In the fictional European country of Zubrowka, a young girl sits by the statue of the country's famous author and begins to read his masterpiece, "The Grand Budapest Hotel." Flashback twenty years to the author (Tom Wilkenson) describing how he wrote the book. Flash back twenty more years to the young author (Jude Law) visiting the run-down Grand Budapest Hotel and meeting the owner, Mr. Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham) who tells him how he started out as Zero, a bell boy (Tony Revolori) in the 1930's under the tutelage of Europe's greatest consierge of the hotel, M. Gustav (Ralph Fiennes.)
M. Gustav is known as an erudite gentleman who loves romantic poetry and woos the elderly, rich widows at the hotel. One in particular, Madame D. (Tilda Swinton) swears her undying love to him. She is murdered, and as he attends her funeral he finds out that he inherits her most prized possession, the painting "Boy With Apple." Of course, her son Dimitri (Adrien Brody) and his henchman Jopling (Willem Dafoe) accuse M. Gustave of her murder. Slapstick ensues.
Without a doubt, this is director Wes Anderson's masterpiece to date. All of his tropes are here: vibrant colors, meticulous details to the art direction, clever camera shots including long tracking shots, whimsical story line with dark undertones, a pitch perfect score by Alexandre Desplat and an incredible cast.
Anyone who bemoans that Hollywood no longer has original ideas needs to start watching Wes Anderson's movies. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is the most original movie of the year. It's a love story between Zero and a bakery maid (Saoirse Ronan,) a murder mystery, a nostalgic look at the years before "the war," and an outright slapstick comedy.
Hopefully the Academy will remember this movie come nomination time. Cinajim would definitely nominate the film for the following:
Best Picture of the Year- everything comes together into a great work of cinema
Best Director- this is Wes Anderson's masterpiece
Best Actor- Ralph Fiennes. Never has he been more erudite and funny. People will be quoting some of his lines for years.
Best Original Screenplay- And I mean original. Wes Anderson (yes, he wrote it also) is a great story-teller.
Best Score- Alexandre Desplat hits all the right notes. He incorporates balalaika music to give it a European feel, then adds perfect music to the suspense and comedy aspects.
Art Direction - If this movie gets nominated for anything (and should win) is this category. This movie is a candy-colored cinematic confection.
I recommend everyone go see this film! We went to the Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg for the 2:15 matinee and the show was sold out. Actually, it's the first time that I know of that the Midtown is devoting two theaters to this film.
Highly recommended and we can't wait to go back and see it again!
Until next time....keep it reel!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
2013 Oscar nominated Picture
Since there are nine nominees in this category, I'm giving a brief synposis of each followed by my one-word gut reaction to each.
And the nominees are:
"American Hustle"
Two grifters are forced by the FBI to engage in ABSCAM. Entertaining.
"Captain Phillips"
A ship is captured by Somalian pirates. Harrowing.
"Dallas Buyers Club"
A homophobic AIDS victim teams up with a transgendered patient to bring medicine across the border from Mexico. Inspiring.
"Gravity"
Astronauts struggle to survive in space after an accident at a space station. Spectacular.
"Her"
A man falls in love with the operating system of his computer. Quirky.
"Nebraska"
An elderly man thinks he's won a million dollars. Hysterical.
"Philomena"
An Irish woman enlists the aid of a journalist to find the son she was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago. Heart-breaking.
"12 Years a Slave"
A free black man is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the deep south. Brutal.
"The Wolf of Wall Street"
A self-made billionaire plunges into a hedonistic world of sex and drugs. Wild.
And the Oscar will go to:
"Gravity"
At first I was going with "American Hustle" since it won the ensemble cast award from the Screen Actors Guild, usually a precursor to who wins best picture. But in the past few weeks it has lost some momentum. "12 Years a Slave" may suffer from the "Saving Private Ryan" curse: an important movie that needed to be made, but is too brutal for mulitple viewings. I think the Academy will recognize that "Gravity" has taken film to the next level.
My pick:
"Nebraska"
A realistic slice of Americana that was beautifully filmed in black and white and beautifully acted.
Tomorrow night we'll see who will take home the gold. So let the countdown begin.....and remember to keep it reel!
And the nominees are:
"American Hustle"
Two grifters are forced by the FBI to engage in ABSCAM. Entertaining.
"Captain Phillips"
A ship is captured by Somalian pirates. Harrowing.
"Dallas Buyers Club"
A homophobic AIDS victim teams up with a transgendered patient to bring medicine across the border from Mexico. Inspiring.
"Gravity"
Astronauts struggle to survive in space after an accident at a space station. Spectacular.
"Her"
A man falls in love with the operating system of his computer. Quirky.
"Nebraska"
An elderly man thinks he's won a million dollars. Hysterical.
"Philomena"
An Irish woman enlists the aid of a journalist to find the son she was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago. Heart-breaking.
"12 Years a Slave"
A free black man is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the deep south. Brutal.
"The Wolf of Wall Street"
A self-made billionaire plunges into a hedonistic world of sex and drugs. Wild.
And the Oscar will go to:
"Gravity"
At first I was going with "American Hustle" since it won the ensemble cast award from the Screen Actors Guild, usually a precursor to who wins best picture. But in the past few weeks it has lost some momentum. "12 Years a Slave" may suffer from the "Saving Private Ryan" curse: an important movie that needed to be made, but is too brutal for mulitple viewings. I think the Academy will recognize that "Gravity" has taken film to the next level.
My pick:
"Nebraska"
A realistic slice of Americana that was beautifully filmed in black and white and beautifully acted.
Tomorrow night we'll see who will take home the gold. So let the countdown begin.....and remember to keep it reel!
Friday, February 28, 2014
2013 Oscar nominated Best Actor
This may be the toughest competition of the awards.
And the nominees are:
Christian Bale in "American Hustle"
Bale plays a 1970s grifter who, with his lover Amy Adams, is coerced by the FBI to participate in ABSCAM to bring down politicians. With a pot belly and the world's worst comb-over, Bale immerses himself physically and emotionally into his character. He is so good he is literally unrecognizable.
Bruce Dern in "Nebraska"
Dern gives the most pensive and restrained performance of his career as an elderly man who believes he won a million dollars, and who is determined to claim his prize despite his family's objections and disbelief. A movingly realistic portrait of a man hoping for one last shot at something big in his life.
Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Wolf of Wall Street"
A young Wall Street salesman builds his own company into a multi-billion dollar powerhouse through graft and corruption. While his company grows he careens out of control with drugs and sex. A bombastic, "balls-to-the-wall" performance from DiCaprio.
Chiwetel Ejiofor in "12 Years a Slave"
A successful free black man in New York is kidnapped and taken from his family to be sold into slavery in the deep south. This is the most harrowing, nail-biting, and heart-breaking performance of the year.
Matthew McConaughey in "Dallas Buyers Club"
A homophobic redneck is diagnosed with AIDS at the onset of the epidemic. Unable to obtain medication due to early FDA trials and tests, he teams up with a transgendered AIDS patient to bring unregulated drugs across the border from Mexico. Without a doubt, the performance of McConaughey's career. Looking haggard and sickly, he turns a character you despise at first into a hero you cheer for.
Who will win:
Matthew McConaughey
At the beginning of Oscar talk, this was to be Chewitel Ejiofor's win. However, McConaughey has changed his career over the last two years by leaving romantic comedies for more edgier roles ("Mud," "Killer Joe," "Magic Mike'.) This performance is the peak of the "McConaissance."
Who I would pick:
Bruce Dern
I admired every performance in this category, but I keep going back to McConaughey and Dern. And to celebrate his 50+ years in the business, I would go with the sentimental vote.
Honorable mention:
Tom Hanks in "Captain Phillips"
Why was he not nominated?! As the captain of a ship beseiged by Somalian pirates, Hanks is tasked with keeping his crew safe while trying to communicate and work with the pirates. The last 10 minutes of the film had me reduced to a pool of tears thanks to Hanks' performance.
Sunday night is fast approaching, so tomorrow I will post the Best Picture nominees.
Until then....keep it reel.
And the nominees are:
Christian Bale in "American Hustle"
Bale plays a 1970s grifter who, with his lover Amy Adams, is coerced by the FBI to participate in ABSCAM to bring down politicians. With a pot belly and the world's worst comb-over, Bale immerses himself physically and emotionally into his character. He is so good he is literally unrecognizable.
Bruce Dern in "Nebraska"
Dern gives the most pensive and restrained performance of his career as an elderly man who believes he won a million dollars, and who is determined to claim his prize despite his family's objections and disbelief. A movingly realistic portrait of a man hoping for one last shot at something big in his life.
Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Wolf of Wall Street"
A young Wall Street salesman builds his own company into a multi-billion dollar powerhouse through graft and corruption. While his company grows he careens out of control with drugs and sex. A bombastic, "balls-to-the-wall" performance from DiCaprio.
Chiwetel Ejiofor in "12 Years a Slave"
A successful free black man in New York is kidnapped and taken from his family to be sold into slavery in the deep south. This is the most harrowing, nail-biting, and heart-breaking performance of the year.
Matthew McConaughey in "Dallas Buyers Club"
A homophobic redneck is diagnosed with AIDS at the onset of the epidemic. Unable to obtain medication due to early FDA trials and tests, he teams up with a transgendered AIDS patient to bring unregulated drugs across the border from Mexico. Without a doubt, the performance of McConaughey's career. Looking haggard and sickly, he turns a character you despise at first into a hero you cheer for.
Who will win:
Matthew McConaughey
At the beginning of Oscar talk, this was to be Chewitel Ejiofor's win. However, McConaughey has changed his career over the last two years by leaving romantic comedies for more edgier roles ("Mud," "Killer Joe," "Magic Mike'.) This performance is the peak of the "McConaissance."
Who I would pick:
Bruce Dern
I admired every performance in this category, but I keep going back to McConaughey and Dern. And to celebrate his 50+ years in the business, I would go with the sentimental vote.
Honorable mention:
Tom Hanks in "Captain Phillips"
Why was he not nominated?! As the captain of a ship beseiged by Somalian pirates, Hanks is tasked with keeping his crew safe while trying to communicate and work with the pirates. The last 10 minutes of the film had me reduced to a pool of tears thanks to Hanks' performance.
Sunday night is fast approaching, so tomorrow I will post the Best Picture nominees.
Until then....keep it reel.
Monday, February 24, 2014
2013 Oscar nominated Actress
This may be the one category that has a lock..
And the nominees are:
Amy Adams in "American Hustle"
Amy Adams is funny and sexy as the young grifter in love with a married Christian Bale, yet not above attempting to seduce Bradley Cooper's federal agent who has enlisted the two in an effort to bring down congressmen. She is at the top of her game in this one, and her interactions with the other actors, including an incredible bathroom scene with Jennifer Lawrence, proves why this was the ensemble cast of the year.
Cate Blanchett in "Blue Jasmine"
Here is the one that is the possible lock. In a rather somber Woody Allen take on "A Streetcar Named Desire," Cate plays a Blanche Dubois for modern times. Unlikeable, haughty, condescending, and totally oblivious to the dire straits she is in, her eventual emotional breakdown is still devastating thanks to Ms. Blanchett's artistry.
Sandra Bullock in "Gravity"
As a neophyte scientist struggling to survive after a space station accident, she successfully carries the movie on her shoulders. Vulnerable, scared, yet with a ferocious desire to survive, she has the audience enthralled thoughout the entire movie. A well deserved nomination in a genre rarely acknowledged for acting awards.
Judi Dench in "Philomena"
An elderly Irish woman enlists a journalist to help her find the son whom she was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago. Thanks to Dame Dench, the audience is with her, heart and soul. At times funny, simple, sad, and yet redemptive, her performance is the epitome of what acting is all about. You can't take your eyes off of her.
Meryl Streep in "August:Osage County"
The biggest disappointment for me. As the pill-popping, vicious matriarch determined to decimate everyone around her during the course of a family tragedy, Ms. Streep brings her A-game as always. Unfortunately the character is written as a one-note shrew, with no redeeming qualities, and she gains no sympathy from the audience at the conclusion.
And the Winner will be:
Cate Blanchett
She has been touted as the one to beat when this movie came out last summer. And the road to the Oscars have not diminished the devastating and brilliant performance that she delivered.
Cinajim's pick:
Cate Blanchett
I have to admit, in any other year my vote would have gone to Dame Judi Dench for the sweetest and most heart-breaking performance I've seen this year. But I still can't deny the force of Cate Blanchett...she is astonishing.
Honorable Mention:
Scarlett Johanson in "Her"
This may sound odd that I would nominate a "voice" performance. Ms. Johanson plays the voice of the OS system that Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with. Definitely the oddest love story of the year, but it works because of the performances. And even more astonishing, another actress had completed the voice, but the director did not feel it was working, so he brought Scarlett in to redo the voice. And what a vocal performance! I could truly believe why Joaquin's character became enraptured by this "disembodied" girlfriend. Sexy, vulnerable, passionate, and insightful...and completely realized only by her voice.
So readers I have two to go before the Big Night on Sunday.
Up next will be the Actor nominees.
Until then......keep it reel!
And the nominees are:
Amy Adams in "American Hustle"
Amy Adams is funny and sexy as the young grifter in love with a married Christian Bale, yet not above attempting to seduce Bradley Cooper's federal agent who has enlisted the two in an effort to bring down congressmen. She is at the top of her game in this one, and her interactions with the other actors, including an incredible bathroom scene with Jennifer Lawrence, proves why this was the ensemble cast of the year.
Cate Blanchett in "Blue Jasmine"
Here is the one that is the possible lock. In a rather somber Woody Allen take on "A Streetcar Named Desire," Cate plays a Blanche Dubois for modern times. Unlikeable, haughty, condescending, and totally oblivious to the dire straits she is in, her eventual emotional breakdown is still devastating thanks to Ms. Blanchett's artistry.
Sandra Bullock in "Gravity"
As a neophyte scientist struggling to survive after a space station accident, she successfully carries the movie on her shoulders. Vulnerable, scared, yet with a ferocious desire to survive, she has the audience enthralled thoughout the entire movie. A well deserved nomination in a genre rarely acknowledged for acting awards.
Judi Dench in "Philomena"
An elderly Irish woman enlists a journalist to help her find the son whom she was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago. Thanks to Dame Dench, the audience is with her, heart and soul. At times funny, simple, sad, and yet redemptive, her performance is the epitome of what acting is all about. You can't take your eyes off of her.
Meryl Streep in "August:Osage County"
The biggest disappointment for me. As the pill-popping, vicious matriarch determined to decimate everyone around her during the course of a family tragedy, Ms. Streep brings her A-game as always. Unfortunately the character is written as a one-note shrew, with no redeeming qualities, and she gains no sympathy from the audience at the conclusion.
And the Winner will be:
Cate Blanchett
She has been touted as the one to beat when this movie came out last summer. And the road to the Oscars have not diminished the devastating and brilliant performance that she delivered.
Cinajim's pick:
Cate Blanchett
I have to admit, in any other year my vote would have gone to Dame Judi Dench for the sweetest and most heart-breaking performance I've seen this year. But I still can't deny the force of Cate Blanchett...she is astonishing.
Honorable Mention:
Scarlett Johanson in "Her"
This may sound odd that I would nominate a "voice" performance. Ms. Johanson plays the voice of the OS system that Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with. Definitely the oddest love story of the year, but it works because of the performances. And even more astonishing, another actress had completed the voice, but the director did not feel it was working, so he brought Scarlett in to redo the voice. And what a vocal performance! I could truly believe why Joaquin's character became enraptured by this "disembodied" girlfriend. Sexy, vulnerable, passionate, and insightful...and completely realized only by her voice.
So readers I have two to go before the Big Night on Sunday.
Up next will be the Actor nominees.
Until then......keep it reel!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
2013 Oscar nominated Supporting Actor
And the nominees are:
Barkhad Abdi in "Captain Phillips"
A "non-actor" who is mesmerizing as the leader of a Somalian pirate crew who capture an American ship and hold it hostage for ransom. From the moment he confronts Tom Hanks with the line "Look at me. I'm the captain now" the audience is on the edge of their seats. And kudos to the actor for creating a three dimensional person. With a realistic backstory and slowly evolving connection with Captain Phillips, Barkhad was impressive, scary, yet very human.
Bradley Cooper in "American Hustle"
My favorite nominee for best actor last year for "Silver Linings Playbook," he once again delivers. As the perm-challenged detective determined to make a name for himself by enlisting two grifters to help him bring down congressmen during the 1970's Abscam scandal, Bradley proves once again that he is a gifted comedic actor.
Michael Fassbender in "12 Years a Slave"
The one character you want to hate. Michael plays the most evil slave owner since Simon Legree. Brutal, inhuman in his treatment of his "property," he is terrifying. Yet what makes the performance work is that he also is a three-dimensional character. You almost understand why he behaves the way he does.
Jonah Hill in "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Most people were stunned (as were we) that he was nominated for an Oscar for "Moneyball" last year. This performance proves it was not a fluke. Jonah plays Leonardo DiCaprio's right hand man in their rise through the stock market, and is cunning, vicious, and hysterical at the same time. This is an actor that keeps getting better.
Jared Leto in "Dallas Buyers Club"
OK, this guy can be weird...leaving Hollywood to be in his band, spending the entire shoot of this movie in character,... but what a performance! As the HIV infected transvestite who befriends and helps Matthew McConaughey bring medications over the border for other AIDS patients, he is a revelation. Funny, yet tragic, he was absolutely astonishing.
And the winner will be:
Jared Leto
And my pick would be:
Jared Leto
Sorry, this performance just blew me away. He deserves every award he is getting for this performance.
Honorable mention:
Will Forte in "Nebraska"
I don't know which of the above five I would have bumped, but Will Forte was awesome. Although known as the SNL comedian who went on to make "MacGruber," he proved his acting chops working along side Bruce Dern in this movie. A very sweet and realistic portrayal of a son who, although having never received much affection from his father, is determined to help make his father's golden years special. And he won the National Board of Review's award for this one.
Thanks for reading...a few more until "Oscar Night!" Until then, keep it reel.
Barkhad Abdi in "Captain Phillips"
A "non-actor" who is mesmerizing as the leader of a Somalian pirate crew who capture an American ship and hold it hostage for ransom. From the moment he confronts Tom Hanks with the line "Look at me. I'm the captain now" the audience is on the edge of their seats. And kudos to the actor for creating a three dimensional person. With a realistic backstory and slowly evolving connection with Captain Phillips, Barkhad was impressive, scary, yet very human.
Bradley Cooper in "American Hustle"
My favorite nominee for best actor last year for "Silver Linings Playbook," he once again delivers. As the perm-challenged detective determined to make a name for himself by enlisting two grifters to help him bring down congressmen during the 1970's Abscam scandal, Bradley proves once again that he is a gifted comedic actor.
Michael Fassbender in "12 Years a Slave"
The one character you want to hate. Michael plays the most evil slave owner since Simon Legree. Brutal, inhuman in his treatment of his "property," he is terrifying. Yet what makes the performance work is that he also is a three-dimensional character. You almost understand why he behaves the way he does.
Jonah Hill in "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Most people were stunned (as were we) that he was nominated for an Oscar for "Moneyball" last year. This performance proves it was not a fluke. Jonah plays Leonardo DiCaprio's right hand man in their rise through the stock market, and is cunning, vicious, and hysterical at the same time. This is an actor that keeps getting better.
Jared Leto in "Dallas Buyers Club"
OK, this guy can be weird...leaving Hollywood to be in his band, spending the entire shoot of this movie in character,... but what a performance! As the HIV infected transvestite who befriends and helps Matthew McConaughey bring medications over the border for other AIDS patients, he is a revelation. Funny, yet tragic, he was absolutely astonishing.
And the winner will be:
Jared Leto
And my pick would be:
Jared Leto
Sorry, this performance just blew me away. He deserves every award he is getting for this performance.
Honorable mention:
Will Forte in "Nebraska"
I don't know which of the above five I would have bumped, but Will Forte was awesome. Although known as the SNL comedian who went on to make "MacGruber," he proved his acting chops working along side Bruce Dern in this movie. A very sweet and realistic portrayal of a son who, although having never received much affection from his father, is determined to help make his father's golden years special. And he won the National Board of Review's award for this one.
Thanks for reading...a few more until "Oscar Night!" Until then, keep it reel.
Monday, February 17, 2014
2013 Oscar nominated Supporting Actress
And the nominees are:
Sally Hawkins in "Blue Jasmine"
This was a surprise for me because it's not a flamboyant role. However, in Woody Allen's take on "A Streetcar Named Desire," she is the perfect Stella to Cate Blanchett's Blanche. The bohemian younger sister who takes in the rich, but now destitute older sister, she portrayed a woman in touch with her life, no matter the circumstances, trying to deal with a sibling spiraling out of control.
Jennifer Lawrence in "American Hustle"
A no-brainer. She is becoming one of our finest young actresses, and in this movie showed her comedic talents. Playing the wife of Christian Bale, who is cheating on her with Amy Adams, she epitomizes the typical 1970's New Jersey "broad." And nearly stole the movie out from under her fellow actors.
Lupita Nyong'o in "12 Years a Slave"
Astonishing. Not yet out of acting school, her first film performance is the most raw and emotional performance of the group. She plays Patsy, the abused, beaten, and downtrodden slave of Michael Fassbender. She has scenes that are so gut-wrenching, I almost walked out of the theater. And I mean that in a good way...it was THAT powerful.
Julia Roberts in "August:Osage County"
I admit, I'm not a big fan, probably because I still can't believe she won the Oscar for "Erin Brokovich" over Ellen Burstyn for "Requiem for a Dream" in 2000. But this movie gave me a new appreciation for Ms. Roberts. As the oldest daughter reluctantly coming home during a family crisis, and facing a mother she despises, she brought an almost feral reality to a character who hates, despises, but will still defend family.
June Squibb in "Nebraska"
The funniest performance of the year. The 40+ year theater and film veteran is the oldest nominee and the least known. Not any longer. She plays the frustrated wife of Bruce Dern and rebukes and curses everyone trying to placate his illusion of winning a million dollars. The profane things that come out of her mouth are hysterical, and yet at her core, she will defend her family like a tigress.
And my thoughts are:
Who will win
Lupita Nyong'o
This is almost a given and may be "12 Years a Slave"'s best shot at an Oscar.
Who I would pick
June Squibb
Without a doubt, the funniest, yet heartfelt performance of the nominees. She was exactly like "old ladies" that might be in our families. A very realistic performance.
Honorable mention
Julianne Nicholson in "August:Osage County"
There is always someone that is left out, and this would be my pick. As the youngest daughter of the most dysfunctional family on screen since "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe," she brought a vulnerable and nuanced performance to the role of the sister left behind, who's only happiness is falling in love with her cousin, and who is given the most emotionally shattering denoument.
So, Cinajim will continue next time with Supporting Actors.
Until then, keep it reel!
Sally Hawkins in "Blue Jasmine"
This was a surprise for me because it's not a flamboyant role. However, in Woody Allen's take on "A Streetcar Named Desire," she is the perfect Stella to Cate Blanchett's Blanche. The bohemian younger sister who takes in the rich, but now destitute older sister, she portrayed a woman in touch with her life, no matter the circumstances, trying to deal with a sibling spiraling out of control.
Jennifer Lawrence in "American Hustle"
A no-brainer. She is becoming one of our finest young actresses, and in this movie showed her comedic talents. Playing the wife of Christian Bale, who is cheating on her with Amy Adams, she epitomizes the typical 1970's New Jersey "broad." And nearly stole the movie out from under her fellow actors.
Lupita Nyong'o in "12 Years a Slave"
Astonishing. Not yet out of acting school, her first film performance is the most raw and emotional performance of the group. She plays Patsy, the abused, beaten, and downtrodden slave of Michael Fassbender. She has scenes that are so gut-wrenching, I almost walked out of the theater. And I mean that in a good way...it was THAT powerful.
Julia Roberts in "August:Osage County"
I admit, I'm not a big fan, probably because I still can't believe she won the Oscar for "Erin Brokovich" over Ellen Burstyn for "Requiem for a Dream" in 2000. But this movie gave me a new appreciation for Ms. Roberts. As the oldest daughter reluctantly coming home during a family crisis, and facing a mother she despises, she brought an almost feral reality to a character who hates, despises, but will still defend family.
June Squibb in "Nebraska"
The funniest performance of the year. The 40+ year theater and film veteran is the oldest nominee and the least known. Not any longer. She plays the frustrated wife of Bruce Dern and rebukes and curses everyone trying to placate his illusion of winning a million dollars. The profane things that come out of her mouth are hysterical, and yet at her core, she will defend her family like a tigress.
And my thoughts are:
Who will win
Lupita Nyong'o
This is almost a given and may be "12 Years a Slave"'s best shot at an Oscar.
Who I would pick
June Squibb
Without a doubt, the funniest, yet heartfelt performance of the nominees. She was exactly like "old ladies" that might be in our families. A very realistic performance.
Honorable mention
Julianne Nicholson in "August:Osage County"
There is always someone that is left out, and this would be my pick. As the youngest daughter of the most dysfunctional family on screen since "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe," she brought a vulnerable and nuanced performance to the role of the sister left behind, who's only happiness is falling in love with her cousin, and who is given the most emotionally shattering denoument.
So, Cinajim will continue next time with Supporting Actors.
Until then, keep it reel!
Monday, February 10, 2014
2013 Oscar nominated Animated Shorts
The Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg has granted us the chance to see the Oscar nominated shorts once again. What I love about the Animated shorts is that we not only get to see the 5 nominees, but also 3 "Highly Commended" shorts (in other words, up for consideration but didn't make the cut.)
Here are the nominees:
Feral
A feral child is found in the woods living amongst the wolves and is taken in by a man who hopes to civilize the child. Drawn in a chalk-like shadow play, it begins and ends with moments of transcendental contemplation of nature versus civilization. Ponderous.
Get a Horse
I almost wondered why this was included, since it starts out as a 1930's Mickey Mouse Toon. Suddenly, the characters break out of the black and white screen onto a color stage and proceed to fluctuate back and forth between the two. Very clever....but we expect this from Disney.
Mr. Hublot
A French film in which a solitary man spies a mechanical dog stranded in the metropolis streets below his apartment building. During a rainy night, he decides to rescue the dog. Very clever stop-motion/CGI animation that epitomizes Steampunk. At times very funny, yet also has some poignant moments.
Possessions
Based on Japanese mythology that claims after 100 years discarded objects take on a life of their own. A warrior is trapped in a storm and seeks refuge in a seemingly abandoned cabin. But he is not alone. An anime film that had the most beautiful colors I've seen in an animated film in years.
Room on the Broom
A claymation/CGI rendering of a childrens book concerning a witch and her cat flying on her broom. She continues to drop things and whenever they return to the ground to retrieve them, wind up picking up more passengers. Very sweet and charming.
And the highly commended shorts were:
Ala Francois
Another claymation/CGI (can anyone really tell the difference nowadays?) tale of a gathering at a French court in the 1700s. The only difference is, all of the characters are chickens. Very cute and funny.
The Missing Scarf
An Irish tale of a squirrel searching for his scarf. Along the way he comes across various animals with problems of their own, and he proceeds to help them rationalize their fears. Narrated with aplomb by George Takei, a very snarky and funny short.
The Blue Umbrella
Once again, I first wondered why this was an animated film. A man with blue boots and a blue umbrella is walking in the rain following a woman with red boots and a red umbrella. Suddenly the downspouts, mailboxes, drains, etc. start moving to the sound of the rain, and the two umbrellas develop faces. What transpires is the blue umbrella trying to meet up with the red umbrella. Another charming short.
So, there are the brief synopses of the shorts. My thoughts:
Mr. Hublot had me from the get-go, because it reminded me of the Wallace and Gromit shorts.
Room With a Broom. The crew who created this were in the "Highly Commended" category last year with their short "The Gruffalo's Child," and once again they created a charming tale, only this time they got the nomination.
However, the one that really blew me away was Possessions.
I wasn't sure where this story was going, but I was enthralled for the entire 15 or so minutes. A wonderful story with beautiful artwork. This is the one I'm rooting for Oscar night.
So readers, a warning...Ken and I have hit a landmark this year in the fact that not only did we strive to see all 9 Best Picture nominees and succeeded, but in the process have managed to see all of the acting nominees and all five director nominees. Expect a few blogs in the next few days!
Until next time.....Keep it Reel.
Here are the nominees:
Feral
A feral child is found in the woods living amongst the wolves and is taken in by a man who hopes to civilize the child. Drawn in a chalk-like shadow play, it begins and ends with moments of transcendental contemplation of nature versus civilization. Ponderous.
Get a Horse
I almost wondered why this was included, since it starts out as a 1930's Mickey Mouse Toon. Suddenly, the characters break out of the black and white screen onto a color stage and proceed to fluctuate back and forth between the two. Very clever....but we expect this from Disney.
Mr. Hublot
A French film in which a solitary man spies a mechanical dog stranded in the metropolis streets below his apartment building. During a rainy night, he decides to rescue the dog. Very clever stop-motion/CGI animation that epitomizes Steampunk. At times very funny, yet also has some poignant moments.
Possessions
Based on Japanese mythology that claims after 100 years discarded objects take on a life of their own. A warrior is trapped in a storm and seeks refuge in a seemingly abandoned cabin. But he is not alone. An anime film that had the most beautiful colors I've seen in an animated film in years.
Room on the Broom
A claymation/CGI rendering of a childrens book concerning a witch and her cat flying on her broom. She continues to drop things and whenever they return to the ground to retrieve them, wind up picking up more passengers. Very sweet and charming.
And the highly commended shorts were:
Ala Francois
Another claymation/CGI (can anyone really tell the difference nowadays?) tale of a gathering at a French court in the 1700s. The only difference is, all of the characters are chickens. Very cute and funny.
The Missing Scarf
An Irish tale of a squirrel searching for his scarf. Along the way he comes across various animals with problems of their own, and he proceeds to help them rationalize their fears. Narrated with aplomb by George Takei, a very snarky and funny short.
The Blue Umbrella
Once again, I first wondered why this was an animated film. A man with blue boots and a blue umbrella is walking in the rain following a woman with red boots and a red umbrella. Suddenly the downspouts, mailboxes, drains, etc. start moving to the sound of the rain, and the two umbrellas develop faces. What transpires is the blue umbrella trying to meet up with the red umbrella. Another charming short.
So, there are the brief synopses of the shorts. My thoughts:
Mr. Hublot had me from the get-go, because it reminded me of the Wallace and Gromit shorts.
Room With a Broom. The crew who created this were in the "Highly Commended" category last year with their short "The Gruffalo's Child," and once again they created a charming tale, only this time they got the nomination.
However, the one that really blew me away was Possessions.
I wasn't sure where this story was going, but I was enthralled for the entire 15 or so minutes. A wonderful story with beautiful artwork. This is the one I'm rooting for Oscar night.
So readers, a warning...Ken and I have hit a landmark this year in the fact that not only did we strive to see all 9 Best Picture nominees and succeeded, but in the process have managed to see all of the acting nominees and all five director nominees. Expect a few blogs in the next few days!
Until next time.....Keep it Reel.
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