Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
Today's review is Unknown. Directed by Jaume Collet-Sera. Written by Oliver Butcher & Stephen Cornwell. Based on the novel "Out of My Head" Written by Didier Van Cauwelaert.
Review #103
MPAA Rating: R for crude and sexual humor throughout, language, some graphic nudity and drug use.
Runtime: 105 min
Cast
Liam Neeson - Dr. Martin Harris
Diane Kruger - Gina
January Jones - Elizabeth Harris
Aidan Quinn - Martin B.
Bruno Ganz - Ernst Jürgen
Frank Langella - Rodney Cole
What do you get when you combine a tired genre with plots and subplots that were executed in much better films?
This movie.
Dr. Martin Harris awakens from a coma, only to discover that someone has taken on his identity and that no one, believes him. With the help of the cab driver that he had the accident with, he sets out to prove who he is and in doing so regains his memory.
This movie can be explained in 1 word. Predictable.
The early promotion for this film hailed it as The Bourne Identity meets Taken. That is not only incorrect. It GREATLY insults those 2 superior films in the action adventure/mystery genre. This film has only two accomplishments. The first being it succeeded in not bringing anything original to the table. And secondly, it established Liam Neeson as a bonafide action star. At 58 years young, the man can throw down and do so quite effectively. It wasn't enough to save the poorly constructed, been there, done that storyline. Aside from the basic action elements which were OK. Unknown is just an underwhelming retread of films that were and are far more entertaining.
On the 5 star scale. Unknown gets 2 stars with a "Netflix It" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is Hall Pass. The Farrelly Brothers latest attempt to return to their comedic glory.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
I Am Number Four
Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
Today's review is I Am Number Four. Directed by D.J. Caruso. Written by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar & Marti Noxon. Based on the novel written by Jobie Hughes & James Frey AKA Pittacus Lore.
Review #102
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for language.
Runtime: 110 min
Cast
Alex Pettyfer - John
Timothy Olyphant - Henri
Teresa Palmer - Number 6
Dianna Agron - Sarah
Callan McAuliffe - Sam
Kevin Durand - Mogadorian Commander
One of my favorite quotes is....
"Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it."
That quote can be and should be applied to most of everyday life. It most definitely needs to be applied to the world of movies when it comes to adapting books. Adapting a book into a feature film is not easy, but in my opinion it shouldn't be complicated either. For some reason the scribes tend to complicate the process and the end result needlessly suffers.
John is an alien hiding in plain sight, on the run from beings who exterminated his home planet. He's 1 of 6 of his kind that possess the power to fight their enemies. John and his protector Henri have spent most of his life moving from place to place trying to avoid capture and training John for his destiny while his abilities grow in strength.
Let's begin with the good. The action here was pretty cool. John's abilities are on full display here and they look impressive. When we see Number 6 appear in the film, she kicks ass with a furious abandon and a very cool power as well. The story here is actually not as bland as it may sound. There is a legit blueprint for a very good sci fi tale here. That is until John goes to school. Here is where the movie goes south.
This movie is adapted from a young adult novel which means that there is a ton of kiddie stuff in here that promotes character development. That kind of development is tossed out here and replaced with cardboard actors portraying cardboard characters. What's worse here is that these off the beaten path story arcs just kill the flow of what I Am Number Four is really about. You don't care about the humans here. They are just there to fill time and give John a reason to stay where he is and fight. Another poor aspect of the story is the fact that it's poorly structured. It has the feel of broken up scenes from the book and just dropped in the film for story's sake.
Here's the best example. John is forced to reveal his true identity to everyone by using his powers in public. When that happens he gets chased by the police so what happens next? He goes to the high school with his love interest and develops pictures.
WHAT???
I'm sure that moment is better depicted in the book and has a much greater purpose but here it just purely nonsensical. This movie was full of those flow killing sections that bring the movie down to a stand still. It's too bad because with some fine tuning you could have had a pretty cool flick. Instead you have another failed attempt to adapt a kids book.
On the 5 star scale. I Am Number Four gets 2 stars with a "Netflix it" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up Next is Unknown.
Today's review is I Am Number Four. Directed by D.J. Caruso. Written by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar & Marti Noxon. Based on the novel written by Jobie Hughes & James Frey AKA Pittacus Lore.
Review #102
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for language.
Runtime: 110 min
Cast
Alex Pettyfer - John
Timothy Olyphant - Henri
Teresa Palmer - Number 6
Dianna Agron - Sarah
Callan McAuliffe - Sam
Kevin Durand - Mogadorian Commander
One of my favorite quotes is....
"Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it."
That quote can be and should be applied to most of everyday life. It most definitely needs to be applied to the world of movies when it comes to adapting books. Adapting a book into a feature film is not easy, but in my opinion it shouldn't be complicated either. For some reason the scribes tend to complicate the process and the end result needlessly suffers.
John is an alien hiding in plain sight, on the run from beings who exterminated his home planet. He's 1 of 6 of his kind that possess the power to fight their enemies. John and his protector Henri have spent most of his life moving from place to place trying to avoid capture and training John for his destiny while his abilities grow in strength.
Let's begin with the good. The action here was pretty cool. John's abilities are on full display here and they look impressive. When we see Number 6 appear in the film, she kicks ass with a furious abandon and a very cool power as well. The story here is actually not as bland as it may sound. There is a legit blueprint for a very good sci fi tale here. That is until John goes to school. Here is where the movie goes south.
This movie is adapted from a young adult novel which means that there is a ton of kiddie stuff in here that promotes character development. That kind of development is tossed out here and replaced with cardboard actors portraying cardboard characters. What's worse here is that these off the beaten path story arcs just kill the flow of what I Am Number Four is really about. You don't care about the humans here. They are just there to fill time and give John a reason to stay where he is and fight. Another poor aspect of the story is the fact that it's poorly structured. It has the feel of broken up scenes from the book and just dropped in the film for story's sake.
Here's the best example. John is forced to reveal his true identity to everyone by using his powers in public. When that happens he gets chased by the police so what happens next? He goes to the high school with his love interest and develops pictures.
WHAT???
I'm sure that moment is better depicted in the book and has a much greater purpose but here it just purely nonsensical. This movie was full of those flow killing sections that bring the movie down to a stand still. It's too bad because with some fine tuning you could have had a pretty cool flick. Instead you have another failed attempt to adapt a kids book.
On the 5 star scale. I Am Number Four gets 2 stars with a "Netflix it" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up Next is Unknown.
The Mechanic
Welcome to the first Lights....Camera....Popcorn! review of 2011.
Today's review is The Mechanic. Directed by Simon West. Written by Richard Wenk & Lewis John Carlino. Screen story by Lewis John Carlino.
Review #101
MPAA Rating: R for strong brutal violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity.
Runtime: 93 min
Cast
Jason Statham - Arthur Bishop
Ben Foster - Steve McKenna
Tony Goldwyn - Dean
Donald Sutherland - Harry McKenna
Action movies for the most part are cut from the same cloth. Their purpose is to entertain without any interference from reality. Every once in a while an action film tries to break new ground and introduce rational thinking in a genre where those rules don't apply. Sometimes it works but most times it doesn't. The Mechanic chooses to avoid the application of intelligence in what is basically a shoot em up style film.
Arthur Bishop is a hitman who specializes in "jobs" that require a delicate touch and stealth. After completing a very sensitive assignment he forms a bond with the son of his victim. He trains him to be a hitman while discovering that he was betrayed by the people who employ him.
This movie was as cut and dry as you can get. It doesn't waste time trying to execute poorly designed plot twists or convoluted narratives. This was the best part about this movie. It wasn't trying to be something it's not. Going into this, you're expected to see bullets flying, blood splattering and explosions. That's what you get here and it was pretty fun. At 93 minuets the film is lightning fast which plays nicely with the action. It's surprisingly innovative and fresh in a genre that has been there and done that more times that I can count.
Jason Statham is quietly improving his resume on action cinema. From his Transporter franchise to this, he's made his mark on tinseltown as a bonafide action star with acting chops to boot. Ben Foster does an nice job staying toe to toe with Statham as his prodigy. They have a nice chemistry together. The bottom line here was that this film gets to the point and gives you what you want to see. As much as I complain that action movies need to have more substance to it, this one pulls off not doing that rather well.
On the 5 star scale. The Mechanic gets 3 stars with a split "Give it a shot/Netflix it" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is I Am Number Four.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
Today's review is The Mechanic. Directed by Simon West. Written by Richard Wenk & Lewis John Carlino. Screen story by Lewis John Carlino.
Review #101
MPAA Rating: R for strong brutal violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity.
Runtime: 93 min
Cast
Jason Statham - Arthur Bishop
Ben Foster - Steve McKenna
Tony Goldwyn - Dean
Donald Sutherland - Harry McKenna
Action movies for the most part are cut from the same cloth. Their purpose is to entertain without any interference from reality. Every once in a while an action film tries to break new ground and introduce rational thinking in a genre where those rules don't apply. Sometimes it works but most times it doesn't. The Mechanic chooses to avoid the application of intelligence in what is basically a shoot em up style film.
Arthur Bishop is a hitman who specializes in "jobs" that require a delicate touch and stealth. After completing a very sensitive assignment he forms a bond with the son of his victim. He trains him to be a hitman while discovering that he was betrayed by the people who employ him.
This movie was as cut and dry as you can get. It doesn't waste time trying to execute poorly designed plot twists or convoluted narratives. This was the best part about this movie. It wasn't trying to be something it's not. Going into this, you're expected to see bullets flying, blood splattering and explosions. That's what you get here and it was pretty fun. At 93 minuets the film is lightning fast which plays nicely with the action. It's surprisingly innovative and fresh in a genre that has been there and done that more times that I can count.
Jason Statham is quietly improving his resume on action cinema. From his Transporter franchise to this, he's made his mark on tinseltown as a bonafide action star with acting chops to boot. Ben Foster does an nice job staying toe to toe with Statham as his prodigy. They have a nice chemistry together. The bottom line here was that this film gets to the point and gives you what you want to see. As much as I complain that action movies need to have more substance to it, this one pulls off not doing that rather well.
On the 5 star scale. The Mechanic gets 3 stars with a split "Give it a shot/Netflix it" recommendation.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is I Am Number Four.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
2010 Oscar Picks
Welcome to a very special episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!
As we come ever so close to Oscar time. I figured I would entertain all of you with my picks for this year's Academy Awards. Just like my 2008 picks I am not choosing winners for every single category. Just the main ones with a few extras added in for fun.
I actually did pretty well with my 2008 picks. 17 categories.....15 right. Can I top that?
Only one way to find out. Here we go.
Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem in “Biutiful”
Jeff Bridges in “True Grit”
Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network”
Colin Firth in “The King's Speech”
James Franco in “127 Hours”
Like most of the categories this year, Best Actor is a no brainer for Colin Firth. This isn't to say that the other nominees aren't worthy. That's far from the truth. The issue here is that Firth just blows you away with his performance as King George VI. From his fear of public speaking and reluctance to take the throne to his bursts of anger when challenged or frustrated by his speech training. Firth puts on display a performance fueled with emotion and heart.
The years of snubbing will come to an end for this very talented and underrated actor.
Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole”
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter's Bone”
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”
Best Actress was a tough one to gauge. I'm going to go with my gut here and give it to Natalie. She was so good in Black Swan that I find it hard to see any other of the nominees running away with it. Annette Bening is probably the only one who could steal it from Natalie. It might be close but the prima ballerina takes this one.
Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale in “The Fighter”
John Hawkes in “Winter's Bone”
Jeremy Renner in “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush in “The King's Speech”
I don't need to get into why Bale is the hands down winner here. This is as easy a pick to make as Heath was for The Dark Knight.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams in “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King's Speech”
Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom”
Before I begin I would like to point out a major snub in this category. I think Mila Kunis should have been considered for her role in Black Swan. Portman isn't as strong without Mila's intensity challenging her at every turn. Having said that, this was a little easier choice to make. First off, Leo and Adams knock each other out (no pun intended) since they are in the same movie. Plus Bale outshines them both. I didn't see what made Bonham Carter's performance so great to take the Oscar. This left the one person that I thought was superior. Hailee Steinfeld was quite possibly the biggest reason to see True Grit. She holds her own with Bridges and Damon quite nicely. You can even make the argument that she not only steals the show, she was the show.
I just hope that her young age doesn't bias her against the Academy. They tend to be snobby when it comes to child/young adult nominees.
Animated Feature Film
“How to Train Your Dragon” Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
“The Illusionist” Sylvain Chomet
“Toy Story 3” Lee Unkrich
It's Pixar man. Happy Feet was a long time ago. It might be a long time before this giant is slain again.
Cinematography
“Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
“Inception” Wally Pfister
“The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
“The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” Roger Deakins
All of these films contained amazing cinematography hence their nominations. Having said that, it's time for the Academy to right a major wrong that has been done to Mr. Deakins. This man should have won multiple statues for his amazing work and yet his trophy case remains Oscar-less. That should and better change this year.
Film Editing
“Black Swan” Andrew Weisblum
“The Fighter” Pamela Martin
“The King's Speech” Tariq Anwar
“127 Hours” Jon Harris
“The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
The odds on favorite is The Social Network for it's several transitions in time. Editing for the Oscar is predictably unpredictable. Most times when there's a runaway train film taking most of the main honors, the Editing crown comes along for the ride. This year there really isn't such a picture so I'm choosing 127 Hours for the same reason most are picking the Facebook movie. The main difference is that the passing of time in Hours showcases a well executed and stylized progression and regression of Ralston's journey of survival and sanity.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
“127 Hours” Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
“The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
“Toy Story 3” Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
“True Grit” Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Winter's Bone” Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini
After all the gushing I did about Sorkin's script. It would be highly hypocritical of me to go with something else right?
Writing (Original Screenplay)
“Another Year” Written by Mike Leigh
“The Fighter” Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson;
Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
“Inception” Written by Christopher Nolan
“The Kids Are All Right” Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
“The King's Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler
A very tough one to pick. I loved the imagination of Inception & The heart of The Kids Are All Right. But The King's Speech had more heart and just enough imagination to single itself out among the rest.
Directing
“Black Swan” Darren Aronofsky
“The Fighter” David O. Russell
“The King's Speech” Tom Hooper
“The Social Network” David Fincher
“True Grit” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
This will be another one of the years where Best Director and Best Picture aren't married to the same film. All of these men are tremendous film makers who comprise a powerhouse list. In this case I just felt that Fincher did something I didn't think was possible. He made a movie about of all things in this world "Facebook" pure entertainment with heart, soul and a brain. That alone can be considered a borderline miracle.
Best Picture
“Black Swan” Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
“The Fighter” David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
“Inception” Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
“The Kids Are All Right” Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
“The King's Speech” Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
“127 Hours” Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
“The Social Network” Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Toy Story 3” Darla K. Anderson, Producer
“True Grit” Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
“Winter's Bone" Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers
Here we are. Finally at the big one. Though I still hate the expanded 10 Best Picture nominee format. The Academy got it right with the nominees. There isn't a dud in this bunch. Including a bit of history with Toy Story 3 cracking the world of live action and placing it's hat into the ring. It's not winning though so that was the easiest one to eliminate. Winter's Bone got a very small theatrical release and was already out on DVD when the nominations came out. This film is way too small to go up against this group.
Despite how good True Grit is, I think the Academy is a little Coen-ed out. Though it wouldn't shock me if it won. The Fighter just isn't good enough overall to be on this list. That movie is more of a collection of terrific performances than a combination of story and characters. You could make a better case for The Town being here instead. Inception has no chance because the Academy turns a blind eye to blockbusters and for some reason they have a bug up their ass about Christopher Nolan. It's an ABSOLUTE CRIME that he isn't in the Best Director race. How can you nominate his film for Best Screenplay and Best Picture and not Best Director. It makes no sense to me. He's been snubbed 2 times before. The Dark Knight got jobbed because it was a comic book and Memento only got nominated for Editing and Screenplay. This angers me to no end considering what did win for Best Picture in 2000. A joke of a film called Gladiator. I will never be convinced that Gladiator was a better film in 2000 than Memento or my personal favorite Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
This leaves the final 5. As much as I loved The Kids Are All Right, I don't think it's got the juice to leapfrog over the rest. Danny Boyle once again gave us another great film with 127 Hours. The problem is, it isn't Slumdog Millionaire. The bar was set way too high. The Social Network was the hands down early favorite. That is until after the kids saw it leaving the adults to seek out other forms of entertainment which brings us to the final 2. Black Swan was awesome but I think the creepy nature of the film coupled with it's thinning plot might hurt it's chances. And then there was 1. The King's Speech had everything you wanted in a film. It was funny, emotional, heart warming, tragic, uplifting, inspiring, and entertaining. Oh by the way it was a good movie too. I never thought I would love this film as much as I do.
This one will take home the little gold man.
Well there you have it. My picks for this year's Oscars. Let the debate begin.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is my 1st review of the year. The Mechanic.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
As we come ever so close to Oscar time. I figured I would entertain all of you with my picks for this year's Academy Awards. Just like my 2008 picks I am not choosing winners for every single category. Just the main ones with a few extras added in for fun.
I actually did pretty well with my 2008 picks. 17 categories.....15 right. Can I top that?
Only one way to find out. Here we go.
Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem in “Biutiful”
Jeff Bridges in “True Grit”
Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network”
Colin Firth in “The King's Speech”
James Franco in “127 Hours”
Like most of the categories this year, Best Actor is a no brainer for Colin Firth. This isn't to say that the other nominees aren't worthy. That's far from the truth. The issue here is that Firth just blows you away with his performance as King George VI. From his fear of public speaking and reluctance to take the throne to his bursts of anger when challenged or frustrated by his speech training. Firth puts on display a performance fueled with emotion and heart.
The years of snubbing will come to an end for this very talented and underrated actor.
Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole”
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter's Bone”
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”
Best Actress was a tough one to gauge. I'm going to go with my gut here and give it to Natalie. She was so good in Black Swan that I find it hard to see any other of the nominees running away with it. Annette Bening is probably the only one who could steal it from Natalie. It might be close but the prima ballerina takes this one.
Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale in “The Fighter”
John Hawkes in “Winter's Bone”
Jeremy Renner in “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush in “The King's Speech”
I don't need to get into why Bale is the hands down winner here. This is as easy a pick to make as Heath was for The Dark Knight.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams in “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King's Speech”
Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom”
Before I begin I would like to point out a major snub in this category. I think Mila Kunis should have been considered for her role in Black Swan. Portman isn't as strong without Mila's intensity challenging her at every turn. Having said that, this was a little easier choice to make. First off, Leo and Adams knock each other out (no pun intended) since they are in the same movie. Plus Bale outshines them both. I didn't see what made Bonham Carter's performance so great to take the Oscar. This left the one person that I thought was superior. Hailee Steinfeld was quite possibly the biggest reason to see True Grit. She holds her own with Bridges and Damon quite nicely. You can even make the argument that she not only steals the show, she was the show.
I just hope that her young age doesn't bias her against the Academy. They tend to be snobby when it comes to child/young adult nominees.
Animated Feature Film
“How to Train Your Dragon” Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
“The Illusionist” Sylvain Chomet
“Toy Story 3” Lee Unkrich
It's Pixar man. Happy Feet was a long time ago. It might be a long time before this giant is slain again.
Cinematography
“Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
“Inception” Wally Pfister
“The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
“The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” Roger Deakins
All of these films contained amazing cinematography hence their nominations. Having said that, it's time for the Academy to right a major wrong that has been done to Mr. Deakins. This man should have won multiple statues for his amazing work and yet his trophy case remains Oscar-less. That should and better change this year.
Film Editing
“Black Swan” Andrew Weisblum
“The Fighter” Pamela Martin
“The King's Speech” Tariq Anwar
“127 Hours” Jon Harris
“The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
The odds on favorite is The Social Network for it's several transitions in time. Editing for the Oscar is predictably unpredictable. Most times when there's a runaway train film taking most of the main honors, the Editing crown comes along for the ride. This year there really isn't such a picture so I'm choosing 127 Hours for the same reason most are picking the Facebook movie. The main difference is that the passing of time in Hours showcases a well executed and stylized progression and regression of Ralston's journey of survival and sanity.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
“127 Hours” Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
“The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
“Toy Story 3” Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
“True Grit” Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Winter's Bone” Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini
After all the gushing I did about Sorkin's script. It would be highly hypocritical of me to go with something else right?
Writing (Original Screenplay)
“Another Year” Written by Mike Leigh
“The Fighter” Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson;
Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
“Inception” Written by Christopher Nolan
“The Kids Are All Right” Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
“The King's Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler
A very tough one to pick. I loved the imagination of Inception & The heart of The Kids Are All Right. But The King's Speech had more heart and just enough imagination to single itself out among the rest.
Directing
“Black Swan” Darren Aronofsky
“The Fighter” David O. Russell
“The King's Speech” Tom Hooper
“The Social Network” David Fincher
“True Grit” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
This will be another one of the years where Best Director and Best Picture aren't married to the same film. All of these men are tremendous film makers who comprise a powerhouse list. In this case I just felt that Fincher did something I didn't think was possible. He made a movie about of all things in this world "Facebook" pure entertainment with heart, soul and a brain. That alone can be considered a borderline miracle.
Best Picture
“Black Swan” Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
“The Fighter” David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
“Inception” Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
“The Kids Are All Right” Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
“The King's Speech” Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
“127 Hours” Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
“The Social Network” Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Toy Story 3” Darla K. Anderson, Producer
“True Grit” Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
“Winter's Bone" Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers
Here we are. Finally at the big one. Though I still hate the expanded 10 Best Picture nominee format. The Academy got it right with the nominees. There isn't a dud in this bunch. Including a bit of history with Toy Story 3 cracking the world of live action and placing it's hat into the ring. It's not winning though so that was the easiest one to eliminate. Winter's Bone got a very small theatrical release and was already out on DVD when the nominations came out. This film is way too small to go up against this group.
Despite how good True Grit is, I think the Academy is a little Coen-ed out. Though it wouldn't shock me if it won. The Fighter just isn't good enough overall to be on this list. That movie is more of a collection of terrific performances than a combination of story and characters. You could make a better case for The Town being here instead. Inception has no chance because the Academy turns a blind eye to blockbusters and for some reason they have a bug up their ass about Christopher Nolan. It's an ABSOLUTE CRIME that he isn't in the Best Director race. How can you nominate his film for Best Screenplay and Best Picture and not Best Director. It makes no sense to me. He's been snubbed 2 times before. The Dark Knight got jobbed because it was a comic book and Memento only got nominated for Editing and Screenplay. This angers me to no end considering what did win for Best Picture in 2000. A joke of a film called Gladiator. I will never be convinced that Gladiator was a better film in 2000 than Memento or my personal favorite Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
This leaves the final 5. As much as I loved The Kids Are All Right, I don't think it's got the juice to leapfrog over the rest. Danny Boyle once again gave us another great film with 127 Hours. The problem is, it isn't Slumdog Millionaire. The bar was set way too high. The Social Network was the hands down early favorite. That is until after the kids saw it leaving the adults to seek out other forms of entertainment which brings us to the final 2. Black Swan was awesome but I think the creepy nature of the film coupled with it's thinning plot might hurt it's chances. And then there was 1. The King's Speech had everything you wanted in a film. It was funny, emotional, heart warming, tragic, uplifting, inspiring, and entertaining. Oh by the way it was a good movie too. I never thought I would love this film as much as I do.
This one will take home the little gold man.
Well there you have it. My picks for this year's Oscars. Let the debate begin.
That's a wrap for today. Up next is my 1st review of the year. The Mechanic.
Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"
"D"
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