My Final (eeek!!) Predictions

Best Picture
"No Country for Old Men"

Actor
Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"

Actress
Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"

Supporting Actor
Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"

Supporting Actress
Ruby Dee, "American Gangster"
(I am sticking with my 'an American' has to win one of the acting awards!)

Director
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"

Foreign Film
"The Counterfeiters," Austria

Adapted Screenplay
Ronald Harwood, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

Original Screenplay
Diablo Cody, "Juno"

Animated Feature Film
"Ratatouille"

Art Direction
"Atonement"
(again fully expecting a "There Will Be Blood" win too...just think Atonement is easier for the Academy to get)

Cinematography
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
(although fully expecting a "Diving Bell" upset here...it was just so damned inventive"

Sound Mixing
"Transformers"

Sound Editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"

Original Score
"Atonement," Dario Marianelli

Original Song
"Falling Slowly" from "Once," Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

Costume
"La Vie en Rose"

Documentary Feature
"No End in Sight"

Documentary (short subject)
"Sari's Mother"

Film Editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"

Makeup
"La Vie en Rose"

Animated Short Film
"I Met the Walrus"

Live Action Short Film
"The Tonto Woman"

Visual Effects
"Transformers"

Just Brilliant!!!

The Best Actress Race

As much as I admire Cate Blanchett (apparently it is pronounced Blan-chit....like a bland shit, but with a 'c' and drop the 'd') neither of her performances impressed me much so she is not going to win for "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and if she does woe betide any Academy member who crosses my path




Laura Linney is one of the most reliable character actresses working, and she never fails to bring truth and depth to any character. It is as though she is not actually acting and this is why she is not going to win this year. People like to see their acting.




She was cute a quirky and unless the final two spilt votes she is not going to sneak in. Ellen Page is likely to be winning one of her own in the near future and I for one am excited about seeing what she does.




Everyone loves Julie Christie, and she was divine in "Away From Her" and she is very likely going to win this award, but she is not my pick out of the nominees. When she wins it will be bitter sweet as there was a better female performance this year.




And it was by Marion Cotillard in "La Vie En Rose". I remember watching loads of documentaries in Piaf while in Uni, and although I was not overly familiar with her life she did make a impact on my tastes. While I find the film greatly flawed I think Marion completely overcomes the 'mimicry' gimmick and delves deep into a passionate, talented and self destructive woman. Some say the make up helped, but she transcended the make up and seemed to age on the screen in front of my eyes. I am still awed by how she did this. It is surely one of the years most amazing special effects. She is heads above the other nominees.

Adele

I love the fact that talent is still allowed to shine in this world of meaningless pop.

"The Visitor" trailer

Well the whole film is in the trailer, but still it made my eyes mist over a little. Looks like it could be a little film that could. Wait and see.

Best Supporting Actress Analysis.

This is the widest open race of the night. Any one of these women could walk away with the prize.
Who will it be?

Cate Blanchett

For her:
- The performance is highly praised by some.
- She is an Academy favourite.
- The Academy loves lazy voting and portraying real life people takes the thought away from performance appreciation (in short - Bio Pics rule when it comes to awards).
- Hollywood Glamour

Against her:
- She has a recent win.
- Double female nominees have not won in either category lately. (I think Holly Hunter was the last one)
- The film is a head scratcher for A LOT of people.
- She is not American. Most of the front runners in the other 3 acting categories are non-Americans. I do not think it will be a clean sweep for foreign actors. You may not think it, but the Oscars is a very American award ceremony.

Ruby Dee

For her:
- She is an un-rewarded legend.
- The Actors guild loved her enough to give her the award, and they are the largest voting block in the Academy. Besides those who saw her up on that SAG stage may have had their heart strings tugged.
- It is easier for a lot of people to vote for someone's career than a single performance.
- She is one of the most memorable things in a well regarded film (she gives you a jolt!)
- She is the only actor of colour nominated.
- She is American.

Against her:
- Her screen time is short (too short say some.)
- Until SAG she had no real traction.
- Atonement...does the Academy like to acknowledge past mistakes?

Saiorse Ronan

For her:
- This is, historically, the kindest category for younger actors.
- She is a stand out in her film, in a very difficult role which she pulls off.
- Her film is nominated for Best Picture.
- She was cast in Peter Jackson's sure to be epic "The Lovely Bones", her buzz as an actress is huge.

Against her:
- She was cast in "The Lovely Bones". If she is as good as we suspect, she may be back in the lead category in a few years and can wait until then.
- She had no traction coming into the race, aside from the Golden Globe nomination.
- Her character is unlikable.
- She is not American.

Amy Ryan

For her:
- The critics went ga ga over her performance, and she has won just about everything in site.
- Horrible mothers are a supporting actress arch-type role.
- She is a respected Broadway Actress.
- She uglified for the role, although how much impact it will have in not clear as she is largely an unknown.
- She is American

Against her:
- She lost the SAG and Golden Globe, there does not seem to be a large amount of support in the industry.
- Her film was not nominated elsewhere.
- Some (like me) were not impressed, and second viewings may highlight some performance problems.

Tilda Swinton

For her:
- She deserves it
- She is a well respected actress
- She has across the board support and a BAFTA win.
- She is in a film nominated for Best Picture.
- Every Best Picture nominee is likely to win at least one award. Here is more likely than a win in screenplay.

Against her:
- She is not American
- Her personal life and fashion sense may not win her any fans from a largely conservative Academy membership

Final thoughts: I think it is a three way race between Blanchett, Dee and Swinton. I am seriously expecting Ruby Dee to pull a Marcia Gay Harden and win the thing, although I can see a last minute surge for Swinton if those who love the film place all their votes in this category where a win is most likely.

Final result….I expect Ruby Dee to win for a wonderful and largely ignored career.

Listy McList

Seven things I am so hating about this Oscar season.

1) The lack of a nail biter finish. I want my categories up in the air. None of this category lock 3 months before the awards.

2) The anti "Juno" voices. Every year it is the same thing. People go on and on about comedies not getting a fair shot in either the performances, or the acting categories at the Oscars, which is true. Then a comedy film comes along and gets the nomination and the backlash starts. This year it is "Juno" and last year it was "Little Miss Sunshine". Stop being a bunch of snobs and enjoy being able to laugh.

3) Again with "Juno". All those people going around saying she is nothing but a smart mouthed know it all who is all slang and quirky sayings, and that is not representative of any teenagers they know. Wake up and look around. They are everywhere. Just because we do not talk like that does not mean it does not happen. I am sure if cameras followed you around you would have your own unique voice. Stop the hating! (If you read the screenplay there are plenty of clever clues to let you in on just how uninformed Juno is).

4) The Foreign Film category. Not that I have seen the five nominated, and I am sure they are deserved nominations, but come on!!! "Persepolis", "El Orfanato" and "4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile" and ignored! A CRIME!

5) People calling there will be blood a classic. Not to knock the film at all, but don't you need a little time to pass before you start crowning movies classics?

6) The Cate Blanchett love (at Angelina's expense). Why does the Academy just give her an Oscar shaped vibrator?

7) The fact that I am pretty sure we may have to sit through another ceremony where they cut down the best part of the show. The acting clips. For Madonna's sake just show a nice 5 to 10 second clip of the performances. Not this brief glimpse we got last year (I swear it was only one second). If they wanna cut down the running time, make the presenters walk shorter.

Rant over.

New "Indiana Jones" Trailer

Loving Cate's Edna Mode hair style

Changes

Sometimes after seeing a movie you feel so in love with it, that it's flaws are not seen right away. With the passage of time come great learning. I have learned that although the thought of three grade A films in one year is a wonderful thought, it is not always going to happen.......you may be seeing some changes, or not.

I grade all the way to A+ and few films have gotten that ("Moulin Rouge!" has OF COURSE!). That comes with time and re-watching. Re-watch this space.

Mini Review - Two for Tuesday 2

"A Mighty Heart"

Guess what everyone? Michael here need to have a big ole helping of crow pie. While I still stand by my earlier stance that it is a crime ethnic actors are continuously passed over for roles in favour of safe white big named actors, I have to say Angelina Jolie took my breath away completely in this role. I expected her celebrity to overshadow her performance, but she got lost under brave and stoic skin of Marianne Pearl, a woman intelligently dealing with the kidnapping of her husband.

Also outstanding (again) was Irrfan Khan as the head of police assigned to the case. He is one of those actors that can act out entire narratives with his eyes, giving the viewer so much more to work with. The copy I watched had no subtitles for the time they spoke in Urdu, but with this gifted actor, they were not needed.

Most people know the story (and if you don't, for shame!) and its horrific ending, and Michael Winterbottom deserves all the praise in the world for steering away from sentimentalism and keeping the documentary style film ringing true.
Again I have to mention Angelina. For the first time the woman has proven that she is an amazing actress (imho) and it is a crime Cate Blanchett is nominated in her place at this years Oscars.
A -


"There Will Be Blood"

What can I say about this film and it's performances and director that has not been said already.

I would just be repeating the general consensus and that is a very very boring read. So this is going to be the shortest review EVER, and I am sure you are all glad for that.

The film is visually magnificent. The score is unsettling and genius. Daniel Day-Lewis is phenomenal. Paul Dano stands his ground brilliantly (who knew?). Paul Thomas Anderson has crafted a movie that will be studied for a very very long time.

I didn't love it.

I have an admiration bordering on love, but this is a very very tough film to love. The characters are horrible and the story, for one shot in the desert, is not very warm. However (a fancy 'but') this is not the film to cause flutters and pangs in your heart. It is meant to open the viewers eyes and educate. Daniel Plainview and Eli Sunday represent corporate and religious America respectively. They may even represent the world, who knows. What is apparent is that this war is giving the creative talent in the world inspiration through anger. "There Will be Blood" is a very angry film, and Paul Thomas Anderson does not hide it.
In terms of pure balls, he and his film is genius
A -

It's time to raise the curtains!

What exciting news!

Now I am not a huge fan of the Bio-Pic, but the announcement that Empire Film Group is planning on making a film based on the life of Jim Henson gives the wobblies (the good type mind you)!!

I still remember crying at the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the Oscars when he came up with Kermit the year he died. So sad.

Anyway there is apparently a screenplay by some dude called Robert D. Slane knocking about, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to get some visionary director ( ahem * Spike Jones * ahem ) to direct.

I mean this is Jim Henson, the man deserves so much more than just a straight forward Bio-Pic. Imagine having the actual Muppet cast (minus that dreadlocked guy from the later series…how awful was he!) playing various parts in their creators life.

Or better yet, how about casting actors as the Muppets and have a Muppet play Henson. I would love to cast THAT film.

My picks would be:

How about the charming and ever reliable Dan Futterman as Kermy. He could very easily show Kermits inner turmoils of juggling a relationship and an entertainment career.


My personal favourite, Janice, would have a much bigger part in the movie. She would not just be stuck in the band, and have a small role in the hospital sketch, but would utilize her stoner comedy genius. No one else could play her but Anna Faris.


Rolf was the real talent. Piano player and voice of reason. He was most loyal to Kermit and never had his chance to really shine unless he was on the piano. No one else could capture his frustration at not being the star he should have been but Forrest Whitaker.


Ahh Piggy. There was always so much more to Piggy than a jealous diva. After "Romance and Cigarettes" I have no doubt in my mind that Kate Winslet would have a ball letting loose with her.


Since he loves to show off on screen and play just about every type of character he can, Phillip Seymour Hoffman could really chew the scenery as The Swedish Chef. BORK BORK BORK!


Lastly, the one who makes me laugh the most. Beaker was always getting blown up and tortured on the show, so you need someone who can do slapstick and perhaps get across the angst of being the fall guy. Zach Braf would be perfect (also the resemblance is uncanny)


Come on! Who would you cast? We have Fozzie, Scooter, Gonzo, Sweetums, Sam the Eagle (David Strathairn), Satler and Wardorf, Animal, Dr. Teeth, Sgt. Floyd Pepper, Zoot, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Lew Zealand, Camilla (Oh if Liz Taylor were acting).

Lessons should be learned

All those news papers, tabloids, celeb rumor sites, those bitchy gossips who have nothing better to do and a lot of my fellow bloggers should now learn a valuable lesson. Never ever speculate about something so deeply private.

Lets visit the trailer park!

I love trailers.

Trailer 1 is the return of Liam Neeson in "Taken". I do like this man so much, and this looks pretty damn exciting. Just a shame the wonderful Famke Janssen may have to play suffering wife/ex wife when we all know she could be so much more.



Next is "The Happening" by that poor M. Night Shyamalan who seems to be suffering from that rare 'getting worse' syndrome. I have to say the man can cut a bloody effective trailer. It has attracted Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel though so I will hold out a little hope (unless is it totally a pay cheque film)



Morgan Spurlock is sure to get ALOT of attention with "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?" his brand new documentary.......I...I......I'll just let it speak for it's self.



Finally we have the ever charming Michael Caine in "Flawless". He looks totally at ease in this cute little crime caper. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Demi Moore. Her accent is all over the place, even in the trailer. Poor poor dear......then again she could *snigger* surprise us all and deliver and fun sexy and feisty performance. Gotta run, Babe just became airborne.

In the valley of boredom wishing there would be blood.

So…why am I still a little BLAH about this years Oscar race? Well the exciting categories for upsets are usually the main 6 (Picture, Director, and the Acting categories) followed closely by screenplay and foreign film. These seem kind of locked right now…..well they more or less are sure things so that leaves the editing and score nail biters?

I DON’T THINK SO.

I want big upsets (not the “Crash” sort mind you) and this year is not shaping up to be that at all. And that is so sad! I want shocks and gasps on Oscar night…………not this year. Actually most of the categories seem pretty predictable. One can always hope for an “Atonement” surge, or Ruby Dee to pull forward, or perhaps a Laura Linney upset. Anything would be good.

But most probably I will be sitting there marking off my ballot sheet, yawning and wishing for the days of upsets.

Oh No...what happened to...MY SOUFFLE!!!??!!

This questions and other like "Why does Jessica Alba still work?" will hopefully be answered this week with the release of "The Eye"

You can't stop what's coming....

...and after its PGA win, that will be the Coen Brothers latest gathering a heap o' Oscars.