Here you go, a quick list of the nominees for this year...thoughts coming later....
Best motion picture of the year
* Black Swan (Fox Searchlight)
* The Fighter (Paramount)
* Inception (Warner Bros.)
* The Kids Are All Right (Focus Features)
* The King's Speech (The Weinstein Company)
* 127 Hours (Fox Searchlight)
* The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing)
* Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney)
* True Grit (Paramount)
* Winter's Bone (Roadside Attractions)
Performance by an actor in a leading role
* Javier Bardem in "Biutiful" (Roadside Attractions)
* Jeff Bridges in "True Grit" (Paramount)
* Jesse Eisenberg in "The Social Network" (Sony Pictures Releasing)
* Colin Firth in "The King's Speech" (The Weinstein Company)
* James Franco in "127 Hours" (Fox Searchlight)
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
* Christian Bale in "The Fighter" (Paramount)
* John Hawkes in "Winter's Bone" (Roadside Attractions)
* Jeremy Renner in "The Town" (Warner Bros.)
* Mark Ruffalo in "The Kids Are All Right" (Focus Features)
* Geoffrey Rush in "The King's Speech" (The Weinstein Company)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
* Annette Bening in "The Kids Are All Right" (Focus Features)
* Nicole Kidman in "Rabbit Hole" (Lionsgate)
* Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter's Bone" (Roadside Attractions)
* Natalie Portman in "Black Swan" (Fox Searchlight)
* Michelle Williams in "Blue Valentine" (The Weinstein Company)
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
* Amy Adams in "The Fighter" (Paramount)
* Helena Bonham Carter in "The King's Speech" (The Weinstein Company)
* Melissa Leo in "The Fighter" (Paramount)
* Hailee Steinfeld in "True Grit" (Paramount)
* Jacki Weaver in "Animal Kingdom" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Best animated feature film of the year
* How to Train Your Dragon (Paramount) Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
* The Illusionist (Sony Pictures Classics) Sylvain Chomet
* Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney) Lee Unkrich
Art Direction
* Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney), Robert Stromberg (Production Design), Karen O'Hara (Set Decoration)
* Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Warner Bros.), Stuart Craig (Production Design), Stephenie McMillan (Set Decoration)
* Inception (Warner Bros.), Guy Hendrix Dyas (Production Design), Larry Dias and Doug Mowat (Set Decoration)/span>
* The King's Speech (Paramount), Eve Stewart (Production Design), Judy Farr (Set Decoration)
* True Grit (Paramount), Jess Gonchor (Production Design), Nancy Haigh (Set Decoration)
Achievement in Cinematography
* Black Swan (Fox Searchlight) Matthew Libatique
* Inception (Warner Bros.) Wally Pfister
* The King's Speech (The Weinstein Company) Danny Cohen
* The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing) Jeff Cronenweth
* True Grit (Paramount) Roger Deakins
Achievement in costume design
* Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney) Colleen Atwood
* I Am Love (Magnolia Pictures) Antonella Cannarozzi
* The King's Speech (The Weinstein Company) Jenny Beavan
* The Tempest (Miramax) Sandy Powell
* True Grit (Paramount) Mary Zophres
Achievement in directing
* Black Swan (Fox Searchlight), Darren Aronofsky
* The Fighter (Paramount), David O. Russell
* The King's Speech (The Weinstein Company), Tom Hooper
* The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing), David Fincher
* True Grit (Paramount), Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Best Documentary Feature
* Exit through the Gift Shop (Producers Distribution Agency) Banksy and Jaimie D'Cruz A Paranoid Pictures Production
* Gasland Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic A Gasland Production
* Inside Job (Sony Pictures Classics) Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs A Representational Pictures Production
* Restrepo (National Geographic Entertainment) Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger An Outpost Films Production
* Waste Land Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley (Arthouse Films) An Almega Projects Production
Best documentary short subject
* Killing in the Name Nominees to be determined A Moxie Firecracker Films Production
* Poster Girl Nominees to be determined A Portrayal Films Production
* Strangers No More Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon A Simon & Goodman Picture Company Production
* Sun Come Up Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger A Sun Come Up Production
* The Warriors of Qiugang Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon A Thomas Lennon Films Production
Achievement in film editing
* Black Swan (Fox Searchlight) Andrew Weisblum
* The Fighter Paramount Pamela Martin
* The King's Speech (The Weinstein Company) Tariq Anwar
* 127 Hours (Fox Searchlight) Jon Harris
* The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing) Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
Best foreign language film of the year
* Biutiful Mexico
* Dogtooth Greece
* In a Better World Denmark
* Incendies Canada
* Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi) Algeria
Achievement in makeup
* Barney's Version (Sony Pictures Classics) Adrien Morot
* The Way Back (Newmarket Films in association with Wrekin Hill Entertainment and Image Entertainment) Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
* The Wolfman (Universal) Rick Baker and Dave Elsey
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
* How to Train Your Dragon (Paramount) John Powell
* Inception (Warner Bros.) Hans Zimmer
* The King's Speech (The Weinstein Company) Alexandre Desplat
* 127 Hours (Fox Searchlight) A.R. Rahman
* The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing) Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
* Coming Home from Country Strong (Sony Pictures Releasing (Screen Gems)) Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
* I See the Light from Tangled (Walt Disney) Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater
* If I Rise from 127 Hours (Fox Searchlight) Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
* We Belong Together from Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney) Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
Best animated short film
* Day & Night (Walt Disney) A Pixar Animation Studios Production Teddy Newton
* The Gruffalo A Magic Light Pictures Production Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
* Let's Pollute A Geefwee Boedoe Production Geefwee Boedoe
* The Lost Thing (Nick Batzias for Madman Entertainment) A Passion Pictures Australia Production Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
* Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary) A Sacrebleu Production Bastien Dubois
Best live action short film
* The Confession (National Film and Television School) A National Film and Television School Production Tanel Toom
* The Crush (Network Ireland Television) A Purdy Pictures Production Michael Creagh
* God of Love A Luke Matheny Production Luke Matheny
* Na Wewe (Premium Films) A CUT! Production Ivan Goldschmidt
* Wish 143 A Swing and Shift Films/Union Pictures Production Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite
Achievement in sound editing
* Inception (Warner Bros.) Richard King
* Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney) Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
* Tron: Legacy (Walt Disney) Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
* True Grit (Paramount) Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
* Unstoppable (20th Century Fox) Mark P. Stoeckinger
Achievement in sound mixing
* Inception (Warner Bros.) Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
* The King's Speech (The Weinstein Company) Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
* Salt (Sony Pictures Releasing) Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
* The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing) Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
* True Grit (Paramount) Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland
Achievement in visual effects
* Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney) Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
* Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Warner Bros.) Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
* Hereafter (Warner Bros.) Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojanski and Joe Farrell
* Inception (Warner Bros.) Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
* Iron Man 2 (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment, Distributed by Paramount) Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick
Adapted screenplay
* 127 Hours (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
* The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing), Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
* Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Michael Arndt. Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
* True Grit (Paramount), Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
* Winter's Bone (Roadside Attractions), Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini
Original screenplay
* Another Year (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Mike Leigh
* The Fighter (Paramount), Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson. Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
* Inception (Warner Bros.), Written by Christopher Nolan
* The Kids Are All Right (Focus Features), Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
* The King's Speech (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Seidler
Selasa, 25 Januari 2011
Jumat, 21 Januari 2011
Review - No Strings Attached
No PG-13 Strings Makes For A Funny Adult Comedy
A relationship with no strings attached; it’s been thought of as a guy’s dream. Where a guy can do what he wants, when he wants. But what happens when it’s the girl that craves having no strings in a relationship?
Adam (Ashton Kutcher) has had a crush on Emma (Natalie Portman) since they were kids. From an initial inappropriate advance at summer camp to a meeting years later, he has always had a thing for this wonderfully beautiful woman. When he finally meets her as an adult, the relationship skips the courting and gets physical.
This aggressive approach leads to Emma suggesting a “no strings” approach to their future. With basic rules in place, including a “ban” on falling for each other, things remain physical and both the doctor to be and television producer are “on call” when needed. Will either of them break down, or will this simple, passionate “relationship” progress?
From the first trailer, I dreaded seeing this film. In fact, I thought there was no way it was offered to me to screen. It was, and when word started to trickle in that it might actually be ok, I wondered aloud what I was in for. The results turned out to be extremely positive.
Director Ivan Reitman delivers a solid “adult” comedy and the fact that it is an adult comedy is what makes it work. The trailer felt like it would be another watered down PG-13 romantic comedy, instead the aggressive, adult nature of things mean the language isn’t at half speed and the physicality leaves only little to be imagined.
Natalie Portman knows how to work through the comedy genre just like it was home. Working with Ashton Kutcher seems almost natural for her, and the back and forth is quick, witty and fun. The supporting cast surrounding these two includes a variety of actors that I have a real appreciation for including the enchanting Greta Gerwig, the eminently lovable Lake Bell, and the always strong Kevin Kline.
With great acting talent, a solid script, and comedic directing for the veteran Ivan Reitman, No Strings Attached really works. Despite a portion of the movie that tries to get too serious, I found myself laughing (and sometimes cringing) at this film. Overall the strings were relatively minor and I got a bit attached.
B-
No Strings Attached
Paramount Pictures
Director: Ivan Reitman
Cast: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Kline, Greta Gerwig, Lake Bell
Rating: R for sexual content, language and some drug material.
Runtime: 110 minutes.
A relationship with no strings attached; it’s been thought of as a guy’s dream. Where a guy can do what he wants, when he wants. But what happens when it’s the girl that craves having no strings in a relationship?
Adam (Ashton Kutcher) has had a crush on Emma (Natalie Portman) since they were kids. From an initial inappropriate advance at summer camp to a meeting years later, he has always had a thing for this wonderfully beautiful woman. When he finally meets her as an adult, the relationship skips the courting and gets physical.
This aggressive approach leads to Emma suggesting a “no strings” approach to their future. With basic rules in place, including a “ban” on falling for each other, things remain physical and both the doctor to be and television producer are “on call” when needed. Will either of them break down, or will this simple, passionate “relationship” progress?
From the first trailer, I dreaded seeing this film. In fact, I thought there was no way it was offered to me to screen. It was, and when word started to trickle in that it might actually be ok, I wondered aloud what I was in for. The results turned out to be extremely positive.
Director Ivan Reitman delivers a solid “adult” comedy and the fact that it is an adult comedy is what makes it work. The trailer felt like it would be another watered down PG-13 romantic comedy, instead the aggressive, adult nature of things mean the language isn’t at half speed and the physicality leaves only little to be imagined.
Natalie Portman knows how to work through the comedy genre just like it was home. Working with Ashton Kutcher seems almost natural for her, and the back and forth is quick, witty and fun. The supporting cast surrounding these two includes a variety of actors that I have a real appreciation for including the enchanting Greta Gerwig, the eminently lovable Lake Bell, and the always strong Kevin Kline.
With great acting talent, a solid script, and comedic directing for the veteran Ivan Reitman, No Strings Attached really works. Despite a portion of the movie that tries to get too serious, I found myself laughing (and sometimes cringing) at this film. Overall the strings were relatively minor and I got a bit attached.
B-
No Strings Attached
Paramount Pictures
Director: Ivan Reitman
Cast: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Kline, Greta Gerwig, Lake Bell
Rating: R for sexual content, language and some drug material.
Runtime: 110 minutes.
Rabu, 19 Januari 2011
A quick look at the awards season
So the first big weekend of the awards season is over and things have crystallized a bit.
The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards saw big wins for The Fighter in the supporting categories with both Christian Bale and Melissa Leo walking away with awards, while Colin Firth and Natalie Portman sprinted to the head of their respective categories.
And what of picture and director, The Social Network and David Fincher seemed to grab hold of the situation with big wins in the big categories.
On the Golden Globes side of things, the same folks won the awards in the dramatic categories. The only difference for them is comedy categories that brought The Kids Are Alright back into play.
So what does this mean for the Oscar’s? With nominations due next week, we’ll see, but things are getting pretty settled. The cream is rising to the top and each of the organizations is seeing it. Other things are always possible but here’s what looks to be the big six.
Picture – The Social Network
Director – David Fincher, The Social Network
Actor – Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
Actress – Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Supporting Actor – Christian Bale, The Fighter
Supporting Actress – Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Sure, maybe Amy Adams sneaks into the mix or another surprise crops up, but it looks like the only surprises left this award season is who gets nominated and not who wins.
The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards saw big wins for The Fighter in the supporting categories with both Christian Bale and Melissa Leo walking away with awards, while Colin Firth and Natalie Portman sprinted to the head of their respective categories.
And what of picture and director, The Social Network and David Fincher seemed to grab hold of the situation with big wins in the big categories.
On the Golden Globes side of things, the same folks won the awards in the dramatic categories. The only difference for them is comedy categories that brought The Kids Are Alright back into play.
So what does this mean for the Oscar’s? With nominations due next week, we’ll see, but things are getting pretty settled. The cream is rising to the top and each of the organizations is seeing it. Other things are always possible but here’s what looks to be the big six.
Picture – The Social Network
Director – David Fincher, The Social Network
Actor – Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
Actress – Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Supporting Actor – Christian Bale, The Fighter
Supporting Actress – Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Sure, maybe Amy Adams sneaks into the mix or another surprise crops up, but it looks like the only surprises left this award season is who gets nominated and not who wins.
Selasa, 18 Januari 2011
Home Screening Room -- Takers, Stone and The Viginity Hit
Just From Theaters
Takers (PG-13) Hayden Christensen, Paul Walker, Idris Elba
Not a bad take on the heist flick, not a great one though either.
Stone (R) Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, Milla Jovovich
The story of a criminal and what he’ll do to convince his doctor to let him go.
Buried (R) Ryan Reynolds, Samantha Mathis
This one is a hit, it seems, everywhere it plays. Will you be able to be buried?
Animal Kingdom (R) Guy Pearce, Ben Mendelson, Jackie Weaver
Jack Goes Boating (R) Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Ryan
Also new this week…
Dallas: The Complete 14th Season
Death Race 2 (R) Luke Goss, Danny Trejo, Ving Rhames
Fun, cars and explosions – sounds like a good time.
Freakonomics (PG-13)
Documentary that just begs to be seen.
Justified: The Complete First Season
The FX Series comes home.
Paper Man (R) Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone
I didn't know about this...with these folks...argh...Here's the trailer.
And Finally
The Virginity Hit (R) Zack Pearlman, Jacob Davich, Justin Kline
I had not heard of this .....
Gotta share this trailer with you. What do you think?
Pick of the Week
Don’t know what I would pick up….maybe The Virginity Hit just to see it? I’m not sure.
Thanks!
Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!
Takers (PG-13) Hayden Christensen, Paul Walker, Idris Elba
Not a bad take on the heist flick, not a great one though either.
Stone (R) Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, Milla Jovovich
The story of a criminal and what he’ll do to convince his doctor to let him go.
Buried (R) Ryan Reynolds, Samantha Mathis
This one is a hit, it seems, everywhere it plays. Will you be able to be buried?
Animal Kingdom (R) Guy Pearce, Ben Mendelson, Jackie Weaver
Jack Goes Boating (R) Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Ryan
Also new this week…
Dallas: The Complete 14th Season
Death Race 2 (R) Luke Goss, Danny Trejo, Ving Rhames
Fun, cars and explosions – sounds like a good time.
Freakonomics (PG-13)
Documentary that just begs to be seen.
Justified: The Complete First Season
The FX Series comes home.
Paper Man (R) Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone
I didn't know about this...with these folks...argh...Here's the trailer.
And Finally
The Virginity Hit (R) Zack Pearlman, Jacob Davich, Justin Kline
I had not heard of this .....
Gotta share this trailer with you. What do you think?
Pick of the Week
Don’t know what I would pick up….maybe The Virginity Hit just to see it? I’m not sure.
Thanks!
Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!
Senin, 17 Januari 2011
Did you Miss the Critics' Choice Movie Awards?
Here is a link to the VH1 site and the Full Critics' Choice Movie Awards -- from the spoof of Inception with Johnny Knoxville and the guys from Jackass all the way to the end.
Enjoy.
VH1 Link to the 16th Anniversary Critics' Choice Movie Awards
What did you think?
Enjoy.
VH1 Link to the 16th Anniversary Critics' Choice Movie Awards
What did you think?
Jumat, 14 Januari 2011
Join the Critics' Choice Movie Awards Fun
Live on Facebook and Twitter -- I'm talking, comment with me...please!
http://www.facebook.com/CommonGuyFilmReviews
or
http://www.twitter.com/commonguymovies
chat with me!
http://www.facebook.com/CommonGuyFilmReviews
or
http://www.twitter.com/commonguymovies
chat with me!
Critics' Choice Movie Awards 2011 - Preview Pt4
The final batch....here we go...the show is tonight, and I'll be here and on Facebook and Twitter chatting away!
BEST PICTURE
Nominees:
• 127 Hours
• Black Swan
• The Fighter
• Inception
• The King's Speech
• The Social Network
• The Town
• Toy Story 3
• True Grit
• Winter's Bone
Probably one of the best group of 10 nominees I’ve ever seen in a given year. I’d have no problems with any of these titles winning. My hunch says The Social Network walks away with the award. But, and there had to be a but, I know our group has a lot of love for The King’s Speech and Black Swan.
BEST DIRECTOR
Nominees:
• Darren Aronofsky - "Black Swan"
• Danny Boyle - "127 Hours"
• Joel Coen & Ethan Coen - "True Grit"
• David Fincher - "The Social Network"
• Tom Hooper - "The King's Speech"
• Christopher Nolan - "Inception"
Normally….picture and director don’t split in a given year…but could this be the one? These are true heavyweights in the directing field and I think the Best Picture winner will also have the inside track at Best Director. What am I saying? David Fincher would be my best bet to win here, but don’t be surprised with an upset pick, maybe even Darren Aronofsky?
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Nominees:
• "Another Year" - Mike Leigh
• "Black Swan" - Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz and John McLaughlin
• "The Fighter" - Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson (Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson)
• "Inception" - Christopher Nolan
• "The Kids Are All Right" - Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg
• "The King's Speech" - David Seidler
This may be the place where The Kids Are All Right surprises folks. A solidly written tale about the modern family unit, it is a chance to give an award to a film that everyone tended to like. Though if you made me bet on it, I think Black Swan or The King’s Speech may emerge as the winner here.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Nominees:
• "127 Hours" - Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle
• "The Social Network" - Aaron Sorkin
• "The Town" - Peter Craig and Ben Affleck & Aaron Stockard
• "Toy Story 3" - Michael Arndt (Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich)
• "True Grit" - Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
• "Winter's Bone" - Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini
Sorry everyone else, this one is Aaron Sorkin’s award.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Nominees:
• Despicable Me
• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Illusionist
• Tangled
• Toy Story 3
Another no brainer I believe…Toy Story 3 should emerge as the winner.
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Nominees:
• Biutiful
• I Am Love
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
A bit of a hard category to call with our group…I believe in Biutiful with Javier Bardem here, it makes the most sense…BUT (there’s that word again) remember that The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo also garnered a Best Actress nomination for Noomi Rapace, so there is a lot of love for that film here as well.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Nominees:
• Exit Through the Gift Shop
• Inside Job
• Restrepo
• Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
• The Tillman Story
• Waiting for Superman
And the last category I discuss here this year is one of my favorites! These are all wonderful documentaries. Any of them winning would be great! My pick is Restrepo (shh don’t tell anyone that’s what I voted for), it made my top 10 this year and no documentary enaged me quite like that did. I think as a group, Waiting for Superman may be the winner – the film details education like nothing you have seen before. My advice? See all 6 of these – you won’t be disappointed and you will NEVER look at documentaries the same way again!
That’s it…tune in tonight to the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at 9PM ET/PT on VH1
*yes there is a preshow an hour earlier, might be fun to see Joan Rivers on the other side of the Red Carpet interviews.
BEST PICTURE
Nominees:
• 127 Hours
• Black Swan
• The Fighter
• Inception
• The King's Speech
• The Social Network
• The Town
• Toy Story 3
• True Grit
• Winter's Bone
Probably one of the best group of 10 nominees I’ve ever seen in a given year. I’d have no problems with any of these titles winning. My hunch says The Social Network walks away with the award. But, and there had to be a but, I know our group has a lot of love for The King’s Speech and Black Swan.
BEST DIRECTOR
Nominees:
• Darren Aronofsky - "Black Swan"
• Danny Boyle - "127 Hours"
• Joel Coen & Ethan Coen - "True Grit"
• David Fincher - "The Social Network"
• Tom Hooper - "The King's Speech"
• Christopher Nolan - "Inception"
Normally….picture and director don’t split in a given year…but could this be the one? These are true heavyweights in the directing field and I think the Best Picture winner will also have the inside track at Best Director. What am I saying? David Fincher would be my best bet to win here, but don’t be surprised with an upset pick, maybe even Darren Aronofsky?
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Nominees:
• "Another Year" - Mike Leigh
• "Black Swan" - Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz and John McLaughlin
• "The Fighter" - Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson (Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson)
• "Inception" - Christopher Nolan
• "The Kids Are All Right" - Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg
• "The King's Speech" - David Seidler
This may be the place where The Kids Are All Right surprises folks. A solidly written tale about the modern family unit, it is a chance to give an award to a film that everyone tended to like. Though if you made me bet on it, I think Black Swan or The King’s Speech may emerge as the winner here.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Nominees:
• "127 Hours" - Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle
• "The Social Network" - Aaron Sorkin
• "The Town" - Peter Craig and Ben Affleck & Aaron Stockard
• "Toy Story 3" - Michael Arndt (Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich)
• "True Grit" - Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
• "Winter's Bone" - Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini
Sorry everyone else, this one is Aaron Sorkin’s award.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Nominees:
• Despicable Me
• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Illusionist
• Tangled
• Toy Story 3
Another no brainer I believe…Toy Story 3 should emerge as the winner.
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Nominees:
• Biutiful
• I Am Love
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
A bit of a hard category to call with our group…I believe in Biutiful with Javier Bardem here, it makes the most sense…BUT (there’s that word again) remember that The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo also garnered a Best Actress nomination for Noomi Rapace, so there is a lot of love for that film here as well.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Nominees:
• Exit Through the Gift Shop
• Inside Job
• Restrepo
• Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
• The Tillman Story
• Waiting for Superman
And the last category I discuss here this year is one of my favorites! These are all wonderful documentaries. Any of them winning would be great! My pick is Restrepo (shh don’t tell anyone that’s what I voted for), it made my top 10 this year and no documentary enaged me quite like that did. I think as a group, Waiting for Superman may be the winner – the film details education like nothing you have seen before. My advice? See all 6 of these – you won’t be disappointed and you will NEVER look at documentaries the same way again!
That’s it…tune in tonight to the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at 9PM ET/PT on VH1
*yes there is a preshow an hour earlier, might be fun to see Joan Rivers on the other side of the Red Carpet interviews.
Kamis, 13 Januari 2011
Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 - On DVD / Bluray Feb. 1
So I have to break up the awards coverage...with this....my daughter loves dogs, and this movie has lots of them, so indulge me if you will with this inside look at Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2.
Critics' Choice Movie Awards 2011 - Preview Pt3
Ahh, the actors, this is what many of you wait for, even more so than the pictures themselves. Actors have a way of making us feel extreme emotion. They pull us in so we don’t think of the actor, but enjoy the character and believe we are a fly on the wall watching them at their strongest, weakest, and most emotion filled moments.
BEST ACTOR
Nominees:
• Jeff Bridges - "True Grit"
• Robert Duvall - "Get Low"
• Jesse Eisenberg - "The Social Network"
• Colin Firth - "The King's Speech"
• James Franco - "127 Hours"
• Ryan Gosling - "Blue Valentine"
What a great group of talent here. It seems like every year this group is filled with folks I would like to see win the award. Duvall’s performance in Get Low is what we’ve come to expect, but against some of these young upstarts, it’s happy to be nominated. Bridges who won last year for Crazy Heart will probably come up short here, but you never know. Ryan Gosling is one performance away from the big one, but deserves to be mentioned in this group. Eisenberg is Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network and if the film starts to sweep awards, it could show up here as well. Firth just keep delivering award worthy performances year after year. The King’s Speech shows that ANYTHING the man does should be considered.
All that said, I really think for those that experienced the film 127 Hours know that this was on Franco’s back. To engage, to feel, to be enlightened and to show emotion all depended on Franco’s talents and he’d be my choice here, but what about my colleagues? I think Firth might be theirs, but we’ll see.
BEST ACTRESS
Nominees:
• Annette Bening - "The Kids Are All Right"
• Nicole Kidman - "Rabbit Hole"
• Jennifer Lawrence - "Winter's Bone"
• Natalie Portman - "Black Swan"
• Noomi Rapace - "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
• Michelle Williams - "Blue Valentine"
There are some truly standout performances in this category as well. We could, have another tie in this category as votes will fly everywhere. And if not a tie, this may be decided by a handful of votes. I think Michelle Williams and Noomi Rapace are great additions, but probably won’t win the category. It comes down to 4 ladies for the award. Natalie Portman is absolutely magnificent in Black Swan. Even people who may not have liked the film have to admit she was amazing. Seeing Jennifer Lawrence take on such a big role at a young age almost boggles the mind. Annette Bening delivers one of her best performances in a movie that seems to be flying under the radar a bit though was talked about as deserving to be here MONTHS ago. And for those that could sit through a really hard topic, Nicole Kidman will take your heart and tie it in knots with her role in Rabbit Hole.
I’ve got to think this is Natalie Portman’s award. The group gave Black Swan the most nominations and she was at the crux of that situation. Though any of those top 4 could garner enough support to take home the award.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Nominees:
• Christian Bale - "The Fighter"
• Andrew Garfield - "The Social Network"
• Jeremy Renner - "The Town"
• Sam Rockwell - "Conviction"
• Mark Ruffalo - "The Kids Are All Right"
• Geoffrey Rush - "The King's Speech"
I really like Christian Bale in The Fighter. There, I said it! It is the best film I’ve seen this year, and his performance is one of the best in any acting category. I think he wins this award and he is well deserving of it. However, if there is an upset one of many scenarios could take place. Andrew Garfield could ride a wave of The Social Network love and win for his turn. Jeremy Renner was good, but this was no The Hurt Locker role in The Town. Sam Rockwell actually I think had a role in Conviction that was bigger and better than the film itself. Mark Ruffalo was an early favorite before the momentum slowed for The Kids Are All Right. Geoffrey Rush could steal this, as he played effortlessly off of Colin Firth in a movie that has a lot of love out there.
Wait, I said it already…Christian Bale, The Fighter.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Nominees:
• Amy Adams - "The Fighter"
• Helena Bonham Carter - "The King's Speech"
• Mila Kunis - "Black Swan"
• Melissa Leo - "The Fighter"
• Hailee Steinfeld - "True Grit"
• Jacki Weaver - "Animal Kingdom"
The Fighter had such strong acting talents that two of the women got nominations in this category. Amy Adams as the girlfriend that breaks into Mickey Ward’s inner circle and Melissa Leo as the mother who has someone’s best interests at heart…the only question is whose? Helena Bonham Carter has a solid role in The King’s Speech, it’s just understated compared to the other nominees. Jacki Weaver steals the show in Animal Kingdom, but there are too many heavy hitters here. Mila Kunis provides the perfect companion to Natalie Portman in Black Swan. And Hailee Steinfeld – at a young age – performs in virtually every scene in the amazing True Grit.
Ok…the tough part….who wins? I’d love to see one of the two from The Fighter (but I think they will split votes). Could lead to a Mila Kunis surprise for the loved Black Swan. But – if I had to reallllllllly make a prediction….realllllllly….I’d say Hailee Steinfeld wins for her amazing performance in True Grit. Though…she is also up for the best young actor/actress and she could win that and this award go to Mila. Am I confused? Yes, yes I am!
Tomorrow, finally…Best Pic, Doc, Animated, Foreign, Director AND the Screenplays.
The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards airs live on VH1, Friday, January 14 at 9ET/PT.
BEST ACTOR
Nominees:
• Jeff Bridges - "True Grit"
• Robert Duvall - "Get Low"
• Jesse Eisenberg - "The Social Network"
• Colin Firth - "The King's Speech"
• James Franco - "127 Hours"
• Ryan Gosling - "Blue Valentine"
What a great group of talent here. It seems like every year this group is filled with folks I would like to see win the award. Duvall’s performance in Get Low is what we’ve come to expect, but against some of these young upstarts, it’s happy to be nominated. Bridges who won last year for Crazy Heart will probably come up short here, but you never know. Ryan Gosling is one performance away from the big one, but deserves to be mentioned in this group. Eisenberg is Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network and if the film starts to sweep awards, it could show up here as well. Firth just keep delivering award worthy performances year after year. The King’s Speech shows that ANYTHING the man does should be considered.
All that said, I really think for those that experienced the film 127 Hours know that this was on Franco’s back. To engage, to feel, to be enlightened and to show emotion all depended on Franco’s talents and he’d be my choice here, but what about my colleagues? I think Firth might be theirs, but we’ll see.
BEST ACTRESS
Nominees:
• Annette Bening - "The Kids Are All Right"
• Nicole Kidman - "Rabbit Hole"
• Jennifer Lawrence - "Winter's Bone"
• Natalie Portman - "Black Swan"
• Noomi Rapace - "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
• Michelle Williams - "Blue Valentine"
There are some truly standout performances in this category as well. We could, have another tie in this category as votes will fly everywhere. And if not a tie, this may be decided by a handful of votes. I think Michelle Williams and Noomi Rapace are great additions, but probably won’t win the category. It comes down to 4 ladies for the award. Natalie Portman is absolutely magnificent in Black Swan. Even people who may not have liked the film have to admit she was amazing. Seeing Jennifer Lawrence take on such a big role at a young age almost boggles the mind. Annette Bening delivers one of her best performances in a movie that seems to be flying under the radar a bit though was talked about as deserving to be here MONTHS ago. And for those that could sit through a really hard topic, Nicole Kidman will take your heart and tie it in knots with her role in Rabbit Hole.
I’ve got to think this is Natalie Portman’s award. The group gave Black Swan the most nominations and she was at the crux of that situation. Though any of those top 4 could garner enough support to take home the award.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Nominees:
• Christian Bale - "The Fighter"
• Andrew Garfield - "The Social Network"
• Jeremy Renner - "The Town"
• Sam Rockwell - "Conviction"
• Mark Ruffalo - "The Kids Are All Right"
• Geoffrey Rush - "The King's Speech"
I really like Christian Bale in The Fighter. There, I said it! It is the best film I’ve seen this year, and his performance is one of the best in any acting category. I think he wins this award and he is well deserving of it. However, if there is an upset one of many scenarios could take place. Andrew Garfield could ride a wave of The Social Network love and win for his turn. Jeremy Renner was good, but this was no The Hurt Locker role in The Town. Sam Rockwell actually I think had a role in Conviction that was bigger and better than the film itself. Mark Ruffalo was an early favorite before the momentum slowed for The Kids Are All Right. Geoffrey Rush could steal this, as he played effortlessly off of Colin Firth in a movie that has a lot of love out there.
Wait, I said it already…Christian Bale, The Fighter.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Nominees:
• Amy Adams - "The Fighter"
• Helena Bonham Carter - "The King's Speech"
• Mila Kunis - "Black Swan"
• Melissa Leo - "The Fighter"
• Hailee Steinfeld - "True Grit"
• Jacki Weaver - "Animal Kingdom"
The Fighter had such strong acting talents that two of the women got nominations in this category. Amy Adams as the girlfriend that breaks into Mickey Ward’s inner circle and Melissa Leo as the mother who has someone’s best interests at heart…the only question is whose? Helena Bonham Carter has a solid role in The King’s Speech, it’s just understated compared to the other nominees. Jacki Weaver steals the show in Animal Kingdom, but there are too many heavy hitters here. Mila Kunis provides the perfect companion to Natalie Portman in Black Swan. And Hailee Steinfeld – at a young age – performs in virtually every scene in the amazing True Grit.
Ok…the tough part….who wins? I’d love to see one of the two from The Fighter (but I think they will split votes). Could lead to a Mila Kunis surprise for the loved Black Swan. But – if I had to reallllllllly make a prediction….realllllllly….I’d say Hailee Steinfeld wins for her amazing performance in True Grit. Though…she is also up for the best young actor/actress and she could win that and this award go to Mila. Am I confused? Yes, yes I am!
Tomorrow, finally…Best Pic, Doc, Animated, Foreign, Director AND the Screenplays.
The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards airs live on VH1, Friday, January 14 at 9ET/PT.
Rabu, 12 Januari 2011
We Now Pause For This Brief Moment
In going through the Critics' Choice Movie Awards Nominations...I've decided to make Wednesday the calm between the storm.
More on the big categories tomorrow and Friday morning...but...
How about a look at some of the "should've been" nominees that didn't make the cut.
One of my favorites for best actor this year was Michael Douglas in A Solitary Man -- delivers and absolute gem of a performance in a small film that was released earlier this year -- take a peek on DVD/Bluray now!
Our comedy category had a lot of nice films in it, but how about Please Give (the dark comedy with Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt) and the very funny Hot Tub Time Machine -- yes that was released in Early 2010.
Justin Timberlake was solid in his smaller role in The Social Network. I loved him and could have seen both him AND Andrew Garfield in that category.
The Expendables was just a great all out action film, ok, maybe not award worthy but the category is BEST ACTION FILM...and that had the action.
In the Score category, I can't help but keep thinking about Danny Elfman's work on Alice in Wonderland -- win the award? Maybe not, but it is in the mix in my head.
And what about the Pharrell Williams song "Despicable Me"? Couldn't that catchy tune fill your head with all that the film was about.
Overall -- I really think these are a good list of nominees, but I just liked some to be in the mix as well. That's the fun of awards season though.
More on the big categories tomorrow and Friday morning...but...
How about a look at some of the "should've been" nominees that didn't make the cut.
One of my favorites for best actor this year was Michael Douglas in A Solitary Man -- delivers and absolute gem of a performance in a small film that was released earlier this year -- take a peek on DVD/Bluray now!
Our comedy category had a lot of nice films in it, but how about Please Give (the dark comedy with Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt) and the very funny Hot Tub Time Machine -- yes that was released in Early 2010.
Justin Timberlake was solid in his smaller role in The Social Network. I loved him and could have seen both him AND Andrew Garfield in that category.
The Expendables was just a great all out action film, ok, maybe not award worthy but the category is BEST ACTION FILM...and that had the action.
In the Score category, I can't help but keep thinking about Danny Elfman's work on Alice in Wonderland -- win the award? Maybe not, but it is in the mix in my head.
And what about the Pharrell Williams song "Despicable Me"? Couldn't that catchy tune fill your head with all that the film was about.
Overall -- I really think these are a good list of nominees, but I just liked some to be in the mix as well. That's the fun of awards season though.
Selasa, 11 Januari 2011
Critics' Choice Movie Awards 2011 - Preview Pt2
Today’s feature…The BFCA Specials and The Music
Sure there are some other awards ceremonies that have these categories as well, or at least similar versions of the same thing. But these are part of what make this ceremony fun and unique. Plus, let’s face it…we all love Action films, Comedies and the stars of tomorrow. And then there is the music, the music that makes the films so memorable.
BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Nominees:
• Elle Fanning - "Somewhere"
• Jennifer Lawrence - "Winter's Bone"
• Chloe Grace Moretz - "Let Me In"
• Chloe Grace Moretz - "Kick-Ass"
• Kodi Smit-McPhee - "Let Me In"
• Hailee Steinfeld - "True Grit"
Ok, this is a tough one, really. I love to see Chloe here, especially the Let Me In nomination for both her and Kodi Smit-McPhee, a great place for a solid performance in that film. But is there two more solid performances that carry weight beyond the category Jennifer Lawrence and Hailee Steinfeld deliver some of the best performance of the year irregardless of age, so who wins? I’d lean Hailee…but Jennifer wouldn’t surprise me.
BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
Nominees:
• The Fighter
• The Kids Are All Right
• The King's Speech
• The Social Network
• The Town
I really don’t know where my colleagues go on this…the all around nominated cast of The Fighter? Or will the standouts from The Social Network ride a wave for the night? Or could this be a surprise? Maybe the under recognized cast from The Kids Are All Right walk home with the win?
BEST ACTION MOVIE
Nominees:
• Inception
• Kick-Ass
• Red
• The Town
• Unstoppable
Shouldn’t The Expendables be in this group? Come on…Stallone and crew just defines action. Ok, so it's a guilty pleasure for me this year. But as far as “Quality” action films these are probably better choices. If I had to guess…I might think Inception or The Town, but there is a love for Denzel as well.
BEST COMEDY
Nominees:
• Cyrus
• Date Night
• Easy A
• Get Him to the Greek
• I Love You Phillip Morris
• The Other Guys
Easy A was in my Top 10 this year. Easy A should walk away a winner. But don’t count out I Love You Phillip Morris or Cyrus.
BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Nominees:
• The Pacific
• Temple Grandin
• You Don't Know Jack
I still prefer The Special Relationship with Michael Sheen and Dennis Quaid. Can I write it in? That said, The Pacific was a major accomplishment and should be recognized.
BEST SONG
Nominees:
• "I See the Light" - performed by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi/written by Alan Menken & Glenn Slater - Tangled
• "If I Rise" - performed by Dido and A.R. Rahman/music by A.R. Rahman/lyrics by Dido Armstrong and Rollo Armstrong - 127 Hours
• "Shine" - performed and written by John Legend - Waiting for Superman
• "We Belong Together" - performed and written by Randy Newman - Toy Story 3
• "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me Yet" - performed by Cher/written by Diane Warren - Burlesque
I really like John Legend here. If you haven’t heard the song or seen the film, please, please, please check out Waiting for Superman. It will make your heartache and Legend’s song is a pitch perfect end to the film. If I Rise is solid and Randy Newman is always strong plus you can’t count out an Alan Menken tune. This is Legend’s in my mind though…and I’ll even share here – that IS my vote.
BEST SCORE
Nominees:
• "Black Swan" - Clint Mansell
• "Inception" - Hans Zimmer
• "The King's Speech" - Alexandre Desplat
• "The Social Network" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
• "True Grit" - Carter Burwell
What a great group of scores! Hans Zimmer brings an amazing tone to Inception. Clint Mansell sets the stage in Black Swan. Alexandre Desplat adds the right mood to The King’s Speech. And Carter Burwell transports us to the west with True Grit. But there is a certain cool to the Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross soundtrack on The Social Network. Nothing would surprise me here.
Tomorrow: The Acting Categories!
The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards airs live on VH1, Friday, January 14 at 9ET/PT.
Sure there are some other awards ceremonies that have these categories as well, or at least similar versions of the same thing. But these are part of what make this ceremony fun and unique. Plus, let’s face it…we all love Action films, Comedies and the stars of tomorrow. And then there is the music, the music that makes the films so memorable.
BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Nominees:
• Elle Fanning - "Somewhere"
• Jennifer Lawrence - "Winter's Bone"
• Chloe Grace Moretz - "Let Me In"
• Chloe Grace Moretz - "Kick-Ass"
• Kodi Smit-McPhee - "Let Me In"
• Hailee Steinfeld - "True Grit"
Ok, this is a tough one, really. I love to see Chloe here, especially the Let Me In nomination for both her and Kodi Smit-McPhee, a great place for a solid performance in that film. But is there two more solid performances that carry weight beyond the category Jennifer Lawrence and Hailee Steinfeld deliver some of the best performance of the year irregardless of age, so who wins? I’d lean Hailee…but Jennifer wouldn’t surprise me.
BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
Nominees:
• The Fighter
• The Kids Are All Right
• The King's Speech
• The Social Network
• The Town
I really don’t know where my colleagues go on this…the all around nominated cast of The Fighter? Or will the standouts from The Social Network ride a wave for the night? Or could this be a surprise? Maybe the under recognized cast from The Kids Are All Right walk home with the win?
BEST ACTION MOVIE
Nominees:
• Inception
• Kick-Ass
• Red
• The Town
• Unstoppable
Shouldn’t The Expendables be in this group? Come on…Stallone and crew just defines action. Ok, so it's a guilty pleasure for me this year. But as far as “Quality” action films these are probably better choices. If I had to guess…I might think Inception or The Town, but there is a love for Denzel as well.
BEST COMEDY
Nominees:
• Cyrus
• Date Night
• Easy A
• Get Him to the Greek
• I Love You Phillip Morris
• The Other Guys
Easy A was in my Top 10 this year. Easy A should walk away a winner. But don’t count out I Love You Phillip Morris or Cyrus.
BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Nominees:
• The Pacific
• Temple Grandin
• You Don't Know Jack
I still prefer The Special Relationship with Michael Sheen and Dennis Quaid. Can I write it in? That said, The Pacific was a major accomplishment and should be recognized.
BEST SONG
Nominees:
• "I See the Light" - performed by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi/written by Alan Menken & Glenn Slater - Tangled
• "If I Rise" - performed by Dido and A.R. Rahman/music by A.R. Rahman/lyrics by Dido Armstrong and Rollo Armstrong - 127 Hours
• "Shine" - performed and written by John Legend - Waiting for Superman
• "We Belong Together" - performed and written by Randy Newman - Toy Story 3
• "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me Yet" - performed by Cher/written by Diane Warren - Burlesque
I really like John Legend here. If you haven’t heard the song or seen the film, please, please, please check out Waiting for Superman. It will make your heartache and Legend’s song is a pitch perfect end to the film. If I Rise is solid and Randy Newman is always strong plus you can’t count out an Alan Menken tune. This is Legend’s in my mind though…and I’ll even share here – that IS my vote.
BEST SCORE
Nominees:
• "Black Swan" - Clint Mansell
• "Inception" - Hans Zimmer
• "The King's Speech" - Alexandre Desplat
• "The Social Network" - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
• "True Grit" - Carter Burwell
What a great group of scores! Hans Zimmer brings an amazing tone to Inception. Clint Mansell sets the stage in Black Swan. Alexandre Desplat adds the right mood to The King’s Speech. And Carter Burwell transports us to the west with True Grit. But there is a certain cool to the Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross soundtrack on The Social Network. Nothing would surprise me here.
Tomorrow: The Acting Categories!
The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards airs live on VH1, Friday, January 14 at 9ET/PT.
Senin, 10 Januari 2011
Home Screening Room -- It's all about The Social Network
Just From Theaters
The Social Network (PG-13) Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
One of the best films released in 2010 comes home. This is worth getting to the store and picking up your copy.
Piranha (R) Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott
Deadly killer fish, sounds like good cheesy fun…can it be?
Alpha and Omega (PG) Justin Long Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci
Animated film about two wolves who return home.
Also new this week…
ER: The Complete Fourteenth Season
The Hessen Conspiracy (NR) Billy Zane
Hot in Cleveland: Season One
Stonerville (R) Pauly Shore, Leslie Nielsen
I was going to post Stonerville here...but instead...I picked an And Finally film this week that I'm really curious about.
And Finally...
The Freebie (R) Dax Shepard, Katie Aselton
Gotta share this trailer with you. What do you think?
Pick of the Week
Pick up The Social Network. You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks!
Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!
The Social Network (PG-13) Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
One of the best films released in 2010 comes home. This is worth getting to the store and picking up your copy.
Piranha (R) Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott
Deadly killer fish, sounds like good cheesy fun…can it be?
Alpha and Omega (PG) Justin Long Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci
Animated film about two wolves who return home.
Also new this week…
ER: The Complete Fourteenth Season
The Hessen Conspiracy (NR) Billy Zane
Hot in Cleveland: Season One
Stonerville (R) Pauly Shore, Leslie Nielsen
I was going to post Stonerville here...but instead...I picked an And Finally film this week that I'm really curious about.
And Finally...
The Freebie (R) Dax Shepard, Katie Aselton
Gotta share this trailer with you. What do you think?
Pick of the Week
Pick up The Social Network. You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks!
Pop Some Popcorn, Pop a Pepsi, and Pop in a DVD and remember to Save Me A Seat!
Critics' Choice Movie Awards 2011 - Preview Pt1
For folks like me, who talk about movies year round, awards season can be a bustling and crazy time. No, I don’t live on one of the coasts. I’m not going to parties. But I am watching a lot of the best films from the year, multiple times.
You see, I’m a voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA for short) and this Friday, January 14th, VH1 will air our 16th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards ceremony and 9PM ET/PT. The best and the brightest from this year’s biggest films will be on hand to see who I (and my colleagues) have determined be the best of 2010.
Last year’s awards ceremonies were highlighted by a huge win for The Hurt Locker and the infamous Sandra Bullock/Meryl Streep kiss among other things. Nick Jonas and the Administration provided the music and Kevin Bacon was honored for his off-screen work. This year, Maroon 5 steps to the plate and will provide some great tunes while Matt Damon is honored for his work beyond the bright lights. The only question is; who will provide the memorable moments? Find out on Friday, 1/14/11 on VH1.
Over the next few days, I’ll take a look at some of the categories and who will take the awards home. I have one vote in the mix of about 250 members, so it’s just my say so, and they don’t always agree with what I like the most…but here’s a little insight before Friday’s awards.
Today’s feature…The Tech Awards
Although they aren’t featured on TV as much, and don’t get the limelight as they should, these are the folks that make films go. They make that pulse quicken in your heart, they make you recoil in horror, and of course they make your film experience go from good to great.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Nominees:
• "127 Hours" - Anthony Dod Mantle and Enrique Chediak
• "Black Swan" - Matthew Libatique
• "Inception" - Wally Pfister
• "The King's Speech" - Danny Cohen
• "True Grit" - Roger Deakins
Deakins is a true master in this field, I can easily see him walking away with this award, if not him…let’s talk Inception, shall we and Wally Pfister.
BEST ART DIRECTION
Nominees:
• "Alice in Wonderland" - Robert Stromberg and Karen O’Hara
• "Black Swan" - Therese DePrez and Tora Peterson
• "Inception" - Guy Hendrix Dyas and Larry Dias & Doug Mowat
• "The King's Speech" - Eve Stewart and Judy Farr
• "True Grit" - Jess Gonchor and Nancy Haigh
Still trying to get a beat on this category and where our group will go, I think there may be further True Grit/Inception love but watch out for Alice.
BEST EDITING
Nominees:
• "127 Hours" - Jon Harris
• "Black Swan" - Andrew Weisblum
• "Inception" - Lee Smith
• "The Social Network" - Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
The Social Network is poised for a big night, everywhere. I can see it winning here as well, but these are great competitors all around.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Nominees:
• "Alice in Wonderland" - Colleen Atwood
• "Black Swan" - Amy Westcott, Kate Mulleavy and Laura Mulleavy
• "The King's Speech" - Jenny Beavan
• "True Grit" - Mary Zophres
Love the costumes in Alice, come on…but…
BEST MAKEUP
Nominees:
• Alice in Wonderland
• Black Swan
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
• True Grit
Alice again, the tech awards dominated here? Or will Black Swan unseat and take home one of a few for the night.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Nominees:
• Alice in Wonderland
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
• Inception
• Tron: Legacy
Please let Inception win, please?
BEST SOUND
Nominees:
• 127 Hours
• Black Swan
• Inception
• The Social Network
• Toy Story 3
I still remember the sound at Inception and how it just enveloped the audience making everyone immersed in the title. Though there is something to be said for the other titles here, Inception has got to get it, right?
Tomorrow, time to tackle some of our unique awards as well as the music!
The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards airs live on VH1, Friday, January 14 at 9ET/PT.
You see, I’m a voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA for short) and this Friday, January 14th, VH1 will air our 16th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards ceremony and 9PM ET/PT. The best and the brightest from this year’s biggest films will be on hand to see who I (and my colleagues) have determined be the best of 2010.
Last year’s awards ceremonies were highlighted by a huge win for The Hurt Locker and the infamous Sandra Bullock/Meryl Streep kiss among other things. Nick Jonas and the Administration provided the music and Kevin Bacon was honored for his off-screen work. This year, Maroon 5 steps to the plate and will provide some great tunes while Matt Damon is honored for his work beyond the bright lights. The only question is; who will provide the memorable moments? Find out on Friday, 1/14/11 on VH1.
Over the next few days, I’ll take a look at some of the categories and who will take the awards home. I have one vote in the mix of about 250 members, so it’s just my say so, and they don’t always agree with what I like the most…but here’s a little insight before Friday’s awards.
Today’s feature…The Tech Awards
Although they aren’t featured on TV as much, and don’t get the limelight as they should, these are the folks that make films go. They make that pulse quicken in your heart, they make you recoil in horror, and of course they make your film experience go from good to great.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Nominees:
• "127 Hours" - Anthony Dod Mantle and Enrique Chediak
• "Black Swan" - Matthew Libatique
• "Inception" - Wally Pfister
• "The King's Speech" - Danny Cohen
• "True Grit" - Roger Deakins
Deakins is a true master in this field, I can easily see him walking away with this award, if not him…let’s talk Inception, shall we and Wally Pfister.
BEST ART DIRECTION
Nominees:
• "Alice in Wonderland" - Robert Stromberg and Karen O’Hara
• "Black Swan" - Therese DePrez and Tora Peterson
• "Inception" - Guy Hendrix Dyas and Larry Dias & Doug Mowat
• "The King's Speech" - Eve Stewart and Judy Farr
• "True Grit" - Jess Gonchor and Nancy Haigh
Still trying to get a beat on this category and where our group will go, I think there may be further True Grit/Inception love but watch out for Alice.
BEST EDITING
Nominees:
• "127 Hours" - Jon Harris
• "Black Swan" - Andrew Weisblum
• "Inception" - Lee Smith
• "The Social Network" - Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
The Social Network is poised for a big night, everywhere. I can see it winning here as well, but these are great competitors all around.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Nominees:
• "Alice in Wonderland" - Colleen Atwood
• "Black Swan" - Amy Westcott, Kate Mulleavy and Laura Mulleavy
• "The King's Speech" - Jenny Beavan
• "True Grit" - Mary Zophres
Love the costumes in Alice, come on…but…
BEST MAKEUP
Nominees:
• Alice in Wonderland
• Black Swan
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
• True Grit
Alice again, the tech awards dominated here? Or will Black Swan unseat and take home one of a few for the night.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Nominees:
• Alice in Wonderland
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
• Inception
• Tron: Legacy
Please let Inception win, please?
BEST SOUND
Nominees:
• 127 Hours
• Black Swan
• Inception
• The Social Network
• Toy Story 3
I still remember the sound at Inception and how it just enveloped the audience making everyone immersed in the title. Though there is something to be said for the other titles here, Inception has got to get it, right?
Tomorrow, time to tackle some of our unique awards as well as the music!
The Critics’ Choice Movie Awards airs live on VH1, Friday, January 14 at 9ET/PT.
Sabtu, 08 Januari 2011
Review - Country Strong
Not Quite Headliner Quality
Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow) is a country icon. She has sold out shows across the country and continues to be one of the most sought after tickets in country music. Currently, Kelly is spending time in a rehab center after a very public meltdown that cost her more than just some time off of her career.
While in rehab she meets a country singer of his own right. Beau (Garrett Hedlund) works at the rehab center during the day and plays the club scene at night. His relationship with Kelly seems to have grown during her time in the center, but when Kelly’s husband James (Tim McGraw) pulls her out of rehab early things change.
Kelly pleads with James to let Beau open for her on her “comeback” tour. Despite the fact that James is clued in to find the next “hot” young female talent, in this case Chlies Stanton (Leighton Meester); he finds a reason for Beau to join them and a purpose for him on the tour.
A tour that was supposed to showcase Kelly’s return to the limelight instead ends up with a bright light shining on every shortcoming in her life. From a marriage that lost most of the love that existed, to a misguided relationship, to a loss of confidence, Kelly sure isn’t ready for this return to the road, even if the road is ready for the return of Kelly.
Will Kelly be able to repair her career, her emotions, her relationship and her life? Or will this be another lyric to a future country sad song?
The music of this film is solid and enjoyable. Paltrow, Hedlund and Meester can sing. But unfortunately their accomplished acting talents don’t get put to the test in this film. Instead a film that seems to have large emotional weight built into the story that is laid before us, just scratches the surface of what could have been. Even the details that make up the basis for the tour seem haphazard and slipshod in the way they are glossed over.
While the back-story for Kelly holds so much promise, it never rises to the fore. We don’t even get a glimpse of Kelly’s meltdown. And with that, it is hard to view Kelly as the monster that took part in a heinous act that haunts everyone. Instead, because Paltrow is so likable, you just don’t feel the past.
The film just feels watered down, to the point where the emotion got lifted from the picture. Sure, I got emotionally attached to some things within the film, but they were limited at best.
I wanted more from Country Strong, there was some great musical performance that will make for a fun soundtrack. Instead of being a movie that headlines a weekend, this is simply another opening act.
C+
Country Strong
Screen Gems
Director: Shana Feste
Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund, Leighton Meester
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements involving alcohol abuse and some sexual content.
Runtime: 112 minutes.
Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow) is a country icon. She has sold out shows across the country and continues to be one of the most sought after tickets in country music. Currently, Kelly is spending time in a rehab center after a very public meltdown that cost her more than just some time off of her career.
While in rehab she meets a country singer of his own right. Beau (Garrett Hedlund) works at the rehab center during the day and plays the club scene at night. His relationship with Kelly seems to have grown during her time in the center, but when Kelly’s husband James (Tim McGraw) pulls her out of rehab early things change.
Kelly pleads with James to let Beau open for her on her “comeback” tour. Despite the fact that James is clued in to find the next “hot” young female talent, in this case Chlies Stanton (Leighton Meester); he finds a reason for Beau to join them and a purpose for him on the tour.
A tour that was supposed to showcase Kelly’s return to the limelight instead ends up with a bright light shining on every shortcoming in her life. From a marriage that lost most of the love that existed, to a misguided relationship, to a loss of confidence, Kelly sure isn’t ready for this return to the road, even if the road is ready for the return of Kelly.
Will Kelly be able to repair her career, her emotions, her relationship and her life? Or will this be another lyric to a future country sad song?
The music of this film is solid and enjoyable. Paltrow, Hedlund and Meester can sing. But unfortunately their accomplished acting talents don’t get put to the test in this film. Instead a film that seems to have large emotional weight built into the story that is laid before us, just scratches the surface of what could have been. Even the details that make up the basis for the tour seem haphazard and slipshod in the way they are glossed over.
While the back-story for Kelly holds so much promise, it never rises to the fore. We don’t even get a glimpse of Kelly’s meltdown. And with that, it is hard to view Kelly as the monster that took part in a heinous act that haunts everyone. Instead, because Paltrow is so likable, you just don’t feel the past.
The film just feels watered down, to the point where the emotion got lifted from the picture. Sure, I got emotionally attached to some things within the film, but they were limited at best.
I wanted more from Country Strong, there was some great musical performance that will make for a fun soundtrack. Instead of being a movie that headlines a weekend, this is simply another opening act.
C+
Country Strong
Screen Gems
Director: Shana Feste
Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund, Leighton Meester
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements involving alcohol abuse and some sexual content.
Runtime: 112 minutes.
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