And the Nominees Are...

completely predictable.
So, they literally just announced the Oscar nods. I was on the treadmill at the gym watching them. I was glad with some and the rest were exactly what I expected. Just a few notes however.

• Play a real person
• Scarlett Johansson did not get nominated because they nominated too many good looking actresses. How did Woody's supporting actress magic not work this time?
• The screenplay noms are solid and very good.
• I wish Jeff Daniels had gotten nominated.
• Because society has finally discovered it's 2006, gay roles, minorities, and "edgy" subject matter is being rewarded.
• And lastly, if subtle acting and tricky roles were the only consideration Michelle Williams, Felicity Huffman, and Terrence Howard would win.

Why Rap Music Matters

So, rap music is not as good now as it was even a decade ago. Currently, the market is loaded with bloated product and sub par talent and production. But, it still matters. For almost 25 years raps has mattered more than rock music. Critics are always looking for reasons why. People look at the production, the changing face of the United States, and the rise of music videos. All of these are valid arguments, but I have one big reason that no one mentions. Rap uses popular culture to link there songs to current life.
Rock music is usually in a vacuum. There are about three topics rock talks about. Rock talks about ladies/romance, rocking, and partying. They never talk about what happens in day to day life. They obviously never watch TV, read books, see movies, or exist with the rest of the world. Rappers bring up everything. They use metaphors and descriptions that usually employ pop culture. It brings the song to real life. It becomes relateable to the rest of the public.
Right now, rap is getting out of control. A lot of it is junk. In the way that rock had to be destroyed by arena rock and new wave to slowly come back with roots rock like The White Stripes, Wilco, Kings of Leon, and My Morning Jacket. Rock is coming back very slowly. But, it's still a long way off. Until things balance out, rap will continue to dominate.

Two More Recommendations...

I forgot to mention two other movies that I saw this year that I really enjoyed, but others seem to have missed.

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
In Her Shoes

both are very different, but are worth your time.

Lifetime Movies are Back!!!!!

So, last night "A Little Thing Called Murder" premiered last night. The film was a fictionalized account of the Sante and Kenny Kimes saga. For, those of you who don't know, Sante and her son Kenny killed Irene Silverman in NYC in a plan to steal her home. They were caught and convicted, but not of this crime. Ms. Silverman's body was never found. But, they were convicted of a string of crimes that they found evidence on. They are both currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The new movie "A Little Thing Called Murder" plays in a similar manner to "The Positively True Adventures of the Texas Cheerleader Murdering Mom". Both films stay true to the facts, but the acting, writing, and directing of the film enhance the camp factor.
Judy Davis eats more scenery in this than she did as Judy Garland. She plays Sante as deranged and believes that she is smarter than everyone. Every other actor on the screen just has to hang on and enjoy the ride.
The movie should be replaying throughout the month. Check it out and be prepared to be awed by the real things that happened. Remember that this woman was one of only 2 people in the 20th Century to be convicted of slavery!!!!

The 6th Annual Amy Awards

So, here it is. I know all of you have been clamoring for it, the 6th Annual Amy Awards. As my many fans know, I make a list of the films, actors, and other film matters that I loved the most during the year. As usual, I have not seen every movie. There are plenty of films I'm sure I would have loved, but did not see. So, until someone is willing to pay me to see movies, which I will gladly do. Also, remember that the movies are in no particular order, just as my brain remembered them.:

Favorite Movies:
Batman Begins
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Wedding Crashers
Broken Flowers
The Squid and the Whale
The Family Stone
Brokeback Mountain
Match Point
Hustle and Flow
Junebug
Grizzly Man
The Aristrocrats
Kung Fu Hustle
Movie that Nobody Saw and I loved: Lord of War
Movie that Nobody Saw and I hated: Derailed
Best Actors: Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Ludacris (Hustle and Flow), Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain) Matt Dillon, Ludacris, Terrence Howard, Ryan Phillippe, and Michael Pena (Crash), Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line), Jeff Daniels and Owen Kline (The Squid and the Whale), Bill Murray and Geoffrey Wright (Broken Flowers), Christian Bale (Batman Begins), Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogan, Romany Malco (40 year Old Virgin), and Werner Herzog for his narration of Grizzly Man.
Best Actresses: Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson (Hustle and Flow), Thandie Newton (Crash), Reese Witherspoon (Walk the Line), Amy Adams (Junebug), Michelle Williams and Linda Cardellini (Brokeback Mountain), Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Wilton, and Emily Mortimer (Match Point), Felicity Huffman (Transamerica)

The year in review: I found that this year the movies ran in cycles. The summer was very strong as was the winter. There were movies I didn't love, but admired like "Crash" and "Good Night and Good Luck". I think the strength of conviction has grown for many films. Comedies had a strong year. I could talk about numerous things this year. But, to me, the opening of movies dealing with race, sexuality, and gender are all moving forward. We still have along way to go. An example of this is in "Hustle and Flow" which is about a pimp, but is mainly about the black strive to get to the middle class.
This was a tough year for female actresses with even a smaller amount of good roles. Actors feasted. Maybe one day, I'm not holding my breath, it will get a little more equitable.

So, I hope all of you enjoyed. I will be adding comments when ideas come to me. But, you guys should feel free to post on up. Get ready for the Oscars!!!!!

Why I'm Jealous of Niecy Nash

Ok, I am going to say it. I'm jealous of Niecy Nash's career. Anyone that knows me, knows that my goals are modest. And, at every turn, Niecy gets to do something I would love to do. Here's a small list.

• have a key role in a Rboert Altman movie (Cookie's Fortune)
• host a decorating/home improvement show (Clean House)
• have a great role on a hilarious and edgy tv show (Reno 911)

Needless to say, I would love to have any one of these jobs, and she gets all three. Damn you Nash!!!!!

Neighrborhood Watch is Running my Life

So, things have been really nutty lately. I just got started with a comedy troupe known as "Neighborhood Watch". We're trying to get a blog up, set gigs, make money, etc. So, things here at Mr. Plow have been really falling behind. Next Monday you will have your 7th Annual Amy Awards. I know you are all a twitter.
If you want to be kept abreast of all Neighborhood Watch events, please feel free to e-mail neighborhoodwatch@yahoo.com. We will add you to our mailing list and you'll be kept abreast of all our happenings.
Also, check us out at http://neighborhoodwatchcomedy.blogspot.com. This site is subject to change and we'll be sure to let you know. Happy New Year to all Mr. Plow readers. I love you, even when I ignore you.

The Year End Lists Begin...

So, let's start with the best singles of the year. As usual, rock music continues its downward spiral into complete oblivion, rap becomes the bloated mid-70's arena rock of this generation. However, there were a few bright spots and I want to give those a small shout out.

• Hung Up by Madonna- A great dance song using an amazing ABBA sample. Madonna really wanted to get her gays back. She got them and then some with this simple song. And, thank God she decided not to rap anymore.
• Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani- Gwen Stefani has been cashing in her ghetto pass and I couldn't be happier. The Neptunes gave her the beat that all high school guys play on their desks. She gave people a chance to spell bananas a lot. A good time was had by all.
• The Whistle Song by Juelz Santana- The hook took this song to the next level. As a member of Dip Set, Juelz raps in their typical nonsensical style. But, the use of a dog whistle and the spare drum beat makes this a great get on the floor song.
• The Whisper Song by Ying Yang Twins- Another great song with a nice sloping beat. And, the real kicker is how filthy this song is. Using a whisper to say atrocious things is genius and an indictment on what happens in relationships. Also, the dirtiest song I've loved since "Can't Fight the Feeling" by Too Short and Latrimm.
• My Doorbell by The White Stripes- The White Stripes learned to play new instruments. Jack White pounds on an old piano and talks about his upcoming booty call. The Little Rascals influenced video took it to the next level.

And finally, Gold Digger by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx- This song was misread by a lot of people. The song is an indictment of how society treats black women. Any black woman who looks for status is immediately named a gold digger. But, if she stands by a man and helps him she will get screwed when he leaves her for his trophy white woman. This struggle is common for many black woman and Kanye spelled it out. Too bad that too many people spelled it their own way.

And, there were some other great songs. Here's an honorable mention list:

• Hate it or Love it by 50 Cent and The Game
• Mr. Brightside by The Killers
• Heard 'Em Say by Kanye West and Adam Levine
• Beverly Hills by Weezer
• Feel Good Inc. by The Gorillaz
• Don't Cha by The Pussycat Dolls
• Shake it Off by Mariah Carey
• Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson
• Lose Control by Missy Elliot with Ciara and Fatman Scoop
• Confessions of a Broken Heart by Lindsay Lohan

So, if you have iTunes or Music Match check out these songs. They are great to walk to or listen to. And, it's amazing how crappy albums can create amazing singles.