Chance Encounters of the Close Kind

So I ran into someone the other day who I pretty much assumed I'd never see again. Least of all in the area of Manhattan where I bumped into him. Of course, I was in my sweats, hair pulled back, on my way to dance class. Of course, he looked great. I hadn't seen this person for probably about 6 months, and a lot has changed in my life from when I last saw him, as I'm sure has been the case for him. Needless to say, it was a really jarring experience. In the past, I always sort of half had my guard up when I was in his neighborhood, knowing a run-in wouldn't be that out of the ordinary. But I guess after all this time, as I've slowly grown to forget him, my guard had disappeared. So imagine my surprise when I see him on the exact opposite end of the island! We couldn't have talked for more than a couple minutes and I doubt our encounter left much of an impression on him. He was stressed from work and in a rush. I tried to say goodbye as casually as I could, but as I walked away the full effects of our interaction came over me. My heart was pounding against my ribcage and my body felt like it had been hit with a case of Vertigo. I turned the corner to my dance studio and leaned up against the side of a building to catch my breath and let my mind calm itself. This wasn't easy--I was so mad at myself! I could NOT believe that after all this time he could still have such a visceral effect on me. As much as I know its over, as much as I've moved on, I still feel like all it would take is a single glass of wine to fall back into that same pattern of lust, longing and disappointment all over again. I really thought I was above it, but I guess some people will always be your achilles heel.

   

Oscar Predictions

First, I'd like to say that I applaud Oscar's attempt to become "hip" this year with a set overhaul and a People Magazine-mandated sexy host. But lets be honest. Hugh Jackman only appeals to the 50+ broadway crowd and a small (ok, small and rabid) army of comic geeks. And how is a 60's throwback stage really gonna reel in the youth of today? Prediction: numbers may be higher than last year (Watching No Country for Old Men battle There Will Be Blood was like watching paint dry. Doom and gloom vs more doom and gloom? I'd rather watch House reruns.), but it'll be the same old dog and pony show.   All.  Four.  Hours.  Of.  It.

Ok, here are my predictions: +/-

BEST ACTOR
Sean Penn, because he actually smiles.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Heath Ledger. Morbid, quasi inappropriate sidebar: If he weren't dead, would he win? My guess is probably not...the academy doesn't really have a history of bestowing marquis awards on comic book films, no matter how good the performance.

BEST ACTRESS
While my vote's for Melissa Leo, we all know it's the year of Kate. Hopefully she'll win so people can shut up about her already.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
This is tough. It's a toss-up between Penelope Cruz and Viola Davis. Either way a minority walks away with the little gold man, which is just the sort of PC shit the Academy is trying to embrace.

BEST ANIMATED FILM
That cute little robot.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
I'm torn between The Dark Knightand Slumdog Millionaire. However, since Christopher Nolan was cheated out of a nomination for Best Director, I feel like The Dark Knight should be recognized here.

BEST DIRECTOR
My knee jerk reaction is Danny Boyle, but I wonder if all the recent bad press about Slumdog will hurt his chances. Makes me want to choose David Fincher, although the academy hasn't been kind to him in the past. Final answer: Stickin with the Brit.

BEST DOCUMENTARY
MAN ON WIRE!!(kudos, Magnolia)

BEST FOREIGN FILM
My friend Dan made a good case for Waltz with Bashir, but I think I'm going to go with The Class. Although I haven't seen either, The Class strikes me as the film most in line with Oscar precedent. It would be pretty sweet if Bashir won, though. Israeli filmmaking deserves some more press and accolades.

BEST PICTURE
Slumdog Millionaire. Jai Ho!

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!

Poor David. He goes to the dentist for a couple of stitches and gets hit with an existential crisis. I empathize.

Super Trailers for the Super Bowl

Dudes, I know I'm not a 12-yr old boy, but how can I NOT be excited for GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra after this kickass trailer?

Nikki Finke rounds out the rest of the super movie trailers here, but really, I think its no comparison...sorry Trans 2, your shit looks weak in comparison.