Saturday, 21 February 2009
Mini Review - 'Iron Man'
Although it didn't surpass 'The Dark Knight' in terms of my over all appreciation, this was definitely more enjoyable entertainment - if that even makes sense.
The main failing of 'The Dark Knight' is the simple fact the Bruce Wayne is rather dull.
Tony Stark is not.
Robert Downey, Jr. plays him with relish. Charismatic, charming, egotistical and realistic.
I have to say my favourite thing about the film was the whole building of Iron Man was not done in a montage. You know directors like to speed up the plot to get to the action by slipping in a montage.
Here the films takes it's time, allowing the viewer to understand that no, Rome was not built in a day.
Also have to say I loved Gwen as Pepper Potts. A smart performance.
All in all this was a highly entertaining film that I now have to go and buy. Credit crunch be damned.
Grade: B+
'Push' renamed
So now it is called 'Precious' which is a brilliant alternative. Those who have read the book will know the many different ways in which her name is used and ultimately, what the word ends up meaning to her.
All the definitions work brilliantly
However....there is this film with the same title opening this year that also look compelling (the cast is definitely eye opening).
Most Anticipated - Supporting Actress
Amanda Seyfried - 'Chloe'
She is playing a call girl opposite Julianne Moore in a fidelity drama. If she is gonna hit the big time, this will be it.
Catherine Keener - 'Please Give'
The reliable and great actress teams up with Nicole Holofcener again - I am there.
Helen Mirren - 'State of Play'
The original role was a doozy for Bill Nighy. Can Helen live up to it or will she fail?
Li Gong - 'Shanghai'
The woman burns up the screen. Perhaps a glossy 1940's war drama will finally bring her the awards she deserves.
Kirstie Alley - 'Nailed'
The woman has always made me laugh, could teaming up with David O. Russell spell a comeback?
Kristen Johnston - 'Whatever Works'
I really like this actress. I think she has brilliant comedy chops. Can Woody Allen strike gold here?
Ling Bai - 'Love Ranch'
Crazy I know, but remember when she was thought of as a good actress. I still see remember how effective she was in 'Anna and the King' to not give up.
Mary Louise Parker - 'Solitary Man'
Playing a trophy wife opposite Michael Douglas should be a fun attention getting walk in the park for her.
Minnie Driver - 'Betty Anne Waters'
She needs a comeback and I know she can deliver. In this Hillary Swank staring legal drama lets hope she is best in show.
Mo'Nique - 'Push'
I......CAN......NOT.....WAIT
Nicole Kidman - 'Nine'
Will another musical be another gift for this gifted actress seeing as how she has been recently passed over.
Samantha Morton - 'The Messenger'
She will deliver another wonderful overlooked performance here. I just know it.
My Oscar Predicitions
Best Picture:I mean is there any doubt?
"Slumdog Millionaire."
Best Actor:Penn won too recently and honestly Rourke is sensational in the role. Either way they made the right decision.
Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler."
Best Actress:She is really the best in this category (IMHO) and I think she could sneak in. HA!
Melissa Leo, "Frozen River"*;
Best Supporting Actor:If this doesn't happen, may God have mercy on their souls....all I am saying.
Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight";
Best Supporting Actress:Just a hunch...in the Obama light I have a hunch. A close call, but I do need some upsets*.
Viola Davis, "Doubt";
Best Director:I am not crazy. If I predict anyone else I will look ready for the white van.
Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire."
Best Foreign Film:The triple threat takes it.
"Waltz With Bashir," Israel.
Best Adapted Screenplay:I mean it won everything else.
Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire."
Best Original Screenplay:Here is where it breaks tradition.
Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon and Pete Docter, "WALL-E."
Best Animated Feature Film:YAY
"WALL-E."
Best Art Direction:Meh.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,"
Best Cinematography:Meh
"Slumdog Millionaire."
Best Sound Mixing:Shot in the dark here
"The Dark Knight,"
Best Sound Editing:See above.
"WALL-E,"
Best Original Score:You know what....I kind of want Slumdog to win this one. yay for Bollywood
"Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman;
Best Original Song:You know they wanna dance around to this on the night.
"Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman and Gulzar;
Best Costume:I mean they were scrumptious!
"The Duchess,"
Best Documentary Feature:I am going with the more loved.
"Trouble the Water."
Best Documentary (short subject):No I haven't seen it, but that part of history is just SHOCKING.
"The Conscience of Nhem En,"
Best Film Editing:They convince so many it was a brilliant film, and you know that is thanks to the editors.
"Slumdog Millionaire."
Best Makeup:I mean come on!!!
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army."
Best Animated Short Film:Presto! all the way. Pixar gets another!!
"Presto,"
Best Live Action Short Film:Holocaust...never bet against it
"Spielzeugland (Toyland)."
Best Visual Effects:Every single actor will want to look young again.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,"
*If I go with my head every year I will be right 9 times out of 10 but it is oh so boring.
I know these are not who is going to win, but limbs are there for us to go out on, other wise what is the fun.
As Sasha would say "NO GUTS NO GLORY"
With a race as predictable as this I am looking forward to be wrong...on both levels.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Most Anticipated - Lead Actor
Ben Foster - 'The Messenger'
After chewing the scenery in 3:10 to Yuma, Foster apparently delivers a exceptional and quiet performance in this Iraq drama.
Brendan Gleeson - 'Into the Storm'
He Plays Winston Churchill. Enough said. After 'In Bruges' I am a convert and cannot wait to see what he does.
Christopher Plummer - 'The Last Station'
Captain Von Trapp has yet to be rewarded by Oscar, so playing Russian author Leo Tolstoy could o the trick.
Clive Owen - 'The Boys Are Back in Town'
He play a sports writer who becomes a single parent in tragic circumstances. I cannot wait to see what he does with this.
Daniel Day Lewis - 'Nine'
Of course he is going to be here. Can the man do it all?
Demetri Martin - 'Taking Woodstock'
This funny comic is in the lead role of the new Ang Lee movie. He is also playing gay so I am wondering if lighting can strike twice.
Djimon Hounsou - 'The Tempest'
Oscar seems to like him, but I am more curious to see how well he handles the Shakespearean dialogue.
Javier Bardem - 'Biutiful'
You know he is going to own this movie.
Liam Neeson - 'Five Minutes of Heaven'
The word from Cannes is that he is simply amazing in this film. It is time he revisited Oscar.
Mark Wahlberg - 'The Lovely Bones'
do not know if he will be lead or supporting (book makes me think lead) and he is an odd choice, so I am very curious to see if he can do this.
Morgan Freeman - 'The Human Factor'
He plays Nelson Mandella. Enough said.
Sasha Baron Cohen - 'Bruno'
He was so close to Oscar for 'Borat'. I cannot wait to see what he does this time around. I bet he will once again be brilliant.
Glorious 'Inglourious Basterds' One Sheets
Women in Trouble
"A serpentine day in the life of ten seemingly disparate women: a porn star, a flight attendant, a psychiatrist, a masseuse, a bartender, a pair of call girls, etc. All of them with one crucial thing in common. Trouble."Added to this the cast and you have one interesting sounding film. It is having its World Premiere at SXSW on March 15.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Most Anticipated - Supporting Actor
Alessandro Nivola - 'Coco avant Chanel'
He impressed with 'Junebug'. I wonder if a grand bio pic is going to show what his stuff is made of.
Alfred Molina - 'The Tempest'
Playing Stephano and being directed by Julie Taymor should help bring out something. He is a well respected thesp who is always reliable.
Colin Farrell - 'The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus'
he was brilliant in 'In Bruges' so I am thinking that playing against type in this will work wonders.
Emile Hirsch - 'Taking Woodstock'
He is becoming more and more impressive. As I will say many many times, being directed by Ang Lee can bring forth magic
Heath Ledger - 'The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus'
I think this is on everyones list, heartbreaking though it is.
James McAvoy - 'The Last Station'
I mean he is acting with Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer! He has to get a break after being so close so many times.
Jason Bateman - 'State of Play'
A great role in the BBC miniseries, and he is an actor that everyone seems to like. Will the film be any good though? The trailer was poor.
Mark Ruffalo - 'Shutter Island' or 'Margaret'
I mean, he is being directed by Scorsese doesn't make the Academy take notice, nothing will. Perhaps re-teaming with Lonergan will remind them...if it gets released.
Patrick Stewart - 'This Side of the Truth'
I mean, he is working with Ricky Gervais. I know he is only a narrator, but my is there another voice you would prefer to listen to?
Paul Dano - 'Taking Woodstock'
A respected young actor who was probably very close to a nomination in 2008. Being directed by Ang Lee never hurt anyone.
Stanley Tucci - 'The Lovely Bones'
I for one thought it perfect casting, especially after his much ignored turn in 'The Devil Wears Prada'. I think he is going to impress.
Woody Harrelson - 'The Messenger'
He is said to be brilliant. The early word from Sundance was that this was a film to watch for performances. It has been a while for him.
'Los Abrazos Rotos' - trailer
I AM SALIVATING
Oscar Winners Leaked
Could be a hoax, could not, but just in case, do not want to ruin anything.
Actor in a leading role: Mickey Rourke
Actor in a supporting role: Heath Ledger
Actress in a leading role: Kate Winslet
Actress in a supporting role: Amy Adams
Animated Feature Film: Wall-E
Art Direction: The Dark Knight
Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire
Costume Design: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Directing: Slumdog Millionaire
Documentary feature: Man on Wire
Documentary short: The Conscience of Nhem En
Film editing: Milk
Foreign language film: Departures
Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Music (Score): Defiance
Music (Song): Down to Earth (Wall-E)
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Short film (animated): Presto
Short film (live action): Auf Der Strecke (On The Line)
Sound editing: Wall-E
Sound mixing: The Dark Knight
Visual effects: Iron Man
Writing (Adapted screenplay): The Reader
Writing (Original screenplay): In Bruges
Clipperoos and Traileramas
The movie tells the fantastical tale of a little girl who won't - or can't - follow the rules.
What initially looked like another whimsical tale of childhood seems to be more of a drama with a little girl with mental problems as the centre. It has made me intrigued. Advance reviews from Screendaily, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter all suggest that Fanning is best in show.
You want 'Watchmen' clips.
You got 'em
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
The Life of Ang
Not only has he tackled each one and succeeded, but he has also been able to inject each one with something surprising. Whether that be mood, performance, emotion, or subtext he manages to take each genre he works on, somewhere new.
This is a director who’s resume reads like a genre jumping schizophrenic:
Gay wedding comedy, family dramedy, Jane Austen, 70’s sex drama, western, martial arts fantasy actioner, comic book adaptation, gay romance, WWII espionage thriller and an upcoming comedy about Woodstock.
And just when his unpredictability has become predictable he goes and sets his sights on a project that not only makes me want to scream with joy, excitement, anticipation…er..joy but is a PERFECT match. I mean every single positive emotion possible.
Ang Lee wants to direct ‘The Life of Pi’.
This is turning out to be the best movie news day EVER!!!!
Deep breaths Michael, deep breaths.
The novel about 16-year-old Pi Patel who is raised in Pondicherry, India, where he tries on various faiths for size to see how they fit.
Planning a move to Canada, his father packs up the family and their menagerie of animals from the family zoo and they hitch a ride on an enormous freighter.
After a storm, Pi finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean, trapped on a 26-foot lifeboat with a wounded zebra, a spotted hyena, a seasick orangutan, and a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
It may sound like the set up to a spin off of the ‘Madagascar’ animated films, but these wild beasts don't tall jokes and dance to bad 90’s euro house.
There is a lot of gore and death and blood until Pi and Richard Parker remain the boat's sole passengers, drifting for 227 days through shark-infested waters while fighting hunger, the elements, and an overactive imagination.
I read the book and most of the story takes place on the life boat. So this is going to be a challenge to bring to the big screen, but if anyone can do it is Lee.
IF this goes into production it will be my most anticipated film, like, EVER! IT is going to be stunning!! Mark my word, just look at the artist renderings below.
My only concern is that I hope he does not cast Dev Patel.
Click to embiggen.
New BOOM!
I am even less interested in it now because of the news the Chris Weitz the man who (imho) completely f*cked up ‘The Golden Compass’ would be directing the sequel ‘New Moon’.
Now just when I had written off the series there comes the news that my one and only may be contributing to the soundtrack. I mean I just talked about the fact Madonna has never been recognized by the Academy for her music and now this news comes along.
This with the news below is just too much for me to bear. Could the planets be aligning? Could Madonna be a multi Oscar nominee??? Could I be getting myself in too much of a tizzy?
At the moment this is just rumor, but Madonna’s long time manager, Guy Oseary, is a producer on the movie. So as rumors go, this is hardly far fetched.
I cannot even imagine what Madonna could come up with for a moody angsty vampire love story, but the idea is enough to send me into fits of hysteria.
I am glad the original rumor has no merit, that Madonna may appear in the film.
I mean that was far too much! My head would have exploded.
Madonna + Vampire = BOOM!
Obsession of a Socialite.
On 20 January 1936, Edward ascended the throne as Edward VIII. His relationship with Wallis made him unpopular with the Conservative-led British government.
It became clear that he wanted to Marry Wallis, but he could not do so and keep the throne.
On 10 December 1936 the King signed the Instrument of Abdication
The King signed the Instrument of Abdication on 10 December 1936.
On 11 December 1936, Edward made a broadcast to the people, saying of Wallis:
"I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility, and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love."
An epic gesture to the woman he loves. This will make an epic film, and guess what. Madonna herself has written to the Queen asking permission to make the film as a vehicle for her to star in (she certainly can look the part).
I have always thought Madonna could be a fantastic actress, she just needs to leave her ego at the door and find a director who is not afraid of her. Apparently she is obsessed with this story and passion can go a long way in delivering a great performance, as can a recent emotional upheaval.
Could this be the film to silence the nay-sayers? Or is she in over her head.
Oscars memorable moments
Sure the list has the typical mentions, but there were some I did not know and some I must have blanked out. I mean I must have forgotten about Joaquin Cortes stamping around in interpretive dance to the tunes of Saving Private Ryan.
Who thinks this sh*t up?
Perhaps the most recent I had to block out was Three 6 Mafia. Yes, they deserved to win. The performance was the most embarrassing thing I have witnessed in a long time on that show. It was God awful.
Doris Payne
In 2005 an immaculately dressed woman in her mid-seventies walked into the Neiman Marcus jewellery store in California.
As usual she tried on numerous items, including earrings and rings and chatted to the sales person with an effortless warmth and ease, keeping their attention with the stories she would tell.
After deciding not to buy anything she appeared to leave empty handed. In fact, she walked out wearing a $31,500 ring.
After doing just that for nearly 50 years the stop at Neiman Marcus may have been the final act of one of America's most prolific jewel thieves. By then the internet and modern communications made her job all the more difficult, plus her face was getting known.
She is now serving out a sentence in Denver after two years in a Nevada prison.
She stole her first diamond at 27 to help her mother get enough money to leave her abusive husband. Her formula was a simple one. She would pick a fine store, and dress like she belonged. “I knew how to dress, I never did like ruffles and frills. I just like a simple-cut fine material that moves when I move.” says Payne. Can I have an Amen please!?
This story is begging for the big screen, and it is heading our way with Halle Berry planned for the lead. Perhaps it is because she has not consistently proved her acting chops but I am not sure if Berry has the ease and charm of say Angela Bassett or Lynn Whitfield to play this role. I could even see Lynn's 'Eve's Bayou' co star Debbie Morgan (pictured and who, although is over 50, can easily play 30) playing this role with relish - seriously...someone give these power house women some good roles soon!
Anyway, the film is getting made and that is that. Here is hoping whoever gets directors duty do not try and make it a heist film, but instead inject it with enough charm, class and drama to make Doris Payne proud. Read the rest of her story here
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
I take it back Lily.
She mouthed off about Kylie and ...........Madonna. I mean can you believe it! Little sh*t, I mean those women paved the way so she could have a career!
Anywhoo....
She has a new album out and my word is it a stonker! Totally loving it. Also I must say she looks fab lately. You need to check it out. Here is the first single called 'The Fear' which looks at celebrity in a wonderfully ironic way. Refreshing since most established singers seem to treat the subject is a patronizing manner.
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don’t care about clever I don’t care about funny
I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds
I heard people die while they are trying to find them
I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
‘Cuz everyone knows that’s how you get famous
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track yeah I’m on to a winner
[Chorus]
I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
‘Cuz I’m being taken over by The Fear
Life’s about film stars and less about mothers
It’s all about fast cars cussing each other
But it doesn’t matter cause I’m packing plastic
and that’s what makes my life so fucking fantastic
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
and its not my fault it’s how I’m programmed to function
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track yeah we're on to a winner
Chorus
[Bridge]
Forget about guns and forget ammunition
Cause I’m killing them all on my own little mission
Now I’m not a saint but I’m not a sinner
Now everything's cool as long as I’m getting thinner
[Chorus]
And for a little bonus here is a great track off the album where she takes on small minded homophobes! Damn it Lily...are you trying to make me love you? You even sing about wanting to be my fag hag
Look inside, Look inside your tiny mind
Then look a bit harder, cos we're so uninspired
So sick and tired of all the hatred you harbour
So you say it's not okay to be gay
Well I think you're just evil
You're just some racist who can't tie my laces
You're point of view is medevil
(Chorus)
F*ck you, f*ck you very, very much
Cos we hate what you do
And we hate your whole crew
So please don't stay in touch
Fuck you, fuck you very, very much
Cos your words don't translate
And it's getting quite late
So please don't stay in touch
Do you get,
Do you get a little kick out of being small minded
You want to be like your father
His approval your after
Well that's not how you'll find it
Do you
Do you really enjoy living a life that's so hateful
Cos there's a hole where your soul should be
You're losing control of it
And it's really distasteful
(Chorus)
Look inside your tiny mind
Then look a bit harder
Cos we're so uninspired
So sick and tired
Of all the hatred you harbour
(Chorus)
She even tackles Britney's 'Womanizer'
Ahhh Memories
See, unbeknownst to Jose he has set off a major college days flash back.
I love Saint Etienne way back in the day and keep forgetting what a fantastic band they were are, will forevermore be!
Here is the track Jose sent me.
'Method of Modern Love' their new track released in 2009 and it is another poppy atmospheric dance number (kind of reminds me of Kylie's 'The One') I am totally loving it and cannot wait to shake and shimmy to this on a dance floor sometime very soon.
In 2000 they teamed up with DJ extraordinaire Paul Van Dyke for the dance floor stomper 'Tell me Why'
This is the song from my Uni days. Oh many a night in the student union at 'Club Sandwich' was spent dancing my titties off to this. 'He's on the Phone' was just mecca.
And finally, the song that started it all off. The 1990's classic that I think every person in the world loves - 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart'. What a tune.
Walking on a Dream
It is a corker. A total 80's riff and vibe that makes you yearn for the times when men could wear pop bands dressed like drag queens and the music made you want to cry on the dance floor.
Walking on a dream
How can I explain
Talking to myself
Will I see again
We are always running for the thrill of it thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it
On and on and on we are calling out and out again
Never looking down I’m just in awe of what’s in front of me
Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one
Thought I’d never see
The love you found in me
Now it’s changing all the time
Living in a rhythm where the minutes working overtime
Catch me I’m falling down
Catch me I’m falling down
Don’t stop just keep going on
I’m your shoulder lean upon
So come on deliver from inside
All we got is tonight that is right till first light
"Johnny Got A Boom Boom"
Here is her live on Jules Holland:
He got me with a hook
Those big bass notes
Thunder in my chest
mmm, stuck in my throat
Pulling me down
Like a rumble in the ground
Crawls up from the depths
With a deep down sound
(CHORUS)
Johnny got a boom boom
Johnny got a bamm
He got a...
Big bomb body
Lonely neck
Swear he was a women
That he hadn't his grip
Big vibrations yeah
Just one glance
He gonna blow my mind
He's gonna make me wanna
Make me wanna ohh
(CHORUS)
Watch that man
See whats in his hands
Got no joy
He's a big bad boy
He's gonna freak you out
Your gonna shriek out loud
He's got ya in his hands
He's gonna make ya wanna
Make ya wanna ohhh
(CHORUS)
Watch that man
See whats in his hands
Got no joy
He's a big bad boy
He's gonna freak you out
Your gonna shriek out loud
He's got ya in his hands
Gonna make ya wanna
Make ya wanna ohh
Johnny got a boom boom oh yeah
Johnny got a bamm
I said that johnny got a boom boom
Ohh yeah johnny got a
He got a, he got a, he got a
Monday, 16 February 2009
2009, the year in advance.
Everything has seen like a done deal since November and there is just no mystery anymore. I do say the magic appears to be gone.
I was going to start thinking about next years race and listing my predictions, but to be honest I am not that good at researching upcoming releases to see who may or may not be nominated for what.
Instead I am going to take five of the Oscar categories and place my top 12 'looking forward to' list. This will include the films as well as the performances in the four acting categories.
Why?
Because I hate trying to predict these awards. I am instead going to try and predict the MAFFE awards a year in advance (which films and performances will I nominated?)! I will hopefully have all five up before the Oscars are announced.
So keep yer eyes peeled.
'Gigantic' - Trailer
I do love a quirky indie, and this looks just precious, but not in a precious way. One of those trailers that made me grin bigness, so I will keep my eye out on it.
Is it me, or is Zooey just the go to gal for kook? John Goodman looks great in this! Could it be another 'Lars and the Real Girl'?