Movies with Oscar buzz (for awards concerning picture, acting, directing or screenwriting categories) that are accessible outside of going to a theater:
The Social Network - available on torrent sites
The Fighter - available on torrent sites
The Kids Are All Right - available on DVD/Blu-ray
Black Swan - available on torrent sites
127 Horus - available on torrent sites
Toy Story 3 - available on DVD/Blu-ray
Inception - available on DVD/Blu-ray
True Grit - available on torrent sites
Winter's Bone - available on DVD/Blu-ray
The Town - available on DVD/Blu-ray
The Ghost Writer - available on DVD/Blu-ray
Rabbit Hole - available on torrent sites
Somewhere - available on torrent sites
Shutter Island - available on DVD/Blu-ray
Casino Jack - available on torrent sites
Love And Other Drugs - available on torrent sites
Conviction - available on torrent sites
The American - available on torrent sites
All Good Things - available on torrent sites
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps - available on DVD/Blu-ray
Animal Kingdom - available on torrent sites
Secretariat - available on torrent sites
Let Me In - available on torrent sites
The Company Men - available on torrent sites
Welcome To The Rileys - available on torrent sites
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Academy Is...
A day into my blog and I'm ripping off band names.
Anyways, September, which brings us the Toronto International Film Festival (or tiff., to be trendy) is almost over which means that Award season is ramping up. Just yesterday, The King's Speech won the People's Choice Award at the TIFF (Precious, one of last year's ten nominees for Best Picture, and Slumdog Millionaire, 2008's top winner, are the two previous recipients of the award). With a field of ten nominees, it may be safe to lock The King's Speech down as a guaranteed candidate. The film, which is directed by Tom Hooper and stars Colin Firth, fresh off of a Best Actor nomination, is of course a period drama about the life of King George VI who overcame his speech impediment and prepared to symbolically lead his country into World War II. The film, already frequenting festivals around the world, is set to make a limited release stateside on November 26th, 2010.
Another film that may be a lock in the top ten is Sofia Coppola's Somewhere, which last week bagged the Golden Lion, the Best Picture award at the Venice Film Festival, via a unanimous vote. The film, starring Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning, is slightly similar to Coppola's 2003 masterpiece, Lost in Translation. Again on the topic of an aging actor, Somewhere focuses on
Anyways, September, which brings us the Toronto International Film Festival (or tiff., to be trendy) is almost over which means that Award season is ramping up. Just yesterday, The King's Speech won the People's Choice Award at the TIFF (Precious, one of last year's ten nominees for Best Picture, and Slumdog Millionaire, 2008's top winner, are the two previous recipients of the award). With a field of ten nominees, it may be safe to lock The King's Speech down as a guaranteed candidate. The film, which is directed by Tom Hooper and stars Colin Firth, fresh off of a Best Actor nomination, is of course a period drama about the life of King George VI who overcame his speech impediment and prepared to symbolically lead his country into World War II. The film, already frequenting festivals around the world, is set to make a limited release stateside on November 26th, 2010.
Another film that may be a lock in the top ten is Sofia Coppola's Somewhere, which last week bagged the Golden Lion, the Best Picture award at the Venice Film Festival, via a unanimous vote. The film, starring Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning, is slightly similar to Coppola's 2003 masterpiece, Lost in Translation. Again on the topic of an aging actor, Somewhere focuses on
The Return
Yes, I am returning to actively updating this blog. As usual, the recent mark of absence is due to heavy workloads at school. While my third year is in full swing, I will try to make more of a presence this time around.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Looking Ahead: Predictions for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards
The most exciting time in Cinema is nearly upon us, as the 82nd Academy Awards are set to kick off in 22 days. While much of the spotlight right now is on the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver where I was born, I am with the exception of the Hockey competition looking ahead to March 7th. Despite the fact that the Oscars have already made a few screwups (inflating the Best Picture category, nominating anything to do with The Blind Side etc.), it still promises to be a good year. So who's in the race?
Best Picture:
-Nominated: An Education, Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, A Serious Man, Up, and Up in the Air
This is really a two-horse race at this stage. The noble steeds? James Cameron's Avatar and The Hurt Locker, the breakthrough effort of Cameron's former wife Kathryn Bigelow. Avatar is of course, the talk of moviegoers everywhere as the film has grossed over $2.2 billion dollars, an astounding figure. Avatar also walked away with the Best Picture - Drama award at the Golden Globes. On the other hand, The Hurt Locker, while a critical darling (last I checked it clocked in at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, one of the highest ratings for a Best Picture nominee ever), has not made waves at the box office, bringing in $16.1 million total. Avatar, despite entering its ninth weekend at the box office, will likely surpass that number. With a box office bigger than that of its nine contenders combined, Avatar is looking pretty as Best Picture Winner.
Eh, not so fast. The Hurt Locker is not without its strengths either. The Hurt Locker is this year's recipient of the Producer's Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture. For those keeping score at home, five of the last nine PGA winners have gone on to win Best Picture. As well, The Hurt Locker has gathered 14 Critic's Circle Awards, while Avatar has just one.
Another strength for the film is to possibly discredit Avatar's Golden Globe win. The Golden Globes, run by the Hollywood Foreign Press, are not afraid to show their bias - the Best Motion Picture winner is usually a film helmed by a foreign director. While James Cameron is not your typical case, he is Canadian, and that is good enough. Since 1995, only three American directors have had films that walk away with the award, those being Steven Spielberg for Saving Private Ryan, Ron Howard for A Beautiful Mind, and Martin Scorsese for The Aviator.
Avatar has another major problem. Despite earning nine Academy nominations, which ties it with The Hurt Locker for the most this year, none of them are for acting or screenwriting. To find the last film which achieved the feat of winning Best Picture without any writing or acting nominations, we'd have to travel back almost 80 years - 1932's Grand Hotel was the last and only second film to do so. Inaugural Best Picture winner Wings also accomplished the feat - understandably, as it was a silent film. The Hurt Locker of course, has a Best Actor nod for Jeremy Renner and Best Original Screenplay nomination for Mark Boal.
So who will be this year's victor? If money has anything to do with it, Avatar will walk away the victor. If the Academy merely recognizes that nominating a major money maker is enough to get people to watch the Awards, they will go with The Hurt Locker.
So what do I think? I'm going to have to side with The Hurt Locker. Avatar was truly amazing as a visual experience, and it will likely be the first movie I have seen in theatres twice since 1999 as even my crappy theatre has decided to show the 3D version, but that's where it ends. As indicated by the Academy, Avatar has disposable acting, a plain story that cinema has seen before, and dialogue and song choices that are cringe-worthy. Eh, who knows. This hype could all be a red herring. Maybe at the end of the night, it will be the cast and crew of Inglourious Basterds with their hands held high.
I'll handle the acting awards in my next post.
Best Picture:
-Nominated: An Education, Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, A Serious Man, Up, and Up in the Air
This is really a two-horse race at this stage. The noble steeds? James Cameron's Avatar and The Hurt Locker, the breakthrough effort of Cameron's former wife Kathryn Bigelow. Avatar is of course, the talk of moviegoers everywhere as the film has grossed over $2.2 billion dollars, an astounding figure. Avatar also walked away with the Best Picture - Drama award at the Golden Globes. On the other hand, The Hurt Locker, while a critical darling (last I checked it clocked in at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, one of the highest ratings for a Best Picture nominee ever), has not made waves at the box office, bringing in $16.1 million total. Avatar, despite entering its ninth weekend at the box office, will likely surpass that number. With a box office bigger than that of its nine contenders combined, Avatar is looking pretty as Best Picture Winner.
Eh, not so fast. The Hurt Locker is not without its strengths either. The Hurt Locker is this year's recipient of the Producer's Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture. For those keeping score at home, five of the last nine PGA winners have gone on to win Best Picture. As well, The Hurt Locker has gathered 14 Critic's Circle Awards, while Avatar has just one.
Another strength for the film is to possibly discredit Avatar's Golden Globe win. The Golden Globes, run by the Hollywood Foreign Press, are not afraid to show their bias - the Best Motion Picture winner is usually a film helmed by a foreign director. While James Cameron is not your typical case, he is Canadian, and that is good enough. Since 1995, only three American directors have had films that walk away with the award, those being Steven Spielberg for Saving Private Ryan, Ron Howard for A Beautiful Mind, and Martin Scorsese for The Aviator.
Avatar has another major problem. Despite earning nine Academy nominations, which ties it with The Hurt Locker for the most this year, none of them are for acting or screenwriting. To find the last film which achieved the feat of winning Best Picture without any writing or acting nominations, we'd have to travel back almost 80 years - 1932's Grand Hotel was the last and only second film to do so. Inaugural Best Picture winner Wings also accomplished the feat - understandably, as it was a silent film. The Hurt Locker of course, has a Best Actor nod for Jeremy Renner and Best Original Screenplay nomination for Mark Boal.
So who will be this year's victor? If money has anything to do with it, Avatar will walk away the victor. If the Academy merely recognizes that nominating a major money maker is enough to get people to watch the Awards, they will go with The Hurt Locker.
So what do I think? I'm going to have to side with The Hurt Locker. Avatar was truly amazing as a visual experience, and it will likely be the first movie I have seen in theatres twice since 1999 as even my crappy theatre has decided to show the 3D version, but that's where it ends. As indicated by the Academy, Avatar has disposable acting, a plain story that cinema has seen before, and dialogue and song choices that are cringe-worthy. Eh, who knows. This hype could all be a red herring. Maybe at the end of the night, it will be the cast and crew of Inglourious Basterds with their hands held high.
I'll handle the acting awards in my next post.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Review: Inglourious Basterds
Ah yes. After being in development for almost ten years, Inglourious Basterds has finally arrived. Going through a multitude of changes, Inglourious Basterds has finally found its way to movie theatres. Being a huge Tarantino fan (what self-respecting filmgoer isn't?), I was excited for this movie even eons before Grindhouse was released and the movie was set to star Michael Madsen and Steve Buscemi as US Soldiers who were about to be sent on a destructive mission in order to redeem themselves and avoid the firing squad. Bring us up to August 21st, and the film now stars Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Melanie Laurent, and Christoph Waltz. Pitt and Roth star respectively as members of an elite "Nazi-killing" squad known as The Basterds, sent into Normandy as plainclothes operatives, to do what Pitt's character Lt. Aldo Raine describes as "one thing and one thing only: killing Natzis". Roth plays the role of Staff Sergeant Donny Donowitz, a hulking obnoxious Bostonian who wields a Louisville Slugger and is aptly named "The Bear Jew" by the Nazis. Meanwhile, Kruger plays the esteemed German film star Bridget von Hammersmark, who in reality is a spy for the Allies. Melanie Laurent makes her major debut in English cinema as the French Jew Shosanna Dreyfus, who is the lone survivor of an execution order on her family. Colonel Hans Landa of the SS is played by Christoph Waltz, who is pridefully named "The Jew Hunter" for his persistence in tracking down Jews seeking refuge in Nazi-occupied France. For reasons different but similar, both The Basterds and Dreyfus, under the new identity of theatre-owner Emmanuelle Mimieux, take up missions to assassinate important members of the Third Reich at a film premiere being held at Emmanuelle's theatre. When it is discovered that Adolf Hitler will be attending the premiere, the stakes become dangerously -- and brutally higher.
With the plot carefully laid out, what did I make of the film? Well, I won't make you read through a wall of text to get to my final say, but I'll continue writing after I give you my overall take just because I can.
So yes, I'll say it. Save for Pulp Fiction, Inglourious Basterds is the best movie Quentin Tarantino has put forth. Looking at the $38.1 million dollars that the movie gathered in receipts, it looks to be up with Pulp Fiction as his most successful film financially as well. Anyways, yes. The movie is truly a treat. It takes the regular Tarantino tactics of detailed close-ups, unique camera points, awkward yet intriguingly long turns of dialogue, and of course lots of violence that likes to border on humour with its redundancy. What makes the film stand out is its unique setting in contrast with Tarantino's other exploits. This is Tarantino's first attempt at a historical piece (if you prefer to call it that), and as an expert filmmaker he does quite well. World War II is not only the most popular war genre to base a story around, but one of the most popular genres overall to put on 8mm. So of course, Tarantino has his work cut out for him. But in a way he doesn't, because the promotion of this movie tells any logical person that isn't a war epic. It's not even a war comedy, such as Dr. Strangelove. It's a throwback to the 1978 Italian war-film The Inglorious Bastards, and various other exploitation films, and is styled like a spaghetti-western with a Axis and Allies spin. So Tarantino doesn't have to capture the horrors of war, or illustrate the ordeals of the protagonists. Much like the movies it pays tribute to, Inglourious Basterds doesn't even have to have a coherent or realistic plot.
Yet, with all of this in mind, Inglourious Basterds is a potential Oscars darkhorse. While receiving mixed reviews at Cannes, it quickly picked up steam once critics began receiving screenings in North America and Europe. Christoph Waltz, who took home the Best Actor Award at Cannes, is the talk of a possible Oscar and Golden Globe recognition (actually, his chance for nomination for an Acting Award in the Musical/Comedy Award at the Globe is looking pretty good considering who has been nominated in the past few years).
Playing the SS Colonel Hans Landa, Waltz is absolutely astounding for an actor who has, for the majority of his film career, made his work in Germany and Austria. He portrays Landa as a romantic and polite Nazi Colonel, all the while being expertly coordinated and secretely sinister. Boasting his pride as the "Jew Hunter", Waltz's Landa practically proclaims his happiness for the Jews and his Fuhrer's need for their elimination, as he finds himself naturally adept of getting rid of them. From his precise mannerisms and long spats of dialogue, to his somewhat odd outbursts, Landa is someone that you truly love to hate, as if being a Nazi was not good enough. His performance as a cunning Nazi psychopath, much more of a "Bastard" than the heroes of the film, is more than worthy of an award or two.
Tarantino's portrayal of his leading actresses is also effective, in that they are given sex appeal without having to whorishly shove it down our throats, such as introducing them in a scene where they are bent over in jean shorts working on a motor bike in humid weather (hey, Megan Fox). As well, they are given quite a bit of importance in the film and aren't portrayed as brainless objects placed in the film to drive up revenue. It is actually their professionalism in their roles that both Melanie Laurent and Diane Kruger manage to grab a piece of the starlight. Dreyfus (played by Laurent), under the guise of Emmanuelle Mimieux, transforms from a haunted survivor to an established theatre-owner, and becomes set in her plan to rid the world of the Nazi leadership once it is confirmed the premiere of the film-within-the-film Nation's Pride will take place at her cinema. Meanwhile, Kruger, a native German, wonderfully plays the socialite actress with the awesome name of Bridget von Hammersmark, who moonlights as an elegant actress while feeding information to the British. Both women are not the stars that Tarantino favourite Uma Thurman is today, but they are both just as skilled at playing the take-no-bullshit gals that are staples of his films.
Of course, Brad Pitt, Eli Roth et. al. do not disappoint as the films titular protagonists. As Lieutenant Aldo "The Apache" Raine, Pitt shines as a soldier who has thrown ethical conduct in warfare to the wayside in his tireless hunt for Nazi blood (he is after all, a scalp collector). Raine is a man who wants things done, no matter the cost because to him the ends do justify the means. Speaking in a slick southern drawl, Raine marches The Basterds through Normandy on a Nazi-slaying adventure with a charming determination and a bag of puns and German-related insults, which just goes to show how Pitt can transform from the tender and wordly Benjamin Button to the foul-mouthed World War II veteran that he is in this film, as if it were two different people playing the roles. Meanwhile, his Staff Sergeant Donny Donowitz (Roth), a foul-mouthed, bat-wielder known as "The Bear Jew", is the perfect fit for an obnoxious brute who intimidates his enemies (and victims) while taunting them in his distinguished Bostonian accent. Clearly enjoying what they do, Raine, Donowitz and the rest of the Basterds chew through the Nazi ranks, and hilarity ensues.
While all of this takes place, the storyline itself flows smoothly, not following the trademark scene shuffling that makes Pulp Fiction or the Kill Bill films so unique, although the movie alternates between the different characters who are simultaneously concocting a plan to kill Hitler while oblivious to the existence of the other's scheme. And for anyone who complains about Inglourious Basterds lack of substance as a "war movie", then they should realize that in the end, the movie is less about war (I highly doubt it was Tarantino's intention to be compared with Saving Private Ryan and Platoon) than it is about the characters and their interactions. After all, Tarantino's films are always remembered by fans quoting exchanges of memorable dialogue, not by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the story.
So yes, Inglourious Basterds is a winner. As of this writing (August 26th, 2009), I would have to say it is my favourite film of 2009.
FINAL GRADE: 9/10
With the plot carefully laid out, what did I make of the film? Well, I won't make you read through a wall of text to get to my final say, but I'll continue writing after I give you my overall take just because I can.
So yes, I'll say it. Save for Pulp Fiction, Inglourious Basterds is the best movie Quentin Tarantino has put forth. Looking at the $38.1 million dollars that the movie gathered in receipts, it looks to be up with Pulp Fiction as his most successful film financially as well. Anyways, yes. The movie is truly a treat. It takes the regular Tarantino tactics of detailed close-ups, unique camera points, awkward yet intriguingly long turns of dialogue, and of course lots of violence that likes to border on humour with its redundancy. What makes the film stand out is its unique setting in contrast with Tarantino's other exploits. This is Tarantino's first attempt at a historical piece (if you prefer to call it that), and as an expert filmmaker he does quite well. World War II is not only the most popular war genre to base a story around, but one of the most popular genres overall to put on 8mm. So of course, Tarantino has his work cut out for him. But in a way he doesn't, because the promotion of this movie tells any logical person that isn't a war epic. It's not even a war comedy, such as Dr. Strangelove. It's a throwback to the 1978 Italian war-film The Inglorious Bastards, and various other exploitation films, and is styled like a spaghetti-western with a Axis and Allies spin. So Tarantino doesn't have to capture the horrors of war, or illustrate the ordeals of the protagonists. Much like the movies it pays tribute to, Inglourious Basterds doesn't even have to have a coherent or realistic plot.
Yet, with all of this in mind, Inglourious Basterds is a potential Oscars darkhorse. While receiving mixed reviews at Cannes, it quickly picked up steam once critics began receiving screenings in North America and Europe. Christoph Waltz, who took home the Best Actor Award at Cannes, is the talk of a possible Oscar and Golden Globe recognition (actually, his chance for nomination for an Acting Award in the Musical/Comedy Award at the Globe is looking pretty good considering who has been nominated in the past few years).
Playing the SS Colonel Hans Landa, Waltz is absolutely astounding for an actor who has, for the majority of his film career, made his work in Germany and Austria. He portrays Landa as a romantic and polite Nazi Colonel, all the while being expertly coordinated and secretely sinister. Boasting his pride as the "Jew Hunter", Waltz's Landa practically proclaims his happiness for the Jews and his Fuhrer's need for their elimination, as he finds himself naturally adept of getting rid of them. From his precise mannerisms and long spats of dialogue, to his somewhat odd outbursts, Landa is someone that you truly love to hate, as if being a Nazi was not good enough. His performance as a cunning Nazi psychopath, much more of a "Bastard" than the heroes of the film, is more than worthy of an award or two.
Tarantino's portrayal of his leading actresses is also effective, in that they are given sex appeal without having to whorishly shove it down our throats, such as introducing them in a scene where they are bent over in jean shorts working on a motor bike in humid weather (hey, Megan Fox). As well, they are given quite a bit of importance in the film and aren't portrayed as brainless objects placed in the film to drive up revenue. It is actually their professionalism in their roles that both Melanie Laurent and Diane Kruger manage to grab a piece of the starlight. Dreyfus (played by Laurent), under the guise of Emmanuelle Mimieux, transforms from a haunted survivor to an established theatre-owner, and becomes set in her plan to rid the world of the Nazi leadership once it is confirmed the premiere of the film-within-the-film Nation's Pride will take place at her cinema. Meanwhile, Kruger, a native German, wonderfully plays the socialite actress with the awesome name of Bridget von Hammersmark, who moonlights as an elegant actress while feeding information to the British. Both women are not the stars that Tarantino favourite Uma Thurman is today, but they are both just as skilled at playing the take-no-bullshit gals that are staples of his films.
Of course, Brad Pitt, Eli Roth et. al. do not disappoint as the films titular protagonists. As Lieutenant Aldo "The Apache" Raine, Pitt shines as a soldier who has thrown ethical conduct in warfare to the wayside in his tireless hunt for Nazi blood (he is after all, a scalp collector). Raine is a man who wants things done, no matter the cost because to him the ends do justify the means. Speaking in a slick southern drawl, Raine marches The Basterds through Normandy on a Nazi-slaying adventure with a charming determination and a bag of puns and German-related insults, which just goes to show how Pitt can transform from the tender and wordly Benjamin Button to the foul-mouthed World War II veteran that he is in this film, as if it were two different people playing the roles. Meanwhile, his Staff Sergeant Donny Donowitz (Roth), a foul-mouthed, bat-wielder known as "The Bear Jew", is the perfect fit for an obnoxious brute who intimidates his enemies (and victims) while taunting them in his distinguished Bostonian accent. Clearly enjoying what they do, Raine, Donowitz and the rest of the Basterds chew through the Nazi ranks, and hilarity ensues.
While all of this takes place, the storyline itself flows smoothly, not following the trademark scene shuffling that makes Pulp Fiction or the Kill Bill films so unique, although the movie alternates between the different characters who are simultaneously concocting a plan to kill Hitler while oblivious to the existence of the other's scheme. And for anyone who complains about Inglourious Basterds lack of substance as a "war movie", then they should realize that in the end, the movie is less about war (I highly doubt it was Tarantino's intention to be compared with Saving Private Ryan and Platoon) than it is about the characters and their interactions. After all, Tarantino's films are always remembered by fans quoting exchanges of memorable dialogue, not by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the story.
So yes, Inglourious Basterds is a winner. As of this writing (August 26th, 2009), I would have to say it is my favourite film of 2009.
FINAL GRADE: 9/10
Countdown's Begun (Part 3; Late Edition)
Yes, so I got a bit lazy/busy. With my trip to Ottawa last week and the decision to move out of my parent's house this week, I got behind, but alas, here is the final section of my Oscar preview. In Part 3, I will look at The Hurt Locker, Amelia, The Informant!, and Precious.
The Hurt Locker (directed by Kathryn Bigelow, released on June 26th, 2009)
Premiering at smaller film festivals last fall, The Hurt Locker was a movie that wasn't really pegged to be an Oscar favourite. As of today, there is little to no doubt the movie will secure one of the ten Best Picture nominee slots at the 82nd Academy Awards, which is an noteworthy achievement for a movie released amid a sea of money-gobbling blockbusters. The movie, directed by Point Break helm Kathryn Bigelow, centers on an elite bomb-defusing team in the middle of the action in the Iraq War. After Sergeant Matt Thompson (Guy Pearce) is killed in an explosion, Bravo Company receives a new Team Leader in the form of Staff Sergeant William James, played by Jeremy Renner, who was briefly seen on television this spring in the failed cop drama The Unusuals. Renner immediately captures audiences as the confident and brash James, who seems incapable of losing his cool or his cocky wit, much to the chagrin of Sergeant JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie). Led by James, Bravo Company embark on dangerous missions in the streets of Baghdad, as The Hurt Locker plunges the viewer into a world of constant tension, with no knowledge to who will be the next victim to the hostile environment. Featuring amazing direction by Bigelow, outstanding acting chemistry between Renner and Mackie and a long-awaited feature on the Iraq War that stays true to its billing, The Hurt Locker is a not just a great movie that captures the terrifying aspects of war, it is a movie that flat out brings you to the edge of your seat.
Amelia (directed by Mira Nair, in theatres October 23rd, 2009)
With all of the fanfare that surrounds the famous pilot Amelia Earhart and her mysterious disappearance, it is a bit of a surprise that it has taken this long to get a major modern film about her life to get to the big screen. While there have been many History Channel specials and a few made-for-TV movies, a true look at the wonder pilot's life will take flight in October. The movie will be directed by Mira Nair, who is best known for directing 2006's The Namesake. While successful in her directing career this will definitely be Nair's biggest film to date. Amelia will star the renowned Hilary Swank in the titular role, as well as Richard Gere, who will be playing George Putnam, Amelia Earhart's husband. If biopics on historical figures of recent memory are any indication, Swank will be taking home her third Academy Award this coming Spring, as three out the last four Best Actor and Actress winners have taken home the Oscar for portraying a character based on a real life person. The movie will carry an aura of mystery, as to this day, there has been no evidence leading to the answer to what happened to Amelia Earhart as she disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean on July 2nd, 1937. Expected to feature her rocky relationship with husband Putnam, Amelia is set to be a triumph which not only chronicles the history of one of the greatest pilots to take to the skies, but pays tribute to a true heroine in a world dominated by men. Also starring Ewan McGregor and Virginia Madsen, Amelia hits screens October 23rd, 2009.
The Informant! (directed by Steven Soderbergh, in theatres September 18th, 2009)
Almost every year at the Oscars, a dark-comedy/dramedy is guaranteed a spot among the Famous Five just so the Academy can prove to everyone they enjoy laughing too. While one was left out at last year's awards, with ten nominees this year it is almost a guarantee we will see a movie that is laugh-driven. I think that movie will be The Informant!, which is actually based on the true story that surfaced in the 1990's with Archer Daniels Midland and the price-fixing scandle, which was brought to light by high-ranking executive Mark Whitacre (portrayed by Matt Damon). In reality, Mark Whitacre became a Dark Knight and was actually punished more severely for his involvement than the conspirators he helped bring to justice, The Informant! is a movie that focuses on Whitacre's ability (or lack thereof) to cope with being an informant for the FBI and the stress it brings him, on top the fact that he suffers from bipolar disorder. Featuring hilarious turns by Damon and the rest of the cast, Steven Soderbergh looks to follow up on the epic biopic of Che Guevera with a bouncy but dark comedy that is yet another classic among the corporate/business film genre. The Informant! sees limited release starting on September 18th.
Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire (directed by Lee Daniels, in theatres November 6th, 2009)
Originally titled Push but efficiently changed as to not confuse it with the sci-fi film of the same name that came out this February, Precious is no fairytale. The movie focuses on young Clareece 'Precious' Jones, a destitute teen growing up in Harlem. Coming from a world of terrible abuse, Jones is illiterate, poor, angry, and overweight, and most importantly, unloved. Pregnant with her second child, Precious is offered the chance of a lifetime as she is invited to enroll in an alternative school, where she is challenged to not only become educated of her surroundings, but about herself as well. Precious is played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, while other cast members include Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, and Sherri Shephard. A champion at this years' Sundance Film Festival where it won the Grand Jury Prize, Precious is a movie that is set to be a true darkhorse in the Oscar race but one that could do a lot of damage when awards night arrives. After all, isn't that what happened with Slumdog Millionaire? Catch Precious in theatres on November 6th.
So that's it. Those are your ten heavyweights. Other hopefuls will pop up and possibly spoil the race, but these are the true leaders of the pack.
The Hurt Locker (directed by Kathryn Bigelow, released on June 26th, 2009)
Premiering at smaller film festivals last fall, The Hurt Locker was a movie that wasn't really pegged to be an Oscar favourite. As of today, there is little to no doubt the movie will secure one of the ten Best Picture nominee slots at the 82nd Academy Awards, which is an noteworthy achievement for a movie released amid a sea of money-gobbling blockbusters. The movie, directed by Point Break helm Kathryn Bigelow, centers on an elite bomb-defusing team in the middle of the action in the Iraq War. After Sergeant Matt Thompson (Guy Pearce) is killed in an explosion, Bravo Company receives a new Team Leader in the form of Staff Sergeant William James, played by Jeremy Renner, who was briefly seen on television this spring in the failed cop drama The Unusuals. Renner immediately captures audiences as the confident and brash James, who seems incapable of losing his cool or his cocky wit, much to the chagrin of Sergeant JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie). Led by James, Bravo Company embark on dangerous missions in the streets of Baghdad, as The Hurt Locker plunges the viewer into a world of constant tension, with no knowledge to who will be the next victim to the hostile environment. Featuring amazing direction by Bigelow, outstanding acting chemistry between Renner and Mackie and a long-awaited feature on the Iraq War that stays true to its billing, The Hurt Locker is a not just a great movie that captures the terrifying aspects of war, it is a movie that flat out brings you to the edge of your seat.
Amelia (directed by Mira Nair, in theatres October 23rd, 2009)
With all of the fanfare that surrounds the famous pilot Amelia Earhart and her mysterious disappearance, it is a bit of a surprise that it has taken this long to get a major modern film about her life to get to the big screen. While there have been many History Channel specials and a few made-for-TV movies, a true look at the wonder pilot's life will take flight in October. The movie will be directed by Mira Nair, who is best known for directing 2006's The Namesake. While successful in her directing career this will definitely be Nair's biggest film to date. Amelia will star the renowned Hilary Swank in the titular role, as well as Richard Gere, who will be playing George Putnam, Amelia Earhart's husband. If biopics on historical figures of recent memory are any indication, Swank will be taking home her third Academy Award this coming Spring, as three out the last four Best Actor and Actress winners have taken home the Oscar for portraying a character based on a real life person. The movie will carry an aura of mystery, as to this day, there has been no evidence leading to the answer to what happened to Amelia Earhart as she disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean on July 2nd, 1937. Expected to feature her rocky relationship with husband Putnam, Amelia is set to be a triumph which not only chronicles the history of one of the greatest pilots to take to the skies, but pays tribute to a true heroine in a world dominated by men. Also starring Ewan McGregor and Virginia Madsen, Amelia hits screens October 23rd, 2009.
The Informant! (directed by Steven Soderbergh, in theatres September 18th, 2009)
Almost every year at the Oscars, a dark-comedy/dramedy is guaranteed a spot among the Famous Five just so the Academy can prove to everyone they enjoy laughing too. While one was left out at last year's awards, with ten nominees this year it is almost a guarantee we will see a movie that is laugh-driven. I think that movie will be The Informant!, which is actually based on the true story that surfaced in the 1990's with Archer Daniels Midland and the price-fixing scandle, which was brought to light by high-ranking executive Mark Whitacre (portrayed by Matt Damon). In reality, Mark Whitacre became a Dark Knight and was actually punished more severely for his involvement than the conspirators he helped bring to justice, The Informant! is a movie that focuses on Whitacre's ability (or lack thereof) to cope with being an informant for the FBI and the stress it brings him, on top the fact that he suffers from bipolar disorder. Featuring hilarious turns by Damon and the rest of the cast, Steven Soderbergh looks to follow up on the epic biopic of Che Guevera with a bouncy but dark comedy that is yet another classic among the corporate/business film genre. The Informant! sees limited release starting on September 18th.
Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire (directed by Lee Daniels, in theatres November 6th, 2009)
Originally titled Push but efficiently changed as to not confuse it with the sci-fi film of the same name that came out this February, Precious is no fairytale. The movie focuses on young Clareece 'Precious' Jones, a destitute teen growing up in Harlem. Coming from a world of terrible abuse, Jones is illiterate, poor, angry, and overweight, and most importantly, unloved. Pregnant with her second child, Precious is offered the chance of a lifetime as she is invited to enroll in an alternative school, where she is challenged to not only become educated of her surroundings, but about herself as well. Precious is played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, while other cast members include Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, and Sherri Shephard. A champion at this years' Sundance Film Festival where it won the Grand Jury Prize, Precious is a movie that is set to be a true darkhorse in the Oscar race but one that could do a lot of damage when awards night arrives. After all, isn't that what happened with Slumdog Millionaire? Catch Precious in theatres on November 6th.
So that's it. Those are your ten heavyweights. Other hopefuls will pop up and possibly spoil the race, but these are the true leaders of the pack.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Countdown's Begun (Part 2)
Ah, so we begin Part 2 of this wonderful trek to determine who the stronger breeds of this upcoming Oscar breed will be. Well, I guess it was already determined "who", in Part 1, the rest is about "why". In this post, I'll take a look at James Cameron's Avatar, the 2009 Disney-Pixar smash hit Up, and The Lovely Bones, which is Peter Jackson's latest project.
Avatar (directed by James Cameron, in theatres December 18th, 2009)
Behold. Here is the film that many people, including the entire James Cameron fanclub, have been waiting for. The famous director who brought us Aliens (which would be the greatest sequel ever if not for The Godfather Part II), the first two Terminator films, The Abyss, is finally set to release his next sci-fi epic, his first feature-length film since 1997's Titanic, which, you know, went on 11 Academy Awards and is still the highest grossing movie of all time. Avatar, which has been in conception since 1995, has been the worked on tirelessly by Cameron, and has been hailed as The Messiah by respected filmmakers and visual effects gurus alike who have seen snippets of the film. The CGI is reported to be literally groundbreaking, and will antiquate most of today's standard techniques. At a budget of $240 million, the movie will have to make serious strides if it is to stay out of the red, but as we all know Cameron is no stranger to box office success. The film centers around Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, who visits the planet of Pandora, which is inhabited by a humanoid species called the Na'vi. As humans are unable to breathe the air on the planet, they are sent in the form of human-Na'vi hybrids called Avatars, in which the controller of the Avatar stays physically behind but their mind joins the Avatar body, allowing them to navigate the planet. As a means to regain his mobility being a parapalegic, Sully becomes deeply entangled in the Na'vi way of life, falling in love with a female named Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and as Sully's feelings and identification with the evolutionarily advanced Na'vi intensify, it becomes clear that the Earth's military has plans for Pandora which do not fit the Na'vi's best interests. Forced to choose sides, Sully must make a decision that will have global consequences. A film that is set to blow expectations away in every film dimension, Avatar releases on December 18th, 2009. Be prepared for the long haul, though, as Avatar is reported to have a runtime of over two-and-a-half hours.
Up (directed by Pete Docter, released on May 29th, 2009)
Up, the latest Pixar darling, is an almost guarantee for a Best Picture nomination. With the Best Animated Feature film likely in its pocket, Up has a human feel, which is to be expected, as it is the first Disney-Pixar film since 2004's The Incredibles to actually be centered on humans. Like every other Disney-Pixar film, it has been a critical and box-office wonder, and as of this post has snagged over $367 million worldwide. Up, which features the always-stunning visuals from Pixar studios blended with the simple but effective storytelling of Disney magic, features 78-year old Carl Fredricksen as its unlikely protagonist, a widower who has become lonely and sour in his old age. Now, Carl's once pleasant home has been encroached on by the demands of the big-city life, is approached by contractors who wish to demolish his home in order to make room for skyscrapers. Ordered by the court to move to Shady Oaks Retirement Home, Carl hatches a truly unorthodox escape plan. With the power of 10,000 helium balloons, Carl literally lifts his home off of its foundations, and sails along the sky, finally at peace. To his dismay, he discovers that 8 year-old Wilderness Explorer Russell has unwittingly come along for the ride. From there, the duo goes on an amazing and perilous journey to the heart of South America, where they come face-to-face with Carl's childhood hero, Charles Muntz. When things become ugly as Charles desires the hunt down the mystical bird that has become Carl's and Russell's companion, the journey turns into a literal life-and-death struggle. Featuring the voices of Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, and newcomer Jordan Nagai, Up is a heartwarming tale that is sure to enchant audiences and is looking strong as the first animated feature film to be nominated for Best Picture since 1991, when Beauty and the Beast became the first animated flick to go up for the honour.
The Lovely Bones (directed by Peter Jackson, in theatres December 11th, 2009)
While Peter Jackson has always been a quality filmmaker, there is no doubt about it that he hit the big time when he successfully directed the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, which has received numerous accolades and will likely go down as the greatest fantasy films of all time. A visionary genius, Jackson followed the success of the LotR trilogy by filming the modern version of King Kong, which also turned out to be a tremendous hit, grossing over $550 million worldwide, as well as receiving critical acclaim and picking up three Academy Awards. After a four-year hiatus, Jackson returns with an adaption of Alice Sebold's best-selling novel The Lovely Bones, starring Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, and Susan Sarandon. The film, as mentioned in a previous blog post, centers on the story of Susie Salmon, played by Ronan, who at age 14, is tragically raped, murdered and dismembered by her neighbor. Susie's family and friends are devasted by her loss, but unbeknownest to them, Susie is watching over them from a heaven-like purgatory, where she has some forms of contact with the living world. Living in a beautiful fantasy realm, Susie begins to believe that everything is perfect, but she begins to realize that the memories of her killer still haunt her. With her ability to contact the living world, Susie must weigh her options, forced to choose between helping her family achieve vengeance or helping them heal. From the trailer alone, Peter Jackson's visual work looks beautiful enough to consider it a shoe-in for the technical awards at the 82nd Academy Awards, if it were not for Avatar being in the running as well. December 11th is the release date, and it is a sure thing that I will be there.
Catch Part 3 on the weekend.
Avatar (directed by James Cameron, in theatres December 18th, 2009)
Behold. Here is the film that many people, including the entire James Cameron fanclub, have been waiting for. The famous director who brought us Aliens (which would be the greatest sequel ever if not for The Godfather Part II), the first two Terminator films, The Abyss, is finally set to release his next sci-fi epic, his first feature-length film since 1997's Titanic, which, you know, went on 11 Academy Awards and is still the highest grossing movie of all time. Avatar, which has been in conception since 1995, has been the worked on tirelessly by Cameron, and has been hailed as The Messiah by respected filmmakers and visual effects gurus alike who have seen snippets of the film. The CGI is reported to be literally groundbreaking, and will antiquate most of today's standard techniques. At a budget of $240 million, the movie will have to make serious strides if it is to stay out of the red, but as we all know Cameron is no stranger to box office success. The film centers around Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, who visits the planet of Pandora, which is inhabited by a humanoid species called the Na'vi. As humans are unable to breathe the air on the planet, they are sent in the form of human-Na'vi hybrids called Avatars, in which the controller of the Avatar stays physically behind but their mind joins the Avatar body, allowing them to navigate the planet. As a means to regain his mobility being a parapalegic, Sully becomes deeply entangled in the Na'vi way of life, falling in love with a female named Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and as Sully's feelings and identification with the evolutionarily advanced Na'vi intensify, it becomes clear that the Earth's military has plans for Pandora which do not fit the Na'vi's best interests. Forced to choose sides, Sully must make a decision that will have global consequences. A film that is set to blow expectations away in every film dimension, Avatar releases on December 18th, 2009. Be prepared for the long haul, though, as Avatar is reported to have a runtime of over two-and-a-half hours.
Up (directed by Pete Docter, released on May 29th, 2009)
Up, the latest Pixar darling, is an almost guarantee for a Best Picture nomination. With the Best Animated Feature film likely in its pocket, Up has a human feel, which is to be expected, as it is the first Disney-Pixar film since 2004's The Incredibles to actually be centered on humans. Like every other Disney-Pixar film, it has been a critical and box-office wonder, and as of this post has snagged over $367 million worldwide. Up, which features the always-stunning visuals from Pixar studios blended with the simple but effective storytelling of Disney magic, features 78-year old Carl Fredricksen as its unlikely protagonist, a widower who has become lonely and sour in his old age. Now, Carl's once pleasant home has been encroached on by the demands of the big-city life, is approached by contractors who wish to demolish his home in order to make room for skyscrapers. Ordered by the court to move to Shady Oaks Retirement Home, Carl hatches a truly unorthodox escape plan. With the power of 10,000 helium balloons, Carl literally lifts his home off of its foundations, and sails along the sky, finally at peace. To his dismay, he discovers that 8 year-old Wilderness Explorer Russell has unwittingly come along for the ride. From there, the duo goes on an amazing and perilous journey to the heart of South America, where they come face-to-face with Carl's childhood hero, Charles Muntz. When things become ugly as Charles desires the hunt down the mystical bird that has become Carl's and Russell's companion, the journey turns into a literal life-and-death struggle. Featuring the voices of Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, and newcomer Jordan Nagai, Up is a heartwarming tale that is sure to enchant audiences and is looking strong as the first animated feature film to be nominated for Best Picture since 1991, when Beauty and the Beast became the first animated flick to go up for the honour.
The Lovely Bones (directed by Peter Jackson, in theatres December 11th, 2009)
While Peter Jackson has always been a quality filmmaker, there is no doubt about it that he hit the big time when he successfully directed the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, which has received numerous accolades and will likely go down as the greatest fantasy films of all time. A visionary genius, Jackson followed the success of the LotR trilogy by filming the modern version of King Kong, which also turned out to be a tremendous hit, grossing over $550 million worldwide, as well as receiving critical acclaim and picking up three Academy Awards. After a four-year hiatus, Jackson returns with an adaption of Alice Sebold's best-selling novel The Lovely Bones, starring Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, and Susan Sarandon. The film, as mentioned in a previous blog post, centers on the story of Susie Salmon, played by Ronan, who at age 14, is tragically raped, murdered and dismembered by her neighbor. Susie's family and friends are devasted by her loss, but unbeknownest to them, Susie is watching over them from a heaven-like purgatory, where she has some forms of contact with the living world. Living in a beautiful fantasy realm, Susie begins to believe that everything is perfect, but she begins to realize that the memories of her killer still haunt her. With her ability to contact the living world, Susie must weigh her options, forced to choose between helping her family achieve vengeance or helping them heal. From the trailer alone, Peter Jackson's visual work looks beautiful enough to consider it a shoe-in for the technical awards at the 82nd Academy Awards, if it were not for Avatar being in the running as well. December 11th is the release date, and it is a sure thing that I will be there.
Catch Part 3 on the weekend.
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