Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Movie Review: Eastern Promises (2007, David Cronenberg)


* * * * *

Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Vincent Cassel, Tatiana Maslany, Sinead Cusack, Jerzy Skolimowski
Screenplay: Steven Knight
100 minutes / Color

A Russian Mafia movie that can fit everything we need to know within two hours and has us entertained from beginning to end is surely something nobody can miss. “Eastern Promises” gives us one hell of great gore fest with an awesome storyline, full of twists (ala “The Departed”, but a little more obvious) and surprises that will captivate you and bring into the world nobody would want to belong too.

Set in modern London within the mists of the Russian Mafia, a young 14-year-old girl dies after giving birth to a healthy baby girl. Mid-wife Anna (Naomi Watts), finds the diary of the poor girl in her bag and wants to retrieve it to baby’s family members. The biggest problem is its all in Russian. After searching and looking through the dead girl’s diary, she finds the business card of a Russian restaurant that happens to be owned by Semyon (Armin Mueller-Stahl), the head of the Russian Mafia.

Meanwhile, Semyon’s son Kirill (Vincent Cassel) has had his friend assassinated due to him calling him “a queer”. Along with his “trusty” chauffer Nikolai (our main star, Viggo Mortensen), they roam the streets of London and Nikolai listens to whatever the family and the Russian Mafia says.

As Anna and her mother and uncle try to uncover the secret of the Russian girl, Semyon’s at their back thinking that if she gets it translated then it would give the police a reason to send him to jail. Semyon tells Anna that he’ll translate the diary, acting like her friend, and after one night tells her that his son, Kirill, was the one who raped the girl.

As the secrets unravel more, Anna soon learns that the real rapist was Semyon himself and that the baby, which she has a huge attachment to, is his daughter after all. It seems that Anna and Nikolai (who’s been an undercover cop all along), need to take action and find a way to send Semyon to jail.

But Semyon is not stupid. He has watched his own back and does it quite well. First, he orders his son to kill the baby and secondly, he stages Nikolai as his phony son so that the people who are after his real son will kill him instead, seeing that he isn’t important to him anyways.

After the brutal assignation attempt, Nikolai survives (believe me, this scene was brutal and Nikolai was completely naked throughout the fight. Kinda nasty really) but must act quickly or the baby, now in Kirill’s innocent hands, will die. Nikolai knows that saving the baby will be able to send Semyon to jail forever, after a DNA test.

In a matter of seconds before Kirill drops the baby into the river, Anna and Nikolai get to Kirill on time and saves the baby from doom.

I’m afraid I’m not summarizing it very well, but if you see the movie, you’ll be utterly shocked with the images and the storyline and especially Viggo’s nude action scene. That came as a surprise, but it was one of the most realistic fights I’ve ever seen in my life. The blood is put in a context seen before, but you feel so happy (although shocked) to see something like this. It’s actually really, really cool.

Director David Cronenberg should definitely due more films. If he keeps up work like this every year, he is bound to reach Oscar Gold. It’s actually really sad to say that “Eastern Promises” should be getting pure Best Director buzz, but from some weird reasons, Cronenberg (not to mention Shankman for his work in “Hairspray”) is being gravely ignored.

As usual, Naomi Watts gives us another fantastic and interesting performance, but not strong enough to reach a reasonable “best” lineup. Her character was extremely understated and underexposed. When you watch the start, you feel the film is all about Anna, but 15 minutes after the movie, it all shifts to Viggo’s character, even though it shouldn’t. You begin to get the feeling that Watts is just a supporting performance, even though her “rank” as a star should make her the female lead…

Viggo in the other hand truly deserved his screen time. He is really so fantastic in this movie. Yes, he’s best actor worthy, but heck I need to watch more. As of this moment, I completely support his Golden Globe AND Screen Actor’s Guild Nominations. No, it isn’t just picking up the accent so well, it’s everything in general. His emotions were wooden; he was supposed to be bland and unfeeling. He didn’t fall in love even though there was a beautiful female lead; he does not suppose to, he should remain devoted to his job. He embodies all of this perfectly that it seems like he wrote the part of Nikolai himself. He was really so great.

As for Knight’s screenplay, it isn’t no Monohan’s “The Departed” (2006), but for an original screenplay, what a pretty smart screenplay. It surprised me that some writers are so smart and “out-of-the-box” that if you give them a topic, they can write a screenplay about it and add a whole new meaning to the plot. That’s what Knight did.

“Eastern Promises” is more gritty and more powerful then the ranks of let’s say “American Gangster” (2007), its no “The Departed” (which I’m saying for the 3rd time) but it’s great enough to entertain and maintain a great amount of performances (mostly Viggo) and perfect direction. Loved it.

GONE WITH THE WIND IS STILL THE BEST.

Whatever happens, if I should die or whatever it is. AS IN WHATEVER. "Gone with the Wind" (1939) will always be the best movie in the whole, wide, wide, round, circular, watery, hellish world! Whatever anyone says, "Gone with the Wind" still rocks and is probably better then them anyways...

(Just being random...)

SOME OSCAR WISHES...

1. I hope the WGA gives them their damn waiver. I can admit that I can live without the Golden Globes but damn it...the Oscars are part of me!

2. I really wish "Hairspray" gets some more Buzz. I know it has chances for Best Picture, but it's really, really low. Like its a 50% chance...at least give John Travolta something!

3. Amy Adams. MUST. GET. AT. LEAST. A. NOMINATION. FOR. "ENCHANTED".

4. Most of all, I want all the winners of Oscar night to be deserving. Last year had a faaaar way to go. But at least the Best Picture choice ("The Departed") was right.

RIP: Great Choreographer Michael Kidd.

Oscar winner and 5 time Tony Winner, great American choreographer Michael Kidd, who created the dances for many spectacular screen musicals like "Where's Charlie?" (1952), "The Band Wagon" (1953), "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954), "Guys and Dolls" (1955), "Lil Abner" (1959), "Star!" (1968), and "Hello, Dolly!" (1969) died Sunday, in his home in California. He was 92. After seeing the first dance (Cyd Charisse and Fred Astairre in the utterfly fantastic and not to mention romantic "Dancing in the Dark" number in 1953's "The Band Wagon") by Michael Kidd I was astonished. He is truly, really one of the best Hollywood and Broadway choregoraphers ever! Rest in peace, Michael. I wonder if they do "shows" in heaven, Michael Kidd could collaborate with Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire and make one heavenly masterpiece...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) - The town people greet George Bailey (James Stewart) and his wife (Donna Reed) a merry "little" jolly-holiday white Christmas in their winter wonderland while acting like one family around the Christmas tree and tinsel.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

2 More Day Till Christmas!

WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954) - Bing Crosby sings the immortal Oscar Best Song winning title tune while playing around with hoofer best buddy Danny Kaye and courting beautiful sister's Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen all in a beautiful Christmas holiday treat set in Vermont!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

3 More Days Till Christmas!

MEAN GIRLS (2004) - Not really a Christmas movie but the song "Jingle Bell Rock" became an even bigger part of this generation's pop culture when the 4 sexy teens (headed by Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams) of 2004's "Mean Girls" performed it in their Winter Talent Show.

Friday, December 21, 2007

4 More Days Till Christmas!

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000) - The Grinch (Jim Carey in a air-conditioned hairy Green outfit) hates Christmas so much but gets along when the town starts crowning him and making him part of their community...until he realizes he does still hates Christmas again, offcourse (we all know what happens in the end).

Rewatched 1984's "Sixteen Candles" last night.

I've seen it numerous time but this time I actually WATCHED it. It was great, I forgot just how great it was actually. Very funny, sweet and true in so many ways. I found it hilarious and the cast was absolutely perfect. Best Brat-Pack and John Hughes movie. Highly recommended!

Chino's 12 Days of Christmas

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love sent to me a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love sent to me a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love sent to me 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love sent to me Dorothy’s Ruby Shoes, 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 6 big screen TVs, Dorothy’s Ruby Shoes, 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 7 Von Trapp children, 6 big screen TVs, Dorothy’s Ruby Shoes, 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 8 “Tootsie” copies, 7 Von Trapp children, 6 big screen TVs, Dorothy’s Ruby Shoes, 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie poster, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 9 colored screen shots, 8 “Tootsie” copies, 7 Von Trapp children, 6 big screen TVs, Dorothy’s Ruby Shoes, 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 10years of Titanic, 9 colored screen shots, 8 “Tootsie” copies, 7 Von Trapp children, 6 big screen TVs, Dorothy’s Ruby Shoes, 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 11 Audiovoxes, 10years of Titanic, 9 colored screen shots, 8 “Tootsie” copies, 7 Von Trapp children, 6 big screen TVs, Dorothy’s Ruby Shoes, 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love sent to me 12 Best Actor Oscars, 11 Audiovoxes, 10years of Titanic, 9 colored screen shots, 8 “Tootsie” copies, 7 Von Trapp children, 6 big screen TVs, Dorothy’s Ruby Shoes, 4 packs of popcorn, 3 movie posters, a Godfather figure and a “Gone with the Wind” DVD

TITANIC (1997) turns 10.


10 Years ago (December 19, 1997), a film called "Titanic" was released in theaters by a director named James Cameron and starring two newbies named Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. What the cast and crew didn't know was that "Titanic" is going to be one of the grandest, biggest and most beloved movies of the time. When "Titanic" was released, it became the first movie ever to pass the 1 billion dollar mark on the box office! The movie won the most Oscars in Academy history garnering 11 (including Best Picture and Best Director). Apart from that, the popularity of the two principal leads (despite the fact they already had Oscar nominations for previous films) rose to world-wide stardom and acclaim. Kate Winslet became Hollywood's new leading lady, far from her supporting role in "Sense and Sensibility" (1995). Leo DiCaprio became all women's desire and love. In addition the film has been every one's rather "guilty pleasure" (because of the cheesy romance) and the film has become too iconic to be true. Spoofs, fan blogs, numerous DVD releases, die-hard fans have blossomed since 1997 and has never died out. Also, Celine Dion's love ballad "My Heart Will Go On" is still being played on the radio to this day. Whenever I read "favorite movie lists" from common people in school or online, it seems that this film also has a place there. Since 1997, "Titanic" has played a huge role in every one's movie-going experience, this is an appreciation blog saying: WE LOVE YOU, KEEP GOING STRONG...

Thursday, December 20, 2007

SAG NOMINATIONS!

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is composed of Hollywood actors and awards the Best in acting every year and the majority of the voters here are the ones that are gonna vote for the Oscars. Quite a disappointing lineup but hopefully the votes of the directors and screenwriters and producers (etc.) will get the nominations to shift come Oscar time. Ugh!


Best Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
"3:10 TO YUMA"
"AMERICAN GANGSTER"
"HAIRSPRAY"
"INTO THE WILD"
"NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN"

Comments: No "Sweeney Todd," "Atonement," "Before the Devil Knows Your Dead" and "Charlie Wilson's War" in this category...the ones EXPECTED to get the most nods aren't nominated for anything...All of these nominees are unexpected except "No Country for Old Men". I'm glad "Hairspray" got a nomination though. Oh and it looks like "Into the Wild" is making up for its Golden Globe snubs.

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
GEORGE CLOONEY - "Michael Clayton"
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS - "There Will Be Blood"
RYAN GOSLING - "Lars and the Real Girl"
EMILE HIRSCH - "Into the Wild"
VIGGO MORTENSEN - "Eastern Promises"

Comments: James McAcoy, Johnny Depp, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Tom Hanks snubbed. All their chances are really slapped due to this. Gosling is rising slowly.

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
CATE BLANCHETT - "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
JULIE CHRISTIE - "Away From Her"
MARION COTTILARD - "La Vie en Rose"
ANGELINA JOLIE - "A Mighty Heart"
ELLEN PAGE - "Juno"

Comments: This category pisses me off the most, they give the overrated Angelina Jolie a nomination for her second-rate Marianne Pearle impersonation and they lock out the wonderful, bubby and amazing Amy Adams for her work in "Enchancted". THIS ISN'T RIGHT. The SAGS are crazy this year. However, I'm glad Cate is in.

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
CASEY AFFLECK - "The Assignation of Jesse James"
JAVIER BARDEM - "No Country for Old Men"
HAL HOLBROCK - "Into the Wild"
TOMMY LEE JONES - "No Country for Old Men"
TOM WILKENSON - "Michael Clayton"

Comments: Exclude Lee Jones and add Phillip Seymour Hoffman ("Charlie Wilson's War") or John Travolta ("Hairspray") and you've got your Oscar nominees of 2007.

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
CATE BLANCHETT - "I'm Not There"
RUBY DEE - "American Gangster"
CATHARINE KEENER - "Into the Wild"
AMY RYAN - "Gone Baby Gone"
TILDA SWINTON - "Michael Clayton"

Comments: Blanchett gets double nominations (just like Leonardo DiCaprio last year). I still can't believe they nominate Ruby Dee and no Denzel Washington though. Kinda crazy huh?

Generally: THIS YEAR'S SAG NOMINATIONS SUCK ASS.

5 More Days Till Christmas!

BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON (1953) - Marjorie Winfield (Doris Day) and her fiance Bill Sherman (Gordon MacRae) enjoy their Christmas with their family, delicious scandals, bubby musical numbers (the title tune finale) and a super funny love triangle in this wonderful 1953 musical-holiday film.

Movie Review: I'm Not There (2007, Todd Haynes)


***

Cast: Christian Bale, Ben Whishaw, Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Marcus Carl Franklin, Heath Ledger, Kris Kristofferson, Julianne Moore, Peter Friedman, Charlotte Gainsbourg
Screenplay: Oren Moverman and Todd Haynes
135 minutes / Black & White and Color

How can I even start describing director Todd Haynes’ “I’m Not There”? Did I miss something because I really feel like I didn’t understand the movie? To begin with, the plot line was EVERYWHERE and it was really, really weird. They say it’s a “Bob Dylan” biography but how could Bob Dylan have sooooo many different names and be portrayed by black and white people? It was super strange and I hardly understood the whole 2 hours and 15 minutes. Mighty strange it was.

I can’t really explain the storyline here except that their pushing the fact that it’s a Bob Dylan biography even though they all have different names and time eras. But just to be fair to the people who WANNA know the storyline (I doubt that there’s a lot), I’ll just break down each “Bob Dylan-s” and what they did in their part of the movie:

Christian Bales plays a guy named Jack Rollins who is an activist / folk singer who was fairly popular but did a lot of wrong decisions back in his time. Cate Blanchett plays a guy (yes a man!) named Jude Quinn, not only high on drugs all the time but flaunts his Prima Donna behavior even though he’s just kind of a “small” time singer.

Richard Gere plays a Western type of character, “hiding out”, I didn’t really get and understand him and his parts too much. Marcus Carl Franklin played a young African-American kid on his way to Hollywood to be a singer. Ben Whishaw was a “Bob Dylan” look-a-like-person being interviewed and Heath Ledger played a big time movie star named Robbie Clark who’s personal life with his wife (Charlotte Gainsbourg) is hanging by the thread.

It was really weird with all the jumping about the story and timelines. It was just a bunch of “monologues” put together, and that’s practically it, pretty pointless really. It is one of the biggest disappointments of the year but I’m still looking for the meaning of how all this relates to Bob Dylan, after the long advertisements that these 6 actors play Bob Dylan in this movie. I mean, is the film like Dylan’s life through his own aspect (crazy aspects really)? I have no idea. The film was absolutely messy and really flawed and was really dragging.

However, I can’t say I really regret the film because there were two things that I really enjoyed. One was the fabulous direction of Todd Haynes and the second is the utterly stunning performances given to us by the wonderful Cate Blanchett and 5 other principal leads.

Todd Haynes is a directorial genus. The film was gorgeous in terms of that and every shot looked really great. For a man with such like directed films, he’s done really well for himself this year. His shots were poetic and understood the rather “weird” storyline very well.

The performances of the actors were really fantastic. If only the movie wasn’t weird and their parts were set in chronological order, then the film (along with Haynes direction) would be really good and almost perfect. Too bad it isn’t though. The best from the MEN performances would have to be Heath Ledger. Though it’s no “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), Heath manages to entertain once more, even with a very limited screen time and gives us a fine supporting performance. But his performance cannot compare to the Great Cate.

Following up this year’s “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”, Cate Blanchett gives us yet ANOTHER Best Supporting Actress worthy performance. She was really wonderful, even as a man. Cate Blanchett is really flamboyant and she could do, play ANYTHING. In the 2 hours of boredom I had watching this movie, the only time I became truly enthusiastic and interested is when Cate went on screen. I have a confessions (it’s kinda funny) but I skipped so many Richard Gere parts and just fast-forwarded back to Cate. She saved “I’m Not There”.

Pretty much this is my general feelings towards the film. It’s not a bad movie at all but I won’t recommend it unless you’re really, really into movies and Bob Dylan. “I’m Not There” was not a hit with me, and I can’t understand how this was a hit with the critics. It was boring, flawed and messy. Well, I guess it’ll just have to go on my list of things I don’t understand related to this motion picture.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

6 More Days Till Christmas!

ELF (2003) - Buddy (Will Farrell) celebrates Christmas as a human Elf in the well-received 2003 holiday film about finding your family and knowing your place in the world.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Priceless Screenshots from my 5 Favorite Movies.

1. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) - Scarlet O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) getting really mad (not to mention annoyed) with her Mammy (Hattie McDaniel) due to her comments regarding the state of the man she love's love to her in the Best Picture winning Southern epic about romance and war.

2. THE GODFATHER (1972) - Godfather Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) sits in his dark office "on the day of his daughter's wedding day", listening to the story of his friend about how his daughter was brutally raped and beaten. The man asks The Godfather for some help, how can he refuse the request of another Italian?

3. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) - Dorothy Gail (Judy Garland) inspects her beautiful, new Ruby slippers given to her by the Good Witch of the North (Billie Burke) to protect herself from the evil Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) on her journey to Emerald City.

4. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959) - Girl-Band singer Sugar Cane (amazing sex symbol Marilyn Monroe) sings "I Wanna Be Loved By You" in a Miami Hotel right before meeting the "millionaire" of her dreams.


5. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952) - After discovering that his flop film "The Duelling Caviler" can be saved if he turns it into a musical, Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), graces the screen with his immortal "Singin' in the Rain" tittle tune.

7 More Days Till Christmas!

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) - Jack, the skeleton celebrates the wonderful Halloween holidays--I mean CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS by colliding his gothic world with the magical White and Red world in this dark classic, cult Tim Burton musical flick.

WGA rejects waivers for Oscars and Golden Globes.

"LOS ANGELES (AP) - The union representing striking Hollywood writers has denied requests to allow their members to write for the Oscars and the Golden Globes.

The producers of the awards shows had asked the Writers Guild of America to waive a strike rule to allow writers to write for them.

The guild rejected the requests today, saying in a letter to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association that granting a waiver "would not advance" the union's ongoing battle with studios to negotiate a new contract.

It also rejected a request to use old movie clips for the Oscars in February.
Writers are in their seventh week of a costly strike."

FROM: http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=7510503&nav=menu191_2

Southeastern and Dallas Fort Worth Critics announce thie winner!


Southeastern Critics:

BEST PICTURE
1. No Country for Old Men
2. There Will Be Blood
3. Atonement
4. Juno
5. Michael Clayton
6. Zodiac
7. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
8. Gone Baby Gone
9. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
10. Into the Wild

BEST ACTOR
Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will Be Blood*
Runner-up: George Clooney - Michael Clayton

BEST ACTRESS
Julie Christie - Away from Her*
Runner-up: Ellen Page - Juno

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men*
Runner-up: Casey Affleck - The Assassination of Jesse James by the CowardRobert Ford

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone*
Runner-up: Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There

BEST DIRECTOR
Joel & Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men*
Runner-up: Joe Wright - Atonement

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Diablo Cody - Juno*
Runner-up: Tamara Jenkins - The Savages

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Joel & Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men*
Runner-up: Christopher Hampton - Atonement

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (France)*
Runner-up: La vie en rose (France)

BEST DOCUMENTARY
No End in Sight*
Runner-up: Sicko

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Ratatouille*
Runner-up: The Simpsons Movie

WYATT AWARD
Waitress*
Runner-up: Black Snake Moan

Dallas Fort Worth Critics:

TOP 10 FILMS
1. No Country for Old Men
2. Juno
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Atonement
5. Michael Clayton
6. Into the Wild
7. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
8. The Kite Runner
9.The Assassination of Jesse James
10. Charlie Wilson's War

Best Picture: "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN"
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis for "THERE WILL BE BLOOD"
Best Actress: Julie Christie for "AWAY FROM HER"
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem for "NO COUNTRY FOR MEN"
Best Supporting Actress: Tilda Swinton for "MICHAEL CLAYTON"
Best Director: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen for "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN"
Best Screenplay: Juno, Diablo Cody
Best Animated Film: Ratatouille
Best Cinematography: Roger Deakins, Assassination of Jesse James
Russell Smith Award: ONCE

Monday, December 17, 2007

8 More Days Till Christmas!

MEET ME IN ST. LOUISE (1944) - Esther (singer and mighty movie star Judy Garland) and her siblings build snowmen before Esther would sing the magical "Have Your Self a Merry Little Chirstmas" song in the window sill. The 1944 classic is a great example that one's greatest gift is their family and off course, their home.

SATALITTE AWARDS winner announced!


"No Couutry for Old Men" seems to be unstoppable at this point. Best Picture buzz for "Juno" is rising, higher then a lot of "serious" hopefuls like "Charlie Wilson's War" and "American Gangster".

Drama
No Country for Old Men

Comedy/Musical
Juno

Director
Ethan Coen & Joel Coen, No Country for Old Men

Actor - Drama
Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises

Actress - Drama
Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose

Actor - Comedy/Musical
Ryan Gosling, Lars and the Real Girl

Actress - Comedy/Musical
Ellen Page, Juno

Supporting Actor (TIE)
Casey Affleck, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton

Supporting Actress
Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone

Adapted Screenplay
Atonement (Christopher Hampton)

Original Screenplay
Juno (Diablo Cody)

Foreign Film
Lust, Caution

Animated Movie
Ratatouille

Documentary Feature
Sicko
Editing
American Gangster

Cinematography
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Original Score
The Kite Runner

Original Song
Grace Is Gone - "Grace Is Gone"

Art Direction & Production Design
Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Costume Design
Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Visual Effects
300

Sound (Mixing & Editing)
The Bourne Ultimatum

Mary Pickford Award
Kathy Bates

Tesla Award
Dennis Muren

Auteur Award
Julian Schnabel, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Best Ensemble Cast
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Beauties: Meteors and Natalie Wood.


I watched a really beautiful meteor shower the other night while watching "The Mystery of Natalie Wood" (2004) on TV. Apart from the beauty of that shower (it was really nice!), Natalie's life isn't as beautiful and glamorous as it wishes to be. It was really tragic and sad and her death bothered me the whole night. Oh well...This is a tribute to two beautiful things: The rare meteor showers and the Legend called Natalie Wood.

Movie Reviews: Elizabeth - The Golden Age (2007, Shekhar Kapur)


* * * * *

Cast: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush, Abbie Cornish, Samantha Morton, Jordi Molla, Aimee King
Screenplay: William Nicholson and Michael Hirst
114 minutes / Color

Shekhar Kapur’s “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”, sequel to 1998’s “Elizabeth” (starring most of the same principal cast and under the same crew), is not as good as the original but as compelling and entertaining as ever. Kapur brings us another amazing spectacle with royal blood. Yes, the first one was way better, but “The Golden Age” lives up to MY expectations and makes a pretty decent sequel.

Queen Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett) has gone through so many things in the early past, but now she faces an even bigger crisis that both builds on her rule of the country of England and the ruling of her personal life.

When a Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen) returns from “The New World” (America) after he has claimed Virginia as a colony of England, Elizabeth the Virgin Queen is rather thrilled and interested in this explorer. As her affection for the man rises, her favorite Lady In Waiting Elizabeth Throckmorton (Abbie Cornish) is also slowly falling in love with Raleigh. As their personal lives collide and the Queen discovers that the two are “with child”, another problem occurs for the Queen and her beloved country.

Spain, the strongest civilization in the world wants England to change from being Protestant and convert to Catholicism. However, Elizabeth won’t stand for her for this because she is Protestant and allows her people to practice any religion they wish. So King Phillip II of Spain begins his assignation attempts on the Queen so that Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton), second heir to the throne and is Catholic can be Queen of England. But when Mary is discovered and soon sentenced to death for treason, Spain uses her as an excuse to start a religious war.

Elizabeth’s army cannot compare to Spain’s (England only has 3,000 men while Spain has a huge 10,000), but hope has come inside of her that she can beat the people but first forgive herself. She frees Raleigh from the prison she sentenced him to for impregnating her Lady in Waiting and makes him one of the leaders of the war.

With all her Queenly powers and belief in England, the country wins with a great deal of help from Raleigh (whose war tactics saved them all). Queen Elizabeth forgives Raleigh, Elizabeth (Cornish) and her child and that keeps her promise that England will not fall as long as she’s the queen. This time was considered “The Golden Age”.

Pretty simple story actually, this story shows us the power of the Queen of England. It shows how wise this woman was, even though her personal life and mind was decaying from heartache and mistreat, and this is all done by another very great woman: Cate Blanchett.

2007 seems to be a much better year for Actresses and their performances other then Actors. Cate Blanchett delivers one of the best. Her reprised Oscar nominated role of Queen Elizabeth is once more Oscar Worthy. She delivers us elegance with a refine air and wisdom like no other. From begging to end we know Elizabeth wants to have fun, but is still very serious and very wise when the time calls for it. This is because of Blanchett.

Blanchett also shows us that the Queen is portrayed as one of the strongest people in the history of the world, but is also human. She shows us that Elizabeth is not made out of wood like she shows herself in public, but at the background has a soft woman’s heart and feelings. She shows us the Queen’s feelings by also remaining a rather disturbing mystery of what is REALLY going on in her mind. This takes a lot of skill, a lot of Kudos to Blanchett. It seems though that Cate has some really hard competition (Amy Adam’s for “Enchanted”, in terms of deserving off course), luckily she’s already an Oscar winner.

These past years, Cate Blanchett has given us a variety of brilliant performances. Her 2004 turn as the great Katharine Hepburn was magnificent, her 2006 role as a teacher having an affair with her student in “Notes on a Scandal” was utterly fabulous and Cate just keeps giving us more. Keep it up, Cate. You’ve proven you are one of the best actresses in Hollywood today.

Apart from the great role that outshined everyone else, “The Golden Age’s” technicals are to marvelous to miss. The cinematography was a perfect match to the extensively beautiful costumes and sets. Everything however is really beneath the greatness of the wonderful costume design. These costumes are like no other. They are so fine and detailed that it makes “Marie-Antoinette” (2006) look like a B-Movie. Cate’s body type complemented the costumes that should be considered a near lock to win the Oscar at the end of the year.

Kapur’s direction was better then the first. He seemed more concentrated and his direction not only gave us some really beautiful shots that helped the story, but it also enhanced the beauty and spectacle of the picture.

To finish up the review, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” does not deserve all the panning it got from critics. Maybe they were just disappointed that it wasn’t as good as the first, which lead to the wrong conclusions. The film was really beautiful, historically significant but also widely entertaining. Cate Blanchett is singled out as one of this year’s best and film should remain in my 2007 Top 10. Hopefully.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS

Very important awards show. VERY IMPORTANT. The most important of all Critics shows/awards!



Best Motion Picture - Drama
"American Gangster"
"Atonement"
"Eastern Promises"
"The Great Debaters"
"Michael Clayton"
"No Country for Old Men"
"There Will Be Blood"

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
"Across the Universe"
"Charlie Wilson's War"
"Hairspray"
"Juno"
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber from Fleet Street"

Best Actor - Drama

George Clooney - "Michael Clayton"
Daniel Day-Lewis - "There Will Be Blood"
James McAvoy - "Atonement"
Viggo Morterson - "Eastern Promises"
Denzel Washington - "American Gangster"

Best Actress - Drama

Cate Blanchett - "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Julie Christie - "Away from Her"
Jodie Foster - "The Brave One"
Angelina Jolie - "A Mighty Heart"
Kiera Knightly - "Atonement"

Best Actor - Musical or Comedy

Johnny Depp - "Sweeny Todd"
Ryan Gosling - "Lars and the Real Girl"
Tom Hanks - "Charlie Wilson's War"
Phillip Seymour Hoffman - "The Savages"
John C. Reilly - "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story"

Best Actress - Musical or Comedy

Amy Adams - "Enchanted"
Nikki Blonsky - "Hairspray"
Helena Bonham Carter - "Sweeney Todd"
Marion Cottilard - "La Vie en Rose"
Ellen Page - "Juno"

Best Supporting Actor

Casey Affleck - "The Assignation of Jesse James"
Javier Bardem - "No Country for Old Men"
Phillip Seymour Hoffman - "Charlie Wilson's War"
John Travolta - "Hairspray"
Tom Wilkinson - "Michael Clayton"

Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett - "I'm Not There"
Julia Robert - "Charlie Wilson's War"
Saorise Ronan - "Atonement"
Amy Ryan - "Gone Baby Gone"
Tilda Swinton - "Michael Clayton"

Best Director
Tim Burton - "Sweeney Todd"
Joel and Ethen Cohen - "No Country for Old Men"
Julian Schnabel - "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Ridley Scott - "American Gangster"
Joe Wright - "Atonement"

Best Screenplay

"Atonement" - Christopher Hampton
"Charlie Wilson's War" - Aaron Solkin
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" - Ronald Harwood
"Juno" - Diable Cody
"No Country for Old Men" - Joel and Ehen Cohen

Best Original Song

"Enchanted" - "That's How You Know"
"Grace is Gone" - "Grace is Gone"
"Into the Wild" - "Gaurenteed"
"Love at the Time of Cholera" - "Despidida"
"Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" - "Walk Hard"

Best Original Score

"Atonement" - Dario Marrianelli
"Eastern Promises" - Howard Shore
"Grace is Gone" - Clint Eastwood
"Into the Wild" - Michael Brook
"The Kite Runner" - Alberto Iglesias

Best Animated Film

"Bee Movie"
"Ratatiouille"
"The Simpsons"

Best Foiregn Language Film

"4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days"
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
"The Kite Runner"
"Lust, Caution"
"Persepolis"


THOUGHTS:
-"Atonement" get recognition.
-"3:10 to Yuma" is completely shut out.
-Best Picture Drama looks good, but "The Great Debaters" nom was something we ALL didn't see coming...
-Best Picture CM is really great! So happy for "Across the Universe". "Enchanted" and "The Savages" should be on the list however.
-John C. Reilly...that slot could've gone to someone more deserving.
-Amy Adams! John C. Reilly! Wooohoo!
-No "Come So Far" ("Hairspray") Best Song nod. Wierd.
-Foriegn Lanuage catagory and Animation looks good.

Critics Choise Awards announce their nominees!!!


"Into the Wild" receives a total of 7 nods, leading the awarding with nominations like Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Penn), Best Actor (Emile Hirsch) and Best Screenplay. Pregnant movie "Juno" follows shortly with 6 nominations, including one for Best Picture and a Best Actress nod for the young 20-year-old Ellen Page. "Atonement" finally gets a Best Picture nomination, but can it pull it off at the Oscars? Musicals "Hairspray," "Enchanted," and "Sweeney Todd" (also nominated for Best Picture) pulls through with some nominations and all other front runners are in tact.


Here's the complete list:

PICTURE
American Gangster
Atonement
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Into the Wild
Juno
The Kite Runner
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
Sweeney Todd
There Will Be Blood

ACTOR
George Clooney - Michael Clayton
Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp - Sweeney Todd
Ryan Gosling - Lars and the Real Girl
Emile Hirsch - Into the Wild
Viggo Mortensen - Eastern Promises

ACTRESS
Amy Adams - Enchanted
Cate Blanchett - Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie - Away From Her
Marion Cotillard - La Vie en Rose
Angelina Jolie - A Mighty Heart
Ellen Page - Juno

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Casey Affleck - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Charlie Wilson's War
Hal Holbrook - Into the Wild
Tom Wilkinson - Michael Clayton

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There
Catherine Keener - Into the Wild
Vanessa Redgrave - Atonement
Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton

ACTING ENSEMBLE
Hairspray
Juno
No Country for Old Men
Sweeney Todd
Gone Baby Gone
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

DIRECTOR
Tim Burton - Sweeney Todd
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
Sidney Lumet - Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Sean Penn - Into the Wild
Julian Schnabel - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Joe Wright - Atonement

WRITER
Diablo Cody - Juno
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
Tony Gilroy - Michael Clayton
Nancy Oliver - Lars and the Real Girl
Sean Penn - Into the Wild
Aaron Sorkin - Charlie Wilson's War

ANIMATED FEATURE
Bee Movie
Beowulf
Persepolis
Ratatouille
The Simpsons Movie

YOUNG ACTOR
Michael Cera - Juno
Michael Cera - Superbad
Freddie Highmore - August Rush
Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada - The Kite Runner
Edward Sanders - Sweeney Todd

YOUNG ACTRESS
Nikki Blonsky - Hairspray
Dakota Blue Richards - The Golden Compass
AnnaSophia Robb - Bridge to Terabithia
Saoirse Ronan - Atonement

COMEDY MOVIE
Dan in Real Life
Hairspray
Juno
Knocked Up
Superbad

FAMILY FILM (LIVE ACTION)
August Rush
Enchanted
The Golden Compass
Hairspray
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
The Company
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Tin ManThe War

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days
La Vie en Rose
Lust, Caution
The Orphanage

SONG
Come So Far - Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley - Hairspray
Do You Feel Me - Anthony Hamilton - American Gangster
Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - Once
Guaranteed - Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild
That's How You Know - Amy Adams - Enchanted

COMPOSER
Marco Beltrami - 3:10 to Yuma
Alexandre Desplat - Lust, Caution
Clint Eastwood - Grace- Is Gone
Jonny Greenwood - There Will Be Blood
Dario Marianelli - Atonement
Alan Menken - Enchanted

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Darfur NowIn the Shadow of the Moon
The King of Kong
No End in Sight
Sharkwater
Sicko

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

San Francisco Film Critics annouce their winners!


I don't really think this mean "Jesse James" will be getting a Best Picture nomination, but it certainly puts it up the ranks. George, Christie and Ryan are doing fairly well. Better then others. Another Foriegn "Diving Bell" win, and finnally Affleck wins over Bardem!

Best Picture: "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
Best Director: Joel and Ethan Coen for "No Country for Old Men"
Best Actor: George Clooney for "Michael Clayton"
Best Actress: Julie Christie for "Away from Her"
Best Supporting Actor: Cassey Affleck for "The Assissination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
Best Foreign Language: "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Best Documentary: "No End in Sight"
Best Screenplay: "The Savages"
Best Adapted Screenplay: "Away From Her"

It's #1, BUT "The Golden Compass" is not as shinny as "Enchanted".


The new anticipated, fantasy Chris Weitz directed picture "The Golden Compass," opened #1 at the Box Office but still not going as strong as #2 Disney's "Enchanted" (total gross: $83.9M). "The Golden Compass" was reported to have cost around around $250-$300M++ to make (including marketing and promoting) and only earned a total $26.8M. Much lower then expected (AND WANTED) by studios and analyst. The film starts Oscar winner Nicole Kidman and recent 007 Daniel Craig.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Boston, New York, Los Angeles and Washington announce their winners!


An important part of Oscar seaons, these "critic" awards seems to be very good indicators of Frontrunner status and usually gives us an idea of who will be winning or who will be nominated for the prestigious Oscar event at the end of the year. Here are the first batch (and probably the next important critic awards next to the NBR). 3 films reign very supreme. It seems like big "Oscar contenders" have dropped and given way to serious Oscar films like "There Will Be Blood," "The Diving Bell and the Butterfuly," and "No Country for Old Men".

BOSTON FILM CRITICS:
Best Picture: “
No Country for Old Men”
Best Director: Julian Schnabel for “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Best Actor: Frank Langella for “Starting Out in the Evening”
Best Actress: Marion Cotillard for “La Vie En Rose”
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem for “No Country for Old Men”
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Ryan for “Gone Baby Gone”
Best Cinematography: Janusz Kaminski for “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Best Documentary: “Crazy Love”
Best Foreign-Language Film: “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Best New Filmmaker: Ben Affleck for “Gone Baby Gone”
Best Ensemble Cast: “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”

***

NEW YORK FILM CRITICS ONLINE:
Best Picture (tie): “There Will Be Blood” and “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson for “There Will Be Blood”
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis for “There Will Be Blood”
Best Actress: Julie Christie for “Away from Her”
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem for “No Country for Old Men”
Best Breakthrough Performer: Ellen Page for “Juno”
Best Directorial Debut: Sarah Polley for “Away from Her”
Best Ensemble Cast: “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”
Best Screenplay: Wes Anderson, Jason Swartzman, Roman Coppola for “The Darjeeling Limited”
Best Documentary: “Sicko”
Best Foreign-Language Film (tie): “Lives of Others” and “Persepolis”
Best Animated Feature: “Persepolis”
Best Cinematography: Robert Elsewit for “There Will Be Blood”
Best Film Music: John Greenwood for “There Will Be Blood”

Top Ten Films (alphabetical order):
1 Atonement (Focus Features)
2 Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (THINKFilm)
3 The Darjeeling Limited (Fox Searchlight)
4 The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Miramax)
5 I'm Not There (The Weinstein Company)
6 Juno (Fox Searchlight)
7 Michael Clayton (Warner Bros.)
8 No Country for Old Men (Miramax)
9 Persepolis (Sony Pictures Classics)
10 Sweeney Todd (DreamWorks)
11.There Will Be Blood (Paramount Vantage)

***

LOS ANGELES FILM CRITICS:
Best Picture: “There Will Be Blood” (runner-up: “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”)

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson for “There Will Be Blood” (runner-up Julian Schnabel for “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”)

Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis for “There Will Be Blood” (runner-up Frank Langella for “Starting Out in the Evening”)

Best Actress: Marion Cotillard for “La Vie En Rose” (runner-up: Anamaria Marinca for “4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days”)

Best Supporting Actor: Vlad Ivanov for “4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days” (runner-up: Hal Holbrook for “Into the Wild”)

Best Supporting Actress: Amy Ryan for “Gone Baby Gone” and “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” (runner-up: Cate Blanchett for “I’m Not There”)

Best Screenplay: Tamara Jenkins for “The Savages” (runner-up: Paul Thomas Anderson for “There Will Be Blood”)

Best Animated Feature (tie): “Ratatouille” and “Persopolis”

Best Documentary: “No End in Sight” (runner-up: “Sicko”)

Best Cinematography: Janusz Kaminski for “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” (runner-up: Robert Elsewit for “There Will Be Blood”)

Best Production Design: Janusz Kaminski for “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” (runner-up: Dante Feretti for “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber from Fleet Streets”)

Best Music: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for “Once” (runner-up: John Greenwood for “There Will Be Blood”)

New Generation: Sarah Polley for “Away from Her”

***

WASHINGTON DC CRITICS:
Best Picture: “No Country for Old Men”
Best Director: Ethan and Joel Coen for “No Country for Old Men”
Best Actor: George Clooney for “Michael Clayton”
Best Actress: Julie Christie for “Away from Her”
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem for “No Country for Old Men”
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Ryan for “Gone Baby Gone and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead”Best
Original Screenplay: Diablo Cody for “Juno”
Best Adapted Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin for “Charlie Wilson’s War”
Best Ensemble Cast: “No Country for Old Men”
Best Foreign-Language Film: “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Best Animated Film: “Ratatouille”
Best Documentary: “Sicko”
Best Art-Director: “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber from Fleet Street”
Best Breakthrough Performance: Ellen Page for “Juno”


Now what?
-Where is "Atonement" and "American Gnagster"? Too Brit for the critics? To violent?
-Best Picture now is really "No Country for Old Men" vs. "There Will Be Blood", with "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" as a big threat...if nominated.
-"Diving Bell" could be considered highest contender for Best Foriegn Language.
-"Ratatouille" is unstoppable for Animated Feature catagory.
-Clooney and Christie's dead Buzz is once more revived.
-Best Actress is now Christie vs. Cottilard.
-No "recent frontrunners" Amy Adams and Laura Linney in Best Actress.
-No Johnny Depp and not much "Sweeney Todd" or Tim Burton Love.
-Javier Bardem is a lock for a nomination and win, Holbrook is a big threat (Alan Arkin repeat?)
-Ellen Page's Breakthrough wins supports her Best Actress status.
-No Angelina or Kiera!
-So-called biggest contender Cate Blanchett ("I'm Not There") lost all but 1 tom Amy Ryan ("Gone Baby Gone")
-Surprising "tech" winners.
OSCAR RACE IS HOTTER NOW!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

In My Opinion...My Top 10 Guilty Pleasures!!!

Quite an unusual list of movies that I actually either love or have a lot of fun watching, I’ll explain why, but these are some movies I can’t believe I actually have fun watching. These are MY guilty pleasures! Films I’ve seen numerous times that I always, always, always, always enjoy!




1. Titanic (1997)
- “Titanic” is everyone’s movie guilty pleasure. Yes, it was great and the storyline was very “soap-opera” but how can we help loving (and re-watching a thousand times) the story of the poor Jack and the uber-rich Rose? It’s too hard to resist!




2. Grease 2 (1982)
- This is a really, really terrible movie. What a bad B-movie start for Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield, but my love for the first movie boosted my enthusiasm for this film. I was addicted to it for a year plus. I know this movie back to front! The songs and lines are sooooo corny that it’s difficult not to laugh at it. Hilarious!




3. High School Musical (2006)
- The new fad in “tweener” pop culture (fine, the culture of everyone!). C’mon, don’t tell me you don’t fully know at least ONE song. Haha…… “We’re all in this together, once we know who we are we’re all starts…I thought you were my fairytale….it’s hard to believe what I couldn’t see….soaring! There’s no a star in heaven that we can’t reach!”




4. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
- This is too hilarious to be true. How can you decline a drag-queen comedy with manly-mans Patrick Swayze, John Legozamo (Kudos! I’d give him an Oscar for this), and Wesley Snipes!




5. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
- This “rock” (corny music haha) musical about transvestites, virgins, buff people, aliens, Transylvanians, science, lips and violence is one thing a 1970s movie lover can’t live without. It’s so ridiculous and yet I’ve memorized most of the songs from viewing the DVD too many times…




6. Just Friends (2005)
- I think I’ve memorized almost all the jokes and songs and characters in this movie. It’s really fun and great and exciting to watch! Shame on those who didn’t watch this comedy! Shame on those who bash this film and call it corny!




7. The Parent Trap (1998)
- I really have fun watching Lindsay Lohan pre-drug abuse, slutty-ness and anorexia. She was adorable and this movie is one I can watch a lot of times (with my cousins of course).




8. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
- Yes I know the songs, yes I love Julia Roberts. Who cares, right? A lot of people find this film too “sentimental” and too chick-flick. Whatever, I enjoy it!




9. Legally Blonde (2001)
- This movie is so girly, and-yet I watch it whenever I’m sick. It’s so fun and enjoyable and lightens me when I have the flue and I’m feeling like crap. Thanks, Reese and Harvard pals.




10. Enchanted (2007)
- “Enchanted” is not an awful movie at all, but for a GUY who watched it 3 times in a movie house…WOW! Can you believe I watched a Disney Princess musical 3 times in the movie house? Really, wow! I think the real guilty pleasure here is the storyline and the wonderful Amy Adams! I’m guilty of loving her…

Movie Review: The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (1961, Jose Quintero)


* * * *

Cast: Vivien Leigh, Warren Beatty, Lotte Lenya, Coral Brown, Jill St. John, Jeremy Spenser, Stella Bonhuer, Josephine Brown
Screenplay: Gavin Lambert (Based on the novel by Tennessee Williams)
103 minutes / Color

I’m not sure if the movie kind of pissed me of in a way or if I enjoyed it just a little too much. One thing is clear, the bashing this movie its performances usually receives is really not fair. Leigh was fantastic (as always) but the sad truth about her acting and her movies is that whatever movies she did, it will always be overshadowed by her truly amazing performance as Scarlet O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind” (1939). The film was quite interesting to watch and since I’m 1/4 through the book, I guess I could say that they are very similar, maybe a little too similar though. “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone” is really what the title indicates it is. It is the story of a rich, retired American theatrical actress who goes to Rome and tries to remain her “drifting” youth by having a very naught affair with a young Italian gigolo. In full explanation:

After the ageing stage actress Mrs. Karen Stone’s (Vivien Leigh) play in New York flops, she and her 20-year-older husband go to Italy for a “vacation”. But on the airplane, Mr. Stone gets a heart attack, leaving the very wealthy Karen alone in a strange city. As she gets adjusted to life there, she notices a strange mysterious young man (Jeremy Spenser) always waiting for her outside, downstairs in the steps in front of her apartment building. This man seems to have an obsession with the old stage beauty and he seems to follow her everywhere and keeps giving her such awful looks, but this man is and always will be a mystery to Karen.

When a broke with the title, Contessa (Lotte Lenya) hears that Mrs. Stone is in town, she hires a handsome and charming young gigolo named Paolo (Warren Beatty) to seduce Mrs. Stone and try to get all the “American dollars”, nice clothes and expensive gifts from her. He and the Contessa make a deal that everything he gets will be split with her 50/50, as long as she introduces him to her.

As Karen and Paolo’s relationship goes up-and-down regarding their many differences in flirtation, social class and “laughter”, the two experience plenty of “beautiful” things together. But Paolo soon discovers that Mrs. Stone is one hard cookie to crack and the Contessa advices him to move to someone younger, a beautiful movie star named Barbra Bingham (Jill St. Louise). Paolo soon goes to Mrs. Stone and insults her about her age and starts an affair with Barbra, leaving Karen unhappy with her age and her life.

In a sad move, Mrs. Stone decides she wants to leave the world, but is gonna frame Paolo for her death. She rips up his picture to make it look like they fought and she lets her stocker in her house, knowing he’s going to kill her.

If your one for surprises, this is the movie for you, but don’t get mad at me when the film leaves you hanging. Though some people enjoy that “hanging” feeling at the end, I was so shattered to not know what happens to Mrs. Stone. They just show her stocker entering her apartment and they show nothing more. It seems like they really wanted us to imply if she’s dead or alive by the end of the night. This, I must say was really clever and that Tennessee Williams makes the simplest tragic stories into something mysterious as well.

Vivien Leigh, the star of the picture, was probably the only truly great performance in the whole movie. In a way, she was playing herself. An aging beautiful movie star who faces harsh realities was Leigh’s life at the moment. Her performance was brave but really oh-so amazing and lively and chilling in the same time. She outshines all her co-stars and should’ve gotten an Oscar nomination.

When is comes to the two supporting players, I really don’t know what to say. Warren Beatty was good-looking, perfect face and charm for the role of Paolo, but he didn’t “bring it” hard enough to be truly recognized. His accent was weak, his “pouting” scenes were annoying and he was clearly just in a “newbie” performance.

But not to worry Warren, nothing could be worst then Lotte Lenya. They call this a Best Supporting Actress nomination? I bet there were probably 50 more capable actresses who could’ve made this role much better. And there were probably 10 more deserving girls that should’ve gotten her spot in the Supporting Actress category. She was dull and annoying and she made her rather big character as something small. I didn’t like one minute of her “alone” screen time. The only time she could be saved was when Vivien Leigh was in the same scene.

The direction of stage director Jose Quintero was perfect for the movie, actually really underrated. The shimmering cinematography and bright colors and lights of Rome were a perfect match to his creative eye. It’s utter madness that the two were completely ignored.

“The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone” is not near a perfect film, many flaws actually (translate my 4/5 starts to 7/10) but it was quite an entertainer. Maybe a newer remake, with someone as brilliant as Leigh, as good-looking as Beatty (but better acting off course) and much, much, much better then Lenya, and then the movie might have the possibility of a 5 star status.

Nationa Board of Review results: "No Country for Old Men" wins Best Picture.


Here are the results for the National Board of Review, the first very important critics award that leads one more step to Oscar. the Cohen Brother's adapted "No Country for Old Men" leads with 3 awards, including the top prize as Best Picture, and it is put right back on the Best Picture map. Last year "Letter from Iwo Jima" was the surprise Best Picture (although this one isn't so surprising) and it ended up having a very worthy Best Picture nomination when the Oscars came. George Clooney and Julie Christie's dead buzz finally resumes as they garner the Lead Acting Prizes and the Supporting players aren't surprising at all. Tim Burton can finally rejoice, Scorsese won the Oscar last year after he won the NBR, can Burton's first nomination be his first win? Another notable thing is that "Atonement" is completely shut out, except for a spot in the Top 10 list, the movie got nothing else.


Here's the full list of winners:
Best Picture: "No Country for Old Men"
Best Actor: George Clooney for "Michael Clayton"
Best Actress: Julie Christie for "Away from Her"
Best Supporting Actor: Casey Affleck for "The Assignation of Jesse James"
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Ryan for "Gone Baby Gone"
Best Director: Tim Burton for "Sweeney Todd"

Best Ensemble: "No Country for Old Men"
Best Breakthrough - Male: Emile Hirsch for "Into the Wild"
Best Breakthrough - Female: Ellen Page for "Juno"
Best Directorial Debut: Ben Affleck for "Gone Baby Gone"
Best Foreign Language Film: "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"
Best Documentary: "Body of War"
Best Animated Feature: "Ratatouille"
Best Original Screenplay: (tie) Diablo Cody for "Juno", Nancy Oliver for "Lars and the Real Girls"
Best Adapted Screenplay: Coen Brothers for "No Country for Old Men"

TOP 10 Films (alphabetical order)
The Assignation of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Ford
Atonement
The Bourne Ultimatum
The Bucket List
Into the Wild
Juno
The Kite Runner
Lars and the Real Girl
Michael Clayton
Sweeney Todd

TOP Five Foreign Films (alphabetical order):
4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days
The Band's Visit
The Counterfeiters
La Vie En Rose
Lust, Cuation

TOP Five Documentary Films (alphabetical order):
Darfur Now
In the Shadown of the Moon
Nanking
Taxi to the Darkside
Toots

TOP Independent Films(alphabetical order):
Away from Her
Great World of Sound
Honeydripper
In the Valley of Elah
A Might Heart
The Namesake
Once
The Savages
Starting Out in the Evening
Waitress

Career Achievement – MICHAEL DOUGLAS
William K. Everson Film History Award – ROBERT OSBORNE
Career Achievement in Cinematography – ROGER DEAKINS
The BVLGARI Award for NBR Freedom of Expression – THE GREAT DEBATERS and PERSEPOLIS

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Annie Awards Nominations


Annie Awards is Animations highest honors (next to the Oscars of course). Made for animation, for animation only. Could this possibly be our next lineup for Best Animated Feature? Maybe...

Best Animated Feature
Bee Movie
Persepolis
Ratatouille
Surf's Up
The Simpson's Movie


I predict a "Ratatouille" win for this and for the Oscars. But "The Simpson's Movie" has a big chance to win both too because of it's popularity, I will be utterly disappointed though.

Monday, December 3, 2007

"Enchanted" STILL humming a Happy Working Song


Disney's modern-Princess movie "Enchanted" still remains in the top of the US Box Office with a total gross of $70.6M! Wow! What a gross! "Enchanted" is reaching the top with lots of magical tunes and even more magical Oscar Buzz for the truly wonderful Amy Adams as Princess Giselle. Keep the good work up.

A Problem Solved: "Breakfast at Tiffany's" vs. "West Side Story"


After my looooong thinking sessions and re-watching sessions (believe me, I think of things like this really hard even though they happen many years ago), I finally have decided what's a better film (and which film deserved the Oscar for Best Picture in 1961). I think that the Academy has made the right choice with "West Side Story". Re-watched the movies today and concluded that "West Side Story" really is very good. I underrated it and I "re-found" the film and all its glory. Sorry Audrey and Co., you ain't shinning enough.

Top 10 reasons why 2006 was a better year for movies...

I’m not saying this year is bad, because it truly isn’t, but right now, the lack of Oscar contenders (heck, even 5 star movies), great performances, memorable scenes, great twists and surprising buzz is really boring me. Here are my Top 10 reasons why 2006 was a better year for movies…

1. “The Departed”
- Must I say more? This movie was amazing, fantastic, overwhelming, witty, fast-paced and totally deserved the Best Picture win. Bravo!

2. The wide variety of amazing movies
- Who could complain about last years really, really good variety of films. We had criminals chasing each other, soul singers chasing their dreams, a diamond smuggler looking for something very delicate, a lesbian teacher tormenting the woman she has a “crush” on, a teenage queen swept off her feet with power, brother-sister war films, dysfunctional families, evil bosses. How wonderful! This year? We’ve seen it all before…

3. Martin Scorsese finally wins the Oscar!
- We were all waiting. Even the people who weren’t his fans. Thank goodness.

4. They get Best Actor and Best Actress right
-Wow, they actually gave the Oscars to the two who really deserved it: Forest Whitaker for “The Last King of Scotland” and Helen Mirren for “The Queen”. I don’t know what I’m going to do if they even nominated Angelina for “Mighty Heart” and NOT Amy Adams for “Enchanted”. Rebellion!

5. The Oscar race was very, very interesting
-We had an unpredictable Best Picture category, we were eagerly waiting if the statuses of all “frontrunners” would remain there on Oscar night (everyone did except Murphy who lost to Arkin), we go plenty of surprise attacks (“Little Miss Sunshine” and “Letters from Iwo Jima”), the Oscars weren’t listening to anyone and the show was fantastic! Unlike this years dragging race…uh….

6. Films looked absolutely amazing!
-One thing I noticed about last years films is that they (like the actors, art direction, set decoration, costumes, cinematography etc.) looked fantastic! Total eye candy! Remember “Dreamgirls” and the Motown sets and costumes, “Letters from Iwo Jima” and their dusty-grainy beautiful war-torn time, “The Prestige” and the old English magic and suits, “Children of Men” and the lighting of the future, “The Painted Veil” and the 1920’s old China styling, “Marie Antoinette” and the bright palaces and gowns? They were really beautiful.

7. We actually get some pretty good comedies
-Finally, we get some really funny, decent, none-3-stars type of comedies. Like: “Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “The Holiday,” “Borat,” “Running with Scissors,” “Thank You for Smoking,” “She’s the Man,” and “Click”.

8. The Academy didn’t listen to what the critics and other award shows said
-One of the many rare times where we don’t have the same Best Picture as the Golden Globes (choosing “Babel” was disgusting btw). It’s great to see that the Academy didn’t follow the crowds and voted/nominated their own winners. Examples: “The Departed” won Best Picture, “Dreamgirls” wasn’t nominated for Best Picture, Eddie Murphy looses, “Marie Antoinette” wins Costume Design. Some I really disagree with, but at least we now know that the Academy has a mind of their own.

9. Best Actress was ALMOST perfect
-This years Best Actress race was really perfect. We get a brilliant winner which is Helen Mirren for “The Queen”. The rest of the nominees were spectacular: Kate Winslet (“Little Children”), Judi Dench (“Notes on a Scandal”), Penelope Cruz (“Volver”) and Meryl Streep (“The Devil Wears Prada”). To tell you the truth, I’m fine with this lineup, but I’d trade Streep with Annette Bening for her wonderful work in “Running with Scissors”. At least it was almost perfect (unlike this year’s rather weak/annoying race).

10. NOT MUCH POLITICS
-If there is something in the world of movies that bore me more, is films (actually, more of rants) about politics. Yada, yada, yada, politics this and that, wow what a bore. I mean, not all political films are bad (like the “The Constant Gardner”), but we definitely have had enough. Thank god the only major one that they made in 2006 (“Blood Diamond”) wasn’t boring. I mean, I would have killed myself if we have another “George-wins-for-Syriana” repeat…and this year is so damn preachy and political (“Michael Clayton,” “Rendition,” “Lions for Lambs”).

Don’t get me wrong guys, the year hasn’t ended and the Oscar race isn’t truly final, but at this point, 2007 has been a truly, total BORE.