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The Princess Nerd •

28 Years Later (2025) Review

There hasn’t been a post-apocalyptic zombie horror coming-of-age movie quite like 28 Years Later, maybe ever. (Contains spoilers)There’s so much to be said about the brilliance of what 28 Years Later achieves. The movie never truly settles on one specific genre or scene. From the opening sequence, it begins a chain of themes and tones that the writer and director play with masterfully. What’s remarkable is that it doesn’t just introduce throwaway plotlines or themes; the story allows them to bre...
The Princess Nerd •

Adam’s Rib (1949) Review

Adam’s Rib is a delightfully cheerful and thought-provoking comedy from 1949, directed by George Cukor. It stars the iconic romantic duo of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, with Judy Holliday delivering a standout supporting performance.This was my first Tracy/Hepburn film, and I must say, these two immediately drew me in with their tender and fiery chemistry. Before this, I had primarily seen Hepburn with Cary Grant or James Stewart and was apprehensive about the much-discussed pairing of T...
The Princess Nerd •

Charade (1963) Review

Charade is a 1963 American screwball comedy directed by Stanley Donen. You best know this man for directing movies like Singin' in the Rain (1952) and Funny Face (1957). Donen is beloved for his musical, and music is a huge character in Charade, too—no wonder the title song of the same name was nominated for an Oscar.What can I say about Charade? It’s a definition of delight in a movie form. My favorite thing about this film is that I can watch it numerous times and still not remember every sing...
GoldDerby •

Rashida Jones raises the bar in ‘Black Mirror’ — and deserves an Emmy nomination for it

Rashida Jones is known as a powerhouse creator in the Hollywood industry. She has acted in several iconic, Emmy-nominated series and projects, including The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Silo. This Emmy season, she wowed audiences with one of the best performances of her career in the science-fiction anthology series Black Mirror. Jones played a lead in the episode “Common People”; however, her acting in this role is anything but ordinary.
Despite this impressive body of work, Jones has neve...
GoldDerby •

Pleading the case: ‘Presumed Innocent’ is not out of the picture in the Emmy race

In June 2024, Presumed Innocent was poised to become a hit on Apple TV+. The excitement surrounding the show was fueled by the love for the 1990 feature film of the same title, which starred Harrison Ford. Created by David E. Kelley and produced by J.J. Abrams, the series aimed to offer a more detailed and intimate adaptation of Scott Turow's 1987 novel, with Jake Gyllenhaal making his big television debut as the leading man.
As it aired over the summer, Presumed Innocent became Apple TV+'s most...
GoldDerby •

That’s showbiz, baby! Why Hollywood-centric comedies like ‘Hacks,’ ‘Only Murders,’ ‘The Studio’ will lead the 2025 Emmy race

While the entertainment industry is a dreamland for many, there's a harsh reality behind the scenes, as once again proven by the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Hacks, Only Murders in the Building, and Apple TV+'s new series The Studio explore the complexities of the seemingly glamorous world of modern Hollywood, and as of now, all three are expected to score Best Comedy Series Emmy nominations.
In September, Hacks upset defending champ The Bear to become the first show focused on the entertainment indu...
The Princess Nerd •

What I Watched In A Week: The Pitt Hype & The White Lotus So Far (TV Edition)

What I Eat in a Day/Week videos have become a common phenomenon in today’s social media-driven society. Whenever I think of these types of videos, I remember Don Draper’s quote from Mad Men: "People want to be told what to do so badly that they'll listen to anyone." I believe this sentiment is entirely accurate. Since my diet isn't exactly worth recommending, I thought I could provide some valuable insights on what to effectively spend time on in front of our screens.Not all the content I watch...
DesignSpec •

The Most Glamorous Cafe in West Hollywood: Conversation with Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar of Adean Studios - DesignSpec

Interior design is not just about constructing an aesthetically pleasing environment. For companies like Adean Studios, it’s all about creating an immersive experience within a space that the world has yet to discover. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli sat down with Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar, the founder and creative director of Adean Studios. They discussed Adean’s recent exciting project, Cafe Goldie, their brand philosophy, and how DesignSpec is helping streamline the company’s work...
The Princess Nerd •

What's the Point of The Substance + 2025 Oscars Predictions

With the Oscars ceremony fast approaching this Sunday, I wanted to write a short article about one of its nominees, The Substance. Written and directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, the movie gained considerable recognition over the past year and became the first body horror film to be nominated for Best Picture. Normally, I hate to be a critic, but I have several issues with this movie. While I recognize that many viewers were turned off by its excessive sexual content, nudity, and stale...
The Princess Nerd •

Anora is For Light: The Most Sincere Oscars Contender

There are many compelling aspects to this year’s Oscar nominee for Best Picture, "Anora." It’s not a crowd-pleasing film; its themes are uncomfortable and controversial. However, director Sean Baker presents the story in an incredibly raw and honest way. I’m thrilled that the movie is gaining momentum in the Oscars race after its win at the Critics’ Choice Awards. It’s wonderful to see such outstanding films being celebrated and appreciated, especially this year."Anora" opens with an extended se...
The Princess Nerd •

Random Oscars Rant and February 2025 Content Plans

Some people (including myself) might argue that the awards season is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the time to reflect on the past year’s best films and television shows, cheer on the favorites that received recognition, and passionately defend the ones that got overlooked.March is fast approaching, and with it comes the biggest, most prestigious film award show of all, the Oscars. The highly anticipated event will take place on March 2. Over the last decade, the perception of this s...
DesignSpec •

Shower First: Conversation With David Corle and Leigh Berberian of HMI Glass - DesignSpec

DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli recently sat down with David Corle, the Director of Hospitality, and Leigh Berberian, the Creative Marketing Director of HMI Glass. HMI Glass believes that quality glass showers are the centerpiece of a modern space. The company is dedicated to demonstrating the boundless potential that glass offers for interior design. During the conversation, the team looked back on the company’s extensive history, highlighted the numerous advantages of digital printing, a...
DesignSpec •

Design, Art & Function: Conversation with Loic Kessl of FOROM - DesignSpec

The age of mass production and consumerism has made it increasingly difficult to maintain originality and quality in the field of interior design. However, companies like FOROM are intentionally bringing back the importance of authentic, thoughtful, and practical furniture design. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli sat down with the FOROM founder, Loic Kessl, to delve into the behind-the-scenes creation process of their furniture collection.Role and BackgroundPlease tell us a little...
DesignSpec •

Beautiful, Functional Art: Conversation with Kyle Rottet and Sandra Sharma of Rottet Studio - DesignSpec

Every designer aspires to create work of lasting value and quality. Rottet Studio‘s core principles are centered around achieving precisely that. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli had the pleasure of engaging in insightful conversation with Rottet’s Global Director Sandra Sharma, and Director of Marketing Kyle Rottet. They discussed the inspiration behind the studio’s design aesthetic, delved deeply into the process of creating their furniture collection, shared their vision for fu...
DesignSpec •

Customization is Key: Conversation With “C to C Tile” Owner Steve Stringfellow - DesignSpec

DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli recently sat down with Steve Stringfellow, owner of C to C Tile and one of the founding partner-vendors for our upcoming DS Сollection. C to C Tile supplies tile for classic and contemporary projects. The company  offers excellent customer service and superior products that will stand the test of time. During the conversation, Steve shared insights into his journey as a company owner, discussed his unique approach to the craft, and offered valuable advice to...
GoldDerby •

Can Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ match the Emmy success of ‘Beef’?

Amidst fierce competition in the TV landscape, Netflix continues to strike a cord with Emmy voters. The streaming giant consistently captivates its audience with stand-out shows that ignite widespread conversations and become essential viewing. This year, the wildly popular limited series “Baby Reindeer” is poised to match or surpass the success “Beef” had at the 2023 Emmys.
The Netflix premiere of “Beef” in April 2023 was met with instant acclaim. Starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, the Korean-A...
GoldDerby •

Emmy spotlight: Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter (‘Hacks’) are a ‘dynamite’ duo worthy of recognition

The ensemble cast of “Hacks” has once again demonstrated stellar acting work in its third season. The television academy has shown love for the Max comedy actors before, with Jean Smart taking home two Best Comedy Actress Emmys in 2021 and 2022. Supporting players Hannah Einbinder and Carl Clemons-Hopkins have each been nominated. This year, it would be nice to see Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter get their due as a standout dynamic duo, bringing the laughs each time they share the screen.
The Seas...
DesignSpec •

A Year In Review & Gazing Into The Future Of

Since 2018, our company has been dedicated to staying at the forefront of the design industry, collaborating closely with top-notch design professionals to ensure that our design software tools are precise, customizable, and indispensable for realizing design projects of all scales. In the past year, we listened to our design enthusiasts and rolled out some significant updates based on their valuable feedback. The DesignSpec team has an array of updates lined up for you in 2024, building upon ou
GoldDerby •

Why Rachel Brosnahan is poised to win Emmy bookend for ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’

Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”) has become a clear frontrunner to win Best Comedy Actor at the Emmys. His latest performance in the biographical drama “The Iron Claw,” recent Golden Globe win and the captivating Calvin Klein ad campaign prove his star only continues to rise. However, the race among the leading females in the same genre is still highly competitive. Though the Best Comedy Actress lineup is pretty tight this year, Rachel Brosnahan has a few advantages over her peers that could help
DesignSpec •

Designing A Narrative: Insight Into Post Company’s Original Interior Collection

Finding elegant and functional interior design pieces that work in harmony with a space can feel like a treasure hunt. It’s a journey of discovery that many people undertake with care and passion. With Post Company’s new Post Collection, the pursuit of special authentic interior items becomes much easier but no less compelling. The collection comprises pieces ranging from tables to sofas that exude a deep sense of history.

Post Company is an award-winning New York design firm founded in 2012 an
DesignSpec •

Design software for the people: a conversation with CEO & Co-founder Graham Sanipelli

Following an insightful interview with Fiona Sanipelli, the creative mastermind behind DesignSpec, meet the tech expert who built the platform, Co-Founder of DesignSpec, Graham Sanipelli. The siblings founded the company in 2018 after identifying a pressing need for better design specification software. After building and iterating for years while incorporating designer’s feedback, the software platform is one of the most advanced specification writing platforms in the marketplace today.

“We’re
GoldDerby •

2023 Emmys: ‘Jury Duty’ can make a case for Best Comedy Series

On July 12, 2023 we witnessed a true act of justice. “Jury Duty,” the Amazon Freevee cinéma vérité-style sitcom from creators Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky (“The Office”) swiped four Emmy nominations including Best Comedy Series. Despite a disclaimer stating the exploration of the American judicial process is its primary goal, “Jury Duty” ends up achieving so much more. But can it pull off an Emmy upset?

The comedy category is a tricky one. Voters love to follow the multiple-winner trend (“
DesignSpec •

Flagstaff’s High Country Motor Lodge Design

This boutique mountain retreat is the perfect sanctuary for adventurous spirits.

The weight of the modern world has awakened a deep need for getaway destinations. If you’re ever in Flagstaff, Arizona, be sure to check out the High Country Motor Lodge. This hospitality gem is inspired by the mountain landscapes and the 1960s roadside culture, with references to contemporary architecture and vintage style. The concept was realized by John Grossman of ownership group Marc & Rose Hospitality and de
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