So far so good... My adventure through the many films nominated for Academy Awards is really paying off. I am completely amazed at how great films that sound so bad in title and on paper can turn out to be. I keep getting the same response from people: they are Oscar movies, they are supposed to be good. But most Oscar movies have a tendency of being bland and overrated. This year, I have enjoyed the small titles just as much as the big ones.
Here is an outline of what I have seen and where it fits in the nominations, and if I can, my predictions with what I have seen thus far (or speculation, as far as Avatar nods go):
Actor in a Leading Role
* Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart”
* George Clooney in “Up in the Air”
* Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker”
Prediction: Jeff Bridges (should be close between Bridges & Clooney)
Actor in a Supporting Role
* Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds”
Prediction: Christoph Waltz (Only one I've seen so far but ultimately want him either way)
Actress in a Leading Role
* Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia”
Predictions: Not Meryl Streep (Not Oscar-worthy performance)
Actress in a Supporting Role
* Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air”
* Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart”
* Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air”
Predictions: Anna Kendrick (honestly do not think anyone could top this performance)
Animated Feature Film
* “Coraline” Henry Selick
* “Up” Pete Docter
Prediction: Up (out of these two, obviously Up... afraid either way, my bias against stop motion filmmaking will cause me this category)
Art Direction
* “Sherlock Holmes” Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
Prediction: No Sherlock Holmes (do not see any Oscar nods in Holmes' future)
Cinematography
* “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Bruno Delbonnel
* “The Hurt Locker” Barry Ackroyd
* “Inglourious Basterds” Robert Richardson
Prediction: The Hurt Locker (see this film taking best director, screenplay, & picture)
Costume Design
* “Coco before Chanel” Catherine Leterrier
Predictions: ??? (possibly Coco, but very tough to tell without other viewings - gut feeling tells me Nine will take it)
Directing
* “The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow
* “Inglourious Basterds” Quentin Tarantino
* “Up in the Air” Jason Reitman
Prediction: The Hurt Locker (see Cinematography Prediction)
Documentary (Feature)
* “The Cove” Nominees to be determined
Prediction: ??? (Gut feeling tells me Food Inc. -- watching that one tonight.)
Film Editing
* “District 9” Julian Clarke
* “The Hurt Locker” Bob Murawski and Chris Innis
* “Inglourious Basterds” Sally Menke
Prediction: ??? (Gut feeling tells me Avatar for anything technical)
Makeup
* “Star Trek” Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow
Prediction: ??? (Gut reaction says Young Victoria)
Music (Original Score)
* “The Hurt Locker” Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
* “Sherlock Holmes” Hans Zimmer
* “Up” Michael Giacchino
Prediction: Up (Hands down thus far, deserves it ---whether it will get it is another story)
Music (Original Song)
* “Loin de Paname” from “Paris 36” Music by Reinhardt Wagner Lyric by Frank Thomas
* “The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)” from “Crazy Heart” Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett
Prediction: Crazy Heart (just because I believe since it didn't get Best Picture nom it deserves to win everything else it is up for... haha... skewed perception of justice I know)
Best Picture
* “District 9” Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham, Producers
* “The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro
* “Inglourious Basterds” Lawrence Bender, Producer
* “A Serious Man” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Producers
* “Up” Jonas Rivera, Producer
* “Up in the Air” Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman, Producers
Prediction: The Hurt Locker (gotta go with Hurt Locker just because it has been bringing home awards where ever it goes, there's no way Avatar can take it without having anything in either acting or screenplay... know it makes it so Up In The Air wins nothing throughout the night, but I will be damned if anything besides those two win)
Short Film (Animated)
None yet
Sound Editing
* “The Hurt Locker” Paul N.J. Ottosson
* “Inglourious Basterds” Wylie Stateman
* “Star Trek” Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
* “Up” Michael Silvers and Tom Myers
Prediction: ??? (Avatar most likely...)
Sound Mixing
* “The Hurt Locker” Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett
* “Inglourious Basterds” Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti and Mark Ulano
* “Star Trek” Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson and Peter J. Devlin
* “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson
Prediction: ??? (Avatar most likely again...)
Visual Effects
* “District 9” Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken
* “Star Trek” Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton
Prediction: ??? (Okay, if it took him 20 years to make, obviously it will probably win this one... Avatar...)
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
* “District 9” Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
* “In the Loop” Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
* “Up in the Air” Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Prediction: Up In The Air (possibly the only award it will bring home that night... sad)
Writing (Original Screenplay)
* “The Hurt Locker” Written by Mark Boal
* “Inglourious Basterds” Written by Quentin Tarantino
* “A Serious Man” Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
* “Up” Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy
Prediction: The Hurt Locker (I think to solidify its spot as Best Picture is has to win this one)
My Journey Thus Far
Julie & Julia
JULIE & JULIA
Up For: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Meryl Streep)
Julie & Julia inspired me to start this blog.
The film itself was entertaining, but did not strike me as Oscar-worthy. The performances were sub-par, especially from Meryl Streep. I simply have a feeling that the people that grew up with Julia Childs teaching them to cook on the television saw the striking resemblance in Meryl and thus decided she deserved a nomination.
The plot was based on two true stories, which made for an entertaining, back and forth story-telling. Once again, the film rose to the challenge of its bland title and subject matter and I was able to latch onto certain ideas the film delved into, like the process of getting a book published. I have always wanted to be a writer and so as Julia Childs tried to get her cookbook published, I followed along. My passion for writing was then matched by Amy Adams character, as she too was frustrated with her current position in life and wanted more, thus starting a blog and working her way through the entire Julia Childs cookbook.
The acting was solid all the way through. Streep & Adams lived up to their names, while Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina provided nice support for their women (both acting-wise and plot-wise).
Glad I viewed this film at least once, but otherwise do not feel the need for a second viewing. Not really turned onto the book either.
(23 FILMS TO GO)
Paris 36
PARIS 36 (FAUBOURG 36)
Up For: Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
The first thing I told myself was to take the easy way out and simply look up the four individual songs up for nominations (the fifth I had already seen in Crazy Heart) and choose from there without watching the entire films. Instead, I took the leap into the unknown of Paris 36.
Warning to many, the entire film is subtitled, something that does not bother me at all.
The song was good, catchy, and fit the film perfectly, but unsure if it deserves an Oscar. It is hard to pick a song that should win when they come from not only different genres of films but of genres of music.
Oscars aside, Faubourg 36 was a mix between Moulin Rouge and Chicago. The plot involves the restoration of a famous show house, the rising of unionization in France, and a lover's quarrel between the rich and the poor. There is so much that fills this film. So many characters, storylines, and dynamics, it is a wonder how it even made the two hour cut.
Great film. Once again, I went in thinking I would pull my hair out and ended up thoroughly pleased. If you ever want to challenge yourself, rent this film and give it at least one try. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
(24 FILMS TO GO)
The Cove
THE COVE
Up For: Best Documentary, Features
With a tag line like "The Bourne Identity meets Flipper", the Cove was a passing joke between my colleagues and I at work in the video store. That combination makes the documentary sound ridiculous. View the film, however, you will be in awe.
The Cove was phenomenal. Though extremely one sided, the film is a great blend of information about the situation, and action from the filmmaker.
The director, Louie Psihoyos, is present the entire film, taking you to the Japanese location of the debate about dolphin killing.
The knowledge you gain from the telling of the first person stories and the interactions of the Americans with the Japanese are haunting but thought-provoking. I simply did not know that dolphin killing was such a huge deal in those parts.
A nice (and funny... not sure why) cameo from Hayden Panettiere will make this a fun filled documentary as well.
My favorite part of the film, the inclusive and unique adventure the filmmaker takes you on in fighting to see what actually happens in "the cove". The use of high tech equipment to catch and record what the secret dolphin killings is powerful and gut wrenching. The explanation of government involvement is intriguing as well, which caused a lot of after thought once the film was over about all government involvement and cover ups.
Overall, the documentary took me through the full range of emotion, providing for heart racing suspense and heart warming tales.
Not sure this one takes the Oscar, as Food Inc. was much more publicized, but a nice runner-up if anything.
(25 FILMS TO GO)
Coco Before Chanel
COCO BEFORE CHANEL
Up For: Best Achievement in Costume Design
Before committing to the Oscar Challenge, I scanned the list of Feature Films I would have to watch. Several categories looked like they would be torture. Costume Design was one of those categories.
You read a title like Coco Before Chanel and the first thing that came to my mind at least was "torture". I thought to myself "this is going to be a test". The image of pulling my teeth out watching some of these films haunted me.
After viewing Coco Before Chanel... absolutely fantastic.
The story is a tad overused, but the costume design was absolutely amazing. Not only that, but the cinematography and set design were gorgeous as well.
For a film about a famous designer, I expected nothing less than perfection in costume design. I was not let down. The films got stiff competition however. Nine & Young Victoria are surely going to be fore-runners in the taking of the title Best Costume Design.
Oscars aside, great film. I was impressed that a film with such a bland-sounding title kept be engaged throughout the whole piece. The film felt the right amount of historically accurate (I know absolutely nothing about Chanel besides that it involves clothing) and cinematic experience. The visuals are crisp, the story engaging, and the acting is wonderful. (Did not know that Audrey Tautou was also co-star in The Da Vinci Code with Tom Hanks). The male actors are exquisite as well.
Honestly, I would absolutely recommend this film to anyone... please do not get it confused with the Lifetime original Coco Chanel film that is also out starring Brigitte Boucher. I cannot vouch for that one. Maybe it's good, I would not know. Haha.
(26 FILMS TO GO)
Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince
HARRY POTTER & THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE
Up For: Best Achievement in Cinematography
What an odd place for this film to be nominated.
Costume? Maybe.
Visual Effects? Possibly.
Cinematography? ...I really do not know...
The fact of the matter is, you watch this Harry Potter film and in no way would I leave a theater saying this film should be up for Best Cinematography. Most of the cinematography seems more of visual effects than actual hands on cinematography. Same with Avatar in that case. If you are considering the camera movements and style of digitally rendered 3D animation as cinematography, then okay, but then why isn't Up in this category?
Great installment in the Harry Potter franchise. The older Harry gets the more I feel the books match up with the films. They have a darkness to them that the books have, that the early films lacked. The early films had an innocence and child-like feel to them, while the books were dark and foreboding. Not Oscar-worthy however.
Surprised they haven't ever given Harry Potter a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay. The books are fantastic. What do the screenplays lack that the books have? So many questions. Excited to see how they finish off the franchise.
(27 FILMS TO GO)
In The Loop
IN THE LOOP
Up For:
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Never would I have told myself, "Hey, I'm bored, let's watch In The Loop tonight." The cover of the DVD was uninviting, the tagline of "British comedy" turned me off, and I had literally heard nothing about it. But the Oscar Challenge makes you watch films you never thought you would see.
My verdict after viewing? Great film. Several occurrences provided for its success in my eyes. First, the reemergence of Anna Chlumsky from her days as the main character in My Girl. She is a) grown-up a lot and gorgeous, b) still able to act. Next, James Gandolfini was dead on. His tough guy persona in the film, mixed with comical dialogue was brilliant and really shows his range of acting (from Sopranos to a British comedy). Tom Hollander played his dumb-guy part perfectly. Peter Capaldi is spot on with his vulgar insensitivity towards everyone. And Chris Addison makes a great film debut.
In The Loop was a great surprise. I do not see it taking home the Oscar, however, but does not take away from its brilliant and dynamic screenplay.
If you enjoy the Office (either the BBC or USA version), then I suggest this film to you.
(28 FILMS TO GO)
Coraline
CORALINE
Up For:
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Wholeheartedly did not enjoy the viewing of this film. Personal preference for stop motion animation, the story was nothing spectacular. Not sure if there was a lack of Animated Features this year, but Coraline was far from anything enjoyable.
The film "9" (though I have not viewed it yet) seems like it had more potential than this film.
The story is dry. Plain and simple, it has been done before. Sure, never in a separate universe where the "other" mother has buttons for eyes, but watch Home Alone and you will understand the jest of this film.
Even the stop motion wasn't the greatest. Sure, the graphics are getting better and I had to ask myself whether this was digitally done or good-old fashion stop motion claymation.
Overall, never been a big fan of the sub-genre of movies that Tim Burton helped to create and which Coraline carries on from.
No chances at Best Animated Feature. Coraline doesn't hold up against Up.
(29 FILMS TO GO)
Crazy Heart
CRAZY HEART
Up For:
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
Where in God's name is the Best Picture nomination?
Crazy Heart was absolutely amazing. By far the best film viewed throughout this journey (Sorry Up In The Air, Thank you Marcus Theaters for finally getting something good at your theaters).
Jeff Bridges will take this award hands down. The guy was bred for success. Winning an Oscar in 1971 for Last Picture Show, to being a legend from the Coen Brothers' Big Lebowski, to Crazy Heart (which has its moments of Big Lebowski nostalgia). Singing his own songs, wearing his emotion on his sleeve, Bridges has engraved himself as one of my favorite actors of all time.
Maggie Gyllenhaal was stunning as well. Name any movie Maggie has been in before this film, I would most likely say I did not enjoy her (she was fine in The Dark Knight, but when you're replacing Katie Holmes, anyone looks good in that part). Maggie finally found the part for her. She was made for this part and for that I enjoyed it. Do not see the Oscar in her future, however. (Anna Kendrick still blew her away).
Best Original song... more like Best Original songS! My friends and I left the theater after seeing the film asking each other which song was up for the award because all of them were great. "The Weary Kind" is up for the award and rightfully so (oddly enough, written by Ryan Bingham, the character from Up In The Air... coincidence?). The "Falling Seems Like Flying" song was a personal favorite of mine. Even if you do not see this film, at least give the record (or CD) a try. In the essence of Walk The Line if you will.
Colin Farrell? This film made me enjoy two actors that I normally would not enjoy. Add Robert Duvall (loved him in The Road this year as well), and you have another great film.
As a musician myself, this film meant a lot more to me. It is uplifting yet rooted to the ground and down to earth. I will own this film.
Seriously though, no Best Picture, no Best Adapted Screenplay, not even Best Director? Very confusing this year, Oscars... very confusing. Would have put this in the running for Best Picture if it were there... guess you need to make room for Blind Side & District 9??? Whatever.
(30 FILMS TO GO)
A Serious Man
A SERIOUS MAN
Up For:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Honestly, what would the Academy Awards be without a Coen Brothers film these days? A staple in the Awards for almost 2 decades, not seeing them at the Oscars for at least one award would be a rare occurrence. Winning the big awards (Best Picture, Screenplay, and Directing) in 2007, they make a return this year with Best Picture & Screenplay.
Best Picture, no way. With no offense what-so-ever to the Coen Brothers, this was not a Best Picture. It definitely deserved the nomination, because out of the year, this was the one film that felt like an Oscar-nominated film.
The screenplay, however, was fantastic. Deeply rooted in the Jewish culture, it created an entire world (set, dialogue, atmosphere) that was Yiddish through and through. Not just anyone could produce such a screenplay, and, if by some miracle, Serious Man wins the Best Screenplay, I will approve.
The performance from lead star Michael Stuhlbarg was great. Though the film had a Ben Stiller-esc feel where everything bad is happening to the main character, I somehow was less annoyed than I am in a "Stiller" (Meet The Fockers, nothing ever goes right for Stiller in that film and it ends up being painful). Stuhlbarg's reactions and timing make for a decent flick.
Overall, Coen Brothers definitely have an aura about them. Take away their name from the cover of the Blu Ray case, with no knowledge that it was them, and I would have walked away from the film, wondering whether the Coen Brothers were at it again. They have created a type of film all their own (like Tarantino, he more or less revolutionized an existing film-type, but you know when you've just watched a Tarantino film).
(31 FILMS TO GO)
Up In The Air
UP IN THE AIR
Up For:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Two Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Achievement in Directing
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Made my first set-back in the Oscar challenge... I enjoyed Up In The Air so much, I went to it twice (oops). Instead of working my way through the 33 films left, I had to see Up In The Air again.
Absolutely phenomenal film. Not only did I come to the realization that I knew nothing about this film going in (expect that it was nominated and George Clooney was in it), but I realized how great a film can get.
Upon the first viewing, George Clooney becomes my number one contender for winning the Best Actor Oscar. His fast and smooth persona is role model-esc. You want to be Ryan Bingham by the end of the film (but not really, haha). Every actor and actress brings their A-Game to the film. Two nominations in the supporting actress category is enough to tell you. Every one that was in this film was pretty much nominated for an Oscar.
Anna Kendrick, hands down, should bring home the Oscar. It is what she needs and deserves. (It may make her think twice about being in films, if I can call them films, like Twilight). Sure, Vera Farmiga was absolutely stunning in her part (love her from Running Scared, but boy has she aged), she was nothing in comparison to Anna Kendrick and I think even Vera thinks Anna should get the Oscar.
With Juno and Thank You for Smoking under his belt, Jason Reitman. Though I am skeptical whether he will take home the statue (with Kathryn Bigelow as my pick thus far for Hurt Locker), if he wins the award, I will be completely content.
All of these nominations of like skyscrapers in a city, and to make a great film, you need to fill in the spots that are not filled with skyscrapers with buildings that are substantial. Danny McBride, Zach Galifianakis, J.K. Simmons, Jason Bateman, and Melanie Lynskey are the parts that make this film the greatest city it could possibly be.
The style of this film is fantastic, which makes for easy multiple viewings. Quit cuts, intriguing plot, and depth to the characters and story, makes this film a favorite instantly.
My favorite parts included the initial meeting between George Clooney and Anna Kendrick, bringing out the best of both characters in an argument and the exchange between Clooney, Kendrick, and J.K. Simmons.
Overall, this film takes an original story of an occupation that people know little about and develops something at a grand and emotional way.
If you were going to watch only one film this year from the Academy Awards nominees, see this film. One of the best dramas to date.
(32 FILMS TO GO)
The Challenge Begins
Thus far, the films that have been weighed in on were films that I went to in the theater, not knowing that I would eventually challenge my self to see all the Oscar nominated films. Not a bad start, but leaving 33 films to see.
As a film student for three years, I would watch the Academy Awards every year and never know half the films nominated. I would see them later (Michael Clayton & No Country For Old Men come to mind as two I saw after the awards) and I wished I would have viewed them before.
Looking at the list remaining, I was worried I would not find half of them or go broke seeing them for 8 bucks a pop in the theater. Imaginarium and Nine disappeared from theaters just as soon as they appeared (at least around the Minnesota/North Dakota area). Marcus Theaters brought some of the films back (Precious, Blind Side, Crazy Heart, & Lovely Bones). Fargo Theatre got Up In The Air, Young Victoria, and now A Single Man.
A good chunk of the films were released on DVD already, so those would be the easiest to view, since I work at a video store after all.
Online streams of the remaining films and wishful thinking would have to cover the rest of the films on the list.
I thought it would be easiest to break them up into sections and take them out that way.
DVD/Blu Ray
Coraline
A Serious Man
(the only short I have access to): Wallace & Gromitt: A Matter of Loaf and Death
Bright Star
Food Inc.
Julie & Julia
Paris 36
The Cove
Coco Before Chanel
In The Loop
Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince
Theaters
Crazy Heart (West Acres)
A Single Man (Fargo Theatre)
Up In The Air (Fargo Theatre)
Avatar (Century)
Blind Side (West Acres)
Lovely Bones (West Acres)
Precious (Century)
Princess & Frog (Safari)
Secret of Kells (@ Fargo Film Festival - Wednesday March 3rd)
Not on DVD/Blu Ray -or- in Theaters
Burma VJ
An Education
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Il Divo
Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
Invictus
Last Station
Messenger
Most Dangerous Man in America
Nine
Which Way Home
White Ribbon
Young Victoria
(33 FILMS TO GO)
The Hurt Locker
THE HURT LOCKER
Up For:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Best Achievement in Directing
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
In the lead for nominations, (along with Avatar... blah), Hurt Locker is the most underrated film of the year.
When in the theater, I heard absolutely nothing about the film. One older couple that came into the video store told me they walked out of the film because it was so horrible. Not such a great review to hear from the film's first weeks.
Not even sure what it was, who was in it, or what I would get from viewing it (this was before I started working my way through the nominees), I was hugely surprised by the outcome. The film is overall well done. Those nine nominations were not easily give. Hurt Locker worked its ass off for those noms.
With 33 films to watch (6 to watch in the Best Picture category at the time of viewing Hurt Locker), I believe that this is the closest film I have seen to take the Best Picture category.
Kathryn Bigelow could easily take home the Best Director Oscar, and I really hope she does (and not just because she is James Cameron's ex-wife... take that Cameron, haha). Not only a great image of a woman director winning the highest honor of directors, but because she ultimately deserves it.
Hurt Locker mixes powerful situations with deep, complex emotion and makes you work through this film with the characters. Ever disarmed a bomb in real life? You will feel like you are the one disarming the bombs in this one. The handling of the situations in the film is very original. It felt less like a war film and more like six or seven different segments of how to disarm a bomb, but in a cinematic way and not an instruction video way.
Jeremy Renner was great. (After viewing this film, without seeing several big contenders, Jeremy Renner had his Oscar in the bag). He had such a character to play with and it came out great in the end. You are gunning for him to succeed in moments of stress, and want to slap him for his arrogance in other scenes, which supplies a broad spectrum that you expect from an Oscar-worthy performance.
Hurt Locker is going to be in my top two for winning the Best Picture category, even after being through most of the Best Pic noms. If I had my choice, it would win.
Oscars aside, this film went up with Moon and The Road as films that will stand the test of time coming out of 2009. If Hurt Locker would not have been nominated for anything, I would find that odd, and would have been less likely to embark on the Oscar journey that came from viewing it.
(33 FILMS TO GO)
Sherlock Holmes
SHERLOCK HOLMES
Up For:
Best Achievement in Art Direction
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Do not let Sherlock Holmes' lack of nominations steer you away from viewing this film, it was absolutely wonderful. Of course Robert Downey Jr. was fantastic (having not missed a beat since Iron Man). The film definitely deserves the two nominations it received. Positive that it will not take home either of them, but not for a lack of trying. Art Direction is absolutely stunning in the film. Not easy to make a film that takes place in the late nineteenth century.
Jude Law, Mark Strong, & Rachel McAdams were fabulous in their parts. This film also sets you up for a sequel and again (like Star Trek) I am completely on board with whatever comes next.
Other than that, nothing I can say that I haven't already (will post my original review soon).
(34 FILMS TO GO)
Inglourious Basterds
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
Up For:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Achievement in Directing
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Nothing like eight Oscar nominations to tell you how great this film is. Quentin Tarantino has finally produced something Oscar-worthy and I could not be prouder.
Once again, any and every award that this film takes home, it deserves. From the editing, to the sound, to the cinematography, all were done exceptionally well.
Tarantino writing and directing this piece shows you how diverse his talents lie. Sure, Kill Bill 1 & 2 & the Grindhouse films were original and done well, but neither compare to the masterful film he has produced this time around.
The star arising from these nominations should be Christoph Waltz. By the end of the film, you hate him with your entire body. You love to hate him, and without having viewed any of the other nominees, I feel comfortable in saying he deserves this award, not mention all the awards he has already won for this part.
Not sure this film will bring home the Best Picture, with contenders like Hurt Locker, Up In The Air, & Up (...and Avatar I suppose). You never know however, and if it brings home any number of awards, that can usually solidify a spot as Best Picture of the Year.
Brad Pitt is the glue that holds this whole film together. The star power that brought people to a sub-titled filled, long segmented film. Pitt was the most hilarious I have ever experienced him (Burn After Reading just did not do it for me with Pitt). Without Pitt, I feel this film would have fallen off into obscurity. Another notable cast member was director turned actor, Eli Roth, who performed beautifully. I would love to see him in more films.
Top off the cast with German vixen Diane Kruger (Wicker Park is my second all time favorite film) and French vixen Mélanie Laurent, and it is hard to deny this film anything that is coming to it. This film finally has me excited to see what Tarantino has in him next.
(35 FILMS TO GO)
District 9
DISTRICT 9
Up For:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Hype... Hype can ruin a movie. Trailers for this film made me somewhat want to view this film before it hit theaters. The hype after the film hit theaters was phenomenal. A "must' see film. Having waited to see this film on Blu Ray, did not live up to the hype.
Sure, the plot was original, and from Peter Jackson, you should expect greatness. The Oscar nominations that it received were somewhat of a surprise to me. To see it up for anything, let alone Best Picture of the Year? No way.
If any nominations were to be had, it should have been best directing. This was Neill Blomkamp first time directing. Let me repeat that: FIRST TIME DIRECTING! How must you feel when the first major film you direct is up for Best Picture? Now what does this guy have to do? (start writing the next Avatar and produce it 20 years from now, I guess).
I never know how to judge the technical aspects. My gut reaction tells me Avatar takes home anything technical. Avatar aside, I still believe Star Trek trumps District 9 in visual effects. Best Adapted Screenplay, really don't think so, especially with all the "hype" surrounding Up In The Air.
Oscars aside, watch this film and try to tell me from what you see it was anyone's first time directing or acting. The main character, played by Sharlto Copley, can now add District 9 to the second thing he has ever been in... First major film if you ask me, however. Hollywood is getting frickin' crazy when they can pump out a film like this from first time people. Makes you wonder what these guys were doing with their lives before this. Congratulations are at least in order for these two men.
Take Cloverfield, mash in some Star Trek and Men In Black, and out comes District 9. Not bad by any means, but not all it was made out to be.
(36 FILMS TO GO)
Up
UP
Up For:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
First things first, Up deserves every award it wins this year. Up was by far the best Disney-Pixar film I have seen to date. Combine everything that is great in life (grumpy old men, chubby asian kids, and talking dogs) and you will have the film Up.
Not sure how many animated films can say they were up for Best Motion Picture & Best Animated Feature in the same night. Add on all the technical aspects, and it makes Up even more extraordinary.
Up is an all together great film. If Up were to win the Best Original Screenplay, that would be fine by me. There is nothing that the Up screenplay does not have. Humor, Sadness, Adventure, Evil, Caring. Every range of emotion you could possibly imagine is buried into this film.
The score was great. Hands down, great. I saw this film in theaters and loved the music. I watched it at home several times on Blu Ray, still loved it. And getting to listen to the score while at the video store when you cannot always watch the screen makes for a totally unique experience with this film. Listen to this score and tell me that you don't end up humming one of the tunes by the end of the day.
Not sure what kind of nods Up will get at the Oscars, but any would be absolutely fine by me. Up made my Top 5 favorite movies of all time list. The second film to do that this year. Have yet to hear from one person that did not enjoy this film.
(37 FILMS TO GO)
Star Trek
STAR TREK
Up For:
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Ask me back when I first saw this on Blu Ray if I thought this would get any Oscar nods, let alone three, I would have simply said "no way". Not saying the film wasn't great, because it was by far the best Star Trek experience I have ever had (mainly the first Star Trek experience I have ever had).
In any case, do I think it will take home any of the Oscars. To that all I can say is....
Avatar
Avatar
Avatar
I really do not feel that anything will compare to Avatar (still haven't viewed it however). But that is Avatar shtick. You come out feeling you have been some visually and audible stimulating journey... What it all comes down to... I didn't hear of any audience member dying from over stimulation in Star Trek. Avatar the contrary.
Oscars aside, Star Trek was wonderful. For a cast of "nobodies" (I say "nobodies" because they had no old star power to carry them), they really held their own. Chris Pine was fantastically hilarious, going from funny guy to serious captain so gracefully. Zachary Quinto acted awkwardly beautiful in his part of Spock, a part it seems he was born to play (no offense Lenard Nemoy). Never been an Eric Bana fan, who played the villain who could have been casted a little better in my opinion.
All in all, the film made me wish for a sequel, which is rare from me these days. Felt like it was building up for the next one and that would be fine by me. Had Avatar not been a global phenomena, I would peg Star Trek for at least Best Visual Effects.
(38 FILMS TO GO)
Transformers 2 - Revenge Of The Fallen
TRANSFORMERS 2 - REVENGE OF THE FALLEN
Up for: Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
As a personal favorite film of mine from 2009-2010, seeing Transformers make at least one nomination makes me very enthused.
Sad to say, however, anything going up against Avatar in the technical categories (without actually having viewed Avatar at this time) does not bode well for contenders.
Would absolutely love to tack Academy Award winning film to Transformers, but simply do not see that happening up against Hurt Locker & Inglourious Basterds as well as Avatar.
On all other aspects of Transformers 2, I have viewed it three times in the theater, once on Blu Ray, and too many times to count at the video store on the over-heads. I absolutely adore this film and will cheer for Team Michael Bay if ever comes a James Cameron Vs. Michael Bay battle.
What upsets me most? Praising Transformers, but getting bashed by friends and colleagues for the very same aspects that Avatar is praised for. Beauty, action, heart. Just because you never played with the action figures when you were young does not mean you cannot enjoy the films now. Shia LeBeouf is going places if you don't already think so (ala Wall Street 2), just you wait. Megan Fox? Give her all the grief in the world for being in films for her looks, but let me list off hundreds of other female actresses that are only in films for the same thing, starting with Marilyn Monroe as the first.
Overall, Transformers made my Top 5 favorite films of all time. I will now allow this time for snide remarks.
(39 films to go)
40 films to view
Here is a much simpler version of the films that are to be watched:
Burma VJ
Coraline
Crazy Heart
An Education
Fantastic Mr. Fox
A Serious Man
A Single Man
Up
Up In The Air
Il Divo
Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
Invictus
Last Station
Messenger
Most Dangerous Man in America
Nine
Secret of Kells
Which Way Home
White Ribbon
Young Victoria
Avatar
Blind Side
Lovely Bones
Precious
Princess & Frog
Bright Star
Food Inc.
Julie & Julia
Paris 36
The Cove
Coco Before Chanel
In The Loop
Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Sherlock Holmes
Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince
District 9
Star Trek
Transformers 2 - Revenge Of The Fallen
(the only short I have access to): Wallace & Gromitt: A Matter of Loaf and Death
Hopefully I did not miss any, but this list totals to 40 films. Wish me luck :)
The Oscar Challenge
Every year, another Academy Awards night goes by. Most years I watch the ceremony, cheering on the film, actor, or director I think should get the award. Most years, however, I hardly know who to cheer for or limit myself to who I can cheer for by not seeing most of the films nominated that year. Sadly, throughout the year I am watching more none Oscar-worthy films than the contrary.
This year, I decided to make a change. 82 ceremonies later, I have vowed to see all the feature length films (short films & foreign films excluded, due to lack of availability). This would have been an easy feat had I seen most of them throughout the year. Having seen hardly any of them, here is the list of nominees:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Nominees:
Avatar (2009): James Cameron, Jon Landau
District 9 (2009): Peter Jackson, Carolynne Cunningham
An Education (2009): Finola Dwyer, Amanda Posey
Inglourious Basterds (2009): Lawrence Bender
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009): Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness
A Serious Man (2009): Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Up (2009): Jonas Rivera
Up in the Air (2009/I): Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Nominees:
Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart (2009)
George Clooney for Up in the Air (2009/I)
Colin Firth for A Single Man (2009)
Morgan Freeman for Invictus (2009)
Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker (2008)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Nominees:
Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side (2009)
Helen Mirren for The Last Station (2009)
Carey Mulligan for An Education (2009)
Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia (2009)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Nominees:
Matt Damon for Invictus (2009)
Woody Harrelson for The Messenger (2009/I)
Christopher Plummer for The Last Station (2009)
Stanley Tucci for The Lovely Bones (2009)
Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Nominees:
Penélope Cruz for Nine (2009)
Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air (2009/I)
Maggie Gyllenhaal for Crazy Heart (2009)
Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air (2009/I)
Best Achievement in Directing
Nominees:
Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker (2008)
James Cameron for Avatar (2009)
Jason Reitman for Up in the Air (2009/I)
Quentin Tarantino for Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Nominees:
The Hurt Locker (2008): Mark Boal
The Messenger (2009/I): Alessandro Camon, Oren Moverman
A Serious Man (2009): Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Up (2009): Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Thomas McCarthy
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Nominees:
District 9 (2009): Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell
An Education (2009): Nick Hornby
Up in the Air (2009/I): Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Achievement in Editing
Nominees:
Avatar (2009): Stephen E. Rivkin, John Refoua, James Cameron
District 9 (2009): Julian Clarke
The Hurt Locker (2008): Bob Murawski, Chris Innis
Inglourious Basterds (2009): Sally Menke
Best Achievement in Art Direction
Nominees:
Avatar (2009): Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg, Kim Sinclair
Nine (2009): John Myhre, Gordon Sim
Sherlock Holmes (2009): Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer
Best Achievement in Costume Design
Nominees:
Bright Star (2009): Janet Patterson
Coco avant Chanel (2009): Catherine Leterrier
Nine (2009): Colleen Atwood
The Young Victoria (2009): Sandy Powell
Best Achievement in Makeup
Nominees:
Il divo (2008): Aldo Signoretti, Vittorio Sodano
Star Trek (2009): Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, Joel Harlow
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Nominees:
Avatar (2009): James Horner
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Alexandre Desplat
The Hurt Locker (2008): Marco Beltrami, Buck Sanders
Sherlock Holmes (2009): Hans Zimmer
Up (2009): Michael Giacchino
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
Nominees:
Crazy Heart (2009): T-Bone Burnett, Ryan Bingham("The Weary Kind")
Faubourg 36 (2008): Reinhardt Wagner, Frank Thomas("Loin de Paname")
Nine (2009): Maury Yeston("Take It All")
The Princess and the Frog (2009): Randy Newman("Almost There")
The Princess and the Frog (2009): Randy Newman("Down in New Orleans")
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Nominees:
Avatar (2009): Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson, Tony Johnson
The Hurt Locker (2008): Paul N.J. Ottosson, Ray Beckett
Star Trek (2009): Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson, Peter J. Devlin
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Nominees:
The Hurt Locker (2008): Paul N.J. Ottosson
Inglourious Basterds (2009): Wylie Stateman
Star Trek (2009): Mark P. Stoeckinger, Alan Rankin
Up (2009): Michael Silvers, Tom Myers
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Nominees:
Avatar (2009): Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, Andy Jones
District 9 (2009): Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros, Matt Aitken
Star Trek (2009): Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh, Burt Dalton
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Nominees:
Coraline (2009): Henry Selick
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Wes Anderson
The Secret of Kells (2009): Tomm Moore
Up (2009): Pete Docter
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
Nominees:
Ajami (2009)(Israel)
Das weisse Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte (2009)(Germany)
El secreto de sus ojos (2009)(Argentina)
Un prophète (2009)(France)
La teta asustada (2009)(Peru)
Best Documentary, Features
Nominees:
The Cove (2009): Louie Psihoyos, Fisher Stevens
Food, Inc. (2008): Robert Kenner, Elise Pearlstein
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (2009): Judith Ehrlich, Rick Goldsmith
Which Way Home (2009): Rebecca Cammisa
Best Documentary, Short Subjects
Nominees:
The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant (2009) (TV): Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert
Królik po berlinsku (2009): Bartosz Konopka, Anna Wydra
Best Short Film, Animated
Best Short Film, Live Action
Nominees:
The Door (2008): Juanita Wilson, James Flynn
Kavi (2009): Gregg Helvey
Miracle Fish (2009): Luke Doolan, Drew Bailey
The New Tenants (2009): Joachim Back, Tivi Magnusson
Though I have already started the challenge since the nominees were announced a few weeks ago, I would like continue on and blog about each individual film and my exploration throughout these films. By the end, I hope to accomplish finally being able to select a winner out of all the categories after having seen the films.
I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I do, and I challenge you to watch as many of these films as you can.
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