Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf of Wall Street?

"My name is Jordan Belfort," says Leonardo DiCaprio as the film opens. "The year I turned 26, I made 49 million dollars, which really p*ssed me off because it was three shy of a million a week."

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Wolf of Wall Street, a film that broke the record for the most f-bombs dropped in a movie. The exact amount is up for debate, but it's more than 500 times in a three-hour film.

Is this a record that needed to be broken? No effing way.

Don't get me wrong. I have very colorful language. I drop the f-bomb myself way more than a respectable "lady" should. OK, so I'm not a lady. Neither do I like to go to films that dirty up the language to make it seem edgier, more hard-core or more scandalous.

So, did the dirty talk distract me from the film? Not in the least.

Wolf of Wall Street is about men (and a few women) who live to excess. They drink to excess; they party to extremes and yes, they curse like sailors. You don't like it, they don't give a f*%#.

I'm going to tell ya, I wasn't sure I was going to like this movie going in. Again, don't get me wrong, I love Martin Scorsese – Goodfellas, The Departed, Casino and Gangs of New York are just of few of his films that I love and count among my favorites. But I was unsure what Scorsese would do with a comedy.

Did I mention the movie was three hours long? Yeah. Movies this funny should have an intermission so girls with small bladders can stop and pee. 

Halfway through, a bit where a very high Belfort (DiCaprio) was trying to pull himself together and walk to his car had me and my friend in absolute stitches. As DiCaprio lolled about on the floor, unable to lift himself or even speak to ask for help, we laughed was so hard, my friend turned to me and whispered, "I'm going to piss myself!"

I was unaware that DiCaprio was so good with physical comedy. But this was not the only time we were allowed to laugh at DiCaprio's Belfort. Check out his "sweet moves" on the dance floor!

Funny!

Also in the film is one of the funniest men in young Hollywood, Jonah Hill. Who plays Donnie Azoff, Belfort's partner in crime.

From his incredibly large, very white teeth to his huge glasses and even bigger appetite for drugs and women, Azoff is both funny and funny looking.

Scorsese has done a fine job with this film. There is not one "good" person in this film, but yet everyone is so likable you're hoping for them to win, and knowing they likely won't.

Belfort's father, Max (played by Rob Reiner) is the oft-ignored voice of reason. He warns his son that "One day the chickens will come home to roost."

And that they do. For that is the moral of this story. You can run with abandon and party into oblivion, you can pretend that there are no victims in white collar crime, but one day... One day those chickens will come home to roost and then it's too late to fly the coop.

Here is a scene where Max confronts Belfort and Azoff about their monthly expenditures, and he is rebuffed. 

This clip is a great example of the entire movie. It is fast paced, witty and completely unapologetic.

My bestie asked me if I thought she would like it and the answer was, "Nooo..." But the film's not for everybody. If you like DiCaprio, Scorsese, and aren't bothered by graphic language and nudity, The Wolf of Wall Street is a must see!

So, my quest for Oscar Gold continues. What should I see this weekend? I'm thinking 12 Years a Slave. Suggestions?

And what did you think of The Wolf of Wall Street? Let me know in the comments.

Til next time,
Ginny...not Jenny

Once again excited about American Idol

I missed the first season of American Idol. I never saw Kelly Clarkson win. I missed season two and three, too. Never saw the battle between Clay Aiken and the Velvet Teddy Bear. Never saw Fantasia sing anything. 

But somewhere around season four, I fell in love with the show. I called in to vote; I downloaded songs. We even created brackets at work for who we thought would get voted out when. 

I remember screaming at my TV when Chris Daughtry was voted out, I was so distraught.

Here's a little flashback to the horror-filled results show when we said goodbye to Daughtry.
My face looked a lot like Katherine McPhee's.

But then Simon Cowell left and it all just kind of went to pot. Everyone was too...nice. I don't tune in to American Idol to watch Jennifer Lopez' highlighted cheekbones glimmer. I want to see talented artists give helpful critiques so that competitors can actually grow. Simon may have been a dick in a tight T-shirt, but at least he gave good, constructive criticism.

When they brought on Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj there was no way I was tuning in. If I wanted to watch silly women sling jabs at each other I would watch some Real Housewives of Wherever!

Now we are in season 13 of American Idol and I am once again excited about the show. What has renewed my interest? Two words: Hatchet Harry.

I'll admit I am a little biased because I have loved Harry Connick, Jr., ever since I met him as a teenager. Ah, the memories! He had just returned from his honeymoon with his wife, Jill Goodacre, and he was so tan his blue eyes just popped right out of his face. And that voice! Whew!

Despite my love for Harry, the man, I can objectively say that he brings a new and much-needed vibe back to American Idol. He gives an honest critique. And, unlike Simon Cowell, Connick manages to do so nicely. See, Simon? It's not that hard!

He tells teenage girls that they would be better served finding a song more appropriate for their age, instead of leering at them creepily, like one Mr. Steven Tyler did. He's not afraid to tell someone they are not good.

Connick is there to separate the good from the great, even if that means telling people no and having Jennifer Lopez nickname him Hatchet Harry. But, "sometimes you gotta stop the bleedin," said Hatchet Harry.

Connick is self deprecating and funny and is starting a sweet little bromance with Keith Urban that could rival the Adam Levine/Blake Shelton love going on over at The Voice.

Check out the clip below for 1) a great audition, and 2) a peek at the humor Connick brings to the show.

I think Idol producers should be kissing his feet for breathing new life into a dying horse and I, for one, will be tuning back in this season!

What did you think? Did you watch Hatchet Harry do his thing on American Idol? Will you be tuning in this season to see who is your next American Idol???

And the Oscar Noms are out....

The Academy awards Nominations were announced this morning! My immediate thoughts?

Yay, Bradley Cooper! Yay, American Hustle!
How the hell did The Hobbit NOT get nominated for makeup? 
And how fast can I get to the theaters to see The Wolf of Wall Street and Dallas Buyers Club?

I'm not ready to make my predictions just yet. But they're coming. One prediction I can make is that Ellen will be a great host and I cannot wait for the show! Is it March 2nd yet?

Ellen Degeneres will host the 2014 Academy Awards

For those who may have missed it, here is a list of the nominees.

FILM
12 Years A Slave
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Gravity
Dallas Buyers Club
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
The Wolf Of Wall Street

DIRECTOR
Steve McQueen – 12 Years A Slave
David O. Russell – American Hustle
Alfonso Cuarón – Gravity
Alexander Payne – Nebraska
Martin Scorsese – The Wolf Of Wall Street

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Eric Warren Singer, David O. Russell – American Hustle
Woody Allen – Blue Jasmine
Bob Nelson – Nebraska
Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack – Dallas Buyers Club
Spike Jonze – Her

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
John Ridley – 12 Years A Slave
Billy Ray – Captain Phillips
Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope – Philomena
Terence Winter – The Wolf Of Wall Street
Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater – Before Midnight

ACTOR
Bruce Dern – Nebraska
Chiwetel Ejiofor – 12 Years a Slave
Christian Bale – American Hustle
Leonardo DiCaprio – The Wolf of Wall Street
Matthew McConaughey – Dallas Buyers Club

ACTRESS
Amy Adams – American Hustle
Cate Blanchett – Blue Jasmine
Meryl Streep – August: Osage County
Judi Dench – Philomena
Sandra Bullock – Gravity

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Barkhad Abdi – Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper – American Hustle
Michael Fassbender – 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill – The Wolf Of Wall Street
Jared Leto – Dallas Buyers Club

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Lawrence – American Hustle
Julia Roberts – August: Osage County
Lupita Nyong’o – 12 Years a Slave
Sally Hawkins – Blue Jasmine
June Squibb – Nebraska

ANIMATED FILM
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Ernest & Celestine
Frozen
The Wind Rises

ORIGINAL SCORE
Philomena – Alexandre Desplat
The Book Thief – John Williams
Gravity – Steven Price
Saving Mr. Banks – Thomas Newman
Her – William Butler, Owen Pallett

ORIGINAL SONG
‘Alone Yet Not Alone’ – Alone Yet Not Alone
‘Happy’ – Despicable Me 2
‘Let It Go’ – Frozen
‘The Moon Song’ – Her
‘Ordinary Love’ – Mandela: The Long Walk To Freedom

CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Grandmaster – Philippe Le Sourd
Gravity – Emmanuel Lubezki
Inside Llewyn Davis – Bruno Delbonnel
Nebraska – Phedon Papamichael
Prisoners – Roger Deakins

EDITING
American Hustle – Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers, Alan Baumgarten
12 Years A Slave – Joe Walker
Captain Phillips – Christopher Rouse
Dallas Buyers Club – John Mac McMurphy, Martin Pensa
Gravity – Alfonso Cuarón, Mark Sanger

PRODUCTION DESIGN
12 Years A Slave – Adam Stockhausen, Alice Baker
American Hustle – Judy Becker, Heather Loeffler
Her – K.K. Barrett, Gene Serdena
Gravity – Andy Nicholson, Rosie Goodwin, Joanne Woodlard
The Great Gatsby – Catherine Martin, Beverley Dunn

COSTUME DESIGN
American Hustle – Michael Wilkinson
The Great Gatsby – Catherine Martin
The Invisible Woman – Michael O’Connor
The Grandmaster – William Chang Suk Ping
12 Years A Slave – Patricia Norris

MAKE-UP & HAIRSTYLING
Dallas Buyers Club – Adruitha Lee, Robin Mathews
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa – Stephen Prouty
The Lone Ranger – Joel Harlow, Gloria Pasqua-Casny

SOUND EDITING
All Is Lost – Richard Hymns, Steve Boeddeker
Captain Phillips – Oliver Tarney
Gravity – Glenn Freemantle
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Brent Burge
Lone Survivor – Wylie Stateman

SOUND MIXING
Captain Phillips – Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith, Chris Munro
Gravity – Skip Lievsay, Christopher Benstead, Niv Adiri, Chris Munro
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick, Tony Johnson
Inside Llewyn Davis – Skip Lievsay, Greg orloff, Peter F. Kurland
Lone Survivor – Andy Koyama, Beau Borders, David Brownlow

VISUAL EFFECTS
Gravity – Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, David Shirk, Neil Corbould, Nikki Penny
The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug – Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton, Eric Reynolds
Iron Man 3 – Bryan Grill, Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Dan Sudick
Star Trek Into Darkness – Ben Grossmann, Burt Dalton, Patrick Tubach, Roger Guyett
The Lone Ranger – Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams, John Frazier

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Broken Circle Breakdown – Belgium
The Great Beauty – Italy
The Hunt – Denmark
The Missing Picture – Cambodia
Omar – Palestine

ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Feral
Get A Horse!
Mr. Hublot
Possessions
Room On The Broom

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
The Act Of Killing
Cutie And The Boxer
Dirty Wars
The Square
20 Feet From Stardom

DOCUMENTARY SHORT
Cavedigger
Facing Fear
Karama Has No Walls
The Lady In Number 6: Music Saved My Life
Prison Terminal: The Last Days Of Private Jack Hall

LIVE ACTION SHORT
Aquel No Era Yo
Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything)
Helium
Pitaako Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have To Take Care Of Everything?)
The Voorman Problem

Golden Globe Trotting

Award season is here! Last night was the Golden Globes. My favorite precursor to the Oscars and it didn't disappoint. 

Back as hosts were Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. They were, in a word, sublime. I love these women. They should host every award show. Ever.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler should host...well, everything!

Highlights from their opening include: 

"Gravity. It's the story of how George Clooney would rather float off into space and die than spend one more minute with a woman his own age."

"Matt Damon is here, for Behind the Candelabra. Matt, on any other night, in any other room, you would be a big deal. But tonight, and don't take this the wrong way, you're basically a garbage person."

"Matthew McConaughey did amazing work this year. For his role in Dallas Buyers Club, he lost 45 pounds. Or what actresses call being in a movie."

These ladies are the coolest. Especially Amy Poehler. I want to BE Amy Poehler! Last year, she canoodled with Clooney:

This year she snogged Bono!

If we are caught in a Poehler Vortex, I don't wanna get out!

The US is caught in a Poehler Vortex and I love it!

Trends from the red carpet included black and white dresses, sequins, shades of red and baby bumps. Trends on the stage for acceptance speeches seemed to include being unprepared. But future nominees should be forewarned. Having no speech ready can make you look adorable like Merritt Weaver at the Emmys or my BFF Jennifer Lawrence:

The world's BFF - and mine - Jennifer Lawrence was adorable in her off-the-cuff acceptance speech.

Or it can make you look like you've been dipping a little to often into your table's giant bottle of champagne. Case in point? 

WTF? Jacqueline Bissett's speech seemed booze-soaked and weird.

There was a lot I loved about this year's Golden Globes. Breaking Bad got the recognition it deserved for a fantastic final season and one of the best series finales in the history of television! As I said at the announcement (before Aaron Paul's exclamation, I might add), "Yeah, bitch! Yeah!"

Bryan Cranston (awarded Best Actor, Drama, with Vince Gilligan and Aaron Paul as they celebrate Breaking Bad's Best Drama win. I love these guys!

I was also pleased to see Jared Leto get the win for Dallas Buyer's Cub. 

Yay, Jordan Catalano! Jared Leto wins Best Supporting Actor, Drama.

Even though that meant my future husband the very talented actor, Bradley Cooper, could not win for American Hustle! I've got to see Dallas Buyer's Club before the Academy Awards. Ditto for The Wolf of Wall Street.

I was also thrilled to see Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams pick up statuettes for their work in American Hustle. I do believe I mentioned in my review of that film that I hoped they would be recognized. Yay me, for calling it!

Amy Adams looked gorgeous, as per usual, and was adorable as she warned producers that they could not shoo her off before she thanked her daughter. 

Adorbs. Love her.

I may have called that win. But there were a few that left me perplexed. Brooklyn Nine-Nine  for best comedy? Over The Big Bang Theory? And Modern Family? I think the show is cute and all... But best comedy? I don't see it.

The cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, voted Best Comedy.

I just don't get it. But I don't understand how my precious New Girl and The Mindy Project  could fail to be nominated either, so this whole category is a mystery to me....

Predicatable wins for me included Leonardo DiCaprio for The Wolf of Wall Street and Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyer's Club. I haven't seen either of those films, but the buzz on both of them is high and they are both extremely talented actors.

Though I'd still like to see a win for my Bradley Cooper. Let's just take a minute and appreciate how handsome my future husband he looked last night!

Bradley Cooper looking dapper at the 2014 Golden Globes.

Drink it in ladies; drink it in!

So what did you think of The Golden Globes? Any surprises for you? Who was snubbed that you would've like to see included. Hit me up in the comments!

Til next time,

Ginny...notJenny!

Do the Hustle!

I love movies. The Academy Awards is like my Super Bowl.

Every February, I settle down in front of the TV with my tasty snacks, ready to drink in all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood – the dresses, the jewelry, the stars! But I get the most fun waiting to see if my predictions come true for best picture, best actor and actress and best director.

To be accurate this year, it’s time I start compiling evidence. So last night I grabbed up my Carmike Rewards card, threw the bestie in the car and headed out to see my future husband the very talented actor, Bradley Cooper in American Hustle! And what a treat it was!

Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle.

This is the third David O. Russell movie I have seen and immediately fallen in love with -- The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, I love 'em!

The story is based on actual events. Based so loosely that the claim at the beginning reads, "Some of this actually happened." I got curious and did a little research on what actually happened. Pretty interesting stuff.

Cooper plays Richie DiMaso an ambitious FBI agent who traps two con artists -- Christian Bale's Irving Rosenfeld and Amy Adams' Sydney Prosser – into a plot to take down a slew of New Jersey politicians, including Jeremy Renner's Carmine Polito. Everything goes smoothly until the mob gets involved... Ain't that always the way?

Despite the serious nature of the predicament that Rosenfeld and Prosser find themselves in, the movie is very funny. Especially when it pokes fun at the utterly ridiculous hairstyles of its two leading men, Cooper and Bale.

Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale and their ridiculous hair.

Christian Bale always commits himself to every part – both emotionally and physically – and American Hustle is no different. Bale gained forty-some pounds to play Rosenfeld. As an overweight person myself, is it wrong to admit that I found him just gross in this film?

Christian Bale in Hustle.

Maybe it was the greasy comb over mixed with the pot belly... It reminded me too much of my and all my friends' dads. And no one can find their dad sexy... But, I mean, look at him!

While I'm distracted with discussion of the cast members' hair, can I stop now and give a shout out to Amy Adams glorious red locks? I have a great hair dresser, but if she were a miracle worker I would take Adams' photo to the salon and say, "Give me this!"

Both Amy Adams and her hair are simply beautiful in American Hustle!

But let's be honest, most people aren't looking at Adams' hair in this film, but rather her (understatement of the year) plunging necklines.

Amy Adams' necklines, how low can you go?

I shared a theory with my friend that I'm sure the cost of hairspray used on the leading men in this film was quite high. Perhaps they opted to make up the difference by saving on fabric costs for the front of Adams' dresses!

But I'm not hatin'. Hell, if I looked like Amy Adams, I would just walk around straight up naked all the time -- she is GORGEOUS! And she shines in this movie. Sydney Prosser is ambitious, quick-witted and very manipulative. Adams plays this all very well while subtly giving us a look at Sydney's vulnerable side too. See, she is desperately in love with Irving. Alas he is married.

To Jennifer Lawrence.

My dream BFF, Jennifer Lawrence as Rosyln Rosenfeld.

Lawrence's Roslyn Rosenfeld is equal parts infuriating, endearing and chaotic. Does she have a habit of setting things around the house on fire? Yes, yes she does. But she never means any harm.

I have been a fan of JLaw since Winter's Bone. I'm a huge Hunger Games fan and I've already mentioned my love for Silver Linings Playbook. I think Jennifer Lawrence is just fabulous and in Hustle  she gets to display a little more of her comedic timing and did a great job!

American Hustle is truly a must-see movie. It's got humor; it's got real emotion; it's got a great story.

Oscar nominations haven't gone out yet, but American Hustle has already garnered Golden Globe nods for Best Musical/Comedy, Best Director, Best Actor for Bale, Best Actress for Adams, Best Supporting Actor for Cooper and Best Supporting Actress for Lawrence.

Of course I'd like to see Cooper win (a wife has to support her husband after all), but Adams and Lawrence are very deserving as well. I really hope they both go home with a little golden statue on Sunday!

Oscar nominations are January 16. Will the stunning cast from American Hustle make the list? And what will be the next film in my quest to guess the Oscar winners? I don't know, but I can't wait to find out!

Until next time,
Ginny...not Jenny

MHRM 6600—Week 2

This week in class we were asked to reflect on some of our past experiences working in teams. For a social person, I've had some very bad experiences working with teams. I've had group members leave me to do all the work myself more times than I can count.

But I think my own worst enemy when it comes to working in teams is myself. I have a hard time relinquishing control to others and I really cannot stand to have the work of others reflect my grade in a class. I don't know if I ever will understand how that is fair or why it is necessary.

Ironically, I work better in teams outside the classroom setting. The office where I work is very collaborative. We all work as a team to produce several publications for our hospital system. We also work together to put on health fairs and other community events.

When I'm not being graded, I seem to like working in groups. I like how the seed of a good idea can blossom into a great one when it is fed by the input of others. I always find better outcomes and stronger concepts when I have collaborated with others.

Other advantages to group work include a lower stress level. I have completed a magazine in two weeks. I've done it with the help of my co-workers and, more recently, by myself. A task that was mildly stressful when tackled by a group almost sent me into a nervous breakdown by myself. But the issue is finished and it looks great!

Of course there are advantages to working alone as well! Like you don't have to take time out of your work schedule to collaborate ideas. You can just jump right in and begin working. You don't have to answer to anyone else and when the product comes out good, you don't have to share any of the glory!

You don't have to create peer reviews either, which I find extremely difficult. I don't feel I have the experience to evaluate other's work and who am I to say whether they've done their best? Especially when we're working online together and I've never met the person.

I must admit at this point in my life I feel I am old enough that I do not need to work in groups in school anymore. But with everything that I have on my plate, I do like the idea of splitting the workload and responsibilities.

So, here's to the beginning of another great class and another series of group projects, learning to work with different work ethics and cultures! It should be interesting!

My thoughts on Pacific Rim

There are three things you need to know before watching Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim.

1. Kaiju = Monster

2. Jaeger = Hunter

3. Charlie Hunnam = SEXY

Here's the trailer:

The premise of the film is simple. Sometime in the near future Earth is under attack by aliens called Kaiju. The aliens don't approach from the sky, however, but from deep beneath the sea. To combat the aliens, man creates giant robots, or Jaegars, to do battle with the Kaiju monsters. Enter Charlie Hunnam as Jaegar pilot extraordinnaire, Raleigh Beckett. 

And yeah, he's sexy as hell. I offer the following as evidence:

C'mon, you know I had to include at least one shirtless pic – Charlie Hunnam in Pacific Rim

I really enjoyed the film. It had good action sequences, a strong female presence and an interesting twist on the same tired alien story. I need to see the movie again because I am not sure whether they said the Kaiju destroyed the dinosaurs or are descended from dinosaurs. I left the theater thinking the dinosaurs were Kaiju left from an earlier invasion that could not last in our atmosphere. Either way it's definitely a different take on the classic alien invasion movie. 

I did find myself asking though, "If Guillermo del Toro is the Monster Man, why are all the battles with the Kaiju at night? Why can't we see more of the monster?"

Here's a pretty decent pic of one of the monsters.

Pacific Rim Monsters are called Kaiju and may be descended from dinosaurs.

One of interesting thing about the story. It requires two people to operate the Jaegers, preferably two who have compatible memories as they must enter each other's minds to operate the robot. Enter Raleigh's partner Mako Mori, played by the adorable Rinko Kikuchi.

I read a review before going to see the film. I try not to do this, but I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the dough to see it in the theater rather than waiting for Redbox. It said something like, "del Toro embraces blockbuster cliches while pounding them into the pavement." Whoever said it, it's a very true statement. 

Yeah, part of the film feels a lot like Godzilla Vs. Transformers. But at the same time del Toro is taking those movies and saying, "Here guys, this is how you should've done it!" He's got the action, he's got the sci-fi spectacle and at the core of it all, he's got the heart.

And did I mention it also has one hot-ass Charlie Hunnam in it? Sounds like a recipe for success to me!

See you at the movies!