Today while at home I watched one of my favorite romantic comedies, You've Got Mail. The film reminded me about the charm and grace Meg Ryan had within these movies; she was truly a star, and could make you fall in love with her different characters over and over again. Like with every actress the days of their time within romantic comedies end, and they have to pass the crown on to someone else. Prior to the 2000s (the late eighties and nineties) three women's names dominated the world of romantic comedies, Bullock, Roberts, and Ryan. As the 2000s began new leading ladies tried to add themselves to this elite list, and while many tried few came close to the glory.
Reese Witherspoon holds the title as being one of the most successful women of the decade. Reese started the decade strong with the hit Legally Blonde (2001); she followed up this film one year later with another big hit Sweet Home Alabama (2002) where she had to choose between Patrick Dempsey and Josh Lucas (talk about a Sophie's Choice). After her Oscar win in 2005 Witherspoon stepped away from these roles trying to prove her dramatic chops even further, but her career has not been as strong; she has not been in many successful films.
A few other woman have vied for this crown throughout this decade:
Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up, 27 Dresses, The Ugly Truth, Killers, Life as we Know it, New Year's Ever, and One for the Money). Heigl's first two films on the list were hits, but she has been known to be a bit of a diva, and the rest of these romantic comedies fell flat for her career.
Kate Hudson started her ascension to this title in 2003 with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and the film was major hit, which had her move toward more films like this and less like Almost Famous, unfortunately. After this Hudson starred in a series of attrocious romantic comedies including: Alex & Emma, Raising Helen, You Me & Dupree, Fool's Gold, My Best Friend's Girl, Bride Wars, and Something Borrowed. Kate tried to capture lightening in a bottle, but the bottle cracked.
Drew Barrymore tried this during the 2000s as well, after a few successes in the 90s with The Wedding Singer, Never Been Kissed, she had a real shot with her charm, but not much ever took. Barrymore tried with Duplex, 50 First Dates, Fever Pitch, and Music and Lyrics. The truth is the girl has talent, see Grey Gardens, but she is not the romantic comedy gal anymore.
These are just four ladies who tried to be the next Meg Ryan/Julia Roberts/Sandra Bullock. Three of the most successful Queens of the world of romantic comedies. These three woman picked the right movies (most of the time) and were able to make the chemistry work. While the four women above tried to dethrone them, the only real woman who could be added to this list for the 2000s is the Queen of Film, Ms. Meryl Streep.
Meryl has proven two things, age does not matter, and she can really take on any role Throughout the 2000s and 2010s she has starred in some of the best romantic comedies of the decade: Mamma Mia!, The Devil Wears Prada (although more about Hathaway), Julie & Julia, It's Complicated, and Hope Springs. The difference between Meryl and the women listed above is that she knows how to pick a movie, and her performance can always turn a bad movie into a good; she has the advantage.
Romantic comedies have become too formulaic, and Streep has changed things up for the decade because as an older woman she is reviving the genre, and proving you are never too old for love!
Directed and Written by David O'Russell (The Fighter, Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees)
Starring:Bradley Cooper, Jennfier Lawrence, Jacki Weaver, and Robert DeNiro
David O. Russell's last film The Fighter was a true testament to his versatility. The film was a little more of a by the book story that lacked the dark sense of humor present in his other films, Three Kings, Flirting with Disaster and I Heart Huckabees. Silver Linings Playbook has blended together these two different styles. Based on the novel with the same name by Matthew Quick, O'Russell creates a story that is both sad and touching.
The film starts with Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) being picked up by his mother Dolores Solitano (Jacki Weaver) from a state institution after he spent 8 months there on a plea bargain. Pat goes back home to live with his mother and father Pat Solitano Sr. (Rober DeNiro) in Philadelphia. As soon as Pat gets back to Philadelphia he begs his mother to take him to the library so he can pick up the books from Nikki's syllabus. Nikki was Pat's wife, and during their marriage Nikki was found cheating on Pat with a fellow teacher. Pat snapped and beat the guy up pretty bad, and after his time in the treatment facility he has to deal with his own undiagnosed bi-polar disorder.
Pat feels triggers through songs, books, and interactions with his friends and their families. As Pat tries to fight his way to re-connecting with Nikki, he ends up meeting Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence). Tiffany is a young widow whose husband was killed, and through her grief she has started to like Pat openly speak her mind, but also use her body and sex to cope with her own depression. Together these two start to form an unconventional bond that may just bring out the best in them both.
The films fleshes out the characters well, and has helped to focus O'Russell's development within his career as a writer/director. O'Russell's screenplay is spot on in the way he adapts Quick's work; he boils down the story to get at the true emotion. While I was never a huge fan of the The Fighter, O'Russell conveyed the same skills within his screenplay for that film. O'Russell channelled an honest representation of the way in which people cope with their own grief/mental instability, while infusing some genuine humor.
As you watch both of the leads of screen you realize you are watching fully formed performances that evolve throughout the film. Bradley Cooper was the given the role of his career (so far) with Pat Solitano, and he did not disappoint. Cooper has often played that dick best friend, or just that dick in films like The Hangover, or Wedding Crashers. While his character is not well mannered in social mores, Cooper brilliantly tackles the struggle of Pat and the way he has to fight to stay above water in order to find happiness.
Most of the happiness is due to Tiffany played impeccably by Jennfer Lawrence. Lawrence has wowed in numerous roles like The Hunger Games, and even scored Lead Actress nomination for her work in Winter's Bone, but this is a one of a kind performance. Lawrence is sexy, raw, and her emotional journey happens as she finds solace in Cooper's character. Lawrence is one of the best younger actresses working today, and she nails all the intricate levels of this role.
Along with two great lead performances, O'Russell seems to use his supporting cast well, even if they are not the big named stars. DeNiro is funny and heart wrenching as Pat Sr.. Throughout the film you get to see the similarities between both Cooper and DeNiro's characters. DeNiro's obsession with superstition, the Eagles, while maintaining a love for his wife. DeNiro has not had a strong performance like this in many years, but as you get to watch his evolution his blind compassionate love for his son you get a a great glimpse into who Pat Sr. DeNiro is the shining light of the supporting cast, but people like Weaver, and Chris tucker who plays Pat's friend from the state institution help add heart to this film.
Silver Linings Playbook does not reinvent the wheel, but the script along with the acting give way to one of the most honest films about the psychology of moving forward in spite of mental illness. There is a raw honest in the script, and in many of the performances. While there is a darker tone the end message is that when all has gone wrong or you think you have hit rock bottom you have to look for "silver lining."
Here are the nominees for the People's Choice Movie Awards
FAVORITE MOVIE The Amazing Spider-Man The Avengers The Dark Knight Rises The Hunger Games Snow White and the Huntsman
FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Johnny Depp, Dark Shadows Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Looper Robert Downey, Jr.. The Avengers Will Smith, Men in Black 3
FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS Anne Hathaway, The Dark Knight Rises Emma Stone, The Amazing Spider-Man Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games Mila Kunis, Ted Scarlett Johansson, The Avengers
FAVORITE MOVIE ICON Emma Thompson Maggie Smith Meryl Streep Michelle Pfeiffer Susan Sarandon
FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE The Amazing Spider-Man The Avengers The Dark Knight Rises The Hunger Games Men in Black 3
FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE STAR Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth, The Avengers Christian Bale, The Dark Knight Rises Will Smith, Men in Black 3
“FAVORITE FACE OF HEROISM” Anne Hathaway, The Dark Knight Rises Emma Stone, The Amazing Spider-Man Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games Kristen Stewart, Snow White and the Huntsman Scarlett Johansson, The Avengers
FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE 21 Jump Street Dark Shadows Pitch Perfect Ted What to Expect When You're Expecting
FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE ACTOR Adam Sandler, That's My Boy Ben Stiller, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, The Campaign
FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE ACTRESS Cameron Diaz, Bad Teacher Emily Blunt, The Five-Year Engagement Jennifer Aniston, Horrible Bosses Mila Kunis, Ted Reese Witherspoon, This Means War
FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE Argo The Lucky One Magic Mike The Perks of Being a Wallflower The Vow
FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE ACTOR Bradley Cooper, The Words Channing Tatum, The Vow Jake Gyllenhaal, End of Watch Liam Neeson, Taken 2 Zac Efron, The Lucky One
FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE ACTRESS Charlize Theron, Snow White and The Huntsman Emma Watson, The Perks of Being a Wallflower Keira Knightley, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady Rachel McAdams, The Vow
FAVORITE MOVIE FRANCHISE The Avengers The Dark Knight The Hunger Games Madagascar Spider-Man
FAVORITE MOVIE SUPERHERO Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man Chris Evans as Captain America Chris Hemsworth as Thor Christian Bale as Batman Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man
FAVORITE ON-SCREEN CHEMISTRY Emma Stone / Andrew Garfield, The Amazing Spider-Man Jennifer Lawrence / Josh Hutcherson / Liam Hemsworth, The Hunger Games Kristen Stewart / Chris Hemsworth, Snow White and the Huntsman Rachel McAdams / Channing Tatum, The Vow Scarlett Johansson / Jeremy Renner, The Avengers
The people have interesting taste in television, here are their nominees for television: Network TV Comedy: The Big Bang Theory, Glee, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, New Girl
Network TV Drama: Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy, Grimm, Once Upon a Time, Revenge
Cable TV Comedy: Awkward, Hot in Cleveland, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Melissa & Joey, Psych
Cable TV Drama: Burn Notice, Leverage, Pretty Little Liars, The Walking Dead, White Collar
Premium Cable TV Show: Dexter, Game of Thrones, Homeland, Spartacus, True Blood
TV Crime Drama: Bones, Castle, Criminal Minds, CSI, NCIS
Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show: Doctor Who, Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead
Comedic TV Actor: Chris Colfer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ty Burrell, Modern Family, Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory, Neil Patrick Harris, How I met Your Mother
Comedic TV Actress: Jane Lynch and Lea Michele, Glee; Kaley Cuoco, Big Bang Theory, Sofia Vergara, Modern Family, Zooey Deschanel, New Girl
Dramatic TV Actor: Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, The Vampire Diaries, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, Supernatural, Nathan Fillion, Castle
Dramatic TV Actress: Ellen Pompeo, Grey's Anatomy; Emily Deschanel, Bones; Ginnifer Goodwin, Once Upon a Time; Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries; Stana Katic, Castle
These next 2 will be whittled down to 5 by end of next month:
New TV Comedy: Ben & Kate, Go On, Guys with Kids, The Mindy Project, The Neighbors, The New Normal, Partners
New TV Drama: 666 Park Avenue, Arrow, Beauty & The Beast, Chicago Fire, Elementary, Emily Owens, M.D., Last Resort, The Mob Doctor, Nashville, Revolution, Vegas
On to a little pop culture fluff. Channing Tatum was named People Magazine's Sexiest Man of the Year. After last year's awful snub of Ryan Gosling (the magazine did not want another riot) they picked the right man this year. Tatum was also in fact the movie star of the year, while his films were not all "Oscar caliber" they were some of the most entertaining, and all made over one hundred million dollars, they were: The Vow, 21 Jump Street, and Magic Mike. Channing Tatum should also be considered the "move star of the year namely because of his box office prowess, and the mere fact that the G. I. Joe sequel had killed his character off in the the beginning of the film, and had to postpone the re-shoot, to add him back into the film, that shows power.
Tatum joins the following men for People's Sexiest Man Alive title:
1985-Mel Gibson
1986-Mark Harmon
1987-Harry Hamlin
1988-John F. Kennedy Jr.
1989-Sean Connery
1990-Tom Cruise
1991-Patrick Swayze
1992-Nick Nolte
1993-Sexiest Couple Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford)
1994-Hiatus
1995-Brad Pitt
1996-Denzel Washington
1997-George Clooney
1998-Harrison Ford
1999-Richard Gere
2000-Brad Pitt
2001-Pierce Brosnan
2002-Ben Affleck
2003-Johnny Depp
2004-Jude Law
2005-Matthew McConaughey
2006-George Clooney
2007-Matt Damon
2008-Hugh Jackman
2009-Johnny Depp
2010-Ryan Reynolds
2011-Bradley Cooper
2012-Channing Tatum
Directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road)
Written by Neal Purvis (Casino Royale), Robert Wade (Casino Royale). John Logan (Hugo)
Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, and Javier Bardem
Six years ago Daniel Craig took up the post after Pierce Brosnan's version of Bond. Brosnan was like Connery; he was cool, and sexy. Craig fit all of the standards, but took being Bond to a whole new level; he kicked ass like no other Bond before. The question that has been on most Bond fans minds is why is Bond more like Jason Bourne than the Queen's number one spy?
The Bourne Identity and Die Another Day (the last Pierce Brosnan Bond film) were released the same year 2002. Comparing the two films, the action, and the evolution of a post 9/11 action hero producers seem to go back to the drawing board with the Bond franchise. The new Bond Daniel Craig was more rugged, and muscular, battling opponents with that hand to hand combat used in the Bourne franchise. Bond is by no means copying the Bourne franchise, but changing things up, and continuing the make the character relevant in today's world. Although the the new film address the the old fashioned MI-6, and an ever changing society.
Skyfall starts the way most of the recent Bond films do, with an incredible action sequence, that leads into the title sequence and theme song for a film. At the beginning James and Eve (a field agent) are chasing two men who have stolen the hard drive with the identities of all the MI-6 agents. The bad guy gets away while Bond is knocked down for the count. Bond has the opportunity to walk away, but when an attack MI-6 happens he enters back into the arena to do battle the ultimate bad guy trying to take down both M (Judi Dench) and MI-6.
Casino Royale was a game changer, and showed Bond as a human with emotions, through the loss of the woman he loved. Quantum of Solace showed his need for revenge, although the film dropped the ball. Skyfall looks challenges Bond's relevance, and gives audiences a window into his past even further. The villain Silva (Javier Bardem) starts to make M, and her agency look bad. Silva's plan involves humiliating M, and making her pay for her past crimes. Along with paying for her past sins, the entire agencies relevancy is questioned by the government, and beaurocrat Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) helps M to try and maintain the agencies relevancy.
Screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are no strangers to this franchise, this is their fifth film of the 23 Bond films. They are joined by John Logan, and together these three men take you through the journey of Bond new and old. Using the different characters, England, and exotic locations they have blended the focus of Bond well, and told a story that is action packed, compelling, and that leaves you questioning the evolution of society.
One of the brilliant aspects of this film is the sense of a world changing, but that this change is causing more chaos than good. The post 9/11 world where the terrorist runs rampant, and is beyond the simple bald man stroking a cat, the villain has to be smoked out the old fashioned way. How is the James Bond character relevant, or is he? This franchise poses the question that was established in Casino Royale. Bond has to become a new man, even though he may not be ready or even up to the challenges of the the people he will have to face. Craig tackles this role better than ever in this film, not only showing that he can kick ass, but continuing to show the evolution the character started in this "reboot."
The challenge of the old guard vs. the new guard in the battle of Silva vs. M is another fascinating aspect of this story. Bardem's Silva is clearly an old school evil genius, but with the twist of modern technology. The villain is brilliantly constructed, and Bardem proves even playing a villain again is not the same old hat. Bardem ass layers to this role even challenging the concept that Bond is purely a ladies man as he slowly unbuttons his shirt.
While Silva represents the new school M represents the old guard; she is the old fashioned gal who read poetry at the hearing when she should be running from the room in fear of Silva. M stoic, and while the franchise has always had her waiting in the wings, or as the kidnapped she finally steps up to take on one of the most aspects of her job as a leader. Dench is brilliant in this film, and has some truly heartbreaking moments.
Bond has always been seen as an interesting genre film throughout the years with a simple formula, but this chapter of the franchise has changed things for the better. In this film director Sam Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins create imagery so gorgeous, you will get lost. This is one of the best shot films of the year, from the simplest moments when James is trying to track down a spy in a Shanghai hotel, where the colors and music help build some of the greatest tension. There are of course the action packed shots like the opening sequence where James battles it out on a moving train traveling through England. These men have worked together twice (Revolutionary Road and Jarhead), but have achieved visual mastery in this Bond film.
Throughout this film Bond does not bag as many babes, he even flirts back with a guy. Bond loses his ability to be that put together gentleman we know him to be, but what a treat to get to watch this character unhinged, and try and find his place in today's society while being the best secret agent. The story and direction tell audiences who Bond was and where he needs to go to matter in the global society, brilliant!
I have to start this out with the following statement, one of the few film franchises that I have never been fully invested with, involves Bond, James Bond. I like my martini's, but the films have never been my favorite, maybe for the lack of consistency in quality, and the way they portray the British spy. While the concept is brilliant, and some of the actor have been great (Connery, Brosnan, and Craig are my favorites), I was never fully engrossed in the franchise.
Throughout the the years James Bond has been a different character, when played by different actors. This is a good and bad thing. The fact that the actual character has had new representations keeps the franchise fresh. If you have the wrong actor in the role it can help set the franchise back (i.e. Timothy Dalton, and George Lazenby). The beauty is within the evolution of the film decades.
Throughout the 50 years Bond has changed with the times, from Connery's suave ladies man to Craig's bad ass Jason Bourne like Bond. The same can be said with Bond theme song associated with every film. Throughout the decades the music has been seen as a sign of the times. You have the classic 60s theme songs to the electronica 00s. While not an expert here are the them songs I think capture Bond the best, and worst.
The Best
1-"Nobody Does it Better" from The Spy Who Loved Me (performed by Carly Simon, composed by Marvin Hamlisch)-1977
The title says it all, and Carly Simon hits it our the park with her wilting voice, perfect vocalist, and captures the simplistic message of the smooth James Bond. (third appearance of Roger Moore as Bond)
2-Goldfinger from Goldfinger (performed by Shirley Bassey)-1964
A tight race between this and the number one, Shirley Bassey's brassy voice, is almost hypnotic voice, and everything about her represents the beautiful seduction and danger associated with Bond. (third Bond film, and third appearance by Connery)
3-"Live and Let Die" from Live and and Let Die (performed and written by Paul McCartney and Wings)-1973
This was the first appearance for Roger Moore, and this theme song not only took the Bond franchise into the seventies, but ushered in the first evolution of the Bond character brilliantly.
4-Goldeneye from Goldeneye (performed by Tina Turner, written by The Edge and Bono)-1995
This was Pierce Brosnan's first appearance as Bond, and the first Bond in 6 years. Bond came back in a classic. nostalgic way with this song. Turner's voice is reminiscent of Shirley Bassey's Goldfinger, and almost feels as an homage, without being campy. One of the few recent songs to succeed.
5-"Thunderball" from Thunderball (performed by Tom Jones written by Leslie Bricusse)-1965
The combination of Connery and Tom Jones (in the 60s) is a true representation of who Bond is and what he represents. While at first this song took time to grow on me this is one of the songs that represents classic Bond, and captures this well.
The Worst
1-Die Another Day (performed by Madonna produced by Mirwais Ahmadzai)-2002
They tried to stay with trend in music, and make Bond's theme an electronic edgy dance music song with the Queen Madonna, who also had a cameo in the film. Poor Brosnan; he got saddled with a crappy last film. This is by far the song that least represents the character, and was simply picked to try and become a hit.
2-"All Time High" from Octopussy (performed by Rita Coolidge written by Tim Rice)-1983
While I like Coolidge's vocals the song misses the mark, and feels more adult contemporary in a bad way. The theme songs try to convey a little edge and danger present within the characters adventure, but this song loses all of edge. I feel as though this is more Carpenters than Bond.
3-"A View to a Kill" from A View to a Kill (performed by Duran Duran)-1985
The 80s Bond themes were just that typical 80s music, in which you got more of a feel for the band singing the song than the character they were singing about. This song was more Duran Duran as a band, rather than being about our spy, Mr. Bond.
4-"Another Way to Die" from Quantum of Solace (performed by Alicia Keys and Jack White)-2008
While I do not mind that name of the film is not in the title, and the title singers are incredible musicians this song misses the mark on all accounts. The mash-up between the vocals, and production just does not say Bond to me.
5-"The World is Not Enough" from The World is Not Enough (Performed by Garbage written by-1999
While I love Shirley Manson's vocals and Garbage as a band this song felt as though they were trying too hard to capture lightening in a bottle. Like the film, which also tried too hard, Bond songs started to take a downward spiral with this song.
As Skyfall opens today they are using a more nostalgic theme song with Adele, and even using the title of the film once again. Two smart moves, and this song feels more like the 1960s Bond we knew and loved. Smart move, and I look forward to a fun viewing of Skyfall tonight.
These are just four ladies who tried to be the next Meg Ryan/Julia Roberts/Sandra Bullock. Three of the most successful Queens of the world of romantic comedies. These three woman picked the right movies (most of the time) and were able to make the chemistry work. While the four women above tried to dethrone them, the only real woman who could be added to this list for the 2000s is the Queen of Film, Ms. Meryl Streep.
