Tis the Season
The summer blockbuster season is upon us. Since the start of May throughout September every weekend will be that of some blockbuster movie opening. X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek, Angels & Demons, Terminator Salvation, Night at the Museum II, UP, Land of the Lost, Taking Pelham 1 2 3, Year One, Transformers II, Public Enemies, Harry Potter, G.I. Joe, District 9, Inglorious Basterds, and Halloween 2 are all being released back to back in that sequence every weekend from now till the end of summer. Are you ready?
To date I have seen the first three of the movies on that list. X-Men Origins: Wolverine I thought was a fitting start to the season. Yes, they divert from the original story of my favorite hero and just make stuff up. Yes, at some points the CGI reminded me more of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” than a modern movie. But despite the horrible reviews this movie received I enjoyed it none the less. It was entertaining, there were large explosions and when the movie finally started ending I wish it had more storyline to keep going and not wanting a film to end is always a good sign. So I give Wolverine (4) stars despite its very obvious, and multiple flaws. The following weekend I went to see Star Trek which I also believe is a have to see in the theater type of movie. The space battles are impressive the special effects and action sequences are great. The story line left me wanting though. A Star Trek movie always seemed to have so much more depth than the TV show. It would expand on the characters you knew and loved. This movie does not do that, it changes the story so it ends up seeming more like “The episode were it flashes back to them younger and in an alternate reality” and left me a bit disappointed. In the end Star Trek is still worth checking out and may make non trekkies a little embarrassed for liking it, so it’s another 4 star movie. Finally there’s Angels and Demons based on the book by Dan Brown. It’s another one of those semi-historical, semi-religious conspiracy movies. I read the book years ago and found it enjoyable but also ridiculously written. It’s not that the subject matter is ridiculous it’s that the plot line and action scenes are extremely over the top and while I was watching the movie I thought for the first time ever that the stuff they took out of the book made the movie MORE believable. It’s not a bad movie but people who didn’t read the book won’t understand the overall concept and those who did could wait till the DVD. I give it (3) out of 5 stars. See you next month with another compilation of reviews, until then try and keep pace.SAMCRO
After reviewing movies for so long thought I’d switch it up a bit and review a TV show. In my humble opinion most of what is currently on television is crap, I detest “Reality TV” for mindless dribble on the same level as “The Jerry Springer Show”. However, there are a few shows out there that are well written and have compelling plot lines that usually is only found in film.
Lately my favorite show is the story of motorcycle club named “The Sons of Anarchy” which is a lot deeper than it may seem upon first viewing. A brief overview of the story is that of a biker gang trying to hold their own against rivals gangs, self reflection, ATF agents, and local police. At its core it’s a dark comedy/drama of the style FX prides themselves on and indeed do very well (which is why most of the shows I watch are produced by this network). But unlike their other shows the Shakespearian undertones of “Sons of Anarchy” makes it stand out in the crowd.
To the average viewer or someone who just doesn’t care to read between the lines and look at the driving plot this show may seem to be just another an hour long once a week sexy, violent organized crime show. Written by the creator of “The Shield” it is a gritty and visceral hour that can attract all sorts of viewers. But I challenge you to look deeper into the things you watch, aside from mere entertainment “Sons of Anarchy” is actually a rewriting of a great story. The tale of Hamlet updated to a modern setting. While it may not be a line for line copy of the famous play the overtones and characters are the same. That for me is what makes this show better than your average time sink. For those who are unfamiliar with the story of Hamlet and the characters I have made a small comparison guide, please feel free to comment if you are a fan of this show and let me know what you think or where you disagree.
A brief synopsis of Hamlet with an eye to not give away too much plot but just enough to show the connection:
The ghost of Hamlet’s father appears and tells his son he has been betrayed and his kingdom stolen. The king’s brother Claudius has married Hamlets mother Gertrude and now rules as King. After learning of his fathers betrayal Hamlet sets out for revenge but he is reflective and thinks deeply on how this action should be taken.
Hamlet to SAMCRO Character Comparison:
Hamlet: Jax
Claudius: Clay
Gertrude: Gemma
Polonius: Piney?
Horatio: Opie?
Ophelia: Tara?
Ghost: The Journal
Oscar Picks 2009
It’s that time of the year again. The Oscars will be back on February 22nd and like last year I thought it’d be fun to give you my picks. It is interesting that this year the Oscar nominees are relatively short run independent movies that the majority of movie goers haven’t seen. Also, I believe the fact that Dark Knight wasn’t even nominated for best picture is just political which is upsetting, the Oscars have been snubbing big budget movies lately but Dark Knight at lease deserved it as much as Titanic. Last year I picked 80%, let us see if I can do better:
Best Picture:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
*Slumdog Millionaire
Milk
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
This pick is hard because I didn’t think any of these movies were that great, but I guess nothing really could challenge them. I pick Slumdog Millionaire because it’s less condescending that the others which seems as if they were written and released for the exact purpose of winning an Oscar. Slumdog however followed the proven path of fake Indy film success. Generic pick or my runner up would be Milk.
Best Lead Actress:
Melissa Leo
Anne Hathaway
Meryl Streep
*Kate Winslet
Angelina Jolie
I think Kate Winslet will pull down the golden man for her portrayal of a pederast in a generic lets win an Oscar role from The Reader. Angelina Jolie may pull a Kanye West because she believes this one should go home with her. Runner up or dark horse pick would be Anne Hathaway.
Best Lead Actor:
Brad Pitt
Richard Jenkins
Frank Langella
Sean Penn
*Mickey Rourke
Mickey Rourke should take this home. He transformed his body for the role of a burnt out wrestler. But, the academy will probably buy into Sean Penn’s alternate lifestyle role as “a challenge” so whatever. I doubt Brad Pitt will win for the sequel to Forrest Gump.
Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams
Penelope Cruz
Viola Davis
*Marisa Tomei
Taraji P. Henson
You know the field is thin when 1/3 of the nominees came from the same movie. But I’m just picking Marisa Tomei to win this because I like her a lot and she plays a stripper in The Wrestler so she’s a winner in my book.
Best Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin
Robert Downey Jr.
*Heath Ledger
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Michael Shannon
If Robert Downey Jr. was to win the Oscar I believe we would have the greatest acceptance speech of all time. Robert Downey would be deserving because he took a generic comedy and made it special and an instant classic. However Heath Ledger will probably win posthumonously because he also made Dark Knight what it is and deserves recognition for that whether or not he has past away.
So those are the major categories I’m going to make my picks from. I see The Dark Knight walking away with 4 or 5 total awards for sound, editing and cinematography type stuff. Wall-E will win at lease 2 for best animated movie, and music. Ben Button will also most likely win 2 or 3 for make-up and special effects and finally the Duchess will take best costume. Try to play along at home to see how you do and until next year we can enjoy the promise of the great movies yet to come.
Oscar Picks 2008
“There Will Be Blood, Old Man”
It’s that time of year again with or without the writers strike. The 80th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 24th. Although there are no writers available, and being an election year I’m sure many a celebrity like “the guy from that movie where he stabbed somebody in the face” will make this their opportunity to tell us all that Americans are too violent and how we should all vote. Which is just ridiculous by itself, but in an election where we have Rambo backing on candidate (John McCain) and Walker Texas Ranger backing another (Mike Huckabee), maybe people who pretend for a living know what it’s like to be a politician and have some insight we don’t. In any case, I thought that instead of deciding which of the fantastic “just in time” Oscar release movies to review this month I’d just give my picks for the Oscars and see how I come out. Can you tell I’m taking the end of football season a little hard?
Before we start I should say that if you haven’t already, go and see “No Country for Old Men” and “There will be Blood”. These are both excellent movies that get me excited about films again. I know most of the reviews I’ve done so far have been mediocre movies at best, but these are both five star in my book and worth seeing. As far as the writers strike and the Oscars, I see this as a good thing. We might have a no hassle “just tell us who won” quick and easy awards show. Where all the pointless talking will be replaced by film clips from the nominated movies. Jon Stewart is hosting again and since he himself is a writer I’m sure he’ll do a great job filling the time. So here they are my picks for the 2008 Oscars (without the spread):
Best Actor:
(Nominations)
George Clooney in “Michael Clayton”
Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood”
Johnny Depp in “Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
Tommy Lee Jones in “No Country for Old Men”
Viggo Mortensen in “Eastern Promises”
(Pick)
Daniel Day-Lewis: He may have a reputation for being crazy but whatever he does to get into character, it works. His acting in this film can only be described as powerful. A close runner up should be Tommy Lee Jones, but can’t rule out George Clooney since he seems know how to politic.
Best Supporting Actor:
(Nominations)
Casey Affleck in “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”
Javier Bardem in “No Country for Old Men”
Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Charlie Wilson’s War”
Hal Holbrook in “Into the Wild”
Tom Wilkinson in “Michael Clayton”
(Pick)
Philip Seymour Hoffman: His character is a lot of fun, and it’s a good break from his usually more sympathetic roles. But Javier Bardem will be a very close second for his chilling portrayal of a killer. He may take home the golden man as well.
Best Actress:
(Pick)
Cate Blanchett: for “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”. Haven’t exactly seen this one, but the hype is good and leaning her way. I do think it would be awesome if Ellen Page could win this for the fun comedy “Juno” but it’s doubtful.
Best Supporting Actress:
(Pick)
Cate Blanchett: for “I’m Not There”. Well, if she didn’t win the first one, she should get the second. Saoise Ronan could possibly steal this one away for “Atonement” or just win outright if Cate already has Best Actress.
Best Animated Film:
(Pick)
Ratatouille: not much competition in this category.
Best Director:
(Pick)
Even money bet, this could go either way between the Coen brothers for “No Country for Old Men”, and Paul Thomas Anderson for “There Will Be Blood”. It’ll be a coin toss because both films are excellent and have great direction.
Best Picture:
(Nominations)
“Atonement” (Focus Features)
“Juno” (Fox Searchlight)
“Michael Clayton” (Warner Brothers)
“No Country for Old Men” (Miramax and Paramount Vantage)
“There Will Be Blood” (Paramount Vantage and Miramax)
(Pick)
Once again this will come down to “No Country for Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood”. I’m not sure which way it’ll go, but if I had to choose I’d have to say “There Will Be Blood” will win this, if for nothing else all the “Citizen Kane” comparisons.
The rest of the awards not many people care about and neither do I. Some notes though, “There Will Be Blood” should of at lease been nominated for best original score with music written by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. Also, I would have liked to of seen “3:10 to Yuma” be nominated for more than best sound mixing. It was a very good movie and deserved recognition as such. Other than that, almost all the major awards will be a tug of war between “No Country for Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood” they are both nominated several times, and both equally deserving. These two will even be battling it out over best editing, and best adapted screenplay. So it should be interesting to watch and see who the Academy picks, I for one think they should just split them down the middle.
