HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDY GARLAND!

She may have played the "underdog" in most of her movies, but when it came to careers (especially glittery ones) Judy Garland was on top of it. M-G-M's top star when she first appeared as the naive Dorothy in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz", the performances of Judy only got better and better as she received more praise and more stardom. But as she got older, Judy's unfortunate drug addiction lead to her downfall and death in the late 60s. In praise and memorial of my 2nd favorite actresses' birthday, these are her 5 Greatest Performances of all time.

01. "A STAR IS BORN" (1954)
Judy's best performance is the portrayal of movie star/singer Esther in 1954's spectacular "A Star is Born". Playing a nigh club singer, turned famous when she meets and falls in love with actor Norman Maine (James Mason), Judy gives an ultimately beautiful and magnificent performance, even though in the most depressing time of her life. She gives us a performance to remember; an Oscar worthy performance. Grace Kelly winning the Oscar that year for "The Country Girl" is a crime. 20 minutes into the movie, when Judy sings "The Man That Got Away" in a smoky bar made me realize that she did one of the best performance of ALL TIME.

02. "THE WIZARD OF OZ" (1939)
Judy's first "BIG" movie isn't only a masterpiece, but her performance was naive, sweet and totally surprising for someone her age. The voice, the expressions, no one could have been more perfect for the role of Dorothy. The song "Over the Rainbow" is absolutely immortal and her performance is full of life and fantastic. Not to mention how cute she was!!!

03. EASTER PARADE (1948)
Her charm, her wits, Judy makes me laugh, makes me feel sad for her. Her most "underdog" performance is truly, truly memorable. The songs here are absolutely fantastic, with Judy and Fred Astaire combination, we are given a wonderful, musical delight with such treats as the fluffy holiday tune "Easter Parade", the sentimental "Better Luck Next Time", the zestful "I Love the Piano", the comedic "Couple of Swells" and the stormy "Fella with an Umbrella".

04. MEET ME IN ST. LOUISE (1944)
Judy enchants again with "Meet Me in St. Louis", she giving us another colorful performance, a one to remember for it was her first "grown-up" role. Her performances in the songs were magical as always. Especially "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". But it's Judy's bittersweet attitude and naiveness that makes us love her here so much. So great.

05. THE PIRATE (1948)
Judy's most underrated movie and most underrated performance. I don't understand why people hate this movie. It was funny, glorious and it had Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. Nothing was better to see the two in a comedy. Judy was soooo funny and sooo glorious. I'd love to see this movie again and again and it doesn't deserve all the bad bashing it's received. And the "Be a Clown" finale was just so fun to watch.

Movie Review: Iron Man (2008, Jon Faveau)

* * * *

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Leslie Bibb, Shaun Tobb, Faran Tahir
Screenplay: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum & Matt Holloway
126 minutes / Color

Action packed, thrilling, amazing sound, a great performance or two, spectacular visual effects and a perfect screenplay to adopt the Marvel Superhero are the components that make up “Iron Man”. I must say that director Jon Faveau has outdone himself, and Robert Downey Jr. is someone to be admired now.

Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark. The owner of the world’s leading weapons making company. And Americas ticket to victory against the Iraq war. But in a demo for his new, fatal weapon, Spark is kidnapped and brought to the other side to make the same weapon for them.

But Stark’s heart and body is week, leading another captivated scientist to make sort-of a electronic heart for him. With this, and his knowledge, Stark pretends to agree with the opposite side and uses the materials they give him to build an Iron suit to break him out.

When his mission is complete, and he finally gets back to his life of sex, rock and weapons back in the United States, he goes on a whole new journey with his personal assistant Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow) to perfect the suit.

Stark’s mind takes him to places and he advances the suit to perfection. But behind his back, a mastermind is working to duplicate and rule. Stane (Jeff Bridge), supposedly Stark’s closest business partner, steals one of the suits he made and advances it himself, the same way Stark does his.

Now Tony and Pepper are faced to go against another Iron Man, but this time 10 times bigger. As Tony fights on, Pepper (sort of his, “love interest”) helps and they pull together and destroy the other iron monster with hard-core science.

At the end, they push through. Pepper and Tony get together but now the whole world suspects that this young billionaire might just be a superhero. They rehearse there cove-up for a press conference, but Tony just loves the limelight and states…”I am Iron Man”.

It was a great ending line. And a wonderful, simple closing to a character that defines himself at the beginning and keeps his standards to the end. Downey Jr. does this so very well…

Though I myself haven’t lost respect for great talents such as Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow (some say he’s an addict and some say she’s washed-up), but we should look pass their personal status and look at their performances. Paltrow, the leading lady, wasn’t sheer perfection, but I’m glad she’s made a project like this. It jolts her back to the screen as a star and she looks gorgeous. She’s just another unlucky Oscar winner, but I have faith in her. She can get work and she did pretty well.

Downey Jr. was spectacular. He was interesting, funny, witty, smart and exiting to watch. He did a wonderful job as Tony Spark and his alias Iron Man. This just makes me more excited for a so-called rumor hat he may portray Playboy’s Hugh Heffner. Let’s wish for the best. This guy has been under the talent radar for so long that he needs an Oscar. I think 2008 and 2009 will be good years for him. He shows us great talent in “Iron Man” and proves he can do other things than dramas.

“Iron Man” was a great combination of everything great that should be seen in a comic-book movie. It’s been the Best Comic film I’ve seen since “Spider-Man 2” (2004)! But we’ll have to wait for “The Dark Knight” (2008).

It had unbelievable effects .Not only were the visuals eye popping enough to notice the shiny flying chrome and distinctive yellow and red, but the sound mixing and editing was glorious. And so was the film editing. It was a tech masterpiece of this year, and most likely this years “Transformers” (2007).

However, like “Transformers”, I’m facing the problem that it’s being over hyped. People keep talking about it anywhere I go; I’m getting sick of this. This is far from good. Actually not good at all. When a movie like this gets too talked about it soon leads to a downfall of hate (Ala “High School Musical” amongst others). Oh welll…

Hoping it will make it to Oscar season is useless. Because it already is there (despite the downfall fear). If not acting or film editing, I’m sure that sound and visual effects like this have big chances of being honored. Good luck, because I’m rooting for you “Iron Man”.

Movie Review: When Love Begins… (2008, Jose Javier Reyes)

* *

Cast: Aga Muhlach, Ann Curtis, Boots Anson-Roa, Jon Avila, A.J. Dee, Christopher De Leon, Desiree Del Valle, Gemme Fitzgerald
Screenplay: Jose Javier Reyes
120 minutes / Color

I admit, I like Filipino movies, even if they are extremely far-fetched, stupid and none-quality. But this was just too much. It was boring, badly acted and very disappointing. I like love stories too, but I never knew that it would be this boring. I wanted them to break up, get together—whatever, I just wanted it to be over. I left the theater mad and I felt that my money was wasted.

Starring big Filipino film star Aga Muhlach as love struck, Ben Cabellero, he was probably the only one who did a good thing—a comeback! Set in the tourist filled Boracay Island in the Philippines; we are introduced to couple Ben and a beautiful, younger woman Mitch Valmonte (Anne Curtis). Though they hit it of real fast, its when there together when they’ll be facing real problems.

Ben was a lawyer, but doesn’t practice law anymore. Now he is just an environmental activist in love. Mitch is a comfortable, fashionable working girl who works for her father’s corporation. When Mitch’s fathers plan to put up a subdivision in a place Ben was against, they break up and decide to be together only if it’s meant to be.

At the end, they find each other and they end up together. Easy to say right? Oh no…Through out the journey, they face twists and turns and irrelevant inner stories of their families lives. Especially Ben’s mother’s struggle against cancer.

It was a bore fest of bore fests. And not something you would expect this director to make. It was terrible. I guess I’m just kind enough not to give it a one.

Anne Curtis was in a performance that was only vain for herself. She didn’t do anything but stand around and look pretty. She sounded scripted and was heinous at everything she did. I would have rather seen an older woman doing a better job, then this young beauty practically ruining the film. They should know better to star a minor with the greats of Muhlach.

Muhlach was good. He was the same as he always was. No touch lost and I think if he could pursue a acting career again. What an unfortunate waste that this had to released. Waste of money and waste of time.

“When Love Begin…” is lowly recommend. And I think the critics would agree. As much as you want to take you lover to a date movie, do not watch this one. It’s dragging, boring and absolutely not my cup of tea. Thumbs down. The love did not begin…

Movie Review: Never Back Down (2008, Jeff Wadlow)

* * * *

Cast: Sean Farris, Djimon Honsou, Amber Heard, Cam Gigandet, Evan Peters
Screenplay: Chris Hauty
110 minutes / Color

Teen movies are well…teen movies. And never back down is a typical teen movie, with sort of a punch. As much as I enjoy lowly rated teen movies to entertain me, I really thought the movie was quite fun to watch. Despite all the character and story holes, the movie came together and gave us an underrated film that brought us into the world of underground fighting.

Starting out in small town football game, lead character Jake Tyler (Sean Farris) makes himself infamous with on-court rambles and fighting that makes his outrageous mother feel that Jake is good for nothing and responsible for her husband’s death.

When the mom gets a promotion and moves her family to the sunny streets of Miami, Jake finds it difficult to survive in his new high school with the likes of the popular students such as Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet) and his beautiful girlfriend Baja Miller (Amber Heard).

When one night, Jake gets lured into a beating by Ryan that he wasn’t aware of, he seeks for a Martial Arts coach that can train both his body and soul in how to defend himself. He finds the perfect person, Coach Jean Roqua, a Brazilian. But Jean has one condition; he can’t use what he taught him in the gym.

When Ryan finds out that Jake is buffing up, he decides to take his violent sport to another level and challenges him in an annual Fight Night. But after a refusal, he lures in Jake’s only friend Max (Evan Peters) and beats him up terribly.

Going against his mother’s conditions, his Coaches rules, Jake goes for it and goes through the fight of his life. But with one more jolt of strength, the love of Baja (she was in love with him and not Ryan after all, because he was a “bad guy”) and wisdom from the coach, Jake beats Ryan and wins back his respect.

Sounds cliché huh? Well it is. As I said, a teen movie is a teen movie. And nothing more. But apparently, this one is quite enjoyable. It wasn’t the direction or screenplay and especially the performances, but there was something about the movie that made it interesting and fun to watch with a close group of friends.

Sean Farris hasn’t traveled the acting road for long, but with a little more twists and turns; when the right performance comes (and not trash like “Sleepover” (2004)), he will make his mark in Hollywood. He has the talent, he just needs to horn it better.

Djimon’s performance was something to enjoy. Not “Blood Diamond” (2006) or “Amistad” (1997) but great to put on a resume. I mean, it’s not always that nice to see serious movies all the way. We need variety and Djimon gives us that this time. He was good and was the best performance in the film.

The rest of the actors weren’t so “good”, as I like to say. They were only as nice as the broken up sports car Max drove. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but somewhere close...

Lastly, I must say that I enjoy glamorous teen movies. As the country and media (teen media, that is) gets more into TV’s latest teen sensation “Gossip Girl”, I think anything like this (glamour and looks) hits the silver screen, its something the masses will watch. Good to know, “Never Back Down” was one of the first.

All in all, it was a fair bargain. “Never Back Down” was far from bad and far from good. But mixed elements and a fun storyline gives us something to enjoy and get away from the heavy season of movies we had just a while back. I had fun.

Thoughts on 2000s Best Pictures

2000
Who won: "Gladiator" / Dir: Ridley Scott
Who should have won: "Requiem for a Dream" / Dir: Darren Aronofsky (Not nominated)

"Gladiator" was great. I swear. The ending was perfect and Joaquin Phoenix was splendid in his haunting role as a the Emperor. So was Russell Crowe. The tech side was fantastic and the visuals couldn't be beaten that year. But was it really the Best of the Best? No! It wasn't even the best out of the nominees ("Erin Brockovich" was). The nominees that year were some of the most messed up I've ever seen. It was probably the worst Oscar year of the decade for me. The best film that year was most definitely Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream". The story of 4 affected drug addicts really blows the Gladiator out of the podium...the Oscar podium that is.

2001
Who won: "A Beautiful Mind" / Dir: Ron Howard
Who should have won: "Moulin Rouge!" / Dir: Baz Luhrmann (Nominated)

As much as I really, really, really loved this movie and the fantastic story that has something to do with my dad's work (not to mention the lead stars' dynamic performances), the movie didn't hit the perfect strings to be the best. Everyone knew that "Moulin Rouge!" was truly the greatest film that year. Some people feel that its the best this decade (I'm partly with those people). "Moulin Rouge!" was of grandeur and extravagance, but "A Beautiful Mind" seemed to make the Academy out of "love". It didn't take me out of love. "Moulin Rouge!" forever! COME WHAT MAY...

2002
Who won: "Chicago" / Dir: Rob Marshall
Who should have won: "The Pianist" / Dir: Roman Polanski (Nominated)

First, I have to say this was a hella strong year. Possibly the most painful year to decide on. In one side we the spectacle murder story known as "Chicago", with jazzy tunes and great performances. But then we also have the Brody powerhouse "The Pianist". Then we have the Leo-Adams-Hanks-Walken wonder "Catch Me if You Can". Then the Scorsese masterwork "Gangs of New York". The list goes on and on. I gotta say that I'm fine with "Chicago's" win. I'm not as bitter as my "Moulin Rouge!" love. But after "The Pianist" grabbed Director (Polanski) and Actor (Brody), Picture belonged to it. It was absolutely marvelous in all aspects. But hey, all that jazz was loved more...

2003
Who won: "The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King" / Dir: Peter Jackson
Who should have won: "Cold Mountain" / Dir: Anthony Minghella (Not nominated)

It's the best in the trilogy. It really was. But it wasn't what I like to say "Best Picture" worthy. I mean, it was just another one of those "Rings" movie. It was all the same: Frodo, fighting blah-blah-blah! I'm not bashing it okay? But OSCAR for Best Picture? C'mon. We could do so much better then that. The best of the nominees was clearly "Mystic River". But two more films were grater then that too. The crazy world of the "Thirteen" girls and the Civil War love epic "Cold Mountain". "Cold Mountain" was touching, grand and fully magic. I loved it and all the characters and emotion that went with it. How the Academy walked right by this (it got all the other 7 nominations it deserved) for even a Best Picture nod is beyond me...

2004
Who won: "Million Dollar Baby" / Dir: Clint Eastwood
Who should have won: "The Aviator" / Dir: Martin Scorsese (Nominated)

"Million Dollar Baby" is a deserving film. I liked it a lot. Clearly not enough though. A majority of people do think that "The Aviator" should have won. Don't worry, I'm not going with the crowds to say it did. "Aviator" was a clear front runner and it was a front runner for a reason: because it was brilliant. The 5 wins that night gave us hope, but at the end "Baby" took the win. Life wasn't fair for "Aviator" director Martin Scorsese, but the result of the next two years is brilliant for him. I guess he was more motivated after the defeat.

2005
Who won: "Crash" / Dir: Paul Haggis
Who should have won: "Pride and Prejudice" / Dir: Joe Wright (Not nominated)

It's not as bad as people say it was. I mean they exaggerate when people call it "Trash" or "Crap" as its alternative name. It wasn't bad at all actually. Fine, Bullock and Frasier were crap, but everyone else (especially Dillon) was quite good. But just the same, it took up a spot in a year full of brilliantly made movies. It was the worst out of the nominees, but still manages to win. Is it because of that "racial" theme it had. Maybe...Anyways Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", directed by the underrated Joe Wright was far superior and far underrated in its own right. "Pride" is nearly a masterpiece. I hate it when people go all dramatic since "Brokeback Mountain" didn't win--they should be dramatic for Elizabeth and Darcy. :(

2006
Who won: "The Departed" / Dir: Martin Scorsese
Who should have won: "The Departed" / Dir: Martin Scorsese (Nominated)

The only year this decade I agree on. This film was by far amazing. Thrilling, intelligent, confident, smart, witty--can't think of enough words to say how good it was. Confusing? Naahh. Just really, really well made. Marty was a genius. He won for the perfect film. DiCaprio was marvelous and so was Damon, Nicholson, Wahlberg and Farmiga. Everyone was in place. All it's Oscar wins match my Chino Choice Awards. Love it.

2007
Who won: "No Country for Old Men"
Who should have won: "Across the Universe" (Not nominated)

Before I saw it I was excited. After I saw it I was very disappointed. It was over hyped and not a very good movie. Well, not as good as everyone says it is. "Across" is a unique choice and I'm a Beatles fan. But believe me, I'm not being bias. It was WORST out of the nominees ("Juno" was the best!) and WORST movie to win Best Picture this decade. It was very, very over hyped. It was utterly mad and people are hypocrites when they call this movie a masterpiece and "Across" crap. It's not true. This was an okay film all together, but to be considered to be TOP HONORS is just waaay tooooo much. A Sound nomination (or win) and a nom for Javier Bardem is enough. "Across the Universe" kicks this ones ass better then Chugah's American accent.



RANKING OF THE MOVIES
01. The Departed (2006)
02. Chicago (2002)
03. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
04. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
05. Gladiator (2000)
06. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
07. Crash (2005)
08. No Country for Old Men (2007)

Downey to play Heff?

The "rumor" is out that every one's Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. impressed Playboy mogul Hugh Heffner so much that he asked him to play him in a reported biopic. I'm a Downey Jr. fan so this is good news and I think that the role would match him well. Let's just hope he doesn't re-create his "Iron Man" (2008) performance and give is something that we'll really love. We trust you dude!

So does this mean that the old reported rumors of Leo DiCaprio playing Heff is gone? I hope not. Either one of them would be very cool...

2000-2007: Favorite Movies of the Year

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (2000, Darren Aronofsky)
[Picture: Marlon Wayans and Jared Leto go to a drug distrubution that goes rampant.]

MOULIN ROUGE! (2001, Baz Luhrmann)
[Picture: Nicole Kidman sings the seductive "Diamons Are a Girl Best Friend" to sing to the "one-and-only" Duke.]

THE PIANIST (2002, Roman Polanski)
[Picture: Adrian Brody walks from place to place, past the worrying and terrified Jews in Poland, World War II.]

COLD MOUNTAIN (2003, Anthony Minghella)
[Picture: Renee Zelwegger and Nicole Kidman share a nice, warm Christmas together; looking after each other during the Civil War.]

THE AVIATOR (2004, Martin Scorsese)
[Picture: Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwen Stefani (in a cameo as Jean Harlow) enter the movie premier of "Hello's Angels" in 1920's Hollywood.]

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005, Joe Wright)
[Picture: Keira Knightly looks and observes Mr. Darcy's mansion as she hears piano music from the other room.]

THE DEPARTED (2006, Martin Scorsese)
[Picture: Leonardo DiCaprio reflects his troubled and "living-in-fear" mobster life.]

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (2007, Julie Taymor)
[Picture: Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood and ensemble of the movie sings the haunting "Because" ballad.]

2008 Oscar Predictions

Best Picture of the Year
01. "Doubt"
- It has Meryl Streep in it a it does look absolutely promising and Oscary.
02. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
- Could it be director David Fincher's big break? Brad Pitt too. Lets not forget that the Academy absolutely loves Cate Blanchett.
03. "Milk"
- Gay theme with a strong stellar cast. Sean Penn, as everyone knows it brilliant. Brokeback Mountain 2 anyone? Could be...
04. "Revolutionary Road"
- Re-team up of "Titanic" (1997) powerhouse Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Daymm...Mendez is directing, the Academy did love "American Beauty" (1999).
05. "Australia"
- Director Luhrmann and Kidman were really snubbed for "Rouge"! (2001). Could this be there payback? And the visuals are stunning. We always need a strong visiaul film in the lineup anyways.

Best Actor in a Leading Role
01. LEONARDO DICAPRIO - "Revolutionary Road"
- With 3 brilliant Oscar nominated performances under his belt, DiCaprio is long overdue and will eventually win one anyways.
02. SEAN PENN - "Milk"
- Could this be Penn's 2nd Oscar? He's playing a gay politician in a biopic, what more can the Academy want and love...nothing else!
03. BENICIO DEL TORRO - "Che"
- He just won the Canne and he's getting rave reviews despite the film's bad ones. Could he be this years Cate Blanchett nomination?
04. FRANK LANGHELLA - "Frost / Nixon"
- Playing a public figure never hurt. But we still need to see solid reviews for the film to see if he's getting anywhere.
05. BRAD PITT - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
- A highly buzzed film and overdue cast only means gold. Lets not mention how promising it looks. Watch the trailer now!

Best Actress in a Leading Role
01. KATE WINSLET - "Revolutionary Road"
- She's brilliant and everyone knows it. From "Sense and Sensebility" to "Titanic" to "Iris" to "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" to"Little Children"..What!? No Oscar win!!! With 2 highly buzzed movies, this might just be her year...
02. MERYL STREEP - "Doubt"
- She's Meryl. Streep. She can do anything. All is said.
03. JULIANNE MOORE - "Blindess"
- Who ever said not winning in the Cannes is a rule. Jullianne Moore is also very long overdue. It just depends if this performnce is absolutely strong enough.
04. KEIRA KNIGHTLY - "The Duchess"
- No win for "Pride and Prejudice" and a brilliant perfmormance in "Atonement". She's young and has it going strong. It's a big possibility for a nomination...ONLY.
05. NICOLE KIDMAN - "Australia"
- Already an Oscar winner. But Luhrmann brings out the best in her (Hello, "Moulin Rouge!"). I can see her up here.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
01. ROBERT DOWNEY JR. - "The Soloist"
- Right now he's gold -- I mean IRON. This could be Downey's comeback year. But sometimes, "comebacks" don't work. Lets wait for the reviews.
02. JOHN MALKOVICH - "The Changeling"
- The films is being reviewed very well. But will Angelina over-shine him?
03. PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN - "Doubt"
- Is his new "thing" supporting roles. With last years nomination for "Charlie Wilson's War", Hoffman could be in a roll. But its another case of = will-the-main-star-overshine-me.
04. DAMIAN BICHI - "Che"
- C'mon. He's playing Fidel Castro.
05. JOSH BROLIN - "Milk"
- He kills the Sean Penn's gay character right? The Oscars love the controversy of this. And man, he was good in last years "No Country for Old Men".

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
01. AMY ADAMS - "Doubt"
- She was snubbed for "Enchanted" (2007), "Junebug" (2005) and "Catch Me if You Can" (2003). Her talent is magnificent. She's young and amazing. Need is say more but this: SHE'S OVERDUE ALREADY!
02. AMY RYAN - "The Changeling"
- She was really great in "Gone Baby Gone" (2007). Could this be one of those: best-out-of-the-nominees-the-previous-year-and-didn't-win-and-will-win-the-following-year-thing ala Renee Zelwegger and Nicole Kidman? Maybe...
03. KATHY BATES - "Revolutionary Road"
- Bates always nails her performances. Higly buzzed movies might get her another nod.
04. MICHELLE WILLIAMS - "Synecdoche, New York"
- Did a brillaint job in "Brokeback Mountain" (2005) but that was a year too strong. This year might be the same.
05. CATE BLANCHETT - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
- I can't think of a Oscar year this century without at least buzz on Cate Blanchett. Knowing her and how much the Academy loves what she does (even if the movie sucks)...she'll got nominated one way or the other.

Best Director
01. JOHN PATRICK SHANLEY - "Doubt"
- I've never heard of him till now. But since I'm predicting "Doubt" as next years Best Picture, might as well give him the win too right?
02. BAZ LUHRMANN - "Australia"
- The "Moulin Rouge!" (2001) snub back in 2001 was the biggest directorial snub in the history of Oscars! Teaming with muse once more Nicole Kidman might finally give this talented director the nom he deserves.
03. DAVID FICHER - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
- Wierd movie but looks too brilliant to be true. His nom will come with the movie's Picture nom. And did I mention, he's way overdue!
04. SAM MENDEZ - "Revolutionary Road"
- Won for "American Beauty" (1999). He'll get nominated for this highly buzed movie...
05. GUS VAN SANT - "Milk"
- Will he finally get a nomination for his gay-themed biopic? I think so...it's a daring project and the Academy won't miss out on it.

C'mon, you got to admit. It's a good show.

Oscar Season is coming up soon!

It seems like yesterday when I was so happy that Marion Cotillard was on the Oscar Podium recieving her Best Actress Oscar. With Cannes finishing up...it won't be long, yeah!

RIP Sydney Pollack (1934 - 2008)

Another talent grately lost.
RIP to the brilliant Sydney Pollack who wasn't only a actor, producer, wirter and public figure but brought out the best in himself when he directed movies. Pollack died from his struggle againts cancer on Monday morning, all will always be remembered. Pollack's talent varried in all genres. From romance to drama to comedy to movies with music and no-music, Pollack's effort has definately made a mark in Hollywood. I'm sad to say he was one of my favorite directors...

3 memorable films:

THE WAY WE WERE (1973) - Sydney shows off his talents with drama "The Way We Were" with superstar Barbra Stresiand and life-long friend Robert Redford (who he made 7 movies with). "The Way We Were" features brilliant direction that fits timeless music together and shows us that years can seem fast and interesting when in the hands of someone that can shift scenes so well.

TOOTSIE (1982) - Pollack not only directs my favorite film of his, but he also acts in it opposite the brilliance of such Oscar-nominated performances of Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange and Teri Garr! Pollack gives us something to remember with the gender-bending comedy "Tootsie" in which he recieved an Oscar nomination.

OUT OF AFRICA (1985) - Probably knows as Pollack's greatest cinematic achievement, Pollack puts together a mix of fine acting, breathtaking cinematography, a wonderful story and a uplifting score. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning 7 (2 for himself in the Best Picture and Best Director catagories) Pollack scores and truly makes a mark in history.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM STRUGESS!!!

I've only seen one of his movies, but already 27-year-old Jim Sturgess is already one of my favorite on-screen personalities. Unfortunately, he just misses my 2007 Best Actor lineup as #6. Darn shame. But with his talent, especially the one he showcased in 2007's movie musical extravaganza "Across the Universe", there will be plenty more of him. He's a brilliant young actor, and with such a voice too! He'll go places. I haven't seen his other 2 new movies "21" and "The Other Boleyn Girl" but I'm planning to very soon. Maybe "Boleyn" tomorrow and "21" when its released here on May 28 (long way...). But for tonight, I must celebrate with "Across the Universe"; his triumph (its kinda early to say but I mean it)!!! Brilliant job, can't wait to see more of his films. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM!!!

...Hope OSCAR comes soon... :)

Photo: Jim Sturgess mesmerizing the silver screen with his rendition of "Girl", the first musical number in "Across the Universe".

Best Motion Picture of the Year

"ACROSS THE UNIVERSE"
Director: Julie Taymor
Cast: Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther McCoy, T.V. Carpio, Bono, Selma Hayek, Spencer Liff
Screenplay: Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais

TOTAL CHINO CHOICE AWARDS (5): Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Joe Anderson), Best Director (Julie Taymor), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration

Set in the groovy 60s and set to the music of the Beatles, we are taken into a musical power serge full of color, sex, drugs and love. Starting out with Jude (Jim Sturgess) in England who falls in love with Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) when he reaches the shores of America to find his long lost father. Behind there love story is the wacky Max (Joe Anderson), Lucy's brother. And their gang of friends who live with them in the same apartment: rocker Sadie (Dana Fuchs), African-American Jojo (Martin Luther McCoy) and the lesbian Prudence (T.V. Carpio). As the war in Vietnam goes on and Max gets drafted, we enter the world of Jude and Lucy's problems. Jude is an artist who just wants to work, while Lucy becomes a radical rebellion who wants nothing but to be noticed. As their problems (and a crazy rally) tear them apart, Jude gets deported to England but is persuaded by Max to come back and realize that all he needs i love.

"Across the Universe" is the full package for a movie for me this year. Though it doesn't really contrast with my winners of the past years ("The Departed", "Pride and Prejudice", "The Aviator", "Cold Mountain" etc.), when I saw this movie I fell in love with the art and the music. I'm a pure Beatles fan and now a pure "Across the Universe" fan. I'm not ashamed to say t his is my favorite movie of the year, just because its bashed SOOOOO much. I'm proud to say it is. It shows that I have unique taste and a wonderful eye for entertainment. The art, the direction, Joe and Jim's performance, the music, the druggies FX makes "Across the Universe" truly the Best Movie of 2007. I'm in love with it.

Lat years winner: "The Departed"

Best Actor in a Leading Role

"Into the Wild" - EMILE HIRSCH
Portraying Christopher McCandless (aka Alexander Supertramp) we are blessed with a wonderful performance in "Into the Wild" by Emile Hirsch. Believe me Hirsch has been under the radar of brilliance for a long time. His performance in "The Girl Next Door" is underrated, but finally he gets absolutely TRUE recognition for his work here. Escaping his life in the big city, McCandless decides to travel to Alaska with no money and no resources. After meeting dozens of people and rediscovering himself, he arrives at Alaska and starts living there. But as the days go by and he becomes more lonely. He realizes that happiness is only good when shared. Hirsch goes beyond "dialogue" acting, his emotions of loneliness and even his doings when he's eating something, killing something, catching something, taking a bath, thinking = its all remarkable. He makes the movie.

Last years winners: "The Last King of Scotland" - FOREST WHITAKER

Best Actress in a Leading Role

"La Vie en Rose" - MARION COTILLARD
Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose" goes beyond the makeup. And she is by fat the BEST (as in BEST) performance of the entire year. Her portrayal of Edith Piaf is sensation, uncanny and over-the-top (just like Piaf actually is). Playing her from her early years from the 20s to her death at her late 40s, Cotillard portrays us her life as a street singer, her scandalous life in France, her Night Club days, her Broadway performances, the death of her love ones both named Marcel and her sickness. Without a doubt, Marion Cotillard is excellent. Her performance even excels pass the greatness of the movie itself. Who can forget that "Marcel scene" where Edith goes hysterical to the death of her boyfriend? Or the scene where she faints on stage but still wants to go out again to please her fans? Or the ending, oh the ending!-- That ending where she sings "No Regrets" is mighty amazing. Mighty true to Piaf. Mighty brilliant performance.

Last years winner: "The Queen" - HELEN MIRREN

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

"Across the Universe" - JOE ANDERSON
As a newcomer, British born actor Joe Anderson has made his mark as the carefree, happy Max in Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe". With not much acting experience (he was in a terrible film called "Becoming Jane" last year) Joe Anderson surely gives us a performance to remember. His good looks, damn good voice and phenomenal acting was perfect for Max's character. Playing a rebellious rich boy who moves to New York City to live a free life with his buddy Jude, Max gets the bitter taste when his dropping out of college leads to his drafting to the war in Vietnam. With much agony, when he arrives home, he is war-torn and shell-shoked. Singing unforgettable tunes to match his acting like "Hey Jude", "With a Little Help from My Friends" and "Happiness is a Warm Gun", Joe Anderson is a young talent on the rise. With few movies, he'll just get better and better. WOW...one was was so brilliant already!!!

Last years winner: "Dreamgirls" - EDDIE MURPHY

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

"Gone Baby Gone" - AMY RYAN
Amy Ryan's performance in "Gone Baby Gone" is just what it wants itself to be: annoying, self-righteous and arrogant. But that's what brings out the beauty of a new comer now turned gold. Even though Ryan's part wasn't so big, her performance as suffering mother Helene McCready blew off the roof and surpassed most of her co-stars. Portraying selfish and prima donna notions in lower-class Boston, Ryan's Helene is a complex character who only used her daughter's disappearance as a publicity stunt. At the end, when her daughter is retrieved, she goes back to her previous life of drugs and sex, without a care. Ryan gives us a woman to hate, despise and without a doubt the best female supporting performance of the year.

Last years winner: "Notes on a Scandal" - CATE BLANCHETT

Best Director

"Across the Universe" - JULIE TAYMOR
Best female direction I have ever seen is Julie Taymor's in "Across the Universe". Her angles and presentation of things are just absolutely brilliant. She took me into a world of pure madness but I enjoyed it because of the way it was made. Taymor IS "Across the Universe", without her the movie wouldn't have worked. She did a great, spectacular job. She goes beyond "amatuer" and beats many male directors out of the water. I really can't wait to see more of her work in the near future.

Last years winner: "The Departed" - MARTIN SCORSESE

Best Ensemble Cast

"Hairspray"
Just mentioning the names of the amazingly musically inclined cast makes you know what kind of talent pot you have to expect: Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta ("Grease", "Saturday Night Fever"), Michelle Pfeiffer ("Dangerous Liaisons", "The Fabulous Baker Boys"), Christopher Walken ("The Deer Hunter", "Pennies from Heaven"), Amanda Bynes ("She's the Man"), James Marsden ("Enchanted"), Queen Latifah ("Chicago"), Brittany Snow ("John Tucker must Die"), Zac Efron ("High School Musical" 1 & 2), Elijah Kelley ("Take the Lead") and Allison Janney ("Juno", "American Beauty")...Damn. Lets not forget the talented chorus dancers that make "Hairspray" a spectacle. Best Cast of the Year!

Last years winner: "The Departed"

Best Original Screenplay

"Juno" (by Diablo Cody)
Ex-exotic dancer Diablo Cody has written a comical masterpiece for all ages. What could be more original and funny than this? "Juno" tells us the story of a young high school student named Juno who gets pregnant and puts up her baby to adoption. During the 9 months of her pregnancy, she is taken on a roller coaster ride with adoptive parents who are so problematic, confusion about her love life and family oh and..."looking like a planet". The screenplay is just brilliant and heartwarming. It's a masterwork.

Last years winner: "Little Miss Sunshine"