The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) (2015)

This is a gorgeous little movie that mixes traditional computer animation with creative stop motion animation. The animation is brilliant. That is by far the best part. I admit I didn't read The Little Prince. So I don't have the same connection to this story that other people have. But it is a touching story with an uplifting moral. There is this strange balance between English and French in this movie. The dialogue is in English but the text is in French. The production is French, but was supposed to be accessible to a wider audience. And yet it has had a difficult time breaking into the American market. I had to see it on an international flight. But I would highly recommend it to all kids.

My Golden Globes Picks 2016

This year, Ricky Gervais returns to host and offend. Here are my predictions for the always erratic Golden Globes. (Things I've seen already in bold)

Film

Best Picture (Drama): Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Actor (Drama): Leonardo DiCaprio from The Revenant
Best Actress (Drama): Saoirse Ronan from Brooklyn
Best Picture (Comedy/Musical): The Big Short
Best Actor (Comedy/Musical): Matt Damon from The Martian
Best Actress (Comedy/Musical): Amy Schumer from Trainwreck
Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone from Creed
Best Supporting Actress: Alicia Vikander from Ex Machina
Best Director: Ridley Scott for The Martian
Best Screenplay: Steve Jobs
Best Animated Feature: Inside Out
Best Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul from Hungary
Best Score: Carol
Best Song: One Kind of Love from Love & Mercy

Result: A dismal 6/14...who knew The Revenant would sweep like it did? I am very happy for Kate Winslet from Steve Jobs getting a well-deserved win.

TV

Drama Series: Mr. Robot
Best Actor (Drama): Rami Malek from Mr. Robot
Best Actress (Drama): Taraji P. Henson from Empire
Comedy Series: Transparent
Best Actor (Comedy): Aziz Ansari from Master of None
Best Actress (Comedy): Lily Tomlin from Grace and Frankie
TV Movie/Limited Series: Wolf Hall
Best Actor (TV Movie): Oscar Isaac from Show Me a Hero
Best Actress (TV Movie): Kirsten Dunst from Fargo
Best Supporting Actor: Ben Mendelsohn from Bloodline
Best Supporting Actress: Regina King from American Crime

Result: An even worse 4/11 for a total of 10/25...The TV categories were really quite out there. I am proud that I called Wolf Hall and Oscar Isaac, but I really should have seen Lady Gaga from American Horror Story coming. And look at the CW with two Best Actress in a Comedy wins in a row for different shows. Who would have ever guessed that?

Muppets Most Wanted (2014)

Some people don't get puppets.   But these are not just ordinary puppets.   The Muppets are special.   I am a fan of the Muppets.   The songs and dance, clever jokes with cultural references (Shawshank  Redemption!) ,  and oodles of cameos are pure fun.  Right from the start, they lower the bar from its fantastic predecessor, though they didn't have to, with the opening song "Everybody's knows the sequel is not quite as good."  It's actually a very catchy song as is the rest of the soundtrack.  As usual Tina Fey is hilarious as a Siberian gulag guard.   I'll admit,  puppets aren't for everyone,  but I can't resist the Muppets.