The New Madonna

So I am not going to link to the leaked new Madonna track "4 minutes to save the World", but I am sure you resourceful people out there can find it some (cough * u tube * cough) how.

What does it sound like...well to these overly critical ears it sounds like our dear Madonna has 4 minutes to get back to the drawing board. It is not terrible, but it is even worse, it is BLAND. What you get is a frantic heavy Timberland/lake beat and lyrics you cannot even make out.

Sure some of it is catchy and it does sound (current) radio friendly, but it is one of those tracks that will die its death quickly and be forgotten. A fate no Madonna song should come to.

As first singles go this is a let down. There is not the wow factor of "Like a Prayer", or the dirty newness of "Erotica". This is no "Frozen" or "Music". This isn't even "American Life". This is B-side fodder.

Then again once it is etched in my mind I may love it, but for now I say SHAME!!

Hibernation Time

I just bought myself a Wii.

Will be back to blogging once the tennis elbow sets in.

Music Mondays

Just when you think the British music cannot get any better, along comes Duffy. With her 60’s soul inspired sound she has hit the UK charts like a storm. Have not had a chance to listen to her album as of yet, but here is hoping the first single “Mercy” is not a fluke!

Oscar Fashions

The Best

Anne Hathaway went risky and it paid off greatly. The rose detail, the draping and the colour all looked amazing!


Marion Cotillard also did not play it safe. A lot of negative things were said about her choice of dress, and I was taken aback at first, but after I got used to the colour, shape and pattern, and saw it in full, it was captivating!


Jennifer Garner not only look healthy, but her hair, and make up were perfect. Although I was disappointed she went with black, I loved the detail as you went down.


Saiorse Ronan went very 1930's and age appropriate with the nights most stand out colour. Nice to see the aqua against the red of the carpet.


The Worst

Cannot remember her name (too lazy to look it up) but she looked like she got some of that Spiderman Venom goo in her nether regions and it has escaped.


My BF was right in saying Jessica Alba looked like the last Quality Street left in the box.

The Best Moment of the Night

I especially love the reactions from the other nominees. I am liking Cate again!

Oscar Thoughts.

Firstly what a great night in terms of winners. Everyone I wanted to win, won.

Poor Jennifer Hudson. She really does not seem like she should be an Oscar winner one year later does she? Poor thing could hardly speak. At least Harvey-Air Bardem was sexy and excited about winning a much deserved Oscar (he can be sexy and excited with me any day)

Tilda Swinton gets up there and gives the best speech of the night (how do the brits do this? Always with a good speech!). The moment was only ruined by my friend Jonathan saying "I didn't know Ron Weasley" was nominated.

Then Marion Cotillard wins, which was one of the most enjoyable moments. She was so happy and excited and is the second foreign language performances to win that award! Well done Academy. She seems surprised, excited and just so lovely. So happy for her. See people? Foreign films are so much more than reading.

Then John Stewart brings out Marketa Irglova to finish her rudely cut off speech.

Then, as expected Daniel Day Lewis wins and it is when you see him as himself you realize what an amazing actor he really is, earring or no earring.

I was so happy with the winners. The only ones I was not happy about was Costume design. Just seemed far too obvious. A couple of net curtains attached to hula hoops do not good costumes make.

Will talk about the fashion later.

For the first time ever I saw all the short films (aside from documentary) and all I can say is a majority where a pile of poo poo. The Live Action Short winner was hardly watchable, in fact only two of them were award worthy.

Got the giggles watching "Tonto Woman". After the scene where she washed her tits it officially became known in my group as "Tit Water", "Tit Soup", "There Will Be Tits" or "No Country for Old Tits". Actually laughed about that with my friends for ages.....so juvenile!

"Rat-a-titty"

Also this year I had video conference with my good friends in New York who kindly changed channels as there was a 10 second delay and they kept spoiling the winners for me! Thank you Jonathan (had the horrible realization "Sweeney Todd" won Art Direction before it was announced here in the UK.)

One of the most memorable award shows in a long time. Too bad Lemon face showed up. And why was Seabiscuit Hillary Swank there? Poor dear could eat an apple through a letter box.

And you know, it was wonderful to see that Diablo Cody was so moved, and no Juno-isms came out. Showed that she is more than just quirk. My eyes even misted over.

Now for next year!

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 -