

In his post crash world Whip meets a woman named Nicole (Kelly Reilly) in the hospital.  Nicole is an addict as well, and we see her at the beginning of her journey to help curb her problem.  While I like the concept of the parallel story, and the way these two interact, Nicole's journey and her interaction with Whip is often left with little substance.  Even Nicole's introduction feels awkward and clunky. This lack of depth, and poor character narrative speaks to one of the problems with the film, the script.

This is John Gatin's first time handling material that is this deep, his past films may have some overcoming adversity themes.  Gatins himself has talked openly about his own struggles with alcoholism, and I think he has used his own experiences to color the tale.  Using real life experiences can be powerful to help personalize a script, but it can also bog things down with cliches.  I think the running thematic connection for Gatins is the power of AA, and while this can work it does not always add the to story.

   Gatin's script is by no means bad, but there is a need for him to work on tightening things up, and avoiding the ABC after school special feel. There are also constant mentions of spirituality/faith and "acts of God," but I am not sure that this all connected in the to Whip's journey.  The script does a good job talking about ethics more than this "Act of God" concept, and should have focused solely on doing the right thing without playing the religion card.  As Washington is faced with one tough decision there is this brilliant direction which focuses on him and his characters pain, which he has been fighting throughout the whole film.

That scene with Denzel at the end of the film, along with the brilliant flight sequence in the beginning where the plane is going down is the work of director Robert Zemeckis.  Zemeckis has left the world of live action films for twelve years working on stop motion films (like the scary Polar Express), I am grateful to have him back in the live action world.  Flight, is not a typical Zemeckis like film; he challenges himself to step outside of the box, and work with the solid aspects of the script, and the brilliant acting from Denzel Washington to let the film speak for itself.

Washington character Whip is like Hanks in Cast Away; he is piloting his journey (basically solo) as he  battles his demons, throughout his experiences after this accident.  There were times when I hated this character, and like Whip's attorney Hugh Lang (Cheedle) said he was basically an arrogant asshole.  There is something different about this journey, something typical, but different (another solid part of the script) Whip is an anti-hero, someone you should be rooting  for, but you can't because you know his bender put people's lives at risk.  Washington's performance is one of his best in years, and proves he has the chops when given the right role.

Washington's performance saves the film, and even though there is solid word from the the other actors like Cheedles stodgy lawyer, and Goodman's scene stealing drug/alcohol buddy.  You never lose site of Denzel and the way he owns this role, and how magnetic he is playing this character.  The film has bumpy, and sometimes preachy moments, but they never overshadow Washington.

Political Animals Cancelled-A Show Cancelled too Early, or Just on Time?

A few days ago USA Network announced some major cancellations, which included Fairly Legal, Common Law, and Political Animals.  While I do not watch the first two, I was a fan of Political Animals, the show had potential.  Although the term cancelled was not used rather "the network is not moving forward."  I am not sure if the show is gone forever, but I am guessing the answer is yes, although they left a major cliffhanger out there, and many of the stories appeared to amp up for another go around.  With no closure the "limited series" fells like a disappointment.  However it could have continued to grow given more time, and place in a better time slot.

I often think networks have to let go an allow for certain shows to exist.  While I understand money talks, networks often kill shows that have huge cult followings with fans more loyal than any other show.  Political Animals will probably join the list below, but here are the shows (I watched) that were not given their due, and cancelled too soon.

Arrested Development-The show is the reason NBC has kept, The Office, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation etc., for so many years.  Arrested Development's quirky humor paved the way for off brand television humor, and FOX was widely criticized for canceling this show (a winner for Outstanding Comedy Series) in the third season.  The show is being reborn in 2013, with everyone on board, namely because this show has proved to become a bigger hit than anyone could imagine.

Family Guy-That's right folks, FOX cancelled this show too, many moons ago, but after amazing DVD  sales, and great ratings on Adult Swim they brought show back and Seth MacFarlene is a brand now.  MacFarlene's power is so great he has a loyal fan base following him into films with Ted, and he is going to host to Oscars this year.  FOX made a smart decision here (although the show needs to end), but bringing this show back was the right call to make.

Freaks and Geeks-NBC's only entry on the list.  This show about the 80s was equal parts comedy and drama, and was the most under appreciated show on the air.  If you look at the cast you will see a whose who of Hollywood A-Listers came from this show, and thats namely because Judd Apatow recycles the same actors.  The show could work a little better now with nostalgia being as popular, but I would also like to see them do a reunion special, that would give me the closure I need.

My So-Called Life-Claire Danes is one of the most talented actresses, but ABC let her slip through their fingers with this show.  At the time everyone was all about cops and doctors with the high paced tense shows like NYPD Blue, ER, and Law & Order taking over.  This was an honest representation of what it meant to be a teen in the 90s, and I would have liked to see Angela as she aged at least a few years more.

Pushing Daisies-I blame the writer's strike on this show's cancellation.  This is possibly one of the most fun/clever shows I have ever watched on television.  With a great cast, and a creative premise the show about the pie maker who brought people back to life to solve crimes was just too darn cute.  The end provided some closure, but I could have used one or two more seasons.

The same could be said for many shows within the sci-fi genre like Firefly, Star Trek, Terminator: The Sarah Connors Chronicles, or quirky dramas like Deadwood, Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls, and Veronica Mars.  Shows within specific niche genres always have had a hard time sticking around.  There have been shows like Lost, and The X-Files, which have helped other shows like Fringe have a fighting chance (although the only reason Fringe lasted was because its big wig's favorite show).

Do these shows end too early though, or does their shortened run make them creatively better and more like able?  I think if many of these shows lasted longer then they did fans would soon become bitter as they often do, and grow angry.  Maybe ending early is blessing that makes these shows better than the ones that last 10 or 12 years.  A good friend said to me today "things are better in small doses" and I think this is true within the world of television.

HFPA (Golden Globes) Announces Jodie Foster Named Cecille B. DeMille Recipient

Today the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced Jodie Foster as the winner of this year's Cecille B. DeMille Honor at this year's Golden Globes.  The Golden Globes have seemed to become the center of female empowerment this year with hosts Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler.  I have a feeling they are trying to compete with the Academy Awards this year, whose honorees are all men and their host is Seth MacFarlene.  While my gender theory, is just that, theory I do think there is something to be said for the battle of genders.

On to the honoree herself, Jodie Foster.  Foster has been nominated for four Academy Awards, and won twice; she was nominated for Supporting Actress in Taxi Driver (1976), and the rest of her nominations were in the Outstanding Lead Actress category, she won for The Accused (1988), and The Silence of the Lambs (1991), and was nominated for Nell (1994).

In the world of the Golden Globes she was nominated 7 times; she was nominated for three of the four roles listed above (not for Taxi Driver).  Foster was nominated for Best Actress Musical/Comedy twice for Freaky Friday (1977) and Carnage (2012); she was nominated for Actress Drama for Contact (1998), and The Brave One (2008).

Foster started her film/television career at the young age of 7 on The Doris Day Show in one episode.  Throughout her early years she continued to take small roles in television shows, but as you can see roles like the one in Taxi Driver and Freaky Friday set her up to be one of the biggest movie stars.

Foster has not stayed in front of the camera, she has also directed some television and film.  Foster's three major films she directed were Little Man Tate (1991), Home for the Holidays (1995), and The Beaver (2011).  None of these films got great reviews.

Foster is a talented actress, but on a short list of women who will have this honor, here is the list:

1962: Judy Garland (39)
1970: Joan Crawford (65)
1974: Bette Davis (65)
1979: Lucille Ball (67)
1985: Elizabeth Taylor (52)
1986: Barbara Stanwyck (78)
1989: Doris Day (64)
1990: Audrey Hepburn (60)
1993: Lauren Bacall (63)
1995: Sophia Loren (60)
1998: Shirley MacLaine (63)
2000: Barbara Streisand (57)

The last year a women won was 13 years ago, the longest span in the awards history that a woman has not won this award.  I like Foster, but she is on the young end of this honor, beyond Judy Garland she is the youngest person to win this honor at the young age of 50.  Like the other young winner Miss Taylor they both have two Oscars in the Lead Actress category on their mantles.  Foster is one deserving lady, but its interesting to see older ladies like Angela Landsbury, and Julie Andrews passed over for this award.

Girl Meets Boy? More from Corey and Topanga

Rumors around the internet are stating that Corey Matthews and Topanga Lawrence (Matthews) may be back on television again!  The Disney Channel has stated that it's may be time for everyone to meet Corey and Topanga's daughter.

The show is in early development, and the Disney Channel would wants to get Ben Savgae and Danielle Fishel back to play Corey and Topanga.  Let's hope they bring back Eric and Mr. Feeny as well, because what would this show have been without these two characters.

Nostalgia is running deep these days, more and more networks are playing this game.  Networks are bringing back the old gangs or re-doing a classic brand.  The CW did Melrose Place (failed) and 90210,  and TNT currently has Dallas.

This is an interesting trend, but could also hurt the brand of the original legacy.  Look at the Sex and the City films, the television series was widely regarded, but the films tarnished the brand a little.  The thing going for Girls Meets Boy is the formulaic sitcom element.  This is something that will allow fans to see their favorite stars from the past shows and embark on zany adventures.  Should be fun!

November Movies to See and Skip

This past month was filled with spooky stories (mostly sequels or re-makes), and indie darlings.  Most of the films released throughout the month of October were a build up Halloween, even the animated features.

There was Paranormal Activity 4, Silent Hill 2, and Sinister, these were the films that tried to get you to jump.  Then there two animated feature Hotel Transylvania, and Frankenweenie.  Frankenweenie received the best reviews, but did lousy at the box office, and Hotel Transylvania received middling reviews but was one of the biggest successes at the box office.  While Paranormal Activity had a solid opening, it was way down from the previous installments, and failed to hold a steady box office proving the franchise is weakening.  Most folks would rather stay in and watch their favorite old Halloween films than the ones coming out at the movies.

People wanted drama in the month of October.  The main star, of October, was the Ben Affleck directed Argo, which got amazing reviews (it was a great film), and has already made 60 million making it the Best Picture front runner at the moment.  Taken 2 has performed solidly at the box office, but was trashed by critics, I am intrigued to see if they turn this into a trilogy.

Then there the the bombs on all accounts, Here Comes the Boom, Alex Cross, and Chasing Mavericks.  These films did incredibly poorly, and received terrible reviews.  Like within our government its time for Hollywood to assess the structure of their film releases and the movies they are making.  Here's to hoping November is a bit more exciting.

November 2nd

Flight

Wreck-It Ralph

Look for Flight and Wreck-It Ralph to improve last week's box office numbers by a lot.  Wreck-IT Ralph will do well because it will appeal to kids of all ages, and looks just plain fun.  The film is also getting great reviews.  Denzel fans will show up for this one; he has a great box office track record, combine that with Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) directing and you have a hit.  Both are must see movies of the month.

November 9th

Skyfall (November 8th)

Lincoln

Another weekend filled with must see movies.  Skyfall looks fantastic, and its already killing it over seas at the box office.  Combine that with it being the 50th anniversary of the films, and you have a surefire hit on your hands.  I have seen Lincoln already, and boy is it great.  No film maker has tackled Lincoln, and Spielberg was the man for the job!

November 16th 

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (15th)

Anna Karenina 

Thank God the Twilight Saga is ending, that's all I have to say about that!  Anna Karenina looks beautiful, and Keira Knightly has grown into a very talented actress.  Twilight will dominate at the box office for the rest of November.

November 23rd

Silver Linings Playbook

Life of Pi

Hitchcock

Rise of the Guardians

Rust and Bone

Thanksgiving weekend has a lot of interesting options, Life of Pi is being hailed as "the next Avatar" in television spots, but I do not think audience are going to show up like they did for Avatar.  The film looks solid though.  Silver Linings Playbook will have the Juno effect, solid cast solid word of mouth, and it will do well at the box office.  Hitchcock and Rust and Bone both look fantastic but they will do solid business in their limited release.  Rise of the Guardians looks weird and I am not sure the marketing is working well at the moment, so it could be a lower box office draw.

November 30th

Killing them Softly

Brad Pitt playing a bad-ass never looked so good, this film has a great cast and solid reviews, and looks bloody (literally) brilliant.  I am there!

Must See-Flight, Wreck-It Ralph, Lincoln, Skyfall, Silver Linings Playbook, Hitchcock, Life of Pi, Killing Them Softly

Skip-Twilight (come on folks)