2012 has come to a close at the cinemas, and what a year it was! The box office was in the best shape in history. This Oscar season is being called the best ever, and quality films appeared week in and week out. 2013 has an extremely tough act to follow.
As I look ahead to the year ahead at the theaters, there's reason to be excited. As is the case in most recent years, summer looks the most promising with sequels of well beloved franchises coming to the silver screen. A very early look at Oscar season next year also looks promising. Those two factors give me hope that 2013 can be just as good, if not better, than 2012.
Here's my list:
20. The Monuments Men
Synopsis: In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them.
Starring: Daniel Craig, George Clooney, Bill Murray, and Cate Blanchett
Director: George Clooney
Release: December 20
When you took an early look at next year's Oscar race, The Monuments Men should be on top of everyone's list, and I'm no exception. George Clooney just "gets" movies, whether it be acting or directing. Here, he does both, and he has assembled one of the best cast I've ever seen, with 2011 Oscar winner Jean Dujardin, John Goodman, and, potentially, Matt Damon, joining the four listed above. Couple that cast with a scheduled release for next Christmas, the film's distributor obviously has early confidence in it. Notice, I've given you reason to be excited without saying a word about the plotline. Anything done around this time in history is sure to become a solid movie, reminding me a little of 2012's Argo in terms of story. I look forward to seeing this incredible cast at work.
19. Prisoners
Synopsis: A Boston man kidnaps the person he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, and Terrence Howard
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Release: September 20
Giving The Monuments Men a run for its money for the best cast ensemble next year is Prisoners. After watching Hugh Jackman give a career best performance in 2012's Les Miserables, I'm really anxious to see him follow-up and prove to everyone that he is one of the finest actors in the business. Jake Gyllenhaal is a very capable actor, as he proved in the highly-acclaimed 2012 film, End of Watch. The storyline is also intriguing, and new director Denis Villeanueve is an up and coming filmmaker. Jackman and Gyllenhaal working together will get me to the theater. The supporting cast and plot gets Prisoners on this list.
18. Ender's Game
Synopsis: 70 years after a horrific alien war, an unusually gifted child is sent to an advanced military school in space to prepare for a future invasion.
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Abigail Breslin, Harrison Ford, and Ben Kingsley
Director: Gavin Hood
Release: November 1
As evidenced by The Hunger Games this past year, a cult-classic novel with a young but talented leading cast with a very strong supporting cast and a solid director can be successful. The people behind the Ender's Game have clearly taken a page out of The Hunger Games's book. Viola Davis and True Grit star Hailee Steinfeld join the cast above in what can be a very capable franchise. Any time a franchise is getting started, I'm going to be there to see if the franchise has potential. Unlike most franchise starters, though, Ender's Game's cast is top-notch, and that's why it makes the list.
17. Oblivion
Synopsis: One of the few remaining drone repairmen assigned to Earth, its surface devastated after decades of war with the alien Scavs, discovers a crashed spacecraft with contents that bring into question everything he believed about the war, and may even put the fate of mankind in his hands.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Melissa Leo, and Andrea Riseborough
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Release: April 19
I'm one of the biggest Tom Cruise fans around, and I'm especially fond of the movies that Cruise dares to venture into the science fiction genre, such as Minority Report and War of the Worlds. The storyline looks very promising and having Morgan Freeman support Cruise also doesn't hurt. Joseph Kosinski is also a visual artist, having directed 2010's Tron: Legacy and delivering some of the best visual effects in recent memory. The first trailer was also very encouraging, and I can't wait to see Tom Cruise continue his career resurgence.
16. Anchorman: The Legend Continues
Synopsis: The continuing on-set adventures of San Diego's top rated newsman.
Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, and Steve Carrell
Director: Adam McKay
Release: December 20
Of all of Will Ferrell's hilarious films over the past decade, Anchorman is my personal favorite. Ron Burgundy is one of the funniest movie characters I've ever witnessed, and it reminds me of a time when Ferrell was naturally funny and not trying too hard. I'm hoping that this sequel will see Ferrell return to his former, hilarious self. Ferrell won't be alone, though, as they have also brought back his whole news crew, led by Applegate, Rudd, and Carrell, who are equally as funny as Ferrell in the first film. Adam McKay is also back behind the camera, who has directed Ferrell to his best movies to date (Talladega Nights and The Other Guys to name two). If this movie can recapture the magic of the first one, we'll have ourselves yet another cult-classic comedy.
15. Despicable Me 2
Synopsis: Gru, the girls, the unpredictably hilarious minions and a host of new characters return.
Starring: Steve Carrell, Al Pacino, Kristen Wiig, and Russell Brand
Directors: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
Release: July 3
One of my favorite animated movies of all-time is Despicable Me. The film is just hilarious with the characters being so well-developed and delivering a surprisingly powerful ending, and, lest I forget, Gru's minions, some of the funniest creatures in movie history. Saying all that, I expect nothing less from the sequel. With the original cast coming back with some pretty impressive additions as well, the vocal work will, no doubt about it, be extraordinary. The story is the only thing worrying me at the moment, considering there is still no released plotline. However, after two absurdly funny trailers featuring the minions, I feel confident that the laughs will be abundant here, and isn't that all we really want from Despicable Me 2?
14. Pacific Rim
Synopsis: When an alien attack threatens the Earth's existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace.
Starring: Idris Elba, Ron Perlman, Charlie Hunnam, and Charlie Day
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Release: July 12
Guillermo del Toro is widely considered one of the finest blockbuster directors working today, and he's back this summer with what will surely be a cult classic in some circles. The first trailer is very promising, showing that Toro is bringing the action big time on this one and not holding anything back. A solid, while not spectacular, cast has been assembled, but honestly, the only draw here is a science fiction film from one of Hollywood's finest directors, reminding me on J.J. Abrams' Super 8 in 2011 and Ridley Scott's Prometheus in 2012, and if Pacific Rim is on the same level of quality as those two, it will be a hit.
13. After Earth
Synopsis: After a crash landing, a father and son explore a planet that was evacuated by humans 1,000 years earlier.
Starring: Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Isabella Fuhrman, and Sacha Dhawan
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Release: June 7
M. Night Shyamalan is due for a solid hit. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he could do no wrong and was a household name nationwide following The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs. Then came the last ten years, where Shyamalan has gone from genius to laughing stock with such duds as The Happening and The Last Airbender. He needs a hit, and After Earth has all the makings of a hit. Will Smith is one of the finest actors in the business, and his son, Jaden, is also very promising. Visuals have never been lacking in Shyamalan's work, so they will be there. The first trailer previews a potentially powerful story as well. If I'm right, Shyamalan will be back no doubt. If I'm not, his career could be on the verge of being over.
12. The Lone Ranger
Synopsis: Native American spirit warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tom Wilkinson
Director: Gore Verbinski
Release: July 3
Johnny Depp truly embodies the term "actor." Whatever role he plays, he's fully committed with no holding back, and as a movie buff, that's something I can really admire. If the first two trailers are any indication, The Lone Ranger is no different. That, in itself, is reason to be excited. Depp, however, also teams up once again with Pirates of the Caribbean director, Gore Verbinski, a franchise that made Depp a worldwide icon. If his interpretation of Tonto is as great as his Jack Sparrow, we might not only have a new franchise on our hands, but we could also be looking at one of the best movies of 2013 come next December.
11. Saving Mr. Banks
Synopsis: Author P.L. Travers travels from London to Hollywood as Walt Disney Pictures adapts her novel Mary Poppins for the big screen.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Colin Farrell, and Paul Giamatti
Director: John Lee Hancock
Release: December 20
When I first saw the following words, I thought I was going to faint: Tom Hanks stars as Walt Disney. Tom Hanks is one of my personal favorite actors of all-time. I have yet to see a movie of his that I did not thoroughly enjoy. Walt Disney is also one of my idols, and Hanks, on the surface, looks like the perfect Disney. Now, for the rest of the movie, Colin Farrell will probably have a significant amount of screentime, something I think he can definitely pull off, and veterans Thompson and Giamatti are clearly high-quality actors. Director John Lee Hancock also is coming off directing Sandra Bullock to an Oscar win in The Blind Side, so he is more than capable of pulling off a movie like this. Hanks needs to get back into the Academy's favor, and with this film, he might be able to.
10. Monsters University
Synopsis: A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at the University of Fear -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.
Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, and Julia Sweeney
Director: Dan Scanlon
Release: June 21
You won't find a bigger fan of Pixar on the planet than me. I consider every installment that Pixar has rolled out a classic, and I expect nothing short of excellence from Monsters Univeristy. Monsters Inc. is one of my favorite Pixar films and also one of the funniest. Billy Crystal and John Goodman are picture perfect in lending their voices to Mike and Sulley. Pixar needs a hit after 2011's Cars 2 was poorly received and 2012's Brave didn't receive the normal praise that comes with a Pixar film. They clearly expect big things from this movie since they re-released Monsters Inc. in 3D this past December. Pixar hasn't failed me yet, and I don't forsee them starting now.
9. The Fast and the Furious 6
Synopsis: Plot unknown.
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, and Michelle Rodriguez
Director: Justin Lin
Release: May 24
2011's Fast Five is still one of my favorite films of recent memory. That was the first film of the franchise that I had watched. Needless to say, I went back and watched the first four with all films being solid popcorn entertainment. This cast proved in Fast Five that they can deliver the goods in the action department and, shockingly, in the story department. Obviously, the plot isn't there right now, but a rumor is going around that the trailer debut could come during the Super Bowl, which showcases obvious confidence in the film. If they can capture the magic they found in Fast Five, the franchise will be back with a lot of gas left in the tank.
8. Thor: The Dark World
Synopsis: Thor battles an ancient race of Dark Elves led by the vengeful Malekith who threatens to plunge the universe back into darkness after the events of The Avengers.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, and Anthony Hopkins
Director: Alan Taylor
Release: Novemeber 8
2011's Thor could have been really bad and laughable. However, it was thoroughly entertaining and Chris Hemsworth showed that he is a star. He completely embodied the Norse god of thunder's character, and I expect the same in this sequel. Alan Taylor takes the directing reigns away from Kenneth Branaugh, a move that I feel will work beautifully considering Taylor's background working with Game of Thrones, a universe along the same lines as Thor's. If Marvel wants to continue it's streak of hits, Thor will be its first true test, but it's a test I believe it will pass with flying colors.
7. The Wolverine
Synopsis: Wolverine travels to Japan to train with a samurai warrior.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Brian Tee, and Tao Okamato
Director: James Mangold
Release: July 26
In my opinion, all the credit for the X-Men franchise being the success it is should go to Hugh Jackman who completely shines as Wolverine. Unlike most people, I also thoroughly enjoyed X-Men Origins: Wolverine, so my expectations for this one are high. James Mangold is one of the best all-around directors in the business, having directed virutally every genre in the business. Plus, this will be Jackman's immediate follow-up to Les Miserables, so I'm very anxious to see what he brings to the table here after going through a film of Les Mis's caliber. Wolverine deserves this movie, and so do we.
6. The Great Gatsby
Synopsis: Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby's circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, and Joel Edgerton
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Release: May 10
Leonardo DiCaprio is easily one of my top five favorite actors as he embraces every character that he portrays with such power and yet restraint that you witness a masterpiece every time he's in front of the camera. His role as Jay Gatsby looks to be yet another role that fits DiCaprio like a glove. The book this movie is based on is one of my favorites of all-time with its simple yet complex and powerful message. The cast here is absolutely fantastic. Baz Luhrmann is great when it comes to combining story with visuals (check out Moulin Rouge!), and he is more than capable of giving The Great Gatsby the big screen adaption it deserves. I have Oscar calling Gatsby's name come next January, and I have me calling its name come this May.
5. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Synopsis: The Dwarfs, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the misty mountains, but Bilbo has gained the one ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back off the Dragon, Smaug.
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, and Benedict Cumberbatch
Director: Peter Jackson
Release: December 13
2012's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was a very effective kickoff to this proposed trilogy, and I'm anxious to see what Peter Jackson and the gang have up their sleeve for the second installment. Martin Freeman was absolutely phenomenal in An Unexpected Journey, a pleasant surprise as it turned in to one of my favorite performances of the year. He's worth the price of admission in and of himself. Ian McKellan and his group of dwarves were also great, and as long as this cast is together with this director adapting this book to the big screen, I'm going to be interested and going to the theater.
4. Star Trek: Into Darkness
Synopsis: After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, and Simon Pegg
Director: J.J. Abrams
Release: May 17
In 2009, I decided to start watching the first six Star Trek films starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. I made this decision after watching J.J. Abrams' masterpiece, Star Trek. Naturally, I'm super excited to see what they have in store for us this May. A darker tone is coming if the trailers are any indication, which is something that's going to work great for this franchise. Abrams is brilliant behind the camera (see Mission: Impossible 3 and Super 8), and Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are very charismatic is their respective leading roles. This movie was originally slated for a 2012 release, so I've been anticipating this movie for two years now. My anticipation couldn't be greater.
3. Man of Steel
Synopsis: An alien infant is raised on Earth, and grows up with superhuman abilities. He sets out to use these abilities to guard his adopted world.
Starring: Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, and Kevin Costner
Director: Zack Snyder
Release: June 14
Christopher Nolan radically changed the way people view comic book movies with his fantastic Dark Knight trilogy. He breathed new life into a beloved character that has never gotten the appropraiet screen adaption. Superman is now in the same position. With Batman over, audiences are looking for the next great thing. Zack Snyder is hoping that that next great thing is Man of Steel, and he's a smart man, hiring Nolan himself to produce. The first few trailers have been nothing short of epic, and the cast around Superman himself, Henry Cavill, is awesome, with Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, and Laurence Fishburne joining the ones mentioned above. Nolan has been praising Snyder's work thus far, and, last time I checked, he's pretty knowledgable about these things. If he's impressed, odds are, we'll join him.
2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Synopsis: The continuing adventures of Katniss Everdeen, which take place in a futuristic dystopian world, as she prepares for the Quarter Quell.
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, and Elizabeth Banks
Director: Francis Lawrence
Release: November 22
2012's The Hunger Games was one of my favorites of the year, thanks to the electric performance of Jennifer Lawrence, one of the finest young actresses in the business today. Having read the three books, I believe Catching Fire is the best book of the trilogy, so, naturally, I expect the movie adaption to be just as good. While Francis Lawrence wouldn't exactly be my first choice of directors, you could have definitely done worse. Lawrence did direct I Am Legend, a movie based in a dystopian society with violence involved, so his credintials are there. If they follow the mold that the first film set, this will be amazing and one of the best movies of the year.
1. Iron Man 3
Synopsis: Tony Stark uses his ingenuity to fight those who destroyed his private world and soon goes up against his most powerful enemy yet: the Mandarin.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and Ben Kingsley
Director: Shane Black
Release: May 3
Marvel did the unthinkable in 2012 when they assembled the Avenegers, but that film would never had been possible if 2008's Iron Man wasn't the success it was. Robert Downey Jr. is just fantastic as Tony Stark and absolutely perfect for the role. Marvel is starting what they call "Phase 2," which is the individual superhero movies they will release between The Avengers and The Avengers 2 in 2015. Iron Man 3 has the responsibility of being the first film in Phase 2, which means it will essentially be doing the same thing that Iron Man did in 2008: start creating excitement. They've got the crew to do it. Marvel hasn't failed yet in my book, and I fully expect Iron Man 3 to deliver.
Bring on the new year of movies!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
"Les Miserables" Review
Every year, when the year comes to a close, the quality of movies at the theater is top-notch as Oscar season begins to heat up. In 2009, audiences were treated to the record-breaking epic known as Avatar. In 2010, directors Joel and Ethan Coen returned with perhaps their best film to date in True Grit, and in 2011, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo hit theaters. This year's highlight is Les Miserables.
Having seen the Broadway production of Les Mis and being absolutely blown away by it, I've never went into a movie with higher expectations. However, after watching the movie, I've never left the theater so amazed and emotional.
Les Miserables is the best movie of 2012!
With a piece so beloved worldwide and the die hard fans knowing all the songs by heart, you needed a special cast to pull off what they wanted to pull off, and every casting choice made in this movie is picture perfect. Playing the protagonist Jean Valjean, Hugh Jackman is clearly in his element. This role is, no doubt about it, his best work to date and a career-defining performance. Jackman brings the intensity and emotion that you expect from Valjean as we follow his life-long journey. We become so connected to Jackman's character that we almost forget that Jackman is the actor. From the opening scene where he banters back in forth with Russell Crowe to his best song of the film, "Bring Him Home," to the ever-so emotional finale, Jackman is phenomenal and definitely deserving of an Oscar nomination if not a win.
The supporting cast matches Jackman toe-to-toe. As Inspector Javert, Russell Crowe, while not the best singer in the world, stands his ground and delivers a very solid performance. Honestly, Crowe is the weakest singer here but not because he can't sing, but because everyone around him sings like angels. His crowning achievement come early on in the movie with his prayer, "Stars." Crowe's physical presence throughout the film is perfect villany, and we literally can't stand Javert by the end of the movie, the mark of a fantatsic villain.
Comedic relief in a film like Les Mis needed to be extraordinary. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are hilarious in their roles as the innkeeper and his wife. The song, "Master of the House," needed to be over the top and bring a smile on people's face accompanied with laughter, and it most definitely was. Cohen and Carter fit the roles beautifully so much so that I laughed every time I saw them whether they were funny or not. I couldn't wait to hear what they'd say next, a mark of excellent comedy.
Les Miserables stars a handful of actors that are just getting started in their career, and every single one of them delivers. Samantha Barks, playing Eponine, originally played this role in the stage adaption of the musical, and that fact is evident when she delivers "On My Own" with power and emotion that I never expected from such a young actress. As she holds on for dear life in her final ballad, "A Little Fall of Rain," you truly feel for Eponine and the life she has been forced to live, and you must credit Barks for that.
The relationship between Cosette and Marius needed to be special and something the audience can latch on to throughout the story, and if that were to be pulled off, you needed two very talented actors. Of course, Les Mis had them in the form of Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne. Seyfried has very limited screen time, but when she's on the screen, her presence is felt, especially in her first song with Marius, "A Heart Full of Love." Redmayne has a little more screen time, and he goes above and beyond what anyone really expected from him. Of all the younger cast members, Redmayne's future is probably the brighest because of the skill he showed here. When the battered and regretful Marius belts out "Empty Chair at Empty Tables," your body will probably get chills because of the way Redmayne delivers it.
With an ensemble performing at such a high level, it makes it difficult to declare an actor as a "standout." However, in Les Mis, Anne Hathaway steals the show and most definitely is the standout. The race for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars this year is over. Hathaway should start writing her speech now. Let's not even bother wasting our time over the next few months debating it. Hathaway wins. Hands down, no questions asked. As Fantine, Hathaway gives one of the best performances I''ve ever had the priviledge of watching. When she rises to sing "I Dreamed a Dream," I was speechless. I couldn't believe what I just saw, and the amazing part is that she gets a total of maybe fifteen minutes of screen time. She's that good.
While the cast was great, I also give a lot of credit to the film's director, Tom Hooper. It took a lot of guts to simply say that he wanted to adapt this musical to the screen. Then, once he did that, it took a lot of guts to cast the actors that he did. After all that, then you say you want your actors to sing live. Typically for a musical, actors would go into a recording studio and record their songs months before filming began. The actors would then start filming with the playback of that pre-recorded song playing and then have to lip-sync with the track. Hooper decided to take a different approach, having all his actors sing live on set as if the songs are just the dialogue for a normal movie, and that decision is a stroke of absolute genius. Because of this, the audience truly experiences every emotion that the movie is trying to portray, an extremely rare feat.
I fully expected Les Miserables to be great. I didn't expect it to leave me speechless and in such awe. Les Mis is, by far, the best movie of 2012, and perhaps one of the best of all-time.
Dream the dream.
Go see Les Miserables.......now!
Having seen the Broadway production of Les Mis and being absolutely blown away by it, I've never went into a movie with higher expectations. However, after watching the movie, I've never left the theater so amazed and emotional.
Les Miserables is the best movie of 2012!
With a piece so beloved worldwide and the die hard fans knowing all the songs by heart, you needed a special cast to pull off what they wanted to pull off, and every casting choice made in this movie is picture perfect. Playing the protagonist Jean Valjean, Hugh Jackman is clearly in his element. This role is, no doubt about it, his best work to date and a career-defining performance. Jackman brings the intensity and emotion that you expect from Valjean as we follow his life-long journey. We become so connected to Jackman's character that we almost forget that Jackman is the actor. From the opening scene where he banters back in forth with Russell Crowe to his best song of the film, "Bring Him Home," to the ever-so emotional finale, Jackman is phenomenal and definitely deserving of an Oscar nomination if not a win.
The supporting cast matches Jackman toe-to-toe. As Inspector Javert, Russell Crowe, while not the best singer in the world, stands his ground and delivers a very solid performance. Honestly, Crowe is the weakest singer here but not because he can't sing, but because everyone around him sings like angels. His crowning achievement come early on in the movie with his prayer, "Stars." Crowe's physical presence throughout the film is perfect villany, and we literally can't stand Javert by the end of the movie, the mark of a fantatsic villain.
Comedic relief in a film like Les Mis needed to be extraordinary. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are hilarious in their roles as the innkeeper and his wife. The song, "Master of the House," needed to be over the top and bring a smile on people's face accompanied with laughter, and it most definitely was. Cohen and Carter fit the roles beautifully so much so that I laughed every time I saw them whether they were funny or not. I couldn't wait to hear what they'd say next, a mark of excellent comedy.
Les Miserables stars a handful of actors that are just getting started in their career, and every single one of them delivers. Samantha Barks, playing Eponine, originally played this role in the stage adaption of the musical, and that fact is evident when she delivers "On My Own" with power and emotion that I never expected from such a young actress. As she holds on for dear life in her final ballad, "A Little Fall of Rain," you truly feel for Eponine and the life she has been forced to live, and you must credit Barks for that.
The relationship between Cosette and Marius needed to be special and something the audience can latch on to throughout the story, and if that were to be pulled off, you needed two very talented actors. Of course, Les Mis had them in the form of Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne. Seyfried has very limited screen time, but when she's on the screen, her presence is felt, especially in her first song with Marius, "A Heart Full of Love." Redmayne has a little more screen time, and he goes above and beyond what anyone really expected from him. Of all the younger cast members, Redmayne's future is probably the brighest because of the skill he showed here. When the battered and regretful Marius belts out "Empty Chair at Empty Tables," your body will probably get chills because of the way Redmayne delivers it.
With an ensemble performing at such a high level, it makes it difficult to declare an actor as a "standout." However, in Les Mis, Anne Hathaway steals the show and most definitely is the standout. The race for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars this year is over. Hathaway should start writing her speech now. Let's not even bother wasting our time over the next few months debating it. Hathaway wins. Hands down, no questions asked. As Fantine, Hathaway gives one of the best performances I''ve ever had the priviledge of watching. When she rises to sing "I Dreamed a Dream," I was speechless. I couldn't believe what I just saw, and the amazing part is that she gets a total of maybe fifteen minutes of screen time. She's that good.
While the cast was great, I also give a lot of credit to the film's director, Tom Hooper. It took a lot of guts to simply say that he wanted to adapt this musical to the screen. Then, once he did that, it took a lot of guts to cast the actors that he did. After all that, then you say you want your actors to sing live. Typically for a musical, actors would go into a recording studio and record their songs months before filming began. The actors would then start filming with the playback of that pre-recorded song playing and then have to lip-sync with the track. Hooper decided to take a different approach, having all his actors sing live on set as if the songs are just the dialogue for a normal movie, and that decision is a stroke of absolute genius. Because of this, the audience truly experiences every emotion that the movie is trying to portray, an extremely rare feat.
I fully expected Les Miserables to be great. I didn't expect it to leave me speechless and in such awe. Les Mis is, by far, the best movie of 2012, and perhaps one of the best of all-time.
Dream the dream.
Go see Les Miserables.......now!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
2013 Oscar Predictions: The Race Intensifies
Right around this time every year, the Oscar race heats up as nominees begin to either lock down their spots or lose their spots. Precursor season is in full swing with the Screen Actors Guild and the Golden, the two most prestigious awards after the Oscars, announcing their nominations. Both awards are very telling of what will happen come Oscar time, so momentum either went sky high for some nominees or has now hit rock bottom.
Best Picture
This year's race is, no doubt about it, one of the most exciting races in Oscar history. With the developments that have taken place over the last few weeks, four films have a legitimate shot at taking home the Oscar. Last time, I predicting seven nominees, and this time, I'm sticking to it.
The Field
1. Lincoln
The clear-cut frontrunner at the moment is Steven Spielberg's best film yet, Lincoln. Carried by the three powerhouse performances of Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and Tommy Lee Jones, Spielberg was able to create one of the most fascinating movies of the twenty-first century, and the precursors have taken notice. Lincoln earned seven Golden Globe noms, the leader of the pack and a new Spielberg record, and also earned four nominations from the SAG. No film has been able to leapfrog over Lincoln, and with no other films left to debut, Lincoln could easily ride its momentum and take home the Oscar.
2. Les Miserables
While more divisive among critics than I would like to see, Les Mis is still my number two solely based on the fact that I am not underestimating the power of the people. Les Mis has yet to debut in the US, and my theory is as more and more people watch this film, the box office will, obviously, boom, but it will also attract the attention of the Academy, who isn't against going with a more popular film every now and then. A few films are hot on its heels, but Les Mis scored four nominations from both the Globes and SAG, securing its #2 spot.
3. Zero Dark Thirty
After one week of precursors, it looked like Zero Dark Thirty would become the frontrunner and ride the momentum to Oscar gold. Then the SAG and Globe nominations came, where it managed four Globes noms, but only one SAG nom. The SAG's equivalent Best Picture Award is Best Cast Ensemble. Thirty didn't get nominated for Best Cast Ensemble. No film since Braveheart did it back in 1996 has won Best Picture without getting the SAG's Best Cast Ensemble. Now, that could merely be a bump in the road, but Lincoln, Les Miserables, and Argo were both nominated for Best Cast Ensemble. Zero Dark Thirty is definitely going to be a heavy hitter this season, but hold off on the frontrunner status for now.
4. Argo
It's extremely difficult to kick off the season as the frontrunner and maintain that status until the bitter end, but that was the task set before Ben Affleck's Argo. When it debuted in October, there was no question that Argo would win Best Director for Affleck and be the clear frontrunner here. Unfortunately for Argo, no one anticipated a race quite like this one. While Argo should have no problem managing a nomination here, a SAG win in Cast Ensemble and Globe win for Best Picture- Drama looks to be needed if frontrunner status wants to be retained.
5. Silver Linings Playbook
Another film suffering through the same dilemma as Argo is Silver Linings Playbook. While the backing is there for the actors, the backing just doesn't seem to be there for the film as a whole. Although it did manage four SAG noms and five Globe noms, I just have a feeling that, in a race like this one, the Academy isn't going to give their top honor to a comedy. A couple of SAG and Globe wins will help, but looking at the four films above it, I simply don't see Playbook making the final push that's necessary.
6. Life of Pi
Ang Lee's visual wonder Life of Pi has, quite frankly, zero chance of winning here (the same applies for the remaining one as well). A nomination should be coming, however, especially after managing three Globe nominations. While I, personally, cite Life of Pi as one of the best films of the year, it's not something the Academy is going to go for, especially, once again, in a race like this one.
7. Django Unchained
One film picking up some steam and making an impressive final push is Django Unchained. The last major contender to debut, Django, for the most part, has not disappointed, especially on the acting side of things. Four Globes nominations don't hurt whatsoever, but it looks like it will be too little, too late.
Next in Line
8. The Master
9. Amour
10. Moonrise Kingdom
Possible Spoilers
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Skyfall
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Best Director
Nothing new here. Rearranging has occured, but the same five directors from last time remain.
The Field
1. Steven Spielberg, Lincoln
I firmly, and with no apologies, believe that Lincoln is Spielberg's best work to date, and considering the body of work that he has put out there, that's an extremely powerful statement when you think about. He does what separates the great directors from the good directors: he allows the actors to shine. That's a risk, no question about it, but when the actors do indeed shine, the result is magnificent, and Lincoln is absolutely magnificent.
2. Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty
It was a big deal in 2010 when Bigelow became the first woman in Oscar history to win Best Director. Can you imagine the hysteria that will follow if she wins again? I wrote in my last predictions that as Zero Dark Thirty's momentum goes, Bigelow's momentum goes. The momentum for this movie is out of this world right now, and as long as that's the case, Bigelow will pose the biggest threat to Spielberg, but not to be counted out.....
3. Ben Affleck, Argo
....is Ben Affleck for Argo. Essentially, in my book, Bigelow and Affleck are tied right now, but I gave Bigelow the edge today because her film's momentum is greater than Affleck's. However, I fimly believe that the Academy has not forgotten what Affleck has done here directing one of the top ten best movies of the year. They also love a good comeback story, and Affleck is comeback personified. If he can win the Globe, watch out Spielberg.
4. Tom Hooper, Les Miserables
It would take a very unintelligent and untalented human being to not make Les Mis an Oscar contender. Hooper, from what I read, goes big with this film, and while that sounds good on the surface, some critics are hammering him for it. That being said, I currently have Les Mis receiving double digit nominations, and if that's the case, I find it hard to believe that Hooper will walk away without one of those. But he did miss out on the Globe. A Directors Guild Award would do wonders for him.
5. Ang Lee, Life of Pi
Ang Lee is, unquestionably, one of the finest filmmakers around, and he proved it with Life of Pi. But looking at who is ahead of him, he's not winning. A nominations should be in order, especially after the Globe nomination, but a win is beginning to look out of the question.
Next in Line
6. Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained
7. Michael Haneke, Amour
8. David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Possible Spoilers
Paul Thomas Anderson, The Master
Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
Best Actor
Six actors have a legitimate case for a nomination here, but only five spots are available.
The Field
1. Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
On my last predictions, I said that this was the most competitive category of the year. The more and more I think about it, though, the more and more I feel that it's already over, and Daniel Day-Lewis is your winner. Unless something drastic happens in the next few weeks, he will be. His performance is, by far, one of the best performances I have ever had the honor of watching as he embodies an American legend with so much ease that it should be illegal to act that well. He's fantastic, and the Academy should reward him with his third Oscar.
2. Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables
It takes a special talent to bring a character like Jean Valjean to life, and Hugh Jackman fits the part like a glove from what I've seen. With Les Mis set to be a heavy hitter this season, I find it hard to believe that the Academy won't recognize its leading man. It also doesn't hurt that the other nominees are inconsistent at the moment. Jackman is also considered one of the best Oscar hosts of the twenty-first century, and don't think that the Academy has forgotten that. They might want to reward him for that as well. Getting a SAG and Globe nomination doesn't hurt.
3. Denzel Washington, Flight
With the storyline and character that was given to Washington, the Oscar nomination for Washington was already basically in the bag. A win would take some work, though, especially in this race. Washington turned in one of his finest performances of his illustrious career, securing that his name will be called on January 10. He also managed a SAG and Globe nom, a very good sign for Washington.
4. John Hawkes, The Sessions
Supporters of this film have expressed concern that a film like The Sessions would get lost in such a heated race, causing its actors to also get lost. However, Hawkes was able to pull through in a big way with a SAG and Globe nomination. Coupled with the fact that Joaquin Phoenix is slipping by the second, Hawkes should be able to squeak out a nom after all.
5. Joaquin Phoenix, The Master
When The Master debuted back in September, Phoenix was christened the favorite to win it all. Then Phoenix started talking about the awards circuit being complete BS, and the Academy, along with critic companies around, have started to listen, culminating in a SAG snub. He was able to manage a Globe nomination, though, which is able to keep him in the field for now, but a win is all but out of the question now.
Next in Line
6. Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
Possible Spoilers
Jaime Foxx, Django Unchained
Anthony Hopkins, Hitchcock
Jean-Louis Trintignant, Amour
Best Actress
The two-horse race continues, and I still don't know who deserves the remaining three spots.
The Field
1. Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Lawrence has been able to hold off Jessica Chastain's initial emergence into the frontrunner converstaion, and for that reason, she stays number one for now. She is one of the finest young actresses in the business, and I think the Academy is ready to reward her for it.
2. Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty
Something tells me that this won't be the last time these two are nominated for Oscars. Lawrence and Chastain are here to stay, and it's kind of appropriate that they will be battling it out all season long. Both are deserving. Who knows who will win?!
3. Marion Cotillard, Rust and Bone
There's a huuuuuuuge gap between Chastain and Lawrence and the rest of the field. The winner will be one of those two. The remaining three will have to settle for nominations. Cotillard scored a SAG and Globe nomination, so there's no reason to believe that she won't add Oscar nom to that list.
4. Naomi Watts, The Impossible
Watts also managed to score a SAG and Globe nomination, so she's in.
5. Helen Mirren, Hitchcock
Helen Mirren is a living legend. She managed a SAG and Globe nom as well. All signs point to yet another nomination coming Mirren's way.
Next in Line
6. Emmanuelle Riva, Amour
7. Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild
8. Rachel Weisz, The Deep Blue Sea
Possible Spoilers
Judi Dench, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Kiera Knightley, Anna Karenina
Maggie Smith, Quartet
Best Supporting Actor
It seems like I'm changing my order of these actors hourly. In my opinion, eight nominees have a strong case to get a nomination, but only five spots are given out.
The Field
1. Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
After a stellar start to his own campaign and Philip Seymour Hoffman stumbling out of the gate, the veteran Jones has seized the top spot. Jones is an absolute scene stealer in Lincoln and definitely deserves not only a nomination, but a win. As long as Lincoln is on top, and I anticipate it being on top for the whole season through, Jones will also be on top.
2. Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Earlier in the season, it seemed that Hoffman had this category wrapped around his finger. Since then, though, The Master has stumbled mightily, and as a result, Hoffman's sure-fire win has been downgraded to just a sure-fire nominee. Although his co-stars, Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams, were snubbed by the SAG, Hoffman broke through at both the SAG and Globes. A nomination should be coming, but now, Hoffman is playing catch-up.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio, Django Unchained
As I stated last time, DiCaprio needs an Oscar. He deserves one more than anyone else in the business. His role in Django is perfect for the Academy to recognize. If Django can pick up some steam as its release appoaches on Christmas Day, DiCaprio, along with co-star Christoph Waltz, can make a run at Jones and Hoffman.
4. Alan Arkin, Argo
If a film wants to be taken as a serious threat to win Best Picture, it needs an acting representative. Argo's rep is Arkin. He managed to work his way back into the field after being forgotten for a while after his SAG and Globe nominations, and I fully expect him to hold on and get into the field.
5. Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook
De Niro could very easily be on the Mount Rushmore of actors, and this performance only supports that claim. His name alone should keep him in the field, but his performance will have to be fabulous in order to jump over the four in front of him.
Next in Line
6. Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
7. Matthew McConaughey, Magic Mike
8. Javier Bardem, Skyfall
Possible Spoilers
Eddie Redmayne, Les Miserables
Samuel L. Jackson, Django Unchained
Russell Crowe, Les Miserables
Best Supporting Actress
This race is over because....
The Field
1. Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
...Anne Hathaway hits a grand slam in Les Miserables. My only question at this point is how good will Hathaway's speech be?
2. Sally Field, Lincoln
There's other people in this category? Although this is Hathaway's victory, four more actresses will receive nominations. Sally Field hasn't been in the Academy's graces since the 1980's, but she's back and better than ever in Lincoln. In normal years, Field would be a favorite, but in normal years, you don't have Anne Hathaway singing "I Dreamed A Dream."
3. Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Helen Hunt joined co-star John Hawkes on having a big couple of days, scoring SAG and Globes nominations. These two nominations alone should be enough to secure Hunt's spot in the field.
4. Amy Adams, The Master
Amy Adams is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest living actresses in the business already, and the Academy should recognize her with a nomination for the fourth time in her career. She did miss out on the SAG, though, but came back with a Globe nom. Hunt got both, giving her the upper hand, but both are pretty even.
5. Maggie Smith, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
This movie as a whole is making a small comeback after being dead in the race for quite some time. The actress benefiting the most from the resurgence is Maggie Smith, who is taking advantage of a weak field at the bottom. She was able to score a SAG nomination, and if you couple that with the fact that nobody has really stepped up below her, Smith is in.
Next in Line
6. Nicole Kidman, The Paperboy
7. Judi Dench, Skyfall
8. Samantha Barks, Les Miserables
9. Ann Dowd, Compliance
Possible Spoilers
Jennifer Ehle, Zero Dark Thirty
Kerry Washington, Django Unchained
Kelly Reilly, Flight
The race is getting intense. The questions are starting to get answered as our vision gets a whole lot clearer. However, the Academy won't announce its nominations until January 10, so the race is far from over. A lot can still change, and in the movie industry....
Change is exciting!
Best Picture
This year's race is, no doubt about it, one of the most exciting races in Oscar history. With the developments that have taken place over the last few weeks, four films have a legitimate shot at taking home the Oscar. Last time, I predicting seven nominees, and this time, I'm sticking to it.
The Field
1. Lincoln
The clear-cut frontrunner at the moment is Steven Spielberg's best film yet, Lincoln. Carried by the three powerhouse performances of Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and Tommy Lee Jones, Spielberg was able to create one of the most fascinating movies of the twenty-first century, and the precursors have taken notice. Lincoln earned seven Golden Globe noms, the leader of the pack and a new Spielberg record, and also earned four nominations from the SAG. No film has been able to leapfrog over Lincoln, and with no other films left to debut, Lincoln could easily ride its momentum and take home the Oscar.
2. Les Miserables
While more divisive among critics than I would like to see, Les Mis is still my number two solely based on the fact that I am not underestimating the power of the people. Les Mis has yet to debut in the US, and my theory is as more and more people watch this film, the box office will, obviously, boom, but it will also attract the attention of the Academy, who isn't against going with a more popular film every now and then. A few films are hot on its heels, but Les Mis scored four nominations from both the Globes and SAG, securing its #2 spot.
3. Zero Dark Thirty
After one week of precursors, it looked like Zero Dark Thirty would become the frontrunner and ride the momentum to Oscar gold. Then the SAG and Globe nominations came, where it managed four Globes noms, but only one SAG nom. The SAG's equivalent Best Picture Award is Best Cast Ensemble. Thirty didn't get nominated for Best Cast Ensemble. No film since Braveheart did it back in 1996 has won Best Picture without getting the SAG's Best Cast Ensemble. Now, that could merely be a bump in the road, but Lincoln, Les Miserables, and Argo were both nominated for Best Cast Ensemble. Zero Dark Thirty is definitely going to be a heavy hitter this season, but hold off on the frontrunner status for now.
4. Argo
It's extremely difficult to kick off the season as the frontrunner and maintain that status until the bitter end, but that was the task set before Ben Affleck's Argo. When it debuted in October, there was no question that Argo would win Best Director for Affleck and be the clear frontrunner here. Unfortunately for Argo, no one anticipated a race quite like this one. While Argo should have no problem managing a nomination here, a SAG win in Cast Ensemble and Globe win for Best Picture- Drama looks to be needed if frontrunner status wants to be retained.
5. Silver Linings Playbook
Another film suffering through the same dilemma as Argo is Silver Linings Playbook. While the backing is there for the actors, the backing just doesn't seem to be there for the film as a whole. Although it did manage four SAG noms and five Globe noms, I just have a feeling that, in a race like this one, the Academy isn't going to give their top honor to a comedy. A couple of SAG and Globe wins will help, but looking at the four films above it, I simply don't see Playbook making the final push that's necessary.
6. Life of Pi
Ang Lee's visual wonder Life of Pi has, quite frankly, zero chance of winning here (the same applies for the remaining one as well). A nomination should be coming, however, especially after managing three Globe nominations. While I, personally, cite Life of Pi as one of the best films of the year, it's not something the Academy is going to go for, especially, once again, in a race like this one.
7. Django Unchained
One film picking up some steam and making an impressive final push is Django Unchained. The last major contender to debut, Django, for the most part, has not disappointed, especially on the acting side of things. Four Globes nominations don't hurt whatsoever, but it looks like it will be too little, too late.
Next in Line
8. The Master
9. Amour
10. Moonrise Kingdom
Possible Spoilers
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Skyfall
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Best Director
Nothing new here. Rearranging has occured, but the same five directors from last time remain.
The Field
1. Steven Spielberg, Lincoln
I firmly, and with no apologies, believe that Lincoln is Spielberg's best work to date, and considering the body of work that he has put out there, that's an extremely powerful statement when you think about. He does what separates the great directors from the good directors: he allows the actors to shine. That's a risk, no question about it, but when the actors do indeed shine, the result is magnificent, and Lincoln is absolutely magnificent.
2. Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty
It was a big deal in 2010 when Bigelow became the first woman in Oscar history to win Best Director. Can you imagine the hysteria that will follow if she wins again? I wrote in my last predictions that as Zero Dark Thirty's momentum goes, Bigelow's momentum goes. The momentum for this movie is out of this world right now, and as long as that's the case, Bigelow will pose the biggest threat to Spielberg, but not to be counted out.....
3. Ben Affleck, Argo
....is Ben Affleck for Argo. Essentially, in my book, Bigelow and Affleck are tied right now, but I gave Bigelow the edge today because her film's momentum is greater than Affleck's. However, I fimly believe that the Academy has not forgotten what Affleck has done here directing one of the top ten best movies of the year. They also love a good comeback story, and Affleck is comeback personified. If he can win the Globe, watch out Spielberg.
4. Tom Hooper, Les Miserables
It would take a very unintelligent and untalented human being to not make Les Mis an Oscar contender. Hooper, from what I read, goes big with this film, and while that sounds good on the surface, some critics are hammering him for it. That being said, I currently have Les Mis receiving double digit nominations, and if that's the case, I find it hard to believe that Hooper will walk away without one of those. But he did miss out on the Globe. A Directors Guild Award would do wonders for him.
5. Ang Lee, Life of Pi
Ang Lee is, unquestionably, one of the finest filmmakers around, and he proved it with Life of Pi. But looking at who is ahead of him, he's not winning. A nominations should be in order, especially after the Globe nomination, but a win is beginning to look out of the question.
Next in Line
6. Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained
7. Michael Haneke, Amour
8. David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Possible Spoilers
Paul Thomas Anderson, The Master
Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
Best Actor
Six actors have a legitimate case for a nomination here, but only five spots are available.
The Field
1. Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
On my last predictions, I said that this was the most competitive category of the year. The more and more I think about it, though, the more and more I feel that it's already over, and Daniel Day-Lewis is your winner. Unless something drastic happens in the next few weeks, he will be. His performance is, by far, one of the best performances I have ever had the honor of watching as he embodies an American legend with so much ease that it should be illegal to act that well. He's fantastic, and the Academy should reward him with his third Oscar.
2. Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables
It takes a special talent to bring a character like Jean Valjean to life, and Hugh Jackman fits the part like a glove from what I've seen. With Les Mis set to be a heavy hitter this season, I find it hard to believe that the Academy won't recognize its leading man. It also doesn't hurt that the other nominees are inconsistent at the moment. Jackman is also considered one of the best Oscar hosts of the twenty-first century, and don't think that the Academy has forgotten that. They might want to reward him for that as well. Getting a SAG and Globe nomination doesn't hurt.
3. Denzel Washington, Flight
With the storyline and character that was given to Washington, the Oscar nomination for Washington was already basically in the bag. A win would take some work, though, especially in this race. Washington turned in one of his finest performances of his illustrious career, securing that his name will be called on January 10. He also managed a SAG and Globe nom, a very good sign for Washington.
4. John Hawkes, The Sessions
Supporters of this film have expressed concern that a film like The Sessions would get lost in such a heated race, causing its actors to also get lost. However, Hawkes was able to pull through in a big way with a SAG and Globe nomination. Coupled with the fact that Joaquin Phoenix is slipping by the second, Hawkes should be able to squeak out a nom after all.
5. Joaquin Phoenix, The Master
When The Master debuted back in September, Phoenix was christened the favorite to win it all. Then Phoenix started talking about the awards circuit being complete BS, and the Academy, along with critic companies around, have started to listen, culminating in a SAG snub. He was able to manage a Globe nomination, though, which is able to keep him in the field for now, but a win is all but out of the question now.
Next in Line
6. Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
Possible Spoilers
Jaime Foxx, Django Unchained
Anthony Hopkins, Hitchcock
Jean-Louis Trintignant, Amour
Best Actress
The two-horse race continues, and I still don't know who deserves the remaining three spots.
The Field
1. Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Lawrence has been able to hold off Jessica Chastain's initial emergence into the frontrunner converstaion, and for that reason, she stays number one for now. She is one of the finest young actresses in the business, and I think the Academy is ready to reward her for it.
2. Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty
Something tells me that this won't be the last time these two are nominated for Oscars. Lawrence and Chastain are here to stay, and it's kind of appropriate that they will be battling it out all season long. Both are deserving. Who knows who will win?!
3. Marion Cotillard, Rust and Bone
There's a huuuuuuuge gap between Chastain and Lawrence and the rest of the field. The winner will be one of those two. The remaining three will have to settle for nominations. Cotillard scored a SAG and Globe nomination, so there's no reason to believe that she won't add Oscar nom to that list.
4. Naomi Watts, The Impossible
Watts also managed to score a SAG and Globe nomination, so she's in.
5. Helen Mirren, Hitchcock
Helen Mirren is a living legend. She managed a SAG and Globe nom as well. All signs point to yet another nomination coming Mirren's way.
Next in Line
6. Emmanuelle Riva, Amour
7. Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild
8. Rachel Weisz, The Deep Blue Sea
Possible Spoilers
Judi Dench, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Kiera Knightley, Anna Karenina
Maggie Smith, Quartet
Best Supporting Actor
It seems like I'm changing my order of these actors hourly. In my opinion, eight nominees have a strong case to get a nomination, but only five spots are given out.
The Field
1. Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
After a stellar start to his own campaign and Philip Seymour Hoffman stumbling out of the gate, the veteran Jones has seized the top spot. Jones is an absolute scene stealer in Lincoln and definitely deserves not only a nomination, but a win. As long as Lincoln is on top, and I anticipate it being on top for the whole season through, Jones will also be on top.
2. Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Earlier in the season, it seemed that Hoffman had this category wrapped around his finger. Since then, though, The Master has stumbled mightily, and as a result, Hoffman's sure-fire win has been downgraded to just a sure-fire nominee. Although his co-stars, Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams, were snubbed by the SAG, Hoffman broke through at both the SAG and Globes. A nomination should be coming, but now, Hoffman is playing catch-up.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio, Django Unchained
As I stated last time, DiCaprio needs an Oscar. He deserves one more than anyone else in the business. His role in Django is perfect for the Academy to recognize. If Django can pick up some steam as its release appoaches on Christmas Day, DiCaprio, along with co-star Christoph Waltz, can make a run at Jones and Hoffman.
4. Alan Arkin, Argo
If a film wants to be taken as a serious threat to win Best Picture, it needs an acting representative. Argo's rep is Arkin. He managed to work his way back into the field after being forgotten for a while after his SAG and Globe nominations, and I fully expect him to hold on and get into the field.
5. Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook
De Niro could very easily be on the Mount Rushmore of actors, and this performance only supports that claim. His name alone should keep him in the field, but his performance will have to be fabulous in order to jump over the four in front of him.
Next in Line
6. Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
7. Matthew McConaughey, Magic Mike
8. Javier Bardem, Skyfall
Possible Spoilers
Eddie Redmayne, Les Miserables
Samuel L. Jackson, Django Unchained
Russell Crowe, Les Miserables
Best Supporting Actress
This race is over because....
The Field
1. Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
...Anne Hathaway hits a grand slam in Les Miserables. My only question at this point is how good will Hathaway's speech be?
2. Sally Field, Lincoln
There's other people in this category? Although this is Hathaway's victory, four more actresses will receive nominations. Sally Field hasn't been in the Academy's graces since the 1980's, but she's back and better than ever in Lincoln. In normal years, Field would be a favorite, but in normal years, you don't have Anne Hathaway singing "I Dreamed A Dream."
3. Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Helen Hunt joined co-star John Hawkes on having a big couple of days, scoring SAG and Globes nominations. These two nominations alone should be enough to secure Hunt's spot in the field.
4. Amy Adams, The Master
Amy Adams is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest living actresses in the business already, and the Academy should recognize her with a nomination for the fourth time in her career. She did miss out on the SAG, though, but came back with a Globe nom. Hunt got both, giving her the upper hand, but both are pretty even.
5. Maggie Smith, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
This movie as a whole is making a small comeback after being dead in the race for quite some time. The actress benefiting the most from the resurgence is Maggie Smith, who is taking advantage of a weak field at the bottom. She was able to score a SAG nomination, and if you couple that with the fact that nobody has really stepped up below her, Smith is in.
Next in Line
6. Nicole Kidman, The Paperboy
7. Judi Dench, Skyfall
8. Samantha Barks, Les Miserables
9. Ann Dowd, Compliance
Possible Spoilers
Jennifer Ehle, Zero Dark Thirty
Kerry Washington, Django Unchained
Kelly Reilly, Flight
The race is getting intense. The questions are starting to get answered as our vision gets a whole lot clearer. However, the Academy won't announce its nominations until January 10, so the race is far from over. A lot can still change, and in the movie industry....
Change is exciting!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
2013 Oscars: Best Animated Feature and Visual Effects
Oscar season is about to get in full swing as the precusor season is almost ready to kickoff. The precursor season is simply the time leading up to the Oscars that determines who will gain momentum and pick up an Oscar nomination. Various critic companies around the country, such as the New York Film Critics, will give out awards just like the Oscars would. A very common, and most recognizable, precursor awards show is the Golden Globes. As these precursors give out their awards, it dictates what we can expect when the Oscar nominations are announced. That's why it's so vital to pay attention to the precursor because it will give us an inside track to the Oscars.
We continue our Oscar predictions today by taking a look at the Best Animated Feature and Visual Effects category.
Best Animated Feature
While many races still have a lot of unanswered questions, Best Animated Feature does not. All the films that will be under consideration by the Academy to land a nomination have already been released. The field might change in the coming weeks, but the batch of movies won't. This is our first prediction that can very easily be the same prediction we have on our last predictions right before the announcement.
The Field
1. Wreck-It Ralph
Wreck-It Ralph has always been on the radar to be a contender if for no other reason than it looked good and Disney was behind it. But hardly anyone, including me, expected it to assume the title of frontrunner. Featuring the talented voice work of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, and Jane Lynch, Wreck-It Ralph has immediately become an instant Disney classic, and when a movie can obtain that status, it deserves to be a frontrunner. Throw in the fact that it is currently on one of the best box office runs of the year, meaning a lot of folks have seen it, and it's Wreck-It Ralph's race to lose. If it does win, Wreck-It Ralph will be the first time a Disney Animated Studios film has won this category without the help of Pixar, and speaking of Pixar......
2. Brave
Pixar's twelfth movie was the frontrunner at the beginning of the race, and it remains near the top as we enter heart of the awards season. With the help of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, and Emma Thompson, Pixar was able to produce yet another classic movie. While considered a step down from other Pixar greats, such as Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3 (both previous Best Animated Feature winners), Brave should have no problem securing a spot in the field.
3. Frankenweenie
And Disney makes it a trifecta! Three Disney films hold the top three spots in the field right now, and rightfully so. Tim Burton's stop-motion adaption was probably the most well-received among critics of the three, boasting an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it also boasts the weakest box office, grossing only $34 million compared to Brave's $237 million and Wreck-It Ralph's $153 million and counting. More people have seen the first two, and I think that momentum will end up costing Frankenweenie the victory.
4. Rise of the Guardians
Going into the year, if Brave wasn't going to win, many people had their eye on Rise of the Guardians, the next animated feature from the studio that gave us How to Train Your Dragon. The pedigree was there for Rise to be a legit contender: a proven studio with a heart-warming story backed by an extremely talented vocal cast (Hugh Jackman is the Easter Bunny). However, when it debuted over Thanksgiving, the word on the movie wasn't as enthusiastic as anticipated. Couple that with a lackluster box office performance thus far, and I think Rise is out of the race for a win.
5. ParaNorman
A film that fell under the radar upon its release, ParaNorman was loved by critics and audiences alike. With a surprisingly solid story and fantastic stop-motion from the creators of Coraline (a nominee in 2010's field), ParaNorman was, at the time, consider a threat to win this category. However, the box office disappointed, grossing only $56 million. A win is out of the question, but a nomination is actually tangible thanks to a weak field behind it.
Next in Line
6. The Painting
7. From Up on Poppy Hill
8. A Liar's Autobiography - The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman
9. Hotel Transylvania
10. Dr. Suess' The Lorax
Spoilers
Ice Age: Continental Drift
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
The Pirates: Band of Misfits
Best Visual Effects
My first technical category prediction comes in the Best Visual Effects category. This category has always been a fun one to predict because it's the only category that being a blockbuster helps your case. Every movie on this list has been seen by the public, separating itself from the rest of the categories. Earlier this week, the Academy announced ten movies will have the shot at getting in this field. As I will with every technical category, I won't give analysis, just a prediction.
The Field
Life of Pi
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Marvel's The Avengers
Prometheus
Cloud Atlas
Next in Line
The Dark Knight Rises
Skyfall
John Carter
Spoilers
Snow White and the Huntsman
The Amazing Spiderman
Oscar season will heat up here in the next few weeks, so pay attention because my predictions will change weekly as the precursors begin to roll out. But for now, here's where we stand.
Enjoy the race!
We continue our Oscar predictions today by taking a look at the Best Animated Feature and Visual Effects category.
Best Animated Feature
While many races still have a lot of unanswered questions, Best Animated Feature does not. All the films that will be under consideration by the Academy to land a nomination have already been released. The field might change in the coming weeks, but the batch of movies won't. This is our first prediction that can very easily be the same prediction we have on our last predictions right before the announcement.
The Field
1. Wreck-It Ralph
Wreck-It Ralph has always been on the radar to be a contender if for no other reason than it looked good and Disney was behind it. But hardly anyone, including me, expected it to assume the title of frontrunner. Featuring the talented voice work of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, and Jane Lynch, Wreck-It Ralph has immediately become an instant Disney classic, and when a movie can obtain that status, it deserves to be a frontrunner. Throw in the fact that it is currently on one of the best box office runs of the year, meaning a lot of folks have seen it, and it's Wreck-It Ralph's race to lose. If it does win, Wreck-It Ralph will be the first time a Disney Animated Studios film has won this category without the help of Pixar, and speaking of Pixar......
2. Brave
Pixar's twelfth movie was the frontrunner at the beginning of the race, and it remains near the top as we enter heart of the awards season. With the help of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, and Emma Thompson, Pixar was able to produce yet another classic movie. While considered a step down from other Pixar greats, such as Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3 (both previous Best Animated Feature winners), Brave should have no problem securing a spot in the field.
3. Frankenweenie
And Disney makes it a trifecta! Three Disney films hold the top three spots in the field right now, and rightfully so. Tim Burton's stop-motion adaption was probably the most well-received among critics of the three, boasting an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it also boasts the weakest box office, grossing only $34 million compared to Brave's $237 million and Wreck-It Ralph's $153 million and counting. More people have seen the first two, and I think that momentum will end up costing Frankenweenie the victory.
4. Rise of the Guardians
Going into the year, if Brave wasn't going to win, many people had their eye on Rise of the Guardians, the next animated feature from the studio that gave us How to Train Your Dragon. The pedigree was there for Rise to be a legit contender: a proven studio with a heart-warming story backed by an extremely talented vocal cast (Hugh Jackman is the Easter Bunny). However, when it debuted over Thanksgiving, the word on the movie wasn't as enthusiastic as anticipated. Couple that with a lackluster box office performance thus far, and I think Rise is out of the race for a win.
5. ParaNorman
A film that fell under the radar upon its release, ParaNorman was loved by critics and audiences alike. With a surprisingly solid story and fantastic stop-motion from the creators of Coraline (a nominee in 2010's field), ParaNorman was, at the time, consider a threat to win this category. However, the box office disappointed, grossing only $56 million. A win is out of the question, but a nomination is actually tangible thanks to a weak field behind it.
Next in Line
6. The Painting
7. From Up on Poppy Hill
8. A Liar's Autobiography - The Untrue Story of Monty Python's Graham Chapman
9. Hotel Transylvania
10. Dr. Suess' The Lorax
Spoilers
Ice Age: Continental Drift
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
The Pirates: Band of Misfits
Best Visual Effects
My first technical category prediction comes in the Best Visual Effects category. This category has always been a fun one to predict because it's the only category that being a blockbuster helps your case. Every movie on this list has been seen by the public, separating itself from the rest of the categories. Earlier this week, the Academy announced ten movies will have the shot at getting in this field. As I will with every technical category, I won't give analysis, just a prediction.
The Field
Life of Pi
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Marvel's The Avengers
Prometheus
Cloud Atlas
Next in Line
The Dark Knight Rises
Skyfall
John Carter
Spoilers
Snow White and the Huntsman
The Amazing Spiderman
Oscar season will heat up here in the next few weeks, so pay attention because my predictions will change weekly as the precursors begin to roll out. But for now, here's where we stand.
Enjoy the race!
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