Rainbow Nights

Drenched in the sweat of the ones before

Holding out for the greatest score

Lighting up the night with your golden touch

Afraid of too little, don't want too much

Colors of sweetness but you sour on me

Little to know but everything to see

Dream a little dream with frightening sights

Goodbye, sweetness, with your rainbow nights...

Oscar Nominee Predictions

While the Oscar nominations won't be out for a few weeks, I present some predictions for the major categories with some other films, performances, etc. that I think could sneak in:

Best Picture
"The Social Network"
"The King's Speech"
"Black Swan"
"Inception"
"True Grit"
"The Fighter"
"Toy Story 3"
"The Kids Are All Right"
"127 Hours"
"Winter's Bone"

Apologies to:
"The Town"
"Rabbit Hole"
"Shutter Island"
"Blue Valentine"

Best Director
David Fincher, "The Social Network"
Darren Aronofsky, "Black Swan"
Christopher Nolan, "Inception"
Tom Hooper, "The King's Speech"
Joel & Ethan Coen, "True Grit"

Apologies to:
Danny Boyle, "127 Hours"
David O. Russell, "The Fighter"

Best Actor
Colin Firth, "The King's Speech"
James Franco, "127 Hours"
Jesse Eisenberg, "The Social Network"
Ryan Gosling, "Blue Valentine"
Robert Duvall, "Get Low"

Apologies to:
Jeff Bridges, "True Grit"
Javier Bardem, "Biutiful"
Leonardo DiCaprio, "Shutter Island"
Aarron Eckhart, "Rabbit Hole"

Best Actress
Natalie Portman, "Black Swan"
Annette Bening, "The Kids Are All Right"
Nicole Kidman, "Rabbit Hole"
Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone"
Michelle Williams, "Blue Valentine

Apologies to:
Lesley Manville, "Another Year"
Julianne Moore, "The Kids Are All Right"

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale, "The Fighter"
Geoffry Rush, "The King's Speech"
Andrew Garfield, "The Social Network"
Jeremy Renner, "The Town"
Mark Ruffalo, "The Kids Are All Right"

Apologies to:
John Hawkes, "Winter's Bone"
Sam Rockwell, "Conviction"
Matt Damon, "True Grit"

Best Supporting Actress
Melissa Leo, "The Fighter"
Amy Adams, "The Fighter"
Helena Bonham Carter, "The King's Speech"
Hailee Steinfeld, "True Grit"
Jacki Weaver, "Animal Kingdom"

Apologies to:
Mila Kunis, "Black Swan"
Dianne Wiest, "Rabbit Hole"
Miranda Richardson, "Made in Dagenham"

Best Adapted Screenplay
"The Social Network"
"True Grit"
"Toy Story 3"
"127 Hours"
"Winter's Bone"

Best Original Screenplay
"Inception"
"The King's Speech"
"The Kids Are All Right"
"Black Swan"
"Another Year"

Best Editing
"Inception"
"The Social Network"
"Black Swan"
"True Grit"
"The Fighter"

Best Cinematography
"Black Swan"
"Inception"
"True Grit"
"The King's Speech"
"127 Hours"

Top Movies of 2010

Here is my list for the top movies of 2010 with the films that I have yet to see that have a good chance of making this list:

1. The Social Network
2. Inception
3. Black Swan
4. The King's Speech
5. Toy Story 3
6. The Fighter
7. True Grit
8. 127 Hours
9. Shutter Island
10. The Kids Are All Right

Remain to Be Seen:
- Blue Valentine
- Another Year
- The Way Back

My 2011 Golden Globe Predictions, Vol. 1

This is my first post in a while (many months, in fact), so here it goes:

Note: I have not seen all of the films/performances, so my predictions shouldn't be taken too seriously. Also, I may be changing these as the awards get closer.

Best Motion Picture -- Drama
The Social Network (WINNER)
The King's Speech
Inception
Black Swan
The Fighter

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Drama
Natalie Portman, Black Swan (WINNER)
Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence, Winter's Bone
Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine
Halle Berry, Frankie and Alice

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama
Colin Firth, The King's Speech (WINNER)
James Franco, 127 Hours
Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network
Ryan Gosling, Blue Valentine
Mark Wahlberg, The Fighter

Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
The Kids Are All Right (WINNER)
Red
Burlesque
Alice in Wonderland
The Tourist

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right (WINNER)
Julianne Moore, The Kids Are All Right
Emma Stone, Easy A
Anne Hathaway, Love and Other Drugs
Angelina Jolie, The Tourist

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
Paul Giamatti, Barney's Version(WINNER)
Jake Gyllenhaal, Love and Other Drugs
Johnny Depp, Alice in Wonderland
Kevin Spacey, Casino Jack
Johnny Depp, The Tourist

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Melissa Leo, The Fighter (WINNER)
Amy Adams, The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech
Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom
Mila Kunis, Black Swan

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Christian Bale, The Fighter (WINNER)
Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech
Andrew Garfield, The Social Network
Jeremy Renner, The Town
Michael Douglas, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Best Animated Feature Film
Toy Story 3 (WINNER)
How to Train Your Dragon
Despicable Me
The Illusionist
Tangled

Best Director -- Motion Picture
David Fincher, The Social Network (WINNER)
Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan
Christopher Nolan, Inception
Tom Hooper, The King's Speech
David O. Russell, The Fighter

Best Screenplay -- Motion Picture
The Social Network (WINNER)
Inception
The King's Speech
The Kids Are All Right
127 Hours

Best Original Score -- Motion Picture
Inception (WINNER)
The Social Network
The King's Speech
127 Hours
Alice in Wonderland

Academy Award Predictions, 2nd Edition

Here's my final set of predictions for the upcoming Academy Awards:

Best Picture
"Avatar" (WINNER)
"The Hurt Locker"
"The Blind Side"
"District 9"
"Inglorious Basterds"
"Up in the Air"
"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"
"Up"
"A Serious Man"
"An Education"

Best Actor
Jeff Bridges - "Crazy Heart" (WINNER)
Colin Firth - "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman - "Invictus"
George Clooney - "Up in the Air"
Jeremy Renner - "The Hurt Locker"

Best Actress
Carey Mulligan - "An Education"
Meryl Streep - "Julie & Julia" (WINNER)
Gabourey Sidibe - "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"
Sandra Bullock - "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren - "The Last Station"

Best Supporting Actor
Christopher Plummer - "The Last Station"
Woody Harrelson - "The Messenger"
Christoph Waltz - "Inglorious Basterds" (WINNER)
Stanley Tucci - "The Lovely Bones"
Matt Damon - "Invictus"

Best Supporting Actress
Vera Farmiga - "Up in the Air"
Anna Kendrick - "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal - "Crazy Heart"
Penelope Cruz - "Nine"
Mo'Nique - "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" (WINNER)

Best Director
James Cameron - "Avatar"
Kathryn Bigelow - "The Hurt Locker" (WINNER)
Quentin Tarantino - "Inglorious Basterds"
Jason Reitman - "Up in the Air"
Lee Daniels - "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"

Best Original Screenplay
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglorious Basterds" (WINNER)
"Up"
"A Serious Man"
"The Messenger"

Best Adapted Screenplay
"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"
"Up in the Air" (WINNER)
"In the Loop"
"District 9"
"An Education"

Best Cinematography
"Avatar"
"The Hurt Locker" (WINNER)
"Inglorious Basterds"
"The White Ribbon"
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"

Best Editing
"The Hurt Locker" (WINNER)
"District 9"
"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"
"Avatar"
"Inglorious Basterds"

Best Sound Mixing
"Star Trek"
"Avatar"
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"
"Inglorious Basterds"
"The Hurt Locker" (WINNER)

Best Sound Editing
"The Hurt Locker"
"Up"
"Avatar" (WINNER)
"Star Trek"
"Inglorious Basterds"

Best Animated Film
"Up" (WINNER)
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Coraline"
"The Princess and the Frog"
"The Secret of Kells"

Best Art Direction
"Avatar" (WINNER)
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"
"Sherlock Holmes"
"Nine"
"The Young Victoria"

Best Costume Design
"The Young Victoria" (WINNER)
"Nine"
"Bright Star"
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"
"Coco avant Chanel"

Best Visual Effects
"Avatar" (WINNER)
"Star Trek"
"District 9"

Best Makeup
"Star Trek" (WINNER)
"The Young Victoria"
"Il divo"

Best Original Score
"Sherlock Holmes"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Up" (WINNER)
"The Hurt Locker"
"Avatar"

Movie Review - Milk

There are few actors that have the abilities of Sean Penn. There are also few that are as polarizing. While many may be turned off by his political views, there is no doubt that Penn is one of the premier actors working in Hollywood today, and as Harvey Milk in Gus Van Sant's "Milk" he delivers the best performance of his storied career. The film, nominated for 8 Oscars in 2008, is a stirring and uplifting look at the life of a man who did so much for his community and gays across the nation.

"Milk" charts the rise of Harvey Milk as the first openly gay man elected to political office. Milk realizes that, at age 40, he has done nothing special so, with the help of his lover Scott Smith (James Franco) he begins to campaign. As he tries over and over to gain the support of the public he is met with stiff resistance from the non-gay community. Even after he succeeds in being elected to public office he faces new challenges from the inside as he continues to put his life at risk to stand up for homosexuals across the country.

Van Sant has had an up and down career, with highlights such as "Good Will Hunting" and some lows like the ill-advised shot-for-shot "Psycho" remake. However, "Milk" finds him in top form. In what is the most mature film of his career, Van Sant's guiding hand not only lets Penn do what he does best but makes sure the movie doesn't stray too far in any direction. Some may see this film as a pro-gay rights film, and while it certainly sets Harvey Milk as a sort of hero it speaks more to the freedoms that all men have and the need to stand up for what we believe in. Benefiting greatly from a personal screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, meticulous editing that blends real footage with what's being played out on screen, and an operatic score by Danny Elfman the film soars in its vision and engages the audience while keeping bias out of the picture.

The film is riddled with excellent performances, but none as great as the lead. Sean Penn fully embodies Harvey Milk: his strength, his doubts, his passion, his playfulness. In a terrifically nuanced performance Penn creates a completely sympathetic character, one the audience finds themselves cheering for and believing in as he gives his all for a cause that is at the core of his being. His Oscar win was well deserved. The support Penn recieves is excellent, starting with Emile Hirsch as the fiesty, determined Cleve Jones and trickling on down to Diego Luna and Franco. However, the best support comes from Oscar-nominated Josh Brolin as Dan White, a man who does not know how to deal with Milk and his homosexuality and in the end lets ignorance get the best of him. His work is at the same time depressing, tragic, and at times even sympathetic.

While it was unable to win Best Picture (that honor went to the Cinderella story that was "Slumdog Millionaire"), "Milk" is one of the best films of 2008 and may have taken the top prize had it not been for "Slumdog" (which deserved its win). Anchored by one of the best performances of the decade as well as top notch production from all involved "Milk" is a triumph of the human spirit and deserves to be seen for its message of how to persevere in the face of persecution.

Academy Award Predictions, 1st Edition

Here's my first set of predictions for the upcoming Academy Awards:

Best Picture
"Avatar" (WINNER)
"The Hurt Locker"
"The Blind Side"
"District 9"
"Inglorious Basterds"
"Up in the Air"
"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"
"Up"
"A Serious Man"
"An Education"

Best Actor
Jeff Bridges - "Crazy Heart" (WINNER)
Colin Firth - "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman - "Invictus"
George Clooney - "Up in the Air"
Jeremy Renner - "The Hurt Locker"

Best Actress
Carey Mulligan - "An Education"
Meryl Streep - "Julie & Julia" (WINNER)
Gabourey Sidibe - "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"
Sandra Bullock - "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren - "The Last Station"

Best Supporting Actor
Christopher Plummer - "The Last Station"
Woody Harrelson - "The Messenger"
Christoph Waltz - "Inglorious Basterds" (WINNER)
Stanley Tucci - "The Lovely Bones"
Matt Damon - "Invictus"

Best Supporting Actress
Vera Farmiga - "Up in the Air"
Anna Kendrick - "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal - "Crazy Heart"
Penelope Cruz - "Nine"
Mo'Nique - "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" (WINNER)

Best Director
James Cameron - "Avatar" (WINNER)
Kathryn Bigelow - "The Hurt Locker"
Quentin Tarantino - "Inglorious Basterds"
Jason Reitman - "Up in the Air"
Lee Daniels - "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"

Best Original Screenplay
"The Hurt Locker" (WINNER)
"Inglorious Basterds"
"Up"
"A Serious Man"
"The Messenger"

Best Adapted Screenplay
"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"
"Up in the Air" (WINNER)
"In the Loop"
"District 9"
"An Education"

Best Cinematography
"Avatar"
"The Hurt Locker" (WINNER)
"Inglorious Basterds"
"The White Ribbon"
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"

Best Editing
"The Hurt Locker" (WINNER)
"District 9"
"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire"
"Avatar"
"Inglorious Basterds"

Best Sound Mixing
"Star Trek"
"Avatar"
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"
"Inglorious Basterds"
"The Hurt Locker" (WINNER)

Best Sound Editing
"The Hurt Locker"
"Up"
"Avatar" (WINNER)
"Star Trek"
"Inglorious Basterds"

Best Animated Film
"Up" (WINNER)
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Coraline"
"The Princess and the Frog"
"The Secret of Kells"

Best Art Direction
"Avatar"
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"
"Sherlock Holmes" (WINNER)
"Nine"
"The Young Victoria"

Best Costume Design
"The Young Victoria"
"Nine"
"Bright Star" (WINNER)
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"
"Coco avant Chanel"

Best Visual Effects
"Avatar" (WINNER)
"Star Trek"
"District 9"

Best Makeup
"Star Trek"
"The Young Victoria" (WINNER)
"Il divo"

Best Original Score
"Sherlock Holmes"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Up" (WINNER)
"The Hurt Locker"
"Avatar"

Top Movies of 2009 (Updated)

My Top 10 Films of 2009 (so far):

1. Up In The Air
2. Avatar
3. The Hurt Locker
4. District 9
5. Up
6. (500) Days of Summer
7. Inglorious Basterds
8. An Education
9. The Messenger
10. The Road


Movies I need to see:

Invictus
Crazy Heart
A Single Man
Where the Wild Things Are
The Last Station

Golden Globes - The results

So the Golden Globes were this past Sunday. Let's take a look back on my predictions and see where I was right (and wrong):

Best Picture - Drama
"Up in the Air"
"Precious"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglorious Basterds"
"Avatar"

Prediction: "Up in the Air"
Winner: "Avatar"
Analysis: This pick both took me by surprise and at the same time it didn't. I was pretty sure I was going to be wrong on this one, but I thought "The Hurt Locker" might come out on top. While the story is far from original and there are plenty of cliches to be found, James Cameron's "Avatar" is a great film. I just thought it was a LITTLE too mainstream to win. But this IS the Golden Globes, so I'm not really shocked at this outcome.

Best Picture - Comedy
"The Hangover"
"Julie & Julia"
"Nine"
"It's Complicated"
"(500) Days of Summer"

Prediction: "(500) Days of Summer"
Winner: "The Hangover"
Analysis: At the beginning of the year I would have bet the house on "Nine", but Rob Marshall's film didn't live up to expectations. After that I went with my heart and picked (500) Days of Summer, a touching and brutally honest story of love that is well needed in this day of sub-par romantic comedies. In the end, however, the winner was "The Hangover", and I should have known. It is the top grossing R-rated comedy of all-time and rightfully so: it delivers the goods in a "Reservoir Dogs"-type narrative structure coupled with excellent performances all around that leave you wanting to watch it again.
Best Actor - Drama
Jeff Bridges - "Crazy Heart"
Colin Firth - "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman - "Invictus"
Tobey Maguire - "Brothers

Prediction: Jeff Bridges
Winner: Jeff Bridges
Analysis: This was an easy pick, even if I haven't seen "Crazy Heart". Bridges has long been overdue for a win and his performance has been lauded by all.

Best Actress - Drama
Carey Mulligan - "An Education"
Emily Blunt - "The Young Victoria"
Sandra Bullock - "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren - "The Last Station"
Gabourey Sidibe - "Precious"

Prediction: Carey Mulligan
Winner: Sandra Bullock
Analysis: I have admittedly not seen "The Blind Side", so I can't say for certain that Sandra Bullock's win was well deserved (though going into the Globes she had a lot of momentum so I should have known based on that that she might win). However, I have seen "An Education", and I firmly believe that Carey Mulligan's natural performance as a bright young woman who puts her Oxford dreams on hold to pursue a life with an older man is the best I will see this year from an actress.

Best Actor - Comedy or Musical
Daniel Day-Lewis - "Nine"
Michael Stuhlbarg - "A Serious Man"
Robert Downey, Jr. - "Sherlock Holmes"
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - "(500) Days of Summer"
Matt Damon - "The Informant!"

Prediction: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Winner: Robert Downey, Jr.
Analysis: This pick both does and doesn't confuse me. I'm surprised because I wouldn't call "Sherlock Holmes" a comedy (though it has more than enough comedy in it) and therefore didn't even think to pick Downey, Jr. as the winner. But the man was do for some sort of award after returning to A-list status in 2008 with his roles in "Iron Man" and "Tropic Thunder", and with this race wide open and his performance as the infamous detective fitting him to a T this isn't too shocking. Once again I went with my favorite Indie movie of the year and its star and got burned.

Best Actress - Comedy or Musical
Meryl Streep - "It's Complicated"
Meryl Streep - "Julie & Julia"
Julia Roberts - "Duplicity"
Sandra Bullock - "The Proposal"
Marion Cotiallard - "Nine"

Prediction: Meryl Streep ("Julie & Julia")
Winner: Meryl Streep ("Julie & Julia")
Analysis: With her performance as Julia Child being the only thing close to an Oscar worthy performance from this group, picking Meryl Streep was a safe bet and sure enough she was the winner.

Best Supporting Actor
Matt Damon - "Invictus"
Stanley Tucci - "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz - "Inglorious Basterds"
Christopher Plummer - "The Last Station"
Woody Harrelson - "The Messenger"

Prediction: Christoph Waltz
Winner: Christoph Waltz
Analysis: Another surefire winner, Waltz has been the Oscar leader in this category since Cannes. Though he's facing some quality competition, it's a safe bet that he'll take home the Oscar.

Best Supporting Actress
Vera Farmiga - "Up in the Air"
Anna Kendrick - "Up in the Air"
Mo'Nique - "Precious"
Penelope Cruz - "Nine"
Julianne Moore - "A Single Man"

Prediction: Anna Kendrick
Winner: Mo'Nique
Analysis: This was my biggest mistake. Having seen both films and looking back on these performances I was criminally wrong. Kendrick is excellent, but Mo'Nique is monstrously good. What made me hesitant about her was her constant anger and hatred throughout the film, but her scene at the welfare center was something to behold, truly showing the audience that this was a character who was not only vile but desperate, and that scene is going to ensure I predict her come Oscar time.

Best Director
James Cameron - "Avatar"
Jason Reitman - "Up in the Air"
Quentin Tarantino - "Inglorious Basterds"
Clint Eastwood - "Invictus"
Kathryn Bigelow - "The Hurt Locker"

Prediction: James Cameron
Winner: James Cameron
Analysis: It takes a special talent to make a film with the epic scope of "Avatar", but James Cameron pulled it off, rightfully deserving his Best Director win.

Best Screenplay
"Up in the Air"
"District 9"
"Inglorious Basterds"
"The Hurt Locker"
"It's Complicated"

Prediction: "Up in the Air"
Winner: "Up in the Air"
Analysis: I thought of changing my prediction but I stuck with my gut and ended up correctly guessing the winner. While "The Hurt Locker" and "Inglorious Basterds" both had a shot, "Up in the Air" is at the top of the class in terms of this year's screenplays.

Best Animated Film
"Up"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"
"Coraline"
"The Princess and the Frog"

Prediction: "Up"
Winner: "Up"
Analysis: Was there ever any doubt? Pixar owns the animated film sector, and with it's newest film it has created yet another classic. "Up" is truly deserving of its win and is a pretty safe bet to take home the Oscar.

Five Films You May Not Have Seen But Should

Here are five films that I enjoy immensely that may not have been seen by the masses:



1. "Road to Perdition"
Probably the most popular film on my list, "Road to Perdition" was just one of many excellent films to be released in 2002 ("Chicago", "The Pianist", "Adaptation", just to name a few). While it was recognized by the Academy in several categories and won the Oscar for Best Cinematography, the film for the most part went under the radar by the public. Its theme (the bonds between sons and fathers) may be nothing new but the execution is flawless. Director Sam Mendes, coming off his critically acclaimed debut "American Beuaty" that netted him the Best Director Oscar (and also won Best Picture), brings the 1930's gangster scene to life but instead of using violence as the method goes for the more intimate approach of a hitman fleeing with his son after the son witnesses what his father does for a living. The direction is top notch, the acting by all (Tom Hanks, Jude Law, Daniel Craig, and especially Paul Newman in his last Oscar nominated role) is excellent, and the score by Thomas Newman is beautifully engaging and touching. But the highest accolades go to Conrad Hall, who died before he was able to claim the Oscar for Best Cinematography that this film won and richly deserved. Bringing the period to life through excellent use of lighting and camerawork, it is a fitting end to Hall's illustrious career. "Road to Perdition" is a beautifully crafted film, one that should have gotten more attention when it was released and should be seen for just how good it really is.




2. "Glengarry Glen Ross"
If you like dialogue-heavy films, great ensemble acting, and plenty of expletives, then "Glengarry Glen Ross" is for you. Released in 1992, the film has since gone unnoticed by today's generation, who are more caught up with films that entertain than films with true skill. Focusing on the happenings of a real estate office, "Glengarry Glen Ross" is an adaptation of the play created by David Mamet, who wrote the screenplay for the film. Though the premise may seem terribly boring to moviegoers today (especially my generation), this is without a doubt one of the underrated films of the 1990's. Featuring a script to die for and a cast for the ages - Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Alec Baldwin, and Alan Arkin - does it get any better?




3. "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
In my opinion this is the most underrated film of the past decade. 2007 will go down in history as having been a very good year for films - "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" are cinematic masterpieces worthy of the highest praise; "Juno" has already gathered a cult following; "Michael Clayton", "Atonement", and "Into the Wild", among others, add to the depth of that year. But this long-named film should not be forgotten when it comes to the great films of the year. "The Assassination of the Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" looks at the life of Jesses James and the obsession, and ultimately the disdain, with which Robert Ford, a youngster with dreams of being famous, has for his childhood idol. A box-office failure when it was released, it was recognized by the Academy in only two categories: Best Supporting Actor (Casey Affleck) and Best Cinematography. Had this film come out any other year those two nominations may have resulted into wins. Affleck is at his absolute best here, giving Ford a nervous, even pathetic edge that is a result of his desperation to be known and appreciated, and the cinematography by Roger Deakins is among the best you will ever see, with the train robbery scene standing out in particular. The acting as a whole is excellent, with Brad Pitt portraying James as a confident yet increasingly paranoid man. The pacing may be too slow for some, but in this case the film works best as a slow portrait of the life of one of the Midwest's greatest outlaws. And though it was hardly noticed in 2007, I would be willing to bet that history will look back on this film as easily being one of the best of its year and a hidden gem of its decade.



4. "Midnight Cowboy"
Of the five movies on the list "Midnight Cowboy" is not only the most critically acclaimed but also the hardest to watch. Not because it is the oldest, though I'm sure some will be put off by its 1969 release date. Rather, this film is the most controversial film on my list. It has plenty of sexual scenes along with some of drug-induced trips that plunge the viewer into unease. That being said, "Midnight Cowboy" rightfully deserves its place on AFI's Top 100 American films of all time. Despite being the first X-rated film to win Best Picture (the rating has since been lowered to R), it is a powerful character study that not only explores the gritty underbelly of urban society during that time period but also served as an effective "buddy" film. Joe Buck is a cowboy, a man from out West who dreams of making it big in New York City as a "hustler". However, when things don't go as planned, he finds himself paired with Ratso Rizzo, a crippled con-man who knows the ways of the streets. They work together in hopes of one day making it to Florida, where hopefully all of thier troubles will be cleard. The skill of director John Schlesinger is apparent through the interwoven tales of urban depravity and the power of friendship. The editing is superb, especially during the disorienting drug scenes and during Joe's flashbacks. Both Dustin Hoffman as Ratso and Jon Voigt, a relative newcomer at the time, as Joe are astoundingly efficient in their Oscar nominated roles. The film has lost some of its edge due to the increasinging amount of sex in movies today, but its effectiveness as a tale of two loners in need of companionship in the midst of a harsh and uninviting environment has now lasted 40 years, and it has taken its rightful place among the screen classics.




5. "Magnolia"
Paul Thomas Anderson can never be accused of not having ambitious goals. His first film, "Boogie Nights", tackled the porn industry during the 1970's and 1980's, a controversial topic that has never been conveyed with as much skill and daring. His second major film was even more ambitious and in the end even more memorable. "Magnolia" tracks the interweaving stories of several people over a few days in San Fernando Valley as they search for happiness, forgiveness, and meaning. Featuring an astounding ensemble cast with the likes of Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Jason Robards, and a career best performance from Tom Cruise to go along with a deep and riveting script, PTA's most confusing yet intriguing film is yet another example of why he is one of our generation's finest filmmakers.

Movie Review - Avatar

What can I say about "Avatar" that hasn't already been said? From the $250+ million budget to the ten years of work that director James Cameron put into his new epic, "Avatar" entered film lore before it even opened. But when it did come out, all of the hype was met with positive reviews. I was a little bit skeptical that a film that was made with such a heavy reliance on special effects would be able to stand as a great film. Upon seeing it, I can say that "Avatar" is one of the best films of the year.

The story of "Avatar" begins with Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a Marine who has been paralyzed from the waist down. When his twin brother dies, Jake takes his place as one of the members of a scientific team that is being used to diplomatically deal with the Na'vi, the large blue-skinned peaceful people of Pandora. He becomes an operator of his own Avatar, a genetically engineered Na'vi-human hybrid controlled by genetically matched human operators. As Jake becomes accepted into the Na'vi and falls in love with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), the humans decide that military force is necessary in order to move the Na'vi and claim what they came to Pandora for: unobtanium. However, when Jake, who was initially sent in to give the military information on the Na'vi, chooses to help the Na'vi instead and the war for Pandora begins.

The special effects of "Avatar" are what everyone wanted to see, and they are no disappointment. They world of Pandora is easily the most realized film world since Middle-Earth was re-created in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The difference in the case of "Avatar" is that not only are the creatures and the environment computerized but so are the inhabitants. The Na'vi are the most technically amazing creatures to be seen on film since LOTR's Gollum. Once the world of Pandora is revealed to the audience there is no going back. You are entered into a vision a decade in the making that has been brought beautifully to life by a master filmmaker. This is where the power of the film truly lies. One of the great functions of film is that it can engulf you in a world that can be totally different from our own and yet be so real. Pandora is such a place. By the time the film concludes there is no question that Cameron has succeeded in completely engaging the audience and emotionally investing them in this fantasy realm.

The rest of the film seems almost secondary to the astonishing visual effects, but CGI alone can't create a great film. Admittedly the weakest part of "Avatar" is the story. It has a few cliches which at times can detract from the greatness around it. However, these are overcome by the involving world in which they take place. The acting serves the film well, even if the screen time for the actual actors is at times outweighed by their animated counterparts. The cinematography is excellent, the score is wonderfully affecting, and the editing is pitch-perfect, especially in the film's stunning climax.

The wait for "Avatar" is over, and I can easily say that it is worth the wait. With special effects and CGI the likes of which we have never seen and direction that can only be expected from a skilled filmmaker like Cameron the film soars into the ranks of best films to come out in 2009. A trip to Pandora is a must for all movie lovers, because once there you too will see just how real of a world Cameron has created.

Movie Review - Sherlock Holmes

The story of Sherlock Holmes is legendary. He is known throughout the world for his unorthodox brilliance and captivating presence. So when news hit that Guy Ritchie was going to direct a new film about the world's most famous detective, you had to wonder if the former Mr. Madonna would be up to the task. After seeing "Sherlock Holmes", I am pleased to say he certainly was.

The story finds Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) several months after his last case. He is disheveled and unruly, and his partner Dr. Watson (Jude Law) is leaving their home to be with his fiance. However, Holmes is thrown back in the game when Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), a mysterious and powerful man with ties to the occult, rises from the dead. With the help of Holmes' old flame Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the two team up once again to take on a foe who seems to have magic on his side.

Purists may cry foul when seeing the legendary Sherlock Holmes become an intelligent version of an action hero in the new Guy Ritchie movie, but Ritchie has done an excellent job of keeping his visual fast-paced style while also including the intelligence and mystery that has become second nature to any Holmes story. In fact, the blending of this intelligence and action is what makes this film stand above the typical blockbuster fare. Several times during the film we are given a look inside Holmes' head, seeing the next several moves he will make. This visual style works to great effect as it engages the audience in the method behind the brilliance.

I don't think anyone could have more perfect for the role of Sherlock Holmes than Robert Downey, Jr. His roguish charm has helped re-endear himself to the public through films such as "Iron Man", and in "Sherlock Holmes" he is no different. Downey, Jr. is both tough and intelligent, and his mannerisms are spot on. As Dr. Watson Jude Law brings a rationality that is matched by his loyalty to Holmes. He knows that a more stable life is waiting for him, but he follows Holmes into adventure and danger with a reluctant loyalty that in the end is never second guessed. The chemistry between Downey, Jr. and Law is impeccable. Strong is frighteningly effective as the evil Lord Blackwood, while McAdams is fine as Holmes' love interest.

"Sherlock Holmes" is the type of film you would expect to see come out during the summer: it's got action, adventure, suspense, romance, and above all a high entertainment factor. That it came out on Christmas is a bit surprising, but the film is able to succeed during the heavy handed Oscar bait season by providing something that the Oscar hopefuls can be a little short on: pure fun.

Movie Review - Nine

When I first heard about the movie "Nine", I eagerly placed it atop the list of films I most wanted to see in 2009. And why shouldn't I? Directed by Rob Marshall, who struck Oscar gold with "Chicago". An A-list cast including 6 Oscar winners - Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren, and the always accountable Daniel Day-Lewis (whose turn in "There Will Be Blood" is my personal favorite performance in all of film). This movie has all of the parts to be a winner. A big winner. But after walking out of the theater I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed.

The plot centers on Italian director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis), who is experiencing a mid-life crisis as he prepares to start shooting his next film. His past few films have been flops and he has no script; better yet, he has no inspriation to start one. To make matters worse, Gudio has to juggle the many women in his life - his wife (Cotillard), his muse movie star (Kidman), his mistress (Cruz), an American reporter (Kate Hudson), and his deceased mother (Loren). Dealing with all of this at once, Guido is forced to discover what he truly wants and what he must do to get it.

My first problem with "Nine" has to do with most of the Oscar-winning cast. This is not to say that this is a poorly acted film; far from it, I felt that there were very few faults to be found with any of the performers. However, when you are given the actresses that Marshall has in this film it would be a crime to underuse them. Unfortunately that is what happens. The women in Guido's life come and go, with their impact seeming to fade upon their exits. It is true that dividing screen time among this many actresses is difficult, but the end result leaves something to be desired.

As I stated previously, the acting in this film is excellent. The film centers on Day-Lewis, and once again he is able to carry it. Guido is a man of charm but this charm is used to get him what he wants: an actress for a film, a mistress to sleep with, some more time while he works (or rather doesn't work) on his script. He is not a very likable character; in fact, he's pretty repulsive. Day-Lewis is able to show not only the ugly underbelly of the character but also the charm through which Guido seems to so many to be a brilliant man. It doesn't hurt that he can sing, too. Cotillard is the female standout. Her charcter is given the most emotion and what a job she does with it. Luisa is a woman who never sees her husband. He is always working or off with another woman and she's been hurt to the point of being fed up. As with every other actor in the film Cotillard sings quite well. Dench, Kidman, Hudson, and especially Cruz were all wonderful, but their lack of screen time was upsetting given their talents.

Another disappointing feature of "Nine" is its lack of emotional attachment to the audience and musical numbers that, while good, were not as memorable as some might wish for. I am a fan of Marshall's "Chicago", a movie that I found deserving of its Best Picture win in 2002 despite great competition. That film was filled great songs, but more importantly it had a story that fit well with these songs and ultimately rewarded the audience. "Nine" can't say that. The movie left me strangely emotionless, which, given the emotions that are running amok in Guido's life, is not a good sign. I was hoping for something that would last but instead was given a hectic look at the life of a man losing everything. Who's to blame? Not the cast, I would say. Maybe Marshall for direction that I found less than great. Maybe the screenwriters for a script that was lacking at times. Regardless, "Nine" is an ambitious film that, while good, comes up short of being what it should have been: great.

My 2010 Golden Globe Predictions

Note: I have not seen all of the films/performances, so my predictions shouldn't be taken too seriously. Also, I may be changing these as the awards get closer.

Best Motion Picture -- Drama
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Precious
Up in the Air (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Drama
Emily Blunt, The Young Victoria
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education (WINNER)
Gabourey Sadibe, Precious

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart (WINNER)
George Clooney, Up in the Air
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Tobey Maguire, Brothers

Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
(500) Days of Summer (WINNER)
The Hangover
It's Complicated
Julie & Julia
Nine

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
Sandra Bullock, The Proposal
Marion Cotillard, Nine
Meryl Streep, It's Complicated
Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia (WINNER)
Julia Roberts, Duplicity

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy
Matt Damon, The Informant
Daniel Day Lewis, Nine
Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes
Joseph Gordon Levitt, (500) Days of Summer (WINNER)
Michael Stuhlbarg, A Serious Man

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Mo-Nique, Precious
Julianne Moore, A Single Man
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air (WINNER)
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Penelope Cruz, Nine

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Matt Damon, Invictus
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Christopher Waltz, Inglorious Basterds (WINNER)
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger

Best Animated Feature Film
Coraline
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
The Princess and the Frog
Up (WINNER)

Best Director -- Motion Picture
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
James Cameron, Avatar (WINNER)
Clint Eastwood, Invictus
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Basterds

Best Screenplay -- Motion Picture
Up in the Air (WINNER)
It's Complicated
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds

2009 Movies

My Top 10 Films of 2009 (so far):

1. Up In The Air
2. Avatar
3. District 9
4. The Hurt Locker
5. Up
6. (500) Days of Summer
7. Inglorious Basterds
8. An Education
9. Sherlock Holmes
10. Star Trek


Movies I need to see:

Invictus
Crazy Heart
A Serious Man
A Single Man
The Road
The Messenger
Where the Wild Things Are
The Last Station

Movie Review - Inglorious Basterds

I've now seen Quentin Tarantino's newest film "Inglorious Basterds" twice, and I'll admit: I wasn't the biggest fan of it after my first viewing. I found it pretentious, overlong, and generally muddled. Upon seeing it a second time, however, my stance has softened. Though I'm reluctant to call it a masterpiece like some have done, it is a high quality film that packs both an artistic and entertaining punch.

There are two converging story lines in "Inglorious Basterds". The first follows Shoshana (Melanie Laurent), a French Jew forced into hiding by the Nazis, led by "Jew Hunter" Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz). Shoshana owns a cinema in which the German plan to show a new film, and all of the important Nazi leaders, Hitler included, will be in attendance. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) and his group of Basterds are terrorizing Nazis in France. The two stories collide into a brilliantly violent ending.

When it comes to screenplays, Quentin Tarantino knows how to write a good one - he deservedly won an Oscar for "Pulp Fiction". "Inglorious Basterds" also has a fine script, but there is one problem: the film is oftentimes not in English. I understand why this is, and indeed it is a necessity. But this leads to the dialogue losing some of its shine, which is a shame because when Tarantino is writing it's time to take notice. The pacing of the film for me was a little slow, which lead to it's slightly overlong 2 hours and 33 minutes. The slow pace did work well at some points, however; the first chapter, "Once Upon a Time...In Nazi-Occupied France", is sheer brilliance. The tension created by Landa's meeting with the French farmer harkens back to Angel Eyes in "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" or Frank in "Once Upon a Time in the West". The cinematography is excellent ,the score is uniquely Tarantino-esque, and the direction is among the best seen this year.

The acting is a strong point in "Inglorious Basterds". Brad Pitt is hilarious as the tough Southern leader of the Basterds. His over the top accent and perfect comedic timing aid the film a great deal in terms of entertainment value. Melanie Laurent brings a fire to Shoshana to suggests she is not just a mere laday. Her reason to live is to see the downfall of the Third Reich, and when she gets the chance she shows just how tough she can be. Diane Kruger is splendid as the beautiful double agent Brigit Von Hammersmark. But the best acting of the film belongs to Christoph Waltz, who will be tough to beat come Oscar time. His Colonel Landa is just as equally a monster that Heath Ledger's Joker is, but instead of a crazed laugh full of chaos we get a delightfully pleasant smile with an undertone of evil. He is sly, clever and above all hard to resist, making him all the more dangerous. It is a sign of great acting when we come away impressed by the bad guy, and Waltz has absolutely given us just that: a villain we have no problem admiring.

Tarantino has always known how to tell a story, and how he tells it is almost as important as the subject material itself. Think of the structural brilliance of "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs". The man has an abundance of talent. While his newest film surely is fun to watch and is definitely well put-together, it is not a masterpiece. That being said, it is one of the best films of the year both in an awards-worthy and entertainment sense and should not be missed.

Movie Review - Kramer vs. Kramer

1979 is another year that the Oscar haters point to as another example of how the Academy is so often "wrong". Winning Best Picture that year was "Kramer vs. Kramer", a drama that tackled the heavy issue of divorce and custody battles. Also nominated that year was "Apocalypse Now", heralded as a classic and one of the greatest films ever made. While I also share that viewpoint about the latter, upon viewing the Best Picture winner I must say that "Kramer vs. Kramer", in its own right, is a well-made and very good film. Was it the better film? I don't think so. Did it deserve its trophies? Perhaps. Let's take a look.

"Kramer vs. Kramer" focuses on a family in disarray. Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a workaholic. He has allowed his marriage to deteriorate because of his commitment to his job. Joanna Kramer (Meryl Streep) is his wife, dreaming of the freedom she had before marriage. Unable to be the stay-at-home mother any longer, she leaves Ted to take care of their 7 year old son Billy (Justin Henry). The father and son learn to adapt to their new situation and grow to love each other more than ever. However, Joanna comes back after 18 months and wants her son back. A custody battle ensues and Ted fights for the son he has come to love so much in the time since he became a single parent.

The acting is what carries the film, and the best acting job belongs to Dustin Hoffman. Far from his showiest role ("Midnight Cowboy" and "Rain Man" catch people's eyes a lot more), he becomes the Everyman whose life has been thrown in a completely different direction. He must learn to become a father to his son, and when Joanna comes back to claim Billy he must fight to keep everything he has gained. Hoffman is utterly convincing and sensational. We grow to love his character as he tries to do something he hasn't been: a real father. Streep is also excellent, but not on the level that Hoffman is. It doesn't help that she is absent for most of the movie, but when she is on screen there is no missing her. Jane Alexander as the family friend Margaret and especially Justin Henry as the son only add to the cast's wealth.

The screenplay, written by director Robert Benton, is excellent. Benton's direction is also top-notch. The topic at the time was far more controversial than it is now. Nonetheless, the film doesn't provide any answers, which in my opinion is the right was to present the issue. While the intent may have been to not pick sides for me it was far easier to root for Ted than for Joanna. This may be due to Hoffman's wonderful performance but it might have been better had the movie been a little more open.

While "Kramer vs. Kramer" may not be the most remembered film of 1979, it certainly was one of the best. Deserving of Best Picture? I believe so, just not against its competition. With Apocalypse Now" coming out that year I think they awarded the wrong film. But I'll leave that up to you to compare.

The Greatest Decade in Film - the 1940's

Moving on in my search for the best decade in film, it is time for me to move onto what is certainly a memorable decade: the 1940's.

The 1940's brought some of the best directors to ever work in Hollywood. The decade saw the emergence of Billy Wilder, John Ford, Orson Welles, and John Huston. Others such as Howard Hawks and William Wyler continued to build upon their impressive resumes. Big name stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, and Cary Grant saw their stocks skyrocket in this decade.

The first year of the decade doesn't hurt, either. Winning Best Picture that year was "Rebecca", just one of the many great Alfred Hitchcock films. Other nominees included the "The Philadelphia Story" (a wonderful comedy featuring great turns from Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and an Oscar winning James Stewart), "The Grapes of Wrath" (one of four Best Director trophies for John Ford featuring a star-making turn by Henry Fonda), and "The Great Dictator", Charlie Chaplin's first talking film. "His Girl Friday", a classic Cary Grant comedy, as well as two animated classics - "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia" - also came out in 1940.

The year after produced arguably the greatest film ever made: "Citizen Kane". While that title is certainly subjective, the impact of "Citizen Kane" is undeniable and its quality unquestionable. To go along with it that year was "The Maltese Falcon" (a phenomenal first film by John Huston featuring one of Humphrey Bogart's best roles), "Sergeant York", and Best Picture winner "How Green Was My Valley" (the second consecutive film to win John Ford a Best Director Oscar).

"Yankee Doodle Dandy" would be released the following year, as would "Casablanca", one of the most beloved films of all time that also is considered one of the best (and rightfully so, with cinema's best romance between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and a delightful supporting turn by Claude Rains). "Bambi", another one of Disney's most beloved films also was released in 1942 along with Orson Welles' "The Magnificent Ambersons". 1943 did not bring about any memorable films, but 1944 saw one of the best noir films - "Double Indemnity", the first great Billy Wilder film. Also, "Arsenic and Old Lace", a memorable Cary Grant comedy. A lull in 1945 was followed by 1946 and some excellent films - Frank Capra's most loved film "It's a Wonderful Life" (one of the most inspirational films ever made), "The Big Sleep" (a noir combination of Howard Hawks and the power couple of Humphrey Bogart and Laruen Bacall), and Best Picture winner The Best Years of Our Lives.

1947 brought about another memorable noir ("Out of the Past") and another crowd-pleaser ("Miracle on 34th Street"). In 1948 "The Bicycle Thief" (arguably the greatest of the Italian neorealism films) and "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (yet another John Huston-Humphrey Bogart collaboration) were released, and in 1949 "The Third Man", Carol Reed's excellent thriller, was introduced.


Packed with some of the best films ever made along with some of the most beloved, the 1940's makes a strong case for the greatest decade in film. After two decades of review it is clearly the decade to beat.

The Greatest Decade in Film - The 1930's

This is the first in a series of posts in which I will look at each decade in detail to decided which decade was the best in terms of the quality of films produced. I will be starting with the 1930's.

The 1930's brought about the widespread use of sound in film. After the introduction of speaking in films by "The Jazz Singer" in 1927 "talkies" became more and more popular, and the 1930's was the decade that saw them become the dominant film type. The decade began with "All Quiet on the Western Front", Best Picture winner in 1930 and first talkie to win the prestigious award. Fritz Lang's disturbingly brilliant film "M", featuring Peter Lorre in one of his most celebrated roles as a deranged child murderer, came out the next year.

Charlie Chaplin's two films of the decade stand out as two of the great comedies of all time - "City Lights" and "Modern Times". Adding to the comedic greatness of the decade was "Duck Soup", the pinnacle of Marx brothers' careers. Monster films such as "Frankenstein" and the original "King Kong" set the standard for horror films to come.

1934 saw "It Happened One Night", the first film to take home the five major Academy Awards (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Screenplay). The film was also the first of three that won Best Director for Frank Capra in a five year span (the next to being "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "You Can't Take It With You"). 1938 brought "Bringing Up Baby", a collaboration of Howard Hawks with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant that is on AFI's Top 100 films. And of course, the banner year of 1939 is considered by many to be the greatest year in film. "Gone With the Wind", "The Wizard of Oz", "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" - the names speak for themselves. Throw in "Stagecoach" and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" and the decade ended with a bang.

However, the 1930's cannot be considered the greatest decade in film for the reason that great films were not coming out consistently. The yearly output of classics is lower than the decades the come after it. While we have been given many great films from the 1930's I would argue that this decade is not the greatest in film.

The Greatest Decade in Film

Upon reading another blog about which decade was the greatest in film, I feel compelled to make an argument of my own. For this argument, I will not be factoring the impact that these films had on future films. Merely, I will be making a case for why the decade came out with the best films in terms of quality. I will be making a post for each decade starting with the 1930's and ending with the 2000's. Note that this is merely my opinion and it doesn't actually mean that the decade I choose it is the "best". Also, I have not seen all of these films. I am merely basing my arguments on what has been said about these films. Therefore, critical acclaim factors into this more than my person opinion, at least until the final decision is made.