Jumping on the M Train and Meryl's Secret Daughter

I know I'm late to the party, but I'm not ashamed to admit it... I heart Meghan Trainor. That's right, the M Train is circling the globe and I'm on board.

Like the rest of the free world, I spent the later portion of 2014 slightly obsessed with a little ditty entitled, "All About That Bass". Though I'm a sucker for girl power anthems, it wasn't just the message to be comfortable in your own skin that made me a fan. Instead, it was the retro, almost do-wop quality of the song paired with her cool quasi-gansta/rapper phrasing that made the song a go-to jam for me.

Then I discovered "Lips are Movin'".

And then the pinnacle, "Dear Future Husband"(where was this when I was in the dating game?! Luckily, I ended up scoring ok on my own).

 Both of her subsequent singles carry the already branded Meghan Trainor feel - a urge to get on your feet beat paired with the attitude that we all must keep up appearances, for we're far too cool to lose our chill.

The additional tracks on Trainor's debut album, "Title", don't disappoint. A real snapshot of early 20s life, it seems as if the singer/songwriter took a note from the Queen of the Genre (Taylor Swift, obvi, totes!) and wrote what she knew. The result is a collection of catchy tunes that pretty much anyone can relate to.

I'm impressed with Meghan's sojourn into the world of fame thus far, and hope she sticks around long enough to give us a glimpse of the artist she evolves into.

See, that didn't seem too over-the-top right? Just a tip of the hat to an up and coming artist. Yeah well, here's where things take a turn. Just remember, I'm not obsessed, I swear.

Take a look at the photo of Meghan pictured below.

 

Now take a look at a photo of her three sisters.

 

You're probably thinking, "oh gee, isn't that nice. This is becoming a family post...," PSYCHE! It is not. 

If you are an avid reader of this blog you know that the women in second photo above are Meryl Streep's daughters (Left to Right: Louisa, Mamie and Grace Gummer). They are not related to Megan Trainor. Or, are they? Given the pretty uncanny resemblance (especially to the oldest Gummer girl, Mamie), I'm thinking Meghan may be the secret fourth daughter no one ever knew about. The question is, will she be claimed now that her genetics have brought her into the fame infused limelight? And even further, what else are you trying to hide from us, Meryl?!  

Oscars 2015 - The Value of Reflection

I didn't go to the movie theater a lot in 2014. I know, that's so not like me. Then again, I have a one-year-old, so that might explain things. But since the clock struck 12 on the big '15, I have spent the majority of my weekends making up for lost time at the cinema.

The 2015 Awards Season will wrap up tomorrow night with the Academy Awards. With Neil Patrick Harris at it's helm, the show will no doubt match the majesty and fervor displayed in the performances of the last year. Which isn't to say much. The films were enjoyable and thought provoking, everything good movies should be. But as Mary Horowitz (one of my most beloved movie characters, from a critically acclaimed disaster) would say, they just didn't "sparkle". 

For sake of time (and to be entirely honest, my own interest), I'll dedicate this post to only six categories for which an Oscar will be awarded on February 22nd - the four acting honors (Leading and Supporting Roles), Best Director and Best Picture. 

BEST ACTOR

 

I was lucky enough to witness each of these performances this year. Below are the nominees, in descending order, based on my critique. 

Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything

Steve Carrell - Foxcatcher

Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game

Bradley Cooper - American Sniper

Michael Keaton - Birdman 

Who will win: Eddie Redmayne

Possible Upset: Michael Keaton 

I first saw the trailer for "The Theory of Everything" in August or September. I remember the first time I saw Eddie in those dark rimmed glasses. That oddly awkward yet charming tilt of the head and expression immediately altered my perception of Stephen Hawking. I also knew in that instant that he would be nominated and could very well win. As I've stated before, the Academy is a sucker for biopics. And so am I. And I got all of that from the trailer. That's the mark of a true Academy Award performance. 

 

P.S. This dreamy guy played Rugby with Prince William at Eton. He'll get my vote everyday.

 

Steve Carrell is haunting in Foxcatcher. I wasn't sure what I was in for when I went to see this film, but his eerily poignant performance as eccentric billionaire John Dupont has stayed with me for weeks. 

Benedict Cumberbatch carried the weight of the important, heroic and heartbreaking true story Alan Turing's life in The Imitation Game. I wasn't on the Cumberbatch train before, but I will definitely watch his future work. 

Bradley Cooper also had a heavy role to carry, and did not disappoint. I would venture to guess that even the American Sniper himself, Chris Kyle was honored by the performance. Cooper's performances typically include some sort of over-the-top pizazz, specialized for each and every character. This may have been Bradley's most honest performance yet, void of any extra antics. Though he won't win, his quiet and strong performance of an American hero has touched the hearts of many and will be revered for years to come. 

Micheal Keaton is back from the dead. Don't think the irony of his character's grasp back into the world of acting is wasted on me. Though this is a noted performance and he's been a favorite alongside Redmayne, it just didn't translate for me. I'm glad Keaton is back on the map, but would root for any of the other four nominees to take the statue home over him.    

BEST ACTRESS

 

I only got to four out of five of these films, but I will take the Academy's affirmation of Two Days, One Night and see Marion wow in it at some point. That said. This category was lackluster. And that's hard for me to say, as this is my favorite category. Not to discount the work of men in Hollywood, but this is typically the most interesting, tightly run category every Awards Season. Take a look at my ranks below.  

Julianne Moore - Still Alice

Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything

Reece Witherspooon - Wild

Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl 

Marion Cotillard - Two Days, One Night

Who will win: Julianne Moore

Possible Upset: Only Julianne could upset herself, she's got it in the bag. Then again, Cotillard is an Academy darling... 

I thought Julianne Moore already had an Oscar at home. Maybe two. But no. She's got zilch. Zero. Nada. That is until Sunday. She's dominated the category for other awards shows and will no doubt take the trophy home. Well deserved for her reprisal of Nancy Donovan alongside Alec Baldwin's Jack Donaghy. Ever wonder what happened after the Boston duo called it quits thanks to the very blonde Avery Jessup? Just watch Still Alice. All joking aside, Moore's portrayal of a ambitious, vibrant and intelligent woman's slip into early on-set Alzheimers is both heartbreaking and life-affirming in it's own twisted way. Plus, she even made Kristen Stewart look good. That's where the real victory should be celebrated. Well deserved, Julianne. Just let the carpet rock the red and choose another hue for Oscar Sunday. 

Felicity Jones was endearing and lovely the first half of The Theory of Everything. Then she she grew tired and turned distant, if not a bit cold. Not an easy transformation, but definitely a convincing one. I look forward to more nominated work from her. 

Reece Witherspoon was daring in Wild. But that's about it. I commend her for taking her artistry to new places and reaching into new realms (her production company produced the film), but the result was shallow. The story allowed for ample exploration, she even broke the ice in a few spots, but I wanted so much more.

I don't recall ever devouring a novel the way I did with Gone Girl. That said, my imagination's version of Amazing Amy set the bar fairly high for Rosamund Pike. She did a notable job with the role. She's a talent actress. Yet, her performance didn't resonate with the same maniacal tone that I grew to love on the pages of the book.

Marion Cotillard is a gem. Or whatever they call precious things in France. It's difficult not to sympathize with whatever vulnerable character she choose to play, time and time again.

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 

 

Supporting guys were in good form, at least in the three nominated performances I saw. I didn't have to see Whiplash to know JK Simmons is stellar in it. And then there's Robert Duvall. You just don't question that. Here's the list according to Kayla. 

Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher 

Edward Norton - Birdman 

Ethan Hawke - Boyhood

JK Simmons - Whiplash

Robert Duvall - The Judge 

 

Who will win: JK Simmons

Possible Upset: I wish it was Mark Ruffalo. 

 

I've always liked Mark Ruffalo. And no, not just because he's easy on the eyes. But that definitely didn't lose him any points, either. Yet, over the past few years I have grown to respect and appreciate his work more. I wish his sentimental, yet honest display in Foxcatcher was enough to win him the Gold. If only John Dupont was still around to sponsor him... 

 

Edward Norton is dramatic. That's what he does best. This is casting at it's best. No one could have played his part in Birdman with such fervor and angst. 

 

Ethan Hawke committed to playing Dad to two kids for twelve years. If that's not reason enough for recognition (notice I didn't say victory!), I don't know what is. 

 

According to everyone else, JK Simmons hit a home run. I had a mean music teacher once. Maybe that's why I'm hesitant to experience Whiplash. 

 

Robert Duvall is a legend in his own right. I'm glad The Judge will be another testament to his work.  

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE 

 You know the deal. Let's see the breakdown.

Laura Dern - Wild

Emma Stone - Birdman

Keira Knightley- The Imitation Game

Patrica Arquette  - Boyhood

Meryl Streep - Into The Woods 

 

Who will win: Patricia Arquette 

Possible Upset: If anyone can pull it off, it's Laura!

 

Laura Dern spent 1/6 of the time Reece Witherspoon spent on screen in Wild. Yet, as shallow and murky as Reece was, Laura was deep and crystal clear. Truly a moving performance. Though she wasn't nominated by the Hollywood Foreign Press (Golden Globes) or Screen Actors Guild (SAG), intuitively I knew the Academy would think differently. Hands down my favorite pick of the category. Maybe my favorite performance of the year. 

 

I heart Emma Stone. That's been true since House Bunny, way back when. Her turn as a turbulent, recovering addict is distracting and aggravating one moment and heartwarming the next. So glad her performance was recognized on this scale. She will no doubt be back to the Dolby Theater with other nominations in coming years.  

Keira Knightley is another testament to paramount casting. Her sweet, yet sharp tongue paired with Benedict's ambling and stumbling sense made them a memorable couple. On a separate note, her personal commitment to the story and importance of Alan Turing's life is inspiring. If only we could all have the opportunity to pay homage to someone who's life has altered our own. 

Patricia Arquette will always be Alison Dubois to me. But come Sunday night, she will be remembered for much more. After cleaning up at all the other major award shows, Arquette is expected to take Oscar home. Though a twelve year commitment to a film is commendable, is it enough to garner the ultimate acting prize? It looks like that's the case this year!

I don't think the Academy really knows how to run the show without Meryl. And to be honest, it wouldn't be quite complete for me without her, either. It would be like missing Oscar himself. That said, just check nomination number 19 off your list Meryl. And sit pretty. 

 

BEST DIRECTOR 

Alejandro G. Inarritu - Birdman

Richard Linklater - Boyhood 

Bennett Miller - Foxcatcher

Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel 

Morten Tyldum - The Imitation Game 

 

Let's get real, there's only two kids in on this fight. Inarritu and Linklater are both top contenders for this prize. Buzz says Birdman will take the cake. I think differently. I believe the Best Director and Best Picture prizes will be split between the two films. Birdman is a favorite to win for cinematography, given the complex tracking shots that make up the film. With that under consideration, I think Inarritu will take home the top directing prize. 

 

BEST PICTURE

Not the best cinematic student, I got through five of the eight nominees. I will have to save my judgements for The Grand Budapest Hotel, Whiplash and Selma for another occasion. Yes, you read that right, I have yet to see the only best picture nominee that was produced by Oprah. OWN headhunters (if you exist), please do not judge me by this folly. Here are the nominees.  

American Sniper

Birdman

Boyhood

Imitation Game

Theory of Everything 

Whiplash

Selma

The Grand Budapest Hotel 

 

Birdman could very well take the top prize, but I believe the never before explored territory of Boyhood will prevail.

In my quest to see as many nominated films as possible, somewhere along the line I noticed a similar theme through many of the films - reflection. 

It seems as if Oscar was pondering the value of life and reflection while determining this year's nominees. Whether it be reflection on the life one had - choices and experiences that were both good and bad (Birdman). The value of memory - how personal and intellectual recollections can tie us to our very being (Still Alice). And how horrors of life can disentegrate self and create deep-seated purpose simultaneously (American Sniper). Sometimes it takes a good movie to encourage us to take stock in our own lives and live more purposefully outside the cineplex. 

Find out if my pics were right and watch the 87th Academy Awards tomorrow on ABC.