PENELOPE, NINE, & OSCAR

Yes, you read that correctly.   Although the big screen, bigger budget musical -NINE has failed to attract many viewers, one of it's leading ladies received an Oscar Nomination today!  Penelope Cruz was nominated in the best supporting actress category. PENELOPE CRUZ IN ARMANI PRIVE Her  portrayal of Carla, mistress to famed director Guido Contini is one of the highlights of the film.  Nine follows the mid-life crisis of the most famous movie director in Italy, Guido Contini.  We watch Contini,  played by Oscar Winner - Daniel Day-Lewis as his high profile life unravels.   Cruz gives an eye popping fantasy love dance to her Guido, that could make Lady Gaga blush!   What is so evident in Penelope's performance - and in all the performances for that matter, is how much they trust and admire the films director - Rob Marshall.   Best known for his smash hit- Chicago, Marshall was able to get these Hollywood heavyweights to give till it hurts (us more than them!).    Stars like Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman, & Dame Judy Dench step out of their comfort zones and sing us through this loosely woven story.   Day-Lewis had to sing lyrics that are more uncomfortable to watch than his amazing portrayal in There Will Be Blood!

MARION COTILLARD IN CHRISTIAN DIORThe other highlight besides Penelope Cruz is Marion Cotillard.   Her portrayal as devoted wife Luisa to Day-Lewis' Contini is sincere and authentic - and her singing is some of the best in the film.    Considering how lackluster the rest is, that doesn't sound like much of a complement - but it is!   I must admit that your time would be better spent by just renting the classic - 8 1/2 by Fellini.

Fans of Cruz should go and see Pedro Almodovar's latest - Broken Embraces.   It is classic Almodovar and Cruz is at the top of her game - blossoming as usual in the creative hands of Almodovar.KATE HUDSON IN MARCHESA

Kate Hudson also appears in NINE.   She portrays a Vogue editor, and even considering the fact that the film takes place in the 1950's - it's an embarrassing role.    Hudson's highlight is that she channels her real life mother - Goldie Hawn in a dance performance that could give you a flashback to Laugh-In from the 60's - if you are so historically inclined! 

The Ladies of Nine sparkled on the red carpet for the Golden Globes this year.  Penelope stole the show there as well in Armani Prive.  Cotillard was stunning in Christian Dior.   Hudson looked beautiful in white, but the dress by Marchesa didn't flatter. GEORGINA CHAPMAN & HARVEY WEINSTEIN  Also, the fact that the dress was designed Georgina Chapman, wife of the films producer - Harvey Weinstein - just felt forced.   It always does,  you will notice many starlets performing in Weinstein projects - suddenly choose Marchesa.

See Nine while you can, but don't say you haven't been warned.  Watch the trailer below - I know it looks great.

GUY RITCHIE'S SHERLOCK HOLMES

One of the most written about characters in modern literature has once again made his way to the big screen.  Brought to us by director Guy Ritchie, this Sherlock Holmes is a version like you have not seen.   While the hero has been a favorite with readers for over 100 years, you never saw him like this.   Ripped, roaring drunk, and even knocking it out Fight Club style!   Brought to life by Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, it seems the cosmic forces were pulling for a blessed project for all these of these men.    DOWNEY JR. AS SHERLCOK HOLMES

Ritchie, Downey, and Law have all had a trying couple of years.   Ok, for Downey it was a decade or so, but the success of IRON MAN and now Sherlock Holmes means he is one of few actors in Hollywood to ever have two movie franchises heating up at the same time!  who would have thought? 

While Jude Law has always been well received in his films, he rarely has the spark with movie goers that he has ignited with his portrayal of Watson.

Guy Ritchie of course is a celebrated movie maker, but I have never been a huge fan.   While I appreciate his work, I always fee like he makes the same movie - over and over again.  (Snatch & Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels).  The synopsis being there are a bunch of guys who are going to smack the hell out of each other - after a chase scene.

I am a big fan, however, of his technique of bringing you so close to the action.   During the fight scenes, you feel like you are in the fight.   Many times, you can't even register what is happening, as you feel as disoriented at the guy being punched.   This really works in Sherlock Holmes and brings a grittiness and a physical brawn to a Character that has at times in other versions, come across so old fashioned and persnickety.

One of the big stars of the film are the costumes!  Transporting us to another time and place - the detail and design are the best tailoring seen on the big screen in some time!

Of course, Mr. Ritchie spent most of the last 8 years in the press for his personal life with Madonna.   They do say that success is the best revenge.  Not that I'm saying revenge is called for in that case!

Side note:  I am going to once again predict that Sean Penn and Madonna are going to find their way back together.   I said it here first over a year ago - but now that they are both divorced - perhaps it doesn't sound so crazy.

Go see Sherlock Holmes.   You will enjoy it - and there is a sequel coming - so you want to be caught up!  

If you are planning a trip to London- visit the official Sherlock Holmes Museum! Also, read more about the creator of Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle.

Watch the trailer below: