There’s some movie called Shame that seems to be starring a whole lot of bush and I fucking love bush therefore I love this movie…see cuz bikini waxes are so played out and when you’re dealing with the caliber of woman I deal with…the bush is needed as a shield to all things herpes scarred and meaty that you’d rather not see bald and in all its glory…. I don’t know what this shit is about, or when it comes out, or if these screen caps of Cary Mulligan’s bush are even erotic…but I am posting them anyway…
Traditionally a “guilty pleasure” is something you’d be embarrassed for the world to know you secretly enjoyed or for your Facebook friends to see you clicked on, but you know what? Around here we embrace the bad-to-godawful movies we love, and besides; what the heck does it even mean to like something ironically, you insufferable hipster? Toss away your pretentious hat, sit down in the circle of trust, take a deep breath, and join Movieline in unabashedly celebrating the inane, misguided, off-the-mark, and downright B-A-D but nevertheless shamelessly entertaining movies of the year – the Top 9 Not-So-Guilty Pleasures of 2011 . Because we all love some terrible things, don’t we? 9. Nick Nolte in Zookeeper Maybe I just cribbed from everyone’s Worst Movies of 2011 list. Maybe Nick Nolte’s work as a TGI Friday’s-loving gorilla named Bernie in Zookeeper eclipses his shattering work in Warrior on the basis of its cringe-worthiness alone. And maybe I feel so bad that poor Nolte had to sing Florida’s “Low” in character as a gorilla opposite Kevin James that it’s endeared me to his scenes. Also: Primates instantly make any movie better. Everybody knows that. 8. The year in Armond White-isms Call for his head all you want, I’ll staunchly defend notorious film critic Armond White (The man who once coined the phrase “abortionhorny” and thought Lady Gaga would make for better Lisbeth Salander casting!) to the end, purely because his reviews are so goddamn entertaining. Add to that the iconoclast take on movies, supported by left-field arguments that are sometimes so crazy they make complete sense, and you’ve got an essential voice in contemporary movie writing. Even if he raved over Adam Sandler in drag; let that be an exception. 7. The Footloose soundtrack I have no fondness for Blake Shelton’s feeble country mimicry of a Kenny Loggins cover, but Movieline’s Louis Virtel was won over by the Footloose remake’s contempo-pop soundtrack of redos. They can’t all be Karen O-Led Zeppelin covers, I suppose. Let’s hear it for the art of pop homage done toe-tappingly well enough? 6. Gerard Depardieu PeeGate At first, it seemed like French acting legend Gerard Depardieu, to quote 2011′s viral sensation the Honey Badger, simply did not give a shit. But unlike the year’s other infamous celebrity incidents (Lars and the Nazi Joke Heard ‘Round the Word, Madonna’s HydrangeaGate), this one boiled down to one man’s humble humanity (and prostate issues). So ridiculous was the tale that Anderson Cooper broke his dashing resolve to giggle through his on-air report, but think of Gerard and embrace his moment of weakness; there’s no shame in acknowledging our fragile human vulnerabilities from time to time. 5. Season of the Witch / Drive Angry / Trespass (AKA A Good Year for Nic Cage) I wouldn’t call it a banner year for Nicolas Cage himself, but it was a great year to be a Nic Cage watcher. He started out 2011 with the medieval gift of silliness that was Season of the Witch , guzzled beer from his enemy’s skull in the genre pic Drive Angry , and (with the other Nic – Nicole Kidman) bequeathed us with Joel Schumacher’s Trespass , a film Movieline’s S.T. VanAirsdale loved, and laughed through, unapologetically. All one big set-up to watch him pee fire! 4. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family My personal conversion to the church of Tyler Perry happened earlier this year when I found myself rolling in the aisles during Madea’s Big Happy Family . Is Perry’s Madea a cartoonish, hulking hurricane of a woman? Does she reinforce unfortunate cultural stereotypes even as she doles out totally reasonable life advice? All I know is Perry – the performer, the director, the check-cashing media tycoon (and sensitive man of the world) – is some kind of genius to have made an empire out of a wig, a muumuu, and an attitude, one that further allows him a pedestal from which he geniunely consoles and encourages his fans. Hallelujer, indeed. 3. Lonely Island’s “Jack Sparrow” All you need to know, if you don’t already, is that Jorma Taccone, Andy Samberg, and Akiva Shaffer – AKA Lonely Island – wrote an inspired ditty and snared icon of yesteryear Michael Bolton to sing the hook. Only ginormous film fan Michael Bolton turned it into a song about Pirates of the Caribbean , Forrest Gump , and all of his favorite movies — an ode to the cheesy, cliched movies we all love. Instant karaoke classic. 2. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Love it or hate it, the Twilight Saga is what it is. And when Robert Pattinson started chowing down on Kristen Stewart’s pregnant belly in the kooky denouement of Bill Condon’s vampire sequel, shit started getting so, so real. AND THEN THE WOLF GUY FELL FOR THE BABY AND OH MY GOD YES. 1. Abduction Speaking of Twilight , the universe that Stephenie Meyer created inadvertently led, in turn, to my number one most enjoyable film experience of the year: Sitting through the entirety of Abduction . Terrible line readings, second unit typos, Taylor Lautner’s posturing ’80s action-inspired swagger – it was all there, and it was all insanely terrible and great at the same time. Does this border on liking Abduction ironically? Maybe, but I couldn’t help it. Just know this: Every second of feeble-handed acting, directing, and writing held my attention rapt and engaged my senses; I came alive imagining the winding thicket of talent, dollars, and choices that could’ve churned out such a product. Was any of it intentional – was John Singleton just fucking with us all? Probably not, but still; this holiday season give yourself the gift of watching Abduction and soak in the glory of the ultimate Bad Movie We Love of 2011. Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
I realize I may have given away some of these choices with my utterly correct listing of the year’s ten best performances , but no matter! 2011′s finest cinema, specifically the top three choices on my list, gifted us with bleak, but comprehensive glimpses into personal isolation. I love when a movie is resolutely grim — reminds me of home. Here are my top ten films of 2011. 10. Win Win Director Thomas McCarthy’s understated, thoughtful look at a suburban wrestling coach’s (Paul Giamatti) dubious business dealings dredges up your pity and empathy at different moments, but it mostly acquaints you with one of the best teenage performances of the past few years in newcomer and real-life wrestling prodigy Alex Shaffer. It helps that his character is well-written too. As McCarthy explained to us about the emotional lives of teenagers, “They’re struggling with all kinds of things — who they are, what they are, what they want to be. That, for many of those kids, is a very private and scary struggle. A lot of times how that manifests itself is a very deadpan approach to the world: ‘I’m not going to let you see what I’m feeling until I’m ready to really show that.’” When Shaffer is ready to show, it’s a poignant sight. 9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo I knew I was in for a treat the minute I heard Trent Reznor and Karen O’s cover of “Immigrant Song,” but David Fincher’s Dragon Tattoo so improves upon the original Swedish film trilogy thanks to two fantastic assets: blisteringly chilly cinematography and the commanding work of Rooney Mara as well-pierced heroine Lisbeth Salander. It may drag in parts, but Mara’s conviction merits a 160-minute runtime. 8. Weekend Tom Cullen and Chris New play the most insightful lovers of the year in Andrew Haigh’s low-key story of one lonely gay man’s short affair with a candid, self-possessed artist. The movie is especially incisive in its depiction of two men who relate both romantically and — in an empathetic way — fraternally. There’s not a pretentious or cloying moment in this wholly believable story. 7. Midnight in Paris Whimsy: I’m usually not a fan! But Midnight in Paris ‘s droll journey back to the heyday of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Salvador Dali makes a wonderful protagonist out of Owen Wilson, a gorgeous backdrop for Marion Cotillard’s all-consuming charisma, and a weirdly perfect scene for the film’s moral. You either go with this movie’s kooky historical lark or you don’t, but every actor in that post-midnight time portal is just so fun. My favorite: Kathy Bates as a staunchly supportive Gertrude Stein. 6. Young Adult Forget the hype about “unlikable” heroine Mavis Gary, the grizzled authoress Charlize Theron plays in the new Jason Reitman/Diablo Cody joint Young Adult — She’s an imperturbable, amazingly deluded woman-child whose self-assured mania is more engrossing and “likable” than most characters you’ll encounter this year. I’d like to offer a new tagline for this cranky, suburban comedy: Assholes are Awesome .
I realize I may have given away some of these choices with my utterly correct listing of the year’s ten best performances , but no matter! 2011’s finest cinema, specifically the top three choices on my list, gifted us with bleak, but comprehensive glimpses into personal isolation. I love when a movie is resolutely grim — reminds me of home. Here are my top ten films of 2011.
Screw Christmas. Forget Hanukkah. To hell with New Year’s. There is only one holiday we celebrate in the dank, windowless labs of Movieline’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Kudos Forensics, and that is Oscar Night. Thus the latest edition of Oscar Index, offering all the festive year-end joy you can possibly stand. Let’s get to it!
Girl Scouts USA’s recent revelation that its local chapters sometimes induct boys who try to live as girls, considered transgendered, is already having repercussions in Louisiana, where three troops at a Christian school have disbanded in disappointment. 3 Ways To Get “Self-Centered” For The Holidays Susan Bryant-Snure of Lacombe, La., is one of three troop leaders at Northlake Christian School who resigned and are dismantling their troops because the policy is in conflict with that of the host school. Her three daughters, ages 10, 6 and 4, are among 25 girls who had been active scouts there. Instead, Northlake is investigating aligning with American Heritage Girls, a group organized in 1995 in protest to the Girl Scouts’ decision to allow scouts to replace the word “God” in scout teachings with a word representing a personal image of God, such as a “higher being,” “Allah” or “Buddha.” The newer group proclaims Jesus Christ as Lord, limits membership to girls and works to disciple girls as Christians. Russell Simmons Steps Up & Buys Ad Time On TLC Show The issue came to light late last month when a mother in Denver, Colo., tried to gain entry into the Girl Scouts for her son, a biological 7-year-old male who seeks to live as a little girl. Initially turned away, the mother called a press conference in protest. This led the Colorado chapter to reveal its practice of inclusion, which evaluates the admission of boys, albeit transgendered, on a case-by-case basis. While the Denver boy had not been admitted as of early December, the Colorado group is discussing the matter with the mother and is amenable to admitting the boy if he is living as a girl, explained Rachelle Trujillo, vice president for communications of the Colorado Girl Scouts. Click here to read more
Pariah , the story of a Brooklyn lesbian teenager searching for her sexual expression led the field with nine nominations as the Foundation for the Advancement of African-Americans in Film (FAAAF) announced its nominees Wednesday for its 12 th annual Black Reel Awards . They were followed closely by both The Help and Jumping the Broom , which each garnered seven nominations, Mooz-Lum (which collected six), the sexual addiction drama, Shame which took home five nominations and the educational drama, The First Grader , which received four nods. Pariah , the debut film from writer/director Dee Rees garnered nine nominations including Outstanding Film, Outstanding Actress for Adepero Oduye as well as Outstanding Supporting Actress for Kim Wayans . In addition, both Wayans and Oduye also were nominated for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance category. Rees, a protégé of Spike Lee , also received dual nominations for Outstanding Director and Outstanding Screenplay, Original or Adapted for her semi-autobiographical tale in which a young woman struggles as she learns that by accepting her identity, her life becomes increasingly chaotic. The Help secured several nods including Outstanding Film and nods in the major categories for both Oscar hopefuls Viola Davis (Outstanding Actress) and two for Octavia Spencer (Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Breakthrough Performance). Meanwhile Laz Alonso (Outstanding Actor), Mike Epps (Outstanding Supporting Actor) and previous Black Reel Awards winner, Angela Bassett (Outstanding Supporting Actress) were also recognized for Jumping the Broom. The Black Reel Awards comprised of more than 50 voters across the country annually select and spotlight films and performances featuring African-Americans as well as people of color throughout the African Diaspora. In a year with limited major studio releases, independent and international films dominate the awards nomination landscape like no previous campaigns. The 12 th Annual Black Reel Awards winners will be announced on Friday, February 10 th in Washington, DC. The nominations for the 2012 Black Reel Awards: Outstanding Actor John Boyega – Attack the Block Demián Bichir– A Better Life Laz Alonso – Jumping the Broom Oliver Litondo – The First Grader Evan Ross – Mooz-Lum Outstanding Actress Viola Davis – The Help Adepero Oduye – Pariah Zoe Saldana – Columbiana Nia Long – Mooz-Lum Naomie Harris – The First Grader Outstanding Supporting Actor Anthony Mackie – The Adjustment Bureau Don Cheadle – The Guard Isiah Whitlock Jr. – Cedar Rapids Laurence Fishburne – Contagion Mike Epps – Jumping the Broom Outstanding Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer – The Help Maya Rudolph – Bridesmaids Kim Wayans – Pariah Pernell Walker – Pariah Angela Bassett – Jumping the Broom Outstanding Screenplay, Original or Adapted Steve McQueen and Abi Morgan – Shame Qasim Basir – Mooz-Lum Dee Rees – Pariah Ava DuVernay – I Will Follow Elizabeth Hunter and Arlene Gibbs – Jumping the Broom Outstanding Director Steve McQueen – Shame Dee Rees – Pariah Qasim Basir – Mooz-Lum Ava DuVernay – I Will Follow Salim Akil – Jumping the Broom Outstanding Film Pariah Shame The Help Attack the Block Jumping the Broom Outstanding Breakthrough Performance Octavia Spencer – The Help Adepero Oduye – Pariah John Boyega – Attack the Block Kim Wayans – Pariah Gugu Mbatha-Raw – Larry Crowne Outstanding Ensemble Pariah Attack the Block The Help Mooz-Lum Fast Five Jumping the Broom Outstanding Original Song The Living Proof – Mary J. Blige (The Help) Walkin’ Blues – Cee-Lo Green featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Footloose) Furiously Dangerous – Ludacris (Fast Five) Fly Love – Jamie Foxx (Rio) My Last Day Without You – Nicole Beharie (My Last Day Without You) Outstanding Score Harry Escott – Shame Steven Price – Attack the Block Misha Segal – Mooz-Lum Thomas Newman – The Help Alex Heffes – The First Grader Outstanding Foreign Film Attack the Block The First Grader Kinyarwanda Life, Above All Viva Riva! Outstanding Feature Documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey – Constance Marks Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest – Michael Rapaport The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 – Goran Olsson The Undefeated – Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin The Interrupters – Steve James Outstanding Independent Feature Film My Last Day Without You – Stefan C. Schaefer The Tested – Russell Constanzo Mamitas – Nicholas Ozeki Besouro – João Daniel Tikhomiroff Billy – Winston Washington Moxam Outstanding Independent Short Film Fig – Ryan Coogler Wolf Call – Rob Underhill Wake – Bree Newsome The Abyss Boys – Jan-Hendrik Beetge The Tombs – Jerry Lamonthe Outstanding Independent Documentary Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Spook Who Sat By the Door –Christine Acham and Clifford Ward Gang Girl: A Mother’s Journey to Save Her Daughter – Valerie Goodloe Brown Babies – Regina Griffin Zero Percent – Tim Skousen The Manuscripts of Timbuktu – Zola Maseko Burn: The Evolution of An American City – Harold Jackson III Outstanding Television or Mini-Series Performance, Male Idris Elba – Luther Laurence Fishburne – Thurgood Samuel L. Jackson – The Sunset Limited Eric Benet – Trinity Goodheart Mykelti Williamson – Have A Little Faith Outstanding Television or Mini-Series Performance, Female Taraji P. Henson – Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story Anika Noni Rose – Bag of Bones Rosario Dawson – Five Jenifer Lewis – Five Tracee Ellis Ross – Five Outstanding Television Documentary Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation – VH1 (Richard Low and Martin Torgoff) Pray the Devil Back to Hell – PBS (Gini Reticker) The Fab Five – ESPN (Jason Hehir) Black in Latin America – PBS (Henry Louis Gates) The Latino List – HBO (Timothy Greenfield-Sanders) Outstanding Television or Mini-Series Film Thurgood – HBO (Michael Stevens) Luther – BBC (Katie Swinden) Five – Lifetime (Nellie Nugiel) The Sunset Limited – HBO (Barbara A. Hall) Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story – Lifetime (Harvey Kahn)
The Walk of Shame is upon us! And if you can’t be in New York City to join me, Jen Yamato and our local friends of Movieline in visiting the watering holes featured in Michael Fassbender’s superb new film, you can always keep tabs on the action via Twitter — we’ll be livetweeting here all night!
When Australian writer-director Julia Leigh’s Sleeping Beauty made its debut at Cannes last May, the responses among critics I talked to veered from bland outrage to vexed boredom. That doesn’t leave a lot of middle ground, and I had to see Sleeping Beauty a second time before I was reasonably sure what I thought about it. I’m still not reasonably sure what I think about it: The picture is clinical in its approach and its technique, yet it leaves so many questions unanswered — it’s straightforward in a vague, maddening way. It’s also strangely, obliquely compelling.
Spirits were bright Wednesday night in West Hollywood when Fox Searchlight celebrated the season with their annual holiday party — really, just an excuse to fete Oscar candidates Win Win , Tree of Life , Shame , Martha Marcy May Marlene , and The Descendants like debs at a coming out ball. Movieline caught up with Fox Searchlight’s hopefuls at the early awards-season shindig.
