Donna S.'s blog

Best Picture -- Now and Then

Submitted by Donna S. on Fri, 02/01/2013 - 4:50pm

I’m at a disadvantage when it comes to this year’s Oscars.  I’ve seen very few of the nominated films.  Friends and family have told me about some of the movies, and I’ve looked up information on my own.  The nine films up for Best Picture are quite diverse, ranging from historical to fantasy to military to musical to western.

Now I will admit up front that I’m cheating a little on this blog.  I looked up the plots for most of the films.  And as I read, I couldn’t help being reminded of past Best Picture winners.
 

The Oldest and the Youngest

Submitted by Donna S. on Fri, 01/18/2013 - 4:47pm

This year’s Academy Award nominations held a pleasant surprise and new record.  In the Best Actress in a Leading Role category, we have both the oldest and the youngest nominees in the history of the Oscars.  Emmanuelle Riva, nominated for the foreign film Amour, was 85 years old when announcements were made last week.  At the other end of the spectrum is

In Memoriam -- 2012

Submitted by Donna S. on Fri, 01/04/2013 - 3:52pm

At the end of every year, we see online or in magazines and newspapers a list of celebrities who have passed away.  Some of the deaths we remember.  Some we may not have heard about.  But for the most part, we stop and think of the works they have done.  And maybe look for a favorite movie or television series to watch again.

A few of these actors and actresses I was able to acknowledge soon after their deaths.  But I’d like to start this list with a mention of some I should have written about sooner.
 

More Christmassy Than You Might Think

Submitted by Donna S. on Thu, 12/20/2012 - 3:25pm

I love Christmas movies.  All kinds of Christmas movies.  Color.  Black & white.  Religious.  Secular.  Live action.  Animated.  Romantic.  Silly.  I have certain ones that I have to watch every year.  And for the most part, they’re all quite traditional.  Christmas is the theme.  It influences the people and advances the story.

But in the last couple of years, I’ve started adding a few other films to my list of annual viewing.  Movies that skirt around the edges of Christmas.  They may be set during the season or the holidays may provide a turning point in the story.  Perhaps even driving home a point we didn’t even notice until the end of the movie.  But one that stays with us.

Being a Scot

Submitted by Donna S. on Fri, 12/07/2012 - 3:38pm

Okay.  Admit it.  You love the accent.

And the tartans and kilts.

And the stories of feuds and clan rivalries.

And the bagpipes.

Well, maybe not the bagpipes.  That’s a “you either love it or you hate it” thing.

Still, Scotland is a part of our culture.  Or, at least, a strong presence in our entertainment.

Gather 'Round the Table

Submitted by Donna S. on Thu, 11/15/2012 - 3:23pm

It’s that time of year again.  For many of us, Thanksgiving is the real start to the holiday season.  We get together with family and friends and have a big dinner.  We talk and visit and catch up on everyone's news.  We probably watch some football or the parade or a favorite movie.  And in the midst of all the festivities, we remember how fortunate we are.

James Bond

Submitted by Donna S. on Fri, 11/02/2012 - 2:01pm

For a guy who’s pushing 60 years old, James Bond is going as strong as ever. Maybe even stronger. And he’s about to flex his muscles in Skyfall, his 23rd motion picture.

"Good Evening..."

Submitted by Donna S. on Fri, 10/12/2012 - 2:52pm

There are some movie directors who can conjure up an image or a mood just by the mention of their names. 
John Ford -- Westerns and valor.  Frank Capra --1930s and 40s America and patriotism.
Steven Spielberg -- Epic films and adventure.  Martin Scorsese -- Crime films and redemption.
Alfred Hitchcock -- Suspense films and, well, suspense.

“Oh, Wise Guy, Eh? Nyuk! Nyuk! Nyuk!”

Submitted by Donna S. on Fri, 10/05/2012 - 1:30pm

It's that time of year again.  Very soon, the major studios and independent filmmakers will be releasing the movies they hope will lead to the Oscars.  Movies that are serious.  Movies that  challenge the mind and the heart.  But I’m not quite ready for those films.  I’m in the mood for a laugh.  A really good, long belly laugh.  The kind of laugh that can only be brought on by some classic old-fashioned slapstick.  And the kings of slapstick are The Three Stooges.

And the Winner for Best Comedy Was...

Submitted by Donna S. on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 12:57pm

This coming Sunday, September 23, we’ll get to see the winners of the Emmy Awards for 2012.  I’m looking forward to finding out who the victors are, though I have favorites I’m cheering for.

In my last blog, I listed some of the past winners for Best Drama.  So, naturally, I’m following that up with past winners for Best Comedy.  As before, I’m not including any series that are still being broadcast with new episodes.  But the list is pretty long, with a variety of settings -- from domestic to wartime to office – and with humor ranging from slapstick to satire to dramedy.

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