Best Picture Nominations

The Oscar nominations are finally here! Part one of my first Christmas of the year. With only nine nominees for best picture this year instead of ten, Drive is the obvious snub. In fact, it was only nominated for one award: original sound editing.

Nominee 1:
War Horse
The story of a boy and his horse and their journey through WWI. Steven Spielberg and John Williams team up again to create an enjoyable movie. The acting was good. Surprising performance from a new young Jeremy Irvine. The story was fun to follow, but left something to be desired. More connection to the actors was needed. Instead we were attached to the horse and not the people. Worthy of the nomination? Yes, but nowhere near a winning slot.

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/war-horse.html

Nominee 2:
The Tree of Life
Not really a story at all. Basically just following a boy growing up in an odd family situation. The acting was incredible and the cinematography was great. I think it is too obscure to win best picture, but bigger surprises have happened.

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2011/06/tree-of-life.html

Nominee 3:
Moneyball
A baseball team with no money and a manager willing to try anything hires an analyst, Jonah Hill's character, to utilize the amount of money they have and create the best team possible. Turns out to not be about baseball very much at all. It becomes the journey of Brad Pitt's character, fighting for what he believes in, and becoming a better family man. Notable performance: Jonah Hill. Absolutely incredible!

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2011/10/moneyball.html

Nominee 4:
Midnight In Paris
Jumping through different time periods in Paris, this Woody Allen flick is whimsical and fun to watch. It starts a little slow, but picks up very quickly. Owen Wilson plays his stereotypical role as the charming guy who is trying to figure himself out. The acting overall was decent, but not noteworthy. The story, thanks to Allen, was fantastic!

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/midnight-in-paris.html

Nominee 5:
Hugo
Following an orphan, Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield, "Nanny McPhee Returns") we are propelled into a world of mystery and adventure. The 3D definitely adds to the movie and makes this an event not to be missed in theaters. Simply the best 3D usage see to date. Much better than "Avatar," the technology really immerses you in the story world. The acting is good for the two main characters being children, Ben Kingsley, as George Méliès is outstanding as he always is. And the directing is something to be admired. Martin Scorsese tells the story in ways only he can.

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/hugo.html

Nominee 6:
The Help
An endearing story of a college educated white aspiring writer who decides to write a book from the perspective of the "help." Surprisingly entertaining at parts and both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time I'm glad to see this movie get recognized even though it takes us through a terrible time in our country's history. Notable performance: Octavia Spencer. She easily has the win for supporting actress in the bag without question.

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/help.html

Nominee 7:
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Following a nine-year-old boy whose father died in the World Trade Centers on 9/11 who is trying to find the lock that a key his father left him belongs to. This should have been a powerful movie, but 9/11 overshadowed it. I cannot believe that this was nominated and Drive was not. That is ridiculous. The acting was good from Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks, but the kid was unbearable to listen to. His voice was just irritating. Notable performance: Max von Sydow and "The Renter." It was a good performance, but it came during Christopher Plummer's year for his role in Beginners.

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/extremely-loud-and-incredibly-close.html

Nominee 8:
The Descendants
A story of an estranged father trying to reconnect with his two daughters. George Clooney's performance is being hailed as spectacular, but frankly it's not. His performance is bland and repetitive. One of the same characters he plays in every movie he's ever done. It's a good performance, possibly worth of the nomination, but I don't think his performance was "spectacular." However I think Shaliene Woodley should have been nominated. Her performance was outstanding. Not surprisingly, Alexander Payne was nominated for best director and he is deserving of it, but won't win.

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/descendants.html

Nominee 9:
The Artist
It's Hollywood in 1927 and silent movie stars are all the rage. But talking pictures start to take over and the silent stars are in trouble if they can't make the transition. George Valentin is the stubborn and proud silent movie star who refuses to make the transition. Hands down the best picture of the year. Absolutely incredible! I can't say enough good things about this movie. The acting: Jean Dujardin as George Valentin, Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller, and all of the outstanding supporting cast. Unfortunately, Bejo's performance is going up against Octavia Spencer in the supporting actress category. Any other year and Bejo would have the award already in hand. Jean Dujardin however will blow George Clooney out of the water. The best performance of the year with no exception. And the directing is beautiful. Very well done and fun to watch. Michael Hazanavicius will win this award as well. And the score. Obviously a silent picture needs a beautiful score and The Artist has it. The music added a lot to the movie and made it that much more fun to watch.

http://etanreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/artist.html

Honorable Mention:
Drive
A Hollywood stunt driver who moonlights as a contract driver learns that a hit has been placed on him after a job gone wrong. Not for a long time has a character said so little, but been so captivating and powerful on the screen like the Driver, played by Ryan Gosling. His performance was nuanced and one of best of his career. I am astounded that he is not being recognized for this performance. Carey Mulligan as Irene was powerful and a great counterpart to the Driver. The score was perfect for the movie. Perhaps not enough music to be nominated, but it fit like a missing puzzle piece in the film. And the directing and cinematography are the other two notable things of Drive. They were amazing! Perhaps it wasn't worthy of best picture, but I just can't get over the fact that this great movie only received one nomination for sound editing.

No matter what, the 85th Academy Awards will be fun to watch and attempt to predict. The chance for surprises is limited due to the strong performances and movies this year, but anything is possible. Now we just have to wait until February 26th to find out who wins, so get out and see as many as you can before then and decide for yourself who should win and who should lose.

Oscar Predictions

Oscar season. One of my favorite times of the year. Often referred to as my second Christmas, it brings together some of the best movie making of the past year and reminds us why we go to the movies. It also brings with it controversy on the nominations. Who is deserving? Who got snubbed? Who simply should not have been nominated at all? The 8 major awards are what everybody talks about: Best picture, director, screenplay, adapted screenplay, actor, actress, supporting actor, and supporting actress. And they are the ones people want to hear about.

Beginning in the traditional way of the Academy Awards, best supporting actor is up first.
Will win: Christopher Plummer
Should win: Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer's performance in "Beginners" is outstanding! Playing a man who learns he has terminal cancer who also comes out as a gay man he brought heart and nuance to a great story. He absolutely deserves this nomination and the win as well. His other major competition this year is Jonah Hill for his performance in "Moneyball". Any other year this award would have gone to Jonah Hill.


Next up is another great category: Best supporting actress.
Will win: Octavia Spencer
Should win: Octavia Spencer

This year in this category, I wish everyone could win. Every performance in this category is worthy of the win, which makes it tough to pick just one. That would be the case if Octavia Spencer weren't in this category. Her performance as Minny Jackson is overwhelming and near-perfection. Bringing attitude, energy, and heart to life she embodies her character and all we see is Minny Jackson on screen. Just incredible.


Best Screenplay:
Will win: The Artist
Should win: The Artist


A throwback similar to 2005s "Good Night, and Good Luck," this silent film has taken the awards season by storm and it deserves everything. The screenplay was amazing! A beautiful story, expertly crafted and wonderfully acted. There is not much more to say about this except that no other screenplay this year comes even close to the wonder created by this script!


Best Adapted Screenplay:
Will win: Hugo
Should win: Hugo


Easily the best adapted story of the year. The way it captivates and enthralls the viewer is incredible. Characters who are relatable make movies better, and that all starts with the screenplay. If you're a dreamer and enjoy stories about following your dreams and taking the punches life throws your way, you'll love this movie and screenplay!


Best Director:
Will win: Michel Hazanavicius
Should win: Michel Hazanavicius

Again, "The Artist" simply cannot be matched by any other movie. The only movie that could come close in this category is "Hugo" and Martin Scorsese. But I don't see how the Academy could possibly not give this award to Hazanavicius. It is almost unbelievable to watch this movie unfold and the way it is all put together is outstanding! I can't say anything bad about "The Artist" and hope it wins many of the awards. 


Best Actress:
Will win: Meryl Streep

Should win: Viola Davis

 

To be honest I'm not sure I even agree with my own picks on this one. I've only seen two of the performances, but have heard enough about the other to hopefully have picked correctly. A category that splits the will/should win picks, the performances are too diverse to pick the right one. Hearing everything I have about "The Iron Lady" and Meryl Streep is the obvious choice, but seeing "The Help" makes me think the best choice is Viola Davis. Both stellar performances from two unforgettable actresses. So honestly it will be a toss up between these two for who will win. Meryl is the more obvious choice due to her 17 nominations, but Viola Davis' performance is exceptional.


Best Actor:
Will win: Jean Dujardin
Should win: Jean Dujardin

Absolutely undeniably the best acting of the year. The other performances are good, but pale in comparison to Jean Dujardin in "The Artist." George Clooney playing one of his two stock characters, Gary Oldman in a slow-moving and convoluted story, Brad Pitt in a sports movie about more than just baseball, and Demián Bichir in a decent story of redemption make Dujardin the obvious frontrunner. In a time where acting is based on vocal performance more than actual acting ability "The Artist" takes the acting standard and flips it on its head. It brings us back to a simpler time of movie watching.


And finally Best Picture:
Will win: The Artist
Should win: The Artist


In a time of movies full of language, sound, color, and special effects, "The Artist" brings Hollywood back to its humble beginnings. Jumping back in time to 1927 there are simply not enough words to describe how incredible this movie is. Worth multiple viewings, which I'm sure get better every time. It is a standalone picture and the best one of the year. Being a silent movie it stands apart from all other movies in recent memory. Had this movie come out in any of the past 10 years, I think without question, it would win best picture in all of them. Possibly could be the best movie of this new decade. The best made, best acted, and best written. If this doesn't win, something is seriously wrong with the Academy.


Award for the biggest snub of the night is "Drive." This movie has been under wraps since it was first in theaters. The Academy didn't recognize it the way it should have. Hands down the best cinematography of the year. Just beautiful. And the character of the Driver, was played masterfully by Ryan Gosling. Due to its' major indie status, "Drive" would never be considered for Best Picture, but that doesn't mean it didn't deserve some recognition.


Either way the winner of the night will be "The Artist" without a doubt.

If you haven't already seen it, get out and see it as soon as you can because you will not be disappointed!!

Crash

Best Picture winner in 2005, "Crash" is an incredible experience. It's not just a movie, but one of the most accurate accounts of social commentary today. Some of my favorite stories are of colliding lives and interweaving relationships and stories. Mainly because they seem more real. You don't only interact with a handful of people, you run into different people everyday, whether they are friends or strangers doesn't matter. What matters are the connections between you and them.

Following four or five different plot lines occurring in Los Angeles, "Crash" makes you think about how you live your life and how your reactions, decisions, and even body language, affect the people around you. Among many other themes, the stories revolve around racism, loss, and redemption.

The screenplay itself is one of the best of the 2000s. The oftentimes simple, yet surprising ways that characters come into contact are great. And the emotional impact of these differing situations, while many times complicated, are some of the most difficult scenes to watch. I found myself very involved and connected with some of the characters, a few I didn't think I'd share a connection with. But that's the beauty of a great script.

The acting all around is some of the best in recent years. Every actor/actress brings a powerful performance. The changes they all go through is the best part of this movie and the most touching thing to watch. It's just an incredible experience that if you haven't seen it, you should as soon as you can!

8.5/10

Singin' In The Rain

In light of "The Artist" most likely sweeping the Academy Awards this year, let's go back to 1952 with a similar story: "Singin' In The Rain." An early form of meta-filmmaking "Singin' In the Rain" takes us on the journey from silent films to movies with sound. It follows a Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), a silent movie star and his "sidekick" Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor) through the tough transition silent movie stars and makers had to endure in the 20s and 30s.

The acting is just fun to watch. Watching Gene Kelly is always a pleasure. His dancing is as good as ever and Donald O'Connor is a perfect counterpart on the screen. Making a great impression with his song "Make 'Em Laugh," one of the best and most entertaining dance sequences in all of Hollywood films. Of course the title song provides the iconic moment of Kelly, literally singing in the rain hanging on a light post.

Kathy Selden played splendidly by Debbie Reynolds is Don's love interest and she is a great singer and dancer. How these three actors came together on this movie is perfection!

This is one of my favorite stories to see unfold every time. I'm never bored find myself humming along to the songs and getting them stuck in my head. Like "Citizen Kane" it is a semi-historical film and shows how movie making was forever changed by the invention of talking pictures. The story would be much less entertaining if it weren't for all of the dancing throughout. Gene Kelly, one of the great dancers of all time, choreographed many of the dances and all three of the actors did all of their own dancing.

The best scene in the movie occurs at a late night brainstorming session when the characters realize that it is no longer a late night, but rather an early morning. Cue "Good Morning." Putting everything they have into every dance scene really pays of and makes this a classic.

Simply put, this is the best movie musical ever made.

10/10

Citizen Kane

Friends of mine always ask what movies they should see or ask me to make them a list of movies they absolutely should see and every time I say I'll give a list, but it's tough trying to tailor a new list for everyone. So these posts will work as a list and more reviews!

A great place to begin is atop the American Film Institute's Top 100 movies of all time. "Citizen Kane" is a cinematic masterpiece...for its time. Orson Welles did a lot of incredible things with the technology available to him. Many techniques were pioneered by Welles and used in this movie. That is why it's atop this list.

A publishing tycoon, Charles Foster Kane, is dead and news reporters struggle and scramble to understand his final word: "Rosebud." This story is loosely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst. The acting throughout is outstanding! Of course when you are the lead actor and the director you know exactly what you want the movie to look like and how characters should respond to certain situations.

If you are at all interested in cinema history this is a must-see. Orson Welles uses camera angles and simple things like depth in staging to bring us into the world of Charles Kane. Even for people who are not cinephiles, this movie is entertaining and fun to watch. But everyone can learn something from seeing it. Television shows oftentimes reference this movie and reward viewers who know movies with film-related humor.

An important historical film, "Citizen Kane" is outstanding. Not because of its story, which is actually pretty slow, or its acting, but because of the technological advances made on this movie. Techniques that are still used today and will be used for years and years to come.

7.5/10