As Sundance 2013 is taking place, I received a reminder yesterday that every year there is at least one film that through the excitement of a film festival, gets wildly overrated. That reminder came in a viewing of one of last year's festival darlings, Compliance.
I understand that the events in Compliance are based on a true story. The problem is that Compliance does it in a tone that thoroughly failed to convince me. Is it the overinsistant music score? Partially. Was it the a couple of glaring continuity errors? Actually, one they came to mind, I was already disconnected from the film.
The continuity errors? During a winter dinner rush, the film heads out to the parking lot. Its daylight, and the parking lot is mostly empty. First of all, winter dinner rush in Ohio, where the film is set and I happen to live, it is dark at that time of night. Second, when a restaurant is full, a parking lot is usually not empty.
That brings me to the main problem of the film. Throughout the film, there are images which clearly are meant to point out how horrible fast food is. I could feel the condescension through the screen. For a movie of this topic to work, the film needs to indict society, needs to make us feel we would do what the characters did. I felt the filmmakers looking down on the characters, so I could not connect with the characters, so I just felt uncomfortable, but not enlightened.
The film is well acted. But by the end, all I felt was, what was the point of that?
Grade: C-
Monday, January 21, 2013
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Battleship (2012)
I thought about just copying portions of other reviews and cutting and pasting them into a review of Battleship. Because that would be an accurate way to describe the experience of watching Battleship. Every moment in the film seems to be taken from somewhere else.
This is especially deadly in the first 45 minutes when there is no action. So we have to spend this time with character development, but these characters are not worth spending time with. You know what? I was writing a description of the stupidity but I deleted it. Why should I analyze this when there was clearly so little thought put into it?
This is an attempt to do to a board game what Transformers did to a toy. But the problem is there are no characters in the game, and no easy way to develop this into something worth watching. It's a two hour commercial.
So a stupid plot involving aliens which never makes any sense -- the aliens are there so we can bomb them -- is put into this project. Nothing works. It just lies there, with no rooting interests, no action of note, and nothing to recommend. Grade: D-
This is especially deadly in the first 45 minutes when there is no action. So we have to spend this time with character development, but these characters are not worth spending time with. You know what? I was writing a description of the stupidity but I deleted it. Why should I analyze this when there was clearly so little thought put into it?
This is an attempt to do to a board game what Transformers did to a toy. But the problem is there are no characters in the game, and no easy way to develop this into something worth watching. It's a two hour commercial.
So a stupid plot involving aliens which never makes any sense -- the aliens are there so we can bomb them -- is put into this project. Nothing works. It just lies there, with no rooting interests, no action of note, and nothing to recommend. Grade: D-
The Gong Show Movie (1980)
As Gene Kelly says in Singin' In the Rain, "Dignity, always dignity." So in that spirit, my first movie review post in months, I go to Chuck Barris' film The Gong Show Movie, which is what I always think of when I think of dignity.
The Leonard Maltin Guide says of this film: "Barris created a bizarre TV show which belongs in a time capsule, but this movie ... belongs in the trash bin." I actually disagree with both parts of that statement.
I have mixed feeling about the old TV show. It certainly had some moments, but I would not say it belongs in a time capsule. Its an odd thing: a talent show which didn't seem overly concerned with being a talent show. It seemed more interested in strange than entertaining. In some ways, it shows, more than the current reality TV show boom, just how far some people will go to get on TV.
So how to you turn that into a great film? You don't. You can't. But this film probably does as good a job as possible. When Barris and cowriter Robert Downey sat down to try and capture the Gong Show as a film style, they hit on the idea of Barris, playing himself, would be beset in every part of his life with people wanting to be on the show.
The most inspired stretch is when a contestant collapses after Barris has him repeat his act on show over and over. Barris feels guilty and goes to visit the contestant in the hospital, where the contestant auditions his new act while in his bed. Barris, concerned, goes to the contestant's doctor. The doctor responds by audtioning his act.
And so on. It's not great cinema, but it isn't boring. Grade: C
The Leonard Maltin Guide says of this film: "Barris created a bizarre TV show which belongs in a time capsule, but this movie ... belongs in the trash bin." I actually disagree with both parts of that statement.
I have mixed feeling about the old TV show. It certainly had some moments, but I would not say it belongs in a time capsule. Its an odd thing: a talent show which didn't seem overly concerned with being a talent show. It seemed more interested in strange than entertaining. In some ways, it shows, more than the current reality TV show boom, just how far some people will go to get on TV.
So how to you turn that into a great film? You don't. You can't. But this film probably does as good a job as possible. When Barris and cowriter Robert Downey sat down to try and capture the Gong Show as a film style, they hit on the idea of Barris, playing himself, would be beset in every part of his life with people wanting to be on the show.
The most inspired stretch is when a contestant collapses after Barris has him repeat his act on show over and over. Barris feels guilty and goes to visit the contestant in the hospital, where the contestant auditions his new act while in his bed. Barris, concerned, goes to the contestant's doctor. The doctor responds by audtioning his act.
And so on. It's not great cinema, but it isn't boring. Grade: C
Monday, June 4, 2012
Groundhog Day marathon 2012
The post from hell. This has taken me forever to pull together. It's hard to remember when you are exhausted.
Sometimes, you hear of something so stupid, so nuts, you have to try it once. The Gateway Film Center in Columbus has one of those events. This was the third year it had its Groundhog Day marathon.
That's the same movie, Groundhog Day, shown all day long. The marathon goes 24 hours, with a showing every two hours for the calendar day, midnight to midnight. If you survive the day, you get "movie tickets for a year". Not sure what that will mean.
It's a pleasant enough movie, Groundhog Day. Released in 1993, starring Bill Murray, about an egocentric weatherman, is pleasant enough. I reviewed it for my college newspaper when it was released and gave it a positive review. And repeating a movie over and over, when it concerns repeating a day over and over, is a clever gimmick.
I figured what the heck, and took the plunge. I took a reporter's notebook with me and jotted some notes. Here follows is my notes from the day. A working knowledge of the film might help, although after viewing it 12 times in a row, I dare say I am more familiar with it than you are.
11:30
I arrive at the theater. I see the line to get in, with approximately 25 people in it, most with backpacks and pillows. I have left my stuff stashed in my car, so in my coat I have my cel phone, which doubles as my clock, and my notebook and pencil.
Maybe a minute after I get in line is when the theater is opened. Perfect timing. We are headed to theater 2, the second biggest in the 8 screen complex. I'm guessing it holds a little over 150 people.
I sit in my preferred seating, center, row 4. I am alone, as my normal partner in crime Eric could not get our of work, and is also a bit more sane than me. So I sit an listen. I become keenly aware very quickly that this is mostly a party of college students. All around are conversations involving what classes will be skipped tomorrow.
Behind me is the veteran, the guy who knows how everything works. He states he is friends with the manager, and that this will be a painful experience. He states that this will be our only showing in this auditorium before moving to theater 1, which holds twice as many people. But he insists that there won't be too many more people.
He doesn't figure on word of mouth. For last year, theater 2 may not have sold out, but it did in 2012. The promise of movie tickets for a year has drawn a nice chunk of Ohio State's students. Before the show, the manager informs us of the sell out. The decision to leave my stuff in the car for the first show has proven to be a good one, as some people are really stuffed in with all their backpacks and blankets.
The managers explain that after the first show, when we move to theater 1, we will exchange our tickets for a lanyard. Between each showing, there will be about 15 minutes break, and we are free to leave at that time, with the lanyard allowing us back in. We also have to get it punched in between each showing, to prove we have been in the theater for all 12 viewings.
12:00
Nothing much of note in the first film. It's just the first viewing, and no one has really hunkered down yet. But as soon as the clock in the movie clicks 6:00 for the last time. People start rushing for the exits, as if they don't, theater 1 might disappear.
I wait my turn, get into theater 1, and get exactly where I wanted, row 3 dead center. On my left, proof I am not the only person here over the age of 25. We both laugh at the age difference. He notes he's been called sir a few times, and cracks "I feel like a chaperone."
So part of my food strategy is to buy a large drink and supplement it by refilling it at the water fountain, and getting my free refill later in the day. So I spring for a large popcorn and large drink after securing my seat with my coat. While in line, it is clear a few of the college kids are planning to drink their way through the 24 hours. Boy will they be miserable by hour 20.
2:00
The front of the auditorium looks like a giant slumber party. It's literally wall to wall blankets and sleeping bags between the front row and the screen. I'm in row 3, which is wider than most so people can cross over to the far aisle. One guy sets up his sleeping bag in this aisle. He is tripped over twice in the first five minutes of the film before deciding on plan B.
By the way, in the film: Rick Overton's drunk act? Still funny. Give the man some flapjacks.
The foursome to the right of me have brought one of those backpacks with a drinking tube. Not sure I want to know what they are drinking.
The second viewing is on a much bigger screen. While it was not screamingly obvious this was video projection in the first viewing, it sure is now. The dark jacket Bill Murray wears for much of the movie is a great background for lines and general obviousness this is not a film print.
As we end the second film, we get some answers to some questions people have about the ground rules. In order to get our prize of 24 movie passes (that would be the definition of "movie tickets for a year"), you cannot leave the theater during the movie for an extended period of time. Bathroom breaks are OK, and a concession stand run is fine, but that's about it.
My hopes for a run a block away for a burger at Five Guys have just been dashed. This is also when I take the opportunity to make a run to my car to get my pillows. I've not fallen asleep yet, but the 4 am showing is always the toughest one to stay awake at the sci-fi marathons, so I figure let me gain some comfort.
4:00
The natives are starting to get restless. Many are clapping to the beat of the opening title song called, "Weatherman", which is really not very good. (Especially after hearing it 24 times in a day, it isn't.) Also, the crowd is starting to sing along to "I Got You Babe" when the alarm clock goes off. That happened in the crowd I was in when I first saw the movie in 1993.
The crowd's really starting to talk back to the screen. It's going to be in full Mystery Science Theater 3000 mode by the end of the day.
Around the time Murray drives down the train tracks, I fall asleep for the first time. It won't be my last.
6:00
Everyone seems to be worn out now. We've now been up the whole night, and still have 18 hours to go. The theater looks like a crash pad. The seats have retractable armrests, so many people are lying down across two or three seats. I hear breathing behind me and realize a person behind me is lying on the floor.
My bad back starts to catch up with me during this showing. I wake up after a short nap hurting and spend the last half hour off to the side, watching the movie while standing.
8:00
During the opening shot of Pittsburgh, it is odd for this Steelers fan to see Three Rivers Stadium and not Heinz Field and PNC Park.
Here comes everyone's second wind. More clapping during the music.
One thing starting up, is more and more of Stephen Tobolowsky's dialogue is being recited with him. "Phil? Phil? Ned! Ned Ryerson" and of course, "What out for that first step, its a doozy."
And to my pleasant surprise, I did not realize this complex morphs into OSU classrooms during the day. This means the concession stand becomes more reasonably priced, and has a few new options.This is a lifesaver to a stomach which was not wanting junk food all day. The 2 for $1 muffins are the best deal. I devour 2 blueberry, a apple cinnamon, and 1 chocolate chip.
...and that's all I finished writing in February. Only 1/3 of a very, very long day. This article is starting to become as long as the day. So let's just do the short version from my notes.
10:00
More talking to the screen. The winning bid of the auction is now said by audience members: $339.88. A TV camera crew comes in for five minutes. I feel like Gizmo: "Bright light, bright light."
Noon.
Waiting for the movie to start, one group launches into "If You're Happy and You Know It."
Halfway through the movie, I see that someone a couple of rows up is watching an episode of Modern Family on their laptop.
2:00
People are now singing along to "I'm Your Weatherman". the frankly mediocre opening credits song. I start writing notes of the inconsistencies in the movie, the kind of the things that bug you when you are watching a film 12 times in a row, but now seem a little less important.
There is one question I have: what is the point of the homeless man? Phil tries to help him, and fails. There's no payoff there. I think the film would have been better without the character, or a resolution.
4:00
When the logo comes up to start the film, the audience groans. I do a bathroom run halfway through the showing, and am treated to the sounds of vomiting from the handicapped stall. This would be easier to do if the theater didn't sell alcohol. After this showing, I go outside to say goodbye to the sun that I barely saw for the day.
6:00
Audience now booing when six more weeks of winter is announced. They are now clapping to the beat of the Pennsylvania Polka.
Two rows up, I can hear someone playing a car racing game on their laptop. Four rows down I can see someone playing poker on their laptop.
8:00
It is halfway through this showing that I am awakened by someone for snoring too loud.
10:00
If there was any doubt where this theater is, the "O-H. I-O" chant starts before the film. it's the last show, and people are loopy. The group to my right, spend much of the show giggling and snorting. I doubt any of them are sober.
11:45
Victory is mine! I have 24 movie passes for the next year. And I have no memory of how it worked. But I made it.
And it will be awhile before I watch Groundhog Day again.
Sometimes, you hear of something so stupid, so nuts, you have to try it once. The Gateway Film Center in Columbus has one of those events. This was the third year it had its Groundhog Day marathon.
That's the same movie, Groundhog Day, shown all day long. The marathon goes 24 hours, with a showing every two hours for the calendar day, midnight to midnight. If you survive the day, you get "movie tickets for a year". Not sure what that will mean.
It's a pleasant enough movie, Groundhog Day. Released in 1993, starring Bill Murray, about an egocentric weatherman, is pleasant enough. I reviewed it for my college newspaper when it was released and gave it a positive review. And repeating a movie over and over, when it concerns repeating a day over and over, is a clever gimmick.
I figured what the heck, and took the plunge. I took a reporter's notebook with me and jotted some notes. Here follows is my notes from the day. A working knowledge of the film might help, although after viewing it 12 times in a row, I dare say I am more familiar with it than you are.
11:30
I arrive at the theater. I see the line to get in, with approximately 25 people in it, most with backpacks and pillows. I have left my stuff stashed in my car, so in my coat I have my cel phone, which doubles as my clock, and my notebook and pencil.
Maybe a minute after I get in line is when the theater is opened. Perfect timing. We are headed to theater 2, the second biggest in the 8 screen complex. I'm guessing it holds a little over 150 people.
I sit in my preferred seating, center, row 4. I am alone, as my normal partner in crime Eric could not get our of work, and is also a bit more sane than me. So I sit an listen. I become keenly aware very quickly that this is mostly a party of college students. All around are conversations involving what classes will be skipped tomorrow.
Behind me is the veteran, the guy who knows how everything works. He states he is friends with the manager, and that this will be a painful experience. He states that this will be our only showing in this auditorium before moving to theater 1, which holds twice as many people. But he insists that there won't be too many more people.
He doesn't figure on word of mouth. For last year, theater 2 may not have sold out, but it did in 2012. The promise of movie tickets for a year has drawn a nice chunk of Ohio State's students. Before the show, the manager informs us of the sell out. The decision to leave my stuff in the car for the first show has proven to be a good one, as some people are really stuffed in with all their backpacks and blankets.
The managers explain that after the first show, when we move to theater 1, we will exchange our tickets for a lanyard. Between each showing, there will be about 15 minutes break, and we are free to leave at that time, with the lanyard allowing us back in. We also have to get it punched in between each showing, to prove we have been in the theater for all 12 viewings.
12:00
Nothing much of note in the first film. It's just the first viewing, and no one has really hunkered down yet. But as soon as the clock in the movie clicks 6:00 for the last time. People start rushing for the exits, as if they don't, theater 1 might disappear.
I wait my turn, get into theater 1, and get exactly where I wanted, row 3 dead center. On my left, proof I am not the only person here over the age of 25. We both laugh at the age difference. He notes he's been called sir a few times, and cracks "I feel like a chaperone."
So part of my food strategy is to buy a large drink and supplement it by refilling it at the water fountain, and getting my free refill later in the day. So I spring for a large popcorn and large drink after securing my seat with my coat. While in line, it is clear a few of the college kids are planning to drink their way through the 24 hours. Boy will they be miserable by hour 20.
2:00
The front of the auditorium looks like a giant slumber party. It's literally wall to wall blankets and sleeping bags between the front row and the screen. I'm in row 3, which is wider than most so people can cross over to the far aisle. One guy sets up his sleeping bag in this aisle. He is tripped over twice in the first five minutes of the film before deciding on plan B.
By the way, in the film: Rick Overton's drunk act? Still funny. Give the man some flapjacks.
The foursome to the right of me have brought one of those backpacks with a drinking tube. Not sure I want to know what they are drinking.
The second viewing is on a much bigger screen. While it was not screamingly obvious this was video projection in the first viewing, it sure is now. The dark jacket Bill Murray wears for much of the movie is a great background for lines and general obviousness this is not a film print.
As we end the second film, we get some answers to some questions people have about the ground rules. In order to get our prize of 24 movie passes (that would be the definition of "movie tickets for a year"), you cannot leave the theater during the movie for an extended period of time. Bathroom breaks are OK, and a concession stand run is fine, but that's about it.
My hopes for a run a block away for a burger at Five Guys have just been dashed. This is also when I take the opportunity to make a run to my car to get my pillows. I've not fallen asleep yet, but the 4 am showing is always the toughest one to stay awake at the sci-fi marathons, so I figure let me gain some comfort.
4:00
The natives are starting to get restless. Many are clapping to the beat of the opening title song called, "Weatherman", which is really not very good. (Especially after hearing it 24 times in a day, it isn't.) Also, the crowd is starting to sing along to "I Got You Babe" when the alarm clock goes off. That happened in the crowd I was in when I first saw the movie in 1993.
The crowd's really starting to talk back to the screen. It's going to be in full Mystery Science Theater 3000 mode by the end of the day.
Around the time Murray drives down the train tracks, I fall asleep for the first time. It won't be my last.
6:00
Everyone seems to be worn out now. We've now been up the whole night, and still have 18 hours to go. The theater looks like a crash pad. The seats have retractable armrests, so many people are lying down across two or three seats. I hear breathing behind me and realize a person behind me is lying on the floor.
My bad back starts to catch up with me during this showing. I wake up after a short nap hurting and spend the last half hour off to the side, watching the movie while standing.
8:00
During the opening shot of Pittsburgh, it is odd for this Steelers fan to see Three Rivers Stadium and not Heinz Field and PNC Park.
Here comes everyone's second wind. More clapping during the music.
One thing starting up, is more and more of Stephen Tobolowsky's dialogue is being recited with him. "Phil? Phil? Ned! Ned Ryerson" and of course, "What out for that first step, its a doozy."
And to my pleasant surprise, I did not realize this complex morphs into OSU classrooms during the day. This means the concession stand becomes more reasonably priced, and has a few new options.This is a lifesaver to a stomach which was not wanting junk food all day. The 2 for $1 muffins are the best deal. I devour 2 blueberry, a apple cinnamon, and 1 chocolate chip.
...and that's all I finished writing in February. Only 1/3 of a very, very long day. This article is starting to become as long as the day. So let's just do the short version from my notes.
10:00
More talking to the screen. The winning bid of the auction is now said by audience members: $339.88. A TV camera crew comes in for five minutes. I feel like Gizmo: "Bright light, bright light."
Noon.
Waiting for the movie to start, one group launches into "If You're Happy and You Know It."
Halfway through the movie, I see that someone a couple of rows up is watching an episode of Modern Family on their laptop.
2:00
People are now singing along to "I'm Your Weatherman". the frankly mediocre opening credits song. I start writing notes of the inconsistencies in the movie, the kind of the things that bug you when you are watching a film 12 times in a row, but now seem a little less important.
There is one question I have: what is the point of the homeless man? Phil tries to help him, and fails. There's no payoff there. I think the film would have been better without the character, or a resolution.
4:00
When the logo comes up to start the film, the audience groans. I do a bathroom run halfway through the showing, and am treated to the sounds of vomiting from the handicapped stall. This would be easier to do if the theater didn't sell alcohol. After this showing, I go outside to say goodbye to the sun that I barely saw for the day.
6:00
Audience now booing when six more weeks of winter is announced. They are now clapping to the beat of the Pennsylvania Polka.
Two rows up, I can hear someone playing a car racing game on their laptop. Four rows down I can see someone playing poker on their laptop.
8:00
It is halfway through this showing that I am awakened by someone for snoring too loud.
10:00
If there was any doubt where this theater is, the "O-H. I-O" chant starts before the film. it's the last show, and people are loopy. The group to my right, spend much of the show giggling and snorting. I doubt any of them are sober.
11:45
Victory is mine! I have 24 movie passes for the next year. And I have no memory of how it worked. But I made it.
And it will be awhile before I watch Groundhog Day again.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Top ten of 2011: the list
And now, my top ten of 2011:
10. Super 8. As almost everyone has noted, this is an excellent throwback to the 80s filmmaking of Steven Spielberg. And as alsost everyone has noted, Elle Fanning proves here she is an absolute movie star. And almost everyone was right.
9. The Muppets. As a lifelong Muppet fan, I have been dismayed as The Muppets couldn't seem to find their way over the past decade or so. This film is on my list simply becasue it got the tone right, and was the first time I really felt that about the Muppets than about circa Muppets Christmas Carol.
8. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil. The funniest movie of the year. If you haven't heard of it, it takes the tired horror movie trope of threatening hillbillies, tells the story from the point of view of the hillbillies, and milks every last cliche for all the humor it can.
7. Incendies. A devestating drama about the pain Middle Eastern fighting over religion causes and the power of forgiveness.
6. Hugo. Of course Martin Scorsese's first family film is also a call for film preservation. Of course it is also stunningly beautiful and the best use of 3D since Avatar.
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Since the original was on my list last year, how does an English language remake show up this year? Because of Rooney Mara's performance. Noomi Rapace played the lead in orginal as damaged, but Mara throws in an emotional disconnect (clearly a suggestion of Asperger's) that puts a frsh spin on it.
4. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. What a rush. The best action movie in years, with one set piece that will make you scared of heights, but pedal to the floor pacing throughout.
3. The Descendants. It's nice to see Alexander Payne writing and directing again. If George Clooney is not the most consistantly interesting actor working today, then I don't know who tops him.
2. Blue Valentine. I really need to write a full column on this film. It captures the frustration of working class males, and how those frustrations go on to destroy relationships, in a way I have never seen before.
1. The Tree of Life. Well it's my list, so I don't care if you disagree. The film may have polarized audiences, but it spoke to me like no other. This was the one film I saw this year that was inventing new film language.
10. Super 8. As almost everyone has noted, this is an excellent throwback to the 80s filmmaking of Steven Spielberg. And as alsost everyone has noted, Elle Fanning proves here she is an absolute movie star. And almost everyone was right.
9. The Muppets. As a lifelong Muppet fan, I have been dismayed as The Muppets couldn't seem to find their way over the past decade or so. This film is on my list simply becasue it got the tone right, and was the first time I really felt that about the Muppets than about circa Muppets Christmas Carol.
8. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil. The funniest movie of the year. If you haven't heard of it, it takes the tired horror movie trope of threatening hillbillies, tells the story from the point of view of the hillbillies, and milks every last cliche for all the humor it can.
7. Incendies. A devestating drama about the pain Middle Eastern fighting over religion causes and the power of forgiveness.
6. Hugo. Of course Martin Scorsese's first family film is also a call for film preservation. Of course it is also stunningly beautiful and the best use of 3D since Avatar.
5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Since the original was on my list last year, how does an English language remake show up this year? Because of Rooney Mara's performance. Noomi Rapace played the lead in orginal as damaged, but Mara throws in an emotional disconnect (clearly a suggestion of Asperger's) that puts a frsh spin on it.
4. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. What a rush. The best action movie in years, with one set piece that will make you scared of heights, but pedal to the floor pacing throughout.
3. The Descendants. It's nice to see Alexander Payne writing and directing again. If George Clooney is not the most consistantly interesting actor working today, then I don't know who tops him.
2. Blue Valentine. I really need to write a full column on this film. It captures the frustration of working class males, and how those frustrations go on to destroy relationships, in a way I have never seen before.
1. The Tree of Life. Well it's my list, so I don't care if you disagree. The film may have polarized audiences, but it spoke to me like no other. This was the one film I saw this year that was inventing new film language.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Top Ten of 2011: Runners-Up
As I unveil my list of the movies that most impressed, effected, and entertained me of 2012, I open with the same caveat as always: my year is based on what opened near me. If a movie did not open in Columbus or Dayton in the year of 2011, it is not eligible. Sorry, The Artist. You will be on my 2012 list. Meanwhile, one 2010 Oscar nominee is in my top five for 2011.
Before unveiling my top ten, these are my ten runners-up, in alphabetical order:
Beginners. If Chritopher Plummer's supporting performance wasn't the most entertaining performance of 2011, then I didn't see what topped it. But the sweet romance at the heart of this film is what truly won me over.
Cave of Forgotten Dreams. Werner Herzog always has a unique take on life. His decision to shoot these cabe drawings in 3D is one of the best cinematic decisions he ever made.
Crazy Stupid Love. Not quite the laugh riot I expected, but a film with more emotional truth than I expected, and a plot with some great twists and turns.
Drive. Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. And a couple of harch reminders of how shocking violence is when played for real.
Friends with Benefits. Yeah, just a romantic comedy with dirty words, but with appealing leads in Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, and dialogue that still makes me laugh on repeat viewings, a lot less has been celebrated.
Hanna. Brutal, but exciting, with a ferocious lead performance by Saorise Ronan and tehno score to match by The Chemical Brothers.
Horrible Bosses. Flat out the major studio film that made me laugh the hardest. (There is an independent film in my top ten that had me laughing harder.)
Martha Marcy May Marlene. It's not just for Elizabeth Olsen, though she gave one of my favorite performances of the year. Its for the way the film, with its jump back and forth structure, had me feeling her paranoia.
Midnight in Paris. Just made me smile the whole time. No one does that better than Woody Allen at the top of his game.
Win WIn. Director Tom McCarthy is a master of the telling detail, which makes his films so rewarding. Plus in this one he has Paul Giamati in the lead.
Before unveiling my top ten, these are my ten runners-up, in alphabetical order:
Beginners. If Chritopher Plummer's supporting performance wasn't the most entertaining performance of 2011, then I didn't see what topped it. But the sweet romance at the heart of this film is what truly won me over.
Cave of Forgotten Dreams. Werner Herzog always has a unique take on life. His decision to shoot these cabe drawings in 3D is one of the best cinematic decisions he ever made.
Crazy Stupid Love. Not quite the laugh riot I expected, but a film with more emotional truth than I expected, and a plot with some great twists and turns.
Drive. Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. And a couple of harch reminders of how shocking violence is when played for real.
Friends with Benefits. Yeah, just a romantic comedy with dirty words, but with appealing leads in Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, and dialogue that still makes me laugh on repeat viewings, a lot less has been celebrated.
Hanna. Brutal, but exciting, with a ferocious lead performance by Saorise Ronan and tehno score to match by The Chemical Brothers.
Horrible Bosses. Flat out the major studio film that made me laugh the hardest. (There is an independent film in my top ten that had me laughing harder.)
Martha Marcy May Marlene. It's not just for Elizabeth Olsen, though she gave one of my favorite performances of the year. Its for the way the film, with its jump back and forth structure, had me feeling her paranoia.
Midnight in Paris. Just made me smile the whole time. No one does that better than Woody Allen at the top of his game.
Win WIn. Director Tom McCarthy is a master of the telling detail, which makes his films so rewarding. Plus in this one he has Paul Giamati in the lead.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Oscar predictions 2012
Yes, I'm waiting until the last minute. But I'm still on time: the show isn't until tonight. So here goes:
BEST PICTURE: The Artist
It is indeed rare when an early front runner never loses the top ranking, but that is indeed what happened this year when The Artist came out of Cannes looking like the film to beat and never lost that status. As a valentine to early sound era Hollywood it hits the Academy target as a bullseye. Hugo, as a valentine to film preservation, is the spoiler and would have won many years (including last year). But I think the tiebreaker is The Artist is seen as more fun than Hugo.
BEST DIRECTOR: Micel Hazanivicius, The Artist
To pull off a black and white film with (almost) no dialogue and in the technical limitations of that era and yet not for a second make it feel like homework is an achievement worth rewarding. Martin Scorsese also came from the heart with Hugo, but this seems to me to be the year of The Artist.
BEST ACTOR: Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Brad Pitt and George Clooney are excellent, as always. But to pull of The Artist without dialogue is a one of a kind achievement.
BEST ACTRESS: Viola Davis, The Help
A popular prediction is Streep. But The Iron Lady isn't one of her best roles, and The Help may well be the best role Davis has ever had. She's a great actress and she's due.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christopher Plummer, Beginners
He's Hollywood royalty. He's never won. And he's really good in this role. The easiest pick of the night.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Octavia Spencer, The Help
In a role designed for her, she knocks it out of the park. She's up against some great performances, but none of them have ever materialized as competition.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Midnight in Paris
The Artist definitely could make Hazanivicius a double winner, but this seems like a good place to reward Woody Allen, who hasn't won in over 25 years.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: The Descendants
I see this a a race between former winners for Best Picture nominees who will likely not win any other category. While Moneyball may be the tougher task (the novel was a bunch of statistics -- dramatize that!), Oscar voters usually vote with their heart. The heartstrings are best plucked by The Descendants.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: Rango
Terrible field this year. Rango wins essentially by default.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Paradise Lost 3
The always wacky documentary branch omitted a lot of deserving nominees, but the totality of the Paradise Lost achievement, helping to free three men wrongfully convicted of three horrible murders, seems to me like the kind of achievement Oscar would like to reward.
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURE: A Separation
The most acclaim and the only film in this category with another nomination (for screenplay) makes this the obvious choice.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: The Tree of Life
Emmanuel Lubetzki is waaaay overdue. And while dramatically people have issue with the film, no one disputes it is frequently stunningly beautiful.
BEST FILM EDITING: The Artist
Probably the toughest category of the night. I could build a good case for Hugo, Moneyball, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. But when in doubt in this category, do for the Best Picture winner. So that's what I'm doing.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: The Artist
Any claim that The Artist is the best picture goes hand and hand with its score, which is essential to the film's mood.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG: "Man or Muppet", The Muppets
The Rio song is forgettable, and the other songs that deserved to be nominated were "Life's a Happy Song" and "Pictures in My Head", both from The Muppets. So here's one for the song that should win.
BEST ART DIRECTION: Hugo
Dante Ferretti is a legend in his field. And his work on Hugo was stunning, to boot.
BEST COSTUMES: Hugo
Sandy Powell is a legend in her field. And her work on Hugo was stunning, to boot.
BEST MAKEUP: The Iron Lady
In an odd field for this category, I'm guessing transforming Meryl Streep into Margaret Thatcher will be rewarded.
BEST SOUND EDITING: War Horse
BEST SOUND MIXING: War Horse
I'm guessing epic sweep gets rewarded. If the awards goes to Most Sound (and it often does) then Transformers 3 wins here.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Usually, this goes to the film that shows us something new. The effects of the apes was a leap forward from previous motion capture efforts.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT: La Luna
Pixar may have missed with its feature this year, but it sure didn't with its short. None of the other nominees were as good as Pixar's two Toy Story shorts, for that matter.
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT: The Shore
The funniest, the most emotional, and from director Terry George, who made the well respected feature Hotal Rwanda. Its a stron field, but this clearly the stongest.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: Saving Face
This is a two film race with "The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom" but I'm going with the film that illuminates a subject, survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan, that is much less well known than the Japanese tsunami and how its culture survived.
BEST PICTURE: The Artist
It is indeed rare when an early front runner never loses the top ranking, but that is indeed what happened this year when The Artist came out of Cannes looking like the film to beat and never lost that status. As a valentine to early sound era Hollywood it hits the Academy target as a bullseye. Hugo, as a valentine to film preservation, is the spoiler and would have won many years (including last year). But I think the tiebreaker is The Artist is seen as more fun than Hugo.
BEST DIRECTOR: Micel Hazanivicius, The Artist
To pull off a black and white film with (almost) no dialogue and in the technical limitations of that era and yet not for a second make it feel like homework is an achievement worth rewarding. Martin Scorsese also came from the heart with Hugo, but this seems to me to be the year of The Artist.
BEST ACTOR: Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Brad Pitt and George Clooney are excellent, as always. But to pull of The Artist without dialogue is a one of a kind achievement.
BEST ACTRESS: Viola Davis, The Help
A popular prediction is Streep. But The Iron Lady isn't one of her best roles, and The Help may well be the best role Davis has ever had. She's a great actress and she's due.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christopher Plummer, Beginners
He's Hollywood royalty. He's never won. And he's really good in this role. The easiest pick of the night.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Octavia Spencer, The Help
In a role designed for her, she knocks it out of the park. She's up against some great performances, but none of them have ever materialized as competition.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Midnight in Paris
The Artist definitely could make Hazanivicius a double winner, but this seems like a good place to reward Woody Allen, who hasn't won in over 25 years.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: The Descendants
I see this a a race between former winners for Best Picture nominees who will likely not win any other category. While Moneyball may be the tougher task (the novel was a bunch of statistics -- dramatize that!), Oscar voters usually vote with their heart. The heartstrings are best plucked by The Descendants.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: Rango
Terrible field this year. Rango wins essentially by default.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Paradise Lost 3
The always wacky documentary branch omitted a lot of deserving nominees, but the totality of the Paradise Lost achievement, helping to free three men wrongfully convicted of three horrible murders, seems to me like the kind of achievement Oscar would like to reward.
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURE: A Separation
The most acclaim and the only film in this category with another nomination (for screenplay) makes this the obvious choice.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: The Tree of Life
Emmanuel Lubetzki is waaaay overdue. And while dramatically people have issue with the film, no one disputes it is frequently stunningly beautiful.
BEST FILM EDITING: The Artist
Probably the toughest category of the night. I could build a good case for Hugo, Moneyball, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. But when in doubt in this category, do for the Best Picture winner. So that's what I'm doing.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: The Artist
Any claim that The Artist is the best picture goes hand and hand with its score, which is essential to the film's mood.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG: "Man or Muppet", The Muppets
The Rio song is forgettable, and the other songs that deserved to be nominated were "Life's a Happy Song" and "Pictures in My Head", both from The Muppets. So here's one for the song that should win.
BEST ART DIRECTION: Hugo
Dante Ferretti is a legend in his field. And his work on Hugo was stunning, to boot.
BEST COSTUMES: Hugo
Sandy Powell is a legend in her field. And her work on Hugo was stunning, to boot.
BEST MAKEUP: The Iron Lady
In an odd field for this category, I'm guessing transforming Meryl Streep into Margaret Thatcher will be rewarded.
BEST SOUND EDITING: War Horse
BEST SOUND MIXING: War Horse
I'm guessing epic sweep gets rewarded. If the awards goes to Most Sound (and it often does) then Transformers 3 wins here.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Usually, this goes to the film that shows us something new. The effects of the apes was a leap forward from previous motion capture efforts.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT: La Luna
Pixar may have missed with its feature this year, but it sure didn't with its short. None of the other nominees were as good as Pixar's two Toy Story shorts, for that matter.
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT: The Shore
The funniest, the most emotional, and from director Terry George, who made the well respected feature Hotal Rwanda. Its a stron field, but this clearly the stongest.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: Saving Face
This is a two film race with "The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom" but I'm going with the film that illuminates a subject, survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan, that is much less well known than the Japanese tsunami and how its culture survived.
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