86th Annual Academy Awards

     It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the Oscars and that means time for my predictions.  Whereas last year many front runners were somewhat obvious, this year is just too close to call.  
     Knowing that sometimes my reviews get a little wordy, I will try to keep this as brief as possible, listing my predictions for each category and keeping my comments to one or two sentences. I hope you enjoy this blog post and make your own list of predictions. See if you can beat me.  To give my predictions more credibility I want you to know I have viewed every film in with the exception of "Captain Phillips, Philomena, and August: Osage County. I apologize for not reviewing every film, I will do better this coming year.     
     Best Picture: It's a three way tie between "American Hustle, Gravity, and 12 Years a Slave".  Science Fiction rarely wins so "Gravity" is out.  It could go either way but I believe "American Hustle" will win.
     Best Actor: Personally I loved Bruce Dern in "Nebraska".  Once again everyone in this category is awesome.  I predict that Matthew McConaughey will win for "Dallas Buyers Club".  Chiwetel Ejiofor, could win as this can go either way. I am sticking with Matt. 
     Best Actress:  Cate Blanchett is the odds on favorite for her portrayal in "Blue Jasmine"  She has swept every major award this season and I would be shocked if she doesn't take home Oscar.  (Blue Jasmine is highly recommended. Grade/A)
     Best Supporting Actor:  Jared Leto is a shoo in for "Dallas Buyers Club".  His characterization is an amazing transformation.  He has also swept all the major awards this season. (Buyers Club grade A)
     Best Supporting Acctress:  This comes down to two, Jennifer Lawrence from "American Hustle" or Lupita Nyong'o of "12 Years a Slave".  This is Lupita's first nomination so I have to go with Jennifer who won the Golden Globe this year and best actress last year.  I think the academy is smitten with her.  Jennifer!
     Best Animated Feature:  My pick is "Frozen" which I just loved.  I predict this will be a Broadway musical within five years. (Grade A)
     Director:  It is basically a three way tie with Alfonso Cuaro'n for "Gravity, Steve McQueen for "12 Years a Slave", and David Russell for "American Hustle" in a dead heat.  I guess Russell for Hustle!
     Best Original Song: "Let It Go" from "Frozen"  This is an astounding song and I still remember thinking how much it sounds like full on Broadway production.  Then I researched further and discovered it is sung by Idina Menzel who starred on Broadway in both Rent and Wicked.  She will perform on the telecast and she will bring down the house, no doubt.

Quickie predictions.

     Original Screenplay: Spike Jonez for "Her".  (Pulling for Seattle native Bob Nelson)

     Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley for "12 Years a Slave".

     Documentary Feature:  "The Act of Killing".  Despite the title it is well worth watching.  Currently on Netflix, in Indonesian with English subtitles.  Grade/A

     "Gravity" will win:Best Sound and Film editing, Cinematography,  and Visual Effects.  

     "The Great Gatsby" will win Best Costumes and Production Design (sets)

     "Inside Llewyn Davis" will win for sound mixing. 

That's my story and I'm sticking with it! 

Thought provoking and unique: " Her"

     "Her" is the latest offering from director Spike Jonze, whose previous films include "Adaptation", and "Being John Malcovich".  The movie is extremely hard to peg down or describe.  It really doesn't fit comfortably into any one film genre.  I have seen it described as a sci-fi /romantic comedy/drama and it succeeds on all levels.  As such, I am finding this to be one of the most difficult reviews I've ever written.       
      Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a man who is going through a rough patch.  
His impending divorce from his childhood sweetheart isn't something he is ready to accept.  Theodore exists in a time and place that is not too far off in the future making "Her" very compelling.  It doesn't take a futurist to see that many of these technologies, while not available currently, are just over the horizon.  
     One new technology is a personal Operating System (OS) with Artificial Intelligence.  The user loads the system into their computer to get started.  Once the OS is uploaded the user chooses their settings and viola!  you have a virtual friend.  The user wears an earpiece so the computer can speak directly to the user with a human voice.  The user has a mobile camera unit that allows the OS to "see" the surroundings.  Of course each OS has it's own gender based speaking voice and can fully interact with the user.  Having conversations, telling jokes, composing music are just some of the functions an OS can perform.  At first the concept seems a little far fetched and really not that believable.  But as the story unfolds, I really began to buy into the possibility that this could be reality someday soon.  The more a person interacts with their OS the more it learns and evolves.  Just like a human mind and psyche.  
     Theodore is asked if he wants a male or female OS.  He chooses a woman and upon initial boot up he hears her voice for the first time.(Scarlett Johansson) Is it really a her or is this just a very advanced computer program?  He asks the OS her name and she answers "Samantha".  Thus begins a relationship between Theodore and Samantha.  Friends at first and later something much more.  
     One statement I think the film is trying to make, or show, is how technology effects human interaction and relations.  That social media, and texts, and cell phones widen the gap between people and prevent them from face to face interaction.  I found myself asking myself deep questions.  What is an emotion?  Are they biologically connected to the function of the mind and brain or something more? Could a person really feel some sort of fulfillment interacting with an OS?  Are people really ready to let technology fill in the gaps between solitude and lonliness?      
   "Her" is a movie that had me literally laughing out loud, clapping during different plot twists, all while providing me with a sense of wonderment.  I would call that hitting the cinematic trifecta.  "Her" is not like anything I have ever seen. If you like unique, off beat, funny, thought provoking movies I highly recommend this film.  
"Her" would probably be good for a date.
I give this movie a grade of: A 











\

Next War? Send Politicians!

     The latest film from director Peter Berg is "Lone Survivor", a true tale based on the book of the same name.  This film is an all too realistic and up close look at war and the ultimate sacrifices paid by many.  As such, it is a gut wrenching roller coaster ride from which there is no escape.  In the opening credits actual footage of Navy Seal recruits going through basic training is shown.  In a voice over, the title character Marcus Luttrel (Mark Wahlberg), describes what is happening, and why these men subject themselves beyond the breaking point.  Unfortunately for me, Wahlberg comes from the mumbling school of acting.  I found myself straining to understand what he was saying.  I do have some hearing loss so that doesn't help.(other mumblers include Brando, DeNiro, and Duvall)  
     The story is the recounting of an ill fated mission in Afghanistan, undertaken by four Navy Seals, called Operation Red Wings.  The goal is to capture or kill a notorious Taliban leader; Armad Shah.  As a "war" movie there are a lot of scenes that seem familiar; and why not?  The "war movie" genre has been a staple since WWI.  (The Big Parade 1926, All Quiet on the Western Front 1930).  Usually about half the running time is spent developing the characters.  For a film to have a true impact it is necessary for viewers to care about at least one of the characters.  Unfortunately scant time is spent on developing the characters of "Lone Survivor".  Not to say that I didn't care about our boys in uniform.  I just think that my emotions could have been heightened with the proper set up.  The more people you care about in a movie the more visceral your reaction to the film. Make no mistake, "Lone Survivor" is as visceral a film as you will ever want to see.  Once they come under attack "Lone Survivor" is as unrelenting and dire as any movie ever made.  The violence is sickening but the part that is really disgusting is that it is very real.  Unlike the cartoonish violence of say a Tarrentino film, all the action in this film is depicted as accurately as possible.  The director used autopsy records and incident reports from the Seals, as well as hiring Luttrel for technical advice to insure accuracy.  The result is the most accurate and realistic warfare scenes since the storming of Normandy in "Saving Private Ryan".  
     I did not realize it but Afghanistan has terrain which looks very similar to the North Cascades of Washington State.  It is on wooded mountain slopes and over cliffs that the fight takes place.  This really ratchets up the tension level.  The sound editing and stunts are pretty incredible.  You feel as though you are crawling through the underbrush with limited visibility. Suddenly you hear twigs break, branches crackle, and bullets whizzing by your head.  The action happens so fast it barely gives one time to think.  Only watch and experience.   Like "Saving Private Ryan" or "Schindler's List"  there is some difficult viewing here.  Still it is worth watching and I would even say necessary.  Only when we all see the horrors of war can we truly appreciate our service men and women.  And hopefully motivate the powers that be to avoid war at all costs.
This is probably not a good date movie.
I give this film a grade of: B+

Leo Is Off The Hook!

   
     "The Wolf of Wall Street", the latest film from iconic director Martin Scorsese, had it's highly anticipated opening Christmas Day.  It is a bio/pic based on the Jordan Belfort memoir of the same name.  Belfort's entry into the work force begins honestly, but after losing his position at a large firm, he decides to change paths.  First he opens his own brokerage firm in an empty auto body shop.  Next he recruits a sales team culled from his stoner/dirtball friends.  They specialize in selling penny stocks and manipulating the price, cashing in, and leaving their clients in the loss column. Soon all sorts of illegal activity ensues. 
 The behavior of Belfort and his cohorts is so depraved in excess of sexual perversion, rampant drug use, and avarice that they seem ridiculous and yet.....it really happened.  
     Leonardo DiCaprio will be nominated for his portrayal of Jordan Belfort.   Belfort is unlike any character he has ever played. He is a fast talking, sleezy, pill popping, cocaine snorting, white collar crook who will only be stopped by jail.  DiCaprio plays him so broadly it becomes farcical.  At three hours I never felt the film drag.  It's hard to describe because the characters and everything they do is so disgusting.  Is this what entertainment is?  I found myself laughing at the stupidity of people taking drugs.  OK, a little bit?  Actually a lot.  People are falling down, slobbering, rolling down stairs, I couldn't contain myself.  This film is rated a hard R but it could have easily been rated NC 17.  The humor is extremely crude, lewd, and rude.  Everything about this film is over the top so be forewarned.  I think in the final analysis "The Wolf of Wall Street" is a very good movie.  I expect it to garner award nominations but I don't expect it to win any. Recommended for film buffs.
I give the movie a grade: A-

Ensemble Cast Delivers A Contender

     With "American Hustle", David O. Russell is emerging as the best American film maker of the 21st century.  "I Heart Huckabees" in 2004, "The Fighter" in 2008, and "Silver Linings Playbook" last year are all very divergent films.  Russell can tackle a sports bio-pic one time, and the next time, as with "Silver Linings Playbook", shift gears and make a rom/com/drama.  All the while piling up critical acclaim and awards for his casts.  
     "American Hustle" is no exception and may win the Oscar for best film.  I fully expect it to be nominated for Best Film, Screenplay, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress.  "American Hustle" has already been honored by the New York Film Critics Circle for best film of the year, best screenplay, and best supporting actress (Jennifer Lawrence).  In case you might have been wondering, Jennifer Lawrence is the real deal.  I think there is a distinct possibility she could be nominated for two roles this year.  Best Actress for "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and Supporting Actress for "American Hustle".  Her acting from film to film displays a range and maturity that is far beyond her years.  All the major players ply their craft with elegance and charm.  Let's now delve into the plot.
     "American Hustle" is loosely based on the FBI "Abscam" sting operation of the late seventies and early eighties.  This was the first video taped sting operation.  It ended up catching, a US Senator, six US congressmen, and various other politicians taking bribes.  At first blush, "American Hustle" is a crime drama but it is also a con game movie, a love story, and a true character study! "American Hustle" has characters who are fascinating to watch and whose quirks are quite humorous.  I am telling ya, ya just can't take your eyes off of them.  Bradley Cooper plays Richie DiMaso, an FBI agent who dreams of becoming a major player in the Bureau.  When he comes into contact with the brilliant con artist, Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), and his partner, Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) he sees a real opportunity.  Once he arrests the pair for running a real estate con he then offers them immunity if they help set up a sting to ensnare corrupt politicians.  However, as the plot unfolds ethical questions come to the forefront.  The line between the good guys and the bad guys blur.  I began to wonder if criminals were being caught or is entrapment happening here?  Enter Jennifer Lawrence who plays Irving Rosenfelds' ex-wife Rosalyn with a loudmouth  charm.  Rosalyn has problems with substances, with her phobias, with social situations, and in the process steals the show. Sounds serious, and is, but there are plenty of laughs along the way.  Soon it is hard to tell who is conning who.  There are twists and turns and an unpredictability that keeps you guessing.  This is a great film in so many ways.  "American Hustle" has a look and feel that should carry it all the way to the awards season.  
This is a good date movie.
I give this film a grade of: A

As Classy As Ever

          With Christmas only a week away we are now entering the vortex of the holiday movie season.  Studios hold back films all year, then release them now hoping they will garner critical acclaim, gain the legs to become blockbusters, or both. During this time of year students are on break, holiday shoppers WANT a break, and so the cinema is a perfect place for a quick respite.  Typically, films released between now and the end of the year, get the most attention from the glitterati. And too, attention from the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences, aka. the Oscars. 
     Why am I telling you this?  Obviously Anchorman 2 will NOT win any academy awards this year.  (now watch as Will Ferrell is nominated!)  I relate these bits of information hopefully to reveal something you may not have known before.  Thereby fulfilling one goal in writing these reviews and displaying my depth of knowledge within the milieu of the cinema.  I have been wanting to use the word milieu ever since college.  Better yet, I think the context is correct.  I digress, as I so often do.     
     "Anchorman 2" is so obviously the sequel to "Anchorman" that I won't even mention it.  Oops, sorry, I just did. And a rip roaring great sequel it is too.  All the cast is here to reprise the roles that were made so memorable in the first film.  Many of the actors have become stars since the first film.  Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, and Will Farrell, round out the news team.  One unlike any you have ever seen.  Unless of course you saw Anchorman, then they are like a bunch of old friends from college who never quite grew up.  
     I had no idea how popular Anchorman had become.  I attended a double feature of both films last night.  Before the screening of Anchorman an emcee asked the audience how many people had seen the movie more than ten times.  Probably thirty hands shot up.  In the middle of the screening the sound cut out.  The audience did not skip a beat and began quoting lines from the film.  That is what I call the definition of a "cult film".  One crucial question is if Anchorman 2 can, match, exceed, or even come close to the beloved original.  I think the jury is out and time will tell. These things can be measured by box office and profits. 
     However, for me, Anchorman 2 not only matches the original laugh for laugh and gag for gag, it's a better movie.  There is a fine line between ridiculous silliness and truly inspired satire.   Anchorman 2 examines how pop culture has become meaningless.  This film is filled with so many funny moments, that to try to mention any specific gags would not due them justice.  I guess you had to be there.  The good news is: Anchorman 2 opens today so you still can. Not to worry, this film has it all. Cursing, rudeness, silly lines, raunchy humor, and cameo appearances (15) by famous stars. Just as we've come to expect from a Judd Apatow film.  This time he delivers a little more and I'm loving it!
     Is this a good date movie?  Mmm.  Well for guys: they will like the bawdy, rauncy, silly, craziness.  Most men think the same things are funny now that they did in Junior High.  For women I think it depends.  There was no shortage of women at the screening I attended.  Most were young like twenty or thirty somethings.  My parents would hate this movie, my son would love it, as did I. 
I give this film a grade of: A-

Isn't it rich.....aren't we a pair?

     HBO Documentaries tonight, premiers "Six By Sondheim", a look at the life of America's greatest living composer and lyricist for the musical theater.  By focusing on six songs from his career we travel back to his early days and proceed right up to the present.  Rare archival footage from the original casts of many of his shows are presented.  This is fantastic stuff.  His inspirations are revealed.  The 83 year old Sondheim is secretive by nature and so I learned much about the man while really enjoying the film.    
     When Steven was a teenager he was struggling with adolescence and his mother and father were basically lukewarm parents at best.  I'm not judging his parents but if you see this film you will come to appreciate the obstacles Sondheim overcame to achieve his success.  Living in the neighborhood, perhaps next door,  was the Oscar Hammerstein family.  And so they became his surrogate family and Oscar his mentor. I had no idea!!  When Leonard Bernstein was composing the music for West Side Story it was decided to bring in Sondheim to write the lyrics.  I did not know that he wrote the lyrics.   As the timeline proceeds from his early days, interviews from corresponding times in the past are shown, to give us a real sense of history.  There are many revelations and I don't want to give away too much.  
     Some of the best parts of this film is when he talks about composing music and how difficult it is for theater.  Present day performances of his six songs are also shown as well as a gem of a performance by Sondheim himself.  "Six By Sondheim" is a great documentary about one of the most enigmatic composers of our time.  For persons who like Steven Sondheim, musicals, or are interested in music and how a real savant works their craft; you will really like "Six By Sondheim"  For the rest of you, please ......
Send in the clowns.
Depending on the person, this could be a good date movie.
I give this film a grade of B+