A Most Wanted Man — MOVIE REVIEW

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Rachel McAdams in A Most Wanted Man

In the last performance of his career, Philip Seymour Hoffman gives us a damn fine one. That is for sure. This role wasn’t an easy one to take on. John le Carré always gives us these rich and difficult characters to latch onto in his novels. Just look at The Constant Gardner and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. They all had these big actors playing the main character, but it was never flashy or showy. They have to sink into these roles in order for the true character to be present. And from what I’ve read, le Carré wasn’t completely sold on Hoffman playing his character right away. But leave it to Philip Seymour Hoffman to be the one to truly stand out.

Begin Again — MOVIE REVIEW

Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley in Begin Again

Music can be a funny thing. It is an art, of course. But that doesn’t stop individuals like myself from being stuck in a moment when listening to different kinds of music. I can put on my iPod and listen to every single song on it. But for a few key songs, I can imagine where I was when I first experienced that song. The songs that move you as a person or have an impact on your life will always be important to you. There is another thing to appreciate about music. You can sense and feel the raw emotion certain artists put into their music. You can listen and just know that all of their heart and soul was put into that very song. They put every ounce of themselves into that song, and they just want to share it. I love artists that don’t give in to the temptation of money or fame. I love the artists that know the music that makes them unique and sticks with it, no matter how long it takes. And this is an element that is explored by John Carney in his new movie Begin Again.

Under the Skin — MOVIE REVIEW

Scarlett Johansson in Under the Skin

What the hell did I just watch? That statement is probably what at least half of the people who watched this film said. You ever go to see a movie at a theater with people you love discussing films with and have the entire car ride home be silent because you don’t know what to say? Yeah, that probably happened a lot here.

24: Live Another Day (SPOILERS) — TV SEASON REVIEW

Tate Donovan and Kiefer Sutherland in 24: Live Another Day

When 24: Live Another Day was first announced, I was not pleased. I had still been royally ticked off with the entire last season, including the way they chose to end it. I didn’t want more of that garbage. But what I failed to do was think on the terrific six seasons that it had (6 + 8 were the bad ones). Just like a bad breakup, you think of the bad moments and not the good ones that had you involved in the first place. But then the Super Bowl teaser came out and it had me excited for 24 once again. It was strange. Just hearing Jack Bauer’s yell had me extremely excited for the new season. I just hoped it was done right.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes — MOVIE REVIEW

Andy Serkis as Caesar in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

So back in 2011, I went into Rise of the Planet of the Apes expecting a silly movie about apes. I went in thinking that it had the possibility of being but at the end of the day, it would still be a movie about apes. I walked out of that one pleasantly surprised. Not only because I usually dislike James Franco in most of his movies and he wasn’t so bad that time around, but because it was just a good movie. Plus, it had one badass moment that still gives me goosebumps to this day. But now it is 3 years later, and it is time for the sequel. I kind of went in to this movie with the same mindset as before. After all, it’s still a movie about a bunch of apes. But I was so wrong to go in with that mindset. This movie deserves much more respect because it really is that good.

How the Emmy Nominations Should Have Gone

So the time has come. The Emmys are nearing and as always, there is always controversy regarding who they choose to nominate. And this year isn’t any different. I don’t claim to know everything about television, because I don’t watch nearly all of the shows out there. But, i do know amazing acting and programming when I see it. So, yes, I did have a few issues with the nominations this year. They nominated past winners and nominees that just don’t deserve it this year. They completely overlook individuals and shows that put out material that screams award recognition. But they didn’t get it. So below is my list for who should have been nominated. It is formatted the same as most other sites and you may disagree with me completely and that is okay. But this is my take and who I believe deserves it. So you will see Downton Abbey completely gone from my list. Not that I don’t think its worthy, but because I have never seen it and can’t put it above things I have seen and think deserve it. You will also see some of the categories being completely identical because they either got it right, or I didn’t see enough to add or remove nominees. So with that being said, take a look at who I think should have been nominated below and share your thoughts if you feel the need to.