Wednesday, January 28
Monday, January 26
It is written.
A few days ago, I thought Benjamin Button and godammit, The Dark Knight, had a chance to take home the Best Picture prize. They may have had a chance to pull off the upset a week ago. The latter was, of course, snubbed last Thursday and the former is slowly losing Best Picture hopes.
So, last night, when Slumdog's name was called for Best Ensemble at the SAG Awards, everything slowly fell into place. It was absolutely official. Maybe it has been for a month now, yet I always had a feeling other movies had a chance at taking the Best Picture win. Yet, now, it is definite, for me. Hell, maybe you can never be definite, yet Slumdog Millionaire seems like it surely will be the Best Picture of 2008.
(Isn't that awesome?)
I, dumbly, thought Doubt would take the Best Ensemble award last night. The film defines ensemble. The acting, for one, was stellar. The characters all had distinct motives and actions that defined the film. It was a character piece. An actor's film. There's no debating that.
The fact is, Slumdog Millionaire is not. It had no acting nominations which is a No. 1 Factor, telling you it isn't a movie about its actors. It's more about the overall theme and story. The star of Doubt is Meryl Streep. The star of Slumdog Millionaire is Danny Boyle.
So, for the Screen Actors' Guild to recognize the film as Best Ensemble goes to show how every awards branch loves everything about Slumdog Millionaire. How could the Academy possibly turn the film down, now?
Sunday, January 25
Rushed SAG Predictions
Best Ensemble - Doubt
Best Actor - Sean Penn, Milk
Best Actress - Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress - Viola Davis, Doubt
Best Actor - Sean Penn, Milk
Best Actress - Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress - Viola Davis, Doubt
Friday, January 23
Adaptation Is Too Smart for Me
/major spoilers
Basically, I just wanna say the ending of Adaptation and my thoughts, alright? If you haven't seen the film, please don't read this.
Charlie Kaufman's script about the Orchid Thief was going nowhere, so his twin brother, Donald (his other half! Ha!) began helping. Donald's screenwriting style was in great contrast to his brother's, employing by-the-book techniques and eye-rolling cliches. Charlie, in an autobiographical sense, writes deep, mind-bending films that contain no easy answers and kind of screw with you. He can't write the Orchid Thief, Susan Orlean's bestseller, in a straightforward way.
Yet, Charlie's deadline is approaching and he just needs to have something on paper. So, Donald, gets his ideas, cliche-ridden.
At this point, the author, Susan Orlean, has become suspicious in the eyes of Charlie and Donald. The two soon discover that Orlean is a drug-addict, getting high off a chemical in Ghost Orchid flowers. She also is sleeping with John LaRoche, the man whom The Orchid Thief is based on.
The two screenwriters must confront Orlean, in hopes of helping her. When they do confront her, though, she threatens to kill them both if they write about her sexual relationship and drug abuse in their script. A hot-pursuit car chase ensues. Donald, as a result, is killed brutally.
Later, though, Charlie falls in love with a girl with whom he used to go out. Things appear to be better for Charlie as his depression and self-loathing seem to have subsided. He drives off into the bright sunset, and the credits soon roll in.
Kaufmanesque? Well, yes. Totally. Because, of course, it's all satire and far more complicated than meets the eye.
First off, Donald is an extension of Charlie's mind. That's a given. We see this as Donald takes over the script. The Donald side of Charlie's brain invades as the deadline approaches.
With this, the film shifts. What had been a cynical, creative film had turned into a Hollywood thriller. Orlean never really was a suspicious person and all these drugs, violence, sex and deus ex machina were simply incorporated by Donald. All of these cliches that come with it are an ode to modern Hollywood. These themes come into the script (and therefore, the film) as Donald takes the reins. Isn't that incredibly clever? Kaufman took the feelings and actions of his characters, had that influence the screenplay, which went on to influence the actual film.
Yet, I have some reservations. Twisting the film on itself, as was done during he last fourth of the film, and making a whole different tone and premise makes me wonder. Was it all worth it? I mean, yes, it was and that was the film Kaufman wanted to make. It displayed the whole film's theme of how Hollywood...sucks. It was satire! It was a very creative way of telling the story. But did I 100% enjoy this last fourth of the film? Maybe not.
Basically, I just wanna say the ending of Adaptation and my thoughts, alright? If you haven't seen the film, please don't read this.
Charlie Kaufman's script about the Orchid Thief was going nowhere, so his twin brother, Donald (his other half! Ha!) began helping. Donald's screenwriting style was in great contrast to his brother's, employing by-the-book techniques and eye-rolling cliches. Charlie, in an autobiographical sense, writes deep, mind-bending films that contain no easy answers and kind of screw with you. He can't write the Orchid Thief, Susan Orlean's bestseller, in a straightforward way.
Yet, Charlie's deadline is approaching and he just needs to have something on paper. So, Donald, gets his ideas, cliche-ridden.
At this point, the author, Susan Orlean, has become suspicious in the eyes of Charlie and Donald. The two soon discover that Orlean is a drug-addict, getting high off a chemical in Ghost Orchid flowers. She also is sleeping with John LaRoche, the man whom The Orchid Thief is based on.
The two screenwriters must confront Orlean, in hopes of helping her. When they do confront her, though, she threatens to kill them both if they write about her sexual relationship and drug abuse in their script. A hot-pursuit car chase ensues. Donald, as a result, is killed brutally.
Later, though, Charlie falls in love with a girl with whom he used to go out. Things appear to be better for Charlie as his depression and self-loathing seem to have subsided. He drives off into the bright sunset, and the credits soon roll in.
Kaufmanesque? Well, yes. Totally. Because, of course, it's all satire and far more complicated than meets the eye.
First off, Donald is an extension of Charlie's mind. That's a given. We see this as Donald takes over the script. The Donald side of Charlie's brain invades as the deadline approaches.
With this, the film shifts. What had been a cynical, creative film had turned into a Hollywood thriller. Orlean never really was a suspicious person and all these drugs, violence, sex and deus ex machina were simply incorporated by Donald. All of these cliches that come with it are an ode to modern Hollywood. These themes come into the script (and therefore, the film) as Donald takes the reins. Isn't that incredibly clever? Kaufman took the feelings and actions of his characters, had that influence the screenplay, which went on to influence the actual film.
Yet, I have some reservations. Twisting the film on itself, as was done during he last fourth of the film, and making a whole different tone and premise makes me wonder. Was it all worth it? I mean, yes, it was and that was the film Kaufman wanted to make. It displayed the whole film's theme of how Hollywood...sucks. It was satire! It was a very creative way of telling the story. But did I 100% enjoy this last fourth of the film? Maybe not.
Thursday, January 22
Scattered Oscar Thoughts
Overall Feeling: Pissed off
So the nominations are out and as I looked them over the minute I got near a computer in school, I found much to my dismay. It's not a number of things that irritated me about the nominations, but an overall mood that had me disgusted.
On the subject of The Dark Knight's ridiculous snub: Wow. I saw The Reader on the ballot and immediately I figured Frost/Nixon had been bounced (which would have been great). The Dark Knight, to me at that point, had been a solid bet to get in. Of course it didn't and the golden oldies of the Academy thought it would be a great idea to step out of the box and nominate a holacaust film that has gotten very little attention in 2008 American cinema. So, of course, "the superhero movie" (wait, you mean crime drama?) gets booted.
It all boils down to the fact of what an Academy Award Film is. The Dark Knight doesn't totally fit the bill of what a cliche Oscar-nominee usually is. It's not about the holocaust. It's not a biopic (thank goodness). It's not involving Clint Eastwood in anyway, shape or form. It's simply a mega-smash hit that has made a huge impact on movies in the 21st century. It will be lauded for years and years. Critics loved it. There were very good to great performances all around. It was an artistic achievement.
But it simply isn't an Important Academy Film, which pisses me off. What film, this year, has made a larger impact? It's no question. What film is more loved? The Dark Knight, still, no question. The Dark Knight will go down in history as a great acheivement. The Reader (and Frost/Nixon, too) are simply good to very good movies (I haven't seen either, but I'm going by the concensus opinion.) The Dark Knight has changed things...forever. Sort of insane.
Maybe I need to just go by the Awards Daily saying, "The trick is not minding." The Dark Knight doesn't need Oscars to prove that it's one hell of an achievement. Yet I just can't help but be a great deal perturbed.
Okay, onto other happenings please?
Benjamin Button was the Academy king, and I agree with all the techs. And maybe, Pitt. Whatever. Clearly, everyone thinks this film is pretty special and maybe it is. Another heavyweight was Slumdog Millionaire, which I love. Double-digit noms for the Little Film is really awesome.
Since I'm struggling to articulate clear-cut thoughts, let me just cop out...
Happy:
Richard Jenkins (one of the best performances of the year)
Amy Adams nomination
Slumdog domination
Marisa Tomei nomination
Wally Pfister nomination
Benjamin Button art direction nom (no surprise, but it was still the best of the year)
"Jai Ho" nomination
Sad:
Dark Knight snubs galore
Taraji P. Henson nomination
WALL-E original screenplay nomination
Benjamin Button adapted screenplay nomination
Um, where the hell is Springsteen, goddammit?!
I guess the good outweighs the bad? Ugh, no.
Anyway, as for how I did on predicting yesterday. I did pretty badly. I really thought I might do well, but, hell, you can't predict this insanity. I got 63 slots correct of the 94 I predicted. That's roughly 65 percent. Ouch. I went 5/5 on editing, and that was it. I totally shit the bed in Original Screenplay, getting 40%.
So, it was a crazy, maddening, fun, exciting day. It always is. There's good and bad as you accept the disappointment and bask in the pleasant surprises. And you know what I can't wait for? The day the Academy pulls their heads out of their asses.
So the nominations are out and as I looked them over the minute I got near a computer in school, I found much to my dismay. It's not a number of things that irritated me about the nominations, but an overall mood that had me disgusted.
On the subject of The Dark Knight's ridiculous snub: Wow. I saw The Reader on the ballot and immediately I figured Frost/Nixon had been bounced (which would have been great). The Dark Knight, to me at that point, had been a solid bet to get in. Of course it didn't and the golden oldies of the Academy thought it would be a great idea to step out of the box and nominate a holacaust film that has gotten very little attention in 2008 American cinema. So, of course, "the superhero movie" (wait, you mean crime drama?) gets booted.
It all boils down to the fact of what an Academy Award Film is. The Dark Knight doesn't totally fit the bill of what a cliche Oscar-nominee usually is. It's not about the holocaust. It's not a biopic (thank goodness). It's not involving Clint Eastwood in anyway, shape or form. It's simply a mega-smash hit that has made a huge impact on movies in the 21st century. It will be lauded for years and years. Critics loved it. There were very good to great performances all around. It was an artistic achievement.
But it simply isn't an Important Academy Film, which pisses me off. What film, this year, has made a larger impact? It's no question. What film is more loved? The Dark Knight, still, no question. The Dark Knight will go down in history as a great acheivement. The Reader (and Frost/Nixon, too) are simply good to very good movies (I haven't seen either, but I'm going by the concensus opinion.) The Dark Knight has changed things...forever. Sort of insane.
Maybe I need to just go by the Awards Daily saying, "The trick is not minding." The Dark Knight doesn't need Oscars to prove that it's one hell of an achievement. Yet I just can't help but be a great deal perturbed.
Okay, onto other happenings please?
Benjamin Button was the Academy king, and I agree with all the techs. And maybe, Pitt. Whatever. Clearly, everyone thinks this film is pretty special and maybe it is. Another heavyweight was Slumdog Millionaire, which I love. Double-digit noms for the Little Film is really awesome.
Since I'm struggling to articulate clear-cut thoughts, let me just cop out...
Happy:
Richard Jenkins (one of the best performances of the year)
Amy Adams nomination
Slumdog domination
Marisa Tomei nomination
Wally Pfister nomination
Benjamin Button art direction nom (no surprise, but it was still the best of the year)
"Jai Ho" nomination
Sad:
Dark Knight snubs galore
Taraji P. Henson nomination
WALL-E original screenplay nomination
Benjamin Button adapted screenplay nomination
Um, where the hell is Springsteen, goddammit?!
I guess the good outweighs the bad? Ugh, no.
Anyway, as for how I did on predicting yesterday. I did pretty badly. I really thought I might do well, but, hell, you can't predict this insanity. I got 63 slots correct of the 94 I predicted. That's roughly 65 percent. Ouch. I went 5/5 on editing, and that was it. I totally shit the bed in Original Screenplay, getting 40%.
So, it was a crazy, maddening, fun, exciting day. It always is. There's good and bad as you accept the disappointment and bask in the pleasant surprises. And you know what I can't wait for? The day the Academy pulls their heads out of their asses.
Wednesday, January 21
Oscar Nomination Eve Predictions
It's Oscar Nomination Eve! Here are the final predictions:
(Key: Green = Ladies and Gentleman, a Lock, Blue = Surprising If They Don't Make It, Red = Barely In)
Foreign Language Film
The Class
Waltz With Bashir
The Baader Meinhof Complex
Three Monkeys
Everlasting Moments
Animated Reature Film
Waltz With Bashir
WALL-E
Kung Fu Panda
Technical Achievement Nominations
Visual Effects
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Sound Mixing
WALL-E
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
Sound Editing
The Dark Knight
Indiana Jones 4
Iron Man
WALL-E
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Original Song
The Wrestler
WALL-E
Bolt
Slumdog Millionaire
HSM3
Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
Thomas Newman, WALL-E
Thomas Newman, Revolutionary Road
Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, The Dark Knight
Make-Up
The Reader
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Tropic Thunder
Film Editing
Slumdog Millionaire
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Frost/Nixon
Costume Design
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Other Boleyn Girl
Cinematography
Claudio Miranda, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Wally Pfister, The Dark Knight
Roger Deaking, Revolutionary Road
Anthony Dod Martel, Slumdog Millionaire
Colin Watkinson, The Fall
Art Direction
Milk
Revolutionary Road
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Changeling
The Reader
The Great Eight
Original Screenplay
Robert D. Siegel, The Wrestler
Andrew Stanton, WALL-E
Woody Allen, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Jenny Lumet, Rachel Getting Married
Dustin Lance Black, Milk
Adapted Screenplay
Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley, Doubt
Peter Morgan, Frost/Nixon
Jonathan and Chris Nolan, The Dark Knight
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis, Doubt
Kate Winslet, The Reader
Amy Adams, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, Benjamin Button
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Josh Brolin, Milk
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
James Franco, Milk
Best Actress
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Best Actor
Sean Penn, Milk
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Brad Pitt, Benjamin Button
Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino
Best Director
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Gus Van Sant, Milk
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight
Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Slumdog Millionaire
The Dark Knight
Milk
Top Nominations:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 14
The Dark Knight - 10
Slumdog Millionaire - 8
Milk - 8
Frost/Nixon - 5
Doubt - 5
So I was pretty conservative. I think I'll do pretty well, save, maybe, for some of the Tech Branch. Any comments, bold predictions or musings of your own?
(Key: Green = Ladies and Gentleman, a Lock, Blue = Surprising If They Don't Make It, Red = Barely In)
Foreign Language Film
The Class
Waltz With Bashir
The Baader Meinhof Complex
Three Monkeys
Everlasting Moments
Animated Reature Film
Waltz With Bashir
WALL-E
Kung Fu Panda
Technical Achievement Nominations
Visual Effects
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Sound Mixing
WALL-E
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
Sound Editing
The Dark Knight
Indiana Jones 4
Iron Man
WALL-E
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Original Song
The Wrestler
WALL-E
Bolt
Slumdog Millionaire
HSM3
Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
Thomas Newman, WALL-E
Thomas Newman, Revolutionary Road
Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, The Dark Knight
Make-Up
The Reader
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Tropic Thunder
Film Editing
Slumdog Millionaire
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Frost/Nixon
Costume Design
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Other Boleyn Girl
Cinematography
Claudio Miranda, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Wally Pfister, The Dark Knight
Roger Deaking, Revolutionary Road
Anthony Dod Martel, Slumdog Millionaire
Colin Watkinson, The Fall
Art Direction
Milk
Revolutionary Road
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Changeling
The Reader
The Great Eight
Original Screenplay
Robert D. Siegel, The Wrestler
Andrew Stanton, WALL-E
Woody Allen, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Jenny Lumet, Rachel Getting Married
Dustin Lance Black, Milk
Adapted Screenplay
Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley, Doubt
Peter Morgan, Frost/Nixon
Jonathan and Chris Nolan, The Dark Knight
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis, Doubt
Kate Winslet, The Reader
Amy Adams, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, Benjamin Button
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Josh Brolin, Milk
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
James Franco, Milk
Best Actress
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Best Actor
Sean Penn, Milk
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Brad Pitt, Benjamin Button
Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino
Best Director
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Gus Van Sant, Milk
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight
Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Slumdog Millionaire
The Dark Knight
Milk
Top Nominations:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 14
The Dark Knight - 10
Slumdog Millionaire - 8
Milk - 8
Frost/Nixon - 5
Doubt - 5
So I was pretty conservative. I think I'll do pretty well, save, maybe, for some of the Tech Branch. Any comments, bold predictions or musings of your own?
Tuesday, January 20
Monday, January 19
2009: The Year In Preview (Film)
Even the fact that I don't see all the big movies of the year until about April has rolled around, I can say today that 2008 was not in the same league as the stellar 2007 crop of films. There were many bright spots, though, such as The Dark Knight or Slumdog, and I'm surely bound to see at least one more four-star film.
2009 sounds great, to me. Many original stories are going to be brought to the screen and an eclectic group of auteurs look to be bringing films to the screen. Along with the quirk of Wes Anderson and Spike Jonze, legends like Scorsese and Eastwood will also be in the thick of Oscar season, yet again.
So, without further ado, here are my ten most anticipated films of the new year...
10. The Fighter
The Wrestler with a cooler name? Sounds a bit Irish Rocky, about an Irish boxer making the rounds, in hopes of making a name for himself. This will be another harrowing human drama, hopefully, displaying some more brilliant performances. The Wrester-Fighter comparisons will be a plenty.
9. Public Enemies
Depp. Bale. Mann. That's enough of a selling point for me. I will admit, though, that I'm a little apprehensive in thinking that this will definitely be an amazing movie. Something seems amiss. Maybe it's the screenplay that might be the film's downfall? I don't know. One thing that I can see happening is Depp possibly getting his first Oscar. Bound to be a great performance.
8. Julie and Julia
What excited me so much about this film was the screenshots that were released. Streep looks in command of the Julia Child role. I've heard of the source material, though I'm not too sure of the book's structure. It sounds as though Julie (played by Amy Adams) attempts to cook all the recipes from Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" and we jump back and forth into Julia Child's life throughout this.
7. The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
It unfortunate that this film got complicated due to Ledger's death. Yet seeing him in a new performance, probably a stellar one, is the reason I highly anticipate this film. Beyond that, the plot about a travelling theater company seems rather interesting. Can Gilliam finally make another great film?
6. Taking Woodstock
I honestly know little about the plot, yet what I do know is that Ang Lee is in the director's chair and an incredibly interesting cast is taking the stage. Is this the year Demetri Martin gets an Oscar nom? (that one was for you J.D.) Then, you have the ever-consistent Emile Hirsch along with Imelda Staunton and Paul Dano (Yes, I am a Dano Fano). Knowing Lee's attention to detail and beauty he brings to the screen, this could surely be great cinema.
5. The Human Factor
Clint Eastwood's Big Oscar Bait Film: 2009 Edition. Really, the main reason I'm anticipating it is the reception it will receive. How can this film fail? It's an easy win for Eastwood, will probably win Best Picture and will probably win Morgan Freeman another Oscar. End of story.
4. The Fantastic Mr. Fox
I'm an off-and-on Wes Anderson fan. Was disappointed with Rushmore but The Royal Tennenbaums is in my top 20. This adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl book (not a very good Dahl book, at that) should push the boundaries of Anderson as a filmmaker. I, honestly, cannot wait to see Anderson's aesthetic in animated form. Have been looking forward to this one for well over a year.
3. Up In The Air
Jason Reitman is back again, thank God. Following up Juno will be a tough thing to do, but if the screenplay is there (as it was in Juno), this could be another hit. (By the way, has Reitman been thrown into the Juno Backlash along with his film? Am I allowed to like him?) Clooney stars, alongside Vera Farmiga. Sounds very Punch-Drunk Love-ish, which is certainly a good thing.
2. Where the Wild Things Are
Have you seen the screenshots that have been released? Weird. That said, it's weird in the best way possible. Spike Jonze taking on a beloved children's book? It seems like a match made in heaven. The book is quirky, Jonze is too. The results should, if anything, be engrossingly unique.
1. Inglorious Basterds
Anticipation for this film has been up and down. Those who have read the script say the film will be junk, while others are simply pumped for Tarantino and the really odd (bordering on odd-in-bad-way) cast. The plot seems really crazy, entailing Jewish soldiers who must brutally murder Nazis. I have a feeling the finished product is going to be balls-to-the-walls insane, meaning this will be either Tarantino's worst or finest feature.
Not to be sappy, but really, this is what I love about movies. There are always films to look forward to, bringing you back to your favorite directors or actors. There are always more great films out there to be experienced. Hopefully, 2009 can produce a few masterpieces to get us through the year.
2009 sounds great, to me. Many original stories are going to be brought to the screen and an eclectic group of auteurs look to be bringing films to the screen. Along with the quirk of Wes Anderson and Spike Jonze, legends like Scorsese and Eastwood will also be in the thick of Oscar season, yet again.
So, without further ado, here are my ten most anticipated films of the new year...
10. The Fighter
The Wrestler with a cooler name? Sounds a bit Irish Rocky, about an Irish boxer making the rounds, in hopes of making a name for himself. This will be another harrowing human drama, hopefully, displaying some more brilliant performances. The Wrester-Fighter comparisons will be a plenty.
9. Public Enemies
Depp. Bale. Mann. That's enough of a selling point for me. I will admit, though, that I'm a little apprehensive in thinking that this will definitely be an amazing movie. Something seems amiss. Maybe it's the screenplay that might be the film's downfall? I don't know. One thing that I can see happening is Depp possibly getting his first Oscar. Bound to be a great performance.
8. Julie and Julia
What excited me so much about this film was the screenshots that were released. Streep looks in command of the Julia Child role. I've heard of the source material, though I'm not too sure of the book's structure. It sounds as though Julie (played by Amy Adams) attempts to cook all the recipes from Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" and we jump back and forth into Julia Child's life throughout this.
7. The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus
It unfortunate that this film got complicated due to Ledger's death. Yet seeing him in a new performance, probably a stellar one, is the reason I highly anticipate this film. Beyond that, the plot about a travelling theater company seems rather interesting. Can Gilliam finally make another great film?
6. Taking Woodstock
I honestly know little about the plot, yet what I do know is that Ang Lee is in the director's chair and an incredibly interesting cast is taking the stage. Is this the year Demetri Martin gets an Oscar nom? (that one was for you J.D.) Then, you have the ever-consistent Emile Hirsch along with Imelda Staunton and Paul Dano (Yes, I am a Dano Fano). Knowing Lee's attention to detail and beauty he brings to the screen, this could surely be great cinema.
5. The Human Factor
Clint Eastwood's Big Oscar Bait Film: 2009 Edition. Really, the main reason I'm anticipating it is the reception it will receive. How can this film fail? It's an easy win for Eastwood, will probably win Best Picture and will probably win Morgan Freeman another Oscar. End of story.
4. The Fantastic Mr. Fox
I'm an off-and-on Wes Anderson fan. Was disappointed with Rushmore but The Royal Tennenbaums is in my top 20. This adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl book (not a very good Dahl book, at that) should push the boundaries of Anderson as a filmmaker. I, honestly, cannot wait to see Anderson's aesthetic in animated form. Have been looking forward to this one for well over a year.
3. Up In The Air
Jason Reitman is back again, thank God. Following up Juno will be a tough thing to do, but if the screenplay is there (as it was in Juno), this could be another hit. (By the way, has Reitman been thrown into the Juno Backlash along with his film? Am I allowed to like him?) Clooney stars, alongside Vera Farmiga. Sounds very Punch-Drunk Love-ish, which is certainly a good thing.
2. Where the Wild Things Are
Have you seen the screenshots that have been released? Weird. That said, it's weird in the best way possible. Spike Jonze taking on a beloved children's book? It seems like a match made in heaven. The book is quirky, Jonze is too. The results should, if anything, be engrossingly unique.
1. Inglorious Basterds
Anticipation for this film has been up and down. Those who have read the script say the film will be junk, while others are simply pumped for Tarantino and the really odd (bordering on odd-in-bad-way) cast. The plot seems really crazy, entailing Jewish soldiers who must brutally murder Nazis. I have a feeling the finished product is going to be balls-to-the-walls insane, meaning this will be either Tarantino's worst or finest feature.
Not to be sappy, but really, this is what I love about movies. There are always films to look forward to, bringing you back to your favorite directors or actors. There are always more great films out there to be experienced. Hopefully, 2009 can produce a few masterpieces to get us through the year.
Saturday, January 17
NFL Picks - 2009 Conference Championships
Slowly the season winds down. Not much else to it. Here are the picks:
Arizona Cardinals over Philadelphia Eagles
The Cardinals continue their role as Jesus Christ's Team, yet can they continue this? I think I can go outright and say that the Eagles are better than anyone else the Cards have played in the playoffs thus far (the poser-Panthers and the Falcons who are still a year or two away from being a true contender). Who knew the Panthers would suck in such grand scale? Absolutely pathetic.
What I love about the Cardinals is that...they're, kind of, stacked. The best receivers in the NFL. Arguably (ARGUABLY), Kurt Warner had the best offensive output of any quarterback this year. Okay, top-three, at least? The Eagles can't say the same thing about their offense. "But, Mark, the Eagles D. THE EAGLES D WILL DOMINATE!" But, folks, have you seen Arizona in the playoffs, thus far? Their line is getting up in the quarterbacks grill. And they've stopped the run twice, easily. And Westbrook is banged up. It comes down to this: in the playoffs, the Cards have played better D and O. It's as simple as that.
Cardinals 28, Eagles 17
Pittsburgh Steelers over Baltimore Ravens
If you've been reading my NFL Playoff Picks so far (You haven't?) you may know I like the Ravens and I'm casually rooting for them. Yet they got a tad lucky and in 7 out of ten times, against the Titans, they would probably lose. They got some lucky bounces and calls (that infamous delay of game. Goddammit, refs...). So, now, it only gets harder for Baltimore as they play a cruising Pitt team.
The Steelers are basically Baltimore, except for a few things: A better quarterback, probably a better running game, possibly better coaching, more experience, and maybe even the better defense.
This has Best Game of the Year written all over it, so don't be surprised if..it is..the Best Game of the Year. Yet, experience at the quarterbacking position will be the deciding factor.
Steelers 21, Ravens 13
So that sets the stage for a Steelers-Cardinals Super Bowl. AKA, One of the Worst Super Bowls in Years.
Arizona Cardinals over Philadelphia Eagles
The Cardinals continue their role as Jesus Christ's Team, yet can they continue this? I think I can go outright and say that the Eagles are better than anyone else the Cards have played in the playoffs thus far (the poser-Panthers and the Falcons who are still a year or two away from being a true contender). Who knew the Panthers would suck in such grand scale? Absolutely pathetic.
What I love about the Cardinals is that...they're, kind of, stacked. The best receivers in the NFL. Arguably (ARGUABLY), Kurt Warner had the best offensive output of any quarterback this year. Okay, top-three, at least? The Eagles can't say the same thing about their offense. "But, Mark, the Eagles D. THE EAGLES D WILL DOMINATE!" But, folks, have you seen Arizona in the playoffs, thus far? Their line is getting up in the quarterbacks grill. And they've stopped the run twice, easily. And Westbrook is banged up. It comes down to this: in the playoffs, the Cards have played better D and O. It's as simple as that.
Cardinals 28, Eagles 17
Pittsburgh Steelers over Baltimore Ravens
If you've been reading my NFL Playoff Picks so far (You haven't?) you may know I like the Ravens and I'm casually rooting for them. Yet they got a tad lucky and in 7 out of ten times, against the Titans, they would probably lose. They got some lucky bounces and calls (that infamous delay of game. Goddammit, refs...). So, now, it only gets harder for Baltimore as they play a cruising Pitt team.
The Steelers are basically Baltimore, except for a few things: A better quarterback, probably a better running game, possibly better coaching, more experience, and maybe even the better defense.
This has Best Game of the Year written all over it, so don't be surprised if..it is..the Best Game of the Year. Yet, experience at the quarterbacking position will be the deciding factor.
Steelers 21, Ravens 13
So that sets the stage for a Steelers-Cardinals Super Bowl. AKA, One of the Worst Super Bowls in Years.
Friday, January 16
Thinking Well is Dry
Sorry, I've been a bit absent over the past few days. Haven't had a bunch to write about. Haven't seen a bunch of films lately. Whatever. I'll have NFL Picks tomorrow, which I sense no one gives a shit about.
To cheer you about, here's some Sufjan. Does the body good.
To cheer you about, here's some Sufjan. Does the body good.
Wednesday, January 14
Underrated Band of the Day - Sunset Rubdown
Criminally underrated, in fact.
A band that I always come back to, randomly. Unique, wackey, lyrics and incredible instrumentals. Their latest album, Random Spirit Lover, which came out last year is crazier than ever.
Here are a few of my favorites:
^Swimming; incredible piano-playing. Honestly, never seen anything like it.
^Us Ones In Between
^Winged/WIcked Things
Very good, different band. Certainly worth a listen.
A band that I always come back to, randomly. Unique, wackey, lyrics and incredible instrumentals. Their latest album, Random Spirit Lover, which came out last year is crazier than ever.
Here are a few of my favorites:
^Swimming; incredible piano-playing. Honestly, never seen anything like it.
^Us Ones In Between
^Winged/WIcked Things
Very good, different band. Certainly worth a listen.
Monday, January 12
Sunday, January 11
Quick Golden Globe Predix
UPDATE: So the Globes are over and done with. Maybe, later, I'll post a bit about what I thought about the show and some of my favorite moments.
But first, I must confront what all of you are eagerly waiting...how I did in my predictions! I went: 8/22, roughly 36 percent. Okay, so I shit the bed. Whatever.
(The correct predictions have an asterisk)
And the winners are...
Best Picture - Drama
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
*Best Picture - Musical or Comedy
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Best Actor - Drama
Sean Penn, Milk
*Best Actress - Drama
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Best Actor - Musical or Comedy
Brenden Gleeson, In Bruges
Best Actress - Musical or Comedy
Meryl Streep, Mamma Mia
*Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Best Director
David Fincher, Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Screenplay
Eric Roth and Robin Swicord, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Original Song
"Down to Earth", WALL-E
Best Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
*Best Animated Film
WALL-E
Best Foreign Language Film
Gomorra
*Best Television Series - Drama
Mad Men
*Best Television Series - Musical(?) or Comedy
30 Rock
(Going to skip all of the mini-series stuff...)
*Best Actor - Musical or Comedy
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Best Actress - Musical or Comedy
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?
Best Actor- Drama
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Best Actress- Drama
Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters
*Best Supporting Actor
Tom Wilkinson, John Adams
Best Supporting Actress
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
But first, I must confront what all of you are eagerly waiting...how I did in my predictions! I went: 8/22, roughly 36 percent. Okay, so I shit the bed. Whatever.
(The correct predictions have an asterisk)
And the winners are...
Best Picture - Drama
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
*Best Picture - Musical or Comedy
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Best Actor - Drama
Sean Penn, Milk
*Best Actress - Drama
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Best Actor - Musical or Comedy
Brenden Gleeson, In Bruges
Best Actress - Musical or Comedy
Meryl Streep, Mamma Mia
*Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Best Director
David Fincher, Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Screenplay
Eric Roth and Robin Swicord, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Original Song
"Down to Earth", WALL-E
Best Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
*Best Animated Film
WALL-E
Best Foreign Language Film
Gomorra
*Best Television Series - Drama
Mad Men
*Best Television Series - Musical(?) or Comedy
30 Rock
(Going to skip all of the mini-series stuff...)
*Best Actor - Musical or Comedy
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Best Actress - Musical or Comedy
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?
Best Actor- Drama
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Best Actress- Drama
Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters
*Best Supporting Actor
Tom Wilkinson, John Adams
Best Supporting Actress
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
Friday, January 9
NFL Divisional Round Playoffs Picks
Onto the Divisional Round, we proceed. Things remain interesting as we head into this week, yet in a different way from last week. No more, are teams with identical or close-to-identical records facing off. Now, Big Tunas are going against wild card teams (and a wild-card Division winner). It shall be interesting. Away we go...
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
2009 Baltimore Ravens = Official Playoff Bandwagon Pick. The Titans? The underrated squad who people forgot are extremely dangerous. But, dammit, I'm a bandwagon jumper and I love this Baltimore team. Not a phrase I'd imagine saying prior to this season. Doubt in your mind? As I hold all this confidence towards Baltimore, the Negative Nancy in my head tells me I'm just a bandwagon jumper and that usually the bandwagon burns as people jump on it during the playoffs. Yet, can you really see this tough Baltimore team losing that badly? Gritty, playmaking, defense-first teams are a tough out.
Baltimore over Tennesse, 17-13
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers
I just don't like Carolina very much. They seem like the type of team that is relatively easy to dissect as their options aren't endless. Get past that tough D-line and stop the run (though, not easy tasks...), and you'll probably prevail if you can do that. Hell, the Cardinals are even easier. Stop Kurt Warner. And the Cards may not have Anquan Boldin? Eek. I like Carolina to go in, run the hell over a spotty Cards D (though they did shut down Michael Burner Turner...) and come out with the easy win. Though an upset is possible if Arizona can pull some strings. I'm flip-flopping aren't I?
Carolina over Arizona, 33-20
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
I can't really see the Giants losing, can you? Uh, but they just might. Westbrook is a playmaker, we all know that. He can pull off a little play that becomes a really friggin' big play and the defense can't do much about it. And Donovan McNabb gets way too much flack. He played more-than respectable ball against a good defense last week. If he can pull through, as he usually does, this only sures up a win. The Giants, on the other hand, may have peaked early. Philly has shown they can beat them. The key for the Eagles? Stop Brandon Jacobs. I feel they can.
Philadelphia over New York, 30-20
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Two, nearly, opposite teams. Yet the Steelers are better at what they do (DEFENSE). It seems as though fans and analysts are all forgetting how good some of these division winners are. Remember just weeks ago, everyone was high on the Steelers? Well, dammit, I still am. I remember early in the season I picked them to win it all. That belief faltered a bit in past weeks, but this team still finds ways to wins. Now, the Chargers are playing like a 12-4 team currently. But don't forget, the Steelers are a 12-4 team. And no LT = No chance. Darren Sproles performance last week was enigmatic and I can't see it happening again.
Pittsburgh over San Diego, 26-14
Oh, and speaking of Kurt Warner? This video is really awwwkward.
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
2009 Baltimore Ravens = Official Playoff Bandwagon Pick. The Titans? The underrated squad who people forgot are extremely dangerous. But, dammit, I'm a bandwagon jumper and I love this Baltimore team. Not a phrase I'd imagine saying prior to this season. Doubt in your mind? As I hold all this confidence towards Baltimore, the Negative Nancy in my head tells me I'm just a bandwagon jumper and that usually the bandwagon burns as people jump on it during the playoffs. Yet, can you really see this tough Baltimore team losing that badly? Gritty, playmaking, defense-first teams are a tough out.
Baltimore over Tennesse, 17-13
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers
I just don't like Carolina very much. They seem like the type of team that is relatively easy to dissect as their options aren't endless. Get past that tough D-line and stop the run (though, not easy tasks...), and you'll probably prevail if you can do that. Hell, the Cardinals are even easier. Stop Kurt Warner. And the Cards may not have Anquan Boldin? Eek. I like Carolina to go in, run the hell over a spotty Cards D (though they did shut down Michael Burner Turner...) and come out with the easy win. Though an upset is possible if Arizona can pull some strings. I'm flip-flopping aren't I?
Carolina over Arizona, 33-20
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
I can't really see the Giants losing, can you? Uh, but they just might. Westbrook is a playmaker, we all know that. He can pull off a little play that becomes a really friggin' big play and the defense can't do much about it. And Donovan McNabb gets way too much flack. He played more-than respectable ball against a good defense last week. If he can pull through, as he usually does, this only sures up a win. The Giants, on the other hand, may have peaked early. Philly has shown they can beat them. The key for the Eagles? Stop Brandon Jacobs. I feel they can.
Philadelphia over New York, 30-20
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Two, nearly, opposite teams. Yet the Steelers are better at what they do (DEFENSE). It seems as though fans and analysts are all forgetting how good some of these division winners are. Remember just weeks ago, everyone was high on the Steelers? Well, dammit, I still am. I remember early in the season I picked them to win it all. That belief faltered a bit in past weeks, but this team still finds ways to wins. Now, the Chargers are playing like a 12-4 team currently. But don't forget, the Steelers are a 12-4 team. And no LT = No chance. Darren Sproles performance last week was enigmatic and I can't see it happening again.
Pittsburgh over San Diego, 26-14
Oh, and speaking of Kurt Warner? This video is really awwwkward.
Thursday, January 8
Awesome Montage/Better Song
It just happens to be a montage of Jim and Pam on The Office, yet it's also plays one of my favorite songs at the moment:
The Bleeding Heart Show by The New Pornographers
You know what this reminds me of? The time when The Office was consistently great...
The Bleeding Heart Show by The New Pornographers
You know what this reminds me of? The time when The Office was consistently great...
Tuesday, January 6
An Insightful AIM Conversation
Maybe not the classiest model of my views on the Oscar race, but I feel it gives a decent idea about what I feel will go down in February. I'm MStEiNy1212 (shut up) and my friend is miniparks24. I like to think I'm slowly converting him into a film geek, like myself.
miniparks24 (2:38:54 PM): who will win best picture?
MStEiNy1212 (2:39:08 PM): thats a GOOD question
MStEiNy1212 (2:39:19 PM): i doubt benjamin button will...
miniparks24 (2:39:26 PM): i hope not
miniparks24 (2:39:34 PM): i hope milk does
MStEiNy1212 (2:39:34 PM): milk or slumdog
MStEiNy1212 (2:39:50 PM): don't be shocked if dark knight wins tho
miniparks24 (2:40:03 PM): it might not even get nominated
MStEiNy1212 (2:40:29 PM): yeah..i think if it DOES get nominated it will win..yet it may not get the nom
MStEiNy1212 (2:40:43 PM): idk..its a 3-horse race really
A race among Slumdog, Button and Milk (and Dark Knight?!?!?!?!).
miniparks24 (2:40:54 PM): frost/nixon?
miniparks24 (2:40:55 PM): ?
MStEiNy1212 (2:41:00 PM): nah...
MStEiNy1212 (2:41:07 PM): not enough buzz
Has anyone heard shit about Frost/Nixon? The old men of the Academy will proabably dig it...
miniparks24 (2:42:32 PM): wrestler?
MStEiNy1212 (2:42:46 PM): naw...doubt it gets a nom
MStEiNy1212 (2:42:54 PM): aronofsky could get a director nom tho
MStEiNy1212 (2:42:59 PM): POSSIBLY
miniparks24 (2:47:11 PM): is heath ledger a lock?
MStEiNy1212 (2:48:16 PM): oh yeah
MStEiNy1212 (2:48:20 PM): nearly a lock to win
Michael Shannon is really the main threat, but if the Revolutionary Road hate brigade continues, he probably won't have much of a shot. Or Dev Patel, anyone?
It's not chock-full of juicy insight, but I think it sort of gets the job done. Maybe someday I'll be a bit more proper and productive and make some official predictions, but for now..this will do?
miniparks24 (2:38:54 PM): who will win best picture?
MStEiNy1212 (2:39:08 PM): thats a GOOD question
MStEiNy1212 (2:39:19 PM): i doubt benjamin button will...
miniparks24 (2:39:26 PM): i hope not
miniparks24 (2:39:34 PM): i hope milk does
MStEiNy1212 (2:39:34 PM): milk or slumdog
MStEiNy1212 (2:39:50 PM): don't be shocked if dark knight wins tho
miniparks24 (2:40:03 PM): it might not even get nominated
MStEiNy1212 (2:40:29 PM): yeah..i think if it DOES get nominated it will win..yet it may not get the nom
MStEiNy1212 (2:40:43 PM): idk..its a 3-horse race really
A race among Slumdog, Button and Milk (and Dark Knight?!?!?!?!).
miniparks24 (2:40:54 PM): frost/nixon?
miniparks24 (2:40:55 PM): ?
MStEiNy1212 (2:41:00 PM): nah...
MStEiNy1212 (2:41:07 PM): not enough buzz
Has anyone heard shit about Frost/Nixon? The old men of the Academy will proabably dig it...
miniparks24 (2:42:32 PM): wrestler?
MStEiNy1212 (2:42:46 PM): naw...doubt it gets a nom
MStEiNy1212 (2:42:54 PM): aronofsky could get a director nom tho
MStEiNy1212 (2:42:59 PM): POSSIBLY
Probably not.
miniparks24 (2:43:36 PM): doubt?
MStEiNy1212 (2:43:45 PM): i DOUBT it!
MStEiNy1212 (2:43:49 PM): no..not a chance it wins
MStEiNy1212 (2:43:56 PM): and i doubt it gets a nom
MStEiNy1212 (2:44:22 PM): maybe if it gets four acting noms (ei amy adams) but that unlikely
miniparks24 (2:44:44 PM): i think amy adams is hot
One of my favorite actresses, to be honest. May make my top five in supporting actress for Doubt, come time.
MStEiNy1212 (2:45:05 PM): not in her nun-garb...but yeah she is
miniparks24 (2:45:10 PM): lol
She actually did pull of the nun-garb. Yet, honestly, I felt the nun costumes in Doubt were a little too costumey.
miniparks24 (2:45:20 PM): wasnt she in talladega nights?
Oh, yes. Her landmark performance.
MStEiNy1212 (2:45:37 PM): oh yeah...the, like, assistant?
miniparks24 (2:46:24 PM): susan
MStEiNy1212 (2:46:32 PM): what?
miniparks24 (2:46:37 PM): her name in the movie
MStEiNy1212 (2:46:50 PM): oh lol
MStEiNy1212 (2:46:50 PM): wow
miniparks24 (2:47:11 PM): is heath ledger a lock?
MStEiNy1212 (2:48:16 PM): oh yeah
MStEiNy1212 (2:48:20 PM): nearly a lock to win
Michael Shannon is really the main threat, but if the Revolutionary Road hate brigade continues, he probably won't have much of a shot. Or Dev Patel, anyone?
It's not chock-full of juicy insight, but I think it sort of gets the job done. Maybe someday I'll be a bit more proper and productive and make some official predictions, but for now..this will do?
The Great Ensemble of ... Burn After Reading
Not many of the performances in 'Burn After Reading' are Oscar-worthy, yet maybe considerable. Overall, they may be a bit too comedic and goofy to really stand as brilliant performances (in the eyes of the Academy). Yet all of the actors in this Coens' film and the characters they play work together to make a cast full of interesting people creating a very, very good film. All are well-written and contribute into the plot, one way or another. From best to worst, here they are...
Frances McDormand as Lisa Litzke
Probably the gem of the film. Pulls off Lisa's accent (whatever accent it is..?) in Marge Gundersoneque fashion and pulls off every line she needs to. Little, subtle parts of this performance make it a memeorable one. Kudos to Ethan and Joel's screenplay as Lisa is a very interesting character, both good-hearted and bad-hearted at times.
John Malkovich as Osbourne Cox
Pulls off about a hundred (or so it seems) F-words that are all done in perfect fashion. Malkovich looks like the character he plays. Ozzie Cox is a snob (graduate of Princeton, whaddya expect?) and a pissed-off sneer is his usual facial expression. He thinks he's much smarter than he is and has an air of unearned superiority that Malkovich plays perfectly.
Richard Jenkins as Ted Treffon
He's the meek guy who always is playing life on the safe side (SPOLIER: until the end of the film...) and he takes his role as gym manager quite seriously. Jenkins keeps up his string of subtle brilliance as just a twitch of the lip from him can show his inner-feelings of conflict.
Tilda Swinton as Katie Cox
One of the coldest bitches of the silver screen in 2008. Her constant sneers revealed feelings that made you feel as though you were three inches tall. She doesn't have time for you. You're below her. Swinton pulls off (this easy role/) this vile woman perfectly.
George Clooney as Harry Pfarrer
Probably the biggest asshole in the film and that is one difficult title to claim. This ain't the Peace Corps. Clooney is good and goofy as hell when he needs to be. Yet, I find the characters above a bit more distinct and entertaining. Clooney holds up in decent manner, though.
Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer
Chad is kind of ... high on life? I attribute the character's annoying ways more to the writing but I just lost the energy to care about him as the film went on. The lowlight in my opinion.
Frances McDormand as Lisa Litzke
Probably the gem of the film. Pulls off Lisa's accent (whatever accent it is..?) in Marge Gundersoneque fashion and pulls off every line she needs to. Little, subtle parts of this performance make it a memeorable one. Kudos to Ethan and Joel's screenplay as Lisa is a very interesting character, both good-hearted and bad-hearted at times.
John Malkovich as Osbourne Cox
Pulls off about a hundred (or so it seems) F-words that are all done in perfect fashion. Malkovich looks like the character he plays. Ozzie Cox is a snob (graduate of Princeton, whaddya expect?) and a pissed-off sneer is his usual facial expression. He thinks he's much smarter than he is and has an air of unearned superiority that Malkovich plays perfectly.
Richard Jenkins as Ted Treffon
He's the meek guy who always is playing life on the safe side (SPOLIER: until the end of the film...) and he takes his role as gym manager quite seriously. Jenkins keeps up his string of subtle brilliance as just a twitch of the lip from him can show his inner-feelings of conflict.
Tilda Swinton as Katie Cox
One of the coldest bitches of the silver screen in 2008. Her constant sneers revealed feelings that made you feel as though you were three inches tall. She doesn't have time for you. You're below her. Swinton pulls off (this easy role/) this vile woman perfectly.
George Clooney as Harry Pfarrer
Probably the biggest asshole in the film and that is one difficult title to claim. This ain't the Peace Corps. Clooney is good and goofy as hell when he needs to be. Yet, I find the characters above a bit more distinct and entertaining. Clooney holds up in decent manner, though.
Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer
Chad is kind of ... high on life? I attribute the character's annoying ways more to the writing but I just lost the energy to care about him as the film went on. The lowlight in my opinion.
Sunday, January 4
Saturday, January 3
NFL Playoff Picks
So, my bracket for the playoffs is filled out, but I can't reveal the whole rundown just yet. Today and tomorrow, the wild-card rounds will be underway. I, honestly, can't control my excitement.
You would think, as a Patriots fan, I would be pissed. Well, I am. Very pissed. And rightfully so! I mean, it's obvious why. A team that was 4-8 a month ago is in the playoffs, prepping to get their asses handed to them, while the resiliant Pats are at home, admiring their remarkable/pointless 11-5 record. I guess karma is a bitch. Please, never bring up that I was rooting for the Jets last week, okay?
Yet, I'm a positive guy. I'm like Poppy. I'm Happy-Go-Lucky. I look on the bright side, and there are many places to look at in this playoff field. Two rookie quarterbacks. Three rookie head coaches. Along with the rookie coaches, two coaches who have never head coached a playoff game. Wild-card teams. And, not like, literal wild card teams, but teams that could do really well, or could suck (Falcons, Eagles, Cardinals). So, I'm pumped.
The team I'm rooting for: The Baltimore Ravens
Here's a team that has a formula for winning. When they win, they blow out their opponents. They've also only lost to really good opponents. I like John Harbaugh, the coach, as well as Joe Flacco, the quarterback. A really interesting team. There's no reason this team can't win it all.
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals
It doesn't look like an interesting game, but it actually is. And here's the reason: the quaterback matchup. Warner is the seasoned playoff veteran who had nearly (NEARLY) an MVP-caliber season. Then, Matt Ryan, had an easily justified Rookie of the Year campaign. I think clearly, though, Warner and the Cards have the advantage, just because of the superior quarterbacking, therfore...
Arizona, 38-24
Colts at Chargers
The Chargers are suddenly good, but I still hate their guts. Well, in fact I hate them much more than I did when they were disgustingly underachieving. I hate pouty bitch Ladanian and crazyass fratboy Rivers. Norv Turner is a doofus. This whole team is the opposite of the class act Colts. Easy win for Indy (and this won't be their last *wink*wink*).
Colts, 41-24
Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins
Miami really isn't that good. I'll keep saying that, despite the fact that they never lose (it seems). They barely win, in every contest. The friggin' wildcat (which I'm perfecting in Madden), is so annoying and I know the Ravens can shut it down, as they did in a prior meeting. A walkaway win for Baltimore.
Ravens, 28-10
Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings
Don't jump on the Eagles bandwagon just yet. I think the defense is looking damn sharp, but the Vikings do have the best D-line in the game. A low-scoring affair, I foresee. Then again, you have two great running backs, two potentially erratic quarterbacks, both of whom have been benched at some point in the season. Two professionally-realted coaches who, at times, suck. This is a good (very weird) match-up.
Eagles, 17-13
You would think, as a Patriots fan, I would be pissed. Well, I am. Very pissed. And rightfully so! I mean, it's obvious why. A team that was 4-8 a month ago is in the playoffs, prepping to get their asses handed to them, while the resiliant Pats are at home, admiring their remarkable/pointless 11-5 record. I guess karma is a bitch. Please, never bring up that I was rooting for the Jets last week, okay?
Yet, I'm a positive guy. I'm like Poppy. I'm Happy-Go-Lucky. I look on the bright side, and there are many places to look at in this playoff field. Two rookie quarterbacks. Three rookie head coaches. Along with the rookie coaches, two coaches who have never head coached a playoff game. Wild-card teams. And, not like, literal wild card teams, but teams that could do really well, or could suck (Falcons, Eagles, Cardinals). So, I'm pumped.
The team I'm rooting for: The Baltimore Ravens
Here's a team that has a formula for winning. When they win, they blow out their opponents. They've also only lost to really good opponents. I like John Harbaugh, the coach, as well as Joe Flacco, the quarterback. A really interesting team. There's no reason this team can't win it all.
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals
It doesn't look like an interesting game, but it actually is. And here's the reason: the quaterback matchup. Warner is the seasoned playoff veteran who had nearly (NEARLY) an MVP-caliber season. Then, Matt Ryan, had an easily justified Rookie of the Year campaign. I think clearly, though, Warner and the Cards have the advantage, just because of the superior quarterbacking, therfore...
Arizona, 38-24
Colts at Chargers
The Chargers are suddenly good, but I still hate their guts. Well, in fact I hate them much more than I did when they were disgustingly underachieving. I hate pouty bitch Ladanian and crazyass fratboy Rivers. Norv Turner is a doofus. This whole team is the opposite of the class act Colts. Easy win for Indy (and this won't be their last *wink*wink*).
Colts, 41-24
Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins
Miami really isn't that good. I'll keep saying that, despite the fact that they never lose (it seems). They barely win, in every contest. The friggin' wildcat (which I'm perfecting in Madden), is so annoying and I know the Ravens can shut it down, as they did in a prior meeting. A walkaway win for Baltimore.
Ravens, 28-10
Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings
Don't jump on the Eagles bandwagon just yet. I think the defense is looking damn sharp, but the Vikings do have the best D-line in the game. A low-scoring affair, I foresee. Then again, you have two great running backs, two potentially erratic quarterbacks, both of whom have been benched at some point in the season. Two professionally-realted coaches who, at times, suck. This is a good (very weird) match-up.
Eagles, 17-13
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