Making a top ten list is hard for me, as I usually switch my rankings every day. I think I have finally come to a final list, so let's begin.
10. The Help- This was a surprise hit that was speared by fine performances throughout. Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain were the standouts, and are likely to get Oscar nominations for their work. This was based on the novel by Karen Sockett, and was expected to do well, but not as well as it did. It was a true triumph for moviegoers in a sequel/superhero dominated summer. A great drama that resonates long after you watch it. B+
Oscar Chances: Actress (Davis), Supporting Actress (Spencer, Chastain), Picture, Score
9. War Horse- I technically saw this in 2012, but it was released in 2011, so it belongs here. This is Spielberg's take on the famous stage play and novel about a horse who is sold to the Army during World War I, much to the despair of his owner, teenage Arthur. There are many strong moments in the film, as the battle sequences are reminiscent of Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. The cinematography by Janusz Kaminski is excellent, and should garner him an Oscar nomination along with Speilberg for direction. Also in Oscar contention is John Williams for his poignant score. This is a crowd pleasing treat, but it has minor flaws that hold in from 'A' grade territory. B+
Oscar Chances: Picture, Director, Cinematography, Score, Art Direction, Editing, Screenplay, Sound
8. Beginners- Fueld by fine performances from Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, this film is a feel-good movie that you likely didn't see last year. I reviewed this a couple posts ago, so I won't repeat myself too much. See this if you can. A-
Oscar Chances: Supporting Actor (Plummer)
7. Warrior- This was an end of summer film that was largely looked over by audiences, which is disappointing. It had great performances from Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte. The story was about two brothers who unknowingly get into a mixed martial arts competition for different reasons, but end up fighting each other at the end. It is a family resolution film, and will likely tug at your heart strings by the end of it. PLEASE see this if you haven't, as it is truly a hidden gem. A-
Oscar Chances: Supporting Actor (Nolte-slim, but possible)
6. Drive- Drive could be classified as a true art house film. It is about a Driver (who is never named) that aids in getaway during robberies, but is also a stunt car driver by day. We follow him through his new found relationship with a neighbor, as well as his troubles with local mobsters. One well received character was played by Albert Brooks, who is getting serious Oscar talk for his work. I thought it was a strong performance, but not quite Oscar worthy. Gosling is the true star here, as well as Nicolas Winding Refns direction. A-
Oscar Chances: Supporting Actor (Albert Brooks), Screenplay, Director
5. The Descendants- Lauded as the front runner for best picture when it was released, The Descendants is a dramatic, yet comedic journey following Matt King and his family troubles. My review is a few posts back, so read that for full details. It is a strong film overall, and will likely garner many nominations come Jan. 24. A-
Oscar Chances: Actor (Clooney), Supporting Actress (Woodley) Director, Picture, Screenplay
4. Win Win: This film tells the story of how an attorney/high school wrestling coach, Mike,
comes to take care of his client's teenage grandson in a unique sequence of events. The teenager, Kyle, is a great wrestler, so he joins Mike's team and does well. The film escalates when Kyle's mother comes back to take Kyle home, as well as take care of Mike's client. The performances from Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, and Alex Shaffer really make this film great. A-
Oscar Chances: Screenplay
3. Midnight In Paris: Woody Allen's film about 1920s nostalgia is one of his best in quite some time. The film follows Gil (Owen Wilson) and Ines (Rachel McAdams) on their trip in Paris. Every night at midnight, Gil is transported back to 1920s Paris, which is his favorite time period. Here he runs into such cultural icons as Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Salvador Dali, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The performances from each of these supporting characters are great, as well as the lead performance from Wilson. This is a go with the flow type of film where you just sit back and have fun watching it. A
Oscar Chances: Picture, Director, Screenplay
2. Hugo: This is Martin Scorcese's first family friendly film. It tells the story of a young orphan, Hugo, in 1930s Paris. He is trying to fix an automaton robot his father was trying to rebuild before he died. Hugo soon finds himself in trouble with a local trick shop owner, who takes Hugo's sketchbook for some reason that he won't reveal. The performances from Chloe Grace-Moretz and Ben Kingsley are a highlight, as well as the direction and score. This could win more than expected awards come Oscar night. A
Oscar Chances: Picture, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Art Direction, Score, Sound, Visual Effects
1. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo: My review was posted a few days ago, where I mentioned this was my favorite of the year. Rooney Mara and Craig are excellent, as is the screenplay, cinematography, and score. A
Oscar Chances: Cinematography, Score, Editing, Actress (slim, but possible).
I did not get a chance to see The Artist, which is currently the front runner for best picture. I will see it in a couple weeks when it's released here, and I'll post my review. It could likely end up at the top of my list for 2011, but for now this is my list. I hope you enjoyed reading my take on 2011. Happy new year! Stay tuned for Oscar analysis in the next couple weeks, as well as new reviews.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Review: My Week With Marylin
Once again, the buzz surrounding this film was about the lead performance by Michelle Williams as Marylin Monroe. She was said to have completely enveloped herself in the role, creating one of the best performances of the year. Well, it turned out to be true.
The story revolves around Colin Clark, a young man who aims to work on a Sir Laurence Olivier production. He gets a job as third assistant director on The Prince and the Showgirl, starring none other than Marylin Monroe. From here, he witnesses the trials and tribulations of Olivier (played wonderfully by Kenneth Branaugh) in directing Monroe, as she is 'fabulously late' every day.
Monroe is shy and unsure of herself as an actress, which is a side the world never really saw. She finds solace in Colin, as she feels he's the only person she can trust on the set. The romance blooms as the film goes on. Monroe is married, but the marriage is falling apart. Colin is warned that it won't last, but decides to go on with the relationship anyway. It is a real treat to watch Williams on screen in this film, and she deserves every bit of recognition she is receiving.
Grade: B+
The story revolves around Colin Clark, a young man who aims to work on a Sir Laurence Olivier production. He gets a job as third assistant director on The Prince and the Showgirl, starring none other than Marylin Monroe. From here, he witnesses the trials and tribulations of Olivier (played wonderfully by Kenneth Branaugh) in directing Monroe, as she is 'fabulously late' every day.
Monroe is shy and unsure of herself as an actress, which is a side the world never really saw. She finds solace in Colin, as she feels he's the only person she can trust on the set. The romance blooms as the film goes on. Monroe is married, but the marriage is falling apart. Colin is warned that it won't last, but decides to go on with the relationship anyway. It is a real treat to watch Williams on screen in this film, and she deserves every bit of recognition she is receiving.
Grade: B+
Review: Beginners
Beginners is one movie I didn't have the chance to see in theaters. While browsing RedBox the other night, I came across it and thought I'd give it a shot.
The buzz surrounding this movie was about Christopher Plummer's performance as Hal, a 75 year old man who comes out to his son after his wife's death. Plummer received his first Oscar nomination a couple years ago in The Last Station, at the age of 80. He will likely receive another nomination (and win) with this performance.
We begin with an introduction by his son, Oliver, played by Ewan McGregor. This introduction explains the times of his father and mother, and how his father was closeted due to homophobia in the 50s. We jump to the present where Oliver tells us about his father's coming out after the death of his wife. From here we alternate between Oliver and Hal's current stories coping with this new life. Hal is ill with stage 4 cancer, but doesn't want to tell his new lover, as to not worry him. Meanwhile, Oliver has met a woman, Anna, played by the talented Melanie Laurent.
This was a surprise for me. The flow of the movie is excellent, and the performances are top notch. McGregor is at his best here, and of course Plummer is perfect in this unique role. If you get the chance, I suggest you catch this on DVD/Blu Ray. You won't be dissapointed.
Grade: A-
The buzz surrounding this movie was about Christopher Plummer's performance as Hal, a 75 year old man who comes out to his son after his wife's death. Plummer received his first Oscar nomination a couple years ago in The Last Station, at the age of 80. He will likely receive another nomination (and win) with this performance.
We begin with an introduction by his son, Oliver, played by Ewan McGregor. This introduction explains the times of his father and mother, and how his father was closeted due to homophobia in the 50s. We jump to the present where Oliver tells us about his father's coming out after the death of his wife. From here we alternate between Oliver and Hal's current stories coping with this new life. Hal is ill with stage 4 cancer, but doesn't want to tell his new lover, as to not worry him. Meanwhile, Oliver has met a woman, Anna, played by the talented Melanie Laurent.
This was a surprise for me. The flow of the movie is excellent, and the performances are top notch. McGregor is at his best here, and of course Plummer is perfect in this unique role. If you get the chance, I suggest you catch this on DVD/Blu Ray. You won't be dissapointed.
Grade: A-
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Review: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
There was much talk building up to the release of David Fincher's followup to The Social Network. Some were worried it wouldn't live up to the Swedish version, which was released a couple years ago.
For me, this film had a better flow to it than the Swedish version. I thought both Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara were fantastic in their roles, especially Mara. She had tough shoes to fill after Noomi Rapace's star-making performance in the Swedish version. I though Mara was perfect for this version though, and should receive an Oscar nomination for her work. Fincher's directing was perfect for this film, as he is used to filming dark material for his movies.
The script was tight, and provided some comedic moments in an otherwise unfunny plot. The cinematography from Jeff Cronenweth was one of the best I've seen this year, and should garner him another nomination, following his Social Network nomination from last year. Overall, this was a great experience for me, even with my high expectations going in. This is the best film I've seen this year.
Grade: A
For me, this film had a better flow to it than the Swedish version. I thought both Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara were fantastic in their roles, especially Mara. She had tough shoes to fill after Noomi Rapace's star-making performance in the Swedish version. I though Mara was perfect for this version though, and should receive an Oscar nomination for her work. Fincher's directing was perfect for this film, as he is used to filming dark material for his movies.
The script was tight, and provided some comedic moments in an otherwise unfunny plot. The cinematography from Jeff Cronenweth was one of the best I've seen this year, and should garner him another nomination, following his Social Network nomination from last year. Overall, this was a great experience for me, even with my high expectations going in. This is the best film I've seen this year.
Grade: A
Monday, November 28, 2011
Review: The Descendants
The Descendants is director Alexander Payne's follow-up to his much lauded 2004 film Sideways. I originally planned to see this film Saturday afternoon, but it was selling out like crazy. Sunday showings were also selling out, so online purchase was the way to go. I was expecting a solid film, as this is currently battling the Artist as frontrunner for the Oscars.
The film follows a middle-aged lawyer, Matt King, following a devastating boating accident that puts his wife Elizabeth into a coma. Matt must now deal with the stress of this event with his two daughters, Scottie and Alexandra. Things suddenly get worse for Matt when Alexandra tells him that Elizabeth had been cheating on him. This just adds to the drama that Matt has to deal with, and leads him on a quest to find the man Elizabeth had been seeing, and confront him. From here, the film has plenty of comedic moments as Matt and his daughters (along with Alexandra's friend Sid) visit family and search for this man.
Clooney is fantastic in this role, possibly the best I've seen him on screen. The screenplay is sharp and witty, while also pulling out some dramatic moments throughout the way. Payne is in his element here. I wasn't a fan of Sideways (couldn't make it through two tries), but this film has definitely made me a fan, and I can't wait to see what he does from here.
Grade: A-
The film follows a middle-aged lawyer, Matt King, following a devastating boating accident that puts his wife Elizabeth into a coma. Matt must now deal with the stress of this event with his two daughters, Scottie and Alexandra. Things suddenly get worse for Matt when Alexandra tells him that Elizabeth had been cheating on him. This just adds to the drama that Matt has to deal with, and leads him on a quest to find the man Elizabeth had been seeing, and confront him. From here, the film has plenty of comedic moments as Matt and his daughters (along with Alexandra's friend Sid) visit family and search for this man.
Clooney is fantastic in this role, possibly the best I've seen him on screen. The screenplay is sharp and witty, while also pulling out some dramatic moments throughout the way. Payne is in his element here. I wasn't a fan of Sideways (couldn't make it through two tries), but this film has definitely made me a fan, and I can't wait to see what he does from here.
Grade: A-
Sunday, June 27, 2010
It's been a while
Well, I haven't posted on here in a few months, thanks to school, work, etc. I'm hoping to get back on here and start posting reviews/thoughts more and more as the summer goes on. One topic I'd like to discuss is the upcoming movie Inception. Now, ever since I heard Christopher Nolan was working on his next project after The Dark Knight, I was ecstatic. Nolan has quickly become my favorite director. Ever since I saw Batman Begins in theaters way back in 2005, I have seen every one of his movies (except one, which I will watch this summer). He is such a great director, and storyteller in his movies. Whether it be an original idea, or adapted, it seems like he knows exactly what he wants in his movies, and knows exactly how to make them work. I believe we have the making of a directing genius. His new project, Inception seems to be nothing less than his best. From very early reviews, it seems like this is his masterpiece, yes even more so than Memento. Please go watch the Inception trailers. July 16- be in the theater seeing this movie. I have a feeling it will be truly great. More to come soon.
Until next time...
Saturday, March 13, 2010
And the Oscar goes to...
So, awards season has come and gone, but it has been a great one nonetheless. This is a little late of a post, but better late than never, eh? Let's start with best picture and move on down the line.
Best Picture: The Hurt Locker. This movie went in as the frontrunner, but some people still thought Avatar would come out on top. I had a feeling all along that this would get best picture just because it stood the test of time. It was released last summer, and never really lost momentum with critics. It deservedly won. It is one of the best war movies ever made.
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow-The Hurt Locker. Once again, Kathryn was the frontunner going in to the Oscars, but her stiffest competition was her ex-husband James Cameron for Avatar. I am glad Kathryn won, as she made the audience sit at the edge of their seats throughout the film. True movie making at its best.
Best Actor in a Leading Role: No surprise here, Jeff Bridges wins his first Oscar after many nominations. I haven't seen his performance in Crazy Heart, but I would bet that his biggest competition was Colin Firth in a Single Man. Firth's performance is hailed as the best of his career, and I hope to see both to determine who I think should've gotten this award. Nonetheless, congrats Bridges.
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock comes away with this award. Her and Meryl Streep were battling it out all season winning awards here and there, but once we got the SAGs we saw that Bullock was slowly pulling away, and went in as the clear favorite. It is sad to see that Meryl, who has now been nominated 16 times, hasn't walked away with an Oscar in 27 years. I hope she can get another great role and finally win her 3rd Oscar sometime soon. I still think she deserved it last year for her performance in doubt (yes, even over Kate Winslet).
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: One of the easiest races to call this year was supporting actor. If I had to pick one category to bet on before the big night, it would've been this one. Christoph Waltz gave one of the fiercest performances ever to be on screen, and deserved this Oscar like no other. He was easily the favorite going in by a mile. The other nominees had a pretty easy night: go in, smile, have fun at the Oscars; no need to worry about winning an Oscar, Christoph already has it.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: The second easiest category to pick would be supporting actress. Mo'Nique was the leader going in, and the producers milked that, holding this category to about midway through the ceremony, when it is usually the first award given out. Congrats Mo'Nique on your first nomination and win for this role.
Best Original Screenplay: There was a two way race here-Mark Boal for the Hurt Locker, and Quinten Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds. I knew that if the night was going for the Hurt Locker, then Boal would win, but if it wasn't Tarantino would. Well, needless to say, it went to Boal. Both were great scripts, so either one would've been a good win. Congrats Mark Boal.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Here is where the biggest surprise of the night came from. When Geoffrey Fletcher won this for Precious, it was clear that the Academy would shut Up in the Air out for any awards. I thought this would be an easy win for Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner. I think UITA peaked too early in the season to be a true contender on Oscar night. Remember when UITA was the favorite for best picture way back in December? It lost steam right in the middle of January, going into the critic's choice awards, Golden Globes, SAGs. It's okay, Reitman and Sheldon were the winners in my book.
Best Acheivement in Cinematopgraphy: Second most shock of the night (see above). I figured the Hurt Locker or The White Ribbon would win this award, but it really was a four-way race. The White Ribbon had the cinematographers guild win, while the Hurt Locker had almost every other win.
Editing: the Hurt Locker
Art Direction: Avatar-not a huge surprise here, and Sigourney Weaver presenting the award helped out also.
Best Original Score: Michael Giacchino for Up. This was an easy win for Giacchino, although if things would have gone for Avatar that night, I think James Horner could've come away with the award for Avatar. I think the right person won though, and I feel that Giacchino will have many more nominations (and wins) to come in his career.
Sound Mixing and Sound Editing: The Hurt Locker. once THL won these two, I think we all knew who would win Best Picture. Everyone thought Avatar would easily sweep the technical awards, but it didn't win many, so this was an early sign of how the night was gonna go.
Visual Effects: Avatar. Duh.
Best Animated Film: Up. Again, duh. Pixar has dominated this category in recent years, easy win for them.
Best Foreign Language Film: El secreto de sus ojos (Argentina). Third biggest surprise of the night. I thought the White Ribbon (Germany) would easily win this award, but it lost steam at the last minute I guess. TWR won multiple awards going into the Oscars to be considered a frontrunner.
Best Documentary: The Cove. This was an easy frontrunner goin in, and this has become one of the easier categories to predict in recent years.
Overall Oscar count: The Hurt Locker-6. Avatar-3. Up in the Air-0. Precious-2. Up-1. Star Trek-1.
Well folks, that's the list of winners (mostly) from the 82nd annual Academy Awards. What's gonna happen next year? Stay tuned, and we'll see. What an awards season it has been. Actually, a great year for movies all around. I could not be happier with the results. Thanks for reading.
Best Picture: The Hurt Locker. This movie went in as the frontrunner, but some people still thought Avatar would come out on top. I had a feeling all along that this would get best picture just because it stood the test of time. It was released last summer, and never really lost momentum with critics. It deservedly won. It is one of the best war movies ever made.
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow-The Hurt Locker. Once again, Kathryn was the frontunner going in to the Oscars, but her stiffest competition was her ex-husband James Cameron for Avatar. I am glad Kathryn won, as she made the audience sit at the edge of their seats throughout the film. True movie making at its best.
Best Actor in a Leading Role: No surprise here, Jeff Bridges wins his first Oscar after many nominations. I haven't seen his performance in Crazy Heart, but I would bet that his biggest competition was Colin Firth in a Single Man. Firth's performance is hailed as the best of his career, and I hope to see both to determine who I think should've gotten this award. Nonetheless, congrats Bridges.
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock comes away with this award. Her and Meryl Streep were battling it out all season winning awards here and there, but once we got the SAGs we saw that Bullock was slowly pulling away, and went in as the clear favorite. It is sad to see that Meryl, who has now been nominated 16 times, hasn't walked away with an Oscar in 27 years. I hope she can get another great role and finally win her 3rd Oscar sometime soon. I still think she deserved it last year for her performance in doubt (yes, even over Kate Winslet).
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: One of the easiest races to call this year was supporting actor. If I had to pick one category to bet on before the big night, it would've been this one. Christoph Waltz gave one of the fiercest performances ever to be on screen, and deserved this Oscar like no other. He was easily the favorite going in by a mile. The other nominees had a pretty easy night: go in, smile, have fun at the Oscars; no need to worry about winning an Oscar, Christoph already has it.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: The second easiest category to pick would be supporting actress. Mo'Nique was the leader going in, and the producers milked that, holding this category to about midway through the ceremony, when it is usually the first award given out. Congrats Mo'Nique on your first nomination and win for this role.
Best Original Screenplay: There was a two way race here-Mark Boal for the Hurt Locker, and Quinten Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds. I knew that if the night was going for the Hurt Locker, then Boal would win, but if it wasn't Tarantino would. Well, needless to say, it went to Boal. Both were great scripts, so either one would've been a good win. Congrats Mark Boal.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Here is where the biggest surprise of the night came from. When Geoffrey Fletcher won this for Precious, it was clear that the Academy would shut Up in the Air out for any awards. I thought this would be an easy win for Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner. I think UITA peaked too early in the season to be a true contender on Oscar night. Remember when UITA was the favorite for best picture way back in December? It lost steam right in the middle of January, going into the critic's choice awards, Golden Globes, SAGs. It's okay, Reitman and Sheldon were the winners in my book.
Best Acheivement in Cinematopgraphy: Second most shock of the night (see above). I figured the Hurt Locker or The White Ribbon would win this award, but it really was a four-way race. The White Ribbon had the cinematographers guild win, while the Hurt Locker had almost every other win.
Editing: the Hurt Locker
Art Direction: Avatar-not a huge surprise here, and Sigourney Weaver presenting the award helped out also.
Best Original Score: Michael Giacchino for Up. This was an easy win for Giacchino, although if things would have gone for Avatar that night, I think James Horner could've come away with the award for Avatar. I think the right person won though, and I feel that Giacchino will have many more nominations (and wins) to come in his career.
Sound Mixing and Sound Editing: The Hurt Locker. once THL won these two, I think we all knew who would win Best Picture. Everyone thought Avatar would easily sweep the technical awards, but it didn't win many, so this was an early sign of how the night was gonna go.
Visual Effects: Avatar. Duh.
Best Animated Film: Up. Again, duh. Pixar has dominated this category in recent years, easy win for them.
Best Foreign Language Film: El secreto de sus ojos (Argentina). Third biggest surprise of the night. I thought the White Ribbon (Germany) would easily win this award, but it lost steam at the last minute I guess. TWR won multiple awards going into the Oscars to be considered a frontrunner.
Best Documentary: The Cove. This was an easy frontrunner goin in, and this has become one of the easier categories to predict in recent years.
Overall Oscar count: The Hurt Locker-6. Avatar-3. Up in the Air-0. Precious-2. Up-1. Star Trek-1.
Well folks, that's the list of winners (mostly) from the 82nd annual Academy Awards. What's gonna happen next year? Stay tuned, and we'll see. What an awards season it has been. Actually, a great year for movies all around. I could not be happier with the results. Thanks for reading.
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