The Rysh Independent Film and Theatre Guild has released the winners of its award categories for the Class A group. The winners are as follows:
Best Picture: Inglourious Basterds
Best Director: Quentin Tarentino; Inglourious Basterds
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino; Inglourious Basterds
Best Adapted Screenplay: Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner; Up in the Air
Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique for her role as Mary in 'Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire'
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz for his role as Col. Hans Landa in 'Inglourious Basterds'
Best Lead Actress: Melanie Laurent for her role as Shosanna Dreyfus in 'Inglourious Basterds'
Best Lead Actor: Jospeh Gordon-Levitt for his role as Tom Hansen in '(500) Days of Summer'
Best Ensemble Cast: 'Nine' (Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Fergie, Nichole Kidman, Sofia Loren)
Although I was a little upset of some of the snubs made this year (Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges for acting!!), I am still fairly pleased with the outcome this year. 5 for BASTERDS! Yeaaaa-yea!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
2009 Oscar Predictions
Okay! It’s about that time of year again! The Oscars are the second most important day of the year for me after Halloween. This year, the field is both exciting and disappointing. I hope my wishes come true, and I know I tend to let my hopes get the better of me when making predictions. But, I’m going to try the best I can here! Let’s start of easy:
Best Supporting Actor
Nominees: Matt Damon (Invictus); Woody Harrelson (The Messenger); Christopher Plummer (The Last Station); Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones); Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)
Who Deserves to win: This is perhaps the easiest category to evaluate. Although you have to feel for the veterans who have been waiting for their time, Christoph Waltz’s interpretation of Hans Landa was both charming and frightening, and perhaps the most crucial performance in the year’s best film.
Who will win: Christoph Waltz
Best Supporting Actress
Nominees: 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)
Who Deserves to win: First of all, I’d like to express my disappointment that Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds) and Marion Cotillard (Public Enemies; Nine) were not recognized for their outstanding work this year. However, I won’t express outrage, because all of these ladies nominated deserve recognition. Now, as far as being deserving, I would place two people at the top of my list – Mo’Nique and Anna Kendrick. Mo’Nique delivered such a surprising performance that disturbed and upset anyone who watched it. And Anna Kendrick gave us a very emotionally charged and real performance of a girl entering the real world. Both are deserving in my book. But, this category is no longer competitive.
Who will win: Mo’Nique
Best Adapted Screenplay
Nominees: Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell (District 9); Nick Hornby (An Education); Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche (In the Loop); Geoffrey Fletcher (Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire); Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner (Up in the Air)
Who Deserves to win: I have yet to see ‘In the Loop’, so my judgment is going to be slightly off. The screenplays for ‘An Education’, ‘Precious’, and ‘Up in the Air’ were all superb. However, seeing as how awful the book Up in the Air was, I am most impressed with how Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner managed to make lemonade from lemons.
Who will win: Up in the Air
Best Lead Actor
Nominees: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart); George Clooney (Up in the Air); Colin Firth (A Single Man); Morgan Freeman (Invictus); Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker)
Who Deserves to win: George Clooney delivered his best performance, and, for that, I might be inclined to vote for him. But I also cannot ignore the power and honesty in Jeremy Renner’s turn in ‘The Hurt Locker’. I’d say both equally deserve. But, so is Jeff Bridges. The fact that he’s been waiting since ‘The Last Picture Show’ makes his name more appealing to voters on the ballot. It should be his to lose.
Who will win: Jeff Bridges
Best Director
Nominees: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker); James Cameron (Avatar); Lee Daniels (Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire); Jason Reitman (Up in the Air); Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds)
Who deserves to win: Not James Cameron. The movie sucked. To all the ‘Avatar’ fans – why?? Daniels and Reitman deserve the nominations, but both of them are standing among the giants that are Kathryn Bigelow and Quentin Tarantino. Since meeting the Basterds, I have completely done a 360 on my opinion of Tarantino. I can really appreciate his work now. And ‘Inglourious Basterds’ might be his masterpiece. He deserves this award more than any other. However, Kathryn Bigelow really did create a beautiful film that captures so many relevant issues in today’s world. To add a final punch, she could win against James Cameron, her ex-husband. This is poetic justice at its finest. So, in the end, I’d like to see Tarantino win, but I will smile widely when Bigelow does.
Who will win: Kathryn Bigelow
Now, on to the more difficult nominees –
Best Actress
Nominees: Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side); Dame Helen Mirren (The Last Station); Carey Mulligan (An Education); Gabourey Sidibe (Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire); Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)
Who deserves to win: Maybe I just have a soft side for breakthrough performances. Before these nominations were announced, I would have said, very solidly, that Carey Mulligan deserves this. But, as soon as the nominees were announced, Gabourey Sidibe appeared on TV, very excited for her nomination. While ‘Precious’ is a very reserved and withdrawn character, Sidibe is bubbly, charming, and rather joyful. The acting job, then, was obviously superb. So, at this point, I’m on the fence between Sidibe and Mulligan. Now back to reality – Streep has had such an impressive career. This decade has been particularly impressive. We see her break her own Oscar record on a regular basis (we’re up to 16 nominations now). She hasn’t been awarded since ‘Sophie’s Choice’ in 1984. I think it’s high time to award her again. I think Academy voters are going to agree with me, and that the supposed frontrunner, Sandra Bullock, will walk away empty handed.
Who will win: Meryl Streep
Best Original Screenplay
Nominees: Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker); Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds); Alessandro Camon, Oren Moverman (The Messenger); Ethan Coen, Joel Coen (A Serious Man); Peter Docter, Tom C. McCarthy, Bob Peterson (Up)
Who deserves to win: This should be an easy category – Quentin Tarantino’s brilliant screenplay was a standout this year. His talent, even more than directing his films, is creating his material out of nothing. He is a movie fan that hybrids aspects of all kinds of films to make his monsters. In this case, the spaghetti western and war story come together and make us remember all sorts of characters, including, Aldo the Apache, Hugo Stiglitz, and the Bear Jew. However, Tarantino’s win hardly seems certain. But I’m still gonna go with my gut on this one.
Who will win: Inglourious Basterds
Best Picture
Nominees: Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, A Serious Man, Up, Up in the Air
Who deserves to win: The best film of this lot that I have seen is, easily, Inglourious Basterds. Also appearing on my top ten list are An Education, and The Hurt Locker. I would like to see the Basterds take it all. And, I think it has a chance. I think if Tarantino takes home screenplay, then the race for Best Picture is between Inglourious Basterds and Avatar. If The Hurt Locker wins, then I think it will sweep the major three categories, including this one. But, since I have predicted that Tarantino will win screenplay, I think it is very likely, with the amount of momentum his film is picking up (plus the all powerful Weinstein push), that Inglourious Basterds could upset this category and take it. I hope that, if my screenplay choice is right, Avatar doesn’t end up ruining my night.
Who will win: (with one bullet in the barrel) Inglourious Basterds
Monday, February 1, 2010
Oscar Nomination Predictions
Well, in about 8 hours, the Oscar nominations will be announced. Here is my list of finalized nominations!
Best Picture
(500) Days of Summer
Avatar
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Invictus
Nine
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Up
Up in the Air
Possible Alternatives: A Serious Man, Star Trek, District 9
Best Director
Kathyn Bigelow
James Cameron
Clint Eastwood
Jason Reitman
Quentin Tarantino
Possible Alternative: Lee Daniel
Best Adapted Screenplay
An Education
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Invictus
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Up in the Air
Possible Alternative: The Informant!, Nine
Best Original Screenplay
(500) Days of Summer
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
A Serious Man
Up
Best Animated Feature
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Ponyo
The Princess and the Frog
Up
Best Supporting Actor
Woody Harrelson for ‘The Messenger’
Christian McKay for ‘Me and Orson Welles’
Christopher Plummer for ‘The Last Station’
Stanley Tucci for ‘The Lovely Bones’
Christoph Waltz for ‘Inglourious Basterds’
Possible Alternative: Alfred Molina or Peter Sarsgaard for ‘An Education’
Best Supporting Actress
Marion Cotillard for ‘Nine’
Vera Farmiga for ‘Up in the Air’
Anna Kendrick for ‘Up in the Air’
Diane Kruger for ‘Inglourious Basterds’
Mo’Nique for ‘Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Possible Alternative: Samantha Morton for ‘The Messenger’, or Penelope Cruz for ‘Nine’
Best Lead Actor
Jeff Bridges for ‘Crazy Heart’
George Clooney for ‘Up in the Air’
Colin Firth for ‘A Single Man’
Morgan Freeman for ‘Invictus’
Joseph Gordon-Levitt for ‘(500) Days of Summer’
Possible Alternative: Jeremy Renner for ‘The Hurt Locker’ (specifically, instead of Joseph Gordon-Levitt)
Best Lead Actress
Sandra Bullock for ‘The Blind Side’
Melanie Laurent for ‘Inglourious Basterds’
Carey Mulligan for ‘An Education’
Gabourey Sidibe for ‘Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire’
Meryl Streep for ‘Julie & Julia’
Possible Alternatives: Dame Helen Mirren for ‘The Last Station’, or Saorise Ronan for ‘The Lovely Bones’ (specifically, instead of Melanie Laurent)
Let’s see how I do!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Best Films of 2009
I have been awful this year about writing reviews and posting them. So, I'm going to cheat a little bit, and just post a top ten list for this year. I also plan on posting top ten lists for the decade - the decade's best albums, film's, and performances (both male and female). So, without delay, here are the my best rated films of 2009.
10) STAR TREK - I actually managed to write a review of this one. The film was very well put together, and the cast knew what it was doing. The film was entertaining and borderline philosophical at times, and made good effort to familiarize non Trekies with the delusional world of Star Trek. (B+)
9) ZOMBIELAND - Probably best seen with a few drinks, this film also touched on some human issues (such as the superman complex and adolescent struggles) while both lauding and satirizing the zombie film genre. A very memorable performance by Woody Harrelson and a cameo by Bill Murray also helped. (B+)
8) SHERLOCK HOLMES - Robert Downey Jr, perhaps the coolest actor in Hollywood, sure did convince me of his authenticity in this role. The visuals were stunning, and the story was enticing. It did justice to the legendary mystery solving Brit. (B+)
7) NINE - Not well received by the critics. Bugger knows why. Although not as good as CHICAGO, Rob Marshall managed to take a fairly mediocre musical and make it sexier, loading it with even more raw talent. A very good translation to the screen with incredible performances from everyone. The best part of the film? Fergie's take on 'Be Italian', or the new song 'Take it all', where we see Marion Cotillard at her sexiest. (B+)
6) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER - Although Summer was as cold as Estella from 'Great Expectations', we come to see the painful aspect of falling in love and learning to cope with one of the harshest realities of adulthood. Anyone who doesn't fall in love with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in this film doesn't have a soul. (B+)
5) THE HURT LOCKER - Kathryn Bigelow explores an aspect of insurgency culture that isn't even explored in the mainstream press - the bomb squads that risk their lives to keep streets safe in Iraq. Although I would have liked to see some more political aspect of insurgencies (IR geek. Sue me.), the film made us feel and really helped project the importance of our soldiers' role. (B+)
4) AN EDUCATION - This movie came to me when I most needed it - when I was questioning why exactly I was even going to school, and what the point of my whole existence was. Why are we being educated? Why must be habituate in the system? Carey Mulligan's performance was raw, vulnerable, and just incredible. (B+)
3) THE BROTHERS BLOOM - A quirky film about con-men that enhances the roles of friendship, family bonds, and love in the big scheme of our lives. It was funny and emotional from front to finish and makes the viewer feel less guilty about loving these characters with such blatant personal flaws. (A)
2) UP IN THE AIR - An honest take on the prospect of America at the turn of the decade. How was technology changed us, and how will it continue to shape and change our lives? Bold performances from the entire ensemble and both a well composed comic and serious tone make this film a truly necessary experience. (A)
1) INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS - I went into the film disliking Tarentino, thinking he was nothing but a hack. I left thinking he was brilliant. He is still in his true form and he is unapologetic about his style. He delivers a beautifully written story that makes you think 'What if?'. Easily his best work. (A+)
10) STAR TREK - I actually managed to write a review of this one. The film was very well put together, and the cast knew what it was doing. The film was entertaining and borderline philosophical at times, and made good effort to familiarize non Trekies with the delusional world of Star Trek. (B+)
9) ZOMBIELAND - Probably best seen with a few drinks, this film also touched on some human issues (such as the superman complex and adolescent struggles) while both lauding and satirizing the zombie film genre. A very memorable performance by Woody Harrelson and a cameo by Bill Murray also helped. (B+)
8) SHERLOCK HOLMES - Robert Downey Jr, perhaps the coolest actor in Hollywood, sure did convince me of his authenticity in this role. The visuals were stunning, and the story was enticing. It did justice to the legendary mystery solving Brit. (B+)
7) NINE - Not well received by the critics. Bugger knows why. Although not as good as CHICAGO, Rob Marshall managed to take a fairly mediocre musical and make it sexier, loading it with even more raw talent. A very good translation to the screen with incredible performances from everyone. The best part of the film? Fergie's take on 'Be Italian', or the new song 'Take it all', where we see Marion Cotillard at her sexiest. (B+)
6) (500) DAYS OF SUMMER - Although Summer was as cold as Estella from 'Great Expectations', we come to see the painful aspect of falling in love and learning to cope with one of the harshest realities of adulthood. Anyone who doesn't fall in love with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in this film doesn't have a soul. (B+)
5) THE HURT LOCKER - Kathryn Bigelow explores an aspect of insurgency culture that isn't even explored in the mainstream press - the bomb squads that risk their lives to keep streets safe in Iraq. Although I would have liked to see some more political aspect of insurgencies (IR geek. Sue me.), the film made us feel and really helped project the importance of our soldiers' role. (B+)
4) AN EDUCATION - This movie came to me when I most needed it - when I was questioning why exactly I was even going to school, and what the point of my whole existence was. Why are we being educated? Why must be habituate in the system? Carey Mulligan's performance was raw, vulnerable, and just incredible. (B+)
3) THE BROTHERS BLOOM - A quirky film about con-men that enhances the roles of friendship, family bonds, and love in the big scheme of our lives. It was funny and emotional from front to finish and makes the viewer feel less guilty about loving these characters with such blatant personal flaws. (A)
2) UP IN THE AIR - An honest take on the prospect of America at the turn of the decade. How was technology changed us, and how will it continue to shape and change our lives? Bold performances from the entire ensemble and both a well composed comic and serious tone make this film a truly necessary experience. (A)
1) INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS - I went into the film disliking Tarentino, thinking he was nothing but a hack. I left thinking he was brilliant. He is still in his true form and he is unapologetic about his style. He delivers a beautifully written story that makes you think 'What if?'. Easily his best work. (A+)
Friday, January 1, 2010
RYSH NOMINEES 2010
These were just released a la Erica Nullin from the Rysh Guild. Here are the nominees for this year (And I relish in the fact that my voice was heard on 'The Brothers Bloom'!)
For Best Picture,
1. (500) Days of Summer
2. The Hurt Locker
3. Inglourious Basterds
4. Nine
5. Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
6. Up In the Air
For Best Director,
7. Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker
8. Clint Eastwood for Invictus
9. Lee Daniel for Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
10. Rob Marshall for Nine
11. Jason Reitman for Up In the Air
12. Quentin Tarentino for Inglourious Basterds
For Best Original Screenplay,
13. Mark Boal for The Hurt Locker
14. Ethan Coen & Joel Coen for A Serious Man
15. Dave Eggers & Vendela Vida for Away We Go
16. Rian Johnson for The Brothers Bloom
17. Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber for (500) Days of Summer
18. Quentin Tarentino for Inglourious Basterds
For Best Adapted Screenplay,
19. Geoffrey Fletcher for Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
20. Nick Hornby for An Education
21. Spike Jonze & Dave Eggers for Where the Wild Things Are
22. Anthony Minghella & Michael Tolkin for Nine
23. Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman for Star Trek
24. Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner for Up In the Air
For Best Actress in a Leading Role,
25. Marion Cotillard for her role as Luisia Contini in Nine
26. Mélanie Laurent for her role as Shosanna Dreyfus in Inglourious Basterds
27. Helen Mirren for her role as Sophia Tolstaya in The Last Station
28. Carey Mulligan for her role as Jenny Miller in An Education
29. Gabourey Sibide for her role Clarice ‘Precious’ Jones in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
30. Rachel Weisz for her role as Penelope Stamp in The Brothers Bloom
For Best Actress in a Supporting Role,
31. Penélope Cruz for her role as Carla Albanese in Nine
32. Vera Farmiga for her role as Alex Goran in Up in the Air
33. Anna Kendrick for her role as Natalie Keener in Up in the Air
34. Rinko Kikuchi for her role as Bang-Bang in The Brothers Bloom
35. Diane Krüger for her role as Bridget von Hammersmark in Inglourious Basterds
36. Mo’nique, for her role as Mary in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
For Best Actor in a Leading Role,
37. George Clooney for his role as Ryan Bingham in Up in the Air
38. Daniel Day Lewis for his role as Guido Contini in Nine
39. Johnny Depp for his role as John Dillinger in Public Enemies
40. Colin Firth for his role as George Falconer in A Single Man
41. Morgan Freeman for his role as Nelson Mandela in Invictus
42. Joseph Gordon-Levitt for his role as Tom Hansen in (500) Days of Summer
For Best Actor in a Supporting Role,
43. Daniel Brühl for his role as Frederick Zoller in Inglourious Basterds
44. Woody Harrelson for his role as Tallahassee in Zombieland
45. Anthony Mackie for his role as Sgt. JT Sandborn in The Hurt Locker
46. Christian McKay for his role as Orson Welles in Me and Orson Welles
47. Peter Sarsgaard for his role as David Goldman in An Education
48. Christoph Waltz for his role as Col. Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds
For Best Performance by an Ensemble Cast,
49. (500) Days of Summer
50. Inglourious Basterds
51. Nine
52. Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
53. Up in the Air
54. Zombieland
For Best Picture,
1. (500) Days of Summer
2. The Hurt Locker
3. Inglourious Basterds
4. Nine
5. Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
6. Up In the Air
For Best Director,
7. Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker
8. Clint Eastwood for Invictus
9. Lee Daniel for Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
10. Rob Marshall for Nine
11. Jason Reitman for Up In the Air
12. Quentin Tarentino for Inglourious Basterds
For Best Original Screenplay,
13. Mark Boal for The Hurt Locker
14. Ethan Coen & Joel Coen for A Serious Man
15. Dave Eggers & Vendela Vida for Away We Go
16. Rian Johnson for The Brothers Bloom
17. Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber for (500) Days of Summer
18. Quentin Tarentino for Inglourious Basterds
For Best Adapted Screenplay,
19. Geoffrey Fletcher for Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
20. Nick Hornby for An Education
21. Spike Jonze & Dave Eggers for Where the Wild Things Are
22. Anthony Minghella & Michael Tolkin for Nine
23. Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman for Star Trek
24. Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner for Up In the Air
For Best Actress in a Leading Role,
25. Marion Cotillard for her role as Luisia Contini in Nine
26. Mélanie Laurent for her role as Shosanna Dreyfus in Inglourious Basterds
27. Helen Mirren for her role as Sophia Tolstaya in The Last Station
28. Carey Mulligan for her role as Jenny Miller in An Education
29. Gabourey Sibide for her role Clarice ‘Precious’ Jones in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
30. Rachel Weisz for her role as Penelope Stamp in The Brothers Bloom
For Best Actress in a Supporting Role,
31. Penélope Cruz for her role as Carla Albanese in Nine
32. Vera Farmiga for her role as Alex Goran in Up in the Air
33. Anna Kendrick for her role as Natalie Keener in Up in the Air
34. Rinko Kikuchi for her role as Bang-Bang in The Brothers Bloom
35. Diane Krüger for her role as Bridget von Hammersmark in Inglourious Basterds
36. Mo’nique, for her role as Mary in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
For Best Actor in a Leading Role,
37. George Clooney for his role as Ryan Bingham in Up in the Air
38. Daniel Day Lewis for his role as Guido Contini in Nine
39. Johnny Depp for his role as John Dillinger in Public Enemies
40. Colin Firth for his role as George Falconer in A Single Man
41. Morgan Freeman for his role as Nelson Mandela in Invictus
42. Joseph Gordon-Levitt for his role as Tom Hansen in (500) Days of Summer
For Best Actor in a Supporting Role,
43. Daniel Brühl for his role as Frederick Zoller in Inglourious Basterds
44. Woody Harrelson for his role as Tallahassee in Zombieland
45. Anthony Mackie for his role as Sgt. JT Sandborn in The Hurt Locker
46. Christian McKay for his role as Orson Welles in Me and Orson Welles
47. Peter Sarsgaard for his role as David Goldman in An Education
48. Christoph Waltz for his role as Col. Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds
For Best Performance by an Ensemble Cast,
49. (500) Days of Summer
50. Inglourious Basterds
51. Nine
52. Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
53. Up in the Air
54. Zombieland
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