In Praise of Leftovers

This week marks one of the greatest American holidays: Thanksgiving. It's great because it signifies thanks in a truly American way. We're thankful for everything because of all the awesome food we have and the awesome sport we have in football.

One of the best aspects of Thanksgiving is that our mega-glutton feast isn't limited to one day. No sir!!! Our traditional feast leads to days on end of overeating.

This year marks the first time ever that I will be working the day after Thanksgiving. While many Americans get up early to stand in shopping lines for hours on end, I get to wake up early to read Army architectural specifications for hours on end. With the leftover meats, I am planning on desiging and building the biggest, baddest turkey sandwich ever made.

Artist Rendering of Aaron's gigantic sandwich

I'm very fond of my leftovers -- food or otherwise. I was cruising Target last weekend with my wife and son (don' laugh, it's good times all around). Whilst strolling through the media section, my wife spotted a new Killers album called Sawdust. It's new in that it was recently released, but not so new. It's full of b-sides and previously unreleased tracks -- a "leftovers" album. While it's not quite my awesome turkey sandwich, it's still pretty good. If you like the Killers, you'll probably like this album. Half of it sounds like Hot Fuss, the other half sounds like Sam's Town.

“What does tracking mean?”

Well, Casey that’s a very interesting question, I’m glad you asked. Oh, and sorry it’s taken so long to respond.

“To track” comes from the Dutch, meaning to ‘follow or trace the footsteps’—first recorded in 1565. Thus, ‘tracking’ in and of itself could conjure a host of meanings dealing with merely following something, but in terms of movie tracking, what I had meant to say, more specifically, would be tracking prerelease movie buzz. You see, movies are multimillion dollar investments by movie studios, their shareholders as well as a surprising number of banks. All of these parties are interested in how these movies are going to perform at the box-office because it will obviously affect their wallets. In order to minimize risk then, movie studios will ‘track’ the movies through a number of different areas before they are released to help determine what kind of impact they’ll have on box-office receipts. Increasingly, opening weekends have become extremely important to movies’ revenues as these three days account for 30 to 50 percent of total box-office take. Some of the companies that movie studios have been known to use are Buzzmetrics, Cymphony, and Motivequest. The information that they gather is so sensitive that most of it isn’t published for the public to view. However, there are other places you can look if you were to say bet on opening weekend take of a movie such as blogpulse, yahoo! buzz, or imdb’s Moviemeter Top 10.

Basically, like any investment, movie studios are just trying to forecast with the most accuracy possible. The main things that they look at in order to determine a potential box-office haul are the following: prerelease buzz, rating, genre, early reviews, theatre count, and the movie’s marketing budget. What’s interesting about reviews is that it’s been proven that the more ‘buzz’ surrounding a movie, the more likely it’ll open big for the movie studio on opening weekend—regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. However, if a movie is going to continue to make a lot of money then it needs positive ‘word of mouth’ after opening weekend that will propel movies into higher levels of revenues. For instance, the Matrix sequels are notorious for their second weekends dropping off by a large amount because of poor word-of-mouth (wom), proceeded by a lot of prerelease buzz. On the other hand, there are other movies (sleepers) that really don’t have a lot of buzz going into them, but because of strong wom continue to perform well. My Big Fat Greek Wedding is the ultimate example of this.

The most interesting thing about wom is that for a long time, it was really hard to quantify, but with the advent of weblogs, such as this one, there are now blog tracking websites that determine prerelease buzz as well as post-release wom. These blog tracking websites are now being used by major movie studios in attempts to forecast box-office proceeds. For instance, in relation to my other post, Beowulf was tracking high when compared to other holiday movie fare, so most industry experts knew that it would open at number one. And, from what I read, they pegged it a $30 million dollar opening weekend, which happened to be $2 million short of what it actually took in—not bad. Now, of course, its overall profit destiny might lie in the nimble fingertips of the blogosphere. And on that note, I think I might see it tomorrow. Any takers?

Finally, here's an interesting paper related to this subject. Exploring the Value of Online Product Reviews in Forecasting Sales: The Case of Motion Pictures

Santa Clause Movies Are Coming to Town

I was talking to my friend yesterday about Beowolf, the new animated movie from director Robert Zemekis. He told me that he was amazed by the detail and that the first time he saw a preview for it he didn’t know that it was all CGI. I told him that it was tracking really high for holiday movies and that there was a lot of buzz surround it because it’s an animated movie for adults. After explaining what tracking meant, he asked me what other holiday movies were coming out that were also tracking high. But I had no idea. I thought about it for awhile, and decided that this holiday season wasn’t offering up the usual blockbuster-type movies that we’re all used to: LotR, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, etc. So, I decided to find out for myself, which movies I might be interested in seeing between Halloween and New Year’s. I know that I’ve already discussed last week’s two entries, as well as a bunch of Oscar downer movies, so this post is looking at the rest. However, some of them interest me; some of them don’t.

Nov. 9

Fred Clause – The first installment of The Santa Clause was somewhat amusing. I think I even liked it, but most Santa-based movies seem pretty awful to my taste. When I watch them I feel like I’m helping to promote the worst commercial aspect of Christmas or something. Anyway, the trailers for this one seem about the same as any of those Tim Allen movies, which will probably steer me away. Of course, if Will Ferrell (Elf) were in it I might think differently.

Nov. 16

Beowulf – This is from the same team who brought us The Polar Express, which had computer-generated images that kind of scared me a little. It was like watching talking, singing, and moving porcelain dolls…creepy. However, apparently, Zemekis, has learned a thing or two since then and based on my friends ‘wow’ reaction this could be a box-office winner.

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium – This movie looks kind of like a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory rip-off. However, I will readily admit that I could be persuaded to see it since Natalie Portman stars.

Nov. 21

August Rush – This one looks kind of interesting. I like that Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland). Also, Keri Russell is cute. The last time I liked Robin Williams in a movie, however, was Good Will Hunting—10 years ago!

Chistmas in Wonderland – Remember when Patrick Swayze was kind of cool? Yeah, me neither.

Nov. 30

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – This one is getting plenty of Oscar buzz and is very surreal.

Dec. 5

Juno – This movie is being promoted as a dramedy. The subject matter is somewhat unfortunate, but it’s got a great cast that includes Michael Cera and Jason Bateman – both from Arrested Development.

Dec. 7

The Golden Compass

– This is one of the few holiday blockbusters of the season I think. It looks like a Harry Potter wannabe and comes from the same studio as LotR, so I think they’re going for that whole fantasy crowd. I’m not totally excited to see it, but I know I probably will. Plus James Bond is in it.

Dec. 14

Alvin and the Chipmunks – This one kind of reminds me of those Garfield movies a few years ago. I really liked Garfield and Alvin and the Chipmunks as a kid, but the preview looks pretty lame. However, Jason Lee (My Name is Earl) and David Cross (Arrested Development) are it, so there’s hope.

I Am Legend – Ok, the first time I saw the preview for this movie I was like, “Wait, Will Smith in a sci-fi movie fighting aliens or robots…what a novel idea” (see I, Robot, Independence Day, Men in Black I & II, etc.). But I saw a more recent trailer of the apocalyptic tale and it came across as more of a social-commentary-science-fiction-venture akin to the first Planet of the Apes or something and I’ve been pretty intrigued since.

The Kite Runner – This is one of the few movie trailers that I’ve seen this year that has left me with some sort of awe or wonderment.

Dec. 21

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

– The first installment of this franchise was kind of like the poor man’s version of The Da Vinci Code.
I’ll admit that I kind of liked it in an Indiana Jones-escapist-fare kind of way. The second one’s premise looks to be just as ridiculous as the first’s; the only difference is that Nic Cage doesn’t have side burns now.

Flakes – Zooey Deschanel (Elf, Bridge to Terebithia) is in this one.

Dec. 25

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem –Ah, the ultimate yuletide cheer.

Fat: Don't Call it a Comeback

I assume that besides the 18-year-old girls Jed still hits on, most the people reading this blog are probably done with their schoolin’, which means it’s time to get fat. Fat sitting at a desk all day, fat from having kids, fat from watching those around us have kids, and the list goes on.

But maybe it’s ok to put on a few pounds. The NY Times has a story about a federally funded study showing that if you got a few extra pounds you are actually expected to live longer – think of it as part of your year’s-supply of food program.

With it being ok to have a few extra pounds in the bank, maybe tight shirts and jeans will fade out and chubby Keira Knightley’s will fade in. Probably not. Either way, somebody needs to get Carson Daily a sandwich.

'American Gangster' Whacks the Competition

American Gangster nailed the number one spot over the weekend, raking in $43.6 million. That’s a career best start for the two lead actors, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. In fact, it set a new record for the most successful debut of an R-rated crime drama. This might help Oscar voters in the ensuing months to vote on these two heavyweights in the award arena. Marketing replicated the swagger of past gangster pictures coupled with a black and white poster, eerily reminiscent of ‘Scarface’s.’ I’ve been in kind of Russell Crowe mood I guess, having watched L.A. Confidential on my ClearPlay DVD player recently. That is an amazing movie, I totally recommend it.

Jerry Seinfeld’s animated comedy ‘Bee Movie’ scored second with a hefty $39.1 million. I was kind of interested in how this movie was going to do after Seinfeld’s relentlessly annoying promotion. It kind of got mixed reviews, but almost reaching $40 million is a sizable chunk of change for an opening week, yet it still pales in comparison to other PG-rated fare.

Also, of note: ‘Dan in Real Life’ held relatively well, down only 33 percent from its opening week, which is pretty good. There’s a smidgeon of Oscar talk attached to this movie as well, but it deals more with the soundtrack. The lightweight singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche penned some original material that’s rather, well, swell, I guess. (I’m a sucker for Scandinavian music though.) Check out one of his music videos that’s somewhat amusing.

Jed in Real Life

This title was inspired by the movie ‘Dan in Real Life’ starring the always funny Steve Carrel. I’ve yet to the see movie, actually, but I was watching ‘Ebert & Roeper’ (sans Ebert) and it was recommended on the basis that it would make you feel good. Kind of a like a comfort-food type of movie that still deals with real life. Also of note, the guy that directed it, Peter Hedges, directed and wrote one of my favoritetest movies of all-time: ‘About a Boy.’ Anywho, this post is dedicated to the prosaic and mundane little things that happen to us daily—the sum of which make up our lives.

At work we’ve got new phones that look very similar to the ones used by CTU employees on ‘24.’ Here’s the coolest part though: I changed my ring so that it matches the CTU phones. It’s something like doo doo…dooo do. Does that make sense? Anyway, any time that the phone rings and I pick it up I half expect Jack Bauer to say: “Jed! I need your help, you’re just gonna have to trust me.” And I do, because as we all know Jack Bauer even got Helen Keller to talk.

I was at Wal-mart the other day, buying a DVD with a PG-13 rating. As the DVD went through the scanner, instead of a happy ding, there was a grumpy ‘err’ sound. The clerk then looked at me and asked me if I was over seventeen years-old. Really? Do I look like I’m still in high school? I’ve got to stop wearing my ‘I Heart Hanna Montana’ t-shirt.

Here’s the picture of Pres. Hinkley knighting Elder Eyring. I know this was innocent and all, but Mormons are funny about tradition and ceremony. I remember on my mission when a branch president in a really small rural area of Argentina set apart a member of the ward for a calling and he made them kneel on the ground. When I questioned him about the practice—which wasn’t necessarily bad or anything—he told me that that’s how the twelve apostles did it in a movie he’d seen. So, I guess I just worry that this picture we’ll be shown around the world and soon branch presidents in really small rural towns might sheer off some ears in an attempt to knight/set apart someone.

Here’s a picture of what my boss wore at a Halloween costume party yesterday. If you can’t tell he’s wearing a white trash can outfit, with sunglasses, and a sign around his neck that says ‘recycling.’ Get it? I didn’t. Either did my fellow judges when we voted him ‘worst costume.’ Apparently, he was a little offended that we bestowed this dubious honor upon him. Later, I had kind of a Michael Scott moment with him when he tried to explain to me that it was meant to be ‘cool trash’ and he looked at me for validation, and I just shook my head and said ‘hmmm, no.’ I don’t think that’ll help my impending performance review.

I always have gum and chap stick with me for some reason. Today, I picked up my gum and chap stick at the same time. I unwrapped a piece of gum and placed it in my mouth, then, while still holding the wrapper, I took off the cap to my chap stick and lubricated my lips. I then walked over to the trash can and threw the lid into the trash, while still holding the wrapper firmly in my hand. I just starred at the trash can for awhile before I got up the nerve to fish around in the trash to find my lid. This just confirms my sneaking suspicion that senility will be a smooth transition for me.

Finally, my sister sent me this picture of my cute nephew dressed as a lion for Halloween. When I was in kindergarten I was Lion-o from the Thundercats for Halloween. (Yes, I already know I was supercool.) So, I decided to call this picture Owen-o, because my nephew’s name is Owen. The end.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Apparently, Ron Howard and Tom Hanks have decided to fast-track ‘Angels and Demons,’ the prequel to ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ due to the looming writers’ strike. I’m excited for the second movie, because I thought that ‘A & D’ was a better book and more suited for a movie adaptation. Of course, I’m not excited to see Hanks’ faux mullet again.

Watch the mullet catch wind and carry Tom to safety!

I’ve recently discussed all the Oscar-potential movies that I wasn’t excited to see this year. It sounds as if I’m not the only one who’s decided that indie films are too depressing. Here’s an article explaining America’s lack of desire to see these dire movies, but rather more escapist fare. Dramas used to really be in vogue around this time of year, but it seems people are more interested in kiddie flicks and horror sequels.

‘Scrubs’ is coming back for its final season, but the creators of the show have decided to tone down the broad comedy a little, reminiscent of the first season. I’m excited about this since the first season is probably my favorite one. Also, look for a ‘Princess Bride’-themed episode this year. Inconceivable!

So, the Jazz are ranked seventh in this week’s ESPN power rankings. I only have one question: how did they move up one spot from last week if they haven’t even played a game yet?

Not Resting On the Seventh Day

I'm still a little wary about Season 7, but I kind of got the chills watching the trailer. So, here's hopin'

I'm Just Saying...

Have you ever wondered what a Libertarian is? How about a communitarian (opposite of a Libertarian)? Apparently, Libertarianism is on the rise and if you want to begin to understand this cultural phenomenon you should read this article. Political pundits feel like Libertarians might become very influential in the future political landscape. In fact, you may already be one. Personally, I hate all these labels that we’ve given one another, but if you’re wondering where you stand politically take this small quiz. You might be surprised—then again maybe not.

So, I’m thinking about moving to Beantown right now? It seems like everyone’s finding their groove there: Red Sox in the World Series; the Pats looking like a team that could go undefeated; Boston College making a run at a national championship; the Celtics looking like a playoff contender for the first time in years, er, decades; and even the native Bostonian, Ben Affleck, seems to have mustered some long-dormant critical praise out of his latest directorial debut.

So, I haven’t been watching much TV lately, but I just wanted to recommend ABC’s ‘Pushing Daises.’ I haven’t even watched a full episode—just 10 min. actually—but I kind of took a liking to it. Bolstered with rave reviews, it’s kind of a quirky and witty dramedy that’s akin to a Coen brothers film (i.e., ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou,’ ‘Raising Arizona,’ and ‘The Hudsucker Proxy’). Here’s the link.

Thanks Hayley for supplying a link to the new Star Trek cast compared to their older counterparts. The similarities are uncanny. Check it out.

Finally, I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that J.K. Rowling announced that Dumbledore is gay. Are you really surprised? It seems like most bespectacled British men who wrap themselves in glittery robes are.

This is the BBC, America...

This post has nothing to do with the BBC, but rather British-inspired news. I have never set foot on the ‘Spamalot’-inspired country, (btw…I just saw the play in Vegas, uh, awesome) but I have a profound respect and odd curiosity for anything that comes from across the pond:

I know this is a stretch, but the American version of ‘The Office’ comes to us directly from the British version. Anyway, ‘The Office’ definitely, in my mind at least, hasn’t jumped the shark, but, again, listening to reactions from people this season as well as reading on-line articles and blogs, I’m convinced that something is amiss. Read this article form Slate magazine that seems to think it knows how to remedy ‘The Office’ funk. Also, here’s the top 25 moments from ‘The Office’ with clips - it invokes fond memories.

Also, with all the Radiohead hysteria lately, I just needed to say that it looks like their little experiment has worked, financially speaking. While there have been many freeloaders who haven’t shelled out a penny for the new album, it looks as though the downloading averaged about $8 per CD. This article indicates that most A-list artists make about $1 for every CD sold, while, in contrast, Radiohead is reaping all the download profit from their own strategy. Not bad considering that estimates are around 1.2 million downloaded albums thus far. That would equate to like a billion pounds or something (I’m hazy on my pound to dollar conversion).

One more thing…Oasis is following suit and offering their latest single as a download only. The only difference is that you actually have to pay for it. P.S. I love Oasis.

How's that Whole Free Album Thing Going, Radiohead?

Jedboy has already waxed eloquently on this topic, as he is wont to do. Also, as I am wont to do, I'd like to reply to Jed's Radiohead thoughts in typical blogger fashion -- no research, mildly funny, and based purely on what I think is right.

Jed grew up listening Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and early "rock and roll." (I use quotes because I use the term rock and roll loosely with that era of rock. It rocked for that era, but that also was spoon fed crap like Paul Anka, the Kingston Trio, and alcoholic crooners. That rock was relatively rocking, but not historically rocking.) I grew up listening to actual rock and roll, like Bruce Springsteen, Hendrix, Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Van Halen. I also grafted in some outlaw country like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, Jr.

Want proof of how hard Hank Williams Jr. rocks? Check this out. Hank Williams basically calls out country music for not allowing him to A) drink whiskey, B) get loud, and C) possibly commit crimes. Over the weekend, I went to Wal Mart and paid $7.53 for Hank Jr's greatest hits. (Somehow, I thought Wal Mart would have it.)

I got out the liner notes, looked through the various photos of Hank -- Hank with beard smiling, Hank with beard smirking, Hank wearing sunglasses wiping gravy off beard -- like a fanboy. I was genuinely excited for my purchase.

Hank Williams Jr. 57,000 Google Images, and not one without sunglasses and beard.

Why was I excited about my purchase? The music is good. How good? About $7.53 good. One of the great things about America and capitalism is the willingness of the consumer to pay for something that is good.

My great-grandparents bought sheet music to play the legendary hits of W.W. Phelps. My grandparents bought whatever those old people bought. My dad bought 8-tracks, records, and now purchases CD's. The kids these days, I am told, use iTune's to download music.

The medium for music will change. What will not change is the willingness of Americans to reward that which we find good with our $$$$$. We have placed value on work exchange. Work exchange means I go to work and get paid, you go to work and get paid, Hank Williams Jr. combs his beard, goes to work, and gets paid. We create products of value, whatever that product is, and, in turn, expect an exchange to occur. In America, we pay for things because our money is the easiest form of showing approval for products.

So, Radiohead may toss out a "free" album. However, didn't Radiohead play some of the "In Rainbows" tracks at some of there live concerts? Concerts that people had been paying for?

Again, with the Moosen?

I came home from work last week for lunch and there were two moose in our yard. Apparently, they had been there all morning. I just had to take some more moose pics. I hope you enjoy them!

And the Oscar goes to...

In spite of the fact that I think the Oscars, or any other award shows, are pretty meaningless, I can’t help but get caught-up in the whole intrigue surrounding these types of shows. What I mean to say, is that I don’t think because one movie wins Best Picture accolades that it really is the best movie of the year—that goes for actors, directors, etc. However, for the most part, I do think that a lot of the movies that get nominated are note-worthy and sometimes could even be considered landmark achievements in cinema. And since I’m a huge movie buff, I can’t help but take notice of films that receive a lot of Oscar buzz.

It’s mid-October, which is still pretty early to be talking Oscars, but the movie theatres seem to be replete with adult-themed-Oscar-potential films right now. After perusing some of the Oscar contenders I feel a little depressed, which is how I think these films are supposed to make you feel. That is, most of these films seem to tackle the tough and controversial issues that tend to leave the audience in a state of morbid gloom. So, while I’m not jumping at the bit to see most of these movies, I just wanted to give my take on some of the films and actors that have Oscar written all over them:

Atonement – Nineteenth century period drama starring Kiera Knightley.

Hmm…didn’t we already see this movie—'Pride and Prejudice' anyone? It even has the same director. Ok, I won’t slam this too much, because 'Pride and Prejudice' was pretty good. I saw it—in a moment of weakness—with my sisters, mom, and sister-in-law. I really liked it. Anyway, if Kiera and her director-friend can produce the same magic from P & P, than look for some more Oscar noms.

Eastern Promises – Russian mob thriller starring Viggo Mortensen.

Kind of the same thing as Atonement; the director and main star have made a second similar-themed movie together that is receiving rave reviews. Aragorn was in a movie a few years back ('A History of Violence') that was supposed to be excellent. I never saw it, and I probably won’t see this one too, since it’s supposed to be extremely violent and Viggo even fights someone in the nude at one point!

Grace is Gone – Iraq war widower deals with death and life starring John Cusack.

This is one of the few movies that I really wanted to see at Sundance this year, but couldn’t get tickets. First off, I’m a huge John Cusack fan, (see 'Better Off Dead') but also I like the whole role-reversal thing of a husband having to deal with the death of his soldier wife and then having to tell his daughters about it.

In the Valley of Elah – Another Iraq war movie starring Charlize Theron and Tommy Lee Jones.

This one’s sure to have a lot of Oscar potential, since it was written by Paul Haggis, who wrote and co-wrote many of the latest films that earned or were nominated for Oscars (i.e., 'Letters from Iwo Jima', 'Flags of Our Fathers', 'Million Dollar Baby', and 'Crash').

A Mighty Heart – Based on the real-life Marianne Pearl, whose journalist husband died in Afghanistan starring Angelina Jolie.

Eh, I probably won’t see this one either. It’s weird to think that Angelina Jolie did, in fact, win an Oscar many years ago.

Charlie Wilson’s War – I have no idea what this one’s about – starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymor Hoffman, and Amy Adams.

I think the only reason this film is getting so much attention has to do with the fact that all of its stars have either won Oscars or were nominated for them. Even the director has been nominated five times!

Russel Crowe – Starring in 3:10 to Yuma and American Gangster.

Ok, even though this guy has some major anger management issues that he needs to deal with, that doesn’t mean he can’t light up the screen with his dogged acting chops. Shoo-in for an Oscar nod.

Michael Clayton – Cerebral lawyer thriller starring George Clooney.

Critics loved it; the public passed. Oscar voters have fallen in love with Mr. Ocean—look for another best actor nomination.

Cate Blanchett – Starring in Elizabeth: The Golden Age and I’m Not There.

Cate Blanchett is spot-on in anything she’s in. Oscar voters love her and she may just get a nom for playing a guy (Bob Dylan)!

Lions for Lambs – Anti-Iraq war story starring Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford.

Say what you will about Tom Cruise and his, um, eccentricities; he brings his ‘A’ game in everything he’s in. I think Meryl Streep gets nominations for just being in a movie. Bob Redford is a little hit-and-miss these days when putting out good material.

Denzel Washington – Starring in Ridley Scott’s American Gangster.

Denzel has the goods, what can I say? He won an Oscar for 'Training Day', in which he played one bad mutha—similar to 'American Gangster.'

Daniel Day-Lewis – Starring in There Will Be Blood.

Anytime Day-Lewis ('Last of the Mohicans', 'Gangs of New York') decides to grace the screen with his presence (about once every three years) he always generates a lot of Oscar buzz.

No Country for Old Men – Coen brothers’ modern noir film based on a Cormac McCarthy book.

I haven’t read this book, but I read McCarthy’s other book, ‘The Road’ and was completely floored.

Casey Affleck – Starring in The Assassination of Jesse James and Gone Baby Gone.

So, everyone knows Casey as Ben’s younger brother and as one of the Mormon twins in the Ocean’s movies, but he’s also generating a lot of buzz for his method portrayal of the coward Robert Ford as well as headlining Ben’s directorial debut Gone Baby Gone.

Sweeney Todd – Tim Burton’s murderous barber musical starring Johnny Depp.

Burton and Depp have teamed up on countless occasions (six of 'em) to very crowd-pleasing results, but this film could be what gets them into Oscar contention.

Keri Russell – Starring in Waitress.

I’ve been a huge fan of Keri’s since her 'Felicity' days. This was another Sundance movie that I wanted to see, but couldn’t get tickets. I still haven’t seen it, but maybe more Oscar attention might spur me on to actually buy a ticket.

All the Presidents Are Men

Movies.com compiled a list of the presidential wannabes favorite movies, I thought they were pretty funny. Here's what they said:

They're all wooing Hollywood — and the latest to enter the race was even (gasp!) an actor. So, we wondered, what movies do they really watch on a quiet Saturday night. We didn't ask; they didn't tell. Here's what we think the main candidates' top picks should be, and why!

RUDY GIULIANI (former mayor)

World Trade Center (2006)
"Didn't have enough of a certain strong, unwavering mayor, but all in all, very moving — and very effective at fundraising."

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
(U.S. Senator)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
"Jimmy Stewart is wonderful as a principled man who speaks his mind even after winning election to the Senate. My all-time favorite science-fiction movie."

JOHN McCAIN (U.S. Senator)

Hostel (2005)
"My fellow GOP contenders think torture's a nifty idea. I think they should watch this movie — and then imagine it lasting for six long years in a POW camp in 'Nam. Still sound nifty?"

BARACK OBAMA (U.S. Senator)

Hitch (2005)
"Will Smith is the best. I can't get enough of how he turns a stiff Kevin James into one cool dude. Hmmm, wonder if he's available for consultations?"

FRED THOMPSON
(actor, former U.S. Senator)

In the Line of Fire (1993)
"A crackerjack thriller; plus, I get to be the White House chief of staff, establishing my credibility as an Oval Office occupant."

JOHN EDWARDS (former U.S. Senator)

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
"Finally! A movie that depicts the challenges faced by those of us with good hair like George Clooney! Excessive combing is just one price we pay. Four-hundred dollars is another."

MITT ROMNEY
(former governor, Salt Lake Winter Games savior)

Blades of Glory (2007)
"Everything I love — Winter Olympic-style pageantry, ice rinks, manly male figure skaters."

To Boldly Go…

Casting for the new Star Trek movie seems to be rounding out as new reports are trickling in of the latest to join the pre-television series U.S.S. Enterprise. It appears that J.J. Abrams, the director, is taking the franchise into a bold new direction. Instead of using past Star Trek television stars, Abrams is casting young and relatively unknown actors to man the 60s sci-fi ship. While trying to appeal to a broader audience is the obvious reason that Abrams has broken from Star Trek tradition, some Trekkers are worried that he may fly the franchise off course, however, most have taken a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude.

A Mexican politician was stripped of his first-place title after it was uncovered that he took a shortcut. Officials opened an investigation after a race photographer noted that he finished the marathon wearing a jacket and long running tights; he also wasn’t sweating and he looked like he had just come from a fiesta. He shot back that he never intended to complete the race, but was simply crossing the finish line to get to all of his things. Since when do you cross a finish line pumping your arms in the air just to collect your belongings? Here’s the video. Compare his triumphant finish to that of his running counterparts who are on the verge of death.

So, what did you guys think of ‘The Office’ last night. I was reading some blogs on-line and some people were complaining that the hour-long episodes are just too much. Even my brother said that it seemed like they were just trying to fill space in some areas. I’m not sure how I feel. I think that I laughed quite a bit: Meredith’s hip cast, Andy’s song to Angela, Michael and Dwight making fun of Ryan. But, I would agree that the whole kidnapping incident seemed a little too ‘out there.’ Kind of like when Michael drove his car into the river on the last episode. I don’t know. What do you guys and gals think?

One last thing: I couldn’t watch ‘The Office’ on DVR because it wasn’t working for some reason, so I sat and watched all the commercials for fear that I might miss even one second. There’s all these lame Jerry Seinfeld promos for his new movie on. Uh, L.A.M.E. I didn’t think they were very funny at all, and it caused me not to want to watch his new movie.