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Movie Actors

The Oscar Nominations Have Been Announced

by Joi on January 22, 2009

in Angelina Jolie, Clint Eastwood, Heath Ledger, Hollywood Today!, Robert Downey Jr

Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt

Every year, when the Oscar nominations are announced, I’m left scratching my head. I swear, I don’t think the committee actually watches all of the movies. How Gran Torino could not be nominated for best movie is absolutely ridiculous. Not only was it one of the best 3 movies of the year, it’s one of the best ever.

I’m also pretty sure they didn’t even watch Eagle Eye, or Shia LaBeouf would have gotten a nod.

The biggest surprise of all, though, is the fact that Clint Eastwood wasn’t nominated for his outstanding performance in Gran Torino. This was this Hollywood legend’s best performance ever and to snub him is so pathetic I’m at a loss for words.

Below is the list of the nominees (in bold is my personal pick and in parentheses are my beefs…for what they’re worth! If there are no words in bold, it only means I don’t much care either way.):

BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
(Gran Torino should have been nominated.)

BEST ACTOR
Richard Jenkins – The Visitor
Frank Langella – Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn – Milk
Brad Pitt – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler
(Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino, should have been nominated and should have won.)

BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway – Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie – Changeling
Melissa Leo – Frozen River
Meryl Streep – Doubt
Kate Winslet – The Reader

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin – Milk
Robert Downey Jr. – Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Doubt
Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon – Revolutionary Road
(Shia LaBeouf, Eagle Eye, and Bee Vang, Gran Torino, should have been nominated)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams – Doubt
Penelope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis – Doubt
Taraji P. Henson – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei – The Wrestler
(Ahney Her from Gran Torino should have been nominated and should have won – she was exquisite!)

DIRECTOR
David Fincher
Ron Howard
Gus Van Sant
Stephen Daldry
Danny Boyle
(Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino AND Changeling should have been nominated and should have won)

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Courtney Hunt – Frozen River
Mike Leigh – Happy-Go-Lucky
Martin – In Bruges
Dustin Lance Black – Milk
Andrew Stanton – WALL-E

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Eric Roth and Robin Swicord – Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley – Doubt
Peter Morgan – Frost/Nixon
David Hare – The Reader
Simon Beaufoy – Slumdog Millionaire

FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Der Baader Meinhof Komplex
The Class
Departures
Revanche
Waltz with Bashir

ANIMATED
Bolt
Kung Fun Panda
WALL-E

The Oscars will be held on February 22nd and will be hosted by Hugh Jackman.

The picture at the top of the post are from the Berlin premiere of Benjamin Button. To see more, click HERE.

Fantasy Island’s Ricardo Montalban Has Passed Away

by Joi on January 15, 2009

in Classic Movies, Classic TV, In Memorandum, Sex Symbols (Male)

Ricardo Montalban, Fantasy Island

My dad and I used to watch Fantasy Island every week. We absolutely loved that show. It may sound cliche, but they honestly don’t make purely entertaining television dramas anymore. The kind you can sit back and enjoy with every member of the family.

Ricardo Montalban had such an amazing charisma and screen presence. I’m pretty sure if he were to read the phone book, I would have tuned in to watch – from A to Z.

Sadly, Mr. Montalban passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2009. He was 88 years old. His wife of 68 years, Georgianna, had passed away only last year. “He was in peace,” said his son-in-law Gilbert Smith. “He will be missed.” He is survived by four children and six grandchildren.

Ricardo Montalban was born in Mexico City, Mexico in 1920.

He worked passionately for the advancement of Spanish actors and actresses in Hollywood. He injured his back while filming Across the Wide Missouri in 1951.

In 1993, he was in surgery for over 9 hours as doctors tried to repair damage to his spine. He was said to have been in constant pain.

A Few DID YOU KNOWS about Ricardo Montalban:
His wife Georgianna’s sister was Loretta Young.
Agreed to reprise his role of “Khan” in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982) for only $100,000 because he loved the role so much!
Is the only “Star Trek” movie villain who previously appeared on “Star Trek” (1966). He played Khan Noonien Singh in the “Star Trek” (1966) episode “Space Seed” and Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982).
In 1970, he founded the non-profit organization “Nosotros” whose goal is “to help fulfill the goals of persons of Spanish-speaking origin in the motion picture and television industry.” (www.nosotros.org).
Best remembered by the public for his starring role as “Mr. Roarke” on “Fantasy Island” (1978).

After winning his Emmy for “How the West Was Won” in 1978, Ricardo Montalban said, “I don’t know about Mr. Roarke, but this certainly fulfills my fantasy. Thank you very much.”

Rest in perfect peace, Ricardo Montalban.

Twilight Review – Even Better Than I’d Hoped For

by Joi on November 23, 2008

in Hollywood Today!, Movie Quotes, Movie Reviews, Sex Symbols (Female), Sex Symbols (Male), Twilight and New Moon

Twilight Framed Art Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

Edward: And so the lion fell in love with the lamb.
Bella: What a stupid lamb.
Edward: What a sick, masochistic lion.

Before we went to see Twilight Friday night, I was a little nervous. Honestly, I read (just for the heck of it) about 9 reviews that day and they weren’t just all bad – they were hideously bad.

Critics didn’t like the directing, they didn’t like the stars, they didn’t like the dialogue, they didn’t like the action, they didn’t like the close ups (are you even kidding me?).

Bella: Are you going to tell me how you stopped the van?
Edward: Yeah. Um… I had an adrenaline rush. It’s very common. You can Google it.

I was blown away by every single aspect of the movie. I love the fact that there was so much energy and excitement in the lobby. We all had to stand in line for over an hour waiting to go back – even after we had our tickets. It reminded me of the frenzy that surrounded The Dark Knight, the Pirates movies, and I Am Legend.

Some people wore Team Edward tops while a few had on Team Jacob ones. A lot of the girls had their hair fixed like “Bella” and a few guys even attempted the Edward look… at least I think that’s what they were aiming for!

Bella: You know, your mood swings are kinda giving me whiplash.

Everyone clapped as soon as the trailers began, then they clapped again when the actual movie began. It was a grand old time before one word was spoken.

However, the real magic started as soon as Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart shared the screen. The chemistry between these two is something special, and they lookes just as we knew they would… beautiful!

Edward: Hold on tight spidermonkey.

For me, this is more of a love story than anything else – and a great one, at that. As Edward pointed out, it’s like a love story of a lion and a lamb. But, unlike Bella’s words suggest, I think the lamb’s anything but stupid. I also think the casting director is a freaking genius.

Apparently, they’ve made it official, there WILL be a sequel. While we already assumed it, it’s incredible to have it in writing. Hopefully the Cullen’s will be in the next one even more. Each actor/actress did a phenomenal job and I didn’t see one thing to NOT love about this movie.

In fact, I can’t wait to see it again!

Twilight Posters!

by Joi on November 23, 2008

in Hollywood Today!, Movie Posters, Sex Symbols (Female), Sex Symbols (Male), Twilight and New Moon

Twilight Poster
Buy at AllPosters.com

Twilight Double-sided poster
Buy at AllPosters.com

Twilight Framed Art Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

Twilight Poster
Buy at AllPosters.com

Twilight Framed Art Print
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Great New Jacob Poster

by Joi on November 22, 2008

in Movie Posters, Sex Symbols (Male), Twilight and New Moon

Twilight Poster
Buy at AllPosters.com

Quantum of Solace Review and An Open Handed Slap to Critics Who Didn’t Like It

by Joi on November 19, 2008

in Hollywood Today!, Movie Posters, Movie Reviews, Pierce Brosnan, Sex Symbols (Female), Sex Symbols (Male)

James Bond – Quantum of Solace Framed Art Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

I have officially lost faith in professional movie critics. It was on shaky ground anyway, but after Quantum of Solace, there isn’t any trace of faith left. I read that the stars didn’t have any chemistry, that the opening song wasn’t “true” to the James Bond dynasty, that the lead actress was too tan (what?!?!) that the story was weak, and so on.

I have no explanation for what others get or somehow fail to get, but it’s a shame to think that people are paid to do this for a living and can’t even get in the ballpark!

First of all: The theme. Alicia Keys and Jack White do an outstanding job with the theme song. I honestly didn’t know what to expect out of such a collaboration, but it was incredible. The entire opening was dead-on what you’d expect from a James Bond movie. Sexy, stylish, breathtaking… What’s not to love?

Second of all: The leads – Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko – imo, had a very, very special chemistry. Generally speaking, whenever I’ve seen a Bond film, I walk away from it wondering who the next “Bond girl” will be. However, for the first time EVER, I walked away wondering if I begged hard enough and petitioned as though my life depended on it – would they, somehow, bring Olga back? She was, by far, my favorite Bond girl ever. In fact, she’s one of my favorite action female characters of all time. The character was a perfect blend of vulnerability and toughness – with just the right amount of each.

Olga Kurylenko actress is as talented as she is beautiful and I’ve loved every movie I’ve seen her in (Hitman, Max Payne, Quantum of Solace). Even so, I had no idea she’d be able to pull off being a Bond girl so effortlessly. I certainly didn’t see her becoming my favorite one ever!

Daniel Craig is perfect in the role as James Bond. As I’ve said on this blog a gazillion times, Pierce Brosnan has always been my favorite Bond. After seeing Quantum of Solace, however, I can say something I never thought I’d ever hear myself saying, “Pierce Brosnan is one of my favorite two James Bonds.” I love Daniel Craig in the role just as much. Never. Saw. That. Coming.

The chase scenes, action, fight scenes, emotional undertows, acting, chemistry, GORGEOUS scenery, sex appeal, Dame Judi Dench, the music…. it all gets straight A+s from me.

No action film fan could walk away from this movie without feeling pumped with excitement. That’s part of the beauty of the film, actually. It’s a movie that stands on it’s own two legs – whether or not the name James Bond was involved or not. It didn’t need “Bond. James Bond.” to stand and it didn’t need “…shaken, not stirred…”

Quantum of Solace is action film-making at its best. It just so happens to also be James Bond at his best as well. To be perfectly honest, Casino Royale wasn’t one of my favorite movies – Bond or otherwise. I didn’t like the relationships whatsoever. I hated the Bond/M relationship (or lack thereof) most of all. (I also wasn’t the least bit impressed with the Bond girl in that film. When she met with her fate, my face did more of a grin than a grimace.)

I’ve actually given Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko my ultimate nod of approval after seeing Quantum of Solace. See the Categories in the sidebar? Only a certain amount of names/subjects will fit. I have to make certain that I only include the stars, shows, etc. that absolutely send me over the moon. You’ll now find their names there.

Quantum of Solace is, in my opinion, a thousand times better than Casino Royale. It’s a mind-blowing movie that’s just beautiful front to back. Ignore the newspaper critics and see the movie. You won’t be sorry.

If, somehow you find something to hate about this fantastic movie, I only have one piece of advice. Quit your day job, you missed your calling. You were meant to be a professional movie critic. ;/

You may also be interested in: Trying to Make Sense of These Quantum of Solace Reviews

Trailer for Seven Pounds with Will Smith

by Joi on November 18, 2008

in Hollywood Today!, Sex Symbols (Male), Trailers, Will Smith

It looks like Will Smith is set to blow us all away at the box office…. again! Can’t wait for this one.

Transporter 3 With Jason Statham – Looks Awesome!

by Joi on November 8, 2008

in Hollywood Today!, Sex Symbols (Male), Trailers

I recently watched the first movie in the Transporter series and loved it. Jason Statham is perfect in this role and the action sequences and driving scenes blew me away.

Apparently, the 3rd movie plans on doing the same thing. Jason Statham says that Transporter 3 is “a fan’s dream come true.” He also says that in his opinion, the action scenes are quite a bit different than what we saw in the first two movies.

Transporters 3 will be in theaters November 26th.

Twilight’s Edward, Robert Pattinson, Promotes Twilight in Soho

by Joi on November 4, 2008

in Hollywood Today!, Sex Symbols (Male), Twilight and New Moon

Robert Pattinson and director Catherine Hardwicke Promote “Twilight” at the Apple Store in Soho on Monday, November 3, 2008.

Click each thumbnail to see the larger version.

A Round-up of Twilight News, Videos and Twilight Related Websites

by Joi on November 1, 2008

in Hollywood Today!, Sex Symbols (Female), Sex Symbols (Male), Trailers, Twilight and New Moon, Videos

If you’re like just about everyone else, you’re getting pretty excited about Twilight. It’ll FINALLY be in theaters November 21 (20 days to go!) and a lot of people are expecting it to have “Dark Knight” type success.

I guess we’ll see soon enough.

You could actually beat the crowds and the drama by buying your tickets online now at Fandango. If you use the banner to the right, you’ll get a free remix of Bella’s Lullaby.

Twilight has a soundtrack that should be pretty amazing in its own right. The soundtrack features songs from Paramore, Linkin Park, Collective Soul and Muse. In addition to Robert’s song, “Never Think”, “Spotlight” and “Bella’s Lullaby.” (You can find them all on YouTube.)

“Never Think” by Robert Pattinson:

Top Twilight-Related Websites and Fansites:

Robert Pattinson Daily - This is one of the newer Robert Pattinson websites and it’s a totally hot site. The layout is sexy cool and the pictures, literally, seem to grow daily. One of the webmistresses does the infamous Zac-e.com – one of the most respected and popular fansites online.

Robert Pattinson Fan – Another hot Robert Pattinson website! The energy and passion I’m picking up on from Robert Pattinson’s fans reminds me of the exact same of fan passion that erupted with Orlando Bloom around The Lord of the Rings and Pirate movies. It’s exciting!

Robert Pattinson Web - Another, you guessed it, hot Robert Pattinson website! The updates on this website are amazing. They don’t just seem to update every single day, there are several updates EACH day. As someone who runs 4 celeb sites herself (Keira, Angelina, Megan, Ben – links in the sidebar!), I know how much work it takes to run a website. People honestly have no idea. This website, like the other ones I’ve included here make it look effortless.

Kris-Stewart.org – I can’t even tell you how much I love this actress. I honestly see her as the next Natalie Portman/Keira Knightley. She’s stunning and so talented. This is a wonderful website, with unbelievable pictures – and you have to check out the banner!

Cam Gigandet Online – This is a great website for Cam Gigandet. I could stare at the banner all day. Hypnotizingly hot! I am so glad to have a great source of pictures and information for this talented actor.

Jackson Rathbone . Org - Gorgeous website… I’m all wild about the colors. Not just a little wild. No, all wild. The website even features an interview with Jackson. I’m pretty sure you can count Jackson Rathbone amongst the stars that’ll be launched high as a result of Twilight. Jackson will also be in the upcoming movies S. Darko and Daze.

His Golden Eyes.com – Wow. Gorgeousness! This website also features unbelievable pictures and very, very frequent updates. What’s more, unless about a gazillion people are wrong, the hottest Twilight forum online calls this site home.

You honestly have to check these websites out. They’re all amazing.

>>> If I”ve missed any great Twilight websites, please let me know. E-mail me at joisigers@aim.com -