Monday, February 28, 2011
Leatherheads (2008)
George Clooney directs a vintage football film in a mixture of screwball comedy with moments of stylized dramedy. With mixed reviews I kept pushing this back and after seeing it I think any bad reviews are misleading. It's actually a very fun film with charm and wit tossed in. The production design is impressive and I love the cast. Renee Zellwegger and John Krasinski are excellent and I'm never unimpressed by Clooney's charisma. If I had to find fault with it I'd say it might be a bit long. Yet I hunger for more films to be made about the earlier days of American football. To see how the game was played and how far we've come is remarkable. Grade: B+
Sunday, February 27, 2011
OSCAR 2011 – RESULTS & REVIEWS
It was a satisfying Oscars that never really went anywhere. James Franco and Anne Hathaway never made me laugh out loud but they weren’t horrible either. There were a few moments worth commenting on but mostly it was your typical Oscar ceremony, polite and right down the middle. Tomorrow the only awkward moment worth talking about will be Melissa Leo’s embarrassing acceptance speech, or non-speech depending on whether you’re talking about her speechlessness or her muted F-bombs. I have to admit I didn’t do as well as I have in the past predicting the awards. I got nine wrong. That’s 62% correct. Oh well, here’s a rundown of the ceremony.
HOSTS
The video of Anne and James going into the dreams of Alec Baldwin was the funniest bit these dueling hosts would have together. When the screen lifted and they walked out on stage I was ready for them to shine. Instead we had an amusing but forgettable series of jokes with their mother and grandmother out in the audience. What happened to joking at the nominees? I wouldn’t say they had zero chemistry but there was something lacking. Anne brought her charm but I guess James Franco left his at home (that or he was just too nervous being a nominee too). As the night went on I felt Jame’s dry, straight-man routine was a little too indifferent while Anne’s bubbly likeability dominated the paring. Next year, if they can’t get Steve Martin, I say have Anne host solo. Her musical attack on Hugh Jackman was proof of her talent and a highlight of the evening.
BEST PICTURE: The King’s Speech
The Academy must love having Spielberg give out this award. Two years ago he had the honor and I can’t help but wonder if they’d have him do it every year. I would prefer they surprise us with someone more unconventional than dole out the same old, popular “legend” but I did like what he said about the nine films that don’t get the award being amongst such films as Citizen Kane and Raging Bull. I’m so glad that The King’s Speech won.
Which leads me to a point: I hate it that there are ten nominations. It’s a joke because it waters down the award. There’s no point either because all one has to do is look at the Best Directors nominees to find out which five of the ten would have been the real nominees if they went back to the way it was. I understand they want to reward more popular flair but the Academy shouldn’t be a place of compromises. Forget the TV ratings and just simplify it like it once was.
BEST DIRECTOR: Tom Hooper
Tom Hooper certainly deserves the award and I loved how he thanked his mother for discovering The King’s Speech at a theater reading and suggesting he make it his next film. I’d have loved it if David Fincher won, but he’ll be nominated again, so it’s okay.
BEST ACTOR: Colin Firth
He has a great sense of humor and loads of class. I almost wished he had started dancing on stage. Predictable but I’m very happy he won.
BEST ACTRESS: Natalie Portman
The curse of Hilary Swank continues. The minute Hilary walked out on stage to present the presenter for Best Director (Kathleen Bigelow) I laughed. As long as Swank’s in the room Anne Bening will remain Oscar-less. In this instance I’m happy about it because Natalie Portman deserved the award. I loved her graceful acceptance speech and thought she looked beautiful.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christain Bale
Christian Bale delivered the best speech of the night. He really appreciated the award and I loved how he got choked up mentioning his wife. His quip about using the F-word before was wonderful and a great dig at himself. I love this guy and I’m so happy he won.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Melissa Leo
Where to begin? I’m really glad she won, she was certainly deserving of the award but how I wish she would have just said thank you and walked off stage. It was really awkward and funny but for the wrong reasons. Still I’m glad she won. She’s a fine actress. She’s just not that great at acceptance speeches. I also have to say Kirk Douglas was awesome.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: The King’s Speech
I’m happy for David Seidler but I wish Christopher Nolan would have won. Mr. Seidler deserves the award, certainly, but I always favor the more inventive scripts and Nolan crafted the more original vision. Still I loved Seidler’s speech, especially how his father said he would always be a late bloomer.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: The Social Network
The second best speech of the night was from Aaron Sorkin and I loved what he said, especially his last line that ended the speech just right. He really does talk like the characters in his movies, doesn’t he?
BEST ANIMATED FILM: Toy Story 3
Pixar is the best; it’s just the truth.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: The Social Network
Of all the awards this is the one that I was most disappointed by. Inception’s score is so iconic and powerful. I really wanted it to win but there must be a lot of Nine Inch Nails fans because while I liked The Social Network’s music I think Zimmer’s score will stand the test of time.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Inception
The better of the five nominees wins. That’s four Oscars for the Christopher Nolan film.
BEST ART DIRECTION: Alice in Wonderland
I should have known this one would have won. I just thought The King Speech would collect more awards. I would have preferred Inception to win but I guess the Academy wanted to spread the awards around.
BEST COSTUMES: Alice in Wonderland
I thought the King’s Speech would win this category because it’s a period film but Colleen Atwood deservedly took home the prize. Yeah!
BEST EDITING: The Social Network
The Social Network was well-edited but nowhere near as good as the Fighter. Even Black Swan was a better edited film, in my opinion. How hard is it to edit a movie directed by Fincher and written by Sorkin? The Academy thought really challenging, I guess.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Inception
I guess it’s not time for Roger Deakins to finally win an Oscar. I am glad that Wally Pfister won if Deakins couldn’t though. He was my second choice.
BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM: In a Better World
Based on the clips I am glad In a Better World won. I can’t wait to see this film when it’s available. Truth be told I can’t wait to see all of the nominees I hadn’t seen yet.
BEST MAKEUP: The Wolfman
Does Rick Baker ever get tired of winning Oscars?
BEST SOUND EDITING: Inception
Deserved it1
BEST SOUND MIXING: Inception
It was another victory for the best sounding movie of the year.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG: Toy Story 3
Randy Newman’s speech was the third best. I loved how he attacked the Academy for not finding a fifth song while thanking them at the same time. I still would have rather had Tangled’s “I See the Light” win but Alan Menken has so many Oscars already it doesn’t really matter. I have to apologize to Gwyneth Paltrow because I thought “Country Song” was nominated but it was the song “Coming Home” instead which is not cheesy at all.
BEST DOCUMENTRY: Inside Job
It would have been fun to see what Bansky would have done at the Oscars but I’m confident Inside Job deserved to win. I can’t wait to see this movie! I wish Charles Ferguson wouldn’t have apologized for making a comment about how no one has been prosecuted for what happened with the economic crisis. He should have remained strong in his criticism.
BEST DOCUMENTRY SHORT: Strangers No More
These shorts all look so good. I wish I could stream them on Netflix. Are you listening Netflix?
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT: God of Love
The Academy was in a Woody Allen mood it seemed. Matheny was such a likeable guy. I hope to see his first feature.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT: The Lost Thing
Pixar lost but to a very cool looking film. I hope to see it soon because it looks right up my alley.
IN MEMORIAM
Well the Academy did it again. Where was Corey Haim? The guy was in a lot of movies and even if his career hit the dumps that’s no way to kick a dead man while he’s down. Worse than Corey’s omission was Peter Grave’s absence (the guy was like in 70 films). They could have had an Airplane! trio with Lesley Nielson, Peter Graves and Barbara Billingsely (yes even the Beave’s mom was cut). Where was Betty Garrett? I find it inexcusable that they let such beloved actors vanish without acknowledgment. Besides that I thought Celine Dion's singing was fantastic and Halle Berry's tribute to Lena Horne a perfect ending.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Award shows are only entertaining if things go wrong and the Hosts and/or Presenters with wit turn the disaster into a golden moment. But nothing went wrong here, except for a few awkward moments which were kind of funny. Award shows succeed if the races are close, which in this case they were not. Award shows are memorable when those running it turn it into a night celebrating the movies without taking themselves too serious. I love the Oscars and I don’t ask for much. I don’t care how long the show is. I don’t care if there is dancing or not. All I ask is that the Academy honor the work. Bring the Honorary Oscars back to primtime and skip the four hour red carpet pre-shows. Oscar isn’t going anywhere, folks. Here’s hoping next year Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman (or someone a little more risky) rock the Kodak. Grade: B+.
HOSTS
The video of Anne and James going into the dreams of Alec Baldwin was the funniest bit these dueling hosts would have together. When the screen lifted and they walked out on stage I was ready for them to shine. Instead we had an amusing but forgettable series of jokes with their mother and grandmother out in the audience. What happened to joking at the nominees? I wouldn’t say they had zero chemistry but there was something lacking. Anne brought her charm but I guess James Franco left his at home (that or he was just too nervous being a nominee too). As the night went on I felt Jame’s dry, straight-man routine was a little too indifferent while Anne’s bubbly likeability dominated the paring. Next year, if they can’t get Steve Martin, I say have Anne host solo. Her musical attack on Hugh Jackman was proof of her talent and a highlight of the evening.
BEST PICTURE: The King’s Speech
The Academy must love having Spielberg give out this award. Two years ago he had the honor and I can’t help but wonder if they’d have him do it every year. I would prefer they surprise us with someone more unconventional than dole out the same old, popular “legend” but I did like what he said about the nine films that don’t get the award being amongst such films as Citizen Kane and Raging Bull. I’m so glad that The King’s Speech won.
Which leads me to a point: I hate it that there are ten nominations. It’s a joke because it waters down the award. There’s no point either because all one has to do is look at the Best Directors nominees to find out which five of the ten would have been the real nominees if they went back to the way it was. I understand they want to reward more popular flair but the Academy shouldn’t be a place of compromises. Forget the TV ratings and just simplify it like it once was.
BEST DIRECTOR: Tom Hooper
Tom Hooper certainly deserves the award and I loved how he thanked his mother for discovering The King’s Speech at a theater reading and suggesting he make it his next film. I’d have loved it if David Fincher won, but he’ll be nominated again, so it’s okay.
BEST ACTOR: Colin Firth
He has a great sense of humor and loads of class. I almost wished he had started dancing on stage. Predictable but I’m very happy he won.
BEST ACTRESS: Natalie Portman
The curse of Hilary Swank continues. The minute Hilary walked out on stage to present the presenter for Best Director (Kathleen Bigelow) I laughed. As long as Swank’s in the room Anne Bening will remain Oscar-less. In this instance I’m happy about it because Natalie Portman deserved the award. I loved her graceful acceptance speech and thought she looked beautiful.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christain Bale
Christian Bale delivered the best speech of the night. He really appreciated the award and I loved how he got choked up mentioning his wife. His quip about using the F-word before was wonderful and a great dig at himself. I love this guy and I’m so happy he won.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Melissa Leo
Where to begin? I’m really glad she won, she was certainly deserving of the award but how I wish she would have just said thank you and walked off stage. It was really awkward and funny but for the wrong reasons. Still I’m glad she won. She’s a fine actress. She’s just not that great at acceptance speeches. I also have to say Kirk Douglas was awesome.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: The King’s Speech
I’m happy for David Seidler but I wish Christopher Nolan would have won. Mr. Seidler deserves the award, certainly, but I always favor the more inventive scripts and Nolan crafted the more original vision. Still I loved Seidler’s speech, especially how his father said he would always be a late bloomer.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: The Social Network
The second best speech of the night was from Aaron Sorkin and I loved what he said, especially his last line that ended the speech just right. He really does talk like the characters in his movies, doesn’t he?
BEST ANIMATED FILM: Toy Story 3
Pixar is the best; it’s just the truth.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: The Social Network
Of all the awards this is the one that I was most disappointed by. Inception’s score is so iconic and powerful. I really wanted it to win but there must be a lot of Nine Inch Nails fans because while I liked The Social Network’s music I think Zimmer’s score will stand the test of time.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Inception
The better of the five nominees wins. That’s four Oscars for the Christopher Nolan film.
BEST ART DIRECTION: Alice in Wonderland
I should have known this one would have won. I just thought The King Speech would collect more awards. I would have preferred Inception to win but I guess the Academy wanted to spread the awards around.
BEST COSTUMES: Alice in Wonderland
I thought the King’s Speech would win this category because it’s a period film but Colleen Atwood deservedly took home the prize. Yeah!
BEST EDITING: The Social Network
The Social Network was well-edited but nowhere near as good as the Fighter. Even Black Swan was a better edited film, in my opinion. How hard is it to edit a movie directed by Fincher and written by Sorkin? The Academy thought really challenging, I guess.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Inception
I guess it’s not time for Roger Deakins to finally win an Oscar. I am glad that Wally Pfister won if Deakins couldn’t though. He was my second choice.
BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM: In a Better World
Based on the clips I am glad In a Better World won. I can’t wait to see this film when it’s available. Truth be told I can’t wait to see all of the nominees I hadn’t seen yet.
BEST MAKEUP: The Wolfman
Does Rick Baker ever get tired of winning Oscars?
BEST SOUND EDITING: Inception
Deserved it1
BEST SOUND MIXING: Inception
It was another victory for the best sounding movie of the year.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG: Toy Story 3
Randy Newman’s speech was the third best. I loved how he attacked the Academy for not finding a fifth song while thanking them at the same time. I still would have rather had Tangled’s “I See the Light” win but Alan Menken has so many Oscars already it doesn’t really matter. I have to apologize to Gwyneth Paltrow because I thought “Country Song” was nominated but it was the song “Coming Home” instead which is not cheesy at all.
BEST DOCUMENTRY: Inside Job
It would have been fun to see what Bansky would have done at the Oscars but I’m confident Inside Job deserved to win. I can’t wait to see this movie! I wish Charles Ferguson wouldn’t have apologized for making a comment about how no one has been prosecuted for what happened with the economic crisis. He should have remained strong in his criticism.
BEST DOCUMENTRY SHORT: Strangers No More
These shorts all look so good. I wish I could stream them on Netflix. Are you listening Netflix?
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT: God of Love
The Academy was in a Woody Allen mood it seemed. Matheny was such a likeable guy. I hope to see his first feature.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT: The Lost Thing
Pixar lost but to a very cool looking film. I hope to see it soon because it looks right up my alley.
IN MEMORIAM
Well the Academy did it again. Where was Corey Haim? The guy was in a lot of movies and even if his career hit the dumps that’s no way to kick a dead man while he’s down. Worse than Corey’s omission was Peter Grave’s absence (the guy was like in 70 films). They could have had an Airplane! trio with Lesley Nielson, Peter Graves and Barbara Billingsely (yes even the Beave’s mom was cut). Where was Betty Garrett? I find it inexcusable that they let such beloved actors vanish without acknowledgment. Besides that I thought Celine Dion's singing was fantastic and Halle Berry's tribute to Lena Horne a perfect ending.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Award shows are only entertaining if things go wrong and the Hosts and/or Presenters with wit turn the disaster into a golden moment. But nothing went wrong here, except for a few awkward moments which were kind of funny. Award shows succeed if the races are close, which in this case they were not. Award shows are memorable when those running it turn it into a night celebrating the movies without taking themselves too serious. I love the Oscars and I don’t ask for much. I don’t care how long the show is. I don’t care if there is dancing or not. All I ask is that the Academy honor the work. Bring the Honorary Oscars back to primtime and skip the four hour red carpet pre-shows. Oscar isn’t going anywhere, folks. Here’s hoping next year Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman (or someone a little more risky) rock the Kodak. Grade: B+.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
OSCAR 2011 - PREDICTIONS
It’s the day before the Oscars so here are my predictions.
BEST PICTURE: I’ve seen all nominees.
Should win: The King’s Speech
Will win: The King’s Speech
Likely Upset: The Social Network
Biggest Upset: Winter’s Bone
I loved many of these other films but The King’s Speech is fantastic. The Social Network might still beat it but I’d be disappointed. The Social Network was good but it’s not even the second best of the ten nominated film.
BEST DIRECTOR: I’ve seen all nominees.
Should win: Ethan and Joel Coen
Will Win: David Fincher
Likely Upset: Tom Hooper
Biggest Upset: David O. Russell
Tom Hooper could pull off an upset here but it wouldn’t be a surprise since his is the best film of the lot. But I feel like David Fincher is going to win because of his body of work and the fact he made a movie about Facebook look great. My reason for voting for the Coen Brothers is because I think they’re the best. Their direction for True Grit was flawless in my opinion.
BEST ACTOR: I’ve seen all nominees except for Javiar Bardem in Biutiful.
Should win: Colin Firth
Will Win: Colin Firth
Biggest Upset: Anyone else.
Colin Firth deserves it. It’s a done deal. Let’s move on.
BEST ACTRESS: I’ve seen all the nominees except for Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole.
Should win: Natalie Portman
Will win: Natalie Portman
Likely Upset: Annette Bening
Natalie deserves it but the Academy might want to reward Annette the award simply because she’s come so close before but never won. That would be shame but it happens all the time. I’ll be crossing my fingers that they give it to the one who had to train her heart out as a ballerina instead of the one who just had to act like a bitch.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Christain Bale
Will win: Christain Bale
Likely Upset 1: Jonathan Hawks
Likely Upset 2: Geoffrey Rush
Biggest Upset: Jeremy Renner
For the last few months I’ve said that Mr. Bale had it made, but I have this strange feeling that Jonathan Hawks is going to shock the world. I wouldn’t bet money on it (which is why I’m predicting Mr. Bale) but I wouldn’t be floored. With all the love for The King’s Speech I could see Bale and Rush splitting the vote making Hawks the winner. I thought Mr. Hawks was the best part of Winter’s Bone but Mr. Bale deserves the prize. (Which leads to another question: has Hollywood forgiven Mr. Bale for his tirade on the set of Terminator 4?)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Hailee Steinfeld
Will win: Melissa Leo
Likely Upset: Hailee Steinfeld
Biggets Upset: Jacki Weaver
This is a hard one only because it looked like Melissa Leo was going to win this easily until you account for the fact that Hailee Steinfeld should have been nominated for best Actress and that might push her over the edge. Also it wasn’t too bright for Melissa Leo to campaign for the award in the press (how dare her); that rubbed some voters the wrong way I’m sure. I personally don’t care who of these two women win because they both deserve it.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Inception
Will win: The King’s Speech
Likely Upset: Inception
Biggest Upset: Another Year
I always lean toward the more creative of the bunch when it comes to the screenplay awards which is why I am voting for Inception but The King’s Speech will probably win because it’s the better film. Another reason why Inception could win is to console Christopher Nolan for not being nominated for directing. Either script deserves the award.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: The Social Network
Will Win: The Social Network
Biggest Upset: Anyone else
The Social Network will win because the dialogue is so delicious and quotable and actors (who make up the majority of the Academy) love great dialogue. Also it’s funny and a very entertaining film about Facebook. Who would have thought?
BEST ANIMATED FILM: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Toy Story 3
Will win: Toy Story 3
Biggest Upset: How to Train Your Dragon
Easy right? It should be. Toy Story 3 is nominated for best picture too. Dreamworks would love to see an upset though. Here’s hoping Pixar accepts another Oscar.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Inception
Will win: Inception
Likely Upset: The King’s Speech
Inception’s score is so epic and powerful I don’t see Hans Zimmer losing but some might be turned off by its loudness and want to reward someone else. If Inception loses I’m thinking The King’s Speech would win because it’s the best film of the year.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: I’ve seen all the nominees except for Hereafter.
Should win: Inception
Will win: Inception
Biggest Upset: Alice in Wonderland
Not much of a race. Inception was just bolder and more memorable. Alice in Wonderland was great too but it was more like window dressing for a weak script. Inceptions visuals actually helped tell the story.
BEST ART DIRECTION: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Inception
Will win: The King’s Speech
Likely Upset: Alice in Wonderland
This is the hardest to figure out. I think Inception was amazing, especially the design of the repeating staircase and the giant falling apart city but the Academy usually rewards period films for Art direction which is why I’m betting on The King’s Speech. Alice in Wonderland could surprise, considering all the cool props and castle designs.
BEST COSTUMES: I’ve seen all the nominees except for I am Love and The Tempest
Should win: Alice in Wonderland
Will win: The King’s Speech
This is second hardest to figure out. I’m going with The King’s Speech because it’s the best film of the year. Yet Colleen Atwood’s work on Alice in Wonderland was amazing, just look at the Red Queen’s dress alone as an example. I also loved how they solved dressing Alice even as she changed size.
BEST EDITING: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: The Fighter
Will win: The King’s Speech
Likely Upset: The Social Network
When in doubt I predict the film that’s going to win best picture; which is why I’m predicting The King’s Speech as the winner. I’d prefer The Fighter or Black Swan but The King’s Speech is deserving as well.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: True Grit
Will win: True Grit
Likely Upset: The King’s Speech
It’s time for Roger Deakins to finally win an Oscar. The man has filmed some of the most amazing movies ever made and he’s never won; how is that possible? Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou and even the black and white film The Man that Wasn’t there. True Grit is a great accomplishment and the most deserving of the bunch. I hope the Academy gets it right. I think they will.
BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM: I’ve only seen Dogtooth.
Should win: Unable to vote
Will win: Biutiful
Likely Upset: In a Better World
In a Better World might win this one but I think Biutiful will win because of Javiar Bardem’s appeal.
BEST MAKEUP: I’ve only seen The Wolfman
Should win: Unable to vote
Will win: Barney’s Version
Likely Upset: The Wolfman
I’m going to guess that old age makeup will defeat werewolf make up this year.
BEST SOUND EDITING: I’ve seen all the nominees except for Unstoppable.
Should win: Inception
Will win: Inception
Biggest Upset: Unstoppable
Inception’s sound was more complex which is why I’m guessing it will win.
BEST SOUND MIXING: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Inception
Will win: Inception
Inception will win for the same reason stated above.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Tangled
Will win: Tangled
Likely Upset: Toy Story 3
Tangled had the best songs of the year in a movie so it should win. Country Strong is cheesy so I doubt it will gather enough votes. Toy Story 3 might receive some votes out of nostalgia for the first two Toy Story films but I’m still thinking Tangled will win this one.
BEST DOCUMENTARY: I’ve seen all the nominees except for Wasteland and Inside Job
Should win: Gasland
Will win: Inside Job
Likely Upset: Exit Through the Gift Shop
This is a fun category because of the diversity of films represented. I’m thinking a film that examines the financial crisis will triumph over Banksy’s entertaining but questionable film about street art. I’d love to see Gasland win but I doubt many voters were curious enough to check out a film about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing. Really it doesn’t matter who wins because all of these are deserving.
NOTE ON SHORTS
I love the fact that the Academy rewards film makers of shorts. I only wished they helped distribute these always artful and important films to the public before the ceremony, especially today with the Internet as the perfect tool. I know you can watch them on iTunes but that’s not good enough in my opinion.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: I’ve seen none of these nominees.
Should win: Unable to vote.
Will win: Strangers No More
Likely Upset: Sun Come Up
Based on trailers alone I’m going to guess that Strangers No More, about a school in Tel Aviv that teaches kids from all around the world, looks like the favorite; it seems really uplifting. Unless the Academy wants to make a statement against global warming: then Sun Come Up, about villagers from a small island having to evacuate due to climate change.
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT: I’ve seen none of these nominees.
Should win: Unable to vote.
Will win: Na Wewe
Based only from clips I’m picking Na Wewe which looked the most polished of the five. It’s very serious and a tense film about ethnic cleansing in Africa. If the Academy is in a Woody Allen mood I could see them picking God Is Love but I doubt it.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT: I’ve only seen Day and Night.
Should win: Unable to vote.
Will win: Day and Night
Likely Upset: The Gruffalo
Day and Night was so original and brilliant I can’t see any of the others winning. The Lost Thing looks really cool and The Gruffalo has very unique squirrels, but I think Pixar will probably win this one, unless the Academy wants to support an artist not backed by a big animation house like Pixar.
BEST PICTURE: I’ve seen all nominees.
Should win: The King’s Speech
Will win: The King’s Speech
Likely Upset: The Social Network
Biggest Upset: Winter’s Bone
I loved many of these other films but The King’s Speech is fantastic. The Social Network might still beat it but I’d be disappointed. The Social Network was good but it’s not even the second best of the ten nominated film.
BEST DIRECTOR: I’ve seen all nominees.
Should win: Ethan and Joel Coen
Will Win: David Fincher
Likely Upset: Tom Hooper
Biggest Upset: David O. Russell
Tom Hooper could pull off an upset here but it wouldn’t be a surprise since his is the best film of the lot. But I feel like David Fincher is going to win because of his body of work and the fact he made a movie about Facebook look great. My reason for voting for the Coen Brothers is because I think they’re the best. Their direction for True Grit was flawless in my opinion.
BEST ACTOR: I’ve seen all nominees except for Javiar Bardem in Biutiful.
Should win: Colin Firth
Will Win: Colin Firth
Biggest Upset: Anyone else.
Colin Firth deserves it. It’s a done deal. Let’s move on.
BEST ACTRESS: I’ve seen all the nominees except for Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole.
Should win: Natalie Portman
Will win: Natalie Portman
Likely Upset: Annette Bening
Natalie deserves it but the Academy might want to reward Annette the award simply because she’s come so close before but never won. That would be shame but it happens all the time. I’ll be crossing my fingers that they give it to the one who had to train her heart out as a ballerina instead of the one who just had to act like a bitch.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Christain Bale
Will win: Christain Bale
Likely Upset 1: Jonathan Hawks
Likely Upset 2: Geoffrey Rush
Biggest Upset: Jeremy Renner
For the last few months I’ve said that Mr. Bale had it made, but I have this strange feeling that Jonathan Hawks is going to shock the world. I wouldn’t bet money on it (which is why I’m predicting Mr. Bale) but I wouldn’t be floored. With all the love for The King’s Speech I could see Bale and Rush splitting the vote making Hawks the winner. I thought Mr. Hawks was the best part of Winter’s Bone but Mr. Bale deserves the prize. (Which leads to another question: has Hollywood forgiven Mr. Bale for his tirade on the set of Terminator 4?)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Hailee Steinfeld
Will win: Melissa Leo
Likely Upset: Hailee Steinfeld
Biggets Upset: Jacki Weaver
This is a hard one only because it looked like Melissa Leo was going to win this easily until you account for the fact that Hailee Steinfeld should have been nominated for best Actress and that might push her over the edge. Also it wasn’t too bright for Melissa Leo to campaign for the award in the press (how dare her); that rubbed some voters the wrong way I’m sure. I personally don’t care who of these two women win because they both deserve it.
Should win: Inception
Will win: The King’s Speech
Likely Upset: Inception
Biggest Upset: Another Year
I always lean toward the more creative of the bunch when it comes to the screenplay awards which is why I am voting for Inception but The King’s Speech will probably win because it’s the better film. Another reason why Inception could win is to console Christopher Nolan for not being nominated for directing. Either script deserves the award.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: The Social Network
Will Win: The Social Network
Biggest Upset: Anyone else
The Social Network will win because the dialogue is so delicious and quotable and actors (who make up the majority of the Academy) love great dialogue. Also it’s funny and a very entertaining film about Facebook. Who would have thought?
BEST ANIMATED FILM: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Toy Story 3
Will win: Toy Story 3
Biggest Upset: How to Train Your Dragon
Easy right? It should be. Toy Story 3 is nominated for best picture too. Dreamworks would love to see an upset though. Here’s hoping Pixar accepts another Oscar.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Inception
Will win: Inception
Likely Upset: The King’s Speech
Inception’s score is so epic and powerful I don’t see Hans Zimmer losing but some might be turned off by its loudness and want to reward someone else. If Inception loses I’m thinking The King’s Speech would win because it’s the best film of the year.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: I’ve seen all the nominees except for Hereafter.
Should win: Inception
Will win: Inception
Biggest Upset: Alice in Wonderland
Not much of a race. Inception was just bolder and more memorable. Alice in Wonderland was great too but it was more like window dressing for a weak script. Inceptions visuals actually helped tell the story.
BEST ART DIRECTION: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Inception
Will win: The King’s Speech
Likely Upset: Alice in Wonderland
This is the hardest to figure out. I think Inception was amazing, especially the design of the repeating staircase and the giant falling apart city but the Academy usually rewards period films for Art direction which is why I’m betting on The King’s Speech. Alice in Wonderland could surprise, considering all the cool props and castle designs.
BEST COSTUMES: I’ve seen all the nominees except for I am Love and The Tempest
Should win: Alice in Wonderland
Will win: The King’s Speech
This is second hardest to figure out. I’m going with The King’s Speech because it’s the best film of the year. Yet Colleen Atwood’s work on Alice in Wonderland was amazing, just look at the Red Queen’s dress alone as an example. I also loved how they solved dressing Alice even as she changed size.
BEST EDITING: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: The Fighter
Will win: The King’s Speech
Likely Upset: The Social Network
When in doubt I predict the film that’s going to win best picture; which is why I’m predicting The King’s Speech as the winner. I’d prefer The Fighter or Black Swan but The King’s Speech is deserving as well.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: True Grit
Will win: True Grit
Likely Upset: The King’s Speech
It’s time for Roger Deakins to finally win an Oscar. The man has filmed some of the most amazing movies ever made and he’s never won; how is that possible? Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou and even the black and white film The Man that Wasn’t there. True Grit is a great accomplishment and the most deserving of the bunch. I hope the Academy gets it right. I think they will.
BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM: I’ve only seen Dogtooth.
Should win: Unable to vote
Will win: Biutiful
Likely Upset: In a Better World
In a Better World might win this one but I think Biutiful will win because of Javiar Bardem’s appeal.
BEST MAKEUP: I’ve only seen The Wolfman
Should win: Unable to vote
Will win: Barney’s Version
Likely Upset: The Wolfman
I’m going to guess that old age makeup will defeat werewolf make up this year.
BEST SOUND EDITING: I’ve seen all the nominees except for Unstoppable.
Should win: Inception
Will win: Inception
Biggest Upset: Unstoppable
Inception’s sound was more complex which is why I’m guessing it will win.
BEST SOUND MIXING: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Inception
Will win: Inception
Inception will win for the same reason stated above.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG: I’ve seen all the nominees.
Should win: Tangled
Will win: Tangled
Likely Upset: Toy Story 3
Tangled had the best songs of the year in a movie so it should win. Country Strong is cheesy so I doubt it will gather enough votes. Toy Story 3 might receive some votes out of nostalgia for the first two Toy Story films but I’m still thinking Tangled will win this one.
BEST DOCUMENTARY: I’ve seen all the nominees except for Wasteland and Inside Job
Should win: Gasland
Will win: Inside Job
Likely Upset: Exit Through the Gift Shop
This is a fun category because of the diversity of films represented. I’m thinking a film that examines the financial crisis will triumph over Banksy’s entertaining but questionable film about street art. I’d love to see Gasland win but I doubt many voters were curious enough to check out a film about the dangers of hydraulic fracturing. Really it doesn’t matter who wins because all of these are deserving.
NOTE ON SHORTS
I love the fact that the Academy rewards film makers of shorts. I only wished they helped distribute these always artful and important films to the public before the ceremony, especially today with the Internet as the perfect tool. I know you can watch them on iTunes but that’s not good enough in my opinion.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: I’ve seen none of these nominees.
Should win: Unable to vote.
Will win: Strangers No More
Likely Upset: Sun Come Up
Based on trailers alone I’m going to guess that Strangers No More, about a school in Tel Aviv that teaches kids from all around the world, looks like the favorite; it seems really uplifting. Unless the Academy wants to make a statement against global warming: then Sun Come Up, about villagers from a small island having to evacuate due to climate change.
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT: I’ve seen none of these nominees.
Should win: Unable to vote.
Will win: Na Wewe
Based only from clips I’m picking Na Wewe which looked the most polished of the five. It’s very serious and a tense film about ethnic cleansing in Africa. If the Academy is in a Woody Allen mood I could see them picking God Is Love but I doubt it.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT: I’ve only seen Day and Night.
Should win: Unable to vote.
Will win: Day and Night
Likely Upset: The Gruffalo
Day and Night was so original and brilliant I can’t see any of the others winning. The Lost Thing looks really cool and The Gruffalo has very unique squirrels, but I think Pixar will probably win this one, unless the Academy wants to support an artist not backed by a big animation house like Pixar.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Marnie (1964)
Hitchcock is the greatest film director of all time. Okay I said it. I'll probably change my mind after seeing another Kurosawa film but for now it's Alfred Hitchcock. But how can I say such a thing after watching a film many consider one of his failures? Simple, because even an average Hitchcock film is more complex and devious than most other films. Here we have Marnie Edger, psyhological liar and thief, switching identies like costumes, played by Tippi Hedren with great intensity. Then she's found out by the handsome Mark Rutland, a man obsessed with pyschology and animal behavior, played by the young Sean Connery. What happens next is down right comical but in Hitchock's hands it's mysterious and refreshing, it's pure storytelling as only the best are capable of pulling off. The film explores so many themes it's impressive it's all in one film. Some might cry that this film looks fake, with obvious projectons and matte paintings, I on the other hand consider it abstract art, a view of life that's not realistic but that delivers an enterataining truth. This is what made Hitchcock so impressive, he crafted thrilling stories without attempting to trick his audience into believing what they were seeing was genuine. It's about the story and that's all. Grade: B+.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Walking And Talking (1996)
Nichole Holofcener's first film is a wonderful written indie executed with timeless appeal. Catherine Keener is a pleasure to watch. Her acting is relaxed and unpredictable creating a character that's engaging and beautifully honest. It's no wonder Holofcener is constantly hiring her for her other films. I would too. Really there isn't a weak link, everyone is sensual to watch. Anne Heche demonstrates that she's a thrilling actress with complex range and Leiv Schreiber is clearly a great actor. I love Kevin Corrigan's character. His reaction to Heche's phone message is a perfect moment; that face expression of his is burned to my brain. But what is it about? It's a simple story really: two women best friends dealing with a common change to their deep relationship, on is getting married. Yet I'm coming to learn that only Holofcener can write it so well without it feeling trite and sentimental. Grade: A-
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Cyrus (2010)
John C. Reilly plays a divorced, down-on-his-luck guy who falls for a woman he meets at a party, played by Marisa Tomei, only to learn she has a 21 year old son living at home, played with subtlety by Jonah Hill. A love triangle of tense awkwardness ensues. Such a simply concept could have been ruined with typical Hollywood hi jinks. Thankfully the film makers keep the characters the focus and allow them to control the story. The love story feels real and the hatred between boyfriend and son is just as genuine. This refreshing film had me laughing and sitting at the edge of my seat the entire film. Grade: A-.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Dear Netflix
As a loyal member and supporter of your service I'd like to take up this time to make a few suggestions.
1. Create a Suggestion box. I know that you'd probably get a million suggestions a day, but how else are you going to get feed back from your customers? I once called to make a suggestion and the customer service representative (very nice by they way) simply told me she had no way of noting a problem or error. For example I found out that they had the wrong aspect ratio listed for a movie. The only way to make this clear is by reviewing the film.
2. Improve Browsing and Searching. I can imagine it's a very difficult task to present so many movies in a clear and fun way. You do a really great job. But you haven't changed much. It's time to give us more tools to find movies we might want to see. How about instead of just grouping films by genre you try by year or decade? I can't tell you how many times I'm in the mood for an '80s film or a '30s musical only to spend ten minutes looking through various genres trying to find the film I'm in the mood for. Or what about country origin instead of just Foreign? Foreign is way too broad. Sometimes I know I want to see a Japanese movie but I have to scroll through every other country first. Also why is it that I look for a movie in a sub-genre and can't find it, only to find out that it is listed as being part of that sub-genre? Is there a limit to how many films you can show per category? Fix that too.
3. Make it Multiple User Friendly. Both my wife and I stream movies but only I'm allowed to rate movies because I want the rating to represent my views (since I watch more than she does). My wife is fine with that but sometimes she misses out on movies that I've seen but she hasn't. I know there's a check box that allows her to see all of the films listed under a certain genre regardless if it has been rated or not but it would be much clearer if for every genre there was a section called See Again (like on the first page of the Watch Instantly tab). That way she could see what I've seen. Also it would be nice if one could set up two rating systems per account. Maybe a different log in that shows the same queue. This could get confusing, but there's got to be away. There's no way my wife is going to pay for another account.
4. Bring back the "Add to DVD queue" feature from Streaming Devices. I know Netflix is aware of the anger they stirred when they removed this feature from their streaming devices but I've already run into two people directly effected by this change and are considering quiting their subscriptions. In a time where Apple and Amazon are on the verge of becoming competitors this is not the time to chase customers away. This was a very useful tool that allowed one to be connected to their account from any device, taking that away means forcing them to get on a computer. That's taking a step backward, especially when the traditional concept of a PC is changing.
5. Expiration dates. Thankful there's the independent website http://www.instantwatcher.com/ to help with this but it would be so nice if you didn't have to go to another website to see when a film would be removed from the Streaming option. (Yes, I'm aware that a date appears when it gets near to leaving but that's not good enough. Have it pop up as it is loading up.) Even a meter saying how many days are left would be nice; example: 21 days until expiring. I was so annoyed when I started a film one day and tried to finish the next only to learn that it expired.
So that's yet for now. Regardless of Netflix's flaws, it's a movie lover's paradise. But I'd hate to see it get crushed by some inferior site simply because it refused to improve and adjust to future concerns.
Sincerely,
W.W.C.
1. Create a Suggestion box. I know that you'd probably get a million suggestions a day, but how else are you going to get feed back from your customers? I once called to make a suggestion and the customer service representative (very nice by they way) simply told me she had no way of noting a problem or error. For example I found out that they had the wrong aspect ratio listed for a movie. The only way to make this clear is by reviewing the film.
2. Improve Browsing and Searching. I can imagine it's a very difficult task to present so many movies in a clear and fun way. You do a really great job. But you haven't changed much. It's time to give us more tools to find movies we might want to see. How about instead of just grouping films by genre you try by year or decade? I can't tell you how many times I'm in the mood for an '80s film or a '30s musical only to spend ten minutes looking through various genres trying to find the film I'm in the mood for. Or what about country origin instead of just Foreign? Foreign is way too broad. Sometimes I know I want to see a Japanese movie but I have to scroll through every other country first. Also why is it that I look for a movie in a sub-genre and can't find it, only to find out that it is listed as being part of that sub-genre? Is there a limit to how many films you can show per category? Fix that too.
3. Make it Multiple User Friendly. Both my wife and I stream movies but only I'm allowed to rate movies because I want the rating to represent my views (since I watch more than she does). My wife is fine with that but sometimes she misses out on movies that I've seen but she hasn't. I know there's a check box that allows her to see all of the films listed under a certain genre regardless if it has been rated or not but it would be much clearer if for every genre there was a section called See Again (like on the first page of the Watch Instantly tab). That way she could see what I've seen. Also it would be nice if one could set up two rating systems per account. Maybe a different log in that shows the same queue. This could get confusing, but there's got to be away. There's no way my wife is going to pay for another account.
4. Bring back the "Add to DVD queue" feature from Streaming Devices. I know Netflix is aware of the anger they stirred when they removed this feature from their streaming devices but I've already run into two people directly effected by this change and are considering quiting their subscriptions. In a time where Apple and Amazon are on the verge of becoming competitors this is not the time to chase customers away. This was a very useful tool that allowed one to be connected to their account from any device, taking that away means forcing them to get on a computer. That's taking a step backward, especially when the traditional concept of a PC is changing.
5. Expiration dates. Thankful there's the independent website http://www.instantwatcher.com/ to help with this but it would be so nice if you didn't have to go to another website to see when a film would be removed from the Streaming option. (Yes, I'm aware that a date appears when it gets near to leaving but that's not good enough. Have it pop up as it is loading up.) Even a meter saying how many days are left would be nice; example: 21 days until expiring. I was so annoyed when I started a film one day and tried to finish the next only to learn that it expired.
So that's yet for now. Regardless of Netflix's flaws, it's a movie lover's paradise. But I'd hate to see it get crushed by some inferior site simply because it refused to improve and adjust to future concerns.
Sincerely,
W.W.C.
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