Let's just admit it--I didn't do half-bad with my Oscar predictions. Not to toot my own horn, but I got all but three right and those three were only because of my lack of confidence in the Academy to choose correctly (I've been burned so badly in the past--can we say Crash?!) But I was quite pleased with Kate Winslet's win over Meryl Streep and Slumdog's win for best picture.
Overall, the 2009 Academy Awards proved to be a decent awards ceremony with Hugh Jackman doing a good job of entertaining us (and Ben Stiller's imitation of a listless and disinterested Joaquin Pheonix putting me in stiches!) I did not like the former award winners discussing the nominee performances--what happened to clips? Also, during the tribute to those lost in the last year, why was the camera so far back from the screen? Couldn't even read who the people were!
So--what's next on the list of excitement for this cinephile and resident comic-book movie dork? Well, of course, Watchmen! I have the day set aside to go and see this movie in the IMAX and cannot wait. Read the book--and you should, too--and loved it. The effects look to be great and in line with the trend that I have begun to recognize in the latest comic book films: the alienated and imperfect hero. See The Dark Knight, Iron Man (whose Johnny Stark, although not made completely apparent in the first film but surely it will become so in the second, is an alcoholic) and the upcoming Watchmen whose heroes are not necessarily super but rather bitter and, well, imperfect. I hope that we have not seen the end of the heroic and loveable comic-book superhero film...However, I enjoy the more realistic trend that these films are taking on and in turn the elevation of this genre to much more respected (although not at this year's Oscars, unfortunately) heights.
Next up, however? Changeling and Body of Lies. Reviews of these two future Bedtime films coming soon!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
2009 Oscar Predictions
Ah, the Oscars. Watching this show always makes me happy--although I am usually disappointed in the results, I have to admit. Regardless, year after year, I make my own predictions for the best in each major category and hope that for once, finally, the Academy will see the light...This year will be no exception: for your reading pleasure, my Oscar suggestions for the main events are as follows:
Best Supporting Actor:
In this category, can we choose anyone other than the late Heath Ledger? The answer is, of course, yes, and in looking at the Academy's snub of The Dark Knight in other categories that it rightfully belonged in, it is entirely possible that Ledger may not be chosen for this posthumous reward. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Robert Downey, Jr. are worthy adversaries but Ledger truly became the Joker...and I nearly cried at the thought that he would not live to reprise the role in an upcoming Batman film.
Best Supporting Actress:
Penelope Cruz! Ever since seeing Cruz in Volver last year, I have come to realize that she is truly a talent; it's a shame that American directors and casting directors (outside of Woody Allen, director of her nominated performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona) fail to see this and continue to cast her badly in films such as Sahara. A wonderful performance deserving of recognition.
Best Actor:
Kind of a toss-up here, being that all of the actors in this category put forth outstanding performances (especially Mickey Rourke and way to go on the comeback, man!) I have to predict, however, that I think Sean Penn will take the award. Penn always immerses himself in a role and Milk is no exception. It is possible that I will be surprised tomorrow night but...I think I'm probably right in this prediction.
Best Actress:
Hmmm...Now this is a competitive category! Anne Hathaway has truly come into her own with this role--however, it's her first nomination so the Academy will probably assume that she will be up for more Oscar-worthy roles in the future. What it really comes down to, I think, are the two excessively nominated and severely under-awarded actresses in this category: Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet. Who do I want to win? Winslet. Her portrayal of a former Nazi prison guard in The Reader was heartwrenching and real. Who will likely win? Streep. She has been nominated 15 times for Oscar and has gone home with him only twice. Winslet has been looked over 5 times but it seems likely that Streep will win.
Best Picture:
Now this is a difficult choice. For me, it's between Slumdog Millionaire, The Reader and Benjamin Button. Which film deserves this recognition? Probably Millionaire. Will it be chosen? Probably not. It's a popular but independent feature--the word independent usually kills any chance of a best picture award. My guess is that the statue will be bestowed upon Benjamin Button.
Best Director:
Although I love the work of David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac, Se7en) I do not feel that Benjamin is his best film to date. Therefore, I would like to give the Oscar to The Reader. This category is also difficult, however, because one must put what they feel about the film aside and examine what the director was trying to say and whether or not it came through. In my opinion, The Reader accomplishes the emotion and feeling that Stephen Daldry intended. Who will win? My prediction is Gus Van Sant for Milk.
So now it is time to get dressed in your finest (or sweats like me), sit back and watch to see the results live (or on YouTube later on tomorrow night) with your Oscar check-off sheet in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other (or bottle of beer, again, like me). Good night all and may the best--according to me--win!
Best Supporting Actor:
In this category, can we choose anyone other than the late Heath Ledger? The answer is, of course, yes, and in looking at the Academy's snub of The Dark Knight in other categories that it rightfully belonged in, it is entirely possible that Ledger may not be chosen for this posthumous reward. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Robert Downey, Jr. are worthy adversaries but Ledger truly became the Joker...and I nearly cried at the thought that he would not live to reprise the role in an upcoming Batman film.
Best Supporting Actress:
Penelope Cruz! Ever since seeing Cruz in Volver last year, I have come to realize that she is truly a talent; it's a shame that American directors and casting directors (outside of Woody Allen, director of her nominated performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona) fail to see this and continue to cast her badly in films such as Sahara. A wonderful performance deserving of recognition.
Best Actor:
Kind of a toss-up here, being that all of the actors in this category put forth outstanding performances (especially Mickey Rourke and way to go on the comeback, man!) I have to predict, however, that I think Sean Penn will take the award. Penn always immerses himself in a role and Milk is no exception. It is possible that I will be surprised tomorrow night but...I think I'm probably right in this prediction.
Best Actress:
Hmmm...Now this is a competitive category! Anne Hathaway has truly come into her own with this role--however, it's her first nomination so the Academy will probably assume that she will be up for more Oscar-worthy roles in the future. What it really comes down to, I think, are the two excessively nominated and severely under-awarded actresses in this category: Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet. Who do I want to win? Winslet. Her portrayal of a former Nazi prison guard in The Reader was heartwrenching and real. Who will likely win? Streep. She has been nominated 15 times for Oscar and has gone home with him only twice. Winslet has been looked over 5 times but it seems likely that Streep will win.
Best Picture:
Now this is a difficult choice. For me, it's between Slumdog Millionaire, The Reader and Benjamin Button. Which film deserves this recognition? Probably Millionaire. Will it be chosen? Probably not. It's a popular but independent feature--the word independent usually kills any chance of a best picture award. My guess is that the statue will be bestowed upon Benjamin Button.
Best Director:
Although I love the work of David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac, Se7en) I do not feel that Benjamin is his best film to date. Therefore, I would like to give the Oscar to The Reader. This category is also difficult, however, because one must put what they feel about the film aside and examine what the director was trying to say and whether or not it came through. In my opinion, The Reader accomplishes the emotion and feeling that Stephen Daldry intended. Who will win? My prediction is Gus Van Sant for Milk.
So now it is time to get dressed in your finest (or sweats like me), sit back and watch to see the results live (or on YouTube later on tomorrow night) with your Oscar check-off sheet in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other (or bottle of beer, again, like me). Good night all and may the best--according to me--win!
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Bedtime Reviews
As of late, I have found myself ending each long day with a film in bed. So, for the past few nights, I have seen quite a few films. I also went to see a film on Friday entitled Fear(s) of the Dark, a French black and white animation film that I thought would be much more interesting than it was (although some of the stories, as there were about six different ones, were worthwhile. The art in most cases was impressive). My reviews of the various films viewed in bed are as follows:
RocknRolla: What a fun film. Most of the time, I had to struggle to understand the thick accents of the characters but completely worthwhile, Guy Ritchie almost at his Snatch best. Likeable and interesting characters, a mysteriously wonderful painting and a nearly unstoppable pair of huge men hired to guard money prove to be very entertaining (especially the unstoppable guards). What I thought was going to be primarily a shoot-em-up film ended up being quite the opposite. Two thumbs up.
Pride and Glory: Oh, Edward Norton, what has happened? After making such good film choices such as Fight Club and the often overlooked 25th Hour--although one cannot forget his recent and excellent turn in The Painted Veil and, well, The Incredible Hulk was fun for the smashing and special effects--Norton has decided to essentially waste his talent on films such as The Illusionist and this predictable and, to be honest, somewhat degrading to women, film with a story we've all seen before. Why degrading? How about the fact that the father of two cop brothers (Jon Voigt) does not want his sons to turn in their brother-in-law (who is not only a drug-dealer but framed one of the brothers in a murder) because, of course, he's married to their sister and the father of her children. All Voigt keeps talking about is family and that Jimmy (Colin Farell) is family but what about the sister? How would she feel about being married to a traitor and a drug dealer? The sister's side of the story is relatively null and void, the primary focus on a very old-fashioned story of men being men, loyalty and the apparent conflict of doing the right thing. I see what the film is trying to do: it's attempting to show the difficulty of turning in a fellow cop, especially one who is family, but what it really comes down to is good cops who can't make up their mind to be good cops. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned but I like my cops cut and dry--there are good cops and bad cops but the good ones should want to get the bad ones out of the precinct no matter the cost. And Colin Farell, well, he's just doing what he does best lately: being angry and yelling a lot. Overall, a disappointment.
Zach and Miri Make a Porno: Honestly, I was surprised that I laughed so hard at this movie. I mean, of course, I usually enjoy Kevin Smith films--although that usually depends on the topic so that is why I was pretty sure I would not enjoy Zach and Miri due to the potential for gross and inappropriate jokes. While there are plenty of those, the film is funny and primarily enjoyable, especially when it is Zach and Miri's turn to get busy: a rumba begins and hilarity enuses as Zach (Seth Rogen) dances with his pants down around his ankles with Miri (Elizabeth Banks) as they awkwardly try to have sex on camera. There's poop jokes for the boys and a romance for the girls so, all in all, definitely pick it up to have a laugh--but don't expect much more than that.
Max Payne: You know, I put in an old standby the other night--The Italian Job--and then a couple of days later I watched this stinker and...well, it seems Mark Wahlberg has gone down the same road as our pal Edward Norton (ironically enough, both are in The Italian Job). Boring, boring, boring. Wahlberg stars as Max Payne whose wife and child were killed and he has been searching for the killer for years now (sound familiar? Yea, me, too). Finally, he gets a lead that eventually allows him to rid the world of her killer--although the real killer is still on the loose! Oooooh, do I smell a sequel? I hope not! I don't know what I really expected from a movie based on a video game but the previews made this look interesting and even a bit ghostly and demonic so I thought hey, they might have something here, and picked it up. Silly me--the ghosts and demons are imaginery. They're just on a bad trip. And so was I, the whole time I was watching this film.
So there are the Bedtime Reviews, folks! Hope you enjoyed and I'm sure there will be more to come!
RocknRolla: What a fun film. Most of the time, I had to struggle to understand the thick accents of the characters but completely worthwhile, Guy Ritchie almost at his Snatch best. Likeable and interesting characters, a mysteriously wonderful painting and a nearly unstoppable pair of huge men hired to guard money prove to be very entertaining (especially the unstoppable guards). What I thought was going to be primarily a shoot-em-up film ended up being quite the opposite. Two thumbs up.
Pride and Glory: Oh, Edward Norton, what has happened? After making such good film choices such as Fight Club and the often overlooked 25th Hour--although one cannot forget his recent and excellent turn in The Painted Veil and, well, The Incredible Hulk was fun for the smashing and special effects--Norton has decided to essentially waste his talent on films such as The Illusionist and this predictable and, to be honest, somewhat degrading to women, film with a story we've all seen before. Why degrading? How about the fact that the father of two cop brothers (Jon Voigt) does not want his sons to turn in their brother-in-law (who is not only a drug-dealer but framed one of the brothers in a murder) because, of course, he's married to their sister and the father of her children. All Voigt keeps talking about is family and that Jimmy (Colin Farell) is family but what about the sister? How would she feel about being married to a traitor and a drug dealer? The sister's side of the story is relatively null and void, the primary focus on a very old-fashioned story of men being men, loyalty and the apparent conflict of doing the right thing. I see what the film is trying to do: it's attempting to show the difficulty of turning in a fellow cop, especially one who is family, but what it really comes down to is good cops who can't make up their mind to be good cops. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned but I like my cops cut and dry--there are good cops and bad cops but the good ones should want to get the bad ones out of the precinct no matter the cost. And Colin Farell, well, he's just doing what he does best lately: being angry and yelling a lot. Overall, a disappointment.
Zach and Miri Make a Porno: Honestly, I was surprised that I laughed so hard at this movie. I mean, of course, I usually enjoy Kevin Smith films--although that usually depends on the topic so that is why I was pretty sure I would not enjoy Zach and Miri due to the potential for gross and inappropriate jokes. While there are plenty of those, the film is funny and primarily enjoyable, especially when it is Zach and Miri's turn to get busy: a rumba begins and hilarity enuses as Zach (Seth Rogen) dances with his pants down around his ankles with Miri (Elizabeth Banks) as they awkwardly try to have sex on camera. There's poop jokes for the boys and a romance for the girls so, all in all, definitely pick it up to have a laugh--but don't expect much more than that.
Max Payne: You know, I put in an old standby the other night--The Italian Job--and then a couple of days later I watched this stinker and...well, it seems Mark Wahlberg has gone down the same road as our pal Edward Norton (ironically enough, both are in The Italian Job). Boring, boring, boring. Wahlberg stars as Max Payne whose wife and child were killed and he has been searching for the killer for years now (sound familiar? Yea, me, too). Finally, he gets a lead that eventually allows him to rid the world of her killer--although the real killer is still on the loose! Oooooh, do I smell a sequel? I hope not! I don't know what I really expected from a movie based on a video game but the previews made this look interesting and even a bit ghostly and demonic so I thought hey, they might have something here, and picked it up. Silly me--the ghosts and demons are imaginery. They're just on a bad trip. And so was I, the whole time I was watching this film.
So there are the Bedtime Reviews, folks! Hope you enjoyed and I'm sure there will be more to come!
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