I'd planned on providing some analysis for my picks, but this late in the day, factoring in no nap for my 20-month old daughter, and this is the best I can do (picks only):
Best Picture
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director
Will win: Danny Boyle
Should win: Danny Boyle
Best Actor
Will win: Mickey Rourke
Should win: Mickey Rourke or Sean Penn
Best Actress
Will win: Kate Winslet
Should win: Anne Hathaway
Best Supporting Actor
Will win: Heath Ledger
Should win: Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actress
Will win: Penelope Cruz
Should win: Viola Davis
Best Art Direction
Will win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Should win: The Dark Knight
Best Cinematography
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: The Dark Knight
Best Costume Design
Will win: The Duchess
Should win: ???
Best Documentary
Will win: Man on Wire
Should win: ???
Best Animated Feature
Will win: WALL-E
Should win: WALL-E
Best Documentary Short Subject
Will win: The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306
Should win: ???
Best Film Editing
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Foreign-Language Film
Will win: The Class
Should win: ???
Best Make-Up
Will win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Should win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Score
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Song
Will win: "Jai Ho", Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: "Jai Ho", Slumdog Millionaire
Best Animated Short Film
Will win: Presto
Should win: ???
Best Live-Action Short Film
Will win: Spielzeugland (Toyland)
Should win: ???
Best Sound Editing
Will win: The Dark Knight
Should win: The Dark Knight
Best Sound Mixing
Will win: The Dark Knight
Should win: The Dark Knight
Best Visual Effects
Will win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Should win: The Dark Knight
Best Adapted Screenplay
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Original Screenplay
Will win: Milk
Should win: Happy-Go-Lucky
And since most tie-breakers involve the length of the Oscars, and the producers have been running a tight ship in recent years, I'll predict the length to be 3:02:01.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
Photos courtesy of Paramount Vantage
Both Frank and April long for something more. April aspired to be an acclaimed actress, while Frank’s future was never fully realized. The tense couple hopes to avoid their dreaded life in the suburbs by developing a new beginning for their family overseas. 
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet try to escape their life in the suburbs in the drama REVOLUTIONARY ROAD.
Dicaprio and Winslet are Frank and April Wheeler, an outwardly happy family along with their two children, Michael and Jennifer. Frank works an office job, while April plays housewife, and various characters through the community theatre group.
Dicaprio and Winslet are Frank and April Wheeler, an outwardly happy family along with their two children, Michael and Jennifer. Frank works an office job, while April plays housewife, and various characters through the community theatre group.
Both Frank and April long for something more. April aspired to be an acclaimed actress, while Frank’s future was never fully realized. The tense couple hopes to avoid their dreaded life in the suburbs by developing a new beginning for their family overseas.
Suburban angst is nothing new from director Sam Mendes. Mendes debut film AMERCAN BEAUTY dealt with the shortcomings of miring oneself in a superficial situation, but worked its way through it’s characters struggles to find a light at the end of the tunnel. REVOLUTIONARY ROAD sees no light at the end of Frank and April’s tunnel just a dark, suburban abyss where bright-eyed individuals go to have their dreams die.
MARLEY AND ME the less acclaimed, but more honest and real portrait of the American family, displays the joys and pains, sacrifice and success of balancing personal, professional and family needs. Outside of their pristine abode on Revolutionary Road, the Wheelers life is painted in broad strokes of anxiety. Although Frank’s job is far from glamorous, his well-paying desk job is portrayed as a career trap where Frank’s professional ambitions are thwarted. April is not a happy mother of two, but a tormented woman, who finds no solace in her acting or children. The children themselves are more devices than characters, providing no joy for Frank or April, but rather roadblocks for the couples wants.
Dicaprio and Winslet have received much critical acclaim for their performances, but that surprises me, as their portrayals were heavy-handed and out-of-touch. Mendes direction is just as contrived, smearing a cynical portrait of middle-class America.
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD may aspire to be a cautionary tale on comprise, unfortunately its narrow-minded and ham-fisted delivery makes for a painstaking trip through the suburbs.
Grade: C-
MARLEY AND ME the less acclaimed, but more honest and real portrait of the American family, displays the joys and pains, sacrifice and success of balancing personal, professional and family needs. Outside of their pristine abode on Revolutionary Road, the Wheelers life is painted in broad strokes of anxiety. Although Frank’s job is far from glamorous, his well-paying desk job is portrayed as a career trap where Frank’s professional ambitions are thwarted. April is not a happy mother of two, but a tormented woman, who finds no solace in her acting or children. The children themselves are more devices than characters, providing no joy for Frank or April, but rather roadblocks for the couples wants.
Dicaprio and Winslet have received much critical acclaim for their performances, but that surprises me, as their portrayals were heavy-handed and out-of-touch. Mendes direction is just as contrived, smearing a cynical portrait of middle-class America.
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD may aspire to be a cautionary tale on comprise, unfortunately its narrow-minded and ham-fisted delivery makes for a painstaking trip through the suburbs.
Grade: C-
DEFIANCE
Photos courtesy of Paramount Vantage
Four brothers attempt to survive, and salvage their Jewish countrymen’s lives from Nazi Germany in the action-drama, DEFIANCE.
Tuvia, Zus, Ariel and Aron Bieleski fled their home in Poland following the murder of their parents by the Nazis. The Bieleskis fled to nearby forests where they hid from German forces, and as time passed, so did word that the family found comfort in the remote location. Several Jews latched on to the Bieleskis’ movement, and as word continued to spread, more and more members of the Jewish community joined the Bieleskis faction. 
DEFIANCE tells a story rarely told, and at the same time, one which seems strikingly important. I can’t recall a World War II or Holocaust film detailing the Jewish community’s fight against the Nazi occupation. Most of these films relive the horror, but DEFIANCE celebrates a small faction of the Jewish community who fought back by living on their own terms, and defending themselves when push came to shove.
This small, but poignant story would seem to be enough, but it isn’t, as the story’s arch seems oddly flat for a film of its kind. The struggle waged by the Bieleski brothers begins at the film’s outset and continues in like manner to the film’s final frame. There are highs and lows in their forest encounters, but ones that surprisingly have little emotional impact.
Much of the film’s focus is placed on the execution of the brothers’ plan and the community built around the movement, instead of individual stories and efforts. Director Edward Zwick finds small stories within historical accounts, and weaves them into successful human triumphs from films like BLOOD DIAMOND to COURAGE UNDER FIRE. DEFIANCE is a film in this same vein, but Zwick may have become more enamored with the specifics of history rather than the personal achievements.
DEFIANCE feels and looks authentic, but lacks a necessary emotional pull for this important slice of history.
Grade: C
Four brothers attempt to survive, and salvage their Jewish countrymen’s lives from Nazi Germany in the action-drama, DEFIANCE.Tuvia, Zus, Ariel and Aron Bieleski fled their home in Poland following the murder of their parents by the Nazis. The Bieleskis fled to nearby forests where they hid from German forces, and as time passed, so did word that the family found comfort in the remote location. Several Jews latched on to the Bieleskis’ movement, and as word continued to spread, more and more members of the Jewish community joined the Bieleskis faction.
DEFIANCE tells a story rarely told, and at the same time, one which seems strikingly important. I can’t recall a World War II or Holocaust film detailing the Jewish community’s fight against the Nazi occupation. Most of these films relive the horror, but DEFIANCE celebrates a small faction of the Jewish community who fought back by living on their own terms, and defending themselves when push came to shove.This small, but poignant story would seem to be enough, but it isn’t, as the story’s arch seems oddly flat for a film of its kind. The struggle waged by the Bieleski brothers begins at the film’s outset and continues in like manner to the film’s final frame. There are highs and lows in their forest encounters, but ones that surprisingly have little emotional impact.
Much of the film’s focus is placed on the execution of the brothers’ plan and the community built around the movement, instead of individual stories and efforts. Director Edward Zwick finds small stories within historical accounts, and weaves them into successful human triumphs from films like BLOOD DIAMOND to COURAGE UNDER FIRE. DEFIANCE is a film in this same vein, but Zwick may have become more enamored with the specifics of history rather than the personal achievements.
DEFIANCE feels and looks authentic, but lacks a necessary emotional pull for this important slice of history.
Grade: C
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
Photos courtesy of Newland Films
A young Indian man reveals his past to justify his worldly knowledge in the much heralded latest from director Danny Boyle, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.
Jamal is an 18-year old former orphan who grew up in the slums of India, braving religious upheaval, surviving gang violence and overcoming the loss of his parents. Despite all of his struggles, the winds of fate have blown in Jamal's favor, as he lands a spot on the number one India game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?".
A young Indian man reveals his past to justify his worldly knowledge in the much heralded latest from director Danny Boyle, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.Jamal is an 18-year old former orphan who grew up in the slums of India, braving religious upheaval, surviving gang violence and overcoming the loss of his parents. Despite all of his struggles, the winds of fate have blown in Jamal's favor, as he lands a spot on the number one India game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?".
After breezing through the first six questions to earn himself a shot at 25-million rupees, or one-million American dollars, Jamal finds himself in a troubling situation. Police have taken Jamal in to custody fearing that he's cheated his way through the game show, and it's up to Jamal to explain exactly how he knew the answers to the questions on the game show.
Mixing a unique backdrop with original storytelling, director Danny Boyle turns three classic film storylines into one crowd-pleasing success with SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. Whether you’re a sports fan pulling for the tenacious underdog to shock the world, a romantic longing to see two lovers reunite or a realist wishing to see the coming-of-age tale of an orphan matriculating his way through society, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE offers all three.
As if this wouldn't be enough, thanks to the observant and emotionally enriching screenplay from writer Simon Beaufoy, Boyle ratchets up the storytelling with an exciting and innovative format, framing Jamal's tale around each of the game show's questions. This device livens up an already compelling script, and instead of overshadowing Jamal's once-in-a-lifetime experience, it adds to the wholeness.
The setting for the film is Mumbai, India, the same city where terrorists recently wreaked terror and destruction, and Boyle reveals the city's slums, and their dangerous and unstable nature through Jamal's upbringing. The film reminds one of Fernando Meirelles CITY OF GOD who's portrait of the slums of Brazil was a real eye-opener.
Boyle's highly acclaimed works include TRAINSPOTTING, 28 DAYS LATER and SUNSHINE, but SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE may turn out to be his crowning achievement. The relative cast of unknowns are equally effective, selling each stage of Jamal's life as a crucial piece of the puzzle. Dev Patel has received the most acclaim, playing Jamal for much of the film, but the other two young Indian actors, are equally effective. So are the six other actors who fill the roles of Jamal's brother Salim and his friend Latika, as well as a brilliantly suspicious performance from Anil Kapoor as game show host Prem Kumar.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is the equivalent of an endangered species in film terms, a movie which delivers three compelling stories through one boy's eyes, an updated fairy tale utilizing modern storytelling techniques and a timeless testament to one individual's resistance to accept anything less than justice. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is one of the best films of 2008.
Grade: A
As if this wouldn't be enough, thanks to the observant and emotionally enriching screenplay from writer Simon Beaufoy, Boyle ratchets up the storytelling with an exciting and innovative format, framing Jamal's tale around each of the game show's questions. This device livens up an already compelling script, and instead of overshadowing Jamal's once-in-a-lifetime experience, it adds to the wholeness.
The setting for the film is Mumbai, India, the same city where terrorists recently wreaked terror and destruction, and Boyle reveals the city's slums, and their dangerous and unstable nature through Jamal's upbringing. The film reminds one of Fernando Meirelles CITY OF GOD who's portrait of the slums of Brazil was a real eye-opener.
Boyle's highly acclaimed works include TRAINSPOTTING, 28 DAYS LATER and SUNSHINE, but SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE may turn out to be his crowning achievement. The relative cast of unknowns are equally effective, selling each stage of Jamal's life as a crucial piece of the puzzle. Dev Patel has received the most acclaim, playing Jamal for much of the film, but the other two young Indian actors, are equally effective. So are the six other actors who fill the roles of Jamal's brother Salim and his friend Latika, as well as a brilliantly suspicious performance from Anil Kapoor as game show host Prem Kumar.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is the equivalent of an endangered species in film terms, a movie which delivers three compelling stories through one boy's eyes, an updated fairy tale utilizing modern storytelling techniques and a timeless testament to one individual's resistance to accept anything less than justice. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is one of the best films of 2008.
Grade: A
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Photos courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Brad Pitt lives life backwards in David Fincher’s THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON.
Pitt is Benjamin Button an infant born with the attributes of an 80-year old man. His mother dies upon his birth, and his father, mortified of raising a deformed child leaves him at the footsteps of a nursing home. Dorothy one of the workers at the facility takes Benjamin in and raises him.
Brad Pitt lives life backwards in David Fincher’s THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON.Pitt is Benjamin Button an infant born with the attributes of an 80-year old man. His mother dies upon his birth, and his father, mortified of raising a deformed child leaves him at the footsteps of a nursing home. Dorothy one of the workers at the facility takes Benjamin in and raises him.
With the physical attributes of a senior citizen, Benjamin fits right in at the nursing home. As time passes though, Benjamin begins to heal physically and mature both mentally and emotionally, and even begins a friendship with Daisy, a young girl who visits the home regularly. In spite of his attachment to Dorothy, Daisy and the nursing home, there comes a time when everyone must go out on their own, and Benjamin does so by becoming a seafarer and hitting the open seas.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is an aptly titled pictured, even if the title is strictly taken from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s popular slice of fiction. Despite the film’s lengthy run time, Fincher and screenwriter Eric Roth struggle to capture the growth, uniqueness and wholeness of Benjamin Button.
With an eclectic group of friends, acquaintances and family members, both blood and otherwise, encompassing a story that spans one individual‘s entire life, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON attempts to illustrate how each individual that interacts with one’s life, impacts one’s life. This idea is clearly, succinctly and cleverly illustrated about mid-way through the film, connecting a group of seemingly irrelevant individuals into one of the film’s more dire moments. This short two minute scene exemplifies what THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is about, so much so, that one wonders why Fincher and Roth couldn’t have done more with the remaining two and half hours.
Although the film isn’t as substantial as it could be, it never ceases to be an engaging experience, thanks to Fincher’s unique style, Pitt and Cate Blanchett’s performances and the skillful make-up and hair styling work from 34 talented individuals. Fincher’s fanciful and dark approach provides the film with an original backdrop, Pitt and Blanchett create endearing, if not fully realized characters, but the star of the film is the make-up, transforming Benjamin and Daisy in opposite directions.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is an intriguing concept that is never fully realized, despite the technical, directing and acting skills displayed within the film’s framework.
With an eclectic group of friends, acquaintances and family members, both blood and otherwise, encompassing a story that spans one individual‘s entire life, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON attempts to illustrate how each individual that interacts with one’s life, impacts one’s life. This idea is clearly, succinctly and cleverly illustrated about mid-way through the film, connecting a group of seemingly irrelevant individuals into one of the film’s more dire moments. This short two minute scene exemplifies what THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is about, so much so, that one wonders why Fincher and Roth couldn’t have done more with the remaining two and half hours.
Although the film isn’t as substantial as it could be, it never ceases to be an engaging experience, thanks to Fincher’s unique style, Pitt and Cate Blanchett’s performances and the skillful make-up and hair styling work from 34 talented individuals. Fincher’s fanciful and dark approach provides the film with an original backdrop, Pitt and Blanchett create endearing, if not fully realized characters, but the star of the film is the make-up, transforming Benjamin and Daisy in opposite directions.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is an intriguing concept that is never fully realized, despite the technical, directing and acting skills displayed within the film’s framework.
Grade: C+
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