Looks like Penelope Cruz, Oscar winner last week for her wonderful work in Vicky Christina Barcelona, is going to be in high contention for another Oscar next year. She has teamed up with Pedro Almodóvar again for the 2009/2010 film Broken Embraces aka Los Abrazos rotos. And here is the teaser for it:
All I can say is .. woah. Looking like a good performance, AGAIN! (Note she was nominated for best lead actress for Volver also directed by Pedro a couple years ago). Also she has another shot for a nom in Nine, the hit broadway musical screen adaption. Everythings coming up Penelope!
Friday, February 27, 2009
How will Slumdog hold up?
This past decade has been great for movies, and people wonder how will Slumdog Millionaire hold up with the other best picture winners of the 00's. Here is my list of the top 9 winners for best picture, now including our latest: Slumdog Millionaire.
1. Chicago
2. No Country For Old Men
3. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the Kind
4. Gladiator
5. Slumdog Millionaire
6. Million Dollar Baby
7. A Beautiful Mind
8. Crash
- HAVEN'T SEEN The Departed, so I couldn't add it to the list -
I MUST admit .. this is a very dissapointing list.
I dont think any of these are perfect films, Chicago by far is the only one I have or would see multiple times. And I think Beautiful Mind and Crash are silly silly choices, Million Dollar Baby not much better.
Lets hope a fantastic film wins next year.
1. Chicago
2. No Country For Old Men
3. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the Kind
4. Gladiator
5. Slumdog Millionaire
6. Million Dollar Baby
7. A Beautiful Mind
8. Crash
- HAVEN'T SEEN The Departed, so I couldn't add it to the list -
I MUST admit .. this is a very dissapointing list.
I dont think any of these are perfect films, Chicago by far is the only one I have or would see multiple times. And I think Beautiful Mind and Crash are silly silly choices, Million Dollar Baby not much better.
Lets hope a fantastic film wins next year.
Daily Amy: I Want My Blake
Amy Winehouse is pulling a CRAZY movie right now, and is currently planning a plane flight to leave her sabbatical in the Carribean island of St Lucia to return to England after finding out her estranged husband was released from jail yesterday. Her plan... to patch things up with Blake. A source close to Amy said: "Hearing Blake was out brought lots of emotions back for Amy. She feels like she was the last to know he was getting released and that hurt. She is desperate to see him again and wants to work things out. She still loves him."
On the Blake front, after seeing pictures of her flirting with Joshua Bowman, and others, on her vacation, says he is content on continuing with divorce proceedings.
He also said in a post jail interview: "It's all going ahead but I don't really know what will happen. It's just nice to be on the outside again. Now I am going to get over my drug habit."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
AI: Rumor Has It
With too many to choose from for this weeks American Idol round, its looking like the Wild Card show is going to be a good one. However a little rumor may have leaked onto the internet. Yes, America, you havent seen the end of Tatiana Del Toro, the resident drama queen / psycho of this years American Idol. Rumor has it she has already been asked to return to the wildcard show and she has said yes. We shall see if its true. I wouldnt doubt it.
American Idol Week 2!
YAY! What a rejuvenating week for American Idol. Last week was a disaster for me (besides Alexis and the intruiging Tatiana). This week we had at least 5 or 6 really great performances. Here is my rundown of last night:
THE GREAT
*ALLISON* Although her interview with Ryan was trying at best, she blew me away. When she said she was singing 'Alone' by Heart, I just knew she would be awful. She's 16.. come on! Well I was amazed and happily shocked. She turned out the best vocals of the night easily.
*ADAM* The resident rocker hottie of this year did not dissapoint. He showed off the most amazing range of the season thus far. He should have no problem sailing through most of the competition.
*MEGAN* Hello favorite! Although this wasn't her best performance, I just fall in love with her so easily. She has a unique voice and anyone who can stand behind the mic and awkwardly wiggle in such a cute way (aka Amy Winehouse), I love. I think this competition needs a unique voice like hers. I surely hope she makes it through! Im smitten.
THE VERY GOOD
*JESSE* She looks like Fiona Apple, and has a unique and husky voice. Which I love. She also nailed one of my favorite classic songs, Bette Davis Eyes. I wish she had more support because she deserves it. She's great!
*MISHAVONNA* What a name! Hers wasn't the best performance by a longshot, but it was refreshing to hear someone sing completely in tune. I liked her voice, nothing too special about her however. But I applaud her for singing it very well.
THE TONS OF FUN
*NICK/NORMAN* I just can't help but love and get behind Nick/Norman. I am glad he stuck to his tride and true hot mess of a comedy routine. The vocals were not his best for sure, but he did hit some notes, and more importantly will be the most memorable. I like him!
THE GOOD
*MATT* I like his voice .. quite a lot actually. He has an intense goat-like vibratto which I am sure annoys many, but I really enjoy. I like guys who sound different, rough even. I prefer his voice to that of Danny (the very bland yet good vocalist passed through last week). However he picked a TOUGH song, although very popular which may get votes. He went off key and it was a semi-mess, but I like him still.
*KRIS* He goes into the good category for 2 reasons, he mainly sang on key, and hes kinda cute and fun. I don't expect him to go far though.
THE PASSABLE
*MATT* I like him much better than last weeks plus sized manual laborer. However, this was a boring performance at best. He did sing in tune however, which is a plus.
*KAI* Forgettable but not horrible. I think he blew it overall. But was better than most people last week - sadly.
THE BAD
*JEANINE* Whew, rough as hell. And her whole begging to be on the show, because she's been singing for 14 years, was tiresome. Hers was the worst performance of the night.
*JASMINE* She once showed promise, but she ended her hopes tonight. This was just bad.
---
So I wish the 3 going through would be: Adam as the top guy, Megan as the top girl, and Allison as the 3rd highest vote getter
HOWEVER
I am predicting the 3 to go through are: Adam and Allison as the top vote getters and Matt as the 3rd highest vote getter. (however Norman could be a spoiler!)
THE GREAT
*ALLISON* Although her interview with Ryan was trying at best, she blew me away. When she said she was singing 'Alone' by Heart, I just knew she would be awful. She's 16.. come on! Well I was amazed and happily shocked. She turned out the best vocals of the night easily.
*ADAM* The resident rocker hottie of this year did not dissapoint. He showed off the most amazing range of the season thus far. He should have no problem sailing through most of the competition.
*MEGAN* Hello favorite! Although this wasn't her best performance, I just fall in love with her so easily. She has a unique voice and anyone who can stand behind the mic and awkwardly wiggle in such a cute way (aka Amy Winehouse), I love. I think this competition needs a unique voice like hers. I surely hope she makes it through! Im smitten.
THE VERY GOOD
*JESSE* She looks like Fiona Apple, and has a unique and husky voice. Which I love. She also nailed one of my favorite classic songs, Bette Davis Eyes. I wish she had more support because she deserves it. She's great!
*MISHAVONNA* What a name! Hers wasn't the best performance by a longshot, but it was refreshing to hear someone sing completely in tune. I liked her voice, nothing too special about her however. But I applaud her for singing it very well.
THE TONS OF FUN
*NICK/NORMAN* I just can't help but love and get behind Nick/Norman. I am glad he stuck to his tride and true hot mess of a comedy routine. The vocals were not his best for sure, but he did hit some notes, and more importantly will be the most memorable. I like him!
THE GOOD
*MATT* I like his voice .. quite a lot actually. He has an intense goat-like vibratto which I am sure annoys many, but I really enjoy. I like guys who sound different, rough even. I prefer his voice to that of Danny (the very bland yet good vocalist passed through last week). However he picked a TOUGH song, although very popular which may get votes. He went off key and it was a semi-mess, but I like him still.
*KRIS* He goes into the good category for 2 reasons, he mainly sang on key, and hes kinda cute and fun. I don't expect him to go far though.
THE PASSABLE
*MATT* I like him much better than last weeks plus sized manual laborer. However, this was a boring performance at best. He did sing in tune however, which is a plus.
*KAI* Forgettable but not horrible. I think he blew it overall. But was better than most people last week - sadly.
THE BAD
*JEANINE* Whew, rough as hell. And her whole begging to be on the show, because she's been singing for 14 years, was tiresome. Hers was the worst performance of the night.
*JASMINE* She once showed promise, but she ended her hopes tonight. This was just bad.
---
So I wish the 3 going through would be: Adam as the top guy, Megan as the top girl, and Allison as the 3rd highest vote getter
HOWEVER
I am predicting the 3 to go through are: Adam and Allison as the top vote getters and Matt as the 3rd highest vote getter. (however Norman could be a spoiler!)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Dancing Promo
Here's the first Dancing with the Stars Promo with LIL' KIM lookin fierce!! And Denise Richards being a huge bitch! I LOVE IT ALREADY!
Back On
Although she was certain that there was no romance between her and Mickey Rourke, actress Evan Rachel Wood is back with her old beau: Marilyn Manson. Yes, you read it right. The 2 are now official again. ... Marilyn's lookin a lil old.
Blake Released
After finishing his 27 month original sentence, Blake Fielder Civil was released from jail this morning. Amy is unaware of the news. I am sure now he will go about trying to get some money out of her.
Amy and small fans
Amy Winehouse is still in St. Lucia. What was meant to be a couple weeks break, has turned into a new lifestyle for Winehouse. Today she was photographed with a young girl on a horse, and is shown with a young boy and 2 puppies. The story is that they are both kids of people staying on the resort, and that the little boy is a fan of Winehouse' music. So much so that she sang for him on the beach, and bought him the 2 little puppies show. Okay .. all together now ... AWWWWWWWWWW!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Oscars: WORST DRESSED
Here's my sad list of worst dressed at the Oscars:
10. Miley Cyrus
9. Phillip Seymore Hoffman
8. Jennifer Aniston
7. Whoopi Goldberg
6. Jessica Beil
5. Sophia Loren
4. Beyonce
3. Reese Witherspoon
2. Goldie Hawn
1. Lisa "Crazy Clown" Rhinna
10. Miley Cyrus
9. Phillip Seymore Hoffman
8. Jennifer Aniston
7. Whoopi Goldberg
6. Jessica Beil
5. Sophia Loren
4. Beyonce
3. Reese Witherspoon
2. Goldie Hawn
1. Lisa "Crazy Clown" Rhinna
Oscars: BEST DRESSED
Here are my top 10 Best Dressed at the Oscars!
10. Meryl Streep
9. Mickey Rourke
8. Tilda Swinton
7. Taraji P. Henson
6. Anne Hathaway
5. Marion Cottilard
4. Amy Adams
3. Evan Rachel Wood
2. Marisa Tomei
1. Angelina Jolie - perfection
10. Meryl Streep
9. Mickey Rourke
8. Tilda Swinton
7. Taraji P. Henson
6. Anne Hathaway
5. Marion Cottilard
4. Amy Adams
3. Evan Rachel Wood
2. Marisa Tomei
1. Angelina Jolie - perfection
Nominees Future Chances
Here's this years acting nominees, and what I think will happen in their film future concerning Oscars. Who has a shot at a win in the future?
RICHARD JENKINS - I think he will be more recognized, and will get another shot at the Oscars, in under 5 years. I doubt he will win, but he will still continue to have a great "under the radar" career.
FRANK LANGELLA - I bet he will snag another Tony. As far as a film career, it was his last shot.
SEAN PENN - I predict at least 3-5 more nominations, and a win thrown in there, again before its all said and done, probably a supporting role.
BRAD PITT - I certainly believe he will be nominated again. He is picking risky and interesting things as of late. I shall guess 2 more nominations, but no win.
MICKEY ROURKE - His career is back on track, in a big way. I think he will make some high profile action flicks for a couple years, and then when he sets his sights on a demanding role, he will win an Oscar. I will say 1 more nomination which will lead to a win.
ANNE HATHAWAY - Its interesting. I could see her being nominated again, but I have a stinking suspicion this was it. I see her more of a Goldie Hawn than a Meryl Streep.
ANGELINA JOLIE - She is much more respected. I do believe that she will recieve at least 2 more nominations, if not 3. And I think she will win a lead actress Oscar before its all said and done.
MELISSA LEO - Its tricky. I certainly hope she is given more roles, because she is a fantastic actress. I will guess in 2 years she will be given a baity supporting role and she will be nominated again.
MERYL STREEP - Of course she will have shots of being nominated and winning every year she makes a film, no matter the film. I will say she will get at least 5 more nominations and 1 or 2 wins. At least.
KATE WINSLET - Another of course. Although I think it will be a while. I am sure she will get 3 or so more nominations. I would say another win when she is older.
JOSH BROLIN - I predict him winning a leading actor Oscar, in the next 5-10 years. 1 nomination which leads to a win, thats it.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR - I expect at the very least 2 more nominations. Not sure if he will ever win though. It would be nice.
PHILLIP SEYMORE HOFFMAN - Before its over I think he will get more nominations than any on this list (in the future). I also believe he has another win in him as well. I'll say 5 more nominations, and a win.
MICHAEL SHANNON - He is amazing in the 2 films I have seen him in. I will predict another nomination, at least. I think his star will rise.
AMY ADAMS - I am predicting BIG things for her. I will say a win in the next year or two. Then another win in her later years, say around when shes 60 or so. So I will say 3 nominations, 2 wins (one in each category)
PENELOPE CRUZ - I certainly believe that she will only grow from her Oscar win. I doubt she will win another, but I see at least 1 more nomination in her future.
VIOLA DAVIS - I hope she sticks to film along with theatre and television. I doubt she will get another nomination though - sadly.
TARAJI P. HENSON - This was it.
MARISA TOMEI - Its hardly over for Marisa. Ever since she won the Oscar for My Cousin Vinny and people got mad about it, she has been on a role with one amazing performance after another. She is a character actress for sure. I think she will win another supporting oscar, and get a lead nomination too.
Oscar: The Year in Advance
Here's a look at the pictures and names that will be around a year from now. Here's the top 20 hopefulls for Oscars next year.
ALSO Push, the movie based on the novel by Sapphire (which I read and was brilliant) starring Mo'Nique is now being called Precious (the name of the lead).
INTERESTING NAMES! I am excited.
Best Picture
1. Nine
2. The Human Factor
3. Public Enemies
4. Cheri
5. Broken Embraces
6. Amelia
7. Taking Woodstock
8. The Informant
9. Shutter Island
10. The Lovely Bones
11. The Boat That Rocked
12. Green Zone
13. The Hurt Locker
14. Julie & Julia
15. The Young Victoria
16. Precious
17. Funny People
18. Avatar
19. The Tempest
20. Biutiful
Best Director
1. Clint Eastwood/The Human Factor
2. Michael Mann/Public Enemies
3. Rob Marshall/Nine
4. Pedro Almodovar/Broken Embraces
5. Stephen Frears/Cheri
6. Peter Jackson/The Lovely Bones
7. Woody Allen/Whatever Works
8. Lee Daniels/Precious
9. Ang Lee/Taking Woodstock
10. Martin Scorsese/Shutter Island
11. Mira Nair/Amelia
12. Steven Soderbergh/The Informant
13. Richard Curtis/The Boat That Rocked
14. Jean-Marc Vallee/The Young Victoria
15. Paul Greengrass/Green Zone
16. James Cameron/Avatar
17. Judd Apatow/Funny People
18. Terrence Malick/The Tree of Life
19. Quentin Tarantino/Inglorious Bastard
20. Julie Taymor/The Tempest
Best Actor
1. Morgan Freeman/The Human Factor
2. Daniel Day-Lewis/Nine
3. Johnny Depp/Public Enemies
4. Viggo Mortensen/The Road
5. Matt Damon/The Informant
6. Demitri Martin/Taking Woodstock
7. Christopher Plummer/The Last Station
8. Jim Carrey/I Love You Phillip Morris
9. Leonardo DiCaprio/Shutter Island
10. Mark Wahlberg/The Lovely Bones
11. Christian Bale/Public Enemies
12. Martin Landau/Lovely, Still
13. Matt Damon/Green Zone
14. Adam Sander/Funny People
15. Phillip Seymour Hoffman/The Boat That Rocked
16. Jeremy Renner/The Hurt Locker
17. Colin Farrell/Triage
18. Javier Bardem/Biutiful
19. Brad Pitt/Inglorious Bastards
20. Benicio del Toro/The Wolfman
Best Actress
1. Michelle Pfeiffer/Cheri
2. Hilary Swank/Amelia
3. Penelope Cruz/Broken Embraces
4. Judi Dench/Nine
5. Gabourey Sidibe/Precious
6. Audrey Tautou/Coco avant Chanel
7. Helen Mirren/The Tempest
8. Emily Blunt/The Young Victoria
9. Carey Mulligan/An Education
10. Emma Thompson/The Boat That Rocked
11. Meryl Streep/Julie & Julia
12. Amy Adams/Julie & Julia
13. Halle Berry/Franke and Alice
14. Evan Rachel Wood/Whatever Works
15. Ellen Burstyn/Lovely, Still
16. Saoirse Ronan/The Lovely Bones
17. Maya Rudolph/Away We Go
18. Naomi Watts/Need
19. Robin Wright Penn/The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
20. Meryl Streep/Untitled Nancy Meyers Project
Best Supporting Actor
1. Billy Crudup/Public Enemies
2. Matt Damon/The Human Factor
3. Kodi Scott-McPhee/The Road
4. Richard Gere/Amelia
5. Christian Bale/Public Enemies
6. Christopher Ecclestian/Amelia
7. Bill Nighy/The Boat That Rocked
8. Rupert Friend/Cheri
9. Mark Ruffallo/Shutter Island
10. Greg Kinnear/Green Zone
11. Richard Kind/A Serious Man
12. Ewan MacGregor/Amelia
13. Jonathan Groff/Taking Woodstock
14. Paul Giamatti/The Last Station
15. Rupert Friend/The Young Victoria
16. Allan Harvey/The Informant
17. Jamie Foxx/The Soloist
18. Seth Rogen/Funny People
19. Christopher Lee/Triage
20. Djimon Hounsou/The Tempest
Best Supporting Actress
1. Mo'nique/Precious
2. Marion Cotillard/Nine
3. Kathy Bates/Cheri
4. Patricia Clarkson/Whatever Works
5. Julianne Moore - Chloe
6. Nicole Kidman/Nine
7. Sophia Loren/Nine
8. Miranda Richardson/The Young Victoria
9. Rachel Weisz/The Lovely Bones
10. Imelda Staunton/Taking Woodstock
11. Amy Ryan/Green Zone
12. Michelle Williams/Shutter Island
13. Penelope Cruz/Nine
14. Marion Cotillard/Public Enemies
15. Virginia Madsen/Amelia
16. Emma Thompson/An Education
17. Sigourney Weaver - Avatar
18. Evangeline Lilly/The Hurt Locker
19. Meryl Streep/Julie & Julia
20. Charlize Theron/The Road
LOTS OF NAMES I LOVE:
Michelle Pfieffer, Mo'Nique, Helen Mirre, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Ellen Burstyn, Robin Wright Penn, Marion Cottilard, Patricia Clarkson, Imelda Staunton, Daniel Day Lewis, Woody Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Julianne Moore, Charlize Theron .. AAAAH
Amy Winehouse - Girlfriend stealer?
Amy Winehouse admits to cheating on her locked up husband while he's been in jail, now for over a year. But this is a first. Amy has now been blamed for splitting up a lesbian couple who were vacationing in St. Lucia. The 2 girlfriends were visiting the caribbean on their first vacation together, and the angry girlfriend says she exploded into rage when she found her girlfriend in bed with Amy Winehouse in her hotel room. When she ran into them, Amy just shrugged and asked the other woman to join them for a threesome. And then, on the spot, after 4 months of dating, the relationship ended as the jilted lover broke up with her girl on the spot. She booked a flight home immediately, leaving her now ex there. She also rumored to have changed her Myspace profile to saying: "Amy Winehouse asked me for a threesome and I said no, no, no."
She says the whole story is that the couple had been partying with Winehouse for a couple of days, and she grew suspicious of the 2 when they would dissapear for hours at a time. She also said that when she walked in on the two, topless in bikini bottoms in bed, Amy asked her to join in and when she said no Amy got angry. "It got all messy. Amy shouted at me for not joining in. It was a strange night."
Lesbo Winehouse? Who knew.
Now stop stealing people's girlfriends Amy and get into the studio!
Amy Wins More
Amy Winehouse, despite releasing her album almost 3 full years ago, is still winning huge awards for "Back to Black", which is unprecedented. She just won 2 Echo awards in Germany over the weekend (the German Grammys). She won Best International Rock/Pop artist, and she won Best International Album! Woo Hoo!
"I want Mickey"
Iron Man director John Favreau says that he still is in negotiations with Mickey Rourke's people about him playing the villan in Iron Man 2. "Things aren't solid yet, but let it be known. I want Mickey for the role. No one else should play it."
If he doesn't play the role - I now feel sorry for who does, seeing that the director just said that. I hope he gets it!
The Career Is Back!
Although Mickey Rourke lost the Oscar - it is official that his career is back. Look at the movies he has coming out this coming year, some he is filming now, one he has already filmed, and the rest are to be filmed in the future:
* KILLSHOT
starring Mickey and: Diane Lane, Joseph Gordon Leavitt, Thomas Jane, Roasario Dawson, Hal Holbrook, Lois Smith, and others
plot synopsis: Beautiful Carmen Colson and her ironworker husband Wayne are placed in the Federal Witness Protection program after witnessing an extortion scheme go wrong. Thinking they are at last safe, they are targeted by an experienced intimidating hit man and a psychopathic young upstart killer. The ensuing struggle will test Carmen to the limit.
* THE INFORMERS *
starring Mickey and: Billy Bob Thorton, Kim Basinger, Wynonna Rider, Brad Renfro, Rhys Ifans, and more
Plot synopsis: A multi-strand narrative set in early 1980's Los Angeles, centered on an array of characters who represent both the top of the heap (a Hollywood dream merchant, a dissolute rock star, an aging newscaster) and the bottom (a voyeuristic doorman, an amoral ex-con). Connecting the intertwining strands are a group of beautiful, blonde young men and women who sleep all day and party all night, doing drugs -- and one another --with abandon, never realizing that they are dancing on the edge of a volcano.
* 13 *
starring Mickey and: Micheal Shannon, Jason Staatham, Ray Liota, 50 Cent, Natasha Lyonne, Ray Winstone, and more
plot synopsis: A naive young man assumes a dead man's identity and finds himself embroiled in an underground world of power, violence, and chance where men gamble behind closed doors on the lives of other men.
* ST. VINCENT *
starring Mickey and: casting currently
plot synopsis: A hit man, returning to his former New York City neighborhood to finish off the botched killing of an informant, masquerades as a priest and finds himself taking the confessions of his target.
* SIN CITY 2 *]
starring Mickey and: Clive Owen, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Antonio Banderas, Rose McGowan, Jamie King, Brittany Murphy, and more
plot synopsis: The film's plot follows multiple storyline. One is based around A Dame to Kill For which follows Dwight (Clive Owen) and his former love Ava Lord (Rachel Weisz), who betrayed him and ended their relationship for a wealthier man. Ava now returns years later claiming her marriage is abusive and insisting that Dwight help her. After she frames him for the murder of her husband, Dwight, with the help of Marv, seeks to clear his name. Dwight's storyline in this film is a prequel to The Big Fat Kill, which occurred in the first film. It explains how Dwight came to have his "new face" and his connections with the Old Town prostitutes. Dark Horse describes A Dame to Kill For: "It's one of those hot nights, dry and windless. The kind that makes people do sweaty, secret things. Dwight's thinking of all the ways he's screwed up and what he'd give for one clear chance to wipe the slate clean, to dig his way out of the numb grey hell that is his life. And he'd give anything. Just to cut loose. Just to feel the fire. One more time."[3] Another storyline follows Nancy (Jessica Alba) as she grieves the death of Detective Hartigan, the man she had grown to love after he rescued her from That Yellow Bastard who had kidnapped and attempted to rape then kill Nancy when she was a child.
* THE EXPENDABLES *
starring Mickey and: Sylvester Stallone, Sandra Bullock, Arnold Swartzenegger, Ben Kingsley, Forrest Whitaker, Eric Roberts, Jet Li, and more
plot synopsis: A team of mercenaries head to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator.
* BROKEN HORSES *
starring Mickey Rourke and: still in casting
No plot synopsis yet
--
Although the Oscar was gone - the career is BACK!
Thats what matters.
Johnny Weir LOVES Gaga
Here is skating hottie Johnny Weir skating to Lady Gaga's "Pokerface"!
WOAH! 2 of my favs collide.
Go to link to see!
http://www.vman.com/blog/johnny-weir-can-skate-a-little/
WOAH! 2 of my favs collide.
Go to link to see!
http://www.vman.com/blog/johnny-weir-can-skate-a-little/
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oscars Recap of sorts AKA Why Mickey was Screwed
After months of looking forward to and preparing for last nights Oscars, it is all over now. All of you great readers, can breathe easy that the Oscar season has now come to a close – if you heated my Oscar blogging, or long for next year – if you loved them.
I could go on and on about how it was a fantastic show last night. Hugh Jackman shockingly made a fantastic host. The montages, musical numbers, and the new format were impressive to say the least. It was wonderful to see the past Oscar winners award this years recipients.
After seeing the Reader, I am extremely happy for Kate Winslet’s success, because she was truly fantastic. Heath Ledger’s tribute, given through his Oscar winner performance, was extremely touching and deserving. And although all the supporting actresses were phenomenal, it was a delight to see Penelope Cruz win her first Oscar.
I thought Slumdog was overrated a bit, yet still was magical filmmaking, so the fact that it nearly swept was okay with me. Wall-E comes out on top as does Man On Wire, both bravo choices.
The gowns were gorgeous, and Angelina Jolie stole the fashion show for sure. I’m pretty sure she’s never looked better.
HOWEVER, the show took a turn for the worse for me when Best Actor rolled around. After winning the Independent Spirit Awards, just a day before (and giving his best speech of the season) it seemed Mickey Rourke would squeak out a win for his masterful performance. However, the award went to Sean Penn. It was silent as I watched the results, and then watched Penn’s wonderful and powerful speech. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. I felt hurt in a very strange way that I haven’t felt before at the Oscars. Sure, I have been angry at winners before – look at Julia Robert beating out Ellen Burstyn in Requiem for a Dream – but I had never felt saddened and hurt by the loss of an actor. Let’s be clear- The Oscars aren’t everything, for sure. But as an actor, a film lover, and an avid Oscar blogger – I was invested. Here are some thoughts as to why I think the Oscars made a huge mistake, why Sean Penn didn’t deserve the Oscar, and why Mickey Rourke did:
(note: Before I begin, let me be clear, I absolutely loved Milk. It and The Wrestler were my top 2 films of the year. I found both very moving and was touched in very different ways by both films. Nothing below should tarnish Sean Penn’s performance or the magnificent film Milk.)
- The main thing I take into consideration for the Oscars is: who gave the best performance. Not, who deserves it the most, who is most due to win, who has the better PR or backstory, who won the years awards, etc. It should be judged solely on, who gave the better performance. And, for me, out of these two actors – the clear choice is Mickey Rourke as Randy The Ram Robinson in the Wrestler. Here’s why”
• Compare the films, Milk to Wrestler. Milk was an ensemble piece. It was a statement film, and perfectly timed with the failure of gay marriage in California. It was a film about a movement, and the man behind it. Sean Penn was joined onscreen with James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna, Allison Pill, and many others. All turned in fantastic performances. The statement of the film is of course equality for all. And I feel that the statement was made with or without Penn’s performance. I could see many other actors playing the role of Harvey Milk, who know’s if they would have been as wonderful though. But the point is, the power behind Milk is more the statement and the history than the performance.
Now look at the Wrestler. The film lives and breathes because of Mickey Rourke. Althought there are strong performances by the supporting Marisa Tomei, and 2 scenes with Evan Rachel Wood, it certainly is Mickey’s film. The statement is his performance. Its all about his acting. The film isn’t trying to convince you to fall into a movement, it is simply showing you a man’s life. A slice into his world. Milk could have succeeded without Sean Penn, The Wrestler could not have succeeded without Mickey Rourke.
• Sean Penn was able to create his own character with a template in history. Watching interviews, reading biographies, etc, certainly helped his portrayal of the character. And he nailed the comparison. Mickey Rourke on the other hand drew more from himself. I hear people say a lot that Rourke was playing himself, and I do not agree with that. However, I do agree with the similarities between Rourke and Randy. On the surface both have been through a tough time, and are struggling to come back from the darkness. That makes the performance all the more raw for me. You can hear Mickey the person, facing his own embarrassing innermost feelings, when he utters such lines as: “Im a broken down old piece of meat, I just hope that you don’t hate me.” .. Or in his final scene in the boxing arena when he takes the mike, stands center ring, and says: “People keep telling me Im old and washed up and that I should just quit. But the only people who can ever tell me to quit is you people here.” The rush from the crowd begins, and Randy is home. This performance isn’t a copy of himself, it isn’t a mimicry, it isn’t trite or contrived in any way. This is a man who has taken on a character – and is exercising his own personal demons all at once. The fact that Rourke was able to play the washed up roll, involve himself in scenes concerning drugs (after a very rough battle with them himself), shows tremendous courage. Whereas Sean Penn is uplifting and characteristically Harvey Milk – Mickey Rourke is Randy the Ram. Randy is Mickey Rourke.
• Sean Penn played Harvey Milk, a very recognizeable character in history, especially to people involved in the gay community such as muself. Randy Robinson is a fictional character. And I predict that, because of Mickey’s performance, whenever someone says Randy the Ram 5 years from now, 10 years from now, people will understand the reference. I think he will enter film history with the performance, as one of the most memorable ever given to the screen. Sean Penn has many of those performances to his credit, look at Mystic River, Dead Man Walking, I am Sam, and others. All are fantastic, we come to expect good work from Penn – however that shouldn’t take hold of Academy voters, as I think it did. The popularity or respectability of a nominee shouldn’t hamper the true meaning for the Oscar ceremony – to choose the finest performance. Now I am not saying people didn’t choose Penn because they thought he was the best, I am sure many many did. But I do believe that some uptight voters chose Penn as a safe choice – because who knows what the future of Mickey Rourke holds. Who knows what he would say on the Oscar stage? Etc. None of this should matter. And while were on the topic, I don’t know when Sean Penn was ever the squeaky clean guy .. he is afterall beaten many paparazzi and a couple wives. But who cares? What does that have to do with the performances .. nothing. I certainly hope Rourke will keep his career on track and give Oscar another shot.
* I have heard the comment that Sean Penn’s win is good for the gay community, or that I should be excited, as a gay man for the Penn/Milk win. And my response to that is, that’s not what the Oscars are about. Especially best Actor, I could perhaps understand that argument in Best Picture (and would have loved for Milk to have won that). But the simple fact is, it should be voted on best performance, that’s what I am worried about. For example, I loved Brokeback Mountain and wanted it to win best picture. Not because it is a “gay” movie, but simply because it was the best movie. When it lost I was outraged. When Mickey Rourke, the best performance, lost last night I was outraged. My support of The Wrestler and Mickey Rourke comes from me being an actor. Knowing what is challenging, what is rewarding, etc. in a performance of my own. Therefore I get immensely involved in the actors each year. And this is the best performance for me. I should know, Ive been acting since I was 6. I know what I like, and what I liked was Rourke, and I know I am not alone. If I voted on my sexual tastes, perhaps I would have chosen Sean .. but that doesn’t come into my mind when I watch films.
Simply put, the honesty of Randy trumps the triumph of Harvey for me. Just seeing the camera follow Randy through the hallways of a high school gym in the opening moments of the Wrestler contain so much emotion. The way he walks, the way he talks, the way he sits, its all encompassing.
Put SIMPLY: It is easy to make people love Harvey Milk. He was a hero, a wonderful man. It is easy to make him likeable and loveable. However, when an actor can make a character like Randy “the Ram” Robinson, (a washed up wrestler, who cannot pay his rent at the trailor park, who is friendless, has desserted his daughter and family, who’s favorite hangout is the strip club, who falls onto barb wire and is stapled for money, who is into drugs, who is stuck in another decade, etc), when an actor can make this man sympathetic and endearing – you have something there. Mickey didn’t need theatrics, he didn’t need a supporting cast (he shined just as bright in scenes such as when he works in the grocery store alone, without Marisa or Evan), he didn’t need the glitz or glamour to help his performance. The performance was him, he was the performance. He was the film. He was the best actor of the year.
I couldn’t help but feel like I was in high school again, and the sweet school outcast had just lost out of prom king by 2 votes to the popular jock. I was silenced by the decision.
But now that I have been able to get out all my feelings, I will be able to leave it be. The Oscars are over, they aren’t the end of the world, and they often get it wrong. The only good thing to come of this, is that Mickey Rourke’s performance in “The Wrestler” will live on on DVD and video forever. As will Penn’s. And then people can watch and judge for themselves. I am solid in my knowledge that the wrong person won. And I am solid in believing that it is okay – I can still watch the performance and be inspired by the raw emotion of Mickey Rourke whenever I please. And that makes it okay.
Here is a look at what should have been, Mickey giving his best speech yet, when he won the Independent Spirit Award on Saturday:
In the end .. congrats Sean Penn.
Congrats Winslet and Cruz.
And congrats Slumdog.
Until next time..
Sunday, February 22, 2009
My Final Oscars
Here is how I would have nominated the Oscars this year:
BEST PICTURE
Changeling
Cloverfield
Doubt
Milk
The Wrestler
the winner: THE WRESTLER
BEST DIRECTOR
Darren Aronofsky - The Wrestler
Johnathen Demme - Rachel Getting Married
Clint Eastwood - Changeling
Gus Van Sant - Milk
John Patrick Shanley - Doubt
the winner: DARREN ARONOFSKY - THE WRESTLER
BEST ACTOR
Josh Brolin - W
Leonardo DiCaprio - Revolutionary Road
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Sean Penn - Milk
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
the winner: MICKEY ROURKE - THE WRESTLER
BEST ACTRESS
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Julianne Moore - Savage Grace
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kate Winslet - The Reader
the winner: ANGELINA JOLIE - CHANGELING
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jason Butler Harner - Changeling
Bill Irwin - Rachel Getting Married
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Phillip Seymore Hoffman - Doubt
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road
the winner: MICHAEL SHANNON - REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams - Doubt
Viola Davis - Doubt
Rosemarie DeWitt - Rachel Getting Married
Tilda Swinton - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler
the winner: MARISA TOMEI - THE WRESTLER
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Kung Fu Panda
The Tale of Despereaux
Wall-E
the winner: WALL-E
BEST ART DIRECTION
Changeling
The Dark Knight
Let the Right One In
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Revolutionary Road
the winner: CHANGELING
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Changeling
The Dark Knight
Let the Right One in
The Strangers
Wanted
the winner: CHANGELING
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Changeling
The Dark Knight
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire
The Strangers
the winner: CHANGELING
BEST EDITING
Changeling
Cloverfield
Religulous
Slumdog Millionaire
The Strangers
the winner: CLOVERFIELD
BEST MAKEUP
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Repo The Genetic Opera
the winner: THE READER
BEST SCORE
Changeling
Repo The Genetic Opera
Slumdog Millionaire
The Visitor
Wall-E
the winner: REPO THE GENETIC OPERA
BEST SONG
Chase The Morning : Sarah Brightman, Alexa Vega - Repo The Genetic Opera
Gold : Paul Sorvino - Repo The Genetic Opera
Jai Ho : AR Rahman - Slumdog Millionaire
The Wrestler : Bruce Springstein - The Wrestler
Zydrate Anatomy : Terrance Zdunich, Alexa Vega, Paris Hilton - Repo the Genetic Opera
the winner: THE WRESTLER - BRUCE SPRINGSTEIN
BEST SOUND EDITING
Cloverfield
The Dark Knight
Repo The Genetic Opera
Slumdog Millionaire
Wanted
the winner: WANTED
BEST SOUND MIXING
Cloverfield
The Dark Knight
Repo The Genetic Opera
Slumdog Millionaire
Wanted
the winner: WANTED
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Cloverfield
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Repo The Genetic Opera
Wanted
the winner: CLOVERFIELD
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
Let the Right One In
The Reader
Savage Grace
the winner: DOUBT
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Changeling
Frozen River
Milk
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Wrestler
the winner: MILK
BEST PICTURE
Changeling
Cloverfield
Doubt
Milk
The Wrestler
the winner: THE WRESTLER
BEST DIRECTOR
Darren Aronofsky - The Wrestler
Johnathen Demme - Rachel Getting Married
Clint Eastwood - Changeling
Gus Van Sant - Milk
John Patrick Shanley - Doubt
the winner: DARREN ARONOFSKY - THE WRESTLER
BEST ACTOR
Josh Brolin - W
Leonardo DiCaprio - Revolutionary Road
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Sean Penn - Milk
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
the winner: MICKEY ROURKE - THE WRESTLER
BEST ACTRESS
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Julianne Moore - Savage Grace
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kate Winslet - The Reader
the winner: ANGELINA JOLIE - CHANGELING
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jason Butler Harner - Changeling
Bill Irwin - Rachel Getting Married
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Phillip Seymore Hoffman - Doubt
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road
the winner: MICHAEL SHANNON - REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams - Doubt
Viola Davis - Doubt
Rosemarie DeWitt - Rachel Getting Married
Tilda Swinton - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler
the winner: MARISA TOMEI - THE WRESTLER
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Kung Fu Panda
The Tale of Despereaux
Wall-E
the winner: WALL-E
BEST ART DIRECTION
Changeling
The Dark Knight
Let the Right One In
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Revolutionary Road
the winner: CHANGELING
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Changeling
The Dark Knight
Let the Right One in
The Strangers
Wanted
the winner: CHANGELING
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Changeling
The Dark Knight
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire
The Strangers
the winner: CHANGELING
BEST EDITING
Changeling
Cloverfield
Religulous
Slumdog Millionaire
The Strangers
the winner: CLOVERFIELD
BEST MAKEUP
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Repo The Genetic Opera
the winner: THE READER
BEST SCORE
Changeling
Repo The Genetic Opera
Slumdog Millionaire
The Visitor
Wall-E
the winner: REPO THE GENETIC OPERA
BEST SONG
Chase The Morning : Sarah Brightman, Alexa Vega - Repo The Genetic Opera
Gold : Paul Sorvino - Repo The Genetic Opera
Jai Ho : AR Rahman - Slumdog Millionaire
The Wrestler : Bruce Springstein - The Wrestler
Zydrate Anatomy : Terrance Zdunich, Alexa Vega, Paris Hilton - Repo the Genetic Opera
the winner: THE WRESTLER - BRUCE SPRINGSTEIN
BEST SOUND EDITING
Cloverfield
The Dark Knight
Repo The Genetic Opera
Slumdog Millionaire
Wanted
the winner: WANTED
BEST SOUND MIXING
Cloverfield
The Dark Knight
Repo The Genetic Opera
Slumdog Millionaire
Wanted
the winner: WANTED
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Cloverfield
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Repo The Genetic Opera
Wanted
the winner: CLOVERFIELD
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
Let the Right One In
The Reader
Savage Grace
the winner: DOUBT
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Changeling
Frozen River
Milk
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Wrestler
the winner: MILK
FINAL Top Movies of the Year LIST
After seeing an amazing, my last film to complete the Ocsar nominees, here is my updated list of Top 20 Movies:
TOP FILMS OF THE YEAR
Honorable Mentions
Funny Games
W
Wanted
Savage Grace
TOP 20 OF THE YEAR
20. Slumdog Millionaire
19. The Dark Knight
18. Man On Wire
17. The Visitor
16. Wall-E
15. Frost/Nixon
14. The Strangers
13. Revolutionary Road
12. Let The Right One In
11. Burn After Reading
10. Religulous
9. Vicky Christina Barcelona
8. Frozen River
7. The Reader
6. Rachel Getting Married
5. Changeling
4. Cloverfield
3. Doubt
2. Milk
1. The Wrestler
Friday, February 20, 2009
Rihanna - the real picture
Okay this is the real picture of what Chris Brown did to Rihanna. Terrible.
Adriana Lima as Amy Winehouse
Victoria Secrets Adriana Lima just dressed up as Amy Winehouse for a magazine shoot.
Ain't nothin' like the real thing baby - but this is gooood!
Top 20 of the Year
2009 – The Best Movies of the Year
By Casey Chapman
Honorable Mentions
Funny Games – A scene for scene remake of the German horror film, this was truly exhausting to watch, in the best of all ways. Fine performances from Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, and a terrifyingly good Michael Pitt make it more than torture porn.
W – After a slew of substandard films, Oliver Stone returns to what he does best. Following in the steps of his magnificent JFK and Nixon, Stone gives a shockingly sympathetic portrayal of flawed presidential buffoon George W. Bush.
Wanted – In a year of fantastic action films, Wanted stands out in my mind as the most mind-blowing original of them all. With loopholes in the plot you could crawl through, the film still manages to be an amazing good time.
Top 20 Films of the Year
20. Repo The Genetic Opera!
Who would have thought a rock opera starring Sarah Brightman, Giles from Buffy (Anthony Stewart Head), and Paris Hilton could be this enjoyable and this good! Directed by the man behind the SAW franchise, this film managed to be gory, disgusting, and breathe new life into the stale movie musical genre.
19. Savage Grace
What a disturbing little film this was. Based on a true story about the Bakeland family, heirs to the enormous fortune from their Grandfather who invented plastic, Savage Grace very well may have been the toughest movie of the year to watch. With outstanding performances by Stephen Dillane, and especially Julianne Moore (who does no wrong), this story about family, love, incest, homosexuality, despair, murder, and depression left its imprint on me.
18. Slumdog Millionaire
Many are jumping to the punch and calling this the best film of the year. I won’t go that far, but it is hard to deny the charms of Slumdog Millionaire. The modern day fairy tale hasn’t had this kind of romantic treatment in years. The story of the making of the film, in the underdeveloped Mumbai, along with some strong performances, and exciting flashbacks: Slumdog is high caliber filmmaking.
17. The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan’s darkly inspired re-vamps on the Batman franchise are stellar, and he topped his last effort with the unbelievably dark Dark Knight. The standout of course is Heath Ledger, in his last performance, taking a role that has already been nailed once (Nicholson) and turning it on its head. The film is scary, beautiful, action packed, and actually has heart behind it all. Much more than just a “comic book film”.
16. Man On Wire
This documentary has won nearly every prize handed to documentary films this year, and rightfully so. Although the plot is spelled out from the start, a Frenchman walks a high wire between the world trade center towers in New York, however as the film recounts the plot of the daring team behind the feat, I was still nervous and on the edge of my seat the entire time. Inspiring and beautiful, the film shows that art comes in many beautiful forms.
15. The Visitor
Character actor Richard Jenkins, turns in a stunning performance as a man who is stuck in a life which he sees no escape. The mindless job, the day-to-day routine, is something most can connect too in one way or another. The outlet for which he finds an escape comes through a pair of ‘visitors’ who teach and inspire him, musically and otherwise.
14. Wall-E
Some days I miss the animation of my childhood, and find all of the computer animation extremely impersonal and not as pretty. But then comes along a film like Wall-E which restores my confidence in animation all-together. In what is almost half silent-film, half statement on modern humanity, the story of the wayward Robot is one of the most romantic films of the year.
13. The Strangers
By far, The Strangers was the most terrifying horror film of the year. Relying mainly on terrifying the audience instead of grossing them out, the film worked on so many levels. With believable performances headed by Liv Tyler, and killers who kill for the sake of killing, The Strangers surely made me look through all the closets when I got home. Its about time someone got it right again.
12. Frost/Nixon
One of the two Broadway screen revivals of the year, director Ron Howard made the series of interviews which continued to tear down Richard Nixon, nail-biting and infuriating all at once. With 2 immensely strong central performances from Frank Langella and Michael Sheen (along with an equally strong supporting cast), Frost/Nixon plays like a edge of your seat documentary.
11. Revolutionary Road
Sam Mendes directs his wife, and her Titanic co-star, in the years most depressing tale of breakdown (and we had a lot of those this year). The acting is super solid (with DiCaprio, Winslet, Kathy Bates, and Chicago’s own Michael Shannon). The story of despair in the suburbs has been done before, but I doubt its been done this drearily good.
10. Let The Right One In
There hasn’t been a good vampire movie in my mind since Interview With The Vampire and Bram Stokers Dracula, and this year we were delivered 2 revamps of the genre. Twilight (which was disappointing at best), and this vampire tale from Norway. Mixing so many genre’s together (romance, coming-of-age, vampire, horror, drama, etc) could have been a disaster, instead it made for a scarily good romantic date night.
9. Burn After Reading
The Cohen Brother’s follow-up to their Oscar sweeping No Country For Old Men, was a madcap comedy of errors. Spies, espionage, money, sex, betrayal, mis-trust, and foolish hijinx abound. The cast all turn in their funniest performances captured onscreen (and it’s a great cast, McDormand, Swinton, Clooney, Malkovitch, Jenkins, and Brad Pitt who shines the brightest).
8. Vicky Christina Barcelona
Woody Allen, who I refuse to think ever has a bad period, turns in one of his strongest films in years. The story of 2 best friends who fall into a romantic love triangle takes many twists and turns. Although it is a comedy, the characters within the film are leading anything but happy and fun lives. The performances from Javier Bardem, Scarlet Johansson, Rebecca Hall, and especially Penelope Cruz are devastatingly hilarious.
7. Frozen River
Melissa Leo’s performance powers this film to the top of my list. As a mother who will do anything within her means to provide for her family, she is a revelation. In the economic hardships we are all going through, its easy to connect on a certain level with the blind passion of Leo’s Ray. Frozen River is a small film with a big heart.
6. Rachel Getting Married
What should be the happiest day of a bride’s life, is thrown into tumult when Kym comes home for Rachel’s wedding. A family drama, with a brilliant cast, Rachel Getting Married is so realistic that it seems as if it is a running documentary of a family’s wedding celebrations. Anne Hathaway is fantastic, but it is RoseMarie Dewitt and Debra Winger (as Rachel and her mother) who set the screen on fire.
5. Changeling
Clint Eastwood’s finest film in years, Changeling is an unbelievable true story. A film that can combine: a mother’s loss, a murder trial, corruption charges, an insane asylum, a psychotic, police cover-ups, etc; and make the film seem effortless – is a fantastic film. Everything is centered on Angelina Jolie’s remarkable performance. Along with an amazing supporting cast, Eastwood has made a powerful and unforgettable film (again).
4. Cloverfield
I love a monster movie! And, okay I will say it, I think Cloverfield, may be the best monster movie ever. The handheld filming qualities made some sick, but it made me feel the documentary feel of terror – and hey for an hour and a half they made me believe a monster could attack a major city. The effects were stellar, never cheesy, and it was all at once terrifying and exhilarating. Part of me wanted a monster to attack downtown Chicago, just so I could experience it.
3. Doubt
Straight from the Broadway stage, Doubt, is an acting masterclass. The film contains 4 of the strongest performances from the year, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, and Viola Davis. Each are Oscar worthy, and the filming has the feel of a stage play – all a testament to writer/director John Patrick Shanley.
2. Milk
Milk is by far the most inspiring and heartfelt movie of the year. The timing couldn’t have been better what with proposition 8 passing in California weeks before its release. The story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician to hold his seat, is played to perfection by Sean Penn. And the supporting cast of Emile Hirsche, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and others are equally impressive. I shed so many tears, all-the-while feeling inspired, recruited.
1. The Wrestler
Visionary director Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) delivers the most powerful film of this year, and many before it. The story of Randy “The Ram” is one I won’t soon forget. Aronofsky found a director’s dream in lead actor Mickey Rourke, who gives the performance of the year. The lines are somewhat blurred between Randy and Mickey, which allows Rourke to deliver the most powerful and raw performance I’ve seen since Charlize Therone’s in monster. He is truly a antihero I will remember for years to come. With support from the brilliant Marisa Tomei, and the underestimated Evan Rachel Wood, The Wrestler is s tour-de-force in every possible way.
By Casey Chapman
Honorable Mentions
Funny Games – A scene for scene remake of the German horror film, this was truly exhausting to watch, in the best of all ways. Fine performances from Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, and a terrifyingly good Michael Pitt make it more than torture porn.
W – After a slew of substandard films, Oliver Stone returns to what he does best. Following in the steps of his magnificent JFK and Nixon, Stone gives a shockingly sympathetic portrayal of flawed presidential buffoon George W. Bush.
Wanted – In a year of fantastic action films, Wanted stands out in my mind as the most mind-blowing original of them all. With loopholes in the plot you could crawl through, the film still manages to be an amazing good time.
Top 20 Films of the Year
20. Repo The Genetic Opera!
Who would have thought a rock opera starring Sarah Brightman, Giles from Buffy (Anthony Stewart Head), and Paris Hilton could be this enjoyable and this good! Directed by the man behind the SAW franchise, this film managed to be gory, disgusting, and breathe new life into the stale movie musical genre.
19. Savage Grace
What a disturbing little film this was. Based on a true story about the Bakeland family, heirs to the enormous fortune from their Grandfather who invented plastic, Savage Grace very well may have been the toughest movie of the year to watch. With outstanding performances by Stephen Dillane, and especially Julianne Moore (who does no wrong), this story about family, love, incest, homosexuality, despair, murder, and depression left its imprint on me.
18. Slumdog Millionaire
Many are jumping to the punch and calling this the best film of the year. I won’t go that far, but it is hard to deny the charms of Slumdog Millionaire. The modern day fairy tale hasn’t had this kind of romantic treatment in years. The story of the making of the film, in the underdeveloped Mumbai, along with some strong performances, and exciting flashbacks: Slumdog is high caliber filmmaking.
17. The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan’s darkly inspired re-vamps on the Batman franchise are stellar, and he topped his last effort with the unbelievably dark Dark Knight. The standout of course is Heath Ledger, in his last performance, taking a role that has already been nailed once (Nicholson) and turning it on its head. The film is scary, beautiful, action packed, and actually has heart behind it all. Much more than just a “comic book film”.
16. Man On Wire
This documentary has won nearly every prize handed to documentary films this year, and rightfully so. Although the plot is spelled out from the start, a Frenchman walks a high wire between the world trade center towers in New York, however as the film recounts the plot of the daring team behind the feat, I was still nervous and on the edge of my seat the entire time. Inspiring and beautiful, the film shows that art comes in many beautiful forms.
15. The Visitor
Character actor Richard Jenkins, turns in a stunning performance as a man who is stuck in a life which he sees no escape. The mindless job, the day-to-day routine, is something most can connect too in one way or another. The outlet for which he finds an escape comes through a pair of ‘visitors’ who teach and inspire him, musically and otherwise.
14. Wall-E
Some days I miss the animation of my childhood, and find all of the computer animation extremely impersonal and not as pretty. But then comes along a film like Wall-E which restores my confidence in animation all-together. In what is almost half silent-film, half statement on modern humanity, the story of the wayward Robot is one of the most romantic films of the year.
13. The Strangers
By far, The Strangers was the most terrifying horror film of the year. Relying mainly on terrifying the audience instead of grossing them out, the film worked on so many levels. With believable performances headed by Liv Tyler, and killers who kill for the sake of killing, The Strangers surely made me look through all the closets when I got home. Its about time someone got it right again.
12. Frost/Nixon
One of the two Broadway screen revivals of the year, director Ron Howard made the series of interviews which continued to tear down Richard Nixon, nail-biting and infuriating all at once. With 2 immensely strong central performances from Frank Langella and Michael Sheen (along with an equally strong supporting cast), Frost/Nixon plays like a edge of your seat documentary.
11. Revolutionary Road
Sam Mendes directs his wife, and her Titanic co-star, in the years most depressing tale of breakdown (and we had a lot of those this year). The acting is super solid (with DiCaprio, Winslet, Kathy Bates, and Chicago’s own Michael Shannon). The story of despair in the suburbs has been done before, but I doubt its been done this drearily good.
10. Let The Right One In
There hasn’t been a good vampire movie in my mind since Interview With The Vampire and Bram Stokers Dracula, and this year we were delivered 2 revamps of the genre. Twilight (which was disappointing at best), and this vampire tale from Norway. Mixing so many genre’s together (romance, coming-of-age, vampire, horror, drama, etc) could have been a disaster, instead it made for a scarily good romantic date night.
9. Burn After Reading
The Cohen Brother’s follow-up to their Oscar sweeping No Country For Old Men, was a madcap comedy of errors. Spies, espionage, money, sex, betrayal, mis-trust, and foolish hijinx abound. The cast all turn in their funniest performances captured onscreen (and it’s a great cast, McDormand, Swinton, Clooney, Malkovitch, Jenkins, and Brad Pitt who shines the brightest).
8. Vicky Christina Barcelona
Woody Allen, who I refuse to think ever has a bad period, turns in one of his strongest films in years. The story of 2 best friends who fall into a romantic love triangle takes many twists and turns. Although it is a comedy, the characters within the film are leading anything but happy and fun lives. The performances from Javier Bardem, Scarlet Johansson, Rebecca Hall, and especially Penelope Cruz are devastatingly hilarious.
7. Frozen River
Melissa Leo’s performance powers this film to the top of my list. As a mother who will do anything within her means to provide for her family, she is a revelation. In the economic hardships we are all going through, its easy to connect on a certain level with the blind passion of Leo’s Ray. Frozen River is a small film with a big heart.
6. Rachel Getting Married
What should be the happiest day of a bride’s life, is thrown into tumult when Kym comes home for Rachel’s wedding. A family drama, with a brilliant cast, Rachel Getting Married is so realistic that it seems as if it is a running documentary of a family’s wedding celebrations. Anne Hathaway is fantastic, but it is RoseMarie Dewitt and Debra Winger (as Rachel and her mother) who set the screen on fire.
5. Changeling
Clint Eastwood’s finest film in years, Changeling is an unbelievable true story. A film that can combine: a mother’s loss, a murder trial, corruption charges, an insane asylum, a psychotic, police cover-ups, etc; and make the film seem effortless – is a fantastic film. Everything is centered on Angelina Jolie’s remarkable performance. Along with an amazing supporting cast, Eastwood has made a powerful and unforgettable film (again).
4. Cloverfield
I love a monster movie! And, okay I will say it, I think Cloverfield, may be the best monster movie ever. The handheld filming qualities made some sick, but it made me feel the documentary feel of terror – and hey for an hour and a half they made me believe a monster could attack a major city. The effects were stellar, never cheesy, and it was all at once terrifying and exhilarating. Part of me wanted a monster to attack downtown Chicago, just so I could experience it.
3. Doubt
Straight from the Broadway stage, Doubt, is an acting masterclass. The film contains 4 of the strongest performances from the year, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, and Viola Davis. Each are Oscar worthy, and the filming has the feel of a stage play – all a testament to writer/director John Patrick Shanley.
2. Milk
Milk is by far the most inspiring and heartfelt movie of the year. The timing couldn’t have been better what with proposition 8 passing in California weeks before its release. The story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician to hold his seat, is played to perfection by Sean Penn. And the supporting cast of Emile Hirsche, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and others are equally impressive. I shed so many tears, all-the-while feeling inspired, recruited.
1. The Wrestler
Visionary director Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) delivers the most powerful film of this year, and many before it. The story of Randy “The Ram” is one I won’t soon forget. Aronofsky found a director’s dream in lead actor Mickey Rourke, who gives the performance of the year. The lines are somewhat blurred between Randy and Mickey, which allows Rourke to deliver the most powerful and raw performance I’ve seen since Charlize Therone’s in monster. He is truly a antihero I will remember for years to come. With support from the brilliant Marisa Tomei, and the underestimated Evan Rachel Wood, The Wrestler is s tour-de-force in every possible way.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Final FYC round
With a little over 24 hours left til all ballots are due for the Oscar voting, the studios put out a SLEW of For Your Consideration ads today. As you can see they are pushing HARD for Changeling, The Wrestler, Kate Winslet, and Frost/Nixon, among others. These are all beautiful. Enjoy!
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