Take Shelter, director Jeff Nichol's most recent release, is most likely not on the top of your to-do list, but it should be. Combining economic hardships, possible schizophrenia, visions, weather disasters, and a truly powerful performance by Michael Shannon, Take Shelter turns out a sensational ride on a small budget.
Take Shelter stars Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire, Revolutionary Road) and Jessica Chastain (Tree of Life, The Help) as a couple trying to make it work during hard economic times. They are already faced with hardship, all the while trying to provide for their deaf daughter. Curtis (Shannon) begins to have visions of storms and weather disasters, prompting him to wonder if his family medical history might have something to do with it. Samantha (Chastain) tries to cope with this new turn of events but finds herself struggling to hold the family together in their home. Take Shelter is thrilling and psychological whirlwind that you certainly don't want to miss.
"Astronauts on the International Space Station captured these views of the aurora australis ("southern lights") and wildfires in Australia in mid-September 2011."
"Five competitors pile on a surfboard during Sunday's Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in Del Mar, Calif. The event welcomed 4,000 spectators, 80 pooches, and raised more than $100,000 for orphaned animals. Canine surf competitions have recently grown in popularity, and a number are held in Southern California each year."
You are in serious need of a truly gut-wrenching laugh, aren't you? Fortunately Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan, Jason Segel et al are here to satisfy that need. (FYI: NSFW due to minimal language)
After 31 years of incredible music, the band that walked the fine line between commercial and indie rock, R.E.M. has called it quits. Unlike most major band breakups, R.E.M. is once again handling things with a quiet dignity and parting on good terms. It seems as if the band mates are ready to try new things and collaborate with other artists. Although it's all very amicable, we can't help but be a little sad. Automatic for the People was one of those albums we had in rotation for decades...
"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening." R.E.M.
See the full announcement as well as commentary from the individual band members: R.E.M. HQ (Official Site)
Needtobreathe has been around for a long while but they just get better and better with every single album. Now they're turning out their best work yet on their latest, The Reckoning. Hands down, one of the best tracks is Able, turn this up and listen to it as loud as you can and let it move you:
The Emmys came and went and despite the fact that the awesome Jane Lynch was the host, for the most part, it wasn't all that exciting a broadcast. So we thought we would give you a few of our favorite moments to recap the night, instead of a long play by play diatribe... you are welcome.
The MOST Awesome Moment of the Night: The cast of Friday Night Lights is no doubt one of the greatest ensembles of all time but there are two who seem to drive them to victory (no pun intended) with every episode. Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler. We actually got a little emotional over Kyle's win last night:
The BEST Lesbian Joke of the Night: Jane Lynch is one of the funniest women out there and while a few might disagree (we're looking at you Kevin Dillon) this Entourage joke was pretty.darn.funny:
The BEST Mad Men Moment of the Migh... ahem, Night: The only downside to Kyle Chandler taking home the Emmy is that Jon Hamm didn't get one too. Although, to be fair, he's doing just fine and although it might be blasphemy, we think Chandler deserved it more! But the funniest moment of all in the entire Emmy's opener last night was almost Ron Swanson's box step (3:50 mark) but it was trumped at the last minute by Jane Lynch explaining to Don Draper et al that DVRs allow you to skip commercials (4:23 mark):
The BEST Upset Moment: A little known fact? Gilmore Girls is still one of the best shows on television... in syndication.... Another little known fact? Samantha Who? was one of the funniest shows to ever grace the small screen.... Another hardly known fact? Chuck Lorre (aside from a few recent departures, ahem... Sheen) can put together one heck of a cast. So what do all these facts have in common? MELISSA FRIGGIN' MCCARTHY!
The BEST Sketch Filled With Actors We Love Moment: There's no need for a set up other than this, The Office, Breaking Bad, 30 Rock, Mad Men, Law and Order: SVU, The Voice, Parks and Recreation, The Big Bang Theory, Castle, Game of Thrones, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and Ashton Kutcher's sho... sorry, Two and a Half Men:
Brilliant or insane? Check out Appalachia State University's Quidditch Team explain the rules of the game (sans flying of course) and promote their upcoming tournament. For those who have lived in the dark ages over the last decade... Quidditch is a game that is played at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter stories. The players travel around on flying broomsticks in the fantasy genre books... soooo... brilliant or insane? You judge:
It would be nice to sit here and lecture you on the insanity of not knowing correct punctuation but let's face facts... it's not being taught in school like it used to be and as adults we've consumed too much beer over time to remember half the crap we learned to begin with. Fortunately The Oatmeal (one of the best sites ever) steps in where alcohol has failed us. Take a look at the full article giving a sure-fire and HIGHLY entertaining way to remember when and where to use a semicolon: How to Use a Semicolon - The Most Feared Punctuation on Earth
Are you already missing Michael Scott (Steve Carell) on The Office? It's exciting to see what the new incarnation of The Office has in store for us this fall but one thing is certain, Michael Scott will not be forgotten. Reminisce as you watch the trailer for the Michael Scott-made movie, Threat Level Midnight, staring the entire office gang:
While Justin Timberlake is still one of the most versatile and beloved performers out there today, he's been acting quite a bit and neglecting the thing that made us all love him in the first place... music. Watch as fans come together in this hilarious public service announcement to urge JT back to music...
Staring two of the best small screen actors around, Homeland promises an exciting ride. Damien Lewis (Life, Band of Brothers) and Claire Danes (My So Called Life, Temple Grandin) are joining forces in Showtime's new drama premiering on October 2nd.
Centers on Marine Sergeant Scott Brody, who returns home eight years after going missing in Iraq, and Carrie Anderson, a driven CIA officer who suspects he might be plotting an attack on America. [IMDB.com]
Here is Saved By the Bell's Zack Morris (Mark Paul Gosselaar) being a good friend to druggie Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) as she tries to take more speed caffeine pills to get through her complicated life. As a PopShocker friend put it "It's even funnier now that we've all seen her vajayjay!" Here's a pick-me-up for your Friday morning - Happy Labor Day Weekend and kids, don't do drugs!
