BuzzSugar

Appaloosa: Solid Entertainment But Could Have Been More

BuzzSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:33:32 PDT

Appaloosa is a totally passable and - to my surprise - fun (and funny) Western movie. I'm amazed Ed Harris, the star/director/co-writer of the film, hasn't played more gunslingers, because his face was built for it. Under the shadow of a wide-brimmed hat, his skin looks believably weathered and creased, his bone structure sturdy and chiseled. By contrast, Harris's costar, Viggo Mortensen, is not what I think of when I think "cowboy." He's long and lean and hardly recognizable under a strange (but probably historically accurate) haircut and facial hair. His character drags around one of those giant long-barreled shotguns as opposed to expertly twirling a smaller one out of his holster.

The pair make a fine acting duo; they have an easy chemistry I could watch all night long. Beyond that, Appaloosa tells a well-thought-out story. But unlike Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven or last year's remake of 3:10 to Yuma, there is no new cinematic ground being broken here. For the most part, it's simply a traditional Western, which - depending on your outlook - can either be a great way to spend a night at the movies or a teensy bit disappointing. To see what I mean, just

read more. Harris plays Virgil Cole, a man who makes a living off the lawless frontier by helping out towns overrun with criminal activity. When we first meet Virgil and his deputy, Everett Hitch (Mortensen), it's clear the two men have known each other for a while; they're the Old West dude-equivalent of BFFs. They can read each other's body language, complete each other's sentences, and are committed to having each other's backs. It's touching and pretty cute without ever being silly. Not even the charms of a new gal in town, Allie French (Renee Zellweger), can shake up the loyalty between the friends. They arrive in Appaloosa, New Mexico, at the request of the business leaders there to help rid the town of a criminal menace named Randall Bragg (played by Jeremy Irons, sporting a strange American accent). Irons plays evil eloquently, and it suits his character well, but it's hard to get over seeing him in cowboy boots in this dusty town. Physically, he doesn't move like the others; it's hard to tell if this is inspired casting or just weird. Anyway, Virgil, in order to get the job done, declares himself the top law dog, and from there the stage is set for a showdown of some sort in a coral. To Harris's credit, what could have been a totally predicable movie is not. Zellweger's Allie is one of the most interesting, complicated female characters I've seen in the genre, and just when you think you know the outcome of a given scene, the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways. To that end, it's a great ride. On the negative side, lots of little moments wrapped up in those twists are never really explored or given much weight. There's a moment near the beginning when all the fun cowboy stuff abruptly ends and Harris's character beats the crap out of someone for no good reason. We've warmed up to the guy only to learn he's a live wire with an ambiguous sense of justice. It's intriguing but glossed over. Digging in to his psyche is the kind of thing that could have made this movie great, but as it is, it's just a darn good story come to life by darn good actors. Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Movie Preview: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

BuzzSugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 06:30:00 PDT

I first told you about this movie in my Fall Movie Preview that focused on the Westerns that are coming out this fall, and gave you all a glimpse of the ever-handsome Brad Pitt playing Jesse James. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford has Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck costarring as Jesse James and Robert Ford. From the title, you can kind of tell what happens, so I was intrigued to watch the trailer to find out exactly what else this movie entailed.

The trailer is slow-moving and ominous, with Affleck convincingly portraying Robert Ford - a member of Jesse James' group who becomes resentful of James and vows to get rid of him -as someone with a lot of sketchy stuff simmering just beneath the surface. I'm looking forward to watching these two play off each other (along with the other cast members, like Mary-Louise Parker and Zooey Deschanel) when Assassination opens September 21. To see the preview,

Fall Movie Preview: The Westerns

BuzzSugar — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:30:00 PDT

We may not be getting the crisp fall weather just yet, but we are getting previews for tons of movies opening in the fall. In preparation for this autumn and winter at the theaters, I've broken up the lengthy list of upcoming movies into many small themes for my Fall Movie Preview series. This way, you'll be in the know when the chillier months roll around, bringing a whole new crop of new films. Today I'm focusing on a curious surge of new takes on an old genre: the Western.

The Assasination of Jesse James by That Coward Robert Ford
The title kind of says it all, huh? Brad Pitt stars as Jesse James in this story about Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) who "joins Jesse James's gang, only to become resentful of the legendary outlaw and hatch a plan to kill the fastest gun in the West." The trailer on the movie's website doesn't give a whole lot away, but this movie had me at "Western" and "Brad Pitt."

Giddyup! Two more dusty, gritty Westerns when you

read more 3:10 to Yuma If you've been checking Buzz lately you know I'm looking forward to this Western remake that stars Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Ben Foster and Peter Fonda. In 3:10 to Yuma, "a small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. A battle of wills ensues as the outlaw tries to psych out the rancher." Check out the tension-filled trailer.
No Country for Old Men Though this latest Coen Brothers' project didn't take home as many of the accolades it was expected to at Cannes this year, the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Apparently the film is full of the typical Coen darkness, strangeness and humor, and even the plot description sounds familiar: "Violence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon some dead bodies, a stash of heroin and more than $2 million in cash near the Rio Grande." They must be doing something right, though, because critics adore this film, and I can't wait to catch it on the big screen myself.
All images Source

Nicholas K Fall 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:00:33 PST

Nancy Sinatra's epic "Bang Bang," set the mood for Nicholas Kunz's Fall Nicholas K collection. Inspired by the Taos artists in the '20s and '30s, Kunz imagined a line bursting with western influence - we loved all of the cool Stetson-inspired hats - and a dash of deco. Fringe was heavily prevalent, making its way onto geometric leather jackets, sheer crochet dresses, and for a vintage touch, metallic flapper fringed dresses. For eveningwear, Kunz showed off her signature draping technique on a variety of gorgeous sexy bias-cut dresses and fluid tops. The outerwear category also shined: parka jackets came complete with inner straps (so the coat can hang just so off the shoulders), structured leather jackets highlighted luxe fur collars, and the closing look featured an undeniably slick black asymmetric leather and canvas zippered coat. More details below.

Trends: Western influence, fringe, parka jackets, crochet detailing.
Colors: Desert sand, gray, black, army green, sienna.
Key Piece: We loved the simple, yet sexy sheer asymmetrical and draped dresses; outerwear showed amazing structural pieces.
Accessories: Wedge platform boots, knee-high boots, leather harness vests, Western-inspired hats, turtle shell necklaces.
Who Would Wear It: Girls who like the utilitarian look with slight, modern edge.

Emma Watson to Reunite With Her Harry Potter Director

BuzzSugar — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:50:08 PST

Find out about Emma Watson's next film with director David Yates - NextMovie
The 20 best post-Super Bowl TV episodes - BuddyTV
Daniel Radcliffe picks his five favorite movies! - Rotten Tomatoes
Check out the Western set of Quentin Tarantino's latest film - Moviefone
See which Bravo show just got renewed for a 10th season - HuffPost TV
Is Simon Cowell trying to woo Beyoncé for The X Factor? - Zap2It
Here's the villainous role you can see Gary Oldman in next - The Hollywood Reporter
The 10 funniest Super Bowl food commercials - YumSugar

Best Western

OnSugar Blog — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:07:13 PDT

For an easy Spring vibe, there's an alternative to the florals - just check out OnSugar blog Bella Vita for some Western-inspired style picks - we're particularly smitten with those fringe-trimmed booties!

Now that Spring is here, I've been craving looks straight out of the Wild West. Fringe everything, animal skulls, and handmade items are what I'm after. And in true Western tradition- every item listed looks fabulous with jeans.

Longsleeve Tops by Wildfox Couture
Boots by Corso Como

Clockwise, from top: Wildfox Nightlover Baggy Beach Sweatshirt ($108), Iosselliani Silver Earrings with Brass-Shaded Fringe and Agate ($250), We The Free Floral Western Top ($68), ALDO Vecchiarelli Bag ($30), Haute Hippie Longhorn Skull Sweatshirt in Light Heather Grey ($135), Gypsy Ivy Chandelier Earrings ($258), Lauren Moshi Horseshoe Fringe Tote ($121), Corso Como Spur Booties ($133), Rosegold 'Enid' Buckle Strap Ankle Boots ($150), Sam Edelman Louie Bootie ($209)

Want to see more? Start following Bella Vita now or start your own OnSugar blog. We may just feature you on Fab!

The Secrets of the World's Healthiest Women

Health — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:45:10 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site.

From pouring on the olive oil like the Greeks to slashing stress like the Scandinavians, what we
can learn from the happiest, slimmest, longest-living cultures around the globe.

The secret to a long, healthy life in America? According to longevity researchers, it may be to act like you live somewhere else.

It seems like every year another country's lifestyle is touted as the new magic bullet to cure us of obesity, heart disease, and premature death: for an unclogged heart, herd goats and down olive oil like a Mediterranean. Avoid breast cancer and live to 100 by dining on tofu, Japanese-style. Stay as happy as Norwegians by hunting elk and foraging for cowberries.

Health.com: Weight-Loss Secrets From Around the World

The places we're usually told to emulate are known as Blue Zones or Cold Spots. Blue Zones were pinpointed by explorer Dan Buettner and a team of longevity researchers and are described in his book The Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest. They're areas in Italy, Japan, Greece, California, and Costa Rica where the people have traditionally stayed healthy and active to age 100 or older.

Keep on reading for more great tips from around the globe.

Britney Spears Does the School Run With Her Bare-Footed Sons

Allie Merriam — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:16:18 PST

Britney Spears picked up her sons Sean Preston and Jayden James from a class yesterday in LA. She had her hands full as she led the boys back to their SUV. Brit is in charge of looking after the little ones since their dad Kevin Federline is off on a job in Australia. Kevin Federline's out of the hospital after a health scare on Monday, when he was taken to the doctor's with chest pains. He apparently felt ill while filming a workout session with the Australian football team Greater Western Sydney Giants for the weight loss reality show Excess Baggage. He's currently down under and being looked after by his girlfriend Victoria Prince, who's also keeping an eye on their baby daughter Jordan Kay.

Britney, meanwhile, is planning for her upcoming wedding with fiancé Jason Trawick. The pair got engaged just before Christmas, and she was quick to show off her massive new Neil Lane band that features at least 90 small diamonds. Britney's marriage to Jason will be the beginning of a new chapter in her personal, and legal, life. Once they're legally wed, the conservatorship her father established for her welfare back in 2008 will finally end.

What to Look For in a Wok

Susannah Chen — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:28:28 PST

Enjoy cooking Chinese at home, but want to take your skill set to the next level? Then get yourself one of China's most integral cooking tools: a wok.

"A wok is essential to Chinese cooking," said Ching-He Huang, host of the Cooking Channel's brand-new Easy Chinese: San Francisco. But, she warned me, it's just as important to find the right version for you, as there are many different selections on the market. Here's what to look for.

2012 Fall Men's Fashion Week: All the Looks From Prada, Gucci, Burberry Prorsum, Plus More

Chi Diem Chau — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:09:21 PST

Men's Fashion Week just wrapped up in Milan, and we have the best - and most interesting - runway looks for you to check out. From Prada's celebrity models to Etro's undeniably cool western-inspired collection, there's enough stylish inspiration for you to pass on to your male accompaniments. After all, doesn't every man need to add a fuzzy sweater to his fashion repertoire? Read below for quick highlights and then check out the slideshow to see all the looks from Burberry Prorsum, Versace, Dsquared, and more.

Trends: Printed suits, western details, ponchos, patterned sweaters.

Colors: Navy, camel, green, red, gray.

Key Look: Etro's western-inspired suits and Gucci's printed suits.

Accessories: Oversized bags, studded gloves, rugged boots, polished loafers.