Ferrell Fails

I called into a radio station with a trivia answer to win tickets to a movie.  I used these tickets to attend the cinematic flop "The Campaign."  In a way I was relieved that I didn't have to pay for the movie, but the fact that I had this movie as a prize left a bad taste in my mouth.
My husband and I both teach, and for our last day of summer break we decided to go have a beer and then go to "The Campaign." Laugh a little.  Enjoy our last few hours. Looking back, I wish we would have stayed in the bar, or I would have gotten a jump start on my school year and corrected thirty research papers. That is how bad this movie was.
I have been a fan of Will Ferrell since his days on "Saturday Night Live."  I enjoyed "Old School" and "Talladega Nights."  The movies made me laugh out loud.   The drinking, dialogue, and jokes were an integral part of the movies' charm.  I left the theater and began immediately repeating the lines.
 There was an innocence to Ferrell's characters.  They were characters who were not yet "adult" men and that was okay. I cheered them on in those movies because I felt sorry for them.
Recently, I caught a guest appearance of his on "Conan."  He was emotionally spent because Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattison's relationship appears to be over.  She cheated on Edward.  Ferrell did this funny bit about the fact that the relationship wasn't as perfect as he thought. He shed tears over the star-crossed "Twilight" stars.  It was funny and cute-true Ferrell.
"The Campaign" lacked anything close to humor.  The premise of the movie was fine.  Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) has to campaign against political newcomer Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis) to win a congressional district in North Carolina.  Brady is a slimy politician and Huggins is a naive small town father of two.
I think I may have laughed twice in the two hours I wasted in the theater.  I thought I was watching an Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider film.  Ferrell lacked innocence, conviction, and style.  Nothing about the movie was clever, new, or creative.  Jokes about sex, farting, or homosexuality were base and  flat.
The only thing I enjoyed about this movie was sharing my husband's popcorn.  I feel like Will Ferrell should give me my last day of summer back.

Comedy and Costner

I had wanted to launch my entertainment blog all summer, but something always came up. I waited and waited-watched summer slip by. When would the time be right?  July 19, 2012. Why?  The announcement of the 2012 Emmy nominations.  I woke up at 6:30 this morning-especially impressive because I teach and have the summers off. I made a cup of coffee and prepared to get serious.  Would my favorites be singled out? Would the shows and stars I have come to love (not stalk) make the cut?

I enjoy tracking (not stalking) my Hollywood friends, and certainly one highlight is watching award ceremonies.  On Sept. 23 I will check out (meaning I will go downstairs), ask my husband to make supper, and virtually have no communication with my family for six hours. My 12-year-old daughter likes to watch the red carpet coverage with me and we ooh and aah over dresses.  Once the show starts, she loses interest after best comedy nominations because "Modern Family" is the only show she is really familiar with.  She always wants to know if Selena Gomez or "Toddlers and Tiaras" is nominated.  Novice.

Back to the topic.  I am crossing my fingers and hoping the best for the following shows and actors: "Modern Family," "Mad Men," "Hatfields and McCoys," Kevin Costner, cast of Modern Family, Amy Poehler, Jon Hamm, Julianna Marguiles.  I know there are many more, but I consider the above the most important.

Comedy Series 

I enjoy all the nominations with the exception of the "Big Bang Theory."  I don't get it.  I find it one-dimensional----all story lines deal either with sex or the galaxy. No thanks.  My pick is "Modern Family."  The show continues to grow and is the only show I rewind several times during a viewing to hear dialogue again.  I think the married couples nail their roles, and the pre-teen and teenage characters are right on.  It is clever and honest. No talk about the periodic table or going to the moon.  The show presents scenarios that are familiar, yet thankfully not quite the life you lead.  Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan are co-creators and writers for the show.  The wit and pacing of the show is perfect.  The fact that all adult characters are also nominated for individual Emmys (as supporting characters)  is a further testament to this solid, smart comedy.  

I think the lead actress for a comedy will go to Amy Poehler.  Poehler's campaign on "Parks and Recreation" was a pleasure to watch.  Poehler's character wins the election for city council, and the summary remarks she delivered during the final debate were so incredibly earnest, I forgot she was only one of my Hollywood friends.  I want politicians to speak like Poehler. 

I am really feeling disloyal to Julia Louis-Dreyfus at this point.  I have watched HBO's VEEP, and I think it is incredible.  Dreyfus has recreated herself again (after Elaine and Christine) and her portrayal of a vice-president made me smile throughout.  I simply think the show needs more time.  

One last note:  I see that Lena Dunham is also nominated for HBO's "Girls"; I like the show, but I think she shines as writer and co-creator--I don't see her as the top female comedy star.

Mini-Series

For those of you who don't know me, you probably are unaware of my biggest Hollywood crush: Kevin Costner.  I live in South Dakota where "Dances with Wolves" was filmed, so I think that makes us practically married. PLUS I did get to meet him at a film festival.  I actually petted his arm, but it wasn't as weird as you might think.  Or maybe it was.  Costner starred in History Channel's "Hatfields and McCoys" early this summer.  The series was compelling on a number of levels, but I was drawn to Costner.  The series should win, and he should have enough clout to pull an individual win.  

I don't have a cute tagline, so I will just end with thanking you for reading my thoughts.