2015 AOBPNR - Finally!

Writing about movies and the Oscars is like giving wedding gifts. You have one calendar year to do so. It’s true. You can look it up. That’s why I’m actually early with my 2015 AOBPNR (Annual Oscar Best Picture Nomination Recap.)

2015 was a shitty year. Thankfully there were some pretty good movies to serve as a distraction. For a few hours you could escape to an uncharted wilderness or a vast, hostile wasteland (no, not Arizona in August). You could immerse yourself in the world of high finance or cold war espionage. You could transport yourself to 1950’s Brooklyn or even Mars.

So without further ado (God knows we have more than enough ado. You can’t swing a stick without hitting someone’s ado. Enough ado.) here’s my ranking of those movies who received a Best Picture nomination in 2015.

1. The Revenant (R) - Director Alejandro G. Inarritu had me at the opening sequence, which has been described as an ‘expertly choreographed piece of beautiful madness,’ and apparently took one month of rehearsals. From there the main character embarks on 2 hours and 36 minutes of sheer hell, including the now-famous bear attack and riding a horse off a cliff.
   
   There are all sorts of articles on the difficulty with which this film was made - the remoteness, the decision to shoot with natural light only - but unlike Boyhood where the production was one of the only things Oscar worthy, Revenant was impressive across the board, all the way down to Tom Hardy’s killer Tom Berenger impersonation. I would have voted this Best Picture, but I understand why it didn’t get it (see below.)
   
   Winner: Best Actor in a Leading Role; Best Director; Best Cinematography
   
   
2. Room (R) - Ripped from the headlines, room refers to the shed where Brie Larson’s character is held after a deranged man kidnaps her. Larson deservedly won Best Actress but her child, born in the room and played by Jacob Tremblay, is equally if not more impressive.
   
   Surprisingly, most of the story takes place after the pair are rescued, showing the struggle each face in readjusting to a normal life. It would have been easy to go the other route and spend more time on the captivity - kudos to writer Emma Donoghue for showing the story few think about in these cases.
   
   Winner: Best Actress in a Leading Role
   
   
3. The Big Short (R) - I know what you’re thinking, how could you make a movie about the mortgage housing crisis of 2005 and hedge funds and it NOT be entertaining?
   
   As they say, it all starts with the writing and you won’t find any movie where that’s more true than here. The cast (Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, etc.) execute a tight, smart script very well, making a complex event relatable and even fun. It may piss you off, but it’s worth it.
   
   Winner, Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay
   
   
4. Brooklyn (PG-13) - Watching Brooklyn is like watching a novel, which is appropriate because it was based on one, and impressive because I’m assuming that means the adaptation was done extremely well.
   
   Brooklyn is also a very pretty film, in that you could tell that most of the shots of 1950’s New York had a lot of thought put into them by a creative DP. As someone who has tried to make a film or two, the colors, composition, angles, etc. of certain films blow me away.
   
   
5. Spotlight (R) - This Best Picture winner could be 4A in that I put it on equal footing as Brooklyn. Sometimes Hollywood rewards movies for the message (Crash anyone?) I think Spotlight falls into this category.
   
   The story revolves around the Boston-based news team that uncovered the scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the Catholic Church. It’s a solid film, don’t get me wrong, with a great ensemble cast that couldn’t even be derailed by Michael Keaton’s come-and-go Boston accent. But to put it on the same level, or above, The Revenant? With everything that went into that film? I don’t think so.
   
   
6. The Martian (PG13) — Even though this Matt Damon vehicle completely left out any mention of the Illudium Q-36 space modulator, it was a pretty entertaining 2:24 (does anyone make movies under 2 hours any more?) I think I might have liked this more had it not come out a few short years after Gravity, but Damon is nothing if he isn’t likable and he’s saved far lesser movies before.
   
   Bonus Trivia: Though shut out from any Oscars, The Martian won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical. There was no singing. So when you watch this film, try to imagine the kind of person who would call it not only a comedy, but a great comedy, and remember that the next time someone tells you that you don’t have a great sense of humor.
   
   
7. Mad Max: Fury Road (R) - Having this movie this low means I’ve lost probably half of the few people who would ever read this. Sorry, while it was definitely a visual spectacle that few I’ve ever seen can match, there were just some pretty substantial holes once you looked beyond the setting and Charlize Theron.
   
   I love Tom Hardy, but this was probably his weakest role yet. And while that isn’t his fault - he didn’t have much to work with - it didn’t help. And don’t get me started on that fire-shooting guitar guy.
   
   Winner: 6 Oscars including editing, costume design, makeup, sound mixing, etc.
   
   
8. Bridge of Spies (PG13) — I’d been warned by multiple people that BOS was about as exciting as watching paint dry, however I am pleased to report that isn’t the case, at least with your basic, primary colors. If we’re talking something flashier, say Tuscany Sunrise, maybe in a gloss…
   
   You may have to leave the country to find someone who doesn’t care for Tom Hanks, and Best Supporting Actor winner Mark Rylance nailed his role as the spy. The bridge was pretty convincing too, now that I think about it. But in the end it’s another Steven Spielberg pic, heavy on the cheese. A recent film class I attended said Spielberg always has the ‘three z’s’ in his pics - haze, gaze and zoom. Sure enough, all could be found in this cold war drama that your father probably loved.
   
   Winner: Best Actor in a Supporting Role
   
   
9. Ex Machina (R) - Technically this did not receive a Best Pic nomination however it should have. A great, original screenplay, executed perfectly by the cast. A thought-provoking story paired with technologically-impressive production. This one stayed with me and no, it’s not just because of Alicia Vikander as a sexy robot. That was only 20% why. 25% tops.
   
   Winner: Best Visual Effects
   
   
10. Straight Outta Compton (R) - another one that should have received more Oscar love than it did. At the very least a Best Actor nod for O’Shea Jackson Jr., who played his father, Ice Cube. No weak links in the cast and a captivating story about a band (NWA) and an industry that sadly flew under the radar of this pasty kid who grew up in a small, rural town.

Dallas, Her, Wolf - What a Year for Movies

Four months ago the 86th Academy Awards took place.

Four days ago I watched the last of the nine Best Picture nominees.

Four hours ago I decided which one I liked best.

And four minutes ago I changed my mind.  Again.

Having trouble picking this year.  But unlike recent years it’s not because none of the films really stood out - it’s that there were more than a few that did.  In fact, this was the best year for movies since 2011 (Winter’s Bone, The King’s Speech, The Social Network, Inception, The Fighter and True Grit.)  Not bad.

So without further ado (I'm all out of ado, actually) here's the list:

Dallas Buyers Club

What it’s about:  The struggle of a Ron Woodroof, a homophobic cowboy who gets AIDS in 1985 and has to fight friends, doctors, big pharma and the government in order to survive this dangerous, new disease.

Loved this movie, and not just because Scott Takeda appears within. The story tugs at your heart, but not in a sappy, Steven-Spielberg way.  McConaughey’s transition from healthy homophobe to terminally ill champion of those he hated is sincere and believable.  Leto seems not so much acting as letting out another person who’s been living inside him.  And Jennifer Garner proves again it’s just a matter of time until she wins an Oscar of her own.
 
Review-ku:

Early days of AIDS.
Rodeo cowboy did al-
right alright alright.

Her

What it’s about:  The futuristic tale of a recently-divorced introvert who falls in love with his computer’s operating system.

This movie gets huge points on creativity alone. Spike Jonze’s love story set in futuristic Los Angeles paints a picture of a world where artificial intelligence has advanced to the point where a fulfilling relationship doesn’t really require another person.

Again, Joaquin Phoenix morphs into his character to the point of being unrecognizable. His co-star, the voice of Scarlett Johansson, received calls for a Best Actress nomination. While I could listen to SJ read old issues of the American Journal of Psychiatry for 12 hours straight, there are other, more compelling reasons to check out this gem.

Review-ku:

Scarlett Johansson
Living in my mobile phone?
Where do I sign up?

The Wolf of Wall Street

What it’s about:  The ‘true’ story of a slimy stock broker in the 90’s. Sex, drugs, stocks, strippers, cars, yachts, drugs, egos, FBI agents, drugs, midgets, drugs. Did I mention drugs?

People either loved or hated this movie. Count me in the loved camp. One of Martin Scorsese’s finest efforts, great thought was put into every shot. No fillers to get from one scene to the next (hello American Hustle) - even the simplest transitions are with care.  Think Amélie, The King’s Speech, The Assassination of Jesse James…  Wolf is one of those films.

Jonah Hill excels as the slimiest of a truly slimy crew, Rob Reiner is foul-mouthed and funny, and Australian newcomer Margot Robbie is maybe the guiltiest pleasure in a movie bursting with them. DiCaprio is fun to watch even though at no point do you forget it’s him you’re watching.

Home of one of my favorite scenes of the year.

Review-ku:

Entertaining flick
Though by the end it makes you
Want to take a bath

Gravity

What it’s about: Astronaut Sandra Bullock faces near-insurmountable obstacles after a freak accident destroys her shuttle and kills her crew.

Visually stunning, Gravity was not meant to watch at home unless you have a very, very large TV.  All the hallmarks of a great drama are here - likable characters (Bullock as the newbie astronaut, George Clooney as the warm and wise mentor), near impossible odds with death always an eyelash away, time running out, and a touching B-story brought up just often enough.

At times it’s a bit predictable, other times a bit cheesy, but the imagery alone makes the time fly by - a trait not always seen in 2+ hour movies.

Review-ku:

Two hours about
Sandra Bullock’s well-shaped as-
tronaut character.

American Hustle

What it’s about: Hollywood producers dress popular actors in 70’s clothing, give one a perm and one a comb-over and how in the world could hilarity not ensue?

A virtual Hollywood all-star team combines to make a recent period piece about scam artists and nutty FBI agents in bed together. Cooper and Bale are solid, but Lawrence was the high mark for me as she can play a great crazy. Amy Adams joins the fun as she is contractually obligated to appear in every single movie until 2024.  Bonus: excellent soundtrack.

Review-ku:

Adams and Bale,
Scammers in the seventies.
Cooper gets a perm.

Philomena

What it’s about: An elderly woman enlists the help of a past-his-prime reporter to track down the child she was forced to give up many years ago.

Judi Dench. Really that’s reason enough to watch Philomena. But, if you’re some kind of doofus who needs more than that there’s Steve Coogan, who helped adapt the book. Both are relatable and fun to watch. This is a comfortable movie, a drama with just the right amount of comedy sprinkled in. Good viewing for a rainy day. I’m assuming. I live where it doesn’t rain.

Review-ku:

Enjoyable film,
Though 'Philomena' sounds like
a rare STD.

Captain Philips

What it’s about: A cargo ship captain tossed into a volatile situation after Nigerian pirates board his vessel.

Another movie based on a book, staring Tom Hanks. Enjoyable for the most part but about 30 minutes longer than needed. Director Paul Greengrass does a great job of building tension in the first half but even America’s favorite actor can’t overcome a script that rambles on and on in the second. Proof that longer isn’t always better.

Review-ku:

Hey look it’s pirates
But not the Johnny Depp kind
Forrest Gump kicks ass!

12 Years a Slave

What it’s about: A documentary on the first ice cream stand at Coney Island. No, of course not. Just look at the title. Duh.

From the title, buzz and reviews, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing this one.  I put it off until I’d seen all of the others, expecting it to be a gut-wrenching ordeal like Schindler’s List or Roots, one of those movies you wish you could un-see. But, outside of one incredibly-uncomfortable, well-shot scene, it didn’t meet expectations. A good film, for sure. Interesting, definitely. Well-made, you bet. Socially important, of course. Best Picture? Meh. 

Review-ku:

Oh Hollywood, you
Like nothing more than patting
Yourself on the back.

Nebraska

What it’s about: An old man believes he’s won the lottery after receiving one of those Publishers Clearinghouse letters. His son drives him to the claim center a couple states away to shut him up. Road trip!

Towards the end of this movie one thought kept running through my mind: “Who did what, and to whom, to get this movie nominated?”

Best pic nominees should be strong in all areas. Story/writing, acting, direction, virtually all of the other categories combined. Nebraska, not so much. Not even close. But it was in black and white - that’s artistic! Yes, it sure was a pretty movie.

Review-ku:

Not sure how it got
A nod, then again it was
Shot in black and white.

Oscar Picks - Only 4 Months Late!

The 83rd Academy Awards took place on February 27, 2011 at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre. On June 20th I watched The Fighter - completing my goal of viewing all ten of the Best Picture nominees.  Here's how I rank 'em:

1) The King's Speech - absolutely deserving of every bit of praise it has received.  Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, all of it.  Absolutely.

1A) Winter's Bone - liked this so much I can't bring myself to rank it number 2.  Watched it first and was convinced it would be my clear-cut favorite of the year.  Jennifer Lawrence is solid but it was John Hawkes' character Teardrop that got to me the most.  I couldn't look away.


3) The Fighter - like Speech and Bone, The Fighter and True Grit were very close but I'm going with Fighter here based on originality and Christian Bale's crazy-good performance.  He may be somewhat of an asshole on set but you cannot deny the man's talent.


4) True Grit - I'm a sucker for all things Coen and the brothers don't disappoint.  The usual strengths are all here - great dialogue, great characters, great imagery.  It's hard to believe Hailee Steinfeld is only fourteen.

5) The Social Network - I've been a fan of Aaron Sorkin since his West Wing days and found the story of Facebook interesting.  Jesse Eisenberg just bugs me.  So sue me.


6) Black Swan - intriguing, dark and a tad disturbing. And I'd rank it this high even without the lesbian scene between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis.  Maybe.


7) Inception - though I refuse to climb aboard the Christopher Nolan-is-a-god bandwagon you can't deny the visual power.  A couple big problems with this film, all screenwriting related, but  still a blockbuster worth watching at least once.


8) The Kids Are Alright - solid performances all around and they actually made Mark Ruffalo unlikable - not an easy task.


9) Toy Story 3 - I don't have a problem with a cartoon being nominated - it's just that a third installment requires little in the way of character development, backstory, etc.  Plus it felt like I'd seen it before when I hadn't.


10) 127 Hours - to me this actually felt like 127 hours, and not in the 'so-intense-I-felt-like-I-was-there' way.  Were this not directed by the same guy that wooed Hollywood with Slumdog Millionaire 2 years ago I don't see it receiving a nod.