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Tribeca Review: Gotta Dance

BuzzSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:31:06 -0700

OK, that's it. I think I'm tapped out on the ridiculously heartwarming documentaries about elderly folks doing things like singing Coldplay songs or learning hip-hop to perform during basketball games. It's not that I'm sick of them, it's that they reduce me to an overemotional puddle on the floor. And movie theater floors are sticky. Of course, I think other people should seek out these movies. I've just learned that they're like my emotional kryptonite. . . in a good way.

Gotta Dance is similar to the recent documentary Young@Heart in many ways. Both focus on groups of older people doing things that most older people don't do: singing "the young peoples' music" and "dancing the young peoples' dances." The joy this brings them, and the sense of self-worth and aliveness is so inspiring it brings tears to my eyes. Gotta Dance differs, however, in that these people are physically pushing themselves to do the dances, so there is a much heavier emphasis on the subject of growing old and what kinds of limitations one faces. More than merely having a difference in taste (Young@Heart features elderly people who, though it's not necessarily their taste in music, sing rock songs) this kind of activity poses physical challenges that end up making the dancers feel both old and young. To see what else happens and for more of my thoughts, read more.

The film starts with the auditions for the first-ever senior hip-hop dance team for the New Jersey Nets. We get to know a handful of the hopefuls who end up getting spots on the team and who we follow throughout the film. The team ultimately consists of 11 women and one man and we watch as they learn the moves for their first show, gradually becoming more confident until the nerve-racking debut on the court.

Of course, the show is a smash hit and they soon find their pictures in the newspaper, followed by invitations to appear on morning shows. As the team becomes more popular, their pride grows and their routines become tougher. By this point, I felt like these people were my relatives and friends, and I could have watched them bond over learning how to shake, swivel and stomp to Jay-Z for many more hours. I also enjoyed watching the team's choreographers and leaders, young women from the Nets dance team who treat the seniors with respect and patience, but also determinedly whip them into shape during practice.

The filmmakers (and the folks behind the Tribeca Film Festival) did well to feature the movie at Tribeca, as New York plays its own part in the film. Most of the seniors live in New Jersey, though a few live in New York City. One of them was even dubbed "Miss Subways" back in the day, and others remembered seeing her face plastered on the subway cars.

So many documentaries are somber, frightening or provocative - and they're often important to see. But this makes Gotta Dance a huge relief within a genre somewhat glutted with fear and sadness. The joie de vivre in this film is completely infectious, and just like with Young@Heart, it makes growing old seem like a damn good time.

Source

Live From the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival, Part II

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:30:57 -0700

OK, all this rain quickly went from comforting and good for snuggling up in movie theaters to just plain dreary. But it can't dampen my movie-loving spirit! The Tribeca Film Festival continues to deliver some awesome stuff - and now I have the pictures to prove it.

My time here in New York is soon to draw to a close, but it's been an exciting and thought-provoking four days. I can't wait until next year's festival! Check out some of my thoughts below and a slideshow of pictures here.

I stood on the red carpet for War, Inc., that surreal wartime movie that was co-written by John Cusack and stars Hilary Duff and Marisa Tomei. Cusack bailed on Tribeca altogether, but Marisa Tomei and Hilary Duff looked spectacular on the red carpet. Duff was whisked by me, so I didn't get to ask her about all the things that perplexed me about her role (was it really a live scorpion that she put down her pants in this film? Really?).

More thoughts and stuff if you read more.

I also didn't get to chat with Marisa Tomei (though she seemed like a truly warm person, and she looked stunning) but I managed to snap a few photos of her. Then, as I approached my hotel I noticed that there were tons of "paps" outside, and apparently a bunch of celebs are staying in my hotel, including Famke Janssen, Leelee Sobieski (who is approximately 15 feet tall), and Liv Tyler. So, I snagged a few pictures outside my own hotel, though I felt a little strange standing in the middle of a throng of screaming photographers.

At the red carpet I met Anna, the cool gal checking in press people, and she is apparently a big BuzzSugar fan, which I obviously love to hear! So, Anna's awesome.
The sweetest feature film I've seen so far is Bart Got a Room, with its stellar cast (William H. Macy, Cheryl Hines, Alia Shawkat) and funny-yet-touching story about one kid's high school prom.
Having watched Young@Heart and now the similarly themed documentary Gotta Dance, I think I need to avoid the heartwarming docs about elderly people. I'm just so overcome with emotion - mostly joy, but all the tears come anyway - by the end. It's too much! Which isn't to say you shouldn't seek out Gotta Dance. It's wonderful.
I still have yet to see the screening of Tennessee, though I'm getting the impression that people aren't so jazzed about it here. I overheard one guy say that it was "like a car that just wouldn't start." Well, surely it can't be all Mariah's fault. . .

Announcing the 2010 Grammy Award Winners!

BuzzSugar — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:56:49 -0800

And the Queen of the 2010 Grammys is . . . I'm calling it a tie! Everyone was waiting to see Beyonce battle with Taylor Swift for the most awards, and both women walked away winners in their own respect. Beyonce earned six honors, the most ever won by a female performer; Swift not only took home her first Grammy - and three others to go with it - but she also took home the big prize of the night: Best Album. The only time neither lady won? In a surprising upset, Kings of Leon beat them both for Record of the Year for their “Use Somebody.”

This year’s performances seemed even more exciting than in years past, and I’d have a hard time choosing a favorite. As the honorees came back into the press room (more on that later), there was a ton of buzz about Pink's Cirque du Soleil-type ribbon routine, but I also enjoyed Beyonce's cover of “You Oughta Know," and Lady Gaga and Elton John's piano duet in matchy glittered glasses. And of course, the 3-D Michael Jackson tribute brought in artists from every spectrum of music for a standing ovation.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts, but right now, let's go over the winners when you read more.

For a complete list in all 110 Grammy categories, click here. The following is a partial list.

RECORD OF THE YEAR
"Use Somebody," Kings of Leon

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Fearless, Taylor Swift

SONG OF THE YEAR
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyonce

BEST NEW ARTIST
Zac Brown Band

BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Halo," Beyonce

BEST MALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Make It Mine," Jason Mraz

BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
"I Gotta Feeling," Black Eyed Peas

BEST POP COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS
"Lucky," Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
"Throw Down Your Heart," Bela Fleck

BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones

BEST POP ALBUM
The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas

BEST DANCE RECORDING
"Poker Face," Lady Gaga

BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM
The Fame, Lady Gaga

BEST TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM
Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden, Michael Buble

BEST SOLO ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Working on a Dream," Bruce Springsteen

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
"Use Somebody," Kings Of Leon

BEST HARD ROCK PERFORMANCE
"War Machine," AC/DC

BEST METAL PERFORMANCE
"Dissident Aggressor," Judas Priest

BEST ROCK INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
"A Day in the Life," Jeff Beck

BEST ROCK SONG
"Use Somebody," Kings of Leon

BEST ROCK ALBUM
21st Century Breakdown, Green Day

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix

BEST FEMALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyonce

BEST MALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Pretty Wings," Maxwell

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
"Blame It," Jamie Foxx and T-Pain

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"At Last," Beyonce

BEST URBAN/ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE
"Pearls," India.Arie and Dobet Gnahore

BEST R&B SONG
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyonce

BEST R&B ALBUM
Blacksummers' Night, Maxwell

BEST CONTEMPORARY R&B ALBUM
I Am...Sasha Fierce, Beyonce

BEST RAP SOLO PERFORMANCE
"D.O.A.," Jay-Z

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP
"Crack a Bottle," Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION
"Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West

BEST RAP SONG
"Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West

BEST RAP ALBUM
Relapse, Eminem

BEST FEMALE COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"White Horse," Taylor Swift

BEST MALE COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Sweet Thing," Keith Urban

BEST COUNTRY PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
"I Run to You," Lady Antebellum

BEST COUNTRY COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS
"I Told You So," Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis

BEST COUNTRY INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
"Producer's Medley," Steve Wariner

BEST COUNTRY SONG
"White Horse," Taylor Swift

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Fearless, Taylor Swift

BEST COMEDY ALBUM
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All, Stephen Colbert

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK ALBUM FOR MOTION PICTURE, TV, ETC
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK ALBUM FOR MOTION PICTURE, TV, ETC
Up

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURE, TV, ETC
"Jai Ho" (From Slumdog Millionare), Gulzar, A.R. Rahman, and Tanvi Shah

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (NON-CLASSICAL)
Brendan O'Brien

BEST REMIXED RECORDING
"When Love Takes Over (Electro Extended Remix)," David Guetta (David Guetta Featuring Kelly Rowland)

BEST SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO
"Boom Boom Pow," Black Eyed Peas

BEST LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO
The Beatles Love - All Together Now, Various Artists

Announcing the 2010 Grammy Award Nominees!

BuzzSugar — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:22:28 -0800

The Grammy Awards rolled out the red carpet this evening with a one-hour live show to celebrate their 2010 nominees. (Check out photos from the event here.) The night featured performances by previous winners like the Black Eyed Peas, along with the announcement of the acts who will be competing for the special honor. The results? This year is all about the ladies. Taylor Swift has already run away with the majority of awards in 2009, and she's towards the top here too, earning eight nominations including Record of the Year and Album of the Year. But somewhere out there, Kanye West is smiling, because his girl Beyonce bested Ms. Swift tonight with a total of ten nods.

As for me, I'm especially happy to see Lady Gaga get recognition in multiple categories following a disappointing run for her at the American Music Awards. Also worth noting - the boys of The Lonely Island are nominated for their music video "I'm on a Boat" featuring T-Pain. Nice to see the nomination committee has a sense of humor.

We'll find out who takes home the golden record player when the awards show airs on Jan. 31. To see who made the cut, just read more.

RECORD OF THE YEAR
"Halo," Beyonce
"I Gotta Feeling," Black Eyed Peas
"Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
"Poker Face," Lady Gaga
"You Belong With Me," Taylor Swift

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
I Am...Sasha Fierce, Beyonce
The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas
The Fame, Lady Gaga
Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, Dave Matthews Band
Fearless, Taylor Swift

SONG OF THE YEAR
"Poker Face," Lady Gaga
"Pretty Wings," Maxwell
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyonce
"Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
"You Belong With Me," Taylor Swift

BEST NEW ARTIST
Zac Brown Band
Keri Hilson
MGMT
Silversun Pickups
The Ting Tings

BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Hometown Glory," Adele
"Halo," Beyonce
"Hot N Cold," Katy Perry
"Sober," Pink
"You Belong With Me," Taylor Swift

BEST MALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"This Time," John Legend
"Love You," Maxwell
"Make It Mine," Jason Mraz
"If You Don't Know Me By Now," Seal
"All About the Love Again," Stevie Wonder

BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
"I Gotta Feeling," Black Eyed Peas
"We Weren't Born to Follow," Bon Jovi
"Never Say Never," The Fray
"Sara Smile," Hall and Oates
"Kids," MGMT

BEST POP COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS
"Sea of Heartbreak," Rosanne Cash and Bruce Springsteen
"Love Sex Magic," Ciara and Justin Timberlake
"Lucky," Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
"Baby, It's Cold Outside," Willie Nelson and Norah Jones
"Breathe," Taylor Swift and Colbie Caillat

BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
"Besame Mucho," Herb Alpert
"Throw Down Your Heart," Bela Fleck
"The Fire," Imogen Heap
"Phoenix Rise," Maxwell
"Funk Joint," Marcus Miller

BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
In Boston, Chris Botti
Legacy, Hiroshima
Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones
Modern Art The Rippingtons Featuring Russ Freeman
Down the Wire, Spyro Gyra

BEST POP ALBUM
The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas
Breakthrough, Colbie Caillat
All I Ever Wanted, Kelly Clarkson
The Fray, The Fray
Funhouse, Pink

BEST DANCE RECORDING
"Boom Boom Pow," The Black Eyed Peas
"When Love Takes Over," David Guetta and Kelly Rowland
"Poker Face," Lady Gaga
"Celebration," Madonna
"Womanizer," Britney Spears

BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM
Divided By Night, The Crystal Method
One Love, David Guetta
The Fame, Lady Gaga
Party Rock, LMFAO
Yes, Pet Shop Boys

BEST TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM
A Swingin' Christmas, Tony Bennett
Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden, Michael Buble
Your Songs, Harry Connick, Jr.
Liza's At the Palace, Liza Minnelli
American Classic, Willie Nelson

BEST SOLO ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Beyond Here Lies Nothin,'" Bob Dylan
"Change in the Weather," John Fogerty
"Dreamer," Prince
"Working on a Dream," Bruce Springsteen
"Fork in the Road," Neil Young

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
"Can't Find My Way Home," Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood
"Live in Technicolor II," Coldplay
"21 Guns," Green Day
"Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
"I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight," U2

BEST HARD ROCK PERFORMANCE
"War Machine," AC/DC
"Check My Brain," Alice in Chains
"What I've Done," Linkin Park
"The Unforgiven III," Metallica
"Burn It to the Ground," Nickelback

BEST METAL PERFORMANCE
"Dissident Aggressor," Judas Priest
"Set to Fail," Lamb of God
"Head Crusher," Megadeath
"Senor Peligro," Ministry
"Hate Worldwide," Slayer

BEST ROCK INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
"A Day in the Life," Jeff Beck
"Warped Sister," Booker T. Jones
"Playing With Fire," Brad Paisley
"Mr. Surfer Goes Jazzin,'" Brian Setzer Orchestra
"Now We Run," Steve Vai

BEST ROCK SONG
"The Fixer," Pearl Jam
"I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight," U2
"21 Guns," Green Day
"Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
"Working on a Dream," Bruce Springsteen

BEST ROCK ALBUM
Black Ice, AC/DC
Live From Madison Square Garden, Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood
21st Century Breakdown, Green Day
Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, Dave Matthews Band
No Line on the Horizon, U2

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, David Byrne and Brian Eno
The Open Door, Death Cab for Cutie
Sounds of the Universe, Depeche Mode
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix
It's Blitz!, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

BEST FEMALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," Beyonce
"It Kills Me," Melanie Fiona
"That Was Then," Lalah Hathaway
"Goin' Thru Changes," Ledisi
"Lions, Tigers & Bears," Jazmine Sullivan

BEST MALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"The Point of It All," Anthony Hamilton
"Pretty Wings," Maxwell
"Sobeautiful," Musiq Soulchild
"Under," Pleasure P
"There Goes My Baby," Charlie Wilson

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
"Blame It," Jamie Foxx and T-Pain
"Chocolate High," India.Arie and Musiq Soulchild
"Ifuleave," Musiq Soulchild and Mary J. Blige
"Higher Ground," Robert Randolph and The Clark Sisters
"Love Has Finally Come at Last," Calvin Richardson and Ann Nesby

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"At Last," Beyonce
"Soul Music," Anthony Hamilton
"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," Boney James and Quinn
"Sow Love," Ann Nesby
"Woman Gotta Have It," Calvin Richardson

BEST URBAN/ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE
"Daykeeper," The Foreign Exchange
"All Matter," Robert Glasper and Bilal
"Pearls," India.Arie and Dobet Gnahore
"A Tale of Two," Eric Roberson, Ben O'Neill, and Michelle Thompson
"Blend," Tonex

BEST R&B SONG
"Blame It," Jamie Foxx and T-Pain
"Lions, Tigers, and Bears," Jazmine Sullivan
"Pretty Wings," Maxwell
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Beyonce
"Under," Pleasure P

BEST R&B ALBUM
The Point of It All, Anthony Hamilton
Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics, India.Arie
Turn Me Loose, Ledisi
Blacksummers' Night, Maxwell
Uncle Charlie, Charlie Wilson

BEST CONTEMPORARY R&B ALBUM
I Am...Sasha Fierce, Beyonce
Intuition, Jamie Foxx
The Introduction of Marcus Cooper, Pleasure P
Ready, Trey Songz
Thr33 Ringz, T-Pain

BEST RAP SOLO PERFORMANCE
"Best I Ever Had," Drake
"Beautiful," Eminem
"D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)," Jay-Z
"Day 'N' Nite," Kid Cudi
"Casa Bey," Mos Def

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP
"Too Many Rappers," Beastie Boys and Nas
"Crack A Bottle," Eminem, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent
"Money Goes, Honey Stay," Fabolous and Jay-Z
"Make Her Say," Kid Cudi, Kanye West, and Common
"Amazing," Kanye West and Young Jeezy

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION
"Ego," Beyonce and Kanye West
"Knock You Down," Keri Hilson, Kanye West and Ne-Yo
"Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West
"I'm on a Boat," The Lonely Island and T-Pain
"Dead and Gone," T.I. and Justin Timberlake

BEST RAP SONG
"Best I Ever Had," Drake
"Day 'N' Nite," Kid Cudi
"Dead and Gone," T.I. and Justin Timberlake
"D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)," Jay-Z
"Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West

BEST RAP ALBUM
Universal Mind Control, Common
Relapse, Eminem
R.O.O.T.S., Flo Rida
The Ecstatic, Mos Def
The Renaissance, Q-Tip

BEST FEMALE COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"Dead Flowers," Miranda Lambert
"I Just Call You Mine," Martina McBride
"White Horse," Taylor Swift
"Just a Dream," Carrie Underwood
"Solitary Thinkin," Lee Ann Womack

BEST MALE COUNTRY VOCAL PERFORMANCE
"All I Ask for Anymore," Trace Adkins
"People Are Crazy," Billy Currington
"High Cost of Living," Jamey Johnson
"Living for the Night," George Strait
"Sweet Thing," Keith Urban

BEST COUNTRY PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
"Cowgirls Don't Cry," Brooks & Dunn
"Chicken Fried," Zac Brown Band
"I Run to You," Lady Antebellum
"Here Comes Goodbye," Rascal Flatts
"It Happens," Sugarland

BEST COUNTRY COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS
"Beautiful World," Dierks Bentley and Patty Griffin
"Down the Road," Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally
"Start a Band," Brad Paisley and Keith Urban
"I Told You So," Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis
"Everything But Quits," Lee Ann Womack and George Strait

BEST COUNTRY INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
"Under the (Five) Wire," Alison Brown
"The Crystal Merchant," The Greencards
"Mansinneedof," Sarah Jarosz
"Producer's Medley," Steve Wariner

BEST COUNTRY SONG
"All I Ask for Anymore," Trace Adkins
"High Cost of Living," Jamey Johnson
"I Run to You," Lady Antebellum
"People Are Crazy," Billy Currington
"White Horse," Taylor Swift

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
The Foundation, Zac Brown Band
Twang, George Strait
Fearless, Taylor Swift
Defying Gravity, Keith Urban
Call Me Crazy, Lee Ann Womack

BEST NEW AGE ALBUM
Faith, Jim Brickman
Prayer for Compassion, David Darling
Laserium for the Soul, Henta
In a Dream, Peter Kater, Dominic Miller, Kenny Loggins, and Jaques Morelenbaum
Impressions of the West Lake, Kitaro

BEST CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ALBUM
Urbanus, Stefon Harris and Blackout
Sounding Point, Julian Lage
At World's Edge, Philippe Saisse
Big Neighborhood, Mike Stern
75, Joe Zawinul and The Zawinul Syndicate

BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM
No Regrets, Randy Crawford and Joe Sample
Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings The Music of Coltrane and Hartman, Kurt Elling
So In Love, Roberta Gambarini
Tide, Luciana Souza
Desire, Tierney Sutton

BEST AMERICANA ALBUM
Together Through Life, Bob Dylan
Electric Dirt, Levon Helm
Willie and the Wheel, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel
Wilco (The Album), Wilco
Little Honey, Lucinda Williams

BEST COMEDY ALBUM
Back From the Dead, Spinal Tap
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!, Stephen Colbert
Internet Leaks, Weird Al Yankovic
My Weakness Is Strong, Patton Oswalt
Suckin' It for the Holidays, Kathy Griffin
Tall, Dark, & Chicano, George Lopez

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK ALBUM FOR MOTION PICTURE, TV, ETC
Cadillac Records
Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds
Slumdog Millionaire
True Blood
Twilight

BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK ALBUM FOR MOTION PICTURE, TV, ETC
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Disc 1)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Milk
Star Trek
Up

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURE, TV, ETC
"The Climb" (From Hannah Montana: The Movie), Miley Cyrus
"Decode" (From Twilight), Paramore
"Jai Ho" (From Slumdog Millionaire), A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer, and Vijay Prakash
"Once in a Lifetime" (From Cadillac Records), Beyonce
"The Wrestler" (From The Wrestler), Bruce Springsteen

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (NON-CLASSICAL)
T Bone Burnett
Ethan Johns
Larry Klein
Greg Kurstin
Brendan O'Brien

BEST REMIXED RECORDING
"Don't Believe in Love (Dennis Ferrer Objektivity Mix)," Dennis Ferrer (Dido)
"The Girl and the Robot (Jean Elan Remix)," Jean Elan (Royksopp)
"I Want You (Dave Aude Remix)," Dave Aude, (Dean Coleman Featuring DCLA)
"No You Girls (Trentemoller Remix)," Anders Trentemoller (Franz Ferdinand)
"When Love Takes Over (Electro Extended Remix)," David Guetta (David Guetta Featuring Kelly Rowland)

BEST SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO
"Mr. Hurricane," Beast
"Boom Boom Pow," The Black Eyed Peas
"Life in Technicolor II," Coldplay
"Wrong," Depeche Mode
"Her Morning Elegance," Oren Lavie

BEST LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO
In Boston, Chris Botti
Johnny Cash's America, Johnny Cash
Anita O'Day - The Life of a Jazz Singer - Anita O'Day
Love Pain and the Whole Crazy World Tour Live - Keith Urban
The Beatles Love - All Together Now - Various Artists

Glee-Ful Highlights From This Week's Episode, Including Video!

BuzzSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:30:35 -0700

Just when Kanye West was defending "Single Ladies" as one of the best songs of all time, Glee swoops in with an entire episode dedicated to the tune. We've seen a ton of spoofs of the famous music video - Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg on Saturday Night Live, Joe Jonas - but I've gotta say that I think Kurt's version may be my favorite rendition so far.

This week was Kurt's magnum opus. He and Sue are quickly turning into my two favorite characters, and they both got lots of camera time to keep me happy. Of course it wasn't all about him - the show also included a shocker that should be interesting to see play out. (Big hint: It involves the episode title "Preggers.") Keep reading for my thoughts (warning, spoilers ahead), plus video of Kurt's Beyonce impression when you read more.

Kurt opens up the episode in a leotard (because "they wick sweat from the body") with a reproduction of "Single Ladies" - until his dad walks in. Check out the dance below. I'm a little over the Beyonce parodies, but Kurt's moves are spot-on, and he takes himself very seriously, which makes it all the more hilarious. I'm also kind of loving Mike O'Malley as Mr. Hummel. The scene where Kurt comes out to him gave me the warm fuzzies.

With the exception of "Single Ladies," the episode was fairly light on the musical numbers, which was kind of a disappointment. Where is the early '90s pop, guys? I hope they were just giving their vocal chords a rest after the music-heavy episode last week.
Having the football players dance = awkward and genius. Some of those guys really know how to body roll.

Quinn is pregnant? Ugh. I guess I should've seen that one coming. They don't make a character the president of the Abstinence Club and then not have her get knocked up. I'm a little annoyed with the whole covert adoption that's going to play out with her and Terri, but I can't wait to watch the news erupt that Finn isn't the baby daddy. (Although, if Finn had been paying attention in sex ed, he would've figured that out on his own by now.)
I was dying over Principal Higgins airline steward video for Mumbai Air. When they release Glee on DVD someday, I hope the full version is in the special features. Embolism-reduction stockings are surprisingly funny.
Rachel is wearing thin on me. Anyone else agree? When she gets P.O.'d over Tina's solo, I wanted to give that girl my two cents.
Sue's pro-caning speech on the local news was a highlight of the night. ("Yes we CANE.") I love hearing more from her, but towards the end of the episode, it seemed like they were trying to set up her news spots as a moral-of-the-episode lesson. I hope this doesn't become a regular thing - an earnest Sue just doesn't work for me.
My favorite line of the night was when Sandy says to Sue, "I'm living in a cocoon of horror!" How great is that scene at his house with the kimono and the doll collection? Creepsters. Second favorite: "My body is like a rum chocolate souffle. If I don't warm up right, it doesn't rise." That's courtesy of Kurt, of course.

What did you guys think of this week's episode? Did you like having the focus on Kurt? Did you miss the flashier production numbers? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. If you're a fan of the show, don't forget that you can join Whiplash's Glee Club Community group - then enter our contest to meet one of the cast members!

Photos courtesy of Fox

The Office Rundown: Episode 27, "Cafe Disco"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:30:48 -0700

I want to go to Cafe Disco so badly. I'm serious! Dancing, "expresso," the cast of The Office - it looks like so much fun. I think this is one of my favorite episodes of the season, and maybe that's just because there's dancing, and dancing in TV and movies pretty much always makes me happy. There are plenty of sweet/funny/awkward moment's from this week's episode, so to read about some of my favorite parts, read more.

I can't believe Dwight pays Erin to pretend she just won an art contest, just to get to Pam!
Michael: "I actually dance all the time. Tiptoeing around Corporate, it is a ballet. When I am breaking all the rules, I am break dancing."
Dwight finds out that someone is going to Ohio - turns out it's Jim and Pam to get a marriage license! This moment is so cute, it's almost borderline too cute:
Jim: "Right, oh, so this morning we are having breakfast together and I just looked up from my cereal and I said, 'You know what I want to do today? I want to marry you.'"
Pam: "I had just woken up. I didn't look cute. That's how I knew he meant it."
I think I love this Erin character. It's so adorable when she and Michael start dancing in the old Michael Scott Paper Company office and he offers her some "expresso." She just totally gets him.
Michael: "You gotta keep yourself dehydrated!"
Erin: "That's rule number one."
Michael: "Charles really did a number on these guys. They are way too focused on work. When I was in charge, this place was like Dave and Busters - people just hanging out, having fun, eating apps. I dunno, it's like Dave died or something." He tells them that they are in a funk. "Funk is the problem - and the solution."
Dwight's impression of Jack Nicholson from The Shining is scarily good! And it prompts Meredith to wonder if Michael's dance room is "like a haunted coffee-house thing."
Angela comes to retrieve Kevin, but Michael's not having it. "This is a no-work zone. Please respect the lei." Angela and Michael then stand on either side of Kevin and try to command him to stay with Michael or go with Angela. "Kevin, stay." "Kevin, come."

Phyllis is enticed by the "Everybody Dance Now" pumping through the vents so she tries to get Bob to join her in the Cafe Disco. He's on a call, though, says the receptionist who looks exactly like a slightly younger version of Phyllis. But then she throws out her back! They take her upstairs where Dwight works on Phyllis the way his family has worked on horses for generations. And he feeds her a carrot.
Michael: "You all took a life here today. You did. The life of a party."
Kelly: "Cafe Disco, more like crap-e disco."
Erin: "You're bad!" They start dancing and a dude with a Danny Zuko hairstyle spots them, gets his buddy and they join the girls in Cafe Disco.
Dwight says Phyllis grinds her teeth, which is as annoying as "children singing Christmas carols."
Andy: "I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure I'm in a dance-off." Kelly-Andy dance-off?! It's like a dream come true.
I love that Angela walks easily right under the limbo bar. Angela: "I hate to be that person, but I just don't like the general spirit of music."
Creed gives the disco ball from his windshield to Michael, even though now he won't be able to see who's behind him.
Dwight and Phyllis start dancing and Bob Vance cuts in, asking Dwight if he can steal his wife. "You can't steal what is legally your property."
Angela starts cleaning up, which is her only way of having fun at Cafe Disco. Michael later asks her to dance and she refuses - but Michael notices that her foot is swaying to the music. He beams.
Andy, as Kelly prepares to pierce his ear: "Are you sure that's not the gay ear?"
Kelly: "'Gay ear?' Are you 12 years old?"

Snap Judgment: The Emmy Comedy Nominations

BuzzSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:30:11 -0700

I've gone on about the Emmy nominees in the dramatic categories, now I've gotta share my reactions to the comedic nominees. There's so much to talk about with these categories! I have to say I was rather surprised by several of the nominations - in both good and bad ways. Check out my thoughts below . . .

Seven entries in the Outstanding Comedy Series category? And not one of them is Two and a Half Men?! And one of them is How I Met Your Mother?!? What is it, my birthday?
Does it make me a mean person if I say I'm happy and relieved to see that Jeremy Piven was not nominated? Nah, don't answer that. I don't really want to know.
And I'm even happier for the two Supporting Actor nods for 30 Rock: Tracy Morgan and Jack McBrayer!

Movie Preview: Fame

BuzzSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:45:16 -0700

Dance movie alert! All you fans of dance movies know that I'm talking to you - it doesn't matter how trite or lame it looks, we're still going to see it. And interestingly, the Fame remake, opening Sept. 25, doesn't look too bad. It's still the same old follow-your-dreams, I'm-gonna-live-forever, "somebody's gotta make it out there, why can't it be me?" stuff, but, you know, all new actors and a modern update.

The story focuses on a bunch of kids attending the New York City High School for the Performing Arts. So yes, the kids in this movie perform more than just dance but let's face it, the dance is why I'll watch. To check out the full-length Fame trailer, read more.

Photo courtesy of MGM

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:30:45 -0700

Tuesdays are big in entertainmentville: not only do all the new DVD releases hit Netflix, but new music also pours into stores. So I take a spin through each week's music releases and pick out some albums and tracks worthy of a download. In addition to my picks below, you can also get the new Sonic Youth album now.

Start the party: Most of you said you prefer Fergie when she's singing with the Black Eyed Peas, so you may be excited that the group's new album hits stores today. I've always had a love-hate relationship with this group. Sometimes the Peas' catchy music gets me jazzed for a jog or gets me dancing at a party. Other times I flip off the radio when one of the group's hit songs comes on for the billionth time. But in the face of the straightforward lyrics on the new album - like "Tonight's the night night/Let's live it up/I got my money/Let's spend it up," from the new single "I Gotta Feeling" - I have to just smile. Resistance is futile.

More Mos Def: I didn't even need a full listen through Mos Def's fourth album, The Ecstatic, to get excited about it. As one reviewer describes its achievements: "Mos is brimming with poetry again, hurling politically charged lyrics like lightning bolts against the thunderous beats behind him." So far, I'm digging "Auditorium" and "Life in Marvelous Times."

American Idol Rundown: The Top Three State Their Case

BuzzSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:00:49 -0700

Remember when the night of the final three on American Idol used to have three songs per contestant? When the producers got to pick a song for the contestants in addition to the judges' and singers' picks? When the top priority in this competition was, y'know, singing?

Given the timing problems Idol's had all season, I suppose it's not surprising that the contestants sang just two songs each on Tuesday's performance show. (Seriously, though - they couldn't have held the Idol Gives Back update for Wednesday?) Overall, though, I thought it was a pretty solid night, with a couple of songs that I'd actually consider buying on iTunes. Don't forget to cast your vote for who's heading home, and to see my thoughts, just read more.

Danny - Paula's choice - "Dance Little Sister" is the kind of song that's right in Danny's zone, with the gruffness and the growling and the grooving. It's also when he reminds me the most of Taylor Hicks, so take that as you will. Randy said it was a good start, Kara thought the dancing was a bit much, and Simon didn't like the song choice or the arrangement but praised the vocals.

Kris - Kara and Randy's choice - I would have thought that "Apologize" would have been perfect for Kris . . . and I would have thought wrong. He seemed to be working so hard - whether to remember the words or play piano or whatever - which killed the energy of the performance. Also, his falsetto isn't the best, and he seemed hesitant to commit to it. Kara called it competent but uninteresting, while Simon just bickered with the other judges.

Adam - Simon's choice - About 20 seconds into Adam's performance of "One," I wondered aloud why anyone else is even still in this competition. Adam has incredible control of his voice, and that was made crystal clear at the start of this song. Granted, it eventually turned into a wail-y arrangement that I could imagine at a junior high formal, but that's mostly beside the point. Kara praised Adam's unique take on the song, Paula said it was superb, and Simon said it'll be crazy if he's not in the final.

Danny - his choice - Danny slowed it down for "You Are So Beautiful," sitting at center stage and singing on top of a quiet arrangement. He changed the melody to suit his voice and sang it nearly rasp-free. I'm pretty bored with Danny at this point, but that might be his best performance of the season. Randy said he had "mad vocals," Kara called it stunning, and Simon said it was a vocal master class.

Kris - his choice - Well, that was unexpected. If you took my reaction to Kris singing One Republic and flipped it 180 degrees, that would be what I thought about him singing Kanye's "Heartless." And I gotta say, he blew me away. This acoustic version was different, modern, and very much his style. Kara said that's the kind of risk she wanted to see him take, and Simon said he was no longer writing Kris off as a potential finalist.

Adam - his choice - Adam closed the show out with a pretty glam rock-y take on Aerosmith's "Cryin'," with the unfortunate addition of a background vocalist who seemed to be wildly off pitch. It was one of his screamier performances - and thus not one of my favorites - but there's no denying that he carries himself like a rock star. Kara was baffled by his range, Paula said he did Steven Tyler proud, and Simon gave a warning to Adam's fans that they still need to vote.

Best of the night - Overall Adam was the most solid, but each contestant had at least one outstanding performance. My favorite of the night was either Adam's "One" or Kris's "Heartless."

Going home - I really have no idea. The only situation where I'd be upset, I think, is a Kris/Danny final. Adam seems to have earned a spot for sure, but I think it'll be awfully close between the other two.

Photos courtesy of Fox