127 Hours

Eva Mendes and Jeremy Renner did the honors of announcing the nominees for the Independent Spirit Awards this morning. Winter's Bone, which also won big at the Goatham Awards last night, led the pack with seven nominations. Nipping at its heels are Black Swan (including a nod for Natalie Portman), Rabbit Hole, and The Kids Are All Right. Don't count out 127 Hours either: future Oscar host James Franco got a nomination for best male lead, and the film also earned nods for best feature and best director.

The show will air in February, but check out the full list of nominees when you read more

I've been slowly getting into the holiday spirit by rolling out my gift guides, but let's not forget there's still Thanksgiving to look forward to before December madness sets in. If you need some help gearing up to give thanks, you might want to head to the theater: this month's offerings seem rife for making you appreciate things that you could be taking for granted. Here's the lowdown on five November movies that will make you feel thankful.

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One
   What it's about: The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione prepare to battle the Dark Lord in a war of good vs. evil.
   What it will make you feel thankful for: Good friends who stick by your side through thick and thin.




2. Morning Glory
   What it's about: Young producer Becky tries to save an ailing morning show, which means keeping the show's bickering anchors at bay.
   What it will make you feel thankful for: Your job and possibly your boss.




3. Tangled
   What it's about: Disney takes on the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel.
   What it will make you feel thankful for: Your freedom.




Two more movies after the jump.

Holiday season is almost here, which means that the box office is kicking into high gear. Contemplating seeing Morning Glory, 127 Hours, or Unstoppable? Find out how we scored 'em first!

If you believe the hype, 127 Hours may be the hardest movie to watch this year. Reports of fainting audience members isn't great PR, but it would be a shame if anyone is deterred from seeing this fantastic, albeit intense movie from Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle.

The true story (on which the film is based) is admittedly nightmarish: in 2003, Aron Ralston slipped into a crevice while hiking in Utah, and a boulder pinned his right arm. When he could see no other options for escape, he amputated the limb in order to survive. James Franco portrays the fiercely independent Aron with the necessary intensity, and like Ryan Reynolds in Buried, his unaccompanied performance is surprisingly charismatic. From Aron's exhilarating foray into the outdoors to his terrifying accident, Franco's performance carries the feverish storyline from adventure story to triumphant drama, while Boyle's direction and cinematography create a stunning backdrop.

To find out why I think 127 Hours is memorable for more than its climactic scene, just read more

• Surprisingly hilarious: A video compilation of Don Draper saying "What" — Movieline
• Watch the cringe-worthy promo for new E! reality show Bridalplasty — TV.com
• Which hot actor is rumored to be in the running for The Bourne Legacy? — Moviefone
• Want Glee song spoilers from next episodes? Click here — TV Squad
• Yay! NBC orders two more episodes of Community for a full season — HitFix
• Aaron Eckhart has been cast in The Expatriate — Deadline Hollywood
• The Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son trailer is real and is here — Vulture
• Watch James Franco talk about people fainting during 127 Hours — PopSugar TV

James Franco proudly promotes 127 Hours at the movie's LA premiere, which brought out Kellan Lutz and stars of True Blood. Check it out on PopSugar Rush!

James Franco was joined by lots of famous friends and family last night at the LA premiere of 127 Hours, just one day after he attended the film's NY red carpet. James, who plays hiker Aron Ralston in the movie, told us filming was extremely demanding and weighed in on the buzzed-about amputation scene. James thinks the gore has caused some people to faint because of the strong emotional connection they make to the real-life story. James's younger brother Dave Franco came to support his sibling, as did several stars of True Blood, Twilight's Kellan Lutz, and dad-to-be Orlando Bloom. Even with the impressive celebrity turnout, the spotlight was on James all night — his costar, Kate Mara, gushed to us that working with the multitalented star was simply "incredible." 127 Hours is out later this month and Buzz says it's among the November releases that may make you feel thankful this season.

To see more pictures from the premiere and party, just read more