I am reposting my Oscar predictions that I made on October 22. I have bolded the predictions that were correct. And just for fun, I am giving myself 1 point for every nomination I got right, and 1/2 point for every "Other Contenders" that were nominated.
____________________________________________________________________
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Oscar Nomination Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2009 Oscar nominations that will be announced in January. Note that I have seen only one of the films listed here (UP) so this is based on pure buzz. There could be a lot of potential to make fun of me come January! But for those of you looking for some good flicks, most of these will be released in theatres during the next 2 months.
Best Picture
1. The Hurt Locker
2. Up in the Air
3. Nine
4. Inviotus [sic]
5. Precious
6. Up
7. An Education
8. A Serious Man
9. Bright Star
10. A Prophet
Other Contenders:
Where the Wild Things Are
The Informant
Star Trek
Inglorious Basterds
A Single Man
Best Actor
1. Jeremy Renner - The Hurt Locker
2. Colin Firth - A Single Man
3. George Clooney - Up in the Air
4. Matt Damon - The Informant
5. Morgan Freeman - Inviotus [sic]
Other Contenders:
Nicolas Cage (Honestly!) - Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Christopher Plummer - The Last Station
Daniel Day-Lewis - Nine
Best Actress
1. Hillary Swank - Amelia
2. Marion Cotillard - Nine
3. Carey Mulligan - An Education
4. Abbie Cornish - Bright Star
5. Vera Farminga - Up in the Air
Other Contenders:
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia
Gabby Sidibe - Precious
Helen Mirren - The Last Station
____________________________________________________________________
Total points: 13/20 or 65% Not bad considering this was over 3 months ago! I completely missed "The Avatar" factor though.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
OMG: The Oscar Noms!
List of Nominees
Best Picture
1. "Avatar"
2. "The Hurt Locker"
3. "Precious"
4. "Up in the Air"
5. "Inglorious Basterds"
6. "Up"
7. "The Blind Side"
8. "District 9"
9. "An Education"
10. "A Serious Man"
Thoughts: No big surprises here. It does appear that the Academy's strategy of expanding the nomination list to 10 pictures this year worked: there is a healthy mix of mainstream films (e.g., "The Blind Side," "Avatar," "Up," and "District 9") along with the perrenial independent films. I am glad that movies that were clearly made to grab an Oscar nom did not make the cut this year (I am talking about you "Invictus"!).
Despite the big pool of nominees, the race essentially comes down to "Up in the Air," "The Hurt Locker," and "Avatar."
And a shout out to the Minnesotan connections: Joel and Ethan Coen's "A Serious Man" made the cut, along with "Up in the Air," which is based on the book written by Minnesotan Walter Kim.
Best Direction
1. "Avatar," James Cameron
2. "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow
3. "Inglourious Basterds," Quentin Tarantino
4. "Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push' by Sapphire," Lee Daniels
5. "Up in the Air," Jason Reitman
Thoughts: Again no big surprises. There are two former winners in the list (James Cameron, of course, for "Titanic" and QT for "Pulp Fiction"). Jason Reitman was previously nominated for "Juno," while this is the first nomination for Kathyrn Bigelow and Lee Daniels.
The big race here will be between former spouses James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow. Personally, I hope the ex-wife wins. It's nice to see Lee Daniels nominated for the difficult "Precious," which was only his second film he has ever directed. Jason Reitman is also a relative newcomer to Hollywood, but has already made three fantastic films with "Up in the Air," "Juno," and "Thank you for Smoking." QT has not been nominated since "Pulp Fiction," and I think that "Inglorious Basterds" is his personal best.
Best Actor
1. Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart”
2. George Clooney, "Up in the Air”
3. Colin Firth, "A Single Man”
4. Morgan Freeman, "Invictus”
5. Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker”
Thoughts: These nominees have been carved in stone for months now. Jeff Bridges is a lock to win the award. Sorry George - not this year.
Best Actress
1. Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side”
2. Helen Mirren, "The Last Station”
3. Carey Mulligan, "An Education”
4. Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push' by Sapphire”
5. Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia”
Thoughts: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, these nominees were all predicted to be nominated. It will come down to Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep. Its refreshing that both of these actresses were nominated for roles in films that many people saw. Traditionally, this category went to women in little-seen independent films.
Best Supporting Actor
1. Matt Damon, "Invictus”
2. Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger”
3. Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station”
4. Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones”
5. Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds”
Thoughts: This category does have some suprises, particularly Stanley Tucci, and to a lesser extent, Woody Harrelson. Sadly, Alfred Molina was not nominated despite his terrific performance in "An Education." There is no way that Christoph Waltz will not win. His performance was perhaps the single best performance by any actor or actress this year.
Best Supporting Actress
1. Penélope Cruz, "Nine”
2. Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air”
3. Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart”
4. Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air”
5. Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push' by Sapphire”
Thoughts: Yeah for Maggie! "Crazy Heart" had not been getting much Oscar buzz until relatively recently, so Maggie is a bit of a surprise. Anna Kendrick, Vera Farmiga, and Mo'Nique (no last name) were all locks for nominations. Penelope Cruz has really turned into a hell of actress in the past few years. She won this category last year for "Vicky Christina Barcelona." She was the only actress to be nominated for "Nine," which at one time, was considered to be an Oscar front-runner in all the major categories. Let the debate begin on whether her role was supporting or lead.
Mo'Nique will win.
Best Animated Film
1. "Coraline”
2. "Fantastic Mr. Fox”
3. "The Princess and the Frog”
4. "The Secret of Kells”
5. "Up”
Thoughts: What the heck is "the Secret of Kells"? I LOVED "Fantastic Mr. Fox" and "Coraline" so I hope one of these films beats up Best Picture nominee "Up."
Documentary
1. "Burma VJ”
2. "The Cove”
3. "Food, Inc.”
4. "The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers”
5. "Which Way Home”
Thoughts: I have not seen any of these movies, although I do have "The Cove" on DVD just waiting for me to view it. I am a little surprised that "Tyson" and "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" did not make the cut. I will not be watching "Food, Inc." since I am happy with my current diet thank you very much!
Foreign Language Film
1. "Ajami," Israel
2. "El Secreto de Sus Ojos," Argentina
3. "The Milk of Sorrow," Peru
4. "Un Prophète," France
5. "The White Ribbon," Germany
Thoughts: Again, I have not seen any of these movies, and I wouldn't be surprised if none of them have even made it to the Twin Cities yet. I do plan on seeing "The White Ribbon" this weekend though.
What are your thoughts? Predictions? Surprises? People/Movies that you thought were robbed this year?
Best Picture
1. "Avatar"
2. "The Hurt Locker"
3. "Precious"
4. "Up in the Air"
5. "Inglorious Basterds"
6. "Up"
7. "The Blind Side"
8. "District 9"
9. "An Education"
10. "A Serious Man"
Thoughts: No big surprises here. It does appear that the Academy's strategy of expanding the nomination list to 10 pictures this year worked: there is a healthy mix of mainstream films (e.g., "The Blind Side," "Avatar," "Up," and "District 9") along with the perrenial independent films. I am glad that movies that were clearly made to grab an Oscar nom did not make the cut this year (I am talking about you "Invictus"!).
Despite the big pool of nominees, the race essentially comes down to "Up in the Air," "The Hurt Locker," and "Avatar."
And a shout out to the Minnesotan connections: Joel and Ethan Coen's "A Serious Man" made the cut, along with "Up in the Air," which is based on the book written by Minnesotan Walter Kim.
Best Direction
1. "Avatar," James Cameron
2. "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow
3. "Inglourious Basterds," Quentin Tarantino
4. "Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push' by Sapphire," Lee Daniels
5. "Up in the Air," Jason Reitman
Thoughts: Again no big surprises. There are two former winners in the list (James Cameron, of course, for "Titanic" and QT for "Pulp Fiction"). Jason Reitman was previously nominated for "Juno," while this is the first nomination for Kathyrn Bigelow and Lee Daniels.
The big race here will be between former spouses James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow. Personally, I hope the ex-wife wins. It's nice to see Lee Daniels nominated for the difficult "Precious," which was only his second film he has ever directed. Jason Reitman is also a relative newcomer to Hollywood, but has already made three fantastic films with "Up in the Air," "Juno," and "Thank you for Smoking." QT has not been nominated since "Pulp Fiction," and I think that "Inglorious Basterds" is his personal best.
Best Actor
1. Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart”
2. George Clooney, "Up in the Air”
3. Colin Firth, "A Single Man”
4. Morgan Freeman, "Invictus”
5. Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker”
Thoughts: These nominees have been carved in stone for months now. Jeff Bridges is a lock to win the award. Sorry George - not this year.
Best Actress
1. Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side”
2. Helen Mirren, "The Last Station”
3. Carey Mulligan, "An Education”
4. Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push' by Sapphire”
5. Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia”
Thoughts: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, these nominees were all predicted to be nominated. It will come down to Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep. Its refreshing that both of these actresses were nominated for roles in films that many people saw. Traditionally, this category went to women in little-seen independent films.
Best Supporting Actor
1. Matt Damon, "Invictus”
2. Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger”
3. Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station”
4. Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones”
5. Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds”
Thoughts: This category does have some suprises, particularly Stanley Tucci, and to a lesser extent, Woody Harrelson. Sadly, Alfred Molina was not nominated despite his terrific performance in "An Education." There is no way that Christoph Waltz will not win. His performance was perhaps the single best performance by any actor or actress this year.
Best Supporting Actress
1. Penélope Cruz, "Nine”
2. Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air”
3. Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart”
4. Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air”
5. Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push' by Sapphire”
Thoughts: Yeah for Maggie! "Crazy Heart" had not been getting much Oscar buzz until relatively recently, so Maggie is a bit of a surprise. Anna Kendrick, Vera Farmiga, and Mo'Nique (no last name) were all locks for nominations. Penelope Cruz has really turned into a hell of actress in the past few years. She won this category last year for "Vicky Christina Barcelona." She was the only actress to be nominated for "Nine," which at one time, was considered to be an Oscar front-runner in all the major categories. Let the debate begin on whether her role was supporting or lead.
Mo'Nique will win.
Best Animated Film
1. "Coraline”
2. "Fantastic Mr. Fox”
3. "The Princess and the Frog”
4. "The Secret of Kells”
5. "Up”
Thoughts: What the heck is "the Secret of Kells"? I LOVED "Fantastic Mr. Fox" and "Coraline" so I hope one of these films beats up Best Picture nominee "Up."
Documentary
1. "Burma VJ”
2. "The Cove”
3. "Food, Inc.”
4. "The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers”
5. "Which Way Home”
Thoughts: I have not seen any of these movies, although I do have "The Cove" on DVD just waiting for me to view it. I am a little surprised that "Tyson" and "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" did not make the cut. I will not be watching "Food, Inc." since I am happy with my current diet thank you very much!
Foreign Language Film
1. "Ajami," Israel
2. "El Secreto de Sus Ojos," Argentina
3. "The Milk of Sorrow," Peru
4. "Un Prophète," France
5. "The White Ribbon," Germany
Thoughts: Again, I have not seen any of these movies, and I wouldn't be surprised if none of them have even made it to the Twin Cities yet. I do plan on seeing "The White Ribbon" this weekend though.
What are your thoughts? Predictions? Surprises? People/Movies that you thought were robbed this year?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Roger Ebert's Wrap-Up of Sundance
Roger Ebert just posted his wrap-up of his favorite movies at 2010's Sundance Film Festival. Of the movies he reviewed, I am downright giddy for the Joan Rivers documentary. Lately, I have been on a documentary kick (but I will not be seeing Cane Toads - disgusting!) Are there any Sundance movies you are looking forward to seeing?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Senate Corruption
In order to help me understand why the Senate can't get anything done, I decided to have a mini-film fest on the theme of Senate corruption.
I started with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. This 1939 Frank Capra classic stars Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith, a naive boy's club leader appointed to a vacant Senate seat. The governor appointed him to be a "stooge," or someone who would simply vote however the senior senator from the state voted Although Smith is naive to the ways of the Senate, he is not dumb. He quickly finds a suspicious provision in a bill that threatens the very same land in his home state where he wants to build a federal boy's camp. He fights to remove the provision and unwittingly takes on the political machine that controls politics in his state.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a good primer on the workings of the Senate and how a bill becomes law. It also explores political machines, and how the drive to be re-elected corrupts even the most honest of politicians. I give this movie 3/4 stars.
I followed Mr. Smith with Advise and Consent, a 1962 political thriller. The movie opens with the President nominating a new Secretary of State. The rest of the movie follows the process of his Senate approval. Although this sounds like a boring plot for a movie, it is actually quite captivating. Themes of blackmail, homosexuality, and communism are explored by an all-star cast (Henry Fonda, Burgess Meredith, Peter Lawford, Walter Pidgeon, Don Murray, Charles Laugton, and Betty White in her first role). What is particularly noteworthy about this movie is how it depicts the backroom negotiating that goes on between the Senators. I give this movie 4/4 stars.
My film series on Senate corruption was illuminating, but left me even more disillusioned with our current Senate!
I started with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. This 1939 Frank Capra classic stars Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith, a naive boy's club leader appointed to a vacant Senate seat. The governor appointed him to be a "stooge," or someone who would simply vote however the senior senator from the state voted Although Smith is naive to the ways of the Senate, he is not dumb. He quickly finds a suspicious provision in a bill that threatens the very same land in his home state where he wants to build a federal boy's camp. He fights to remove the provision and unwittingly takes on the political machine that controls politics in his state.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a good primer on the workings of the Senate and how a bill becomes law. It also explores political machines, and how the drive to be re-elected corrupts even the most honest of politicians. I give this movie 3/4 stars.
I followed Mr. Smith with Advise and Consent, a 1962 political thriller. The movie opens with the President nominating a new Secretary of State. The rest of the movie follows the process of his Senate approval. Although this sounds like a boring plot for a movie, it is actually quite captivating. Themes of blackmail, homosexuality, and communism are explored by an all-star cast (Henry Fonda, Burgess Meredith, Peter Lawford, Walter Pidgeon, Don Murray, Charles Laugton, and Betty White in her first role). What is particularly noteworthy about this movie is how it depicts the backroom negotiating that goes on between the Senators. I give this movie 4/4 stars.
My film series on Senate corruption was illuminating, but left me even more disillusioned with our current Senate!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A Smorgasbord of Reviews
Avatar 3.5/4 stars
This is the first 3D movie I haven't felt scammed by. I don't know if the 3D made the movie better, but it certainly didn't distract me like other 3D movies (see review on Harry Potter 6!). But one thing is for sure, the special effects and visual landscape of this movie were absolutely outstanding.
A lot of viewers have commented that the plot is weak. I had no problem with the story. It was was pretty much Pocahontas set in the future. Its not the story that is weak; it is the dialogue. There were way too many one-liners tossed out by the cast. These zingers reminded me that I was watching a movie and took me out of the land of Pandora. But in the end, the visual effects single-handedly carry the movie. If you enjoyed the remake of King Kong, then you will enjoy Avatar.
One other note: Did anyone else find it hilarious when the robot pulled a knife out of his sheath?
Sherlock Holmes 3.5/4 stars
The newest Sherlock Holmes portrays the great detective as an action hero. I found the Guy Ritchie version thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. Move over Brad Pitt - Robert Downey Jr. has replaced you in my heart.
Humpday 3/4 stars
This low-budget comedy takes the bromance story to its extreme. I'm too modest to say anything more about the plot. This movie is slow at times, but overall, I found it thoughtful and original.
Anvil!: The Story of Anvil 4/4 stars
A real life This is Spinal Tap! This documentary follows the story of a Canadian heavy metal band that was briefly popular in the early 1980s. As the band members reach their 50s, they struggle to keep their 15 minutes of fame alive.
Up in the Air 3.5/4 stars
Up in the Air stars George Clooney as a professional firer. Companies hire him to fire/lay-off employees when the managers don't have the guts to do it themselves. Set in the present, he is extremely busy and consequently is always flying across the county. He flies so often that he is about to reach 10 million skymiles, which is his life's goal.
This movie is a front runner for the best picture award at the Oscars. However, after seeing the film, I don't think it has the stuff to win. It was flawless in its execution (acting, cinematography, original story), but it just didn't resonate with me the way that a best picture should. I saw it a week ago, and already I barely remember seeing it.
Elizabeth 3/4 stars
I rewatched this movie after finishing a historical fiction novel about Queen Elizabeth's reign. I enjoyed this movie 10 years ago, but now I find the movie too pretentious. The quick editing, elaborate costumes, and historical details that characters rattle off with bravado seem like pure Oscar bait to me. In fact, if I hadn't recently finished the novel on Elizabeth, I am not sure I would have been able to follow this movie at all.
The Gold Rush 4/4 stars
I saw Charlie Chaplin's masterpiece at Orchestra Hall with live accompaniment by the Minnesota Orchestra. Originally released in 1925 during the silent era, Chaplin re-released his movie in the 1940s with a new score that Chaplin worked on himself. I defy anyone to watch the potato dancing scene without laughing!
This is the first 3D movie I haven't felt scammed by. I don't know if the 3D made the movie better, but it certainly didn't distract me like other 3D movies (see review on Harry Potter 6!). But one thing is for sure, the special effects and visual landscape of this movie were absolutely outstanding.
A lot of viewers have commented that the plot is weak. I had no problem with the story. It was was pretty much Pocahontas set in the future. Its not the story that is weak; it is the dialogue. There were way too many one-liners tossed out by the cast. These zingers reminded me that I was watching a movie and took me out of the land of Pandora. But in the end, the visual effects single-handedly carry the movie. If you enjoyed the remake of King Kong, then you will enjoy Avatar.
One other note: Did anyone else find it hilarious when the robot pulled a knife out of his sheath?
Sherlock Holmes 3.5/4 stars
The newest Sherlock Holmes portrays the great detective as an action hero. I found the Guy Ritchie version thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. Move over Brad Pitt - Robert Downey Jr. has replaced you in my heart.
Humpday 3/4 stars
This low-budget comedy takes the bromance story to its extreme. I'm too modest to say anything more about the plot. This movie is slow at times, but overall, I found it thoughtful and original.
Anvil!: The Story of Anvil 4/4 stars
A real life This is Spinal Tap! This documentary follows the story of a Canadian heavy metal band that was briefly popular in the early 1980s. As the band members reach their 50s, they struggle to keep their 15 minutes of fame alive.
Up in the Air 3.5/4 stars
Up in the Air stars George Clooney as a professional firer. Companies hire him to fire/lay-off employees when the managers don't have the guts to do it themselves. Set in the present, he is extremely busy and consequently is always flying across the county. He flies so often that he is about to reach 10 million skymiles, which is his life's goal.
This movie is a front runner for the best picture award at the Oscars. However, after seeing the film, I don't think it has the stuff to win. It was flawless in its execution (acting, cinematography, original story), but it just didn't resonate with me the way that a best picture should. I saw it a week ago, and already I barely remember seeing it.
Elizabeth 3/4 stars
I rewatched this movie after finishing a historical fiction novel about Queen Elizabeth's reign. I enjoyed this movie 10 years ago, but now I find the movie too pretentious. The quick editing, elaborate costumes, and historical details that characters rattle off with bravado seem like pure Oscar bait to me. In fact, if I hadn't recently finished the novel on Elizabeth, I am not sure I would have been able to follow this movie at all.
The Gold Rush 4/4 stars
I saw Charlie Chaplin's masterpiece at Orchestra Hall with live accompaniment by the Minnesota Orchestra. Originally released in 1925 during the silent era, Chaplin re-released his movie in the 1940s with a new score that Chaplin worked on himself. I defy anyone to watch the potato dancing scene without laughing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
