Archive | January, 2015

Shameless “I’m the Liver” Review (5×02)

18 Jan

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“I’m not just chaos. I’m better. I’ve changed. I think I could be really good for you.”

Last season saw Fiona Gallagher digging herself deeper and deeper into a dark hole, and although last week’s premiere displayed a happy and carefree woman, “I’m the Liver” delves back into the traits that led to that downward spiral. Although Fiona is laughing and flirting and smiling now, that doesn’t necessarily change who she is deep down; she may certainly be working to improve her life and her relationships, but she tends to overlook her more dangerous side in favor of a more optimistic viewpoint.

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Inherent Vice Review

18 Jan

IV POSTER HORIZONTAL

Inherent Vice is built around sensation, around a drug-induced haze not created through clever visual tricks, but rather through a purposefully incomprehensible plot. That’s not to say that there isn’t a story to grasp, though; it simply means that we’re just as much in the dark as Doc Sportello is, that every scribble in his notepad or on his whiteboard is just one more addition to a never-ending process. It’s a process we may need to attempt to make sense of things, but in the end, the experience–the sensation–is what trumps all.

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Taken 3 Review

17 Jan

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“My wife was taken from me…BY DEATH.”

It is midday. Birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the sound of laughter drifts through the air as Liam Neeson sits. It is not a relaxed sit, however, as Liam Neeson knows that anything can happen at any moment. He knows that even if his buttocks graze a freshly cut lawn, he will still need to angle his body in order to maximize his gun-drawing quickness. After all, his enemies are lurking around the corner, stroking their weapons in anticipation of being punched right into the next movie.

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Thoughts on the 87th Academy Awards Nominations

15 Jan


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-Here is the full list of nominations:

http://oscar.go.com/nominees

The Good

-I’m extremely happy about Laura Dern’s nomination, as she was truly the best part about Wild (also, remember Enlightened?). I’m even happier about Marion Cotillard’s nomination for Best Actress, not only because that means Jennifer Aniston doesn’t get anything, but also because Cotillard is arguably the best working actress today. Her performance in Two Days, One Night was wonderful, and her getting recognized for it was a pleasant surprise. Normally, I’d be sad about Amy Adams missing out on a nomination, but Cotillard’s makes up for it.

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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia “The Gang Beats Boggs” Review (10×01)

14 Jan

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10 years in, and we’re still going strong. This seems like one of those shows that will never end, but will keep churning out quality episode after quality episode as it finds new ways to mine gold from a simple setup. “The Gang Beats Boggs” is far from the show’s strongest outing, but it’s still a pretty funny one, one that features excellent physical comedy and Wade Boggs and Dee passed out on a conveyor belt. It’s a welcome return after a long hiatus, and I’m glad to see where this season takes us.

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Parks and Recreation “2017”/ “Ron & Jammy” Review (7×01/7×02)

13 Jan

Parks and Recreation

“Life is about taking risks.”

It’s the final season of Parks and Recreation, and while it’s clear that this is around the time when most shows should finish, it’s also clear that Parks can still deliver sweet and funny stories each week. “2017” is a very pleasant return to the show, but “Ron & Jammy” takes it up a notch, expertly straddling the line between ridiculous and hilarious as it reminds us why exactly we watch these characters: to laugh.

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Person of Interest “Control-Alt-Delete” Review (4×12)

13 Jan

Person of Interest - Episode 4.12 - Control-Alt-Delete - Promotional Photos

“Can you consider the possibility that you’ve been lied to?”

“No.”

The name “Control” implies, well, control, and that’s exactly what we saw with the character prior to this episode. She was resolute and powerful, and when she wanted to get something done, she did it; even if she had to carry out 853 murders, she did so because that’s what she believed her country asked her to do. She did so because that’s what she believed she had to do in order to remain in power, to keep her country safe. Right from the beginning of “Control-Alt-Delete”, however, we start to see that pedestal of control slowly being chipped away at, and we see her efforts to reprimand Mr. Travers nonchalantly brushed off by the man. Simply put, Control is not in control anymore.

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Shameless “Milk of the Gods” Review (5×01)

11 Jan

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Season four of Shameless was one of the most impressive television seasons I have seen in a long time. It still brought the laughs, but it also really delved into who these characters were and how they responded to hardship. It was brilliantly acted, heartbreaking, and triumphant, and it solidified the show as one of the best on TV. As we move into season five, there’s a clear shift in tone from the heartrending drama of last year to a more carefree, rebuilding atmosphere, and although the premiere isn’t perfect, it’s still a great reintroduction to the Gallaghers’ lives.

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The 72nd Golden Globe Awards Live Blog

11 Jan

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Hi, everyone! Join me at 8/7 central for a live blog of the Golden Globe Awards. All times will be central (the best time zone, let’s be honest).

I will begin by saying: in news that surprises no one, Jessica Chastain looks stunning tonight.

7:05-The cut to Emma Stone’s eyes was funny. Also, Joaquin Phoenix is here and he seems amicable! Also, that Clooney Lifetime Achievement Award joke was excellent.

7:07-That one-take was Lubezki, too!

7:11-Monologue was excellent. Loved the Bill Cosby jab.

7:15-J.K. Simmons was incredible in Whiplash. It looks like he was rushing during that speech, so I’m going to have to throw at a chair at his head. Anyway, this is probably the award I cared most about tonight, so it looks like we’re done. See you later!

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