Oscar Nominations 2009

It's that time again and whatever you have to say about the Oscars, it's always exciting to see who has been nominated and to debate over who might win.

I'll be using my trusty Cineworld voucher to see all nominations in the six main categories and make my predictions before the Oscars take place in February.

Firstly, here are the nominations in those six categories and my initial comments:

Performance by an actor in a leading role
• Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
• Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
• Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
• Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
• Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

I haven't seen any of these movies but can say straight off the bat, based on predictions and rumours buzzing around, this looks like a close call. Couldn't pick it at this early stage, although a lot of people have been talking about Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

The obvious noteworthy nomination is for Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight and I think he will win it, solely based on his performance, but the real surprise here is the inclusion of Robert Downey Jr in Tropic Thunder, the only other movie I have seen out of this lot. Tropic Thunder was a piss take movie with Ben Stiller, but its great to see pure comedy roles getting a mention, because Robert Downey Jnr's depiction of a method actor going to extreme measures to play the role of an African American soldier was an amazing performance. Robert Downey Jnr is a fine actor, as was Heath Ledger.

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)

Haven't see any of these so it's hard to pick at this stage. Might have to pay to see Changeling as it is no longer screening at Cineworld. Kate Winslet got a Golden Globe for her performance in The Reader and Meryl Streep's movie, Doubt, looks the goods.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Again, I haven't seen any of these performances and haven't got much to comment on except the inclusion of Marisa Tomei, who has come out of nowhere to pick up an Oscar nom.

Achievement in directing
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
“Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

Ooh another tough one and another five I haven't seen. Word has it Slumdog Millionaire is the favourite, but I love David Fincher's work and would be very happy if he picked it up for his most intriguing movie yet.

Best motion picture of the year
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
“Milk” (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production, Christian Colson, Producer

Same five as directing, and same comments.

Other nominations of note: Wall E should be a shoe in for Best Animated Picture and could take the Best Original Screenplay too, The Baader Meinhof Complex (review still pending) for Best Foreign Language Film and only Milk was dropped from the big five movies for Best Adapted Screenplay, replaced by Doubt. Also, there is a very notable absence in the form of Che - haven't seen the movie but good things have been spoken about Benico Del Toro's performance and it's stunning to see that the isn't listed in any category.

So, not long to go, Oscars are on February 22, so I better get cracking. Excited about seeing most of those nominations above.

For a full list of the nominations, go here.

17: STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS

Why I chose it?

You're either Star Trek or you're Star Wars. I've always been Star Wars and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see another entry into the legend on the big screen. Almost missed out too - last session at Cineworld!

Where?

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. I'm that far behind in my posts.

Comments?

It was the last ever session at Cineworld for the first computer animated movie entry into the Lucas legend that is Star Wars. It was out in the cinemas for a long time but I hadn't got around to seeing it. The last ever session, screening at 11am on a Sunday morning in Wandsworth - I was expecting a vacant cinema. In fact, I was the only adult there; the only adult without a kid. Yes, it was me, 100 parents and 150 kids. Mayhem.

That said, this movie was perfect for them - amazing graphics, albeit bordering on too cartoony, and loads of action. And Yoda. The little tackers lapped it up - reminded me of the first time I saw a Star Wars movie many dual moons ago.

For me the movie was entertaining, although it almost didn't feel like a Star Wars movie. I hadn't seen the TV series so hadn't been warmed up to the new visuals and the notable absence of the Twentieth Century Fox fanfare did throw me a bit. But the story is pure Star Wars and the action never lets up. I'll concede the storyline was a little weak (Jabba The Hutt's son is kidnapped?? Sounds like a plot better suited to the "Droids" cartoon) but it was good enough to keep me interested.

All the familiar characters are here too - Obi Wan, Anakin, Yoda - and a few new faces too, but most of the voices are different, except for Samuel L Jackson (who must be a true fan), Anthony Daniels and Christopher Lee. The old characters stay true to their live action counterparts and the new bods fit well into the Star Wars universe.

Overall, an entertaining Sunday morning spent with a bunch of kids experiencing a new Star Wars movie - brought back the memories! And I must say, it did fuel my excitement for the new cartoon series.

Would I pay to see it?

It's Star Wars: unless the words "Ewok Adventure" are included in the title, I'd pay to see it without question.

Rating?

7 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"May The Force Be With You" to every parent with a screaming child.

16: THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

Why I chose it?


I had just finished some Christmas shopping and was at a loose end, thinking it was too early for Sunday dinner. I was keen to watch a movie but The Baader Meinhof Complex and Changeling were on at inconvenient times. So I was left with The Day The Earth Stood Still.


Where?


Shaftesbury Avenue, 6.30pm.

Comments?

I have never seen the original 1950s science fiction movie The Day The Earth Stood Still, but I had heard about it and the character, Klaatu and the image of the giant being with the laser beam eyes were instantly recognisable. The storyline wasn't, so I went into this remake without much of an idea about its plot.

The movie is quite entertaining, good special effects and an interesting premise about aliens landing on Earth to teach us humans a few lessons. It's a spin on the usual "aliens taking over the planet" and the annihilation of humans is kept to a minimum; at least initially. The appearance and purpose of the aliens' visit is revealed very early on, leaving the tension for the question of whether they can be stopped or not.


The problem with this movie, for me, is that it tries to avoid coming over all preachy and issuey but fails miserably; it could easily be categorised as another in a long line of movies whose underlying theme or moral revolves around the environment and how humans are destroying the planet. This is an important issue but the message is starting to dilute.


If it is delivered subtlety, (like in Wall∙E), it works; if it is delivered by an alien who admonishes the human race for raping the planet and orders complete destruction of all evidence of human occupation as punishment, we are in danger of treating the audience as a bunch of school kids who need a good telling off. When people laugh at dialogue meant to be thought provoking, you know the message isn't getting through. And you can't blame the audience for getting a little sick about being reminded about our impending doom if we don't stop using plastic bags or wasting water. The message is important, but it should not be delivered in this way.


And Will Smith's son is annoying.


Would I pay to see it?


No.


Rating?


5 out of 10


Post Movie Quote:


"Can we please lay off the remakes for a while? It's starting to look like there are no more original ideas left out there."

Movies I'm Excited About - #1

Bale as John Connor; set in the future; nuff said. Check out the kick ass trailer here.

And I absolutely love this poster!

15: BODY OF LIES

Why I chose it?

Despite the two big names in the lead, it was Sir Ridley Scott as director that pulled me towards this one. I've always been a big fan, love his style and American Gangster was up there as my favourite movie of 2007.

Where?

Shaftesbury Avenue, 8.45pm. (There's not enough angle on the seating, so I got a crick in the neck after watching this 2hr plus movie).

Comments?

Body Of Lies is based on a novel by David Ignatius and follows the crusade of a CIA operative on the trail of a terrorist who has recently taken credit for bombings in Continental Europe and whose secret safehouse is believed to be in Jordon. Ferris (DiCaprio) is assisted by CIA Boss Hoffman (Crowe) in tracking down the terrorist leader and bringing him to justice, but has motives, information and plans of his own which he keeps to himself, thus putting Ferris and others in danger.

I found this movie very intriguing and, as I have said, I am a big fan of Scott's direction (except when he creates an effect on screen where the images blur and jump, which he did once in this movie and too many times in Hannibal). The tension is tangible throughout, not just in the action scenes, but in the dialogue, most notably between Ferris and Hani Salaam, head of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department (superbly played by Mark Strong).

There are issues raised here about government policy, the threat of terrorism and the tragedy of war. Scenes of bombings in public places (Manchester, Amsterdam, Turkey) resonate, especially since recent events overseas. However, it is the underlying theme of secrets withheld and lies told that creates the greatest tension and which result in the direst of consequences.

There is an element of realism here that had an impact on the layman (me) and the drama unfolding on the screen is captivating. There is globetrotting around some of the most dangerous parts of the world, including Iraq, and I found much interest in some of the aerial shots of these locations. Scenes of torture and violence are graphic and realistic, not for shock value, but to add to the tension; still, most are very hard to watch.

DiCaprio and Crowe (who added plenty of weight to "fill" the role of the CIA boss) are engaging to watch, DiCaprio going from strength to strength since Blood Diamond. As I mentioned above, Mark Strong is superb as the Jordanian intelligence boss, who toes the line of righteousness with methods that are questionable but effective. Just don't lie to him. And there was a pleasant surprise to see a well-liked Australian actor amongst it all (see below).

This is an explosive movie, and not just in the pyrotechnics, and it is one of the better movies to address the war on the ground in the Middle East and the fight, as ill directed as one may think, against terrorists. It also has a much better thematic approach than last year's The Kingdom. Some critics point out that the long running time desensitises the film's impact, but I, for one, can say that my interest was held throughout.

Another worthy effort by Sir Ridley Scott.

Would I pay to see it?

Yes.

Rating?

8 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"I knew that was Vince Colosimo!" said with visions of buying the Underbelly TV series next year.

14: WALL∙E

Why I chose it?

You can't go past a Pixar movie, from Toy Story to Ratatouille, they produce some of the most magical stories with unbelievable images and memorable characters - brings out the kid in me!

Where?

Wandsworth, just after Batman - yes, I am that far behind in my posts.

Comments?

This movie is a delight to watch, quite touching, quite humourous and the visuals are amazing. As with all Pixar movies, it is just as entertaining for the adults as it is for the kids. In fact, the heartfelt story of this little robot who falls in love, pulls on the heartstrings and touches the emotions in a way that is beyond the comprehension of a child. The kids will love the antics of little Wall∙E and his offsider and the magic of space will enthrall them, but it is the story that will resonate with the adults.

As appears to be the norm lately, there is a statement about environmental concerns and the impact on our way of life if we don't do something about addressing sustainability, but it is handled very well, bringing in an element of humour without softening the message. Ultimately, however, this is a love story and even though we are talking about robots here, you will not be untouched by Wall∙E's feelings of loneliness, infatuation, heartache and happiness.

And he's such a cute little fella too.


Would I pay to see it?

Yes, highly entertaining stuff.

Rating?

9 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Waalllllleeeeee. Eeeevaaaah," repeated ad nauseum.

13: THE DARK KNIGHT

Why I chose it?

This Batman movie has looked impressive ever since the first brief images of Heath Ledger as The Joker appeared on the internet. As more and more images and trailers appeared, more and more fans salivated and wrung their hands, waiting for the release date. This was one of those movies that would never be overhyped. How could I not watch it?

Where?

Cinema 2, Wandsworth, 6.30pm.

Comments?

The Dark Knight is superb. It’s one of those movies that come along all too infrequently – picture perfect. It’s dark, emotive, powerful, frenetic and the action never lets up – this is a superhero movie for those who hate superhero movies. And for those who LOVE superhero movies.

The plot is complex: gang bosses and deals with the devil; a brave politician who toes the line within a corrupt world but is a hero in his own right, without the fancy gear and gadgets; a business tycoon battling between his duty to a city and his love for a woman; and a crazed man in a dark suit, hanging out the window of a stolen police car, cackling at his own deviousness, improving the standard of the Gotham City criminal with a smile.

I already want to see this film again.

It was Rupert Wyatt, first time director of The Escapist, who said in an interview in Empire magazine that he admired Christopher Nolan’s ability to take on a big blockbuster movie and still convey his own personal style, or something like that. He was definitely referring to The Dark Knight – it is more subtle than Memento or The Prestige in its cinematic wizardry but the tricks of the trade that Nolan continually invents are all there – complex story structure, fast paced, quick cuts, sleight of hand – it helps that he wrote the script as well with his brother – a brilliant script at that. Some say the movie is too long – sure it’s long but given that I didn’t ever want it to finish means it wasn’t long enough.

The acting is excellant too. Heath Ledger is amazing in this movie. Almost thankfully, he is unrecognisable under all that makeup, but his acting ability still shines through – he licks his lips constantly; rolls his wrist, flicking his knife open; tells each victim a different origin story more gruesome than the last; and delivers a masterpiece performance of a complete maniac called The Joker. Sure he had big shoes to fill, but he solved that problem by bringing his own.

And now we come . . . to The Batman. There’s something very dark about Christian Bale, even as Batman he scares the shit out of me. There’s always a hit of violence in his eyes, that he’s about to do something bad. Batman in The Dark Knight is just as disturbing as Bale’s other performances in American Psycho, The Machinist and Harsh Times – because this time he is the good guy! And he is perfect as The Caped Crusader.

The supporting actors are all very solid too - Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine as Alfred and a standout performance by Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent – adding to this amazing superhero movie that is a two hour character study of despair, insanity and loss – and damn, isn’t it a cracking good movie!

Would I pay to see it?

Without a doubt - hopefully before it leaves our screens.

Rating?

10 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"It's not often I'd say this, but I'd go see that again. " The Jingo (guest quoter).