Forgive my James Franco obsession, but it's hard to not be fascinated by this guy.

I just wrote about today's announcement that Franco will be hosting the Oscars this year alongside Anne Hathaway. And I think this is an interesting choice because, again, I'm intrigued by everything James Franco does. And I'm curious about his decision to host.

And I'm not the only one. Over at the New York Post, Lou Lumenick wonders why on earth did James Franco agree to co-host? He will more than likely be nominated for his stellar performance in "127 Hours," so why give himself a handicap to win by hosting the Oscars?

Lumenick writes:

"Virtually every Oscar prognosticator thinks James Franco is going to be nominated for Best Actor for his tour-de-force as a hiker trapped in a cavern in '127 Hours.' So why on earth has he accepted the academy's invitation to co-host the Oscar show on February 27? As far as I know, no previous Oscar host has served during a year when he or she is nominated , let alone won that year. (Generally, hosts joke about not being nominated). Is Franco basically admitting that Colin Firth has it in the bag for 'The King's Speech'? Or is this just the latest example of quirky behavior from this terrific actor?"

To answer his last question -- yes.

 

I have written extensively about the tireless work ethic of one of my favorite actors, James Franco.

He's a movie star, a serious actor, an Ivy League graduate, a soap opera star, a short-story writer, a comedian, a "Twilight" expert, a fine mustache wearer and more than likely a midnight toker playing his music in the sun.

What else is he now? Something that I have joked about half seriously: Oscar host.

That's right: James Franco, currently making audiences gasp by cutting off his arm in Danny Boyle's gripping "127 Hours," will be co-hosting next year's Academy Awards ceremony alongside Anne Hathaway.

With no comedian, no Hugh Jackman, and no Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, producers obviously want to young it up.

I'm for this because it will be so ... interesting. Will they pull it off? What kind of chemistry will Hathaway and Franco have? Will Franco ... wear an eye patch? This will be more fascinating to me than who actually wins this year.

Here's more:

"James Franco and Anne Hathaway have just what Academy Awards producers want as hosts of Hollywood's biggest night. They'll put on a show, rather than just another awards ceremony, organizers say.

"Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer, producers of the Feb. 27 telecast, said Monday they had chosen Franco and Hathaway as hosts because the two are rising stars with broad talent that will help turn the night into a celebration of film.

 

For many of us, especially those of us who love movies, there are three great pleasures in life: food, sex and cinema ... though not necessarily in that order. So here's our excuse to eat and watch movies (and probably not do the middle thing) -- Thanksgiving.

 

With that, food on film elicits all kinds of reactions and yearnings that underscore just how much emotion we sometimes invest in day-to-day eating or ... binging, or whatever sensible eaters do (I don't understand that concept, so I wouldn't know).

So in honor of turkey day, here's some of my favorite food-on-film moments. Bon appétit!

Sugar High: "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971)

Though the much-loved and romantic "Chocolat" will pop into many a sweet tooth's head, I find that film much too corny and not really all that scrumptious when it comes to whetting my appetite for candy. And yes, yes, I know the chocolate in said film is of a finer quality and, I presume, magically enhanced by the charm of Juliette Binoche, but please. When it comes to wishing Halloween came twice a week (or twice a day), it's all about "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." The story of five lucky kids winning a visit to the famous and magical candy factory run by the wild and weird Willy Wonka (a tremendous Gene Wilder) is a confectionary dream that turns nightmarish once the kids (sans Charlie) reveal their varied and insufferable personalities. But no matter how many of the children endure dire consequences for their gluttonous temptations, we still want, as the song goes, candy. And come on -- cut these kids a break. One of Wonka's rooms is entirely edible. Would you be acting normal after shoving your face in a river of chocolate?

 

Another Reason You Shouldn't Eat at the Olive Garden: "Big Night" (1996)

"Big Night" is a filling, high-calorie, good-for-you movie in more ways than one. The story of two Italian brothers, Primo (Stanley Tucci, who directed the film alongside Campbell Scott) and Secondo (the poignant Tony Shalhoub), attempting to save their wonderful New Jersey restaurant is funny, touching, musical, heartbreaking, sexy and, yes, almost painfully mouthwatering. The brothers argue over just how to save their establishment in a greedy world that doesn't care for quality and artistry. But, after learning jazz great Louis Prima will be stopping by, they set out to create the ultimate multiple-course Italian meal. The centerpiece dish is Timpano, a layering of meat, pasta and pastry that requires two days of preparation, but all of the picture's food is staggeringly delicious. Though our favorite scene is the film's finale, a quiet moment where the fighting brothers wordlessly forgive each other over the simple act of making eggs and eating bread. If you think having an emotional response to food is a bad thing, then "Big Night" will remind you that it's exactly what makes us human. And happy to be alive.

 

 

Justin Bieber fans -- I know you're out there -- your mop topped idol is offering you the chance to see his movie, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" in a sneak peek before it officially opens on February 11.

Here's the deal:

If you live in the United States, leave a comment below and/or on the MSN Music blog Reverb. You are allowed to leave a single comment on both blogs, but not more than one comment per blog.

On Monday, 11/29, we will combine the comments from both blogs, then randomly select one person to receive a Sneak Preview Give Pack. The Gift Pack includes:

One ticket to the movie sneak preview Wednesday, February 9th at 6pm.

A pair of limited edition purple “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" RealD® 3D glasses.

A souvenir VIP event lanyard.

Official “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" branded glow stick and bracelet.

As Mr. Bieber said: "Everyone thinks this is going to be another 3D concert movie, but it's anything but that. It’s a story of how my family, friends and the fans helped me get here and everyday are helping me live an impossible dream. That’s why I want them to see it first."

 

I have been following the bizarre case of actor Randy Quaid and his wife Evi, and I'm not sure what's more disturbing -- their behavior, or the media's insensitivity towards their behavior.

Clearly, both of them are mentally ill and need help. What they don't need are TV interviews during which reporters look at them all quizzical while they explain "Star Whackers." Obviously something is seriously wrong with these two and they need the assistance of doctors, not reporters. Is there anyone around them that can make this happen? Why are judges issuing warrants and not sending them to mental facilities for evaluation?

It's sad.

With that, I like to remember Quaid in this Hal Ashby masterpiece. And I wish he was these two guys right now:


Here's more on their case via The Huffington Post:

"Randy Quaid said if it weren't for Canada's refugee system, he and his wife would be dead.

The actor made the comment Tuesday as he entered his immigration and refugee board hearing in Vancouver, where he and his wife Evi were picked up last month on an outstanding warrant in the United States.

"The pair quickly claimed refugee status and their hearings have been conducted amid their bizarre claims of being hunted by what they call 'Hollywood star whackers.'

 

Perhaps in response to a recent quote by Jessica Alba, Funny or Die asks: "Without writers what will James Franco & Mila Kunis perform?" Here's the result (warning many f-bombs are dropped):




 

First there was the movie about Facebook, "The Social Network," now we've got Twitter on the horizon.

But this one's a bit different -- Twitter will be used to collaborate with a director to write a story.

For all of the useless thought bites like, "My kid just said the funniest..." or "Pesto sauce done! Life is joy!" there are some Twitter pages that are really interesting and fun.

Like this: Tim Burton asking Twitter users to help him write a new story using 127 characters or less.

Here's more from Cinematical:

"He posted the first passage of a new tale about his beloved character Stainboy on Twitter. Social media scribes can post their own follow-up narrative with the hopes of being selected for the final pass in a short story that will finally take shape on December 6.

"Burton's story starts with: 'Stainboy, using his obvious expertise, was called in to investigate mysterious glowing goo on the gallery floor #BurtonStory.' The character has appeared in Burton's macabre collection of stories, 'The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories,' and later became an animated short series in 2000. The six episodes ended, but Stainboy lives on.

 

My favorite quote of the day, courtesy of "Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky.

From TheWrap:

“'I liked this idea that we were kind of making a werewolf movie except it was a were-swan movie,' joked Aronofsky. But trying to get the project mounted was no laughing matter."