Karl Delossantos

2014 Emmy Predictions: Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

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I think this category is going to come down between the two Saturday Night Live nominees. Jimmy Fallon had won in this category before for his hosting job, and has blasted into the spotlight this year when he took over The Tonight Show with acclaim and big ratings. However, Louis C.K. is also an Emmy favorite and could pose an upset.

We also have to look out for last year’s winner Bob Newhart (The Big Bang Theory) to upset based on name alone. Nathan Lane (Modern Family) has a good episode submission, but since it’s more heavy toward the end and is relatively short, I don’t think he poses too big of a threat.

1. Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live (“Host: Jimmy Fallon”)
2. Bob Newhart, The Big Bang Theory
3. Louis C.K., Saturday Night Live (“Host: Louis C.K.”)
4. Nathan Lane, Modern Family (“Wedding, Pt. 2”)
5. Steve Buscemi, Portlandia
6. Gary Cole, Veep (“Crate”)

July 17, 2014
Bleachers "Strange Desire" Album Review

Jack Antonoff is a busy man. In addition to being the guitarist for the pop band fun., he also wrote songs with Carly Rae Jepsen, Tegan and Sara, Sara Bareilles, Christina Perri, and Taylor Swift (the song “Sweeter than Fiction” was nominated for a Golden Globe). However, he takes a slightly different route with Bleachers.

The best way to describe Antonoff’s newest album is as 11 consecutive quintessential 80’s anthems. I’m not gonna lie, most of the songs feel like they fell off The Breakfast Club soundtrack, or some other John Hughes movie. Which is a good thing considering that was Antonoff’s intention. Every single track followed that thread. So much of it was this great mash-up of teenage angst from the 80’s and today that was similarly mixed up in its music.

Much like Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories” and M83’s “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” (two album I absolutely adored), “Strange Desire” uses typical 80’s tropes like big drum sounds and jangly guitars, while also infusing some present-day synth-pop appeal. Although, it’s kind of hard not to relate a single track to some corner stone of our musical history. Sometimes I even questioned whether I was listening to an album produced in 2014 (of course I didn’t, but just wanted to add some emphasis). Even the subject matter of waiting for someone to call you or watching someone that you can’t have or “I can’t believe I captured you heart” in the standout track “Wake Me” are pulled from 80’s movie tropes.

Although so much of this is pulled from different genres, the standout tracks for me were downright catchy pop songs like “I Wanna Get Better” and “Roller Coaster”, and the sing at the top of your lungs anthems like “Like a River Runs.” These songs are only enhanced by the strong production, which reminds me a lot of Imagine Dragons’ (an album I disliked, but a production I could appreciate) ability to create songs that could be performed in an arena or jammed out to in the shower.

Antonoff is extremely talented, there’s no question about that. As a trip down nostalgia avenue, “Strange Desire” is a phenomenal triumph. He succeeded in his goal, no doubt. The issue is that he let that goal constrain the rest of the album past the strong first half. I hope he sticks with this project. It has the potential to grow into something great. For what it’s worth, I couldn’t help but throwing up a triumphant fist as I walked under the football post.

July 17, 2014
Emmy Episode Submission Analysis: Breaking Bad

For those of you that don’t know, at the Emmys contenders must submit sample episodes to be judged by voters. Series submit six episodes that are paired up into three “tapes” that are handed off to three sections of judges. Actors submit one episode.

Breaking Bad

Drama Series
Tape A: “Confessions” and “Rabid Dog”
Tape B: “To’jajiilee” and “Ozymandias”
Tape C: “Granite State” and “Felina”

I think the first tape is a huge mistake. While “Confessions” is a great episode, “Rabid Dog” was easily the weakest episode of both halves of the final season of the show. The fact that they submitted it over the first two episodes of the season is surprising. However, I don’t think it’s a huge problem. Their second tape is one of the strongest Emmy submissions in history. The episodes flow so well together with the cliffhanger of “To’jajiilee” being resolved in “Ozymandias.” It also doesn’t hurt that “Ozymandias” is one of the best episodes of drama in years. The last tape is a strong one as well. Although “Granite State” was a bit too slow for my liking, it will play off well to voters with its more subdued plot than the finale.

Bryan Cranston | Lead Actor in a Drama Series | “Ozymandias”
He really submitted the best episode possible. The first 20 minutes involved him pleading for Hank’s life, then he had the wonderful final phone call with Skylar, which was pretty much a master class in acting. His biggest hurdle is going to be the gap between his scenes.

Aaron Paul | Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | “Confessions”
It’s no where near as strong as his winning season 4 submission “End Times”, but it is close. He has a straight 20 minutes of crying and anger. It’s the definition of a watershed episode. The biggest problem with his submission is that he doesn’t show up until around halfway through the episode, unlike Peter Dinklage who appears throughout his (although his winning speech is at the end) and Josh Charles whose likely submission is very front heavy.

Anna Gunn | Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | “Ozymandias”
She submitted perfectly. She has a short scene in the beginning of the episode, but then she gets to talk to Walt Jr. about Walt, scream at Walt to get out of the house, chase Walt after he takes their baby, then she gets to play wonderfully across from Bryan Cranston on their final phone call. It’s really a phenomenal submission and I can’t see her losing.

July 16, 2014
Boyhood Movie Review — A brutally honest, modern masterpiece

Boyhood is an epic that concerns itself with a story on the human level. It is a masterful achievement in filmmaking.

Masterpiece is often a word that is overly used when reviewing film. A masterpiece should be nearly perfect, adroitly crafted, and a truly remarkable piece of art. That being said, Boyhood is a true masterpiece orchestrated by Richard Linklater. Filmed over a twelve year time period using the same actors, Boyhood follows a family as they live their lives. It’s really something we take for granted in film. Sometimes a simple premise such as life can turn into a phenomenal story. Throughout the twelve-year production period, the writers and actor adjusted the screenplay to create an honest portrayal and deep analysis of the human condition and also created one of the most exciting pieces of cinema I have ever seen.

Although the film follows 4 members of this family (that was never named throughout the film), the entire story is told from the perspective of Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who begins the film at the age of 6 and is followed until he is 18. It’s nearly impossible to talk about the narrative as a whole. It’s an epic. However, the clearest way to analyze the film is as an education of Mason and his path to adulthood.

I have to give Coltrane a huge shoutout here. Although his performance didn’t blow me away, he had a nearly impossible job. He had to grow up with a character, and he did so with grace. Patricia Arquette did wonderful work as well, however Ethan Hawke turned in the best performance of his career as Mason’s father, who had a fair amount of growing up to do as well.

What Linklater is able to capture is remarkable. He manages to beg the questions that every kid asks when growing about the universe, the confusion over divorce, the development of sex and love. Growing up is a hard thing to do and this film tells the true story of it. Linklater has a way with life. He understands it. Between this and the Before Midnight series, I think he has a better grasp on it than most of us could ever dream.

The experimentation with time is something entirely different to behold. By using cultural references it felt like I was reliving my childhood. It probably helped that Mason and I lived around the same time frame, although he’s 18 in 2014 and I’m 20, but it was exciting to hear references to Brittany Spears and Vampire Weekend, Harry Potter and High School Musical, Bush and Obama. Linklater so carefully clued us into what time period we were in, and the familiarity was comforting in a sense. It made time seem so important. It reminded us that the world moves at a break neck pace.

The entire film appeared like an entire life in itself. Characters returned and I would get chills to be reminded of their existence. The fact that they were the same actors portraying them made the act even more notable. Watching characters come and go revealed a harsh reality of life. People exit our lives and may never reenter it. Linklater so honestly captured this and countless other realities that are hard to face.

Not to be overzealous, but Boyhood was one of the best films produced in the last decade or so. It’s so epic in scope, but extraordinarily intimate in its storytelling. I watched twelve years of time pass on screen. I experienced those twelve years in less than 3 hours, but the emotional impact was just as great. This film is an instant classic that will forever serve as a reminder of the freedom of cinema and the ingenuity of Richard Linklater.

July 15, 2014
Masters of Sex Review: Parallax (2×01)

I’ve always seen Masters of Sex as a more viewer friendly version of Mad Men. While you had to wait for Mad Men to teach you how to watch it, Masters of Sex was relatively easy for viewer to digest. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, actually, in the case of the second season premiere it is a very good thing. Both shows are period pieces set during a time that seems so close, yet the ideals so far. Both shows feature difficult men, behind whom are even more difficult women. However, Masters of Sex has a different appeal to it. Whether it’s the pitch black humor, thrilling concept, or intriguing character study, Masters is a show that knows how to hook its audience.

The magnificent first season of Masters ended with a drenched Dr. Masters telling Virginia that all he needed was her. Then, cut to black. It was simple, quiet, yet enormous cliff hanger that is quickly resolved in the episode. Actually, “Parallax” is framed by two events. That rainy night at the end of season one, an evening in a hotel, and the events following the catastrophic presentation of Bill’s study. All the characters must face a sort of brave new world as they continue on with their lives.

Part of this brave new world involves Virginia constantly being berated by her male coworkers following the speculation that she was the female subject used in the study. While Virginia attempted to persist through the constant barrage of proposition, innuendos, and criticisms, she seemed to be slowly broken down until she finally went off on a doctor in a parking lot. However, the doctor was simply seeking her advice on his own study. Whether this is going to be a major plot point for Virginia to become her own authority or simply a reminder of her and Masters’ study is yet to be seen. Either way, Virginia is clearly in for a ride this season.

Especially since she turned down Ethan’s proposal shortly after having sex with Dr. Masters. The night that Bill went to Virginia’s doorstep soaking wet and confessing his need for her was played out several times throughout the episode. This is where the episode title “Parallax” comes into play. While it is the same night in question, the situation changes when you look at it from different perspectives. Such is the concept of parallax. Clever, huh?

I’m worried to watch the relationship develop. Their tryst in a hotel room under the names of Dr. and Mrs. Holden was way more intense than any sex scene on the show. Their dirty little secret just got a little dirtier. The reason I’m worried is because I love the Bill/Virginia dynamic, but I also love the Libby/Virginia dynamic. To see one of the other crumble would be hard.

Much of the episode is spent introducing us to the Masters’ new life with a child. Although there were countless scenes that outline their brave new world, the most telling scene of the episode came when Bill was left alone with his newborn. Libby was adamant that he will be fine: “No one knows more about babies than you” she told him. However, when their child was crying he couldn’t help her. He couldn’t let himself. He instead cranked up the record player and drowned it out. What is Bill afraid of?

Barton goes into treatment for his “disorder” with the assistance of Bill. Watching him go through ECT was shocking (pun intended) and heartbreaking. To think that men and women went through that to correct a problem that didn’t exist was a terrifying thought. His persistence came from his love for Margaret, so when he was unable to perform in bed, it was a blow. Later in the episode, Margaret and their daughter find Barton trying to hang himself. Masters is a dark show, but no moment was as pitch black as this. The fact that the writers are willing to go this far impresses me. I’m excited to see what they can muster up next.

“Parallax” felt a bit like a season finale. So many of the episode’s story lines seemed to come to a head in this episode, but it’s just the beginning, which makes me extremely excited for this season. I can see a scenario where the show could tread a little too far towards a soap opera, especially with the Libby/Bill relationship intensifying. However, I am confident that the writers will be able to keep the show on track. Overall, a phenomenal premiere.

July 15, 2014
2014 Emmy Predictions: Supporting Actor in a Miniseries/TV Movie

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The race for Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or TV movie is pretty much over. Matt Bomer is far and away the deserving frontrunner to win for his tragic performance in The Normal Heart. Martin Freeman (Sherlock: His Last Vow) has a small chance to upset, but I think an Emmy is more likely for his role in Fargo. Bomer’s co-stars have little chance in my eyes since it’s going to be difficult to choose between the three. Bomer is the clear standout from the pack.

As for the other nominees, grab some booze, throw on a tux, and get ready with your happy losing face because this race was over before it even started.

1. Matt Bomer, (The Normal Heart)
2. Martin Freeman (Sherlock: His Last Vow)
3. Joe Mantello (The Normal Heart)
4. Jim Parsons (The Normal Heart)
5. Colin Hanks (Fargo)
6. Alfred Molina (The Normal Heart)

July 14, 2014
2014 Emmy Predictions: Miniseries

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Miniseries is one of the few categories I can call a lock for a win. Fargo is far and away the frontrunner of the category. Although it didn’t overwhelm in the ratings, it opened to huge critical acclaim and received 18 nominations, second only to Game of Thrones. I can’t see a show upsetting them at this point, however if I had to pick a second place finisher, it would be American Horror Story: Coven. The anthology series picked up its first writing and directing nominations, which does show an increase in support.

Other than those two, it seems that all the other shows are out of the competition.

1. Fargo
2. American Horror Story: Coven
3. Treme
4. Luther
5. Bonnie and Clyde
6. The White Queen

July 13, 2014
2014 Emmy Predictions: Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

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The guest categories are very difficult to predict this year since instead of getting an edited version of submitted episodes with just the scenes that the nominees appear in, voters will get the entire episode. This is going to hurt the contenders with smaller screen time in their episode.

Just based on submissions, I think this is a race between Joan Cusack (Shameless) and Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black). Both submissions have range, screen time, and impact. While Cusack is a 4-time nominee for her show, Cox is the first transgender nominee at the Emmys and her show is arguably the hottest new show of the season.

However, we also have to look out for Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) to sneak the win. She is one of the breakout stars and has become iconic in the eyes of fans. Where she falters is her episode submission. She and Cox submitted the same episode, and while she gets some really funny moments she doesn’t have the screen time that the other contenders have.

1. Laverne Cox, Orange is the New Black (“Lesbian Request Denied”)
2. Joan Cusack, Shameless (“Liver, I Hardly Know Her”)
3. Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black (“Lesbian Request Denied”)
4. Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live (“Host: Tina Fey”)
5. Natasha Lyonne, Orange is the New Black (“WAC Pack”)
6. Melissa McCarthy, Saturday Night Live (“Host: Melissa McCarthy”)

July 13, 2014
10 Most Shocking Emmy Nominations: Portlandia, Kristen Wiig, and More

While the Emmys are known for their repetitive nominees and general stubbornness to let any one go, this year had its fair share of shockers. Now, nominees like Melissa McCarthy (Mike and Molly) and Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom) were surprising, but nor necessarily shocking. The nominees I’m talking about are the ones the made my jaw drop to the floor when I heard their names called.

Portlandia is one of the best comedy/variety series on television now. It’s such an offbeat new brand of humor that actually works for the old and new school television viewer. However, it has been largely ignored until now. While its been nominated for Emmys before, even winning one for its costumes in 2011, it has never had performers nominated. This year it had two: Fred Armisen, who was nominated in supporting actor and Steve Buscemi, who received a guest actor nomination.

While both actors are well-respected within the industry, there were some shocking newbie nominations. Like Natasha Lyonne (Orange is the New Black). While the show as expected to do well, reaping nominations for series, writing, directing, lead actress, among others, it was not expected for them to get 3 nominations in the guest acting category. Lyonne joined expected nominees Laverne Cox and Uzo Aduba.

Veep was also expected to do well after taking in an impressive haul of 3 Emmys last year, but for Gary Cole to reap a nomination in Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, while series regulars like Timothy Simons and Reid Scott still missed out is surprising. Especially considering that I have no idea what his character does on the show.

Similarly to Veep, House of Cards did extremely well last year and many anticipated an increase in nominations. Some were expecting Molly Parker or Gerald McRaney to pop up, even Kate Mara (who I predicted) were being thrown around. While Mara did reap a nomination, so did Reg E. Cathey as Frank’s confidant Freddie. He had a killer season this year, but no one saw a nominations coming. It’s even more impressive when you consider that character actors rarely make an impression at these award shows.

Kristen Wiig was one of the few Saturday Night Live cast members to receive nominations for their work on the show, but a nomination for her performance in Spoils of Babylon was downright surprising. Even more surprising, is that Kate McKinnon joined the pantheon of Saturday Night Live alums to be nominated for an Emmy. To make her feat even more improbably, she pushed out perennial nominee Sofia Vergara and last year’s winner Merritt weaver.

American Horror Story: Coven did extremely well in the nominations reaping 17, while most of those were expected, like for Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and Angela Bassett, some were out of left field. Noms like those for writing and directing were surprising, but a nomination for Frances Conroy was shocking. While the actress was nominated for the show in its first season and she’s been nominated several times for Six Feet Under (I’m still mad that she never won for that show), few people saw a nomination for her relatively small role in this season.

However, the shocker that takes the top spot is one that we really should have seen coming. Ricky Gervais (Derek) is an Emmy favorite. With this nomination, he brings his total up to an incredible 21 nominations. How could we have overlooked this? Well, no one was really talking about Derek. Well, that goes to show you that sometimes a name will do it for you.

July 11, 2014
10 Most Egregious Emmy Snubs: Tatiana Maslany, The Good Wife, and More

While the Emmys had a breath of fresh air this year, they still got a lot wrong. A lot. So, here is a list of contenders that had legitimate shots at being nominated, but were snubbed. The most egregious if you will.

Michael Sheen | Masters of Sex | Lead Actor in a Drama Series
It’s hard to really appreciate Sheen’s performance in Masters without seeing how he is in real life. He’s freaking hilarious. Other than that, he gave a phenomenal performance. It’s hard to argue more than that.

Tatiana Maslany | Orphan Black | Lead Actress in a Drama Series
8, 9, 17 characters. I’m really losing count. Maslany is phenomenal as the so called “clone club.” She is able to differentiate between each character so well that it truly feels like we’re dealing with someone different each time.

Emmy Rossum | Shameless | Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
She gave one of the best performances in a drama series for the last three years and gave one of the best performances in a comedy series this year. She has given one of the best performances on television since episode one and has yet to be recognized for it. What does she have to do to get a nomination? Flash her tits? Wait, she does that anyway.

Bellamy Young | Scandal | Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
I don’t really watch Scandal, but from what I have watched Young has been handed some difficult material, but handles it all with grace. She even turned on of the most frustrating characters into an empathetic one.

Dean Norris | Breaking Bad | Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
He’s deserved a nomination since season 3 of the show. He turned what could have been the stereotypical tough guy cop character into a deep and complex man. His work on this season was particularly impressive. Looks like Hank is going to the big mineral mine in the sky without an Emmy in his hands.

Elisabeth Moss | Mad Men | Lead Actress in a Drama Series
She danced with Jon Hamm… if that doesn’t warrant an Emmy, then I don’t know what does. Elizabeth Moss has done consistently great work on the show, but this season she had a particularly heartbreaking and uplifting season. The growth of Peggy had been so impressive. It’s just terrible that she’s not going to be rewarded for it.

Carrie Preston | The Good Wife | Guest Actress in a Drama Series
“That bear just called me a dirty Jew!” That line should have gotten her the nomination alone. Carrie Preston was last year’s champ in this category for good reason. Her character is out of this world, but her performance grounds it in something so joyously tasteful. It just makes no sense.

Director Rian Johnson | Breaking Bad (episode “Ozymandias”) | Directing for a Drama Series
Seriously. Downton Abbey again, but you couldn’t nominate one of the best episodes of drama in the past decade. It was truly a masterpiece. It had emotional impact, thrilling sequences, and an ending that truly broke my heart. Come on academy. Come on!

Return to Zero | Miniseries

The Good Wife | Drama Series
They had their best season by far. Some scenes from the season have even become iconic. It’s rare for a broadcast series to reach this level of excellence in an age dominated by cable shows, but The Good Wife rose to the occasion. Downton Abbey for the 50 billionth time, but you can’t make room for this brilliance. What a shame.

July 10, 2014
F**KING TREE CHOPPING (The Leftovers Episode 2 Review)

Karl and Jared discuss Episode 2 of HBO’s “The Leftovers” called “Penguin One, Us Zero”. There were a lot of curse words… in the episode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34ovLP8VHoQ

July 10, 2014
2014 Emmy Nominations Reactions

On THURSDAY, JULY 10th at 10:30AM we will be holding a Google Hangout to discuss the 2014 Emmy Nominations including the snubs, surprises, and general shenanigans. Check out our Emmy predictions here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYky1_MgXAc

July 10, 2014
2014 Emmy Nominations: Snubs and Surprises (LIVE BLOG)

The Emmy Nominations were announced this morning and they were shocking. Here’s a list of snubs, surprises, and shockers. UPDATING LIVE!

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July 10, 2014
Do the Shuffle (Vol. 6): The Head and the Heart, Once the Musical, and Disclosure

In Do the Shuffle, one of our team members puts their iPod on shuffle and makes a playlist out of the first ten songs that play. It’s a great way to find new music or rediscover the old stuff. Enjoy!

http://open.spotify.com/user/smashcutreviews/playlist/3s7EXcmDx1UmfGnkLbZTLF

July 9, 2014
2014 Emmy Predictions: Lead Actress in a Miniseries/TV Movie

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Earlier, this category seemed like an open and shut case. Cicely Tyson (The Trip to Bountiful) was the undisputed frontrunner for the role that won her the Tony for her performance in the 2013 revival of this classic play. However, when critics awarded Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Coven), which doesn’t seem important, but for critics to get a behind a performance that seems to have lost a lot of its buzz and a show that lacked acclaim is shocking.

Then there is Minnie Driver (Return to Zero), who turned in a phenomenal performance and Helena Bonham Carter (Burton and Taylor), whose turn as Elizabeth Taylor was a career high. It seems like a toss up now, but I think the nominees are set. I am prepared for an upset with Rebecca Ferguson (The White Queen) thrown in the mix possibly pushing out one of the bottom 3 ladies.

1. Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful
2. Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Coven
3. Helena Bonham Carter, Burton and Taylor
4. Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Coven
5. Minnie Driver, Return to Zero
6. Whoopi Goldberg, A Day Late and a Dollar Short
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7. Rebecca Ferguson, The White Queen
8. Toni Collette, Hostages

July 8, 2014