Fangirly Crush of the Week: Wesley Schultz (The Lumineers)

Posted in Crush of the Week, Music by Ellen Lloyd

I thought I would break the mold a bit here and NOT pick someone that is on a TV show (but expect us to return to form soon). Although, I have to admit that I was reminded of my love for this week’s crush by his appearance on a TV show. I’m talking about The Lumineers’ appearance on Saturday Night Live, and by default, lead singer’s Wesley Schultz.

My love affair with The Lumineers started over a year again when I heard “Ho Hey” on an episode of Hart of Dixie (don’t judge). The album wasn’t out yet and neither were any videos….

Said love affair took a turn when said videos and press photos came out. Wesley Schultz. Hum-a-nuh-hum-a-nuh. He is my hipster dreamboat, y’all, and he has the same name as the Carey Elwes in The Princess Bride. Also, it doesn’t hurt that The Lumineers album was my soundtrack of 2012 and his voice pierced my soul for the duration.

Check out Wesley’s general crush-worthiness in the video below.

– Ellen

24Jan2013

Fangirly First: The US Version is Better

Posted in TV by Whitney Weldon

As a rule, I generally hate remakes. I didn’t love The Office (US), and loathed MTV’s adaptation of The Inbetweeners. Maybe I’m alone here, but reformatting shows that are still on the air seems like a pretty lazy and uninspired way to make TV. So you can imagine my surprise when I realized that I was enjoying the Syfy series Being Human even more that the original Toby Whithouse masterpiece. Allow me to state my case:
1) The cast is better- Although just seeing those words written down triggers my gag reflex, it’s the absolute truth. Don’t get me wrong, a adore the cast of the original show, but I often found that the characters they played could really get under my skin, and not in a good way (example: does George really have to burst into tears in every episode? He’s a werewolf, not a John Boehner impersonator). And while the characters in the US adaptation have eerily similar back stories to their BBC forbearers, I’m really enjoying watching them make these characters their own. Sally the ghost (Meaghan Rath) has all the spunk of Annie (Lenora Crichlow) without some of the Type-A weirdness that could, at times, become a little exhausting. Harsh? I hope not.
2) It’s the difference that makes it- Ok, yes, the two shows are identical in almost every way. However, I’m finding it’s the little differences that allow the US version to stand out. Josh the werewolf wants to go to med school, unlike his UK counterpart George, who all but gave up on life. So while they are basically the same show, I think that the differences are making all the, well, difference.
3) The UK version is… having problems. There, I said it. Not only did the BBC Being Human undergo a complete cast overhaul, I have to admit that the story has been a little out there as well. I think we can all agree that the “war-child” narrative from season four got a little…weird. Obviously I will continue to watch both shows, but for the moment I have to say that the writing in the Syfy series is just a little bit stronger.
But this is just one Fangirl’s opinion! Do you agree? Disagree? Think I should get a life? Make yourself heard in our comment section!

-Whitney

23Jan2013

Sweet Streams: Spy

Posted in Anglophiles Anonymous, Sweet Streams, TV by Ellen Lloyd

The hipster in me loves finding new delights from across the pond. “It’s some show, you’ve probably never heard of it. It’s British.” Or even better, when the show inevitably gets adapted for American audiences, I can say, “The British version was better.” (See: Coupling, The Office, Sherlock, Da Ali G Show, Being Human, Trading Spaces, What Not to Wear, etc.). Of course, the Anglophile in me, also loves saying that last one.

Now, when the awfully funny Spy gets adapted for American TV, don’t you want to be a cool kid, too? Well, you can be because it’s on Hulu. In case, Hulu hasn’t already gotten you with their incessant self-promotion, let’s see if I can sway you.

Spy is about the unassuming Tim Elliot, a man who is always trying to impress his ambitious and genius son, Marcus. To up his game, Tim decides to get a better job and accidentally applies to be an MI-6 agent. The show becomes part workplace comedy, complete with the kooky boss and office crush, and part family comedy as Tim fights his ex-wife and her new boyfriend for custody of Marcus.

This show is so rife with hilarious characters that I have a hard time picking my favorite. Is it Marcus, who runs gambling rackets out of his bedroom or runs his student council with the kind of iron fist that would make Stalin cower? Or maybe it is Tim’s boss, known only as The Examiner, who eagerly awaits his next torture and opportunity to impress Tim? It could be Tim’s friend, Chris, who could be a lawyer but finds it easier to just hack bank accounts.

Just check out the first episode below already. Of course, I’m mourning the fact that the second season just ended and it will undoubtedly be another year before the third season starts. Crazy Brits and their weird TV programming schedules.

– Ellen

22Jan2013

Fangirly Exposed: Bunheads!

Posted in Fangirly Exposed!, TV by Whitney Weldon

Amy Sherman Palladino sure knows how to give people what they want. I can’t count how many times I watched my beloved Gilmore Girls and thought, ‘you know what’s missing from this? Ballet’! Yes, it’s true folks, the woman who brought us the show that delighted us for years with lightening speed repartee and low-stakes prime time drama is back with a new series that tackles the world of, you guessed it, DANCE. My own ballet career ended prematurely at the age of five, due to a devastating stubbed toe injury and a general lack of interest, so this witty look at the lives of young ballerinas is particularly interesting.
Sutton Foster (a.k.a. Coco from Flight of the Conchords) stars as Michelle, a talented but down on her luck dancer who comes to the small town of Paradise, California looking for a new life. She pretty quickly takes up residence at the local dance studio, where she becomes embroiled in the lives of her teenage students. Even for those of us who know next to nothing about dance, this show is fascinating. It’s been a long timhe since I’ve found a show this funny, sweet, smart, and occasionally sad. If you’re looking for something new to liven up your DVR queue, give Bunheads a try. I promise you won’t hate it.

-Whitney

21Jan2013

TV Obituaries: RIP Fringe

Posted in TV, TV Obituaries by Ellen Lloyd

Fringe left us on Friday night after a long and arduous battle with cancellation to board that great cloud in the sky with the other genre shows that were taken too soon (Firefly, Pushing Daisies, etc.). While it still ended too soon, much of Fringe‘s run is a miracle. It spent five seasons on the bubble, even surviving the Friday curse, never sure if it would make it to the next. However, this seemed to only invigorate the show, making each season more compelling than the last.

I know there are those out there who have been disappointed in the this latest season, but I will fight anyone that was not satisfied with the series finale. Were there some potential holes in the science and events that took place in that two-hour block? Yes. Did that stop me from bawling like a baby for most of that two-hour block? No, because in the end it perfectly captured everything that Fringe was about: science, parallel universes, humanity, family, and love. It was the best kind of sci-fi show. One that perfectly combined hard science with the sentimental.

I particularly loved the quite apropos comments that Walter made in his farewell video to Peter about having shared “stolen time.” We truly did share stolen time with Fringe. Time that the entertainment industry can’t seem to afford with other shows. Time to tell their story and give a proper conclusion to said story. While this one left me in tears, it was also able to do what only the best TV can do: restore my faith in humanity and television.

Let us raise our white tulips and Observer hats to Fringe.

–Ellen

18Jan2013

Web Bytes: Shoopin’ with the Boys of Parks and Rec

Posted in TV, Web Bytes by Ellen Lloyd

If you need to know anything about me, you need to know that I love Parks and Recreation and Salt-N-Pepa’s “Shoop”. Seriously. Give it a listen. It is pure genius.

When those two wonderful things joined forces last night, I just about wept with joy. With that being said, I give you the following for your viewing pleasure. (Check out the whole episode, too. It was pretty great.)

– Ellen

18Jan2013

Fangirly Crush of the Week: Graham Norton

Posted in Crush of the Week by Whitney Weldon

2009 was a pretty big year for me: I aced the PSAT, was granted exclusive driving rights to my mom’s super sexy 1993 Honda Civic, and was finally, finally deemed old enough to watch The Graham Norton Show on BBC America. To this day I’m not sure where my love of TGNS originated. All I can say is that to me, it seemed like the perfect blend of hilarity, raunchy innuendo, and good-natured chat show fun (think The Late Show meets Pee Wee’s Playhouse). It also doesn’t hurt that Mr. Norton himself is, without exception, the coolest TV personality on either side of the Pond. Case and point, the guest on last weeks episode was THE Billie Piper. I have to assume that Graham saw our Billie Piper “Honey to the Bee” post and set up that interview as a special treat to me. He’s just that kind of guy, folks. If you’re still not on the Graham Norton train, feast your eyes on this clip of some of the shows best moments.

-Whitney

17Jan2013

Fangirly Exposed!: Beauty and the Beast

Posted in Fangirly Exposed!, TV by Ellen Lloyd

Confession: I am currently entrenched in more CW shows than ever before and I’m talking almost every CW show. To clarify, I am not a fifteen-year old girl. In fact, I have even surpassed the target 18-24 demo.

I know I am in a safe space here, which is why I am going to talk to you about my current investment, Beauty and the Beast. I don’t know why, but I feel like this is currently the most shameful CW show right now. Even if you think there is one more shameful, I probably watch that, as well.

I’m not going to come on here and argue Beauty and the Beast’s case for a Best Drama Emmy or anything, but I have to say, I am enjoying this show. Let’s see if I can do the impossible and sell you on it’s pretty cheesy plot.

Catherine (Kristin Kreuk) was saved by a mysterious, beastly creature years ago. Now, this tiny little wisp of a girl is a cop out of some vengeance over her mother’s death. She works a case that leads her to Vincent (magically delicious Jay Ryan) who is presumed dead. She eventually encounters him, because like all good supernatural heroes, he is incapable of NOT stepping in when she is danger. She comes to learn that he becomes beastly because he was part of a government project to create super soldiers that went awry. He is in hiding from a government agency that is looking for him, but he steps out in the night to be a sort of vigilante. But now, Catherine is awakening new “beastly” feelings within him and they have to figure out how to date while still maintaining his secret.

So, maybe that wasn’t a great sell, but bear with me. I, of course, come for the romance and some of the dramatic intrigue over his secret. The reason I feel like this romance stands is that almost from the beginning, these two have made it pretty clear to each other that they like the other. The romantic tension comes from the fact that they don’t know how to be together because a) he is supposed to be dead and her whole precinct knows it, b) he kind of turns into this gnarly-faced beast every now and then, c) there is this whole group that wants his blood and by deafult, hers to get to him.

It’s a pretty classic superhero-meets-girl story line, but it is a nice change with all of these Castle/Bones will they/won’t they story lines that make us wait 3 -6 seasons for anything to happen. They know they want to at least try and be together, but they have a myriad of things stopping them.

If I still haven’t sold you, just…

I didn’t want to resort to that, but you forced my hand. You made this tawdry! I have to go wipe the filth from my keybroad. But seriously, look at him. You’ll tune in.

–Ellen

16Jan2013

Haven: The Best Sci Fi Show You aren’t Watching

Posted in Get with the Program by Whitney Weldon

If you’re anything like me, when you hear the word ‘Syfy’ you usually think of movies about a Dinocroc and his cousin the Dinoshark battling it out for cross-species genetic supremacy. However, I am here to tell you that the Syfy network has more to offer than paranormal reality shows and made-for-TV movies starring washed-up teen idols (sorry Kristy Swanson). If you’re looking for really well done sci fi drama, look no further than the Syfy original series Haven. This show, based on Stephen King’s novel The Colorado Kid, tells the story of Audrey Parker (Emily Rose), an FBI agent who stumbles upon the sleepy town of Haven during the course of an investigation. As it turns out, Haven is actually more Salem’s Lot than Mayberry, as several of townspeople are afflicted with mysterious curses, or Troubles, that often prove fatal to their friends and neighbors. Since Audrey seems immune to the Troubles, for reasons yet unknown, she decides to stay and help the people of Haven. This also leads to the larger questions, like Why is Audrey unaffected by the Troubles, and Who exactly is Audrey Parker?
And because it’s prime time TV, there is a wonderful assortment of dudes, all of varying boffability. The most boffable of the bunch being Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant), the sexy small town police officer who just happens to be Troubled. Also rocking my world is Eric Balfour who plays Duke Crocker, the sexy con man whose troubles all seem to be in the lower case. Oh, and did I mention that Jason Priestley has guest starred on this show? Just sayin’.
Although this is a show pretty steeped in its own mythology, it is well worth the time you will spend getting caught up. The next episode airs tomorrow on Syfy at 8/7c, so snap to it!

-Whitney

15Jan2013

MBK: Mr. Darcy, Mr. Tilney, and Captain Wentworth

Posted in MBK, Movies by Whitney Weldon

The line between reality and television continues to blur as we bring you the next round of our never-ending game of Marry, Boff, Kill! This week we will be deciding the fates of our three favorite Jane Austen heroes: Henry Tilney (JJ Feild), Fitzwilliam Darcy (Colin Firth, duh), and Captain Frederick Wentworth (Rupert Penry Jones).

Whitney’s Answers:

Marry Henry Tilney– I have not felt this kind of passion for a leading man since my Brendan Fraser phase in the late 90’s. And it’s not just because JJ Feild looks like Tom Hiddleston’s cooler older brother. Mr. Tilney embodies everything I look for in a man: funny, smart, gainfully employed, and wears breeches like he’s doing them a favor. Also, he seems like the most fun out of the three, a quality we value highly here at Fangirly. Right after raw animal magnetism, of course.

Boff Mr. Darcy- This is more of an obligatory boff, because my mother taught me that a lady must always boff Mr. Darcy, should the opportunity ever present itself. Also, Colin Firth is to sex appeal what Honda’s are to resale value: he never loses it.

Kill Cap. Wentworth- For a while, Darcy and Wentworth were neck and neck for the coveted ‘boff’ position, until I remembered the horrific kissing scene at the end of the otherwise incredible drama Persuasion.

Really Captain, if it takes you that long to seal the deal on a kiss, I’m afraid I’m going to have to let you go. And, judging from what I just saw, I’d probably be putting you out of your misery.

Ellen’s Answers:

Marry Mr. Tilney – Well, at least Whitney and I can agree on something and that is the utter eligibility of one Mr. Henry Tilney. This guy has it all, old school chivalry with all the modern sensibilities of charm, humor, and how to impress a lady by sharing her taste in entertainment (at least that works for me). Mr. Tilney as portrayed by JJ Feild is even more marriage-worthy (Neve Campbell knows where it’s at). While Mr. Darcy may have been my first Austen crush, my gateway hero, if you will, I’m sticking around for Mr. Tilney and his winning charm.

Boff Mr. Wentworth – I blame that kiss entirely on Anne. He is letting her take the reins (even more hot). And have you SEEN him?! He is described on the special features as being “sex on legs” and never will that moniker be more appropriately applied. But, Rupert Penry-Jones’ beguiling visage aside, Wentworth is a navy man and is probably accustomed to a quickie before leaving port. Wentworth is far too much of a gentleman to have been swayed by such temptations in the past, but in this MBK scenario, I would be that temptation. And he would be scurvy and syphilis free, of course.

Kill Mr. Darcy– As most of my “kills” do, this one kills me. As I mentioned, Darcy was my first love, but this Austen-lover has grown up and realized that she is looking for more than brawn with sideburns swimming in a lake. I need someone with a little more personality. Yeah, that house is hard to turn down, but who would want to clean that thing, or even oversee cleaning that thing?

14Jan2013

Web Bytes: More Billie Piper!

Posted in Web Bytes by Whitney Weldon

Anybody got a case of the Mondays? Billie has something for that.

14Jan2013

Awards by the Minute: Golden Globes

Posted in Movies, TV by Ellen Lloyd

Join me, as I get angry, joyous, and ambivalent over the course of an entire award ceremony.

0:00 Guys, not going to lie, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey have a lot to live up to for this old girl. But given how much I love them and anything that comes out of their mouths, I’m sure they will deliver.

0:01 Off to a great start: “Only at the Golden Globes do the beautiful people of film rub shoulders with the rat-faced people of television.”

0:02 When you run afoul of the Hollywood Foreign Press, they make you host this show two more times.

0:03 Ooooh, James Cameron burn goes over swimmingly and will probably be the edgiest burn of the night. “I have not been following the controversy over Zero Dark Thirty, but I’m going to trust the lady who was married to James Cameron.”

0:04 Provin’ me wrong: “Anne Hathaway, I have not seen anyone left alone and abandoned like that since you did the Oscars with James Franco.”

0:05 And the award for Joke only Liz Lemon could have written goes to: “The Hunger Games was one of the biggest films of the year, and also what I call the six weeks it took me to get into this dress,” “Ang Lee’s been nominated for Best Director for Life of Pi, which is what I’m going to call the six weeks after I take this dress off!”

0:05 Quentin Tarantino is coincidentally the star of all my sexual nightmares, as well Tina. This is why I love her.

0:06 I loved Meryl Streep in The Flu, everyone is raving about it.

0:07 Also, it needs to addressed how smoking my ladies are looking.

0:08 They have to cut away from Lea Michele before she says something really bratty about Kate Hudson’s dress (which would not be completely unfounded).

0:09 Christoph Waltz gets Best Supporting Actor in a Film and I am actually someone surprised. Everyone is saying Tommy Lee Jones is a lock, but Waltz’ performance is something to behold.

0:12 How did Hayden Pannetierre get nominated? She is good at best. I was expecting less, so that is saying something.

0:13 Will Maggie Smith ever NOT win for Downton Abbey?

0:17 I have to admit, that mini-series and TV movie categories are always my blind spot, but I do want to see The Hour. Shocker: Game Change wins.

0:21 Oh my gosh, please tell me that Amy and Tina are going to be sitting in the crowd all night as fake nominees. Please, Golden Globes!

0:23 And here to remind a Hollywood that has become increasingly obsessed with musicals that she can sing: Catherine Zeta-Jones!

0:30 You can hear America tuning out as the HFPA president is announced, but she is actually quite cute and funny and hits on Bradley Cooper, so we have that in common.

0:31 Oh, hey, lifetime crush Paul Rudd.

0:32 I do not watch Homeland, but I love Damien Lewis so much from Band of Brothers and this really random adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing that he did, that I am always happy to see him win anything. So charming.

0:35 Only Paul Rudd can make technical difficulties charming. And apparently I need to watch Homeland.

0:42 Pretty cool that they got the real Tony Medez (Argo) there even if you couldn’t hear anything he said.

0:46 You guys, how adorable is Ang Lee?

0:47 Is there any way that Adele is not going to win this? Not necessarily that she deserves it more, but just because she was Adele in 2012?

0:49 You guys, how adorable is Adele? Really, though.

0:55 I don’t think it will happen, but Benedict Cumbatch SHOULD win for Sherlock.

0:56 YES! They are doing the fake nominees for all of the acting categories it seems. This bodes well. But NO! Benedict didn’t get it.

0:58 Of course, Bill Clinton gets a standing ovation at the Golden Globes.

1:01 “That was Hillary Clinton’s husband!” Amy would say that.

1:02 Thank goodness we have SNL alum like Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig to liven this thing up.

1:06 Winners for best presenters of the night, so for, but probably for the night: Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig. “YOU GET OUT OF HERE!”

1:07 Jennifer Lawrence’s really should mention that she beat Meryl because that is an achievement at the Globes. And she is getting the award for most charming speech, so far.

1:13 You guys, how adorable is John Krasinski?

1:15 For award that is shocking no one: Anne Hatheway (but she does deserve it)

1:17 You guys, how adorable is Sally Field?

1:24 Shocked by the love for Django Unchained. Not that it is completely unfounded, just unexpected.

1:26 You guys, how adorable is Ewan McGregror?

1:28 In typical HFPA fashion, Don Cheadle wins just for being Don Cheadle and not for actually being a good show.

1:34 Arnold and Sly are BOTH pretty hard to understand. Don’t take steroids, kids.

1:38 Homeland is sweeping. Okay, I get it. I’ll watch this stupid show.

1:45 Somewhat of a strange intro for the Animated Feature Film category.

1:49 All of my dreams are coming true. Jason Bateman carried Aziz Ansari out on stage.

1:51 The Take That, Will Arnett Award goes to: Amy Poehler chatting it up with George Clooney when her name was announced. I was dying.

1:53 Amy should have won, but don’t get me started on the HFPA’s utter disregard for Parks and Rec

1:59 Warning Taylor Swift to stay away for Michael J. Fox is actually quite sage advice.

2:02 Did anybody else feel out of the loop during Robert Downey Jr.’s presentation of Jodie Foster’s Cecil B. DeMille Award?

2:04 You guys, the glee that I had at seeing Bugsy Malone on Jodie Foster’s reel is unparalleled. (Look it up, kids).

2:11 I’m sorry, but I don’t get why everyone was teary eyed by the end of Jodie Foster’s speech. She seemed somewhat the manic, crazy person, no?

2:17 For Biggest F You to the Academy: Ben Affleck for director of Argo, after not getting nominated for the Oscar. (Don’t get me started.)

2:22 Loved Jimmy Fallon trying to push Jay Leno out of The Tonight Show.

2:23 The Award that Should Have Been Parks and Rec’s: Girls for Best Comedy (Don’t get me started)

2:32 I really wanted Bradley Cooper to win Best Actor – Comedy or Musical. He deserves as much praise as Jennifer Lawrence but is not getting it because he is in the same awards season as Daniel Day-Lewis.

2:34 I am going to say this in the nicest way possible, but does anybody else find it incredibly endearing that Hugh Jackman’s wife is not as pretty as him? Just an observation.

2:40 I wanted Silver Linings Playbook to win, but I am fine with Les Mis winning.

2:47 Middle-aged Clooney DOES make young Clooney look like garbage.

2:48 Yay! Jessica Chastain! She really does deserve it. Her performance in Zero Dark Thirty was haunting, depressing, and exhilarating, all at once.

2:51 Once again, Daniel Day-Lewis’ win shocks no one, but he REALLY deserves it. His performance is eerily intoxicating.

2:58 When they were reading the announcements for Best Motion Picture – Drama, I realized that this one could go any way, but after Ben Affleck’s snub at the Oscars, I really wanted Argo to win… and I got my wish! Highly recommend this one, most crazy intense movie experience I have ever had. It took me a solid hour to come down from this movie.

3:00 Well, that’s it, folks. I was “meh” about most of the winners, in that I wasn’t surprised by a lot, was pissed about others, but more often, I had wished that someone else had won, but was okay with who won. This just makes me excited for the Oscars to see if they make me less pissed or more. Probably less, because I get more enraged by the TV nominees.

– Ellen

11Jan2013

Fangirly Crush of the Week: David Walton

Posted in Crush of the Week, TV by Ellen Lloyd

Listen folks, nobody wants to see Nick and Jess fall in love already more than me. I have to admit, though, I’m not hating having Sam, Jess’ latest love interest played by David Walton, around.

He’s the triple threat: cute, funny, and a doctor. Am I right, ladies? Add on to those that he is also a reformed commitment-phobe that came back to Jess because he just liked her THAT much? There go my ovaries. (TMI? Meh.)

He’s a babe. If he were a president, he would be Baberham Lincoln. Scha-wing.

– Ellen

10Jan2013

Some Quick Thoughts on the Oscar Nominations Snubs and Surprises

Posted in Fangirly Investigates, Movies by Ellen Lloyd

It’s that time of year again, people. The Oscar Nominations were announced at the crack of dawn this morning by Emma Stone and host Seth MacFarlane. I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and offer up some of my thoughts on the nominations:

A personal surprise to me was that I need to see very few movies to catch up with the nominated films and performances before February 24th. Among those films is Amour, Life of Pi, The Master, The Impossible, and almost all of the animated film nominations.
Most shocking snubs have to be Ben Affleck (Argo) and Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty) for Best Director. Affleck’s showing was generally lauded by critics and seen as a sure bet.
Beasts of the Southern Wild was great. I really did like it. But, I was a bit surprised to see Benh Zeitlin on the list. As was he, from what I have read. I think he was nominated in part for the performances that he was able to get from his actors including…
Quvenzhane Wallis! I was pretty excited to see her among the nominees, even though she is considered quite a surprise. Her performance was amazing for her age (I believe she was 6 at the time of filming) and she is just dag gum adorable.
I really liked Silver Linings Playbook and was happy to see it all over these nominations. Cooper and Lawrence were sure bets, but De Niro and Weaver came as surprises to a lot of people.
Not a lot of people saw Django Unchained making it on to the list, but I was happy to see it there. Adds some spice!

There you have it! This year should be pretty good. Not too many sure locks for the winners (which could change as we get closer to ceremony). And judging from the nomination announcement, Seth MacFarlane is going to be quite the live wire as host. Check out the video below for some of his and Emma Stone’s zingers. I’ve also included the full list of nominations.

–Ellen

Best Picture
Amour
Argo
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Django Unchained
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty

Best Actor
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables
Joaquin Phoenix, The Master
Denzel Washington, Flight

Best Actress
Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Emmanuelle Riva, Amour
Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Naomi Watts, The Impossible

Best Supporting Actor
Alan Arkin, Argo
Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook
Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams, The Master
Sally Field, Lincoln
Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Jacki Weaver, Silver Linings Playbook

Best Director
Michael Haneke, Amour
Ang Lee, Life of Pi
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Steven Spielberg, Lincoln
Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild

Best Original Screenplay
Amour, Michael Haneke
Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino
Flight, John Gatins
Moonrise Kingdom, Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola
Zero Dark Thirty, Mark Boal

Best Adapted Screenplay
Argo, Chris Terrio
Beasts of the Southern Wild, Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin,
Life of Pi, David Magee
Lincoln, Tony Kushner
Silver Linings Playbook, David O. Russell

Best Animated Feature:
Brave
Frankenweenie
ParaNorman
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
Wreck-It Ralph

Best Cinematography
Anna Karenina, Seamus McGarvey
Django Unchained, Robert Richardson
Life of Pi, Claudio Miranda
Lincoln, Janusz Kaminski
Skyfall, Roger Deakins

Best Costume Design
Anna Karenina, Jacqueline Durran
Les Misérables, Paco Delgado
Lincoln, Joanna Johnston
Mirror Mirror, Eiko Ishioka
Snow White and the Huntsman, Colleen Atwood

Best Documentary Feature
5 Broken Cameras
The Gatekeepers
How to Survive a Plague
The Invisible War
Searching for Sugar Man

Best Documentary Short
Inocente
Kings Point
Mondays at Racine
Open Heart
Redemption

Best Film Editing
Argo, William Goldenberg
Life of Pi, Tim Squyres
Lincoln, Michael Kahn
Silver Linings Playbook, Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers
Zero Dark Thirty, Dylan Tichenor and William Goldenberg

Best Foreign Language Film
Amour, Austria
Kon-Tiki, Norway
No, Chile
A Royal Affair, Denmark
War Witch, Canada

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Hitchcock, Howard Berger, Peter Montagna and Martin Samuel
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Peter Swords King, Rick Findlater and Tami Lane
Les Misérables, Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell

Best Original Score
Anna Karenina, Dario Marianelli
Argo, Alexandre Desplat
Life of Pi, Mychael Danna
Lincoln, John Williams
Skyfall, Thomas Newman

Best Original Song
“Before My Time” from Chasing Ice, music and lyric by J. Ralph
“Everybody Needs A Best Friend” from Ted, music by Walter Murphy; lyric by Seth MacFarlane
“Pi’s Lullaby” from Life of Pi, music by Mychael Danna; lyric by Bombay Jayashri
“Skyfall” from Skyfall, music and lyric by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth
“Suddenly” from Les Misérables, music by Claude-Michel Schönberg; lyric by Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil

Best Production Design
Anna Karenina, Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, production Design: Dan Hennah; Set Decoration: Ra Vincent and Simon Bright
Les Misérables, Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Anna Lynch-Robinson
Life of Pi, Production Design: David Gropman; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
Lincoln, Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

Best Animated Short
Adam and Dog
Fresh Guacamole
Head over Heels
Maggie Simpson in “The Longest Daycare”
Paperman

Best Live Action Short
Asad
Buzkashi Boys
Curfew
Death of a Shadow
Henry

Best Sound Editing
Argo, Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van der Ryn
Django Unchained, Wylie Stateman
Life of Pi, Eugene Gearty and Philip Stockton
Skyfall, Per Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers
Zero Dark Thirty, Paul N.J. Ottosson

Best Sound Mixing
Argo, John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff and Jose Antonio Garcia
Les Misérables, Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson and Simon Hayes
Life of Pi, Ron Bartlett, D.M. Hemphill and Drew Kunin
Lincoln, Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Ronald Judkins
Skyfall, Scott Millan, Greg P. Russell and Stuart Wilson

Best Visual Effects
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and R. Christopher White
Life of Pi, Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan De Boer and Donald R. Elliott
The Avengers, Janek Sirrs, Jeff White, Guy Williams and Dan Sudick
Prometheus, Richard Stammers, Trevor Wood, Charley Henley and Martin Hill
Snow White and the Huntsman, Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, Philip Brennan, Neil Corbould and Michael Dawson

10Jan2013

Fangirly Investigates: Who is Clara Oswin Oswald?

Posted in Anglophiles Anonymous, TV by Whitney Weldon

Ever since the premiere of this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special, and subsequent reveal that Oswin and Clara are the same person, I’ve been going nuts trying to solve the mystery behind the Doctor’s newest companion. This isn’t the first time my obsessive tendencies have gotten the better of me, but it just might be the worst. So for the sake of my mental health, I’ve compiled a list of all my craziest theories. And while I’m pretty sure that none of these theories are anywhere near correct, you can’t blame a Whovian for trying.
1) She’s Jenny!
Why: Clara/Oswin has the habit of dying and popping up in different times and places, a talent that we know the Doctor passed on to his baby girl in the season four episode, “The Doctor’s Daughter”. Also, Clara/Oswin’s phrase “run you clever boy” sounds a lot like Jenny’s favorite saying, “love the running”. Tenuous? You bet.
Why Not: My love for Doctor Who could make me forgive a lot of things, but I’m going to have to draw the line at incest. If Clara/Oswin really is the doctor’s long lost daughter, then their impromptu make-out sesh suddenly lost a lot of its adorability. I mean, a lot.
2) She may be another Time Lord (Time Lass? Time Lady?)
Why: Girlfriend is coming back to life and traveling through time and space. Sounding familiar?
Why Not: This particular plot device seems to be a little played out, if you ask me. First there was the return of the Master, and then the reveal of River’s quasi-Time Lord status leaves me feeling like our new companion will probably not turn out to be yet another time-hopping humanoid.
3) Clara/Oswin may be the twelfth reincarnation of the Doctor.
Why: This is by far my favorite of all the theories floating around at the moment. Personally, although my heart beats for Matt Smith, I think it would be beyond awesome to have a female Doctor. Not to mention that she is by far the cleverest of all the Doctor’s companions, maybe as clever as the Doctor himself. And let’s be honest, weirder things have happened on this show.
Why Not: There are just way too many holes in this theory . Firstly, we have so far seen three separate reincarnations of the same girl. Somehow I don’t think that the Doctor would, or could, regenerate into the same body three different times. Also, if Clara/Oswin is the Doctor then why wouldn’t she be aware of it herself? While I would love to have a sister piloting the TARDIS, I really don’t think it’s going to happen.
So there you have it, all my wildest Doctor Who theories! If you have any DW musings you want to share, feel free to go nuts in our comment section!

-Whitney

9Jan2013

Web Bytes: Invisible Drive-Thru Prank

Posted in Web, Web Bytes by Ellen Lloyd

This one is pretty great. What happens when a car rolls up to the drive-thru window with no one inside? They start trippin’.

– Ellen

9Jan2013

The Book Was Better: 10 Books to Read in 2013

Posted in Books, Choice Picks, Movies by Ellen Lloyd

When I was kid, my mom used to try and get me to read (age-appropriate) books before their respective adaptations came out. This is how I read Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and The Baby-Sitters Club. While I recognize that some of those are more respected than others, I still like to maintain that rule. This is why I have compiled this list for both my sake and yours, dear reader, so that we can be ahead of the game. Together.

Warm Bodies (February 1) – As you can tell from previous posts here, we are pretty intrigued by this one. Also, I happen to have just finished reading the book. The film looks like it will be more comedic than the novel was, but I will be intrigued to see how much of the fairly deep commentary on death and life they maintain here. Especially deep since everyone is wanting to compare this to Twilight.

Beautiful Creatures (February 13) – As you can tell from this list and in case you haven’t already noticed from the general climate in pop culture, Young Adult novels are all the rage. It seems that no book or series can do even remotely well without getting snatched up. Not that I am complaining, because even though my young adult days are technically over, my bookshelf is still full of them. I have just started reading this one and have heard generally good things about it, so maybe I will write a follow-up.

Romeo and Juliet (February 14) – No, seeing one of the several dozen adaptations does not count. Maybe you read it in high school, maybe you didn’t. Either way you are going to feel so pretentious reading this in your local Starbucks. Then think of the delight you can get when you tell all your friends the ways in which this adaptation is sure to stray from Shakespeare’s original tone. I have to say, I am excited to see a Juliet that is actually close to 14.

The Host (March 29) – Hold the phone. I already know what you are going to say. Yes, I realize that this is written by Stephenie Meyer. Yes, I realize that she also wrote Twilight. But I’m going to tell you to give this one a chance. I found it to be a pretty compelling sci-fi/romance that was set in an interesting and unique world, so maybe try it out before the movie (potentially) makes it worse.

The Great Gatsby (May 10) -Did you read this one in high school, too? Did you hate it/not get it? I am going to suggest that re-visit it before Baz Luhrman’s behemoth colors your perception. I have my high school junior research project to thank for my attachment to this novel. Nothing like pouring over academic journals discussing green lights and yellow cars to endear me to Fitzgerald.

The Leaf Men (Epic) (May 24) – The only picture book to be featured on the list, this was a family favorite when we were wee children. It makes me upset that they felt that they needed to change the title and distance the movie from the book, because it implies a certain lack of fidelity. I also understand, though, that it is hard to maintain said fidelity with picture books (see Where the Wild Things Are, Cat in the Hat, etc.)

World War Z (June 21) – I have the opposite problem with this adaptation. I read this book some time ago but there is no way that this movie is going to stay true, seeing as how I don’t recall Brad Pitt (or his character) being in the book at all. In cases such as this, I just wish that they would call the movie something else entirely and admit that it is a stand alone zombie movie.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (August 23) -This is another one that is sitting on my eBook shelf awaiting me. I know that a lot of people love this series, but I have to admit that the trailer is not doing a whole lot to get me excited about delving in. Maybe someone who is a fan can tell me if the movie seems like it will be capturing the book that you know and love.

Ender’s Game (November 1) -I do this weird thing where EVERYone tells me that read this book, see that movie, or watch that TV show, and it just makes me want to do anything but do that. That is my current relationship with Ender’s Game. My New Year’s resolution is to get over my weird thing and read Ender’s Game before November 1 and maybe watch Gilmore Girls. But that’s a big maybe.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (November 22) – If you haven’t already gotten on board this bandwagon, there is nothing that I can say that will sway you otherwise.

Did I miss any that you are excited about? Anybody want to convince me to read one sooner than the others?

-Ellen

8Jan2013

Top Five California Flicks!

Posted in Choice Picks, Movies, TV by Whitney Weldon

So I am six months into my first year in Utah, and while I love the people, the schools, and the fact that there is a Chuck-O-Rama on every corner, I am really missing my mild California winters. So, in honor of my homeland, and in an effort to stave off homesickness, I’ve compiled a list of all my favorite movies and TV set in the Golden State.
5) So I Married an Ax Murderer- This movie has been rocking my world since 1993. TO this day, I have a hard time getting through a serious conversation about relationships without blurting out, “Jane, get me off this crazy thing called love!” And don’t even get me started on my family’s trip to Alcatraz. Suffice it to say, every tour guide was named Vicky, whether they liked it or not.
4) Easy A- It’s about time someone made a movie that shows how prudish and uptight California high schools girls are. I can’t count how many times we ostracized a girl who DARED show up in tight pants and a sleeveless top. Honestly, the nerve.
3) Ten Inch Hero- I’d be lying if I said that Jensen Ackles and his adorable and love-challenged character Priestly wasn’t my favorite part of this movie. There, I said it. Even colored mohawks and ironic kilt-wearing couldn’t dim the beauty of the Superior Winchester. Also, the story is pretty good too. You know, if you like heart-warming love stories, on-screen chemistry, and other such junk.
2) Clueless¬– There is no way to put into words what this movie meant to me growing up. Really, being raised with the firm belief that one day I would have a love/hate relationship with Paul Rudd that would eventually culminate in true love probably wasn’t super conducive to a healthy grown-up world view. Regardless, this movie is the best.
1) Veronica Mars- This is the California I remember. The murder, the intrigue, the sleuthing. That pretty much sums up my high school experience too. Finally, a show that accurately portrays the life on an average California teenager, right? Like, totally.

Tell us your favorite California flicks in our comment section!

-Whitney

7Jan2013

Web Bytes: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

Posted in Web, Web Bytes by Ellen Lloyd

If we haven’t already addressed it, you will soon learn that we here at Fangirly love us some BBC period dramas. Bring on the high collars and sideburns. I myself wrote enough papers on Jane Austen in college to fill a sizable tome. And it is safe to say that I have seen the five-hour miniseries of Pride and Prejudice at LEAST 20 times. All components that lead to making The Lizzie Bennet Diaries the perfect candidate for our latest obsession.

LBD (as the cool kids abbrev it) is the modern-day vlog of, you guessed it, Lizzie Bennet. Her sisters Lydia and Jane and friend Charlotte are all frequent guests and for a while Darcy was only heard of or seen through Lizzie’s less than flattering imitations. FINALLY, in episode 60 (yeah, 60!) he showed up to present his undesired proclamations.

This is an entertaining series and unique medium for one of my favorite stories. Its been great fun to get a little taste every Monday and Thursday. If I had to complain about anything it would be that it is taking them forever to get to my favorite part, but that is my complaint with the book and miniseries, as well. Luckily, it looks like my patience will be tried no longer as the tease for today’s episode was that Lizzie is touring a company by the name of Pemberley Digital.

Excuse me while I rush to YouTube…

You should, too.

– Ellen

12Nov2012

Web Bytes: Warm Bodies Trailer

Posted in Web Bytes by Ellen Lloyd

This actually looks pretty fun and, as EW puts it, “seems a lot closer to Zombieland than Twilight”.

-Ellen