Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
UPDATE!
Hi everyone,
So here's the deal: I'm working on moving everything over to wordpress. I'm hoping to get this done ASAP so that I can get back to making posts. I'm hoping to revamp the site, with more television reviews, music video reviews (finally!) and DVD reviews. I've been considering contests as well. I plan to archive all the old reviews and such as well, so that's going to take a bit of time. I'll post here when the new site is up!
Thanks,
Kelly
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Dreams, Gravity Defying Stunts, and an Oscar-Worthy Triumph
Inception
Directed By: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy
Rated: PG-13
2 hrs. 28 mins.
Cobb (DiCaprio) is an expert thief in the realm of dream extraction. Saito, who Cobb believed was merely one of his marks, actually uses the extraction as a guise to audition a new team to perform a difficult and near impossible mission. When the new team is gathered, they must perform an inception by planting an idea into the mind of a target, in this case Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy). Once this last job is performed, Cobb may finally be able to return to the US and to his family.
The plot is a familiar one. A man must perform one last job that will eventually allow him to return to his family. However, Inception's story is much more complex than that simple plot bit, turning a cliche plot into something classified as never-before-seen. The idea of being able to manipulate and exist within dreams and the subconscious is mind-blowing. Add to that thrilling action and suspense and you have an Oscar-worthy film.
The effects and cinematography are stunning. The best scene, which makes you question, "How in the world did they do that?" occurs in a hotel within the dreamspace of Robert Fischer. Arthur (Gordon-Levitt) battles a man in during a moment in which gravity within the dream has disappeared. The halls flip and turn as Arthur flies around mid-air.
It will be a shock if Inception is not nominated for a slew of Academy Awards next year.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Emmy 2010 Nominations!
The Primetime Emmy nominations were announced yesterday morning. There are tons of awards, so I'll post the most notable/recognizable ones here.
Note: Many of the nominations will have a program name (italicized), the network, the production companies, and the episode for which the nomination is for (in quotes).
Outstanding Animated Program
Alien Earths - NGC - SkyWorks Digital, Inc.
Disney Prep & Landing - ABC - Walt Disney Animation Studios
The Ricky Gervais Show - "Knob at Night" - HBO - W!ILDBRAIN and Media Rights Capital in association with HBO Entertainment
The Simpsons - "Once Upon a Time in Springfield" - FOX - Gracie Films in association with 20th Century Fox
South Park - "200/201" - Comedy Central - Central Productions
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper - The Big Bang Theory - CBS
Larry David as Himself - Curb Your Enthusiasm - HBO
Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester - Glee - FOX
Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk - Monk - USA
Steve Carell as Michael Scott - The Office - NBC
Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy - 30 Rock - NBC
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston as Walter White - Breaking Bad - AMC
Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan - Dexter - Showtime
Kyle Chandler as Eric Taylor - Friday Night Lights - NBC
Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House - House - FOX
Matthew Fox as Jack Shephard - Lost ABC
Jon Hamm as Don Draper - Mad Men - AMC
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Jeff Bridges as Jon Katz - A Dog Year - HBO
Ian McKellon as Two - The Prisoner - AMC
Michael Sheen as Tony Blair - The Special Relationship - HBO
Dennis Quaid as Bill Clinton - The Special Relationship - HBO
Al Pacino as Dr. Kevorkian - You Don't Know Jack - HBO
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Lea Michele as Rachel Berry - Glee - FOX
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss - The New Adventures of Old Christine - CBS
Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton - Nurse Jackie - Showtime
Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope - Parks and Recreation - NBC
Tina Fey as Liz Lemon - 30 Rock - NBC
Toni Collette as Tara Gregson - The United States of Tara - Showtime
-
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson - The Closer - TNT
Glenn Close as Patty Hewes - Damages - FX
Connie Britton as Tami Taylor - Friday Night Lights - NBC
Juliana Margulies as Alicia Florrick - The Good Wife - CBS
Mariska Hargitay as Det. Olivia Benson - Law and Order: SVU - NBC
January Jones as Betty Draper - Mad Men - NBC
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Maggie Smith as Mary Gilbert - Capturing Mary - HBO
Joan Allen as Georgia O'Keefe - Georgia O'Keefe - Lifetime
Dame Judi Dench as Miss Matty - Return to Cranford - PBS
Hope Davis as Hillary Clinton - The Special Relationship - HBO
Claire Danes as Temple Grandin - Temple Grandin - HBO
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel - Glee - FOX
Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson - How I Met Your Mother - CBS
Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell - Modern Family - ABC
Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker - Modern Family - ABC
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy - Modern Family - ABC
Jon Cryer as Alan Harper - Two and a Half Men - CBS
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman - Breaking Bad - AMC
Martin Short as Leonard Winstone - Damages - FX
Terry O'Quinn as John Locke - Lost - ABC
Michael Emerson as Ben Linus - Lost - ABC
John Slattery as Roger Sterling - Mad Men - AMC
Andre Braugher as Owen - Men of a Certain Age - TNT
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Michael Gambon as Mr. Woodhouse - Emma - PBS
Patrick Stewart as Ghost/Claudius - Hamlet - PBS
Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Buxton - Return to Cranford - PBS
David Strathairn as Dr. Carlock - Temple Grandin - HBO
John Goodman as Neal Nicol - You Don't Know Jack - HBO
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester - Glee - FOX
Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy - Modern Family - ABC
Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett - Modern Family - ABC
Kristen Wiig as Various Characters - Saturday Night Live - NBC
Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney - 30 Rock - NBC
Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper - Two and a Half Men - CBS
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen - Burn Notice - USA
Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons - Damages - FX
Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma - The Good Wife - CBS
Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart - The Good Wife - CBS
Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris - Mad Men - AMC
Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson - Mad Men - AMC
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Kathy Bates as Queen of Hearts - Alice - SyFy
Julia Ormond as Eustacia - Temple Grandin - HBO
Catherine O'Hara as Aunt Ann - Temple Grandin - HBO
Brenda Vaccaro as Margo Janus - You Don't Know Jack - HBO
Susan Sarandon as Janet Good - You Don't Know Jack - HBO
Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Phil Keoghan - The Amazing Race - CBS
Ryan Seacrest - American Idol - FOX
Tom Bergeron - Dancing With the Stars - ABC
Heidi Klum - Project Runway - Lifetime
Jeff Probst - Survivor - CBS
Outstanding Comedy Series
Curb Your Enthusiasm - HBO - HBO Entertainment
Glee - FOX - A Ryan Murphy TV Production in association with 20th Century Fox TV
Modern Family - ABC - Twentieth Century Fox Television
Nurse Jackie - Showtime - Showtime Presents, Lionsgate Television, Jackson Group Entertainment, Madison Grain Elevator, Inc & Delong Lumber; A Caryn Mandabach Production
The Office - NBC - Deedle-Dee Productions and Reveille LLC in association with Universal Media Studios
30 Rock - NBC - Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios
Outstanding Drama Series
Breaking Bad - AMC - Sony Pictures Television
Dexter - Showtime - Showtime Presents, John Goldwyn Productions, The Colleton Company, Clyde Phillips Productions
The Good Wife - CBS - CBS Productions
Lost - ABC - Grass Skirts Productions, LLC in association with ABC Network and Studios
Mad Men - AMC - Lionsgate Television
True Blood - HBO - Your Face Goes Here Entertainment in association with HBO Entertainment
Outstanding Miniseries
The Pacific - HBO - Playtone and Dreamworks in association with HBO Miniseries
Return to Cranford - PBS - BBC/WGBH in association with Chestermead
Outstanding Made for Television Movie
Endgame - PBS - Channel 4, Target Entertainment Group and Masterpiece present A Daybreak Pictures Production
Georgia O'Keefe - Lifetime - Sony Pictures Television for Lifetime Television
Moonshot - History - Produced by Dangerous Films LTD for History
The Special Relationship - HBO - A Rainmark and Kennedy/Marshall Production
Temple Grandin - HBO - A Rubu Films, Gerson Saines Production in association with HBO Films
You Don't Know Jack - HBO - Bee Holder, Cine Mosaic and Levinson/Fontana Productions in association with HBO Films
Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report - Comedy Central - Hello Doggie, In. with Busboy Productions and Spartina Productions
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - Comedy Central - Central Productions, LLC
Real Time with Bill Maher - HBO - Bill Maher Productions and Brad Grey Television in association with HBO Entertainment
Saturday Night Live - NBC - SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien - NBC - Conaco & NBC Universal
Outstanding Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow - PBS - WGBH Education Foundation
Dirty Jobs - Discovery Channel - Produced by Pilgrim Films and Television, Inc. for Discovery Channel
Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution - ABC - Ryan Seacrest Productions and Fresh One Productions
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List - Bravo - A 4 Aces and a Kicker production in association with Picture This Television and Bravo Media
Mythbusters - Discovery Channel - Produced by Beyond Productions Pty. Ltd. for the Discovery Channel
Undercover Boss - CBS - Studio Lambert
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race - CBS - World Wide Race Productions, Inc.
American Idol - FOX - FremantleMedia N.A., Inc. & 19TV Ltd.
Dancing With the Stars - ABC - BBC Worldwide Productions
Project Runway - Lifetime - The Weinstein Company, Miramax Films, Bunim-Murray Productions and Full Picture
Top Chef - Bravo - Magical Elves, Bravo
For the complete list, check http://www.emmys.tv.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Trailer: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
This week the trailer for the extremely highly-anticipated final two Harry Potter films was released.
Synopsis:
As Lord Voldemort's power grows stronger, especially with his control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the world is in its most perilous position yet. Harry, Ron and Hermione intend to finish what Dumbledore started and destroy Voldemort's horcruxes, items each containing a bit of his soul, in order to finally take down the Dark Lord.
In Theaters:
Part 1 - November 19, 2010
Part 2 - July 15, 2011
To tell the truth, the trailer gives me chills, especially having been a Harry Potter fan since I was a kid. It's going to be a tough wait between the two films but in the end will be worth it. The sad part will be leaving the theater after Part 2 has ended.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing it?
In Theaters: June 30 - July 2
A couple of movies hit theaters a little earlier than Friday, so this week's In Theaters is a bit early as well. Let's take a look at what is being released.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30
Opening in wide release:
Director: David Slade
Stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Rated: PG-13
The third of four installments, and touted as the biggest movie of the summer in all the TV spots, Eclipse has Bella (Kristen Stewart) stuck choosing between sparkly-vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and Six-Pack-Ab shapeshifter/werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Plus, foe Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard, who replaces Rachelle Lefevre in the role) has built an army of "newborn" vampires with the intent of destroying Bella and the Cullens in response to Edward and his family destroying her own mate, James. Now comes the part where there is an epic battle with lots of CG wolves and high-flying super-vamp effects.
Opening in limited release:
Director: Taylor Hackford
Stars: Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci, Bai Ling, Taryn Manning
Not Rated
THURSDAY, JULY 1
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Stars: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone
Rated: PG
Based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon, the Fire Nation wages war the Air, Water, and Earth nations. This continues until Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the last person with the ability to manipulate all of the elements. Now, with the help of a Waterbender and her brother (Nicola Peltz and Jackson Rathbone) he will try to stop the Fire Nation and restore peace among the four nations once again.
FRIDAY, JULY 2
Director: Angela Ismailos
Stars: Bernardo Bertolucci, David Lynch, Stephen Frears, Agnes Varda
Not Rated - Limited release
Pretty much everyone and especially everyone's mother has heard about the release of Eclipse, unless maybe you are a 65-year-old male or live in a cave somewhere with no internet or cable. I'm looking forward to seeing The Last Airbender, actually, despite never once having seen the cartoon. The trailer pulled me in.
What are you looking forward to seeing this weekend?
Monday, June 28, 2010
A Daring Escape, Mr. Pricklepants, and A Blast of Nostalgia
Toy Story 3
Directed By: Lee Unkrich
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty
Rated: G
1 hr. 43 min.
In the third installment of Toy Story, the toys, including Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen), are mistakenly sent to the Sunnyside Day Care during the bustle of Andy packing for college. But when the toys try to bust out of Sunnyside and return to Andy, they find that other toys are determined not to let them leave. Now they must embark on a big escape to make it to Andy before he leaves home.
The opening scene pulls the audience in to the imagination of Andy as a child to a new degree that we did not get in the first two installments. It takes you back to the wild stories you created in your imaginations when you played with your own toys as a child.
The plot is simple, the toys have to get back to Andy before he leaves for college on Friday, but other elements make it more than just a time-sensitive mission. The toddlers who play with the toys aren't playing with them calmly, Sunnyside's resident toys refuse to let them leave, and Woody becomes separated and ends up in a little girl's home with her other toys, including a stuffed theatrical porcupine named Mr. Pricklepants.
Toy Story 3 is one of those animated movies that is appropriate and enjoyable for children and adults alike. Every adult will be able to recall their own childhoods or that time when he or she finally went off to college, but those who were children when the original Toy Story debuted will get an extra shot of nostalgia, and will surely be emotional by the end.
Grade: A+
Friday, June 25, 2010
In Theaters: June 25
Here are some of what hits theaters this weekend.
Opening in wide release:
Director: Dennis Dugan
Stars: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider
Rated: PG-13
In this comedy, five school friends reunite after the passing of their high school basketball coach. They decide to bring their families all together for a Fourth of July holiday.
Director: James Mangold
Stars: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard
Rated: PG-13
A woman (Cameron Diaz) gets pulled into the world of a secret agent (Tom Cruise) after a fateful meeting on a flight.
Opening in limited release:
Director: Sebastian Junger
Not Rated
Director: Alain Resnais
Stars: Andre Dussollier, Sabine Azema
Rated: PG
Director: Giorgos Lanthimos
Stars: Christos Stergioglou, Michele Valley
Not Rated
I'll probably end up seeing Grown Ups at some point, but Knight and Day just looks dumb. Tom Cruise or no Tom Cruise, the trailer doesn't exactly pull me in. Not to mention I'm no Cameron Diaz fan. I saw an episode of The Ultimate Trailer Show on HDNet which highlighted Restrepo, and it definitely looks interesting.
There are some releases coming up on Wednesday, including one movie I'm sure most of you will loathe. More info will be posted next week.
What are you looking forward to seeing?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
On on Blu-Ray and DVD Today (June 22, 2010)
Take a look at some of what is out on Blu-Ray and DVD today:
Remember Me
Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 53 min.
She's Out of My League
Rated: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
The Last Station
Rated: R, 1 hr. 52 min.
Green Zone
Rated: R, 1 hr. 55 min.
A Star is Born: Blu-Ray
Rated: PG, 2 hrs. 56 min.
TiMER
Rated: R, 1 hr. 39 min.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief
Rated: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
Entourage: The Complete 6th Season
Rated: TV-MA
I'm considering getting a copy of Remember Me, because, despite it starring Robert Pattinson, I actually liked it. The Last Station is an Oscar-nominee, so I'd like to see that.
What are planning on buying or seeing?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
In Theaters: June 18th
Take a look at some of what hits theaters this weekend.
Opening in wide release:
Director: Lee Unkrich
Stars: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
Rated: G
The long-awaited and highly-anticipated third installment of Toy Story finally arrives. Woody, Buzz, and the rest of our favorite toys get dumped off at a day care center as all-grown-up Andy packs for college. Now the toys must escape from the sticky fingers of the toddlers at the day care and find their way back to Andy.
Director: Jimmy Hayward
Stars: Josh Brolin, John Malkovich, Megan Fox
Rated: PG-13
In this film based on a comic book, the U.S. Military gives bounty hunter Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) a bargain: in exchange for freedom from warrants against him, he must find a terrorist (John Malkovich) who plans to unleash Hell on earth (like any good evil nemesis).
Opening in limited release:
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Stars: Tilda Swinton, Flavio Parenti
Rated: R
Director: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass
Stars: John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, Marisa Tomei
Rated: R
Director: Agnes Jaoui
Stars: Jean-Pierre Bacri, Jamel Debbouze, Agnes Jaoui
Not Rated
Of course, having actually been a child when the first Toy Story came out, I'm probably more excited to see Toy Story 3 than most children today. I'll be skipping Jonah Hex, though. Megan Fox's horrible accent seems grating, and her acting seems flat. Not to mention the plot itself doesn't much appeal to me.
What are you looking forward to seeing?
Sunday, June 6, 2010
MTV Movie Awards Winners
Here is the complete winner's list for tonight's MTV Movie Awards.
BEST MOVIE
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE
Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
BEST MALE PERFORMANCE
Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
BEST BREAKOUT STAR
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE
Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover
BEST VILLIAN
Tom Felton, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
BEST FIGHT
Beyonce Knowles vs. Ali Larter, Obsessed
BEST KISS
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
BEST WTF MOMENT
Ken Jeong, The Hangover - Naked Trunk Surprise
GLOBAL SUPERSTAR
Robert Pattinson
BEST SCARED-AS-SH**T-PERFORMANCE
Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer's Body
BIGGEST BADASS STAR
Rain
MTV GENERATION AWARD
Sandra Bullock
Unsurprisingly, Twilight Saga: New Moon swept the night, winning in every category it was nominated. As much as I love the Harry Potter series, I was disappointed that Tom Felton won over Christoph Waltz. Tom Felton (AKA Draco Malfoy) would have been my second choice from these nominations. I would have preferred Emma Watson over Kristen Stewart for Best Female Performance, since Kristen doesn't really perform all that well. The "Best Fight" award was not broadcast, and inexplicably Beyonce vs. Ali Larter won (people actually saw Obsessed?). Tonight's broadcast had some funny moments (host Aziz Ansari did a fairly decent job), but it also had many moments that had me scratching my head (Russell Brand and Jonah Hill fighting over Team Jacob or Team Edward). I was more excited about the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows preview than I was about most of the awards, really, but the preview was short and left me wanting more. Then again, that's what it's meant to do. My favorite part of the night was Sandra Bullock accepting her Generation Award, because she continued being her fun, lively, amazing self.
What are your thoughts on tonights awards show and the winners?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Out on Blu-Ray and DVD Today (June 1, 2010)
Here is a bit of what is out on Blu-Ray/DVD today:
Alice in Wonderland
Rated: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
Available in Blu-Ray, DVD, and combo pack with digital download.
The Wolfman
Rated: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Personally, I found the movie boring and trite, so I would suggest renting this before buying just in case. Better yet, just go find the original from 1941.
Tony Manero
1 hr. 37 min.
Der Rote Baron (The Red Baron)
Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 46 min.
Rescue Me: The Complete Fifth Season
Rated: TV-MA
Burn Notice: Season 3
I've already bought my copy of Alice in Wonderland (the blu-ray, DVD, digital copy combo pack) and I would suggest you do the same. However, I would recommend you just rent the original The Wolfman instead of buying the new version, or at least rent it first.
Ogres, Rumpelstiltskin, and a Fun Final Chapter
Shrek Forever After
Directed By: Mike Mitchell
Starring: Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas
Rated: PG
1 hr. 33 min.
Everyone's favorite green ogre returns in the "final chapter" of the Shrek fairy tale. Shrek (Mike Meyers) is worn down by his hectic life with the wife Fiona (Cameron Diaz), his three ogre babies, tourists invading his swamp, and not getting a moment to himself. Fed up, he explodes at the triplets' first birthday party, and cunning Rumplestiltskin (Walt Dohrn) overhears. Rumpelstiltskin tricks Shrek into a contract where he trades a day from his early life to have a day for himself. It backfires, as magical contracts do, and Shrek is thrust into an alternate world where Rumpelstiltskin is King of Far Far Away, Fiona is the leader of a renegade war group of ogres planning a rebellion, Donkey has no clue who Shrek is, and Puss (Antonio Banderas) is a pampered fat cat. Shrek has one day to figure out how to break the contract, or he disappears...forever.
The first Shrek film is fun, and a personal favorite of mine. However, the second and third films' stories felt thrown together for the sake of having two popular sequels. Shrek Forever After brings back a lot of the fun and originality of the first, probably because it is almost a complete reworking of the first film's plot. Plenty of funny moments for the whole family occur, particularly with lazy Puss. Actually, the immature child in me cracked up every time Rumplestiltskin's pet goose appeared on the screen.
Despite being slightly ridiculous at times and a basic reworking of the first film, and despite having a neatly-tied-up ending, Shrek Forever After is a great way to wrap up the Shrek story and a wonderful family film.
Grade: A-
Thursday, May 27, 2010
In Theaters: May 27, 2010
Take a look at what is opening this weekend.
Director: Mike Newell
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley
Rated: PG-13
Based on the video game, the titular prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) joins up with Tamina (Gemma Arterton) to safeguard a dagger holding the Sands of Time in an effort to keep it from an evil ruler who plans to use the Sands of Time to destroy the world.
Opening in Wide Release:
Director: Michael Patrick King
Stars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall
Rated: R
The sequel to the first Sex and the City, as well as to the television show, follows the lives of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha. This time the film follows them from New York all the way to Abu Dhabi.
Trailer:
Opening in Limited Release:
Director: George A. Romero
Stars: Alan Van Sprang, Kenneth Walsh, Richard Fitzpatrick
Rated: R
See my review of this film here.
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Stars: Dany Boon, Andre Dussollier, Nicolas Marie, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Yolande Moreau
Rated: R
Obviously I enjoyed Survival of the Dead, so I suggest that if it is playing in your city, go see it. I hope to see Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. As far as Sex and the City 2 goes, well, I'll probably be skipping that one.
What are you looking forward to seeing?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Slow-Moving Zombies, Hatfield and McCoy Feuds, and the Return of a Legend.
George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead
Directed By: George A. Romero
Starring: Alan Van Sprang, Kenneth Walsh, Richard Fitzpatrick
Rated: R
1 hr. 30 min.
In the latest of George A. Romero's "Dead" Series, a small group of soldiers hope to find a place to get away from the current zombie scourge. They meet up with a boy who shows them a video by Patrick O'Flynn, AKA Captain Courageous (Kenneth Walsh), who advertises Plum Island. When the group meets up with O'Flynn, they find out the truth behind Plum Island, and the Hatfield-and-McCoy-style feud between the O'Flynns and the Muldoons. The soldiers and the boy become thrust in the middle of this battle between families over what is to be done about the zombies shuffling around the island.
The previous "Dead" film, Diary of the Dead, is a bit of a disappointment, which is shocking considering what a legend Romero has become. However, Survival of the Dead completely makes up for it. The plot is not one you find in most zombie films, once again proving what an ultimate storyteller Romero is. While not necessarily frightening, it still manages to create suspense in moments throughout. Because Romero masterfully makes us care about the characters, we care what happens to them as they are forced to join a side in the Plum Island battle.
Survival of the Dead does have its share of cheesy moments and dialogue. The zombies themselves, the classic slow-moving type, are rather ridiculous and make for a good laugh, especially when one of them manages to remember to start his car, only to have the ability to go forward and backward on the deck of a ferry. It is the cheesy campiness, though, that makes a horror film, or a Romero film, the greatest. Although a small bit of the acting is lackluster, the overall film is still completely brilliant.
Grade: A
Survival of the Dead hits theaters Friday, May 28th, but you can see it now on HDNet on Demand.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
MTV Movie Awards Nominations
The nominees for the MTV Movie Awards are out!
BEST MOVIE
Alice in Wonderland
Avatar
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
The Hangover
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE
Amanda Seyfried, Dear John
Emma Watson, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Zoe Saldana, Avatar
BEST MALE PERFORMANCE
Channing Tatum, Dear John
Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Taylor Lautner, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Zac Efron, 17 Again
BEST BREAKOUT STAR
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Chris Pine, Star Trek
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Logan Lerman, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief
Quinton Aaron, The Blind Side
Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover
BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE
Ben Stiller, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Bradley Cooper, The Hangover
Ryan Reynolds, The Proposal
Sandra Bullock, The Proposal
Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover
BEST VILLIAN
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Helena Bonham Carter, Alice in Wonderland
Ken Jeong, The Hangover
Stephen Lang, Avatar
Tom Felton, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
BEST FIGHT
Beyonce Knowles vs. Ali Larter, Obsessed
Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber vs. Ryan Reynolds, X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Logan Lerman vs. Jake Abel, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief
Robert Downey Jr. vs. Mark Strong, Sherlock Holmes
Sam Worthington vs. Stephen Lang, Avatar
BEST KISS
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, The Runaways
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, The Proposal
Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner, Valentine's Day
Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington, Avatar
BEST WTF MOMENT
Betty White, The Proposal - Cops a Feel
Bill Murray, Zombieland - Bill Murray?! A Zombie?!
Isabel Lucas, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - Unexpected Transformation
Ken Jeong, The Hangover - Naked Trunk Surprise
Megan Fox, Jennifer's Body - Vomits a Mysterious Black Ooze
GLOBAL SUPERSTAR
Robert Pattinson
Kristen Stewart
Taylor Lautner
Johnny Depp
Daniel Radcliffe
BEST SCARED-AS-SH**T-PERFORMANCE
Alison Lohman, Drag Me to Hell
Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer's Body
Jesse Eisenberg, Zombieland
Katie Featherston, Paranormal Activity
Sharlto Copley, District 9
BIGGEST BADASS STAR
Rain
Angelina Jolie
Channing Tatum
Sam Worthington
Chris Pine
The last three categories (Global Superstar, Best Scared-As-Sh**t Moment, Biggest Badass) are brand new this year. Pretty dumb names for categories, but this is the MTV Movie Awards. You can expect Twilight to win big here, and maybe Avatar as well. We can only hope Zombieland is able to win (anything is better than Jennifer's Body, though).
What do you think of the nominations?
The awards will be broadcast on MTV Sunday, June 6th, at 9P.M. For more info and to vote on the nominees go to http://www.mtv.com.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Trailer: Inception
Here is the new trailer for Inception.
Synopsis:
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an expert at extracting secrets from a person's subconscious during the dream state. This gift lands him in the position of international fugitive. He is offered one last job that could bring him home, but it's his biggest job yet.
In Theaters:
July 16, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
In Theaters: April 30, 2010
Here's a look at what is opening this weekend.
Opening in Wide Release:
Director: Samuel Bayer
Stars: Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara, Katie Cassidy
Rated: R
In this reboot of the original A Nightmare on Elm Street (Directed by Wes Craven, 1984), the infamous serial killer wielding the gloves with blades who kills you in your dreams, stalks a group of teenagers who reside on Elm Street.
Trailer:
Director: Roger Kumble
Stars: Brendan Fraser, Brooke Shields
Rated: PG
A real estate developer faces a protest from the local woodland creatures as he tries to carry out his plans for a new subdivision that would wipe out their homes.
Trailer:
Opening in Limited Release
Director: Dagur Kari
Stars: Brian Cox, Paul Dano
Rated: R
Director: Daniel Barber
Stars: Michael Cain, Emily Mortimer
Rated: R
Director: Tom Six
Stars: Dieter Laser, Ashley C. Williams
Rated: Not Rated
Director: Patrick Hoelck
Stars: Whitney Able, Bre Blair, James Caan
Rated: Not Rated
Director: Nicole Holofcener
Stars: Rebecca Hall, Catherine Keener, Elizabeth Keener
Rated: R
Overall, I want to see A Nightmare on Elm Street to see how it stacks up against the original. Seeing as the original is so classic, I'm fairly sure the remake is not going to cut it. Also, Furry Vengeance looks like more of a nightmare than A Nightmare on Elm Street, in the sense that it looks absolutely ridiculous. I know it's a family movie, but it almost looks like only the children will enjoy that one. We'll see. As far as those limited release films, The Human Centipede looks absolutely ridiculous as well.
What do you all want to see?
Trailer: George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead
I saw the trailer for George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead for the first time today.
Synopsis:
A group of National Guardsmen travel to a remote island, hoping that it is the last safe, zombie-free place on Earth. What they find, instead, are two feuding families. What's the feud? They're fighting over what to do about the zombies: kill them or try to tame and save them.
In Theaters:
May 28, 2010
Personally, I think the film looks rather lack-luster. The story doesn't really grab me. Diary of the Dead was a disappointment, so I'm hoping this film redeems the "Dead" series for me.
What do you all think?
Blogger Update
Hey followers and regular readers,
This, indeed, is primarily a review site, but I'm planning to do more than just write reviews here so that it doesn't get boring. Here's what I have planned for the future:
- Of course, I will continue writing reviews as I see new films in theaters, including hopefully the remake of A Nightmare On Elm Street this weekend.
- I will get back to doing television reviews as soon as finale time rolls around. I also plan to write reviews of high profile episodes, including Glee's upcoming Lady Gaga-centric episode (despite the fact I am not a Lady Gaga fan) as well as other themed episodes in the future.
- I will finally begin writing reviews of music videos in the near future.
- I will also begin writing my thoughts on trailers for upcoming films.
- Every Thursday or Friday, I will provide information and thoughts about films to be released that weekend.
- Every Tuesday, I will provide information and thoughts about the DVDs released that day.
- I hope to bring back the Horror Film of the Week, and eventually move on to other genres for the Film of the Week.
- Occasionally, there will be specialty updates, such as the one I did on the top films to watch on Halloween.
- I will continue posting awards information, including nominee lists and winner lists. This includes the upcoming MTV Movie Awards.
I hope this keeps all of you coming back for more! I also want to thank you for continually checking in here. I apologize that I have not been updating as much. I haven't had the money or time to go see anything in theaters, plus I have my UNCW graduation fast approaching so it's been pretty busy lately.
Thanks for reading!
-Kelly
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Whimsical Worlds, Scene-Stealing Hatters, and Spectacular 3D Visuals.
Alice in Wonderland
Directed By: Tim Burton
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
Rated: PG
1 hrs. 48 min.
Tim Burton puts a new spin on the classic tale of a girl named Alice and her adventures in a whimsical world called Wonderland. In this updated version, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) falls through the rabbit hole to find the creatures there have been waiting for her arrival; she also comes to find that this isn't the first time she's been down the rabbit hole, either. Alice's return has been foretold, as she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwocky on Frabjous Day and return their world to the hands of the White Queen (Anne Hathaway).
Despite the story not being the exact same as the original, it's a pleasing and refreshing version of it. There are even references and characters that appear in the story written by Lewis Carrol, such as the Caterpillar (named Absolem here, and voiced by Alan Rickman). Alice in Wonderland even features the Jabberwocky as a major part of the plot line, despite being a creature from a separate poem by Carroll (although the song in Disney's version of Alice in Wonderland that the Cheshire Cat sung is the first verse of the poem).
The fantastical scenery of Wonderland is beautiful and impressive. One can see not only the vision of Carroll within the world, but Tim Burton's flair is prevalent as well. The 3D effects are spectacular as well, bringing the characters and the world alive wonderfully.
Wasikowska's portrayal of Alice is fresh, and she plays the now 19-year-old character with a mix of maturity and child-like curiosity. It is Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter that, as Depp seems to do so well, steals scenes. Flip flopping between a lisp-enhanced British accent in mostly light moments and an odd Scottish drawl in mostly serious and dark moments brilliantly expresses such an entrancing, and likable, madness. In fact, all of the actors' performances are stunning and unique.
Alice in Wonderland is a must see for old and young alike. Take the family, take a boyfriend or girlfriend, take your parents, or take your friends and try to catch this great film in 3D (multiple times, if possible).
Grade: A+
A Typical Love Story, Surprisingly Impressive Acting, and a Twist.
Remember Me
Directed By: Allen Coulter
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Pierce Brosnan
Rated: PG-13
1 hrs. 53 min.
Remember Me is the love story of college students Ally (Emilie de Ravin) and Tyler (Robert Pattinson) in New York City, set in 2001. While Ally is the type of girl to live life as if everyday could be her last, Tyler is an introverted, brooding, poetic type; the traits of both lovers come from having seen death of loved ones (for her, the murder of her mother, and for him, the suicide of his older brother). However, the circumstances that brought the two of them together, involving an incident between Tyler and Ally's father that she knows nothing of, threatens to ends the relationship.
The story itself is rather cliche. The entire time the relationship unfolds, the audience knows what the climax of the relationship will be. The other issue with that climax is how long it takes to occur. It is not too unbearable, though, so the pacing of the film is tolerable. What is most shocking about Remember Me is the ending, which you will not likely see coming. The moment in which you realize what will happen is a moment of impact to say the least. Remember Me is definitely a tear-jearker, so don't forget the tissue. In fact, something is wrong if you don't get choked up at least a little.
Surprisingly, Robert Pattinson proves that he does actually have some talent. One would never guess upon seeing the Twilight films that he could actually act, but his performance here is good. He does have his monotoned flat moments, but the emotionally charged high moments more than make up for them. The performances by the other actors are wonderful as well, including Tate Ellington as Tyler's roommate and best friend Aiden, the typical male college student who is a partier and loves to sleep in.
Overall, while the main love story is something seen in any number of other romantic films, Remember Me does offer a great deal of original elements and an unexpected ending. The performances also make this a film to see.
Grade: B+
Monday, March 8, 2010
2010 Academy Award Winners!
Exciting night, and the Best Director winner was a history-maker! Here are the winners from tonight:
Actor in a Leading Role:
George Clooney, "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth, "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"
Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker"
WINNER: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
Actor in a Supporting Role:
Matt Damon, "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones"
WINNER: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Actress in a Leading Role:
Helen Mirren, "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan, "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"
WINNER: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
Actress in a Supporting Role:
Penelope Cruz, "Nine"
Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart"
Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"
WINNER: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Animated Feature Film
"Coraline," Henry Selick
"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Wes Anderson
"The Princess and the Frog," John Musker and Ron Clements
"The Secret of Kells," Tomm Moore
WINNER: "Up," Pete Doctor
Art Direction
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith
"Nine" Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
"Sherlock Holmes" Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
"The Young Victoria" Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray
WINNER: "Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair
WINNER: "Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair
Cinematography
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Bruno Delbonnel
"The Hurt Locker," Barry Ackroyd
"Inglourious Basterds," Robert Richardson
"The White Ribbon," Christian Berger
WINNER: "Avatar," Mauro Fiore
Costume Design
"Bright Star," Janet Patterson
"Coco before Chanel," Catherine Leterrier
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," Monique Prudhomme
"Nine," Colleen Atwood
WINNER: "The Young Victoria," Sandy Powell
Directing
"Avatar," James Cameron
"Inglourious Basterds," Quentin Tarantino
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Lee Daniels
"Up in the Air," Jason Reitman
WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow*
*NOTE: First female to win this category.
Documentary (Feature)
"Burma VJ," Anders Ostergaard and Lisa Lense-Moller
"Food, Inc.," Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers," Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
"Which Way Home," Rebecca Cammisa
WINNER: "The Cove," Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens
Documentary (Short Subject)
"China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province," Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neil
"The Last Campaign of Governer Booth Gardner," Daniel Jung and Henry Ansbacher
"The Last Truck: The Closing of a GM Plant," Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert
"Rabbit a la Berlin," Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra
WINNER: "Music by Prudence," Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett
Film Editing
"Avatar," Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, and James Cameron
"District 9," Julian Clarke
"Inglourious Basterds," Sally Renke
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Joe Klotz
WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Bob Murawski and Chris Innis
Foreign Language Film
"Ajami," Israel
"The Milk of Sorrow," Peru
"Un Prophete," France
"The White Ribbon," Germany
WINNER: "El Secreto de sus Ojos," Argentina
Makeup
"Il Divo," Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
"The Young Victoria," Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore
WINNER: "Star Trek," Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, and Joel Harlow
Music (Original Score)
"Avatar," James Horner
"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Alexandre Desplat
"The Hurt Locker," Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
"Sherlock Holmes," Hans Zimmer
WINNER: "Up," Michael Giacchino
Music (Original Song)
"Almost There" from "The Princess and the Frog," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess and the Frog," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"Loin de Paname" from "Paris 36," Music by Reinhardt Wagner, Lyric by Frank Thomas
"Take It All" from "Nina," Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston
WINNER: "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart" from "Crazy Heart," Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett
Best Picture
"Avatar," Producers: James Cameron and Jon Landau
"The Blind Side," Nominees to be determined
"District 9," Producers: Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham
"An Education," Producers: Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey
"Inglourious Basterds," Producer: Lawrence Bender
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Producers: Lee Daniels, Sara Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness
"A Serious Man," Producers: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
"Up," Producer: Jonas Rivera
"Up in the Air," Producers: Daniel Duniecki, Ivan Reitman, and Jason Reitman
WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro
Short Film (Animated)
"French Roast," Fabrice O. Joubert
"Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty," Nicky Phelan and Darragh O'Connell
"The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)," Javier Recio Garcia
"A Matter of Loaf and Death," Nick Park
WINNER: "Logorama," Nicolas Schmerkin
Short Film (Live Action)
"The Door," Juanita Wilson and James Flynn
"Instead of Abra Cadabra," Patrik Eklund and Mathius Fjellstrom
"Kavi," Gregg Helvey
"Miracle Fish," Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey
WINNER: "The New Tenants," Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson
Sound Editing
"Avatar," Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle
"Inglourious Basterds," Wylie Stateman
"Star Trek," Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
"Up," Michael Silvers and Tom Myers
WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson
WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson
Sound Mixing
"Avatar," Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson, and Tony Johnson
"Inglourious Basterds," Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti, and Mark Ulano
"Star Trek," Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson, and Peter J. Devlin
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, and Geoffrey Patterson
WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett
Visual Effects
"District 9," Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros, and Matt Aitken
"Star Trek," Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh, and Burt Dalton
WINNER: "Avatar," Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
"District 9," Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
"An Education," Screenplay by Nick Hornby
"In the Loop," Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, and Tony Roche
"Up in the Air," Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
WINNER: "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
Writing (Original Screenplay)
"Inglourious Basterds," Written by Quentin Tarantino
"The Messenger," Written by Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman
"A Serious Man," Written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
"Up," Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Doctor; Story by Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson, and Tom McCarthy
WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Written by Mark Boal
Not too many surprises tonight, but it did make history as the first time a female director has won the Best Director Academy Award. It was also the first time since the year Casablanca won Best Picture, 1943, that there were 10 Best Picture nominees. Congrats to the winners! What do you think of tonights awards?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Academy Awards 2010: Predictions
Tomorrow night is the Academy Awards! I thought I would list my picks for the winners alongside who I think will actually win.
If you need to catch up on the nominees list, check them out here first.
Actor in a Leading Role:
SHOULD WIN: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
WILL WIN: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
Though I haven't seen it, he looks to be giving an amazing performance solely from the trailers. Plus, based on the amount of awards he's already won, safe to say it's a good bet.
Actor in a Supporting Role:
SHOULD WIN: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
WILL WIN: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Waltz completely stole every scene he appeared in, so it's no surprise that he's won so much already and it won't be a surprise this time. What would be surprising is if anyone else won! Plus his speeches are so deep and really make you pay attention so I can't wait to hear what he has to say this time.
Actress in a Leading Role:
SHOULD WIN: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
WILL WIN: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
It will be close with Meryl Streep in the running, but I think Sandra will pull on ahead of her.
Actress in a Supporting Role:
SHOULD WIN: Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"
WILL WIN: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
While Kendrick's performance blew me away completely and is deserving of this award, I think Mo'Nique will take it. I have yet to see the film but I hear great things about her performance, especially winning all the awards she has so far.
Animated Feature Film
SHOULD WIN: "Up," Pete Doctor
WILL WIN: "Up," Pete Doctor
Up is definitely one of the best animated films of all time.
Art Direction
SHOULD WIN: "Sherlock Holmes" Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
WILL WIN: "Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair
Although I was not a fan of Sherlock Holmes, its sets were impressive and extremely detailed and accurate, and just the art direction in general blew me away. However, Avatar is everyone's new favorite epic, so it will probably take this one. Don't get me wrong, the graphics are amazing, but I just am not feeling like Avatar should take it.
Cinematography
SHOULD WIN: "Inglourious Basterds," Robert Richardson
WILL WIN: "Avatar," Mauro Fiore
The cinematography of Tarantino's latest is ingenious and wonderfully stylistic, but yet again I think Avatar will probably take this one.
Costume Design
SHOULD WIN: "The Young Victoria," Sandy Powell
WILL WIN: "The Young Victoria," Sandy Powell
Having seen photos of the costuming from these films, the one that impresses me the most is The Young Victoria.
Directing
SHOULD WIN: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow
WILL WIN: "Avatar," James Cameron
The Hurt Locker is such an amazing film, and while I want it to win, Avatar was definitely a huge undertaking that was years in the making. I have to admit, Cameron deserves it and will get it.
Documentary (Feature)
SHOULD WIN: "Food, Inc.," Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein
WILL WIN: "The Cove," Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens
I haven't seen these films except for Food, Inc. so that makes it tough to pick a winner, but Food, Inc. really made me think about what it is I'm eating and where it comes from. However, I've heard so many great things about The Cove that I think it will win.
Film Editing
SHOULD WIN: "District 9," Julian Clarke
WILL WIN: "Avatar," Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, and James Cameron
District 9's documentary-style editing is mind-blowing and brilliant, which made the film seem so realistic despite the content matter and plot. However, Avatar will probably take this one too.
Music (Original Score)
SHOULD WIN: "Up," Michael Giacchino
WILL WIN: "Up," Michael Giacchino
The score for up was a part of the story in itself, and only enhances the already amazing film.
Music (Original Song)
SHOULD WIN: "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart" from "Crazy Heart," Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett
WILL WIN: "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart" from "Crazy Heart," Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett
Visual Effects
SHOULD WIN: "Avatar," Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones
WILL WIN: "Avatar," Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones
I may not be the biggest fan of Avatar in the world, but I definitely agree that the visual effects were innovative and down right stunning.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
SHOULD WIN: "Up in the Air," Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
WILL WIN: "Up in the Air," Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
I've never read the book, but the script of Up in the Air is phenomenal.
Writing (Original Screenplay)
SHOULD WIN: "Up," Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Doctor; Story by Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson, and Tom McCarthy
WILL WIN: "Inglourious Basterds," Written by Quentin Tarantino
I'll state it right now: I could be wrong, but my gut is telling me Inglourious Basterds may steal this one. It is a tough choice between this, The Hurt Locker, and Avatar as the one taking the prize.
Best Picture
SHOULD WIN: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier, Greg Shapiro
WILL WIN: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier, Greg Shapiro
Although it will be close, I believe The Hurt Locker will take this one, and rightly so.
What are your thoughts? Who do you think will take the night's awards?
The Academy Awards air tomorrow night at 8pm eastern/ 5pm pacific on ABC.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Out on DVD Today (February 2nd)
Here is a bit of what is out on DVD today:
Zombieland
Rated: R, 1 hr. 21 min.
Love Happens
Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 49 min.
New York, I Love You
Rated: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Amelia
Rated: PG, 2 hr.
The House of the Devil
Rated: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
I recommend Zombieland. I also recommend that you avoide The House of the Devil unless you enjoy not-so-scary-and-slow-moving horror films. I myself am looking forward to seeing Amelia.
The Academy Award Nominations 2010
Today the 82nd Annual Academy Awards nominations were announced. Here is a complete list of the nominees:
Actor in a Leading Role:
Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
George Clooney, "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth, "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"
Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker"
Actor in a Supporting Role:
Matt Damon, "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Actress in a Leading Role:
Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren, "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan, "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"
Actress in a Supporting Role:
Penelope Cruz, "Nine"
Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart"
Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"
Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
Animated Feature Film
"Coraline," Henry Selick
"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Wes Anderson
"The Princess and the Frog," John Musker and Ron Clements
"The Secret of Kells," Tomm Moore
"Up," Pete Doctor
Art Direction
"Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith
"Nine" Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
"Sherlock Holmes" Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
"The Young Victoria" Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray
Cinematography
"Avatar," Mauro Fiore
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Bruno Delbonnel
"The Hurt Locker," Barry Ackroyd
"Inglourious Basterds," Robert Richardson
"The White Ribbon," Christian Berger
Costume Design
"Bright Star," Janet Patterson
"Coco before Chanel," Catherine Leterrier
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," Monique Prudhomme
"Nine," Colleen Atwood
"The Young Victoria," Sandy Powell
Directing
"Avatar," James Cameron
"The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow
"Inglourious Basterds," Quentin Tarantino
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Lee Daniels
"Up in the Air," Jason Reitman
Documentary (Feature)
"Burma VJ," Anders Ostergaard and Lisa Lense-Moller
"The Cove," Nominees to be determined
"Food, Inc.," Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers," Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
"Which Way Home," Rebecca Cammisa
Documentary (Short Subject)
"China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province," Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neil
"The Last Campaign of Governer Booth Gardner," Daniel Jung and Henry Ansbacher
"The Last Truck: The Closing of a GM Plant," Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert
"Music by Prudence," Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett
"Rabbit a la Berlin," Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra
Film Editing
"Avatar," Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, and James Cameron
"District 9," Julian Clarke
"The Hurt Locker," Bob Murawski and Chris Innis
"Inglourious Basterds," Sally Renke
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Joe Klotz
Foreign Language Film
"Ajami," Israel
"El Secreto de sus Ojos," Argentina
"The Milk of Sorrow," Peru
"Un Prophete," France
"The White Ribbon," Germany
Makeup
"Il Divo," Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
"Star Trek," Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, and Joel Harlow
"The Young Victoria," Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore
Music (Original Score)
"Avatar," James Horner
"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Alexandre Desplat
"The Hurt Locker," Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
"Sherlock Holmes," Hans Zimmer
"Up," Michael Giacchino
Music (Original Song)
"Almost There" from "The Princess and the Frog," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess and the Frog," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"Loin de Paname" from "Paris 36," Music by Reinhardt Wagner, Lyric by Frank Thomas
"Take It All" from "Nina," Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston
"The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart" from "Crazy Heart," Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett
Best Picture
"Avatar," Producers: James Cameron and Jon Landau
"The Blind Side," Nominees to be determined
"District 9," Producers: Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham
"An Education," Producers: Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey
"The Hurt Locker," Nominees to be determined
"Inglourious Basterds," Producer: Lawrence Bender
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Producers: Lee Daniels, Sara Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness
"A Serious Man," Producers: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
"Up," Producer: Jonas Rivera
"Up in the Air," Producers: Daniel Duniecki, Ivan Reitman, and Jason Reitman
Short Film (Animated)
"French Roast," Fabrice O. Joubert
"Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty," Nicky Phelan and Darragh O'Connell
"The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)," Javier Recio Garcia
"Logorama," Nicolas Schmerkin
"A Matter of Loaf and Death," Nick Park
Short Film (Live Action)
"The Door," Juanita Wilson and James Flynn
"Instead of Abra Cadabra," Patrik Eklund and Mathius Fjellstrom
"Kavi," Gregg Helvey
"Miracle Fish," Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey
"The New Tenants," Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson
Sound Editing
"Avatar," Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle
"The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson
"Inglourious Basterds," Wylie Stateman
"Star Trek," Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
"Up," Michael Silvers and Tom Myers
Sound Mixing
"Avatar," Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson, and Tony Johnson
"The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett
"Inglourious Basterds," Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti, and Mark Ulano
"Star Trek," Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson, and Peter J. Devlin
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, and Geoffrey Patterson
Visual Effects
"Avatar," Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones
"District 9," Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros, and Matt Aitken
"Star Trek," Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh, and Burt Dalton
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
"District 9," Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
"An Education," Screenplay by Nick Hornby
"In the Loop," Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, and Tony Roche
"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
"Up in the Air," Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Writing (Original Screenplay)
"The Hurt Locker," Written by Mark Boal
"Inglourious Basterds," Written by Quentin Tarantino
"The Messenger," Written by Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman
"A Serious Man," Written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
"Up," Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Doctor; Story by Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson, and Tom McCarthy
Not too many surprises in the nominees for this year's awards. What do you think of the nominees?
The 82nd Annual Academy Awards will occur on March 7, 2010 from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
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