Well, the oscars are over and now we endure the long wait through the romantic comedy laden spring until the big releases of the summer. Speaking of Oscars, however, I for one actually really enjoyed them. Aside from Franco's distant personality, I felt Anne really carried the show (despite most critics), and I loved how they re-introduced the montage at the beggining ala the Billy Crystal days. Finally, they went back to doing oscar clips...thank you!!! It seemed like the Academy went back to the formula that worked for so many years, and it came off, yet it's a shame others didn't feel the same way. The winners were of course predictable. The category that was hard to call went to Melissa Leo and I think we all remembered what happened after that. My only nit pick was that I really would have liked to see Fincher win director, since he will most likely make fewer oscar friendly movies in the future and he's just as visionary as most other directors out there. Anyway, onto the next thing...
This is a post I've wanted to do for a long time. My favortie show is The Twilight Zone (59 - 64, not the reboots) and for a long time my favorite director was M. Night Shamylan, so as you can tell, having a taste for the good twist ending has always been my thing. During my hunt for movies with great twists, I also saw a ton of bad ones, so I've come to develop a mode for what makes a twist ending work, and what makes it a cop out, as well as a list of my top ten picks for best twists endings ever.
First: "re-watchability". If you turn off the movie and go, "Well, it was all a dream...that was stupid!" You are most likely not going to watch or even recommend it, for sake of feeling cheated, frustrated and annoyed. So a good twist will hold to the test of time, and offer valuable insight into the surprising conclusion upon each re-watch. Most movies like this will feature plot points that guide your thinking in one direction...that is, to fool you, and the second time around you realize those same plot points actually make sense with the twist as well! You should even almost become excited as you proclaim, "that makes so much sense, why didn't I notice this before!"
Secondly: "believability", the ending must fit within the reality of the story. In film schools this is sometimes referred to as "versimilitude". Each story...er, "good story" will always feature a certain set of rules or logic that help the viewer build and understand the world the story is taking place in. If the ending violates those rules - game over. How would you all feel if at the end of the The Matrix they were like, "just kidding, they're not in a computer program after all!" There's no need to say it, you would be pissed beyond belief. What a cop out right? Yet, throughout most of the movie you believed the characters could actually leap over buildings and dodge bullets, because you understood the world the movie created. "Verisimilitude."
Lastly: "Pschiatry". This is a criteria because it is the number one pit fall for twist endings. The minute the movie delves into psychiatry then let the guesses begin! "He's got schizophrenia, he's got multiple personalities!" Whatever you guess, you're probably right. I think what audiences hate most about these endings is that they're easy to pull off. Also, they nearly always lead to disappointment due to their lack of creativity. No one likes the murder mystery to be solved when the lead detective turns out to have an evil alter ego. And no audience will ever talk about a drama where most of the conflict was hallucinated inside our protagonist's tortured mind. (Psycho is the only exception here because Hitchcock was the first to do it, and therefore, it wasn't a cliche at the time.)
Now that you know the criteria, here comes the list (spoiler alert!!!!! Yet if you haven't seen these movies, I don't know what to tell you.):
10. The Village
The set-up: An eighteenth century village, in rural PA, lives in isolation from the outside world, due to the surrounding woods inhabited by monsters eager to kill any trespasser.
The Twist: It's present day!!! The monsters are the village elders dressed in costume to keep the townsmen from venturing off and discovering society - which they believe to be cruel and immoral.
9. Primal Fear
The set-up: A meek, innocent kid, played by Edward Norton, is falsely accused of brutally murdering his priest mentor.
The twist: After finding out that it was Norton's alter ego (ala Multiple Personality Disorder) that committed the murder, we find out that Norton was actually faking the illness in order to be proven "not guilty."
8. The Sting
The set-up: Out for revenge against the racketeer who had their friend murdered, con-duo, played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford, set out to perform the ultimate high stakes con game. Redford ultimately betrays Newman after the FBI encourages him to play both sides.
The twist: It was all part of the game! Including, the betrayal, the FBI involvement, and even the faked death of Redford...all part of the plan.
7. Unbreakable
The set-up: After being the sole survivor of a horrific train accident, Bruce Willis realizes he's never been sick or hurt. Because of his new reputation, he's tracked down by Samuel L. Jackson who convinces him to become a real life super-hero.
The twist: Samuel L. Jackson is a sociopath who's been committing mass murder until he found someone who is "unbreakable."
6. Memento
The set-up: A man, played by Guy Pearce, with severe short term memory loss, who only remembers things by tattooing them to his body, hunts for the man who killed his wife.
The twist: Pearce accidentally killed his wife by forgetting how many insulin injections he had given her, and has been tattooing false clues all over his body in order to never remember his horrible deed. (There's a little more to it than that, but it would take a whole other post to explain it.)
5. The Soylent Green
The set-up: In a dystopian future, Charlton Heston is a factory worker on the production line of the last available source of food - Soylent Green.
The twist: It's made from people!!!
4. Psycho
The set-up: Norman Bates, the timid, awkward, stuttering motel keeper, only does the will of his mysterious mother who seems to be killing off the guests.
The twist: Some consider the first twist the death of the star only halfway through the film (Janet Leigh in the famous shower scene), but the classic is when we find out that Bate's mother is actually dead, and she has now become his evil alter ego.
3. Planet of the Apes
The set-up: After a deep space exploration at warp speed, four astronauts crash land on an alien planet where apes are the dominant species and humans the slaves.
The twist: It was Earth all along!!! Instead of traveling into space, they merely went forward into time, to an era where evolutino seemed to have reversed. Whoa! This is probably one of the most haunting twists, with no soundtrack, little dialouge - just the image of the broken statue of liberty strewn across the beach. (Written by no one else, but Rod Serling.)
2. The Usual Suspects
The set-up: Kevin Spacey is being questioned by the police chief in his office regarding a violent murder/conspiracy that took place in a shipyard a few nights prior. He reveals the mastermind as being a man named Kaiser Soze, and proceeds to tell a long, intricate and action packed story about how it all went down.
The twist: He was making up every word of it! Every single scene in the movie, save the initial crime, was fabricated by Spacey, as he glanced around the office pulling names of off random inanimate objects. Spacey is Soze, and he made up a story to get himself out of trouble.
1. The Sixth Sense (I know, I know)
The set-up: You know what it's about.
The twist: You know what happens. It's awesome...
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Academy Awards Updates...and Andrew's pick for Best of the Year!
I know I've been a little AWOL from here for the last six months or so, and for those of you who have continually clicked over from "A Pear to Remember," I appreciate you're unwavering support. However, my time of the year has arrived, and if I didn't at least try to keep this thing going, then I figured it was time to call it quits. So here it goes...
Best Picture: Just like last year between Avatar and Hurt Locker, we have another tight race between two highly acclaimed films. The historical drama, and also quite humerous, The King's Speech, as well as The Social Network. A month ago, it looked as if the Facebook movie was going to bring home the naked gold man, but tides have shifted. With King's Speech still picking up speed in some of the recent guilds, and Social Network losing some buzz, King George's stammering legacy could be movie that goes all the way. Still though, this one will be a coin toss, so let the excitement begin!
Best Director: David Fincher has swept nearly every award and guild leading up to the big night so it's impossible to see why he would be passed over by Oscar. Judging from his career thus far, he doesn't always make academy friendly material, so this will be their chance to reward him. Yet, he was passed over for Benjamin Button, but somehow I think they knew he could do better...and he did. The only possible spoiler could be Tom Hooper for King's Speech, and that's only if things really reach fever pitch with that film.
Best Actor: Colin Firth. He practically un-learned how to speak. His work is heartbreaking, comic, intimate. Also, he's a veteran, so there's no reason why this won't happen. If there is an upset, Colin should storm the stage. Any other year, this would have been Franco's oscar...just saying.
Best Actress: Another good race that is up in the air. Ever since the Golden Globes, Natalie Portman has spoiled Annette Benning's "lock" status. Although Natalie's performance was much more emotional and involved in the story, Anette still holds that veteran status that Oscar loves to reward. Much like many other recipients in the category, ala Kate Winslet in The Reader, it's sometimes not the performance but just because their due. It could go either way at this point. A spoiler to both would be if Natalie and Anette split their votes, and Helena Bonham Carter takes the trophy. This is also what I meant by "fever pitch" above. If Helena wins its an omen that Fincher is doomed, because the academy has gone King Speech crazy - it could happen. I personally do not want to see Bellatrix Lestrange win an Oscar.
Supporting Actor: This one is a definite lock. There is no reason why Christian Bale won't be awarded for his transformative performance in The Fighter. For those who have seen the film - enough said.
Supporting Actress: Another good coin toss between Melissa Leo, our hatable, control freak from The Fighter, and Hailee Steinfeld, the lovable protagonist from True Grit (who seriously showed some acting chops.) Why she is here and not in the actress category is a real head scratcher, but I suppose they knew she couldn't win against Natalie or Anette...which leads me to believe she might win for this. Only thing against Hailee is her age. If she's this good, there will be more opportunities to award her.
Original Screenplay: This is where Inception will finally get its due. Nolan was snubbed from the Director category in the thinking that it was more the writing and the effects that made the movie - not necessarily the directing. However, watch out for David Sedler's script for The King's Speech. Remember - fever pitch.
Adapted Screenplay: This is Aaron Sorkin's to lose. His writing was nothing short of brilliant: all the word play, the humork, the pace, storytelling...perfect.
Cinematography: A close race between Inception and True Grit. The Coen's last film shot out west was No Country for Old Men and that was seen as a lock, but it was snubbed. This time the only thing standing in the way is the truly inventive stuff seen in Inception. We shall see.
So, here are my picks for top ten of the year...argue if you wish!
1) The Social Network
2) 127 Hours
3) The King's Speech
4) The Fighter
6) Toy Story 3
7) Black Swan
8) The Town
9) True Grit
10) Inception
Best Picture: Just like last year between Avatar and Hurt Locker, we have another tight race between two highly acclaimed films. The historical drama, and also quite humerous, The King's Speech, as well as The Social Network. A month ago, it looked as if the Facebook movie was going to bring home the naked gold man, but tides have shifted. With King's Speech still picking up speed in some of the recent guilds, and Social Network losing some buzz, King George's stammering legacy could be movie that goes all the way. Still though, this one will be a coin toss, so let the excitement begin!
Best Director: David Fincher has swept nearly every award and guild leading up to the big night so it's impossible to see why he would be passed over by Oscar. Judging from his career thus far, he doesn't always make academy friendly material, so this will be their chance to reward him. Yet, he was passed over for Benjamin Button, but somehow I think they knew he could do better...and he did. The only possible spoiler could be Tom Hooper for King's Speech, and that's only if things really reach fever pitch with that film.
Best Actor: Colin Firth. He practically un-learned how to speak. His work is heartbreaking, comic, intimate. Also, he's a veteran, so there's no reason why this won't happen. If there is an upset, Colin should storm the stage. Any other year, this would have been Franco's oscar...just saying.
Best Actress: Another good race that is up in the air. Ever since the Golden Globes, Natalie Portman has spoiled Annette Benning's "lock" status. Although Natalie's performance was much more emotional and involved in the story, Anette still holds that veteran status that Oscar loves to reward. Much like many other recipients in the category, ala Kate Winslet in The Reader, it's sometimes not the performance but just because their due. It could go either way at this point. A spoiler to both would be if Natalie and Anette split their votes, and Helena Bonham Carter takes the trophy. This is also what I meant by "fever pitch" above. If Helena wins its an omen that Fincher is doomed, because the academy has gone King Speech crazy - it could happen. I personally do not want to see Bellatrix Lestrange win an Oscar.
Supporting Actor: This one is a definite lock. There is no reason why Christian Bale won't be awarded for his transformative performance in The Fighter. For those who have seen the film - enough said.
Supporting Actress: Another good coin toss between Melissa Leo, our hatable, control freak from The Fighter, and Hailee Steinfeld, the lovable protagonist from True Grit (who seriously showed some acting chops.) Why she is here and not in the actress category is a real head scratcher, but I suppose they knew she couldn't win against Natalie or Anette...which leads me to believe she might win for this. Only thing against Hailee is her age. If she's this good, there will be more opportunities to award her.
Original Screenplay: This is where Inception will finally get its due. Nolan was snubbed from the Director category in the thinking that it was more the writing and the effects that made the movie - not necessarily the directing. However, watch out for David Sedler's script for The King's Speech. Remember - fever pitch.
Adapted Screenplay: This is Aaron Sorkin's to lose. His writing was nothing short of brilliant: all the word play, the humork, the pace, storytelling...perfect.
Cinematography: A close race between Inception and True Grit. The Coen's last film shot out west was No Country for Old Men and that was seen as a lock, but it was snubbed. This time the only thing standing in the way is the truly inventive stuff seen in Inception. We shall see.
So, here are my picks for top ten of the year...argue if you wish!
1) The Social Network
2) 127 Hours
3) The King's Speech
4) The Fighter
6) Toy Story 3
7) Black Swan
8) The Town
9) True Grit
10) Inception
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A Let-Down Summer
Remember, those days, where ignorance was bliss, and the anticipation of the future was enough to get you giddy like a young film student. Those days, where the approaching months were full of hope, excitement, and adventure. Those days where you knew, one day, you would look back and smile. Yes, those good ol' days - two months ago, before we knew what crap tank of a summer it would be for movies. Although Iron Man 2 led things off strongly, only now, however, do we realize that it was setting us up unfairly. Let's re-cap:
Robin Hood: Yes, Ridley Scott! Yes, Russel Crowe! Gladiator 2? Not really. The Robin Hood story we know and love doesn't start until this movie ends, and Crowe (who actually looked too old to play the part) mumbles his way through two and a half hours of action-less scenes. They could have featured the real talent, Cate Blanchett, yet she managed to only appear three times. So bad writing, bad pacing, poor choice of actors.
Sex and the City 2: The consensus seems to be that this franchise has just plain over stayed its welcome. Most of the fan base agreed the jokes missed, and the actresses are beggining to look a tad too ol...er, "grown up" for their parts. Also, the humor surrounding the fish-out-of-water scenario in the Middle East, seemed to border on offensive.
Jonah Hex: Apparently, Meghan Fox's comments about Michael Bay being Hitler really kept people from going out to see her in a new summer tent pole, and Josh Brolin doesn't have the fan base he thought to carry a crowd in a comic book movie. The movie bottomed out at 6 million, not even a quarter of its production budget earned back. I called this one from the beggining - a futuristic western...doesn't work. Will Smith's Wild West anyone?
MacGruber: Kristin Wiig and Will Forte have really earned their respects on SNL, and even though I was hesitant they were turning the 30 second MacGruber spots into a feature, I still thought these comedians could pull it off. Oh well, hopefully their fans like them enough to forget they did this, and Val Kilmer's (if he has any left) and Ryan Phillipe's will forgive them.
The Last Airbender: You gotta give Shamylan the credit for trying something different. After The Happening, everyone was like, "Shamylan, do something different!" Well, he did, and this one still sucked. The poor guy just can't get a break. Technically, he's coming off of four flops now, since not everyone liked The Village or Lady in the Water, even though I did. The issue in this film, it seems, came down to a slow plot, emotionless dialouge, and just plain boring-ness, despite all the visuals. Apparently, his next job will be with Willis again, let's hope he's going back to what worked.
So, it's been that kind of a summer so far. If you could, try stepping out of the multi-plexes and hunt down your nearest art cinema to check out The Kids Are Alright and The Girl Who Played With Fire, both excellent movies, not playing "everywhere". It's no wonder, however, that so many adults when to Toy Story 3. All hangs in the balance of Inception, this Friday.
Robin Hood: Yes, Ridley Scott! Yes, Russel Crowe! Gladiator 2? Not really. The Robin Hood story we know and love doesn't start until this movie ends, and Crowe (who actually looked too old to play the part) mumbles his way through two and a half hours of action-less scenes. They could have featured the real talent, Cate Blanchett, yet she managed to only appear three times. So bad writing, bad pacing, poor choice of actors.
Sex and the City 2: The consensus seems to be that this franchise has just plain over stayed its welcome. Most of the fan base agreed the jokes missed, and the actresses are beggining to look a tad too ol...er, "grown up" for their parts. Also, the humor surrounding the fish-out-of-water scenario in the Middle East, seemed to border on offensive.
Jonah Hex: Apparently, Meghan Fox's comments about Michael Bay being Hitler really kept people from going out to see her in a new summer tent pole, and Josh Brolin doesn't have the fan base he thought to carry a crowd in a comic book movie. The movie bottomed out at 6 million, not even a quarter of its production budget earned back. I called this one from the beggining - a futuristic western...doesn't work. Will Smith's Wild West anyone?
MacGruber: Kristin Wiig and Will Forte have really earned their respects on SNL, and even though I was hesitant they were turning the 30 second MacGruber spots into a feature, I still thought these comedians could pull it off. Oh well, hopefully their fans like them enough to forget they did this, and Val Kilmer's (if he has any left) and Ryan Phillipe's will forgive them.
The Last Airbender: You gotta give Shamylan the credit for trying something different. After The Happening, everyone was like, "Shamylan, do something different!" Well, he did, and this one still sucked. The poor guy just can't get a break. Technically, he's coming off of four flops now, since not everyone liked The Village or Lady in the Water, even though I did. The issue in this film, it seems, came down to a slow plot, emotionless dialouge, and just plain boring-ness, despite all the visuals. Apparently, his next job will be with Willis again, let's hope he's going back to what worked.
So, it's been that kind of a summer so far. If you could, try stepping out of the multi-plexes and hunt down your nearest art cinema to check out The Kids Are Alright and The Girl Who Played With Fire, both excellent movies, not playing "everywhere". It's no wonder, however, that so many adults when to Toy Story 3. All hangs in the balance of Inception, this Friday.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Summer Movie Preview 2010
As far as I'm concerned the lull in between the Oscars and the beginning of may is the dullest of the year in terms of movies. If it's not a "tentpole" intended for summer hype, or something that might win an award (winter), studios tend to dump these films during the spring months. Last April, The Soloist was pushed out the back seat of the car, and left to fend for itself against Wolverine a week later, while Paramount and Dreamworks peeled away in the other direction. So while we wait for more interesting things to come back to theaters (unless you really wanna see The Last Song) here are the top ten most anticipated movies of summer 2010.
10) Salt - Tom Cruise was originally intended to star, dropped out, and with a quick re-write...Angelina Jolie? Judging from the trailer, it's looks to be a rather exciting action flick with a more than predictable plot (but hey, it's an action movie). Angelina Jolie has proven herself as the quint-essential female action star, but this time she's going it alone (ie. no Daniel Craigs or James McAvoy's along for the ride). It will make considerable money in its late July release, going up against Shrek 4, from audiences tired of this un-neccesary four-quel.
9) The Expendables - Coming out late August, Stallone's action power house will round out the summer, with Jet Li, Jason Statham, Syllvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, *breath*, Bruce Willis, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Arnold Schwarzenegger (cameo). Action fans are expecting the story to be more than forgettable but are hoping that the cast is a sign of super-awesomeness. It will either be "that action movie" OR That Action Movie.
8) Toy Story 3 - Even though its been 10 years since the last installment in this series, it's never too late to bring back the characters that put Pixar on the map. All the favorite voices are back, plus a few surprises, and judging from the trailer, they've got a pretty good idea for a story. Plus, Tim Allen could use the paycheck.
7) Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Everyone besides giddy teenage girls were ready to write this one off the list until David Slade( 30 Days of Night, Hard Candy) was announced to direct. No doubt, of course, to bring the series back to its darker roots, and attract in a throng of fans that previously wouldn't even give it a thought. Slade promises this one will be more forboding and less laughable, and judging from the last vampire movie he made (a seriously scary movie) - we believe him.
6) Jonah Hex - Has been talked about for literally thirty years, ever since first published as a comic in the 70s. It's set in the wild west, with over tones of dark magic. A no-nonsense cult following will turn out to help make this movie a considerable amount of money, but whether it's a hit or not depends on Josh Brolin's performance. He's a talented dramatic actor making a turn in comic book movies. Can he pull it off? He's paired with Meghan Fox, who we all know can't act, but has other things going for her.
5) The Little Fockers - Although it was disappointing to hear Hoffman quit due to his heated temper towards the studio, at least De Niro is still there, and the prospect of Streisand, Stiller, and Polo still along for the ride is keeping everyone's spirits up. Plot details are under wraps, and all we know Greg Focker now has fiver year old twins, and God only knows what De Niro's character will be up to. The summer is going to be dry on comedy, so the studio has dropped this at the end of July, right when audiences will be ravenous for one.
4) Sex and the City 2 - Not for me, but there is a huge audience out there waiting for this movie. And everyone in that said group of viewers won't be interested in ANY of the other movies this summer, so prepare to be wowed by the money this brings in - unbelievable I know, but it will happen...watch.
3) Robin Hood - It seems like this story is tired of being made, but look closer, this story could really benefit from being made WELL! And the trio of Ridley Scott, Russel Crowe and Cate Blanchett seems to be the ticket. Scott has never let us down before (turning our back on A Good Year), and he's dynamite when he works with Crowe. Judging from the adverts, this could be their next Gladiator.
2) Inception - Two things: One - Has Christopher Nolan made a bad movie yet? And two - is "a thriller set within the architecture of the mind" the best tagline ever? Some are saying everyone has a flop sometime, and this is Nolan's turn, but my guess is, we're not even ready for how mcuh this movie is going to BLOW US AWAY!
1) Iron Man 2 - With the anticipation for this sequel starting immediately after the first one, plus the steadily exploding fan base, expect this second Downey Jr. starrer to make Dark Knight-esque ticket sales. Not only did the first one garner reputation as one of the best comic book movies ever (which is a lot, seeing it won its success the same summer as said other comic movie), but audiences are intrigued to see Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johanson as the villains. Only thing to take heed of is the screenwriter switch. Hopefully, the movie's witty flavor won't be lost - something we liked about number one.
10) Salt - Tom Cruise was originally intended to star, dropped out, and with a quick re-write...Angelina Jolie? Judging from the trailer, it's looks to be a rather exciting action flick with a more than predictable plot (but hey, it's an action movie). Angelina Jolie has proven herself as the quint-essential female action star, but this time she's going it alone (ie. no Daniel Craigs or James McAvoy's along for the ride). It will make considerable money in its late July release, going up against Shrek 4, from audiences tired of this un-neccesary four-quel.
9) The Expendables - Coming out late August, Stallone's action power house will round out the summer, with Jet Li, Jason Statham, Syllvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, *breath*, Bruce Willis, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Arnold Schwarzenegger (cameo). Action fans are expecting the story to be more than forgettable but are hoping that the cast is a sign of super-awesomeness. It will either be "that action movie" OR That Action Movie.
8) Toy Story 3 - Even though its been 10 years since the last installment in this series, it's never too late to bring back the characters that put Pixar on the map. All the favorite voices are back, plus a few surprises, and judging from the trailer, they've got a pretty good idea for a story. Plus, Tim Allen could use the paycheck.
7) Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Everyone besides giddy teenage girls were ready to write this one off the list until David Slade( 30 Days of Night, Hard Candy) was announced to direct. No doubt, of course, to bring the series back to its darker roots, and attract in a throng of fans that previously wouldn't even give it a thought. Slade promises this one will be more forboding and less laughable, and judging from the last vampire movie he made (a seriously scary movie) - we believe him.
6) Jonah Hex - Has been talked about for literally thirty years, ever since first published as a comic in the 70s. It's set in the wild west, with over tones of dark magic. A no-nonsense cult following will turn out to help make this movie a considerable amount of money, but whether it's a hit or not depends on Josh Brolin's performance. He's a talented dramatic actor making a turn in comic book movies. Can he pull it off? He's paired with Meghan Fox, who we all know can't act, but has other things going for her.
5) The Little Fockers - Although it was disappointing to hear Hoffman quit due to his heated temper towards the studio, at least De Niro is still there, and the prospect of Streisand, Stiller, and Polo still along for the ride is keeping everyone's spirits up. Plot details are under wraps, and all we know Greg Focker now has fiver year old twins, and God only knows what De Niro's character will be up to. The summer is going to be dry on comedy, so the studio has dropped this at the end of July, right when audiences will be ravenous for one.
4) Sex and the City 2 - Not for me, but there is a huge audience out there waiting for this movie. And everyone in that said group of viewers won't be interested in ANY of the other movies this summer, so prepare to be wowed by the money this brings in - unbelievable I know, but it will happen...watch.
3) Robin Hood - It seems like this story is tired of being made, but look closer, this story could really benefit from being made WELL! And the trio of Ridley Scott, Russel Crowe and Cate Blanchett seems to be the ticket. Scott has never let us down before (turning our back on A Good Year), and he's dynamite when he works with Crowe. Judging from the adverts, this could be their next Gladiator.
2) Inception - Two things: One - Has Christopher Nolan made a bad movie yet? And two - is "a thriller set within the architecture of the mind" the best tagline ever? Some are saying everyone has a flop sometime, and this is Nolan's turn, but my guess is, we're not even ready for how mcuh this movie is going to BLOW US AWAY!
1) Iron Man 2 - With the anticipation for this sequel starting immediately after the first one, plus the steadily exploding fan base, expect this second Downey Jr. starrer to make Dark Knight-esque ticket sales. Not only did the first one garner reputation as one of the best comic book movies ever (which is a lot, seeing it won its success the same summer as said other comic movie), but audiences are intrigued to see Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johanson as the villains. Only thing to take heed of is the screenwriter switch. Hopefully, the movie's witty flavor won't be lost - something we liked about number one.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Best of the Year
Even though I had already done the best of the decade, I held off on doing 2009 until I saw just a few more flicks. So, in case you haven't had a chance to get out to theaters this year yet, THIS WEEK IS YOUR CHANCE, because the films nominated won't stick around too much longer after the awards next week. Obviously, any of the ten below I would recommend. As you'll see below, there are a few surprises and if any of you want to argue with me...go ahead. :) I purposefully left Precious off the list, only because it seems like one of those movies people won't be talking about in a few years. Already, it's not as widely discussed as it was. It features some good performances, but nothing else is going for it. Shocking movies are only that - shocking.
1. Inglorious Basterds
2. An Education
3. The Hurt Locker
4. Avatar
5. Up
6. Up in the Air
7. Julie and Julia
8. Star Trek
9. The Hangover
10. The Road
1. Inglorious Basterds
2. An Education
3. The Hurt Locker
4. Avatar
5. Up
6. Up in the Air
7. Julie and Julia
8. Star Trek
9. The Hangover
10. The Road
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Some stinkers...
Here's the worst of the worst, in my opinion, top of the list labeled "What the hell were they thinking?" (Barring B-grade direct to video releases, especially the low-budget horror genre, for there would be no end to this.) There's no use ranking here.
Josie and the Pussycats (2000) - Although a funny and cynical look at the record industry, the film's attempt to target the brainwashing capabilities of pop music marketing was way too literal and the jokes suffered. Even a good satire would say, "Really?"
Cold Mountain (2003) - This just goes to show you not even the Academy can pick' em some of the time. Beautifully shot, with even some good performances, but painfully drawn out, with a story nobody enjoyed, and an anti-climax like no other movie this decade.
War of the Worlds (2005) - The lack of any explanation behind the alien invasion is not the issue here. It's the wooden acting from Tom Cruise, the same hash from Dakota Fanning we've all grown annoyed of, and the recycled special effects we saw in Independence Day. Spielberg was clearly on auto-pilot for this one.
Crossroads (2002) - A vehicle for a possible Britney Spears film career. Blah! The manufactured coming of age plot couldn't even rid itself of enough stereotypes to achieve normalcy. Was in theaters for a day I think.
Superman Returns (2006) - Who thought that doing a follow-up to the Christopher Reeve series with different actors was a good idea. It was painful watching Kevin Spacey play Lex Luther, and the story was so strange, even for a comic book movie. (Luther is creating his own continent.)
The Matrix Revolutions (2003) - The Wachowski's lost all touch with their fan base when they steered this movie off in a direction that no-trilogies should go. Their big budget bought them so many effects without any substance this time, and they did nothing new with Neo's character. The movie was a looooonnnngggg and loud action sequence, without any real actors, just a lot of machines. So much for the sci-fi trilogy masterpiece this was going to be. Did anyone understand the ending?
Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - A highly anticpated sequel, that suffered the same disease as the Matrix did -too many effects, too many plotlines. The characterizations were drowned and the humor was lost. It was flat and uninteresting.
Josie and the Pussycats (2000) - Although a funny and cynical look at the record industry, the film's attempt to target the brainwashing capabilities of pop music marketing was way too literal and the jokes suffered. Even a good satire would say, "Really?"
Cold Mountain (2003) - This just goes to show you not even the Academy can pick' em some of the time. Beautifully shot, with even some good performances, but painfully drawn out, with a story nobody enjoyed, and an anti-climax like no other movie this decade.
War of the Worlds (2005) - The lack of any explanation behind the alien invasion is not the issue here. It's the wooden acting from Tom Cruise, the same hash from Dakota Fanning we've all grown annoyed of, and the recycled special effects we saw in Independence Day. Spielberg was clearly on auto-pilot for this one.
Crossroads (2002) - A vehicle for a possible Britney Spears film career. Blah! The manufactured coming of age plot couldn't even rid itself of enough stereotypes to achieve normalcy. Was in theaters for a day I think.
Superman Returns (2006) - Who thought that doing a follow-up to the Christopher Reeve series with different actors was a good idea. It was painful watching Kevin Spacey play Lex Luther, and the story was so strange, even for a comic book movie. (Luther is creating his own continent.)
The Matrix Revolutions (2003) - The Wachowski's lost all touch with their fan base when they steered this movie off in a direction that no-trilogies should go. Their big budget bought them so many effects without any substance this time, and they did nothing new with Neo's character. The movie was a looooonnnngggg and loud action sequence, without any real actors, just a lot of machines. So much for the sci-fi trilogy masterpiece this was going to be. Did anyone understand the ending?
Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - A highly anticpated sequel, that suffered the same disease as the Matrix did -too many effects, too many plotlines. The characterizations were drowned and the humor was lost. It was flat and uninteresting.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Top 20 of the 2000's
While the 80s saw the rise of "New Hollywood", or the blockbuster film, such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future (to name the fab three), the 90s saw it's growth. Jaw dropping, entertaining, boundary defining films, featuring pulse pounding plots and emotional catharses, formulated to put asses in seats and rake in $, gained speed, then crashed and burned around the turn of the century when the audiences yelled, "Mercy!" Although, the last decade dished out a lot of the same tired faire, the movies that resonated either breathed life into an aging genre or "did something a little different," (a phrase heard almost overwhelmingly while leaving a multiplex in the last ten years) giving audiences something fresh to promote on the forums. So here's a look back at my top 20 of the 2000's, all who "did something a little different" as the catch phrase goes.
20) Gladiator (2000) - Ridley Scott helmed this epic historical drama, featuring Russel Crowe as a decorated Roman General, wrongly accused, and enslaved as a Gladiator. A bloody but true glimpse into the culture of "bread and circuses" in Ancient Rome. Wonderful set decoration and overall reconstruction of the time period.
19) Brokeback Mountain (2005) - Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall, as closeted homosexual lovers living a lie. The film is more than just a "gay cowboy movie" as it speaks volumes about the eternity of companionship. Ang Lee won Best Director.
18) The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - The best of the trilogy in the Matt Damon amnesiac series, this one boasts visceral camerawork, pulse pounding and well crafted action scenes, and rock solid editing that will leave you breathless. Overall, an exciting and well executed film that re-defined how action movies should be made.
17) The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) - Although Wes Anderson follow-ups to this film were also noteworthy (Darjeeling Limited, Rushmore, and this years Fantastic Mr. Fox), Tenenbaums best promotes his tounge-in-cheek take on life's dullest and deepest dissapointments. Chronicling the few days in a family of has beens, Anderson's witty writing lays way for brilliant deadpan performances from Gene Hackman, Luke Wilson and Gwyenth Paltrow.
16) Finding Nemo (2003) - After reaching stride with Toy Story, A Bug's Life, and Monster's INC., this effort from Disney's Pixar truly hits it out of the park. The cast of sea dwelling charictures is rich and the story teems with humor for children and adults. Unforgettable, is memory impaired and loveable, Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, who kept us "talking whale" even through the DVD release.
15) Amelie (2000) - Audrey Tatou's international breakthrough role as the quirky and love sick Amelie Poulain, and Jean Pierre-Jeunet's masterful direction put both figures on the world cinema scene. How many people didn't pull the gnome prank on someone they knew? As charming and colorful as it was screwy, Amelie delivered a new blend to America's starving foreign film market.
14) Mystic River (2003) - Clint Eastwood films are never short of a swift quick to your crotch, and this one is no exception. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins both took home acting trophies for their performances as estranged best friends following two horrifying crimes. Themes of loss, redemption, and revenge make up this drama that set new standards for the "homicide film."
13) Casino Royale (2006) - When Pierce Brosnan dove off an iceberg, parasailing with his ejector seat cover (Die Another Day, 2002), we thought we heard the death rattle of the 007 franchise. Quite the contrary. After a four year hiatus, the producers returned with Daniel Craig, who breathed new life into the character, making him a little less self-assured, yet all the more human. The film itself cut out all the effects crap, and went back to the nail biting, espionage thrillers that worked in the Connery years. Critics and fans agree, this James Bond character study, was not only a fun suspense movie, but one of the better films of the decade.
12) Inglorious Basterds (2009) - According to the advertisements, most of us were expecting a senseless bloody romp, and to our surprise, we got a poignant, tragic, yet funny piece of historical fiction. The script boasts nothing short of Tarantino's brilliant sense of dialog, and Christoph Waltz's portrayal as the "Jew Hunter" will land itself on one of AFI's top villain lists soon.
11) UP (2009) - Pixar proved they could play with the big boys when this well polished CGI feature became the second animation nominated for Best Picture. A grumpy old man, grieving the loss of his wife, goes on the adventure he never had, meeting a slew of off the wall characters and animals. Kids will enjoy the thrill of the plot's ups and downs, while the parents will connect with the film's explanation of what it means to grow old together. Either way, there won't be a dry eye in the house.
10) Avatar (2009) - Reknowned for it's remarkable special effects and enthralling story, the film raised the bar for motion picture technology. It also features a surprisingly good performance for Zoe Saldana, who plays the Navi princess, and herione in the film. The second James Cameron movie to make bank.
9) Chicago (2003) - Rob Marshall dusted off the musical genre and showed everyone just how much they can be enjoyed today. From the films structure, choreography, catchy songs, and editing, all the way to the fine performances by Catherine Zeta - Jones and Renee Zellwegger, this movie re-vamped a dead genre and set off the chain reaction that followed. It has never been topped.
8) Bowling for Columbine (2000) - Michael Moore's second documentary focused his angst on the policies leading up to the Columbine tragedy. He weaves an intricate set of interviews, exposing a culture of fear and bigotry that leads to the American need to own a firearm. He took home the Best Picture oscar, and the footage of Moore berating Charlton Heston in his own home still resonates with viewers.
7) The Dark Knight (2008) - Christopher Nolan's follow up to Batman Begins is more of a crime drama than a comic book movie and features Heath Ledger's chilling performance as Batman's archnemesis, The Joker (for which he won the posthumous oscar). With wicked plot twists and a cast of A-list actors, the story explores the decisive nature of good and evil, and literally set a new standard for "super hero movies."
6) Little Miss Sunshine (2006) - With a heavy heart and a sense for dry, witty comedy, Johnathon Dayton and Valerie Faris put the dysfunctional family sit-com into the perfect "road film." The movie boasts a clever blend of heartbreak, loss, and redemption with perfect moments of slapstick humor, and it launched the careers of Steve Carrell and Abigail Breslin. Alan Arkin took home the Oscar as the beligerent granddad.
5) There Will Be Blood (2007) - The title of the film should be Daniel Day Lewis. Although his accent is a bit obscure, he could act his way into me believing he was wiggling his little toe in a rain boot. His rise as an early century oil tycoon and eventual descent into madness is both comic and horrifying. Paul Thomas Anderson also paints a good picture of an earlier California, now long forgotten.
4) Slumdog Millionare (2008) - On the set of Who Wants to Be a Millionare, a poor boy from the slums of Dubai, relives his life's most terrifying moments, memories that hold the answers to the questions in front of him, all the while searching for the love of his life. Bollywood composer A.R Rahman, contributed the award winning songs, and Danny Boyle carried a small camcorder through the Indian slums for authentic footage. Among questions of love and loyalty, is the ultimate question of fate.
3) The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) - Peter Jackson's trilogy, (the only fantasy film to take home the Academy's most coveted prize), shot over three years in New Zealand, beatifully rebuilds Tolkien's Middle Earth. Entire towns were built, legions of extras were used, a thousand effects people helped develop Gollum, the character who inspired Cameron's Avatar. It was a filmmaking effort of monumental proportions, yet is as poetic, and moving as the source material. Cleaned up shop at the Oscars in 03.
2) City of God (2001) - Fernando Meirelle's first feature shot in the slums of Rio De Janero, follows an aspiring journalist parading through a life of crime and drugs. The expert editing chronicles the bleak and violent truth that is Brazil's City of God.
1) The Departed (2006) - A masterful crime drama, with fine performances from DiCaprio, Jack Nicholon, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg. It's the classic undercover police story flipped back and forth three time too fast, with jarring plot twists, violent shootouts, double crossings and solid editing from veteran Thelma Schoonmaker. The Departed was a return to form for Scorsese, and showed the viewing audiences that all had not been told in the way of crime dramas.
20) Gladiator (2000) - Ridley Scott helmed this epic historical drama, featuring Russel Crowe as a decorated Roman General, wrongly accused, and enslaved as a Gladiator. A bloody but true glimpse into the culture of "bread and circuses" in Ancient Rome. Wonderful set decoration and overall reconstruction of the time period.
19) Brokeback Mountain (2005) - Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall, as closeted homosexual lovers living a lie. The film is more than just a "gay cowboy movie" as it speaks volumes about the eternity of companionship. Ang Lee won Best Director.
18) The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - The best of the trilogy in the Matt Damon amnesiac series, this one boasts visceral camerawork, pulse pounding and well crafted action scenes, and rock solid editing that will leave you breathless. Overall, an exciting and well executed film that re-defined how action movies should be made.
17) The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) - Although Wes Anderson follow-ups to this film were also noteworthy (Darjeeling Limited, Rushmore, and this years Fantastic Mr. Fox), Tenenbaums best promotes his tounge-in-cheek take on life's dullest and deepest dissapointments. Chronicling the few days in a family of has beens, Anderson's witty writing lays way for brilliant deadpan performances from Gene Hackman, Luke Wilson and Gwyenth Paltrow.
16) Finding Nemo (2003) - After reaching stride with Toy Story, A Bug's Life, and Monster's INC., this effort from Disney's Pixar truly hits it out of the park. The cast of sea dwelling charictures is rich and the story teems with humor for children and adults. Unforgettable, is memory impaired and loveable, Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, who kept us "talking whale" even through the DVD release.
15) Amelie (2000) - Audrey Tatou's international breakthrough role as the quirky and love sick Amelie Poulain, and Jean Pierre-Jeunet's masterful direction put both figures on the world cinema scene. How many people didn't pull the gnome prank on someone they knew? As charming and colorful as it was screwy, Amelie delivered a new blend to America's starving foreign film market.
14) Mystic River (2003) - Clint Eastwood films are never short of a swift quick to your crotch, and this one is no exception. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins both took home acting trophies for their performances as estranged best friends following two horrifying crimes. Themes of loss, redemption, and revenge make up this drama that set new standards for the "homicide film."
13) Casino Royale (2006) - When Pierce Brosnan dove off an iceberg, parasailing with his ejector seat cover (Die Another Day, 2002), we thought we heard the death rattle of the 007 franchise. Quite the contrary. After a four year hiatus, the producers returned with Daniel Craig, who breathed new life into the character, making him a little less self-assured, yet all the more human. The film itself cut out all the effects crap, and went back to the nail biting, espionage thrillers that worked in the Connery years. Critics and fans agree, this James Bond character study, was not only a fun suspense movie, but one of the better films of the decade.
12) Inglorious Basterds (2009) - According to the advertisements, most of us were expecting a senseless bloody romp, and to our surprise, we got a poignant, tragic, yet funny piece of historical fiction. The script boasts nothing short of Tarantino's brilliant sense of dialog, and Christoph Waltz's portrayal as the "Jew Hunter" will land itself on one of AFI's top villain lists soon.
11) UP (2009) - Pixar proved they could play with the big boys when this well polished CGI feature became the second animation nominated for Best Picture. A grumpy old man, grieving the loss of his wife, goes on the adventure he never had, meeting a slew of off the wall characters and animals. Kids will enjoy the thrill of the plot's ups and downs, while the parents will connect with the film's explanation of what it means to grow old together. Either way, there won't be a dry eye in the house.
10) Avatar (2009) - Reknowned for it's remarkable special effects and enthralling story, the film raised the bar for motion picture technology. It also features a surprisingly good performance for Zoe Saldana, who plays the Navi princess, and herione in the film. The second James Cameron movie to make bank.
9) Chicago (2003) - Rob Marshall dusted off the musical genre and showed everyone just how much they can be enjoyed today. From the films structure, choreography, catchy songs, and editing, all the way to the fine performances by Catherine Zeta - Jones and Renee Zellwegger, this movie re-vamped a dead genre and set off the chain reaction that followed. It has never been topped.
8) Bowling for Columbine (2000) - Michael Moore's second documentary focused his angst on the policies leading up to the Columbine tragedy. He weaves an intricate set of interviews, exposing a culture of fear and bigotry that leads to the American need to own a firearm. He took home the Best Picture oscar, and the footage of Moore berating Charlton Heston in his own home still resonates with viewers.
7) The Dark Knight (2008) - Christopher Nolan's follow up to Batman Begins is more of a crime drama than a comic book movie and features Heath Ledger's chilling performance as Batman's archnemesis, The Joker (for which he won the posthumous oscar). With wicked plot twists and a cast of A-list actors, the story explores the decisive nature of good and evil, and literally set a new standard for "super hero movies."
6) Little Miss Sunshine (2006) - With a heavy heart and a sense for dry, witty comedy, Johnathon Dayton and Valerie Faris put the dysfunctional family sit-com into the perfect "road film." The movie boasts a clever blend of heartbreak, loss, and redemption with perfect moments of slapstick humor, and it launched the careers of Steve Carrell and Abigail Breslin. Alan Arkin took home the Oscar as the beligerent granddad.
5) There Will Be Blood (2007) - The title of the film should be Daniel Day Lewis. Although his accent is a bit obscure, he could act his way into me believing he was wiggling his little toe in a rain boot. His rise as an early century oil tycoon and eventual descent into madness is both comic and horrifying. Paul Thomas Anderson also paints a good picture of an earlier California, now long forgotten.
4) Slumdog Millionare (2008) - On the set of Who Wants to Be a Millionare, a poor boy from the slums of Dubai, relives his life's most terrifying moments, memories that hold the answers to the questions in front of him, all the while searching for the love of his life. Bollywood composer A.R Rahman, contributed the award winning songs, and Danny Boyle carried a small camcorder through the Indian slums for authentic footage. Among questions of love and loyalty, is the ultimate question of fate.
3) The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) - Peter Jackson's trilogy, (the only fantasy film to take home the Academy's most coveted prize), shot over three years in New Zealand, beatifully rebuilds Tolkien's Middle Earth. Entire towns were built, legions of extras were used, a thousand effects people helped develop Gollum, the character who inspired Cameron's Avatar. It was a filmmaking effort of monumental proportions, yet is as poetic, and moving as the source material. Cleaned up shop at the Oscars in 03.
2) City of God (2001) - Fernando Meirelle's first feature shot in the slums of Rio De Janero, follows an aspiring journalist parading through a life of crime and drugs. The expert editing chronicles the bleak and violent truth that is Brazil's City of God.
1) The Departed (2006) - A masterful crime drama, with fine performances from DiCaprio, Jack Nicholon, Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg. It's the classic undercover police story flipped back and forth three time too fast, with jarring plot twists, violent shootouts, double crossings and solid editing from veteran Thelma Schoonmaker. The Departed was a return to form for Scorsese, and showed the viewing audiences that all had not been told in the way of crime dramas.
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