What can I say about the Year in Film- 2011? Well for one thing, there were too many sequels, superheroes—and superfluous 3-D. I mean—enough already with this universally accepted shell game aimed at wresting more shekels from unwilling viewers. Only a few of these films (such as Hugo) showcased the technology in an aesthetically pleasing manner. And still, I can’t say that I wouldn’t have preferred these movies without 3-D. In any case, what follows is not a “Best” list, but rather a very subjective “Favorites and Least Favorites” List—with some other thoughts tossed in for good measure. Several of these favorites (and least favorites) are now available on DVD. Feel free to disagree:
The “Favorites”
1. The Trip – I loved this movie—mainly for the involving, amusing interplay between Steve Coogan and Ron Brydon, several hilarious scenes (namely dueling Michael Caine impressions) and a surprising undercurrent of disappointment and regret.
2. The Guard – Brendan Gleeson is towering as a seemingly dim Irish constable investigating murder and drug dealing in a quirky, comic thriller with Don Cheadle as an FBI agent-and Gleeson’s unlikely straight man.
3. Captain America – The one superhero movie that I would gladly see again – courtesy of a sincere, heroic turn from Chris Evans, and an engaging romantic subplot—and some exciting action sequences.
4. The Descendants – George Clooney shines in Alexander Payne’s serio-comedy about family ties, love, loss, and regret—set in beautiful Hawaii. One of the two best ensemble casts I’ve seen this year.
5. Margin Call – The other best ensemble movie – an intelligent, tense look at the beginnings of the (most recent) Wall Street collapse in terms that the financially illiterate (such as myself) can understand. Kevin Spacey’s exec tries to do the right thing by his failing firm in the face of overwhelming pressure from head man Jeremy Irons, with Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto and Demi Moore offer sterling support.
6. Moneyball – Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman all hit home runs in this compelling drama about statistics—I mean, baseball—and going against the grain.
7. Hugo – I really enjoyed Marin Scorsese’s fable, which is as much about the joys of cinema, as it is about magic, dreams, family, loss—and rediscovery. It’s funny, exciting, compassionate—and visually and cinematically alive. Plus, it’s got terrific performances from among others,Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christopher Lee, JudeLaw, and Asa Butterfield as Hugo.
8. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – There’s a mole at the Circus and…wait a second, you’re not familiar with the spy genre jargon—well, neither am I—plus, I guessed the identity of the spy planted deep in British Intelligence. (one might refer to it as guilt by casting—or why is James Coburn doing a “Murder She Wrote?”) Still, I got caught up in the retro-feel of the film—with its preponderance of browns and grays, it wouldn’t be out of place among the spy dramas of the late 60’s-and the various small betrayals that permeate the proceedings. It also has a compelling performance from Gary Oldman that really holds the film together—it also doesn’t hurt to have John Hurt and Colin Firth.
9. The Artist –You haven’t seen it yet, have you? What are you waiting for? This is an enormously entertaining film with an ebullient beginning, a joyous conclusion …and a little bit of a dark center. Oh yeah, it doesn’t have dialogue, but there is sound, delightful music, gorgeous black and white cinematography and two extremely likable leads—and a dog you’ll want to adopt.
10. The Others – There are several, such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, War Horse (with its haunting images and undeniable emotional power), The Help (great performances, a little overlong), and Drive (especially Albert Brooks’ lethal turn) that I greatly enjoyed—and are well worth catching.
Some “Least Favorites”
1. The Change-Up – It starts with some not-so-cute “baby pooh” humor—then it’s all rapidly downhill-and there is nothing—I repeat nothing- that Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann and Olivia Wilde can do about it.
2. Hall Pass and Arthur – These were so abysmal—I don’t want to waste the spacing to list them separately. Suffice it to say, that these two films, along with The Change-up, demonstrate why bad comedy is the worst form of entertainment around.
3. Dream House – Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, and Rachel Weisz in a dreary wintry ghost story. I presume they were well-paid. At least the snow was convincing.
Some “Overrated” Movies
1. Tree of Life – Terence Malick’s long, long musing on life, death, family, and disappointment had some good moments, namely from Brad Pitt— albeit spread out over hours and hours (at least it felt that way of lovingly photographed tedium.
2. Bridesmaids – Women of the world rejoice—you now officially behave as rudely and crudely as guys in those male-oriented R-rated comedies that are too numerous to mention. The movie is watchable, but aside from a few chuckles, it’s not particularly funny. The problem here is that most of the female characters are thinly drawn, one-dimensional-and certainly not anyone I’d like to spend more time with (naturally there are plans for a sequel). The exception is Kristin Wiig, who finally gives a breakout performance (well, she co-wrote the movie) as a bridesmaid in the midst of a severe financial, emotional tailspin. Such is the great Wiig’s skill that she manages to keep her character sympathetic despite all her insensitive, cruel behavior.
I challenge you to take charge of your health and wellness the moment you read this article. I know, I know, you’re thinking this is yet another New Year’s resolution article regarding fitness and losing weight and getting you excited about something you’ll do for about 3 weeks or so, and then life starts getting in the way, you’ll lose your momentum, and pretty soon it’s the next New Year and you’re making the same resolution to get in shape and lose weight.
A web-based travel show that not only advertises the happenings of North Hollywood, Sassy Survival Guide takes you inside these proceedings, effectively allowing viewers to test-drive the opening reception of a figure drawing exhibit, or a night of Burlesque dancing with the De’Lish Dames before actually committing to making an appearance. “I think being in the NoHo Arts District, there are a lot of young people that don’t know what’s available for them to experience,” says creator and host Marielou Mandl in our phone interview, “so I’m like their on-camera concierge; I cover things that I want to participate in.” And with her producing partner John Ruff, things that Marielou have participated in range from jamming out on stage with a heavy metal mariachi band to bringing viewers the best that the NoHo Rockin’ Food Truck Festival has to offer. Produced by 
After graduation, with the goal of becoming a host in mind, Marielou took a job working for a casting director where having an intimate knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes only made her smarter. “I saw actors of all ages and types, and I saw that there is a place for everyone,” she remembers, “and that was inspiring to me.”
It’s that crazy time of year where we have parties, events, mixers, family, gifts, travel, and on and on it seems. It’s easy to get derailed on your workouts and lose time for them. I suggest setting your alarm for 15 minutes earlier each morning and do this workout, regardless of whether or not you plan to workout that day. It’ll be insurance just in case the Holidays get in your way unexpectedly.
A blessing, perhaps, because- unlike traditional publications, Lindsay and her team can conceive, write and format whatever they choose, and post it to the site in a matter of minutes. They’re also able to give volunteer contributing writers a chance at getting published, much like the chance Lindsay herself took years ago. “Though not all of our volunteers produce material regularly, we have a roster of about 30 writers who currently contribute to LAist,” she confides. “Writers of any age who want to come to the professional workforce with chops should seek out opportunities to publish and be published, whether that means contributing to a paper, or site, or starting a blog of their own.”
A native to Los Angeles, Juliet’s first and initial love was dance. In her early years, she enticed and intrigued audiences with her grace and femininity flowing freely as a ballet dancer, but soon mastered the craft and, craving a new challenge, sought out a different type of performing. “There was a point when I was dancing where I started to feel like for me, the dance world was too insular,” she says. “I started taking acting classes and I really loved the ability to have a verbal exchange, and to use my physicality in relation to a character.” And in addition to acting classes, Juliet quickly seized the opportunity to join the Actors Studio, a non-profit organization providing a place for professional actors, directors, and playwrights to further study and develop their craft. It was at the Actors Studio where she met her friend and mentor Susan Peretz, famous for her performance in Dog Day Afternoon as Al Pacino’s wife and the series Babes as Darlene Gilbert, along with a slew of guest starring roles on television, including Murder, She Wrote, Cagney and Lacey and ER. “Susan was an incredible actress, a true mentor and a great friend to me,” Juliet says. “Because she was the most amazing teacher, in between professional projects, I would always go back to work with her and try things out.”
