Golden Globe Predix: Best Actor

BEST ACTOR (DRAMA)
It happens to be that all of my predicted Best Actor nominees are in dramas. HFPA friendly dramas, might I add. However, there are a few changes. Watch: DANIEL DAY-LEWIS IN THERE WILL BE BLOOD continues to look very, very strong. I can totally see him pulling off his second kinda-sorta deserved Oscar win, and that would start here. Naturally, JAMES McAVOY IN ATONEMENT will more than likely be nominated, just because of that last bolded word. JOHN CUSACK IN GRACE IS GONE is also looking much stronger, and once we have some more reviews, we'll know for sure. However, I'm pretty confident that he will pull off a GG nod. God knows he's due for some awards attention. BENICIO DEL TORO IN THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE is looking stronger every day, and the reviews are generally saying that the thing that keeps the movie from sucking is his performance (sorry, Halle). Look out for him. And, last but not least, I am sad to say that Denzel Washington in American Gangster has gotten raves. Don't get me wrong; Denzel is one of the best actors of this generation. I just can't stand being wrong about those kinds of things. Still, I'm keeping AG out of my Oscar AND Golden Globe predix until it has a final RT Rating (which is now at 100%. Grr). So, my choice for the fifth spot is EMILE HIRSCH IN INTO THE WILD because I'm already predicting it to get a Best Picture (Drama) nod, and his performance kind of goes hand-in-hand.

BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL OR COMEDY)
JOHNNY DEPP IN SWEENEY TODD is basically a lock unless the film is a complete bomb, simply because everyone knows that the Golden Globe's can't resist Depp in anything. And in a musical? We might as well do this category over the phone. However, it is still exciting to think of who the other nominees will be, since it has no other serious contenders. STEVE CARREL IN DAN IN REAL LIFE has gotten a fair amount of buzz from critics, and you know how I feel about the film and his performance. I honestly think that it's being severely underestimated. The next three spots are basically up for grabs, but after watching the trailer for Juno for about the 10,000th time, I'm pretty sure that MICHAEL CERA IN JUNO would be considered lead. Thankfully, my second favorite film so far this year (first is Waitress) is finally gaining some buzz; possibly enough to lead GLEN HANSARD IN ONCE to a GG nomination. I actually think the film might have a chance at a Best Picture (M/C) nod, as well. I'm giving the final spot to JACK NICHOLSON IN THE BUCKET LIST simply becasue there are no other real contenders, and they could just choose to honor Jack because he's Jack. But who knows?

Come back tomorrow for Golden Globe Best Actress predix.

Dan in Real Life in Review

Wow, we have been blogging a LOT today. Must mean it's almost Oscar season :-). And speaking of Oscar contenders, watch out for Dan in Real Life. I saw it at a sneak preview, and I was unbelievably impressed. I don't want to give anything away, because I loved having a sense of not having any idea what was going to happen when I saw it, so I'll just say that the script was extremely smart, funny and realistic; so rare to find in a big-budget comedy anymore. But, of course, the main attraction here is Steve Carell, who not only showcases his well-known comedic skills here, but also shows some impressive dramatic work that could easily make him into Hollywood's next big leading man--and he's 45 years old. But I have a sense that he'll get the GG nod and maybe even an Oscar nomination if the movie is as successful as it should be. Be sure to catch this one next weekend. A-

London Film Festival: Steve Buscemi Interview and "Enchanted"

I just got home from a weekend at the London Film Festival. On Friday, I saw an exclusive interview with Steve Buscemi and today I saw the newly buzzed "Enchanted" with Amy Adams. Here are my thoughts:

Steve Buscemi Interview

Let me start off by saying that for the last three weeks I have been obsessing over getting tickets to this event. Even with my priority booking (I'm a member of the BFI), it was sold out when I looked for tickets. When more tickets were let out on October 12th, Steve Buscemi tickets were not available. I think went up for sale while I was at "Eastern Promises". This (and "I'm Not There, which I do have tickets to) was the event I wanted to see the most. Well, I took a train in yesterday and got in line for standby tickets. I was about tenth in line but I didn't think my chances were all that good. When I got the tickets...I about fainted.

Steve Buscemi is one of my all time favorite actors. C'mon, it's Steve Buscemi. This is the man who brought Carl Showalter, Mr. Pink, Donny Kerabatsos, and thousands of other character parts to life. He's also, though I haven't actually seen any of his films, a director. He's directed "Trees Lounge", "Animal Factory", "Lonesome Jim", and the new "Interview". He's also directed episodes of "The Sopranos" and "Oz". He's written some stuff too.

While I sat in my seat waiting for the interview to commence, I observed that it was going to be set up very similar to Inside the Actor's Studio, which it was. The interviewer (she actually did quite a bad job) came on stage and said that they were going to screen the trailer for "Interview" before Buscemi came on stage. The lights went down and everyone waiting for the trailer to begin. And waited. And waited. And waited. There were, needless to say, technical difficulties. At this moment, a shadow from the bottom right corner of the room, next to the door, spoke with his nasally and unbelievably recognizable voice:

"We'll just act out the trailer!"

The whole theatre burst into laughter at Buscemi's joke and finally the trailer started. After it had finished, the interview began. Buscemi talked about his thoughts on the industry, his opinion of himself ("I like to think of myself as a tree") and films today, directing, acting (he said that he sees all of his character parts as "normal people" who have to work out problems), and other very interesting topics. Buscemi really came off as a down to Earth professional. He said that in order for him to accept a role in a movie, it isn't about the other stars involved, the director, or any members off the crew...it's about the writing. He said that if he were to ever be in any film about an important cause...it had to be written well. While the questions that he was being asked were not necessarily good questions, Buscemi gave absolutely great answers. The interview as a whole was a very exciting experience and one that I really enjoyed.

After seeing Buscemi's interview, I headed into Leicester Square to see if Brad Pitt was going to show up for "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" gala but he did not. The director, Andrew Dominik, and Robin Tunney both showed up. Dominik came off as unbelievably arrogant...and he's made two films.

Today, I took the train in to see "Enchanted". Before the film, I saw Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, and Alan Menken. The next couple pictures are all ones that I took.

Enchanted: In Review

I don't think I can name the last great movie that Disney has made without the help of the most brilliant animation studio today: Pixar. Well, Disney can now boast "Enchanted" as their last great movie. While the film definitely has some groan inducing moments (but just one or two...it is a modern children's movie so how could it not?), this is still a very pleasing film. Amy Adams, as buzzed about, is absolutely fantastic. She gives the best lead actress role I've seen this year. It is also one of the funniest performances I've seen this decade. If you've seen the trailer then you can probably get a pretty good idea of what her performance will be like during the beginning half. During the second half, Soon-to-be-Princess Giselle receives some major character development that could either make the Academy more favorable of her performance or less. Adams' performance is not one dimensional like many would think. Like I just said, there is some major character development. I hate to repeat myself but I must. Adams is a delight. She is the film's major highlight, obviously, and not only does she merit a nomination but she could be a potential contender for Best Actress considering how weak the category is bound to be this year. The screenplay, I thought, was pretty great. While some may think it is "ripping off classic fairy tale story lines", the film is actually "ripping ON classic fairy tale story lines" (The song "That's How You Know" is directed and choreographed to utter perfection to spoof on Disney musicals. It's one of the funniest scenes I've scene this year). The whole poison apple, true love's kiss, spell breaks at stroke of 12, villain turns into dragon, etc. etc. etc. is in the film and I thought it worked brilliantly. The songs were hilarious and the dance numbers were gut-bustingly funny. While parts were predictable, it is the predictabilities in the script that make it so strong. After all, aren't the films that this film is farcing predictable? So why shouldn't this one be?

As I said before, though, the film does have some flaws. Those flaws are areas in the script. While I said that the script is good, these flawed parts are obviously aimed towards children and kids will love the film even more thanks to these parts but will make adults and teenagers a little annoyed. Still, this film is one that will make you leave the theatre much happier than when you came in. Other Oscar possibilities that the film has, besides the obvious Best Actress, are in Costume Design, Makeup, Original Song, and (not much of a chance at all but still a possibility because of the way it spoofs other Disney films) Original Screenplay.

I must say, this is probably one of the most unlikely contenders for an Oscar in God knows how long. That being said, the film is a true delight and Amy Adams pleases big time. If her unexpected buzz continues to grow for this film, she will most likely receive a nomination and possibly win the Golden Globe. B+

Here's a picture of the program that you got in your seat-


"Lust, Caution" premiered right after "Enchanted" in the same theatre so when I exited back onto the red carpet to go to dinner, I saw someone who some of you may know (I took this picture)...

Seeing Ang Lee was unbelievably exciting.

Well, I'm afraid my next London Film Festival update won't be until a week from today when I'll be seeing one film that probably won't make much of a difference to anyone, "Rescue Dawn", but then I'm seeing one that is indeed on the Oscar radar for a possible Best Actor nomination, "Grace is Gone".

Until then, enjoy your week and I look forward to giving reviews for those two films a week from today.

Wait a Second...

What ever happened to My Blueberry Nights? It got pretty good reviews at Cannes, and for a while, everyone thought that Norah Jones would get a Best Actress nomination. I haven't seen her in anyone's predix since...August? July? What went wrong?

New "I'm Not There" Trailer

The new trailer for Todd Haynes' "I'm Not There" can be seen here.

What do you think? I think it is better than the magnificent first trailer. It highlights all of the Dylans a lot better, that's for sure.

There will be a review up for "I'm Not There" a week from Monday so be sure and look for that.

Golden Globe Predix!

To be totally upfront, I never understood why out of all the other Oscar precursors, the Golden Globes is the only one produced on Network TV. The Hollywood Foreign Press has got to be the most biased board of voters in the industry; if an actor gives a good performance in the type of movie they would like (i.e. a musical, quirky drama or independent comedy), they will nominate them for whatever they touch (a la Johnny Depp, Barbra Streisand, Renee Zellweger...you get the idea). Not only that, but every year their choices have less and less impact on the Oscars. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it is certainly frustrating when people think that if the Best Picture winner did not win the award at the Globes, it is a "surprise."

That said, the fun thing about the Globes is that they honor "lighter" movies, and their selections are usually quite easy to predict. So what will be a hit at the Globes this year? Take a look (titles written in bold are predicted to be nominated):

BEST PICTURE (DRAMA)
Almost purely by coincidence, the (so far) undisputed frontrunner ATONEMENT is a visually impressive love story; the kind of film that the HFPA would want to honor in this category. Consider it in. THERE WILL BE BLOOD also looks strong, what with the Paul Thomas Anderson factor. But it does have some realistic violence in it, which could fend off voters, but I doubt it. The film's reviews have been too strong for even the Globes to ignore. THE KITE RUNNER is looking less strong, but I still think it will have the momentum to pull off a nod in this category (however, probably not at the Oscars). Contrary to popular belief, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN is not looking all that strong at the Globes. Yes, it is Coen Brothers, but it's Coen brothers like you've never seen them before. And yet, I have a great deal of confidence in this project. This and There Will be Blood are looking to be the silent threats of the year. As for the fifth spot, it's basically a match between Charlie Wilson's War and Into the Wild, but I'm going with INTO THE WILD simply because it has more Golden Globe appeal than Charlie Wilson's War. But fortunately for the latter, it has a better chance of scoring at the end of the year.

BEST PICTURE (MUSICAL OR COMEDY)
The separation of Comedies and Dramas is the best known difference between the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. This is where those GG trademarks that I was talking about come into play. And nothing fits that trademark better than JUNO, my prediction for sleeper comedy of the year. Well...almost nothing. Even if the reviews are horrible, SWEENEY TODD is basically guaranteed a spot on the lineup. And if it is even a modest hit, it will sweep this category. I mean, it's a musical starring Johnny Depp directed by Tim Burton. Can you say Golden Globe? HAIRSPRAY is actually looking weak, despite its outstanding reviews and HFPA bait galore. However, it still has that John Travolta musical factor, which will probably be enough to drive this to a nomination. THE SAVAGES has an HFPA friendly feel on the surface, but the more I think about it, the less likely I think it will happen. But the reviews continue to be exceptional, and if that continues, it should get the nod. Just as before, I am torn between two films for the fifth spot. This time it is Margot at the Wedding and Enchanted. Believe it or not, I am actually going with ENCHANTED. Margot at the Wedding has gotten lukewarm reviews, and Enchanted looks absolutely fantastic; kids movie or otherwise. You'll probably hate me for this, but I think that Enchanted actually has a shot at getting some awards attention beyond just Best Actress (Best Original Screenplay anyone?).


Stay tuned for acting predix.

London Film Festival: Opening Night Gala

Last night was the Opening Night Gala of the 51st London Film Festival. I was lucky enough to get tickets last week and the event was unbelievably exciting. "Eastern Promises", it has not yet been released in the United Kingdom, was the film. I saw Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel, and David Cronenberg, who may be the classiest living director in person. Stephen Frears and Terry Gilliam were there as well, or so I'm told, but I didn't actually know this until I was reading the newspaper today. The screening took place at the Odeon Leicester Square (the picture above is the theatre although it is obviously not a recent photograph) and the whole red carpet (I got to walk on it) getup was all there. The staff had placed a small program, a bottle of water, and some excellent dark chocolate in each individual seat...which was a very cool touch. Before the film, Anthony Minghella, the Chair of the BFI as well as the Academy Award winning director of The English Patient, and Amanda Nevill, director of the BFI, did a short introduction before the film and then invited Robert Thomson, the Editor of The Times who bears an absolutely striking resemblance to "Ratatouille"'s Anton Ego, onto the stage and then he gave his two cents. Sandra Hepbron, Artistic Director of the LFF, then spoke for a couple minutes and then invited David Cronenberg onto the stage who then, once again, welcomed the producers as well as Vincent Cassel and Naomi Watts onto the stage (Mortensen was in the States filming). Cronenberg talked about the film--like I said, ultra classy and very witty--and then the film started (See review below).

I've got tickets for several other films that I have already mentioned and the next event I have tickets for, but not necessarily the next one I'll see, is Disney's newly buzzed "Enchanted" (weird choice for a film festival...tell me about it) with Amy Adams. I may be seeing Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution" the day I see "Enchanted".

Eastern Promises: In Review

David Cronenberg's newest film, "Eastern Promises", opens with a scene that Sweeney Todd would watch in envy. This scene sets the mood of what will unfold to be one of the best mob movies in recent memory. This is a first class thriller and a very entertaining film. Setting the film in London is one of the film's main strengths. Cronenberg's vision of London is unlike any that has been seen by tourists or most people living in the city. This is a London where you must always be cautious of what is around the corner and if you don't watch out then you might find yourself without teeth, fingers, or toes and thrown in the Thames in a body bag. This new, and terrifying, London adds so much excitement to the film and really seems to become a character in the film as time goes by. The brilliant performances by Viggo Mortensen, Vincent Cassel, and Armin Mueller-Stahl, the fantastic direction by David Cronenberg, and the already mentioned London scenery make "Eastern Promises" one of the best films of the year.

Viggo Mortensen plays Nikolai, a mysterious chauffeur for one of the notorious families in the Russian mafia, the Vory V Zakone. Mortensen's intense performance is, indeed, the actor's best performance to date. It seems that whenever he teams up with David Cronenberg, that phrase is uttered. It is a very physical performance and also one that requires excellent delivery of Steven Knight's dialogue, which he does excellently. Armin Mueller-Stahl is Semyon, the head of the family that Nikolai drives for. Mueller-Stahl's work in this film is captivating. Although this point has been made by numerous reviews, his transitions between the family loving Grandfather and then the violent mob boss are what really make his performance. It is one of my favorite supporting works of the year and, as of now, probably my favorite. Vincent Cassel, best known to the English speaking world as François Toulour in "Ocean's Twelve" and "Ocean's Thirteen", plays Kirill, Semyon' son. Cassel delivers an extremely impressive performance that deserves serious Oscar buzz but will probably not gain it. While I think that Mueller-Stahl gives a better performance, Cassel is almost just as good. Just so she is not left out, Naomi Watts does a good job in this film but in her earlier scenes I was, simply put, not impressed. As the film went on, I started to enjoy her performance more but it really is just a solid performance and nothing else (I'm not saying that a solid performance is not a good thing, Watts definitely does a good job).

David Cronenberg's direction, however, is what impressed me the most. The infamous shower scene towards the last third of the film is one of the best directed scenes of the decade. Other notable directorial achievements in this film are all of Nikolai's character developing mannerisms (The best being when he puts a cigarette out on his tongue) and also Armin Mueller-Stahl's already mentioned transitions from good to bad. I can easily see this being my favorite directing job of the year but I don't think the Academy will go for it due to the extreme violence that the film has. Steven Knight's screenplay, while impressive, has some flaws. A lot of these flaws are earlier in the film, like some of Watts' acting, and are later redeemed but I still can't help but remember some of the little details that bugged me.

"Eastern Promises" is one of the year's best films and should be noted especially for the exceptional directorial work by David Cronenberg and also the superb acting by the ensemble. A-

Wow...

I really see why Amy Adams is getting all that buzz now! It looks like the most fun...ever.

No Country for Old Men: NOVEL in Brief Review

I've just finished Cormac McCarthy's "No Country for Old Men"; the novel that the Coen Bros. buzzed film is adapted from. If the Coens do a faithful remake, which they have said on record that they have, then this will be one hell of a film. Llewellyn Moss is an interesting character and it is very entertaining to read about his methods of hiding the money, getting around, staying hidden, etc. The dialogue is quick and well written and the Coens' trailers have shown that their adapted dialogue is in the same vein...if not word for word. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (played by Tommy Lee Jones in the film) provides some of the best monologues I've read in a while. He serves as the moral fiber (while also demonstrating the mistakes that even an admirable man can make) of the novel, sort of like Marge Gunderson in "Fargo" but also completely different. The real star of the novel is Anton Chigurh, one of the best developed characters I've ever read in a novel and Javier Bardem will surely get a nomination if he plays the character right (which he does in the trailer). McCarthy's descriptions of Texas, gunfights, and lack of ethics in the novel are truly captivating. The story goes to places that I would have never thought of from the material that we've been shown. I highly recommend this. A

Here are possible Big 8 nominations that the film could receive from what I gathered from the novel-

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor- Tommy Lee Jones
Best Supporting Actor- Javier Bardem (obviously, he looks to be the best villain since Lecter)
Best Supporting Actress- Kelly Macdonald
Best Adapted Screenplay

New Predix: Best Screenplays/Supporting Actor

Good god, these predix NEED updating! No commentary for now.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

1. Juno
2. I'm Not There
3. The Savages
4. Things We Lost in the Fire
5. Michael Clayton

IN THE RUNNING

6. Eastern Promises
7. Ratatouille
8. Knocked Up
9. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
10. Margot at the Wedding

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

1. No Country for Old Men
2. Atonement
3. There Will be Blood
4. The Kite Runner
5. Charlie Wilson's War

IN THE RUNNING

6. Sweeney Todd
7. Into the Wild
8. American Gangster
9. Hairspray
10. Lust, Caution

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

1. Javier Bardem-No Country for Old Men
2. Paul Dano-There Will be Blood
3. Mark Ruffalo-Reservation Road
4. Philip Bosco-The Savages
5. Casey Affleck-The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

IN THE RUNNING

6. Philip Seymour Hoffman-Charlie Wilson's War
7. Tom Wilkinson-Michael Clayton
8. Shaun Tomb-The Kite Runner
9. John Travolta-Hairspray
10. Alan Rickman-Sweeney Todd

New Predix: Best Picture/Director

BEST PICTURE

1. Atonement-I know everyone is predicting it, but seriously...they've got good reason. Just look at the reviews...

2. There Will be Blood-After a few months, I have a feeling that the buzz will reach the level of the above.

3. No Country for Old Men-Another one to watch out for. I sincerely think that this is the return of the Coen brothers...

4. Juno-...because I need a comedy in the lineup until it's impossible.

5. Charlie Wilson's War-I thought that the trailer was very underrated, and I still forsee this as a hit.

IN THE RUNNING

6. The Kite Runner-I've still got a good feeling, but the buzz is fleeting.

7. Sweeney Todd-My prediction: a hit with audiences and critics, but not the Academy.

8. The Savages-The once sure-thing comedy is now being overshadowed by Juno. And its lack of festival submission is bewildering.

9. Into the Wild-Seriously, where is this buzz coming from?

10. American Gangster-The buzz has vanished. At last.

BEST DIRECTOR

1. Paul Thomas Anderson-There Will be Blood-I have a strong feeling that this will be the film of 2007, but I'm not ready to predict it for BP yet. So we'll go with Best Director.

2. Joe Wright-Atonement-The buzz is really too strong to resist in any way.

3. Joel and Ethan Cohen-No Country for Old Men-Dual directors have it tough, but if this film is as successful as I think it will be...

4. Marc Forster-The Kite Runner-I have a feeling that the loss of buzz is only temporary. Let's hope so, because Forster really deserves a nomination.

5. Mike Nichols-Charlie Wilson's War-Am I the only one that still has confidence in this project?

IN THE RUNNING

6. Tim Burton-Sweeney Todd-Reviews will tell...

7. David Cronenberg-Eastern Promises-Despite the fantastic reviews, the buzz has not lasted.

8. Jason Reitman-Juno-I actually think he has a pretty good chance, but sleeper comedies are rarely rewarded in Best Director.

9. Todd Haynes-I'm Not There-The film will probably be rewarded as a whole in the Best Supporting Actress category.

10. Tamara Jenkins-The Savages-I'm losing my faith quickly...

New Predix: Best Actor

BEST ACTOR

1. Daniel Day-Lewis-There Will be Blood-The reviews have been outstanding, and everyone knows that this man is amazing. Still, does he deserve another statuette yet?

2. James McAvoy-Atonement-His nomination is almost inevitable when you consider how likely it is that Atonement will be a huge hit.

3. Tom Hanks-Charlie Wilson's War-I, for one, liked the trailer, and I think he has a great chance.

4. George Clooney-Michael Clayton-The reviews have been great, but seriously...where is the buzz?

5. John Cusack-Grace is Gone-Just because I have a good feeling about it.

IN THE RUNNING

6. Johnny Depp-Sweeney Todd-The trailer was both horrible and not baity. Still, it's been a hit for fans.

7. Benicio del Toro-Things We Lost in the Fire-The reviews for him have been very positive, but the Academy could just view this as a comeback vehicle for his co-star.

8. Emile Hirch-Into the Wild-The internet buzz has been fantastic, but in reality, it seems unlikely.

9. Tommy Lee Jones-In the Valley of Elah-I seriously do not get why so many people are including him in their predix. The film has been basically forgotten.

10. Joaquin Phoenix-Reservation Road-His chances are looking slimmer every day.

London Film Festival: First Update

As I said before, I'm going to be attending the London Film Festival and I'll be seeing Grace is Gone, Rescue Dawn, I'm Not There, The Savages, Juno, Bee Movie, and (as of about an hour ago) Eastern Promises (the Opening Night gala). Although Rescue Dawn and Eastern Promises have already been released in the United States, I'll still be sure to give the best review possible for those two. The festival officially starts this Wednesday with, as I said earlier, Eastern Promises. After that, my next film that I have tickets for is on the 27th of October so there will be a large gap in between Eastern Promises and my next film, Grace is Gone. I may get to go to The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford or an exclusive session with Steve Buscemi on the 19th so, if I do, there will be coverage on those as well.

I'm extremely excited to represent Oscar Obsession at the LFF and I hope you are all looking forward to coverage of this great event.

The Official "Charlie Wilson's War" Trailer

The trailer for Charlie Wilson's War can be seen here.

I'm much more optimistic now then I was when I saw the ET exclusive (which, to be completely straightforward, sucked). Philip Seymour Hoffman looks great as does Tom Hanks.

What are your thoughts?

Michael Clayton: In Review

Michael Clayton: In Review

"Michael Clayton" is, certainly, one of the best films that we've seen from 2007 so far. That being said, it is not completely perfect but it isn't too far off either. To keep this brief, the actors are what make this film as great as it was. George Clooney turns a career best performance, surpassing his Academy Award winning role in "Syriana" by at least a mile, that may or may not end up making the cut. Best Actor is pretty open for a new contender and Clooney isn't that bad of a choice. Tom Wilkinson steals the show as Arthur Edens, an attorney who strips naked in a meeting room and professes his love to the plaintiff in the case he has been working on. Wilkinson's performance is one of the best supporting roles of the year. To put this into perspective, if this film were released last year then he would have gotten a nomination for sure. He is spectacular. Tilda Swinton, although gathering lots and lots of buzz, does a great job but it is not necessarily, in my book, worthy of a nomination. That being said, I seem to be alone on this. I wouldn't be disappointed at all if she ended up with one but she won't be making my end of the year list. The screenplay is full of jargon and great diction which proves to work for the better as it creates an undeniably strong screenplay that deserves to be honored. It's a great film that I most definitely recommend, it is very worth seeing. B+

Atonement: In Review

Atonement: In Review

Fortunately for me, the best film of the year, so far, has been in England since exactly a month ago. I must admit, I was not interested in the film whatsoever when it was first announced and even when the trailer was released. This weekend, I came to the realization that one of the top Oscar buzzed projects of the year was within my grasp and I had not yet taken the liberty to go and see it. So, I decided that this weekend I would go out and see three different films. I saw Ratatouille, finally, at an advanced screening (it doesn't come out in the UK until next week), Michael Clayton (it has been here since the 28th of September, review to come at a later time), and Atonement. Atonement is currently 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and rightfully so. When I saw this figure before I saw the film, I laughed. I couldn't believe that this film that I was so sure would be all visual delight and no depth was getting such outstanding reviews. So, as I walked into the theatre today expecting nothing more than a frivolous period piece, I was very pleasantly surprised. As I said earlier, this is the best film of the year so far. When the film starts, the first five minutes or so resemble a "Pride and Prejudice 2". About ten to fifteen minutes later, I realized that it was anything but. You are thrown into this brilliantly weaved story about lies, deception, misunderstandings, sex, lust, war, violence, love, hate, redemption, and so much more. This is the first film that I've seen in a long time that I have genuinely wished that it would not end.

Keira Knightely and James McAvoy are both fantastic. While I can't say that either of them are likely to win, they are both extremely worthy of at least being nominated for Academy Awards, McAvoy being the more likely for a win. As far as the acting goes, though, the film belongs to Saoirse Ronan and Romola Garai as Briony, at ages 13 and 18 respectively. They both deserve Oscar nominations although the sad reality is that there is a better chance of just one being nominated. I would say that Ronan, who is the better of the two, would get the nomination over Garai. Vanessa Redgrave also has, although it is basically a cameo, a small role as the much older Briony. In her very limited scene(s), she is brilliant. While there aren't really any other possible contenders who could come out of this film, the whole ensemble really is terrific.

The technicalities of the film are just as good. The score used in Atonement is one of the best that I have heard in a very long time...it uses a typewriter as an instrument. That's highly original and also gives the film a very cool tone. I assure you, the score is a major contender at the Oscars. The editing is crisp, the cinematography is wonderful, the sets are gorgeous...every technical aspect of the film is fantastic. One particular scene that is engraved in my mind is, during the portion of the film that deals with Robbie (McAvoy) in the war, a scene at the beach in Dunkirk. There are soldiers all over the beach, some are laughing and playing around on abandoned carnival rides while some others are crying on the beach and miserable. In the background, you see a ferris wheel and a pavilion of soldiers singing. It captures the mood of this part of the film unbelievably well and I was completely moved.

Atonement is a fantastic film in all aspects whether it be the superb direction of Joe Wright, the masterful score, or the exceptional performances from the cast. The film is a triumph and completely deserves the title of Best Picture at the upcoming Academy Awards at the beginning of next year. Congratulations Atonement, you not only exceeded my expectations but went so far beyond what I expected that you might as well be in outer space. A

Helena Bonham Carter is Going Lead

I win.

The Trailer Has Landed!

The trailer for "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" can be seen here

It's about damn time.

Predictions: Best Actress

BEST ACTRESS

1. Keira Knightley-Atonement-There is no frontrunner whatsoever so far, so we'll just go with Keira because of Atonement's popularity.

2. Ellen Page-Juno-The support from Ebert and other top critics could be enough.

3. Laura Linney-The Savages-We need at least one dependable actress here, and who is more dependable than Ms. Linney? Well, Cate Blanchett, but...well...you know...

4. Nicole Kidman-Margot at the Wedding-The reviews have been strong enough for her to make the cut...probably.

5. Julianne Moore-Savage Grace-Like Linney, Moore always gives a good performance. However, the film has hardly any buzz.

IN THE RUNNING

6. Cate Blanchett-The Golden Age-Though her performance has been one of the most loved this year, it doesn't overshadow how much critics disliked this film. Still, there is time...

7. Halle Berry-Things We Lost in the Fire-I've had a good feeling about this all year and it's finally getting some buzz, but I need hard evidence before I put Berry in the lineup.

8. Marion Cotillard-La Vie en Rose-The buzz is fading just in time for awards season. Predictable.

9. Julie Christie-Away From Her-See above.

10. Helena Bonham Carter-Sweeney Todd-Again, let's wait until they officially announce that she's supporting. And speaking of Sweeney Todd, are we EVER going to get a trailer??

Poor Cate...

Just look at these raves for her performance:

"Cate Blanchett in the title role lets out so much fury at the Spanish for their invasion, so much envy at her favorite lady-in-waiting."
-Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve

"Her [Blanchett's] Elizabeth is so indisputably flesh-and-blood that no further point need be made of it."
-Todd McCarthy, Variety

"Dominated by bravura, [an] Oscar-caliber turn from Cate Blanchett"
-Emanuel Levy, emanuellevy.com

And look at what the same critics said about the film:

"Bombastic music and lavish costumes cannot disguise the film's coming across as a ho-hum high-school lesson in historical fiction."
-Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve

"Production values most excel in the costume, makeup and hair departments, and least excel in the musical score, which almost never takes a break and bludgeons the ears in the worst modern manner."
-Todd McCarthy, Variety

"Using the same kitschy, hysterical, sensualist approach to the second chapter in what promises to be a multi-saga series, Shekar Kapur again proves that he is a superficial stylist."
-Emanuel Levy, emanuellevy.com

Sigh. Proof, again, that trailers mean nothing. And if that weren't enough, Rendition is flunking with critics, too. Unless The Golden Age's RT rating somehow goes from 33% to 80%, Cate will probably be left out. So sad. Does this not echo something that we heard...oh, say, two weeks ago with The Brave One?