Thursday, July 17
'Half-Blood Prince' Stills
Wait..but I don't even care about Harry Potter..But I'll still do it. Whatever.
Wednesday, July 16
I's Starting To's Get Da Feelin'...
The Dark Knight...
And...
The Best Picture nomination...
Have a date...
Maybe...
And...
The Best Picture nomination...
Have a date...
Maybe...
Song of the Week (ed. 3)
TV On The Radio - Wolf Like Me
Psychotically good performance of Letterman...
Psychotically good performance of Letterman...
Tuesday, July 15
Reelviews Gushes Over 'The Dark Knight'
Berardinelli absolutely raves about the film in his four-star review, claiming it to be the best superhero film ever (is that title that hard to gain?) and possibly the best sequel ever.
The Classic List
I need to see more Hitchcock and Wilder and Bergman and the list keeps on a goin'. So here are a few classics (as in, relatively old, by an iconic director, iconic cast, etc.), I want to see:
Harold and Maude (old enough?)
La Dolce Vita
Planet of the Apes
A Streetcar Named Desire
Dial M For Murder
Rosemary's Baby
Chinatown
Patton
Harvey
Shadow of a Doubt
8 1/2
Dr. Strangelove
The Best Years of Our Lives
Notorious
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Strangers on a Train
Barry Lyndon
Rashomon
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
North By Northwest
Sunset Blvd.
Seven Samurai
THe Fortune Cookie
The Lost Weekend
Marnie
Rebecca
Sleuth
The Best Years of Our Lives
That's all I'll do for now. I hope to get to most of them. Any recommendations (accessible classics), just comment.
Harold and Maude (old enough?)
La Dolce Vita
Planet of the Apes
A Streetcar Named Desire
Dial M For Murder
Rosemary's Baby
Chinatown
Patton
Harvey
Shadow of a Doubt
8 1/2
Dr. Strangelove
The Best Years of Our Lives
Notorious
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Strangers on a Train
Barry Lyndon
Rashomon
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
North By Northwest
Sunset Blvd.
Seven Samurai
THe Fortune Cookie
The Lost Weekend
Marnie
Rebecca
Sleuth
The Best Years of Our Lives
That's all I'll do for now. I hope to get to most of them. Any recommendations (accessible classics), just comment.
Monday, July 14
Modern Guilt by Beck - An Album Review
Modern Guilt
Beck
Overview:
Two years ago, today (not from today, but it sounds better) I fell in love with Beck. I got Midnite Vultures and its hilarity and quirkiness drew me in. I them sort of got into Odelay and Guero. Then, in 2006, The Information came along. It's a good album, yet packed too much with pointless, boring songs, suffocating the gems (like Cellphone's Dead or Soldier Jane). So The Information was a disappointment. Through all those, and Sea Change, and those infectiously ridiculous remixes, I would always come back to Midnite Vultures. Ah.
Fast forward to now, and I can safely say I haven't listened to Beck in quite some time. I've gotten immersed in Arcade Fire (..and it's oh so hot! See that play on words? See it?) and then I fell in love with Broken Social Scene. Then TV On The Radio. And some many others along the way. After Beck, music, in my life, has blossomed into something very important. It all started with Beck. You could say he's been ridiculously important and influential in terms of my musical taste. So, here it comes, Modern Guilt, the next thing to get me back into Beck.
And it has.
Not dramatically. But for me, inevitably, Beck is relevent and that's comforting. It's a very good album, I've come to see after some time to play around with it (as in listen to it..). The first listen: not good. Wasn't very impressed. I had it on as background music as I sifted through some blogs I religiously check. That's how I know a good song. It's not, like, this big method, but if I'm occupied with something else, and the music in the background distracts me, takes me away from what I'm doing, I know the songs are unusually good. The unusual goodness wasn't coming with Modern Guilt.
I didn't here the funky Beck beats. It was all moody lyrics that didn't do much for me. I listened through it again the next day. A tad better. I heard some stuff I liked, but nothing worth loving.
Then, subconciously, I would hear the beats to the songs in my head. I couldn't quite place them, but they kept coming up and then I realized: Beck. I was at the beach, and I listened to the album and it was great. Not as involved, weird-o sounds like his older work, but more vocally focused songs. They had nice beats, and Beck vocals shined, surprisingly. It's definitely a good album. Better than I expected after that first listen.
Song by Song:
Orphans- B+, A good introduction to the album
Gamma Ray- A-, Simple, fun lyrics and some cool synth in the background
Chemtrails- A, The best song on the album, plain and simple; Beck's vocals shine
Modern Guilt- B+, A light song in terms of sound, deep in terms of meaning
Youthless- B, Nice guitar riffs, but nothing much more
Walls- A-, A steady, addictive drum fill in the background makes this song
Replica- B-, Nothing much; soft and dull, in blunt terms
Soul of a Man- B, The rock n' rolliest song on the album (which is a good thing)
Profanity Prayers- C+, Forgettable and pointless
Volcano- B+, A good, heartfelt finale to a good album
Listen to:
Chemtrails
Gamma Ray
Walls
A-
Beck
Overview:
Two years ago, today (not from today, but it sounds better) I fell in love with Beck. I got Midnite Vultures and its hilarity and quirkiness drew me in. I them sort of got into Odelay and Guero. Then, in 2006, The Information came along. It's a good album, yet packed too much with pointless, boring songs, suffocating the gems (like Cellphone's Dead or Soldier Jane). So The Information was a disappointment. Through all those, and Sea Change, and those infectiously ridiculous remixes, I would always come back to Midnite Vultures. Ah.
Fast forward to now, and I can safely say I haven't listened to Beck in quite some time. I've gotten immersed in Arcade Fire (..and it's oh so hot! See that play on words? See it?) and then I fell in love with Broken Social Scene. Then TV On The Radio. And some many others along the way. After Beck, music, in my life, has blossomed into something very important. It all started with Beck. You could say he's been ridiculously important and influential in terms of my musical taste. So, here it comes, Modern Guilt, the next thing to get me back into Beck.
And it has.
Not dramatically. But for me, inevitably, Beck is relevent and that's comforting. It's a very good album, I've come to see after some time to play around with it (as in listen to it..). The first listen: not good. Wasn't very impressed. I had it on as background music as I sifted through some blogs I religiously check. That's how I know a good song. It's not, like, this big method, but if I'm occupied with something else, and the music in the background distracts me, takes me away from what I'm doing, I know the songs are unusually good. The unusual goodness wasn't coming with Modern Guilt.
I didn't here the funky Beck beats. It was all moody lyrics that didn't do much for me. I listened through it again the next day. A tad better. I heard some stuff I liked, but nothing worth loving.
Then, subconciously, I would hear the beats to the songs in my head. I couldn't quite place them, but they kept coming up and then I realized: Beck. I was at the beach, and I listened to the album and it was great. Not as involved, weird-o sounds like his older work, but more vocally focused songs. They had nice beats, and Beck vocals shined, surprisingly. It's definitely a good album. Better than I expected after that first listen.
Song by Song:
Orphans- B+, A good introduction to the album
Gamma Ray- A-, Simple, fun lyrics and some cool synth in the background
Chemtrails- A, The best song on the album, plain and simple; Beck's vocals shine
Modern Guilt- B+, A light song in terms of sound, deep in terms of meaning
Youthless- B, Nice guitar riffs, but nothing much more
Walls- A-, A steady, addictive drum fill in the background makes this song
Replica- B-, Nothing much; soft and dull, in blunt terms
Soul of a Man- B, The rock n' rolliest song on the album (which is a good thing)
Profanity Prayers- C+, Forgettable and pointless
Volcano- B+, A good, heartfelt finale to a good album
Listen to:
Chemtrails
Gamma Ray
Walls
A-
Sunday, July 13
Weekend Watches - The Shining, Broadcast News, Rushmore
Broadcast News ***1/2
As I stated earlier in my James Brooks post a few days ago, I always like Brooks's films. Broadcast News is no different. All well-written characters that are brought to life perfectly with good to great acting. It's a simple, uninvolved story about a news producer, anchorman, and reporter and their lives. Doesn't sound terribly exciting, does it? But it works and it's entertaining as hell.
Rushmore **
I was a tad depressed through watching this movie, because I wanted to like it and I expected to like it. I didn't like it. Like, I mean, it's Wes freakin' Anderson so automatically it's going to be having a very good screenplay and soundtrack and be terribly picturesque. But the story wasn't structured enough, and I ended up not particularly caring about Max Fischer (played perfectly by Jason Schwartzman; go him). The story never really took off, and then POOF! it was over. Might need a re-watch, because this viewing came off the heels of my mind being blown by this film...
The Shining ****
The Horror/Thriller/Suspense family is slowly becoming my favorite genre; the group more aptly known as scary movies. I love them, and this is easily my favorite. So creepy. So weird. So frightening. So messed up. (In the Joker voice) Like me! Such a good movie and this solidifies Jack Nicholson as my favorite actor. Shelley Duvall was annoying so it was fun to watch her son become possessed and her husband plummet into insanity. And also, the ending. I won't say to much about it, but that it had a lot of meaning, and I always like that. It was definately up there in WTF Film Moments. I'm excited I actually enjoyed the genius of Kubrick after fighting to stay awake during 2001.
So two very good movies (one great, really) and a film that disappointed big-time. Still, a good weekend for movies. I urge you to check out each film and mull your thoughts about each.
As I stated earlier in my James Brooks post a few days ago, I always like Brooks's films. Broadcast News is no different. All well-written characters that are brought to life perfectly with good to great acting. It's a simple, uninvolved story about a news producer, anchorman, and reporter and their lives. Doesn't sound terribly exciting, does it? But it works and it's entertaining as hell.
Rushmore **
I was a tad depressed through watching this movie, because I wanted to like it and I expected to like it. I didn't like it. Like, I mean, it's Wes freakin' Anderson so automatically it's going to be having a very good screenplay and soundtrack and be terribly picturesque. But the story wasn't structured enough, and I ended up not particularly caring about Max Fischer (played perfectly by Jason Schwartzman; go him). The story never really took off, and then POOF! it was over. Might need a re-watch, because this viewing came off the heels of my mind being blown by this film...
The Shining ****
The Horror/Thriller/Suspense family is slowly becoming my favorite genre; the group more aptly known as scary movies. I love them, and this is easily my favorite. So creepy. So weird. So frightening. So messed up. (In the Joker voice) Like me! Such a good movie and this solidifies Jack Nicholson as my favorite actor. Shelley Duvall was annoying so it was fun to watch her son become possessed and her husband plummet into insanity. And also, the ending. I won't say to much about it, but that it had a lot of meaning, and I always like that. It was definately up there in WTF Film Moments. I'm excited I actually enjoyed the genius of Kubrick after fighting to stay awake during 2001.
So two very good movies (one great, really) and a film that disappointed big-time. Still, a good weekend for movies. I urge you to check out each film and mull your thoughts about each.
Friday, July 11
Ranking James L. Brooks Movies
If you're astute and saw the sidebar, it reads that I finally got around to seeing Broadcast News. Really good film; one of those that kind of just takes you away and puts you in the characters' lives. Anyway, this marks the fourth directorial effort I have seen from Brooks and I must say, I've enjoyed each. All great characters and simple stories inhabit his films. Ranking them, it goes as follows...
1. As Good As It Gets (****)
2. Terms of Endearment (***1/2)
3. Broadcast News (***1/2)
4. Spanglish (***1/2)
By looking at the ratings, it's clear that I thoroughly enjoy each. Very good director, and possibly an even better screenwriter.
1. As Good As It Gets (****)
2. Terms of Endearment (***1/2)
3. Broadcast News (***1/2)
4. Spanglish (***1/2)
By looking at the ratings, it's clear that I thoroughly enjoy each. Very good director, and possibly an even better screenwriter.
Bait Spotlight #16 - House of Lies
House of Lies
Directed by Ridley Scott
Screenplay by William Monahan
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe and Carice Van Houten
A former journalist injured in the Iraq war is hired by the CIA to track down an Al Qaeda leader in Jordan. Based on the novel "Body of Lies" by David Ignatius.
Why It Will Win: The Ridley-Crowe collaboration has worked extremely well in the past with Gladiator and American Gangster. Also leading the cast is Leo, who is going to have an off-the-hook year. Good director, cast, and screenwriter (Monahan won and Oscar for The Departed). So that's all good, and it's a hard-hitting drama the Academy would like, yet for whatever reason, I still have my doubts.
Why It Will Not Win: I'm a little down on Ridley lately. Not since Black Hawk Down, do I believe, he's had a really good film. Even Black Hawk Down isn't near his earlier films. Russell Crowe also hasn't been nominated in seven years. I mean, maybe now he's bound to win, but who knows? Then, it's about the Iraq war. Films keep trying to go there, but never come out pretty. Ask Gavin Hood. Now, this looks to be a more capable film than Renditionm, though. Also...I just don't feel it. The plot bores me, even the cast bores me. Just doesn't jump out at me.
Nominations:
Best Film Editing
The Bottom Line: A good film that can't stand up to the stiff competition... one nom.
Directed by Ridley Scott
Screenplay by William Monahan
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe and Carice Van Houten
A former journalist injured in the Iraq war is hired by the CIA to track down an Al Qaeda leader in Jordan. Based on the novel "Body of Lies" by David Ignatius.
Why It Will Win: The Ridley-Crowe collaboration has worked extremely well in the past with Gladiator and American Gangster. Also leading the cast is Leo, who is going to have an off-the-hook year. Good director, cast, and screenwriter (Monahan won and Oscar for The Departed). So that's all good, and it's a hard-hitting drama the Academy would like, yet for whatever reason, I still have my doubts.
Why It Will Not Win: I'm a little down on Ridley lately. Not since Black Hawk Down, do I believe, he's had a really good film. Even Black Hawk Down isn't near his earlier films. Russell Crowe also hasn't been nominated in seven years. I mean, maybe now he's bound to win, but who knows? Then, it's about the Iraq war. Films keep trying to go there, but never come out pretty. Ask Gavin Hood. Now, this looks to be a more capable film than Renditionm, though. Also...I just don't feel it. The plot bores me, even the cast bores me. Just doesn't jump out at me.
Nominations:
Best Film Editing
The Bottom Line: A good film that can't stand up to the stiff competition... one nom.
Thursday, July 10
Bait Spotlight #15 - The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Written by Jonathan and Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine and Maggie Gyllenhaal
Batman and James Gordon join forces with Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, to take on a psychotic bank robber known as The Joker, whilst other forces plot against them, and Joker's crimes grow more and more deadly.
Why It Will Win: Really look at the cast. Look it over good. It's stacked. Bale, Ledger, Caine, Oldman, Maggie, Freeman, Eckhart. Really good cast. The word on the street is that Ledger shines in his role as the Joker. At first, I didn't believe he could be nominated. Now it looks likely. Also, Nolan, despite his films not being very Oscar baity, he has still managed a screenwriting nod, and his films aren't foreign to cinematography nods, either. Maybe the Academy would like to nominate a blockbuster for Best Picture. It feels like that hasn't happened in awhile. Yet, maybe that could work against it.
Why It Will Not Win: It's a superhero movie; that not being the Academy's cup of tea. Also, another acting nod besides Ledger seems unlikely (honestly, I though Bale was like a robot in Batman Begins; Caine not much better). Also, let's be blunt, will it be good enough? I mean, maybe teen boys like it, but not all the early reviews have been glowing. Best Picture? Eh..no.
Nominations:
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Heath Ledger)
Best Makeup
Best Cinematography
The Bottom Line: I CAN'T WAIT FOR JULY 18.
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Written by Jonathan and Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine and Maggie Gyllenhaal
Batman and James Gordon join forces with Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, to take on a psychotic bank robber known as The Joker, whilst other forces plot against them, and Joker's crimes grow more and more deadly.
Why It Will Win: Really look at the cast. Look it over good. It's stacked. Bale, Ledger, Caine, Oldman, Maggie, Freeman, Eckhart. Really good cast. The word on the street is that Ledger shines in his role as the Joker. At first, I didn't believe he could be nominated. Now it looks likely. Also, Nolan, despite his films not being very Oscar baity, he has still managed a screenwriting nod, and his films aren't foreign to cinematography nods, either. Maybe the Academy would like to nominate a blockbuster for Best Picture. It feels like that hasn't happened in awhile. Yet, maybe that could work against it.
Why It Will Not Win: It's a superhero movie; that not being the Academy's cup of tea. Also, another acting nod besides Ledger seems unlikely (honestly, I though Bale was like a robot in Batman Begins; Caine not much better). Also, let's be blunt, will it be good enough? I mean, maybe teen boys like it, but not all the early reviews have been glowing. Best Picture? Eh..no.
Nominations:
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Heath Ledger)
Best Makeup
Best Cinematography
The Bottom Line: I CAN'T WAIT FOR JULY 18.
Bait Spotlight #14 - WALL-E
WALL-E
Written and Directed by Andrew Stanton
Featuring the voices of Ben Burtt, John Ratzenberger and Elissa Knight
In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot that slowly begins to become sentient inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
Why It Will Win: Everyone loves it. Critics, kids, adults, bloggers, IMDb assholes..robots love this film. That's surprisingly rare. Also, maybe the Academy would like to nominate an animated film considerably. It would make this movie year interesting and have the Academy be appreciated for actually nominated the best movies, no matter the genre or type. It has a good screenplay, surprisingly great direction and overall is very well-done. You can't argue that...
Why It Will Not Win: It's obvious; it's animated. As in, not real (I guess). Not since 1991 has an animated movie been nominated for Best Picture. Also, acting nominations are really unlikely because 1) it's just voice-overs and 2) it's not that there's too much dialogue and material for the voice-actors. Obvious things hold this film back, but it will still get..
Nominations:
Best Original Screenplay (a very smart screenplay it is)
Best Music, Original Score
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Animated Feature Film
The Bottom Line: No, I'm no fun. No Best Picture or Director, but I will give it some techs and a screenplay nod. Your welcome.
Written and Directed by Andrew Stanton
Featuring the voices of Ben Burtt, John Ratzenberger and Elissa Knight
In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot that slowly begins to become sentient inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
Why It Will Win: Everyone loves it. Critics, kids, adults, bloggers, IMDb assholes..robots love this film. That's surprisingly rare. Also, maybe the Academy would like to nominate an animated film considerably. It would make this movie year interesting and have the Academy be appreciated for actually nominated the best movies, no matter the genre or type. It has a good screenplay, surprisingly great direction and overall is very well-done. You can't argue that...
Why It Will Not Win: It's obvious; it's animated. As in, not real (I guess). Not since 1991 has an animated movie been nominated for Best Picture. Also, acting nominations are really unlikely because 1) it's just voice-overs and 2) it's not that there's too much dialogue and material for the voice-actors. Obvious things hold this film back, but it will still get..
Nominations:
Best Original Screenplay (a very smart screenplay it is)
Best Music, Original Score
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Animated Feature Film
The Bottom Line: No, I'm no fun. No Best Picture or Director, but I will give it some techs and a screenplay nod. Your welcome.
Wednesday, July 9
Bait Spotlight #13 - Australia
Australia
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Screenplay by Luhrmann and Stuart Beattie
Starring: Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman
Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand.
Why It Will Win: It's got Luhrmann at the helm, along with a very good cast. Already you have a recipe for a good film that the Academy enjoys. I mean, this movie will also dominate some of the technical awards, like Cinematography, Art Direction, Costume Design. So default nominations for it's Baz-Beauty will definitely come it's way. Also, I like the story. I think it's probably a little more emotional a film than Baz has done in the past, more story-driven. Kidman will also have a lot of oppurtunities for a baity performance, based on the script. Lot of emotion with her character. Plus, you have Hugh Jackman. Maybe he'll get his first nomination.
Why It Will Not Win: I hope it has enough substance. I hope it's not just a shitload of pictures that look nice. It most likely won't be..but who knows? Also, this is one of two epics that look to be contenders. This and Benjamin Button. Could two epics be up for Best Picture? No. Well, maybe. Huh. Can Nicole Kidman get back...to Virginia Woolf form? As in, being a good actress again? Can Hugh handle this role? I mean, it isn't a very deep cast, like Moulin Rouge!...
Nominations:
Best Lead Actress (Nicole Kidman)
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Music, Original Score
The Bottom Line: Baz, will make another hit, and Kidman will turn in a great performance..but in terms of Oscar..it won't rise above tech nominations, getting 5 overall.
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Screenplay by Luhrmann and Stuart Beattie
Starring: Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman
Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand.
Why It Will Win: It's got Luhrmann at the helm, along with a very good cast. Already you have a recipe for a good film that the Academy enjoys. I mean, this movie will also dominate some of the technical awards, like Cinematography, Art Direction, Costume Design. So default nominations for it's Baz-Beauty will definitely come it's way. Also, I like the story. I think it's probably a little more emotional a film than Baz has done in the past, more story-driven. Kidman will also have a lot of oppurtunities for a baity performance, based on the script. Lot of emotion with her character. Plus, you have Hugh Jackman. Maybe he'll get his first nomination.
Why It Will Not Win: I hope it has enough substance. I hope it's not just a shitload of pictures that look nice. It most likely won't be..but who knows? Also, this is one of two epics that look to be contenders. This and Benjamin Button. Could two epics be up for Best Picture? No. Well, maybe. Huh. Can Nicole Kidman get back...to Virginia Woolf form? As in, being a good actress again? Can Hugh handle this role? I mean, it isn't a very deep cast, like Moulin Rouge!...
Nominations:
Best Lead Actress (Nicole Kidman)
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Music, Original Score
The Bottom Line: Baz, will make another hit, and Kidman will turn in a great performance..but in terms of Oscar..it won't rise above tech nominations, getting 5 overall.
Bait Spotlight #12 - Vicky Christina Barcelona
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Written and Directed by Woody Allen
Starring: Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz and Rebecca Hall
Two girlfriends (Hall and Johansson) on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter (Bardem), fully unaware that his ex-wife (Cruz), with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture.
Why It Will Win: It has a killer cast with Johansson..uh, fun. Penelope Cruz..uh, awesome. Bardem..uh, "CALL IT." Ah. That is a damn good cast, really. They should all prosper with Woody Allen at the helm as well. Speaking of Allen, it should have a great screenplay with him as the writer. Good Allen Screenplay = Writing nom. It's that simple. Plus, some are saying this is Allen's best work in awhile. It was loved at Cannes and on IMDb it has an 8.8...not that that really matters (but it does!). Also, it's supposed to have a show-stealing performance by the impressively improving Cruz.
Why It Will Not Win: Woody Allen's recent work hasn't garnered much more than a writing nomination and then possibly an acting nom. Nothing more. Why should this film be any different. It's kind of a silly plot, without much dramatic tension. Will it be taken seriously enough to get big nods? I doubt it. Plus, it's coming out in August, not Oscar season. Will the Academy, kind of, forget about it?
Nominations:
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Penelope Cruz)
The Bottom Line: It will be among the better films of the year, but won't get a ton of Academy attention. 2 noms.
Written and Directed by Woody Allen
Starring: Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz and Rebecca Hall
Two girlfriends (Hall and Johansson) on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter (Bardem), fully unaware that his ex-wife (Cruz), with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture.
Why It Will Win: It has a killer cast with Johansson..uh, fun. Penelope Cruz..uh, awesome. Bardem..uh, "CALL IT." Ah. That is a damn good cast, really. They should all prosper with Woody Allen at the helm as well. Speaking of Allen, it should have a great screenplay with him as the writer. Good Allen Screenplay = Writing nom. It's that simple. Plus, some are saying this is Allen's best work in awhile. It was loved at Cannes and on IMDb it has an 8.8...not that that really matters (but it does!). Also, it's supposed to have a show-stealing performance by the impressively improving Cruz.
Why It Will Not Win: Woody Allen's recent work hasn't garnered much more than a writing nomination and then possibly an acting nom. Nothing more. Why should this film be any different. It's kind of a silly plot, without much dramatic tension. Will it be taken seriously enough to get big nods? I doubt it. Plus, it's coming out in August, not Oscar season. Will the Academy, kind of, forget about it?
Nominations:
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Penelope Cruz)
The Bottom Line: It will be among the better films of the year, but won't get a ton of Academy attention. 2 noms.
Bait Spotlight #11 - Frost/Nixon
Frost/Nixon
Directed by Ron Howard
Screenplay by Peter Morgan (based off his play)
Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen
A dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon.
Why It Will Win: It has many parallels to The Queen, a film the Academy ate up. It has the same writer. It's a biopic portraying people of power in a specific timeframe. It stars Michael Sheen. It's going to have a lot of drama as the interviews unfold, and with Langella and Sheen, who are reprising their stage roles, the performances should be great. It has biopic chops and a big-time director nowadays in good old Ron Howard. He's not foreign to directing Best Pictures. Also Ron Howard is in the midst of a streak. Every other movie he makes is actually good. The last movie he made was The Da Vinci Code..so..yeah.
Why It Will Not Win: Sometimes plays have a bit of trouble in the transport from stage to screen. Yet with a capable director, this shouldn't be too hard. Also, this year has an array of other biopics, like Milk and The Soloist. Milk made it into the big line-up just because I have a gut feeling it's going to be freaking awesome, triumphing as the biopic nom and the arthouse nom. This movie has to be grrrreat to get into the Best Picure lineup.
Nominations:
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Lead Actor (Frank Langella; a role he knows how to play)
Best Supporting(?) Actor (Michael Sheen)
Best Make-up
Best Film Editing
The Bottom Line: With performance noms, a couple techs and a writing nod, Frost/Nixon will garner a healthy 5 noms.
Directed by Ron Howard
Screenplay by Peter Morgan (based off his play)
Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen
A dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon.
Why It Will Win: It has many parallels to The Queen, a film the Academy ate up. It has the same writer. It's a biopic portraying people of power in a specific timeframe. It stars Michael Sheen. It's going to have a lot of drama as the interviews unfold, and with Langella and Sheen, who are reprising their stage roles, the performances should be great. It has biopic chops and a big-time director nowadays in good old Ron Howard. He's not foreign to directing Best Pictures. Also Ron Howard is in the midst of a streak. Every other movie he makes is actually good. The last movie he made was The Da Vinci Code..so..yeah.
Why It Will Not Win: Sometimes plays have a bit of trouble in the transport from stage to screen. Yet with a capable director, this shouldn't be too hard. Also, this year has an array of other biopics, like Milk and The Soloist. Milk made it into the big line-up just because I have a gut feeling it's going to be freaking awesome, triumphing as the biopic nom and the arthouse nom. This movie has to be grrrreat to get into the Best Picure lineup.
Nominations:
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Lead Actor (Frank Langella; a role he knows how to play)
Best Supporting(?) Actor (Michael Sheen)
Best Make-up
Best Film Editing
The Bottom Line: With performance noms, a couple techs and a writing nod, Frost/Nixon will garner a healthy 5 noms.
Whacking 'The Wackness'
I'm thinking I'm going to take out The Wackness from our Bait Spotlight Series, just because I don't think it deserves to be with the big boys.
So far the reviews for it have been good, but not, like, Juno-good or Little Miss Sunshine-good. Doesn't look like it will be the funkny indie hit of the year..too bad.
So far the reviews for it have been good, but not, like, Juno-good or Little Miss Sunshine-good. Doesn't look like it will be the funkny indie hit of the year..too bad.
Tuesday, July 8
Song of The Week (ed. 2)
Chemtrails by Beck
This is off his new album, Modern Guilt. I only got a chance to listen to like four tracks, and so far this is the best (..yet it isn't even Beck great).
Still..catchy.
Maybe I'll have an album review later in the week! Fun!
This is off his new album, Modern Guilt. I only got a chance to listen to like four tracks, and so far this is the best (..yet it isn't even Beck great).
Still..catchy.
Maybe I'll have an album review later in the week! Fun!
Bait Spotlight #10 - Burn After Reading
Burn After Reading
Written and Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring: Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich and JK Simmons
A disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it.
Why It Will Win: It's reminiscent of Fargo. Just the whole crime comedy, with the Coens at the helm. It also has kind of a strange, yet great cast. It'll be interesting to see who of those big five will get nominations, if any. And again, it's the Coens, hot off the No Country Best Picture win. The Academy has officially proven they dig these two. A screenplay nom seems pretty damn likely, but can it jump to even bigger categories?
Why It Will Not Win: It may be a little too..what's the word..goofy. Now, I mean, this isn't going to be Tommy Boy, but maybe it doesn't have the drama to be taken seriously enough. That's the big reason. Plus, Crime Comedies, a very narrow genre, have very little success among the Academy. Maybe Gosford Park in '01 could fall into that category, as well as Fargo, seem to be the only recent films to get considerable nominations in that genre.
Nominations:
Best Original Screenplay
Best Supporting Actor (JK Simmons; love Simmons, journeyman actor bound to nail this role.)
Best Film Editing
The Bottom Line: Should definitely be a big player in contention, but won't get near Best Picture or two many acting nominations. 3 noms.
Monday, July 7
Bait Spotlight #9 - Happy-Go-Lucky
Happy-Go-Lucky
Written and Directed by Mike Leigh
Starring: Sally Hawkins and Alexis Zegerman
Poppy is a thirty-year old Primary School teacher in contemporary North London. She has great friends, a job she loves and a full life. The movie watches her confront the harsh realities of life and deal with them head-on, never losing her sense of humour.
Why It Will Win: In an ocean of depressing, bloody films that show us the worst in people and life, Mike Leigh serves us a warm-hearted character study of a woman that always looks on the bright side. I think everyone will be a little thankful for this film. A smart and positive film it looks to be. Also, Mike Leigh is one who's recognized by the Academy with open arms. In his filmmaking, he's garnered 5 nominations, yet lacks a win. Leigh also gets his actresses nominations as well. Imelda Staunton and Brenda Blethyn both got nominated in Leigh films. Can Hawkins do the same?
Why It Will Not Win: It may not pack enough punch in terms of plot. It's a light film about..a girl..who's happy..in London. Now, I warn you, I don't know the plot details, but it could be too simple for the Academy to give it major nominations. It's certainly not epic. Also, Hawkins maybe isn't a big enough name to be the lead in an Oscar darling film. But, hey, maybe that's a good thing. Maybe they'll like a few new faces in the realm.
Nominations:
Best Original Screenplay
Best Lead Actress (Sally Hawkins)
The Bottom Line: Though not buried in nominations, HGL will get two big nominations and will certainly be on some top-ten lists come the year's end.
Written and Directed by Mike Leigh
Starring: Sally Hawkins and Alexis Zegerman
Poppy is a thirty-year old Primary School teacher in contemporary North London. She has great friends, a job she loves and a full life. The movie watches her confront the harsh realities of life and deal with them head-on, never losing her sense of humour.
Why It Will Win: In an ocean of depressing, bloody films that show us the worst in people and life, Mike Leigh serves us a warm-hearted character study of a woman that always looks on the bright side. I think everyone will be a little thankful for this film. A smart and positive film it looks to be. Also, Mike Leigh is one who's recognized by the Academy with open arms. In his filmmaking, he's garnered 5 nominations, yet lacks a win. Leigh also gets his actresses nominations as well. Imelda Staunton and Brenda Blethyn both got nominated in Leigh films. Can Hawkins do the same?
Why It Will Not Win: It may not pack enough punch in terms of plot. It's a light film about..a girl..who's happy..in London. Now, I warn you, I don't know the plot details, but it could be too simple for the Academy to give it major nominations. It's certainly not epic. Also, Hawkins maybe isn't a big enough name to be the lead in an Oscar darling film. But, hey, maybe that's a good thing. Maybe they'll like a few new faces in the realm.
Nominations:
Best Original Screenplay
Best Lead Actress (Sally Hawkins)
The Bottom Line: Though not buried in nominations, HGL will get two big nominations and will certainly be on some top-ten lists come the year's end.
Bait Spotlight #8 - Changeling
Changeling
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Screenplay by J. Michael Staczynski
Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malcovich and Gattlin Griffith
Why It Will Win: According to Cannes, it's a really good film with a great performance courtesy of Jolie. Also, Clint Eastwood is at the helm, as director. Lately, in the past few years that is, Eastwood has gotten a bunch of his films Best Picture nods. This film looks like it could follow suit. It has a plot that sets the stage for many melodramatic scenes that I think Jolie can pull off. The direction will be there, and according to Cannes the performance will be there, and I think it's a baity plot. Can it all come together?
Why It Will Not Win: Will it be one of those films that's sort of forgotten? Comes out slightly early (October) and slowly drifts into film oblivion? Possibly. Also, it doesn't have a "wow" factor, on paper. (I'm trying my hardest not to sound like an American Idol judge). Not a jaw-dropping plot like other contenders this year (The Road, Milk, etc.) and the cast, after Jolie, isn't stacked. I'm a tad worried if it will have any momentum going into January. Also, this is unfair but, the Academy may want to throw other directors "into the pot". It's that damn Eastwood every year getting his ass nominated. But if it's that good of a film, will that matter whatsoever?
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Lead Actress
Best Costume Design
The Bottom Line: So a very respectable five nominations, even the Biggie, Best Picture. By the way, if you've been keeping track, that rounds out the Best Picture pool in this blog-series with:
Changeling
Milk
Doubt
Revolutionary Road
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Screenplay by J. Michael Staczynski
Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malcovich and Gattlin Griffith
Why It Will Win: According to Cannes, it's a really good film with a great performance courtesy of Jolie. Also, Clint Eastwood is at the helm, as director. Lately, in the past few years that is, Eastwood has gotten a bunch of his films Best Picture nods. This film looks like it could follow suit. It has a plot that sets the stage for many melodramatic scenes that I think Jolie can pull off. The direction will be there, and according to Cannes the performance will be there, and I think it's a baity plot. Can it all come together?
Why It Will Not Win: Will it be one of those films that's sort of forgotten? Comes out slightly early (October) and slowly drifts into film oblivion? Possibly. Also, it doesn't have a "wow" factor, on paper. (I'm trying my hardest not to sound like an American Idol judge). Not a jaw-dropping plot like other contenders this year (The Road, Milk, etc.) and the cast, after Jolie, isn't stacked. I'm a tad worried if it will have any momentum going into January. Also, this is unfair but, the Academy may want to throw other directors "into the pot". It's that damn Eastwood every year getting his ass nominated. But if it's that good of a film, will that matter whatsoever?
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Lead Actress
Best Costume Design
The Bottom Line: So a very respectable five nominations, even the Biggie, Best Picture. By the way, if you've been keeping track, that rounds out the Best Picture pool in this blog-series with:
Changeling
Milk
Doubt
Revolutionary Road
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Sunday, July 6
Bait Spotlight #7 - Milk
Milk
Directed by Gus Van Sant
Screenplay by Dustin Lance Black
Starring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch and James Franco
Why It Will Win: It's a biopic with a great lead actor, Sean Penn. Penn's got great acting chops and will really be able to pull off Milk. "The Biographical Portrayal of the Year", like Capote or Ray. Yet this film will also have a very artistic element with Gus Van Sant at the helm. Van Sant hasn't had Oscar success since his Direction nod for Good Will Hunting. This is his first film in awhile that appears to have Oscar potential. BIOPIC. Also the rest of the cast looks great. Two '07 snubs, Hirsch and Brolin also star. It's got the cast, hopefully the director and the interesting subject matter to be a big player in '08. The Academy may also want to nominate a film with a gay protagonist, so they can showcase their open-mindedness and acceptance of all people. Remember Crash? Penn (as a director), Hirsch and Brolin were all royally snubbed (despite the fact that I wasn't an Into The Wild fan). Those snubs could push some nominations Milk's way.
Why It Will Not Win: It may be too static and artistic, being a film from Van Sant's arsenal. His films tend to have a very signature feel to them, and who knows how the Academy will respond. Also, his films have a divide of lovers and haters. This may be one of his more accessible films, yet Elephant, Last Days and some of his more recent flicks are a tad love-it-or-hate-it. Dustin Lance Black has also only written one feature film, The Journey of Jared Price (a film I've never heard of..). Will he be able to handle such subject capably? Hopefully.
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Lead Actor (Sean Penn)
Best Supporting Actor (Josh Brolin)
Bottom Line: This will be the Biopic representative for this year's Oscars. I think it has the tools to be a great film and I can't wait to see it. 5 nods.
Directed by Gus Van Sant
Screenplay by Dustin Lance Black
Starring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch and James Franco
Why It Will Win: It's a biopic with a great lead actor, Sean Penn. Penn's got great acting chops and will really be able to pull off Milk. "The Biographical Portrayal of the Year", like Capote or Ray. Yet this film will also have a very artistic element with Gus Van Sant at the helm. Van Sant hasn't had Oscar success since his Direction nod for Good Will Hunting. This is his first film in awhile that appears to have Oscar potential. BIOPIC. Also the rest of the cast looks great. Two '07 snubs, Hirsch and Brolin also star. It's got the cast, hopefully the director and the interesting subject matter to be a big player in '08. The Academy may also want to nominate a film with a gay protagonist, so they can showcase their open-mindedness and acceptance of all people. Remember Crash? Penn (as a director), Hirsch and Brolin were all royally snubbed (despite the fact that I wasn't an Into The Wild fan). Those snubs could push some nominations Milk's way.
Why It Will Not Win: It may be too static and artistic, being a film from Van Sant's arsenal. His films tend to have a very signature feel to them, and who knows how the Academy will respond. Also, his films have a divide of lovers and haters. This may be one of his more accessible films, yet Elephant, Last Days and some of his more recent flicks are a tad love-it-or-hate-it. Dustin Lance Black has also only written one feature film, The Journey of Jared Price (a film I've never heard of..). Will he be able to handle such subject capably? Hopefully.
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Lead Actor (Sean Penn)
Best Supporting Actor (Josh Brolin)
Bottom Line: This will be the Biopic representative for this year's Oscars. I think it has the tools to be a great film and I can't wait to see it. 5 nods.
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