So, the genre of television will be my broad focus for this weeks “Top 2 Tuesday (on Wednesday- again).

Now let’s be honest. There are very few ‘great’ sitcoms since they were very first made/created/born (though there is a plenty big enough pool to choose from when it comes to narrowing the field to just two). Sure, there are many that can be classified as funny, and overall just a plain ol’ joy to watch, but that doesn’t mean they’ve achieved ‘greatness’ status. No. And if we (you and I) were to sit down and jot on paper the ones that have hit the pinnacle of all time greatness, I’m sure we’d even come up with some different answers.

So, my #1 pic for all time greatest sitcoms was an easy pick. I didn’t even have to let my mind go back, and search for it. The answer just came to me. Without a doubt, it deserves to be on the list. I don’t see how it could be debatable, really. So with that said, here’s my #1. And ENJOY this scene…. CLASSIC!

My #2 pic was a bit more tricky. I mean, I had a tie for second place. Though guess which won out? …Well my #2 pick, I feel, does have that ‘debatable quality,’ though I’m determined to stick with it. It is not a terribly old sitcom. In fact, in the entire history of television, it can be considered brand new. (That is why I feel that part of me should be picking a movie from the beginning ages of television, when conceptually the sitcom first came into being. Though alas, my 2nd pick doesn’t come from this earlier time period). My 2nd pick was chosen for the combination of great acting and writing from an ensemble cast. Actually, it was the chemistry of the actors that made this show really great. They worked unbelievably well together. The comedic timing, a real gem to watch. With all this lead up, I might as well go ahead and give it to you now. …So here, it is. My #2 pick for all time best sitcom. Click here to find out what it is

Well, my friends, I’d love to know your thoughts and hear what your “Top 2″ tv sitcoms of all time are. Til next week…

A cinematic experience worth visiting? Hmm, well let’s first start off with the nuts and bolts and move straight into whether this machine works and is highly functioning. Did it make the grade, or not?

Brief Synopsis:

This isn’t your typical movie. By this, I mean, it doesn’t include “actors” or professional cameramen, nor even a script for that matter. This is raw footage of one man’s adventure and quest for truth.

The story begins with Yaniv (Nev) Schulman, and his crew (brother- Ariel Schulman; and friend- Henry Joost). As the movie starts, We see Nev enter into a friendship with a family whom the young daughter of which (Abby) is a supposed 7-year-old protege painter and creator of a particular painting based on one of Nev’s published photographs. Abby’s mother, Angela, sends the painting to Nev, and wah-lah… a correspondence is born. Nev adds the whole fam to his Facebook account. And soon finds himself in a virtual romantic connection with Abby’s 19-year-old sister Megan.

After sometime, though, the movie takes a subtle distinct shift where things begin to unravel, and the pieces that made some sort of sense, no longer do. Nev questions this new-found friendship with the family and relationship with Megan. To understand it more clearly, and bring light to the confusion, Nev and his crew decide to take a trip and go visit Megan and the family. In search of answers- of truth.

Overall Thoughts:

Ok. So, the first ten minutes, I’m sure everyone who watches will have a preconceived idea of where this ship is sailing, but I’m fairly convinced that most people would be wrong, to their own surprise.

Since this isn’t a ‘typical’ film, I cannot comment on the acting, writing, and so forth. What I can say is that it is raw, honest, and emotional. You feel something when you watch it. The emotions are fully exposed on-screen, and you see laughter and smiles; tears and frustration; heartache; and above all, this movie is truly great because it teaches us as people to just be a ‘listener’ and to reserve judgment for a moment’s time. To see someone else’s perspective beyond your own scope of reality.

Since everything I’m saying is probably awfully confusing, it is best that I just tell you “hey, if what I’ve said has in the smallest way interested you, then I’ve succeeded in casting the bait into the pond of intrigue enough for you to bite at the hook and go check out this flick.

Grade: (+)

(+) recommend the watch

(^) worth a visit, though wait for rental (if movie) or paperback (if book)

(-) not so much

Photo Courtesy of: Kellypuffs

Sorry to everyone for not getting this out yesterday (tuesday), as I realize it kind of negates the whole purpose of Top 2 Tuesday on any other day but Tuesday. With that said, I debated on just letting my post (or lack thereof) slide and picking back up where I left off starting again next week. Though a small part of me said, no, no, no. …It’s no matter that Tuesday has came and went. It is gone for another week, yes, but hey, my picks are ever present at the tip of my tongue, ready to be said at a moments notice.

So without further adieu, let’s dive in, shall we?

So, have you ever thought back in the recesses of your memory, back to a time 10, 20, or 30 some years ago, and remembered that which was inspiring or had the ability to move you. Something that which spoke to you, and to this day still has the ability to impact you by merely focusing on the memory itself?

I have wondered to myself, what two movies I haven’t seen in years would I re-watch at this moment, if given the chance to spontaneously sit down and revisit them? My top two picks were chosen based on a couple of aspects. First off, the story and scripts for both films are widely accessible though contain a level of depth that I truly appreciate in a good piece of cinematic art. Secondly, in both movies, the acting greatly compliments the writing/script, as the minor nuances of the characters are paid close attention to.

With that said, here are my Top 2 choices for movies that I have not seen for quite some time, though would love to revisit… Drum roll please…

My number one pick: is the film Life as a House, starring Kevin Kline, Kristen Scott Thomas, and Hayden Christensen. Really such a beautiful movie. If you have not yet seen this gem, I highly recommend it.

My number two pick it the film titled About a Boy. You may (or may not) already have preconceived notions/thoughts/opinions of Hugh Grant as a person or an actor, but in all honesty, he delivers such a great performance in this wonderfully exquisit film.

Please share with me your top 2 movies that you haven’t seen in years, though would love to rewatch them given the chance. Even if you’ve seen them only once 10 years ago, but they left their mark on you. Would love to know and hear from you.

It’s that time again folks. Now, what have I chosen this week as my top 2 picks, both of which are utterly fabulous, mesmerizing, and thought provoking… Well I won’t keep the suspense dangling for too long.

This week I’m focusing my top 2 list on my two most favorite (or should I say, two of my favorite) instrumental compositions on a movie soundtrack. Actually to be quite honest with you, I have many that I like almost equally as much as the two I’m going to share with you today. But let’s leave those for another list on another day, shall we?

So, without further stalling, I want to share with you my top 2 favorite songs found on a movie soundtrack. Hope you enjoy them as much as me, though if you have different favorites, what are they? I’d love to hear from you…

1) …Song: Promontory; Movie: Last of the Mohicans

2) …Song: The Shire; Movie: Lord of the Rings

The music sweet and haunting… the lyrics optimistically charged with all the positivity of hope that tomorrow will be a better day then it is today. The beautifully composed song “Tomorrow Will be Kinder,” created by the Secret Sisters is said to be on the upcoming soundtrack for Lionsgate’s much anticipated movie, The Hunger Games.

All this aside, this is a duo group that I’d like to hear more of. For me, this is the sound of true country music. Of an older type of country music…with soul if you will. Reminds me a lot of Alison Krauss. Take a listen, and tell me your thoughts.

1)

The second Tom Cruise movie that I’d like to recognize on my top 2 list is Rain Man. I saw this movie at probably age 12 or 13 years of age. This movie has the ability to move me just as much now, as it did way back when I first saw it. Indulge in this clip.

2)

With that said, what does your list of top 2 Tom Cruise movies look like? Do we share the same thoughts? Or do you have others you like/prefer better? Let me know, as would love for you to share your thoughts.

Brief Synopsis:

We find Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) as an ex pro baseball player working as a GM for the Oakland A’s with little funds and in a world of reality that says there is no way his team can compete with giants such as the NY Yankees. His goal- to make a successful team on the small budget that he is alloted, and believing he can do so with the help of a computer wiz stats kind of guy named Peter Brand (Jonah Hill).

Review and Analysis:

When the whole world is looking at you like you’re nuts, or have a lack of belief in your vision, that is when the test of the human spirit comes into play. One can choose to cave under the judgements of others, and feel the wind in their sails die off, OR…one can choose to swim against a sea of opposition and believe solely in ones own vision. Billy Beane (Pitt) rises to the occasion, his spirit determined and strong. Though Pitt takes a humanity to the character that is brilliant. Because not only is Billy Beane’s demeanor confident and courageous, but it encompasses the subtle undertones of fear, doubt, and vulnerability.

Also, the relationship between Billy Beane (Pitt) and computer guru, Peter Brand (Hill) is one to watch as it subtly shifts and evolves from strictly business into a mutual trust of friendship that is somewhat expected, though wonderful to watch. Jonah Hill’s performance, in this film, has a wide range that spans from the comic to the more serious side we are not accustomed to seeing from him as viewers. Jonah Hill sells this character almost flawlessly, as we watch him determined and unwavering in his belief that what he and Beane (Pitt) are doing is the right thing.

Kerris Dorsey, the young actress playing the part of Billy Beane’s daughter, is not new to working on the big screen, and she is definitely what I like to consider a GEM… Her performance as “Casey Beane” is simply charming, and her singing voice is not only magical but magnetic, grabbing your senses to attention and pulling them into the realm of acoustic strings and a resonating calm. Her acting ability is equal to the level of her singing, and by looking at this performance alone, one can probably determine that she has a great chance at a long future in entertainment industry.

Overall:

Have you seen the critically acclaimed movies Rudy, Miracle, or Rocky? What do they all have in common? Heart. These movies, like Moneyball, not only have the ability, but actually deliver in transcending the story of the sport and speaking of the true test to the human spirit. Although I do feel that Moneyball possesses no more emotional punch or connects with our own humanity any more than the three films I aforementioned.

With that said, I wish this film the best of luck at the 2012 Oscars. I’ll be watching, will you?

Brief Synopsis:

Allie Condie’s YA novel “Matched” (book one of the series “Matched“) follows 17 year old Cassia Reyes, a bright-eyed hopeful young girl, in love with the promise of what the future holds for her. In her world, a collective governing group, known as The Society, controls every aspect of citizen life- what you wear, eat, where you work, and who you marry. They go so far as to monitor ones sleep via invading the dream sequencing by looking at ones behavior during rest (restlessness, heartrate, etc). This is to ensure a long life expectancy as well as optimal quality of life, or so Cassia is brought up to believe. She doesn’t question this world. The Society makes it so no one ever really questions, but let’s the governing force lead the way. Even the day of her Matching banquet ceremony, where Cassia discovers that she is to be Matched and Contracted into marriage with her life long best friend Xander, Cassia doesn’t blink an eye at the process of procedural life. It isn’t until the next day when she inserts her microcard into the port to examine the information regarding her Match, that she discovers a glitch, a second name and face appears in front of her. A second Match? Ky, a boy who she barely knows, but knows he carries a hidden story that she desires to know more of appears in front of her then disappears just as quickly. A glitch? hmm, good question. Here is where Cassia has to decide, does she allow The Society to determine what’s best and let them control her fate, or does she believe in the individual, and the right for herself to choose who and what she wants out of life.

Thoughts and overall Review:

Condie has created a socialistic society that attempts to equalize all it’s citizens (except for those aberrations and anomolies). It challenges the ultimate question of, can one be free in a highly governed and controlled society such as Cassia’s. Though, the people in her society have not assessed their own freedom or lack there of. They are mere puppets, moving along, without much thinking or feeling. Cassia has a sort of an awakening where she begins to feel- feel strength in her passion to learn new things that are considered ‘off limits’ to the public, and feel the desire to be with someone other then her ‘Match,’ Xander. Her questioning nature, no longer blind folded into believing that life is only what she is told to believe it is, is one of the books strength. The character embodies a curiosity and a sense of rebelliousness, and gives us an interesting heroine. One whom we’d all like to know better.

Though, here comes the tough part of the critique. Do I like this book? The premise, yes. Though I do feel in three major areas, the story is greatly lacking:

1.) The Writing- it leaves much to be desired, and is often lack luster. This directly relates to #2 and #3 on my list.

2.) Cassia’s world, although futuristic and made to be, in many ways, unlike our own, has the ability to be and feel familiar. Though the written language on the page leads me to feel only lack of depth in this world. A connection is lost, and I do not feel connected to this world or the characters (which leads me to #3).

3.) Character Development- I didn’t feel much depth in the character development. The characters seem to be just that…’characters,’ rather then actual believable people. This greatly affects the success of a story as it makes it hard to believe in the reality of the characters, both physically and psychologically.

Overall Opinion:

This book and series has great potential, though I feel that, from only reading the first book in the series, that it did not live up to the bar it set for itself.

Selene, (Kate Beckinsale) is at it again, in the newest and fourth installment of the Underworld series. Strong, fearless, and radiantly riveting on screen, Selene possess a kick ass strength that clearly transcends the likes of ‘girl power.’

In “Underworld: Awakening,” the human race is working aggressively to eradicate the diseased, those infected to become lycan or vampire. The humans feel threatened, and as a result almost kill them entirely off. Each species left to recoil in hiding, fear of being found again and annihilated. Just as Selene (Beckinsale) and Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman) almost reach freedom from the humans grip, an explosion takes place, and 12 years later Selene awakens, from a coma like state, inside a frozen tomb of ice. In typical Selene kick ass fashion, she flees the scene, but when later returning in search for subject #2 who she has learned is Michael’s and her daughter, Eve (India Eisley), she notices a third ice filled chamber with her beloved Michael frozen inside. No time to free him, she breaks a whole in the chambers glass wall. Nearing the end of the flick, we see Selene once again in this labratory, the third chamber empty- Michael’s chamber… wholly heck, right? The movie ends, and in the theater, I just sit. Thinking…what happens next? Selene and Michael must find one another, and together will need to address both the human and lycan threats. Because let’s remember: the vampires and lycans are still at war with one another, and each of them are at war with the humans. No one is playing nicely.

With all that said, it can be most likely declared that the fifth edition of this series is going to be epic. Well, maybe not exactly epic…but, ok EPIC! If you have not had the chance to check out this movie, and are a fan of the series, I highly recommend you see it. It’s still in theaters, so grab your favorite gal or guy and make a date night out of it. You won’t be disappointed. Though, if you’ve already had a chance to see “Awakening,” I’d love to hear your thoughts.