John Carter is Going to the Superbowl, And You Can Too

Press Release
A contest that will let you go to the Super Bowl in 2013 in New Orleans! Plus scroll to the bottom for a Sneak Peek at John Carter's Super Bowl commercial.

DISNEY’S “JOHN CARTER” TEAMS UP WITH THE NFL
TO GIVE VIEWERS A CHANCE TO ENTER
“THE JOURNEY TO THE SUPER BOWL SWEEPSTAKES”

SPECIAL CODE REVEALED DURING “JOHN CARTER” 30-SECOND COMMERCIAL

BURBANK, CALIF. (January 30, 2012)– Disney announced today that they have collaborated with the NFL to give viewers anopportunity to enter The Journey to the Super Bowl Sweepstakes with an ad that will run during the Super Bowl XLVI broadcast on Sunday, February 5, 2012.  The Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for two to Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 in New Orleans.

Viewers who are interested in entering the sweepstakes should tune into the game and watch for the “John Carter” commercial. During the airing of the 30-second spot, a code will be revealed. Viewers can then go to NFL.com/JohnCarter and input the code to be entered in the sweepstakes.

The Grand Prize is a trip for two to Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, La. The trip includes a 5-day/4-night trip for the winner and guest to attend the game, two tickets to Super Bowl XLVII and access to Game Day hospitality at the stadium. For more information on the sweepstakes and for the official rules, visit NFL.com/JohnCarter.

“John Carter” is a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars) and  is based on a classic novel byEdgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film, directed by Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton, tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

Disney presents “John Carter,” with Jim Morris, Colin Wilson and Lindsey Collins producing, and screenplay by Andrew Stanton & Mark Andrews and Michael Chabon, based on the story “A Princess of Mars,” by Edgar Rice Burroughs. “John Carter” is slated for a March 9,  2012 release.

For more information about the movie visit the official Website: disney.com/johncarter.

Trademarks JOHN CARTER, JCM Design, JOHN CARTER OF MARS, BARSOOM, and PRINCESS OF MARS, owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and used by permission.

Real Milwaukee - Oscar Nomination Talk

What did I say on Real Milwaukee this morning? Well here's the video! Take a peek and if you like it make sure you let us know!

Quick Oscar Noms Thoughts

Had a quick stop at Real Milwaukee to make this morning so I apologize for the delay in getting this posted online.

My quick thoughts as this goes live…

-       A lot of love for Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close – and that’s not a bad thing. Other than that, Best Picture looks as many envisioned it would.

-       Best Actor looks to favor George Clooney (and good for him…love love love The Descendants). Demian Bichir surprised, but if you haven’t seen A Better Life do yourself a favor and see it, it’s REALLY a great performance.

-       Best Actress has all the heavyweights there PLUS they included ROONEY MARA!!!! Yes I’m a fan, her performance rocks The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo!

-       Best Supporting Actor surprised me by leaving the ultra cool role for Albert Brooks out of the mix. But then it surprised me with Jonah Hill in the mix. All signs point to Christopher Plummer though.

-       Supporting Actress features lots of surprises. Melissa McCarthy was wonderful in Bridesmaids and the Academy saw that while The Help gets both Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer on board. (Could this be Octavia’s Spencer’s night?)

-       Other quick comments…

-       Two animated features that no one in the general public has heard of?

-       Only TWO nominees for Best Song???? (Man or Muppet PLEASE)

-       Documentary Feature Hell and Back Again is ON DVD Today!

-       TWO nominations for John Williams this year…TintinAND War Horse in the Original Score category.

-       I love the screenplay category – but disappointed nothing for 50/50 or Martha Marcy May Marlene. ECSTATIC that Bridesmaids, Margin Call and A Separation all showed in Original Screenplay AND did you see the list in Adapted Screenplay (a who’s who of some of the best of the year).

Now we wait – until the end of Feb to see who wins – get ye to a theater or DVD player and start catching up on some of the year’s best now!

Get the full list at www.oscar.com and it will be posted here later this evening.

More thoughts will be posted later today!

p

Home Screening Room - Real Steel is a 50/50 bet

This Week’s Big Releases

50/50 – Rated R (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Bryce Dallas Howard)

One of the most underrated movies of 2011, this is a must see. Deals with a tough topic, cancer in a young man, and the life he and his friends lead after diagnosis with humor and a heavy dose of reality in a way like nothing that I can quite remember.

Paranormal Activity 3 – Rated R (Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden)

© 2011 DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC.
All Rights Reserved.

Yep, PA3…need I say more?

Real Steel – Rated PG-13 (Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo)

Another must see from 2011, this truly surprised me. A film about the new sport of boxing that brings a father and son together, Real Steel is more than a new version of Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots. It rocks.

Also new this week…

Another Happy Day – Rated R (Ellen Barkin, Kate Bosworth)

Hell and Back Again – Rated NR

The Lie – Rated R (Joshua Leonard, Jess Wexler)

Restless – Rated PG-13 (Mia Wasikowska, Henry Hooper)

Tales of an Ancient Empire – Rated R (Kevin Sorbo, Michael Pare)

The Whistleblower – Rated R (Rachel Weisz, Monica Bellucci) As a police officer working as a peacekeeper in Bosnia she uncovers the corruption beneath the surface.

And Finally

Revenge of the Electric Car – Rated PG-13

A couple years back the doc was Who Killed the Electric Car? And now….it’s time…..the Revenge of the Electric Car.

Check out the trailer below.

Pick of the Week

Man, I love 50/50…one of my favorite films in 2011 (made my top 25 list). And Real Steel was a nice surprise for something that I truly didn’t expect.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

A Special Sneak Preview of Man On A Ledge

Hey there,

Just thought I'd share something Summit just sent over -- a peek at the new film Man On A Ledge. Take a look.

Home Screening Room - The Ides of March lead to a Courgeous Abduction

This Week’s Big Releases

Abduction – Rated PG-13 (Taylor Lautner, Alfred Molina)
What happens when you find out your life’s a lie. Taylor Lautner’s Nathan finds out just that and now that he has this knowledge, there are killers searching for him.

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star – Rated R (Nick Swardson, Christina Ricci)

When you have two parents that are adult film stars you think that is your legacy. That’s what Bucky believes and he sets out to take the next step.

Courageous – Rated PG-13 (Alex Kendrick, Kevin Downes)
They’ve taken an oath to protect and serve, but it is nothing compared to fatherhood. It takes everything they have to do the most important part of your life and they will have to come together with each other and God to make it through.

The Ides of March – Rated R (Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Evan Rachel Wood)

A movie that made my it to #9 on my 2011 Best Films list, The Ides of March is a great film for political junkies of all types. George Clooney directs and lets Ryan Gosling steal the show in this look behind the scenes of a campaign and a scandal that rocks all the camps involved.

Also new this week…
Kevin Hart: Laugh At My Pain – Rated R (Kevin Hart) His 2011 comedy tour.

Killing Bono – Rated R (Ben Barnes, Robert Sheehan)
Yes – it’s that Bono. The story of a young Irish rock band who watches as their school friends become the biggest band in the world (U2).

Undocumented – Not Rated (Scott Mechlowicz)

WWE TLC: Tables, Laddes & Chairs 2011

And Finally

Bombay Beach – Rated NR

Director Alma Har’el delivers a touching and extremely poignant look at a community that is outside of the mainstream. With a solid soundtrack and some amazing tales you can’t help but fall in love with this effort. An incredibly moving and real film, documentary films that want to see life…should see this film!

Check out the trailer below.

Pick of the Week

The Ides of March made my best of 2011, so you can bet that will be here. Also – Good Morning Vietnam has a 25^th Anniversary BluRay out today as well as a new BluRay of Dead Poets Society.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

17th Annual Critics' Chice Movie Awards

Did you miss the 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards??? Well courtesy of VH1 -- you can watch it below...Enjoy!

Get More: 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards

2012 Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Recap

2012 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards – Recap

So sometimes, the best laid plans don’t work out.

While I had planned to share lots and lots during the show…priorities changed and an under the weather wife and a daughter who needed help with homework and a little snowstorm had me watching, but not commenting.

So here is my quick takes on the awards last night.

- 4 wins for The Artist sets us up a definite front runner for the Best Picture award at the Oscars.

- The Help with 3 solid awards sets the film up as a solid contender in the race.

-  Viola Davis had an extremely touching speech and really showed a good America who she is.

- Christopher Plummer’s win surprised me – really was pulling for Albert Brooks but was happy with Plummer’s win.

- George Clooney is still the man everyone wants to be, and the man every woman wants. I really want to meet him some day. (Plus he’s in the best film of the year).

- Octavia Spencer, was she surprised or what? Good for her!

- Thomas Horn winning in the Best Young Actor category showed youthful innocence in his original response.

- Bridesmaids WAS the Best Comedy released this year.

- Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel were really decent hosts, funny without being mean. (Though that Tree of Life joke, fell a bit flat…)

- Good packages (love the Source Code references in the fictional characters we lost).

- Drive won Best Action Movie – but I STILL insist…although it was a very COOL movie…it was NOT an action film (outside of some scenes).

- Loved the appearance by Statler and Waldorf, classic…though the timing was off on the package.

- Maybe next year we need a best adult film category to sit at the “naked” table. HA!

- Would have loved to have had a little more attention to the tech awards, some of us take it very seriously and would love to see a bit more time to recognize the winners…even if not individually.

- Martin Scorsese is a class act all the way. Well deserving of his award and his nominations.

- Documentary to Scorsese just seems like nothing compared to Shine A Light or some of the other music films he was a part of. I still missed The Interrupters, Senna or some of the other docs in that category.

- What a wonderful and gracious group of stars that were out at the awards.

- I better be smart, and make it to the 18^thAnnual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards…next January. See you then!

p

Critics' Choice Movie Awards -- Live tonight

Tonight On VH1 you can find out -- as I do -- who are the winners in each of the categories. What goes on backstage you ask???? Here's a peek...courtesy of the hosts Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer.

Get More: 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards

8PM ET/PT on VH1 -- TONIGHT, January 12

Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Predictions and Preview Part 3 - The Films

The last of the previews -- here ya go! Tomorrow some things to watch as we get ready for the show.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
In Darkness
Le Havre
A Separation
The Skin I Live In
Where Do We Go Now

 

One of those categories that is hard to predict in our group. I’m guessing it is between A Separationand The Skin I Live In based on what I know. But what do I know? I DID cast my vote the way of A Separation…if that means anything.

SHOULD WIN: A Separation

WILL WIN: The Skin I Live In

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Buck
Cave of Forgotten Dreams
George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Page One: Inside the New York Times
Project Nim
Undefeated

The documentary category is missing my two favorites of the year, so I’m going to be honest…SHOULD WIN is The Interrupters, hands down. The film, unfortunately, was not shortlisted by the Academy also didn’t actively campaign for our award, but anyone who has seen it agrees with me. Was also a big fan of Senna which fell short of our list as well. This is a category that is hard to predict in our group. Everyone should have seen all of these films and for me I really liked Page One, but I’m a media junkie so that could have something to do with it.

SHOULD WIN: The Interrupters(hands down…but…it’s not here) or Senna(but, it’s not here either)

WILL WIN: ????? (I really have NO IDEA)

BEST ACTION MOVIE
Drive
Fast Five
Hanna
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super 8

Action Movie is one of those categories that is unique at the CCMA’s. Really weird the nominees that are here as the group seems to miss some of the big titles of the year, action wise. DriveIS a great film but Drive is NOT an action movie in my mind. Fast Five is pure unadulterated action fun. Hanna is another that I probably wouldn’t call action. Rise of the Planet of the Apeshas a real chance here and Super 8 has some amazing action sequences from the summer. I think the best action film of the year isn’t here, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. For whatever reason, Paramount didn’t screen it before our deadlines. I really think it would have made it and MIGHT have won this award. Out of this batch, the love seems to be there, critically, for Rise of the Planet of the Apes DESPITE a very late campaign on it.

SHOULD WIN: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (or in this case Rise of the Planet of the Apes)

WILL WIN: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

BEST COMEDY
Bridesmaids
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Horrible Bosses
Midnight in Paris
The Muppets

Another category that should be awarded more often is Best Comedy. It’s one of the hardest things to do well. The reason most of the WORST of the year come from comedy ranks is…when you miss it you REALLY miss it. All these movies are funny in their own right but it seems like the race will come down to Bridesmaids, Midnight in Paris and The Muppets. The odds on favorite is Bridesmaids, the adult, original and funny film that stole the summer. Midnight in Paris has the Woody Allen factor going for it. Lastly, The Muppets could surprise, if anything would here. I have to believe that Bridesmaidswill get the nod here though.

SHOULD WIN: Bridesmaids

WILL WIN: Bridesmaids

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

For the first year in recent memory we don’t have the Pixar film to say this is a lock. The category could truly go ANY way. There is support for each of these films in the category. The Adventures of Tintin brings motion capture to the category and an adventure plot. Arthur Christmas is a new Christmas classic that surprised. Kung Fu Panda 2 revisits characters we really like as does Puss in Boots. Rango was a spaghetti western – animated style. I have a feeling, and it’s just a feeling that The Adventures of Tintinprevails.

SHOULD WIN: The Adventures of Tintin, Arthur Christmas

WILL WIN: The Adventures of Tintin

BEST DIRECTOR
Stephen Daldry – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist”
Alexander Payne – “The Descendants”
Nicolas Winding Refn – “Drive”
Martin Scorsese – “Hugo”
Steven Spielberg – “War Horse”

Ok, getting down to it now…not much more to discuss on some of the best directors of the year. I wouldn’t be surprised here if the race is about Hazanavicius versus Payne and Scorsese. If Hazanavicius wins, The Artist WILL win picture as well. I’m could see the surprise with Martin Scorsese walking away a winner for not only a great film, but the incorporation of 3D in his film like no one in years. (But I think some members didn’t get out to experience the film as the campaigning felt muted…just a hunch). And to me, The Descendants is the best film of the year, so I would personally lean towards Alexander Payne.

SHOULD WIN: Alexander Payne

WILL WIN: Michel Hazanavicius

BEST PICTURE

The Artist
The Descendants
Drive
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

Wow, with this list and our group it is interesting to see where we go. I’m guessing this will be the first of a series of lovefests for The Artist, but I would be happy to be wrong. It’s a pretty standard list. We’ll see on Thursday night, January 12 on VH1.

SHOULD WIN: The Descendants

WILL WIN: The Descendants OR The Help OR The Artist OR ?????

Bottom line, I can’t wait for the awards. I can’t remember a recent year when there were this many major categories up for grabs. It could be a surprising night at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards.

Home Screening Room - Moneyball says What's Your Number

Wanted to give this a chance for space on its own - I'll have more to say about two of these later this week!

This Week’s Big Releases

Killer Elite – Rated R (Robert DeNiro, Jason Statham, Clive Owen)

Full review coming soon

Moneyball – Rated PG-13 (Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill)

One of the best movies of the year; this is the story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) and his rise to prominence with the Oakland A’s. Pitt is award worthy, and in fact is nominated for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actor.

Read the review of the theatrical release.

What’s Your Number – Rated R (Anna Faris, Chris Evans, Martin Freeman)

Ahh, a romantic comedy with Anna Faris, yep I’ll see it even though it didn’t screen for those of us in my area when it released in theaters.

Also new this week…

Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season

Higher Ground – Rated R (Vera Farmiga, John Hawkes) Farmiga’s directorial debut.

A Mile in His Shoes – Rated PG (Dean Cain)

The Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption – Rated PG-13 (Ron Perlman, Billy Zane)

Saints and Sinners – Rated R (Sean Patrick Flannery, Tom Berenger)

TNA: Bound for Glory 2011

UFC 137

And Finally

Saints and Sinners – Rated R (Sean Patrick Flannery, Tom Berenger)

Ok, so here he is…Tom Berenger (he’ll always be Jake in Major League for me…) But check out what new he has been working on, trailer below. And you can also watch the movie in full on YouTube through StarzMediaVOD.

Pick of the Week

Moneyball should be added to your collection. And I know a LOT of fans of Boardwalk Empire out there would say tat should be there too!

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Bluand remember to Save Me A Seat!

Critics' Choice Movie Awards Preview / Predictions Part 2 (The Actors)

Ok…so it’s time to look at the acting categories for this year’s Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. Let me tell you, this is a fun batch of nominees.

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Asa Butterfield – “Hugo”
Elle Fanning – “Super 8”
Thomas Horn – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
Ezra Miller – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
Saoirse Ronan – “Hanna”
Shailene Woodley – “The Descendants”

One of the cool categories that the CCMA hands out is for Best Young Actor/Actress. Basically the nominees need to be under 18 for this category and it is a truly cool category to vote for. It’s great to get a chance to honor some of the stars of tomorrow performing at a high level today. Saoirse Ronan has been nominated for this category multiple times and while her Hannacharacter was solid, it’s not the best here. Ezra Miller performs in the still new to many, We Need to Talk About Kevin. And Elle Fanning is the girl everyone wants to be around in Super 8, which is great..but not this year. The winner will come from the performances of Asa Butterfield in Hugo (Our group tends to love him), Thomas Horn in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (not everyone likes his portrayal, but those who do LOVE IT), and Shailene Woodley in The Descendants (an actress I was actually talking about the second the film was over).

SHOULD WIN:  Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

WILL WIN:  Asa Butterfield, Hugo

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Kenneth Branagh – “My Week With Marilyn”
Albert Brooks – “Drive”
Nick Nolte – “Warrior”
Patton Oswalt – “Young Adult”
Christopher Plummer – “Beginners”
Andrew Serkis – “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

Look, this is a talented group of men. Top to bottom it is solid. But the one performance that really blew me away this year was Albert Brooks in Drive. I felt equally afraid of his character as well as confident that he was the trustworthy father figure. Nolte back in the saddle with Warrior is a crowd favorite. Patton Oswalt was truly one of my favorites, if not for Brooks. It is a solid change with Serkis getting a nomination for his performance in Rise of Planet of the Apes; nice to see him alongside veterans Branagh and Plummer in this category.

SHOULD WIN:  Albert Brooks, Drive

WILL WIN:  Albert Brooks, Drive

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Berenice Bejo – “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain – “The Help”
Melissa McCarthy – “Bridesmaids”
Carey Mulligan – “Shame”
Octavia Spencer – “The Help”
Shailene Woodley – “The Descendants”

I would not be disappointed by any winner here. Carey Mulligan is always good and Berenice Bejo could ride a tidal wave for The Artist. Chastain, if you could cover her roles in all her films might walk away the winner here (I liked her in Take Shelter more than in this film). Octavia Spencer was fantastic in The Help as well, but with two actresses here, that’s never an easy road to take to a win. McCarthy is loved here, and it may be the way for our group to award the fresh and funny Bridesmaids. For me…Woodley should win but it is truly WIDE OPEN.

SHOULD WIN:  Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

WILL WIN:  ??? Maybe…Melissa McCarthy?

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
The Artist
Bridesmaids
The Descendants
The Help
The Ides of March

All five of these movies made my “Top 25” for the year. I’m not sure what everyone uses as their criteria for voting in this category. Myself, I look for the whole of the cast. Not what is necessarily the best film, but which needed the whole “team” of actors to make the film go. With that in mind, this is a pretty good list. In this group, I think it’s the place where the whole of the cast for The Help gets awarded. Just about everyone loved this film and it took all characters here to bring together their varied roles and experiences to bubble your emotions to the surface. While the rest are all pretty darned good, some will have their day in other categories.

SHOULD WIN:  The Help

WILL WIN:  The Help

BEST ACTOR
George Clooney – “The Descendants”
Leonardo DiCaprio – “J. Edgar”
Jean Dujardin – “The Artist”
Michael Fassbender – “Shame”
Ryan Gosling – “Drive”
Brad Pitt – “Moneyball”

An interesting category here and it will be a look at where the rest of the night may go. If Jean Dujardin takes home the award, it might be a big night for The Artist. However, I think there were better performances here. I would lean towards our group going toward Gosling, Pitt or Clooney. Gosling with the pure number of nominations for Drive, he has a lot of support, and could walk away with the top award. Clooney is a favorite for my favorite film of the year. And as of this writing, I STILL haven’t chosen between him and the amazing performance of Brad Pitt in Moneyball. Yes I know Leo is nominated here too, but sorry Leo, not with this group. And…lest I leave him out…Michael Fassbender is really, really good in Shame so much so that I wouldn’t be ashamed of him as the winner here. Oh and by the way…I think the rule was we had to nominate actors from films with no more than two word titles…now that is some DEEP analysis!

SHOULD WIN:  Brad Pitt or George Clooney

WILL WIN:  Brad Pitt

BEST ACTRESS
Viola Davis – “The Help”
Elizabeth Olsen – “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
Meryl Streep – “The Iron Lady”
Tilda Swinton – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
Charlize Theron – “Young Adult”
Michelle Williams – “My Week With Marilyn”

And finally for this list, the ladies and I have to admit, I know not where our group will go. Heck, I know not where my vote will fall – so I naturally assume that people are having the same feelings as I am. (As an aside, it’s nice to have some races that truly could go any way right now..but back to the analysis.) Viola Davis is the heart and soul of The Help. Elizabeth Olsen was a revelation in Martha Marcy May Marlene (though it’s a mouthful of a title). Meryl, well, she is Meryl and becomes Maragaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. Tilda Swinton walks through the aftermath of pure horror in both the before and after in We Need to Talk About Kevin. Charlize Theron was fun and depressing all in one film (Young Adult) and they let her look good again. And I know some who were in love with Michelle Williams in My Week With Marilyn. Who should I vote for??? I’m leaning toward Elizabeth Olsen, but I could change my mind any way before the ballot is in. This would be an EASY category for me if….Rooney Mara was nominated for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo…my favorite performance by a female this year…but….

SHOULD WIN:  ????? (Rooney Mara)

WILL WIN:  Meryl Streep or Viola Davis (Our group loves Meryl, doesn’t everyone?)

Ok – my vote’s going in…and my final column is about ready – tune in here tomorrow for the pictures and who I think will win everything else.

Critics' Choice Movie Awards Preview / Predictions - Part 1

Let’s start the week off with the non-acting and picture awards. This could be a very good indicator of what will be some of the best films of the year. Categories here that can be the best indicators of the rest of the night include, Best Cinematography and both of the Screenplays.  I’m going to give you a little analysis along with who WILL win and who SHOULD win.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
“The Artist” – Guillaume Schiffman
“Drive” – Newton Thomas Sigel
“Hugo” – Robert Richardson
“The Tree of Life” – Emmanuel Lubezki
“War Horse” – Janusz Kaminski

Cinematography is a category that is given to beautifully shot films. And while all of the films in this category are absolutely special to look at, to me, Emmanuel Lubezki’s visuals in The Tree of Life are second to none. That said…The Artist, if it wins here, could be in line for a big evening.

WILL WIN: The Tree of Life, Emmanuel Lubezki

SHOULD WIN: The Tree of Life, Emmanuel Lubezki

BEST ART DIRECTION
“The Artist” – Production Designer: Laurence Bennett, Art Director: Gregory S. Hooper
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” – Production Designer: Stuart Craig, Set Decorator: Stephenie McMillan
“Hugo” – Production Designer: Dante Ferretti, Set Decorator: Francesca Lo Schiavo
“The Tree of Life” – Production Designer: Jack Fisk, Art Director: David Crank
“War Horse” – Production Designer: Rick Carter, Set Decorator: Lee Sandales

Can I push for Harry Potter to at least win some awards, please? The film is great to look at and the production and sets  made you feel like you were at Hogwarts. Although that is where I may want it to go, these nominees all have the look of winners.

WILL WIN: The Artist

SHOULD WIN: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

BEST EDITING
“The Artist” – Michel Hazanavicius and Anne-Sophie Bion
“Drive” – Matthew Newman
“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” – Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
“Hugo” – Thelma Schoonmaker
“War Horse” – Michael Kahn

Editing to me is harder than ever with a good action film. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be amazing on a much subtler film. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo should win every category possible, but I don’t see it being a winner with this group. My colleagues REALLY liked Drive so who knows if this award finds its way there. And Thelma Schoonmaker, well, a legend can I say anything else?

WILL WIN: ????
SHOULD WIN: Thelma Schoonmaker

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
“The Artist” – Mark Bridges
“The Help” – Sharen Davis
“Hugo” – Sandy Powell
“Jane Eyre” – Michael O’Connor
“My Week With Marilyn” – Jill Taylor

Costumes can make a film and in the nominees for this award this year we were transported to different eras in a flash. It would be interesting to see The Help win here as it really deserves some awards on this evening. I’m also a big fan of Hugo for this award.

WILL WIN: The Artist
SHOULD WIN: Hugo

BEST MAKEUP
Albert Nobbs
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The Iron Lady
J. Edgar
My Week With Marilyn

I should mention at this point – should win DOES NOT necessarily mean I voted for that.  Just that I think it SHOULD win. On to Makeup! Really nice job throughout the category. Meryl Streep BECOMES Margaret Thatcher, Leo looking like J. Edgar and Glen Close. Those three together with Marilyn Monroe AND Harry Potter. Well who wins????

WILL WIN: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Though….The Iron Lady could win)

SHOULD WIN: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super 8
The Tree of Life

Visually these are five stunning films in each of their own ways. I know our group really likes Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Super 8. Plus Hugo reigned with a slew of nominations…so don’t coulnt it out.

WILL WIN: Hugo

SHOULD WIN: Super 8 or Harry Potter

BEST SOUND

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Super 8
The Tree of Life
War Horse

How about Super 8? Can we give it something…please? Although a beautiful set of statues for Harry Potter would be nice as well.

WILL WIN: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

SHOULD WIN: Super 8

BEST SONG
“Hello Hello” – performed by Elton John and Lady Gaga/written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin – Gnomeo & Juliet
“Life’s a Happy Song” – performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie – The Muppets
“The Living Proof” – performed by Mary J. Blige/written by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman and Harvey Mason, Jr. – The Help
“Man or Muppet” – performed by Jason Segel and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie – The Muppets
“Pictures in My Head” – performed by Kermit and the Muppets/written by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis and Chen Neeman – The Muppets

Ok…sure there are other songs nominated – but is there anyone who thinks The Muppets don’t win? The only question is which one.

WILL WIN: Life’s a Happy Song, The Muppets

SHOULD WIN: Man or Muppet, The Muppets

BEST SCORE
“The Artist” – Ludovic Bource
“Drive” – Cliff Martinez
“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
“Hugo” – Howard Shore
“War Horse” – John Williams

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are amazing! And we have some different competition in here this year. I could see our group going for Drive as well. And of course veterans like Howard Shore and John Williams are alongside Ludovic Bource, whose score really set the tone for the otherwise silent, The Artist.

SHOULD WIN: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

WILL WIN: Ludovic Bource, The Artist

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
“The Artist” – Michel Hazanavicius
“50/50” – Will Reiser
“Midnight in Paris” – Woody Allen
“Win Win” – Screenplay by Tom McCarthy, Story by Tom McCarthy & Joe Tiboni
“Young Adult” – Diablo Cody

Ahh…screenplays…One of my favorite categories in the awards. The Original Screenplay seems loaded, much as adapted is this year. The original idea behind the Artist is solid..but personally I love Diablo Cody’s tone in Young Adult and 50/50 is something truly special and personal.

SHOULD WIN: Diablo Cody, Young Adult or Wil Reiser, 50/50

WILL WIN: Michel Hazanvicius, The Artist

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
“The Descendants” – Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” – Eric Roth
“The Help” – Tate Taylor
“Hugo” – John Logan
“Moneyball” – Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, Story by Stan Chervin

Man I like all these films. And part of the reason I like this set of movies…great screenplays. I could see any of thee films walking home a winner.

SHOULD WIN: The Descendants

WILL WIN: The Help

Totally unscientific, and really out there...but some things I feel confident of...others are WIDE open.

Tomorrow – a look at all the acting and directing categories.