It’s a film about a Labrador that will always score you points with your missus.
Synopsis – Owen Wilson buys new wife Jennifer Aniston a puppy (Marley) to put her off wanting kids for a while. The storey follows Marley’s life and all the antics he gets up to!
My Reaction – Can someone please stop pulling on the old heart strings!!!!!
Plot – A different take on the traditional rom com storey. This is a storey about married life, instead of finishing on the usual happily ever after notion. Despite this though, it still has a predictable ending.
Acting – Wilson is back making films again after his recent “personal issues” (don’t get me started on that rant). Aniston proves yet again why shes the only Friend still getting good parts giving a comfortable performance. Hats off to the dog though, I really did believe that it was a dog! Apparently Marley was played by 22 different dogs – whats that about!
A few appearances from Alan Arkin as Wilson’s boss give the film that little extra edge with contemporary acting.
Cinematography / FX - Not really applicable for this film, but the locations were good.
Direction – David Frankel’s first film for 2 years since the big hit “The Devil Wears Prada”. Frankel does a fine job, although he had a very good script and two big names to push the film.
Best Bit – Any of the interactions with Alan Arkin in.
To Sum Up – A very easy watching, kind of happy film, which does have some laugh out loud moments, but drags out the end scenes farrrrrr too much.
Score – 7.2 Thumbs up out of 10.
Thursday 23 April 2009
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Coming Soon………………
Hello!!!!!!
Apologies to the dozens of people that might occasionally read this but ive had a crazy busy couple of weeks!
Anyway – reviews coming soon…….
· Marley & Me
· Paul Blart: Mall Cop
· The Dammed United
· The Boat that Rocked
· Monsters vs Aliens 3d
· I love you, man
. X Men Origins: Wolverine
WATCHMEN - IMAX
Blood, guts, furious violence, complexity, super heroes getting it on and very very large (I watched it in IMAX remember) blue tackle!
Synopsis – Set in an alternate 1985 America, Watchmen is an action packed, multi-layered adventure that follows the investigation by a vigilante hero named Rorschach into the murder of a superhero who used to be a member of the Watchmen.
My Reaction – O my giant blue tackle, this film is friking awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
Plot – Inspired! I would seriously suggest reading the novel before seeing the film as it will enrich your viewing experience, but don’t panic if you can’t! The plot is incredible, such a weaving and compound storey written by a writing mastermind and adapted by directing mastermind.
Acting – Some very gripping and A-rated performances from relatively unknowns! Jackie Earle Haley deserves the most credit. His depiction of the mentally scarred and very disturbed Rorschach is on a par with Heath Ledgers Joker, if not (dare I say it) better!
Cinematography / FX – Exceptional! Not only has the backdrops shown an 80’s New York perfectly, they also never stray away from the books dark and grotty universe.
Direction – I’ve given him a quick mention already, but Zack Snyder does a top job with this film. Alan Moore (the books Author) famously said that his book could not be made into a film. Having read the book, I understand why he said that, but he was wrong. Given that Snyder is a bigger Watchmen fan than I am, he was the perfect lunatic to take on such a task, and in turn has given us the most realistic super hero film ever.
Best Bit – A very pi**ed off Dr Manhattan!
To Sum Up – The best book (just cos its not on Richard and Judy’s book club, doesn’t mean its not a book) adaptation since Shawshank Redemption. An immediate classic and a fitting tribute to a talented but overlooked writers signature piece.
Score – I’m giving it two scores (oooo, controversial). 1st is the score for me being a fan and all the Watchmen lovers – 9.8 Thumbs Up out of 10.
Now for my professional (can I call myself a pro if I’m not getting paid) film reviewer opinion – 7.8 thumbs up out 10 – only because it is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, and the extreme violence will put a lot of people off!
PS – YOU MUST WATCH IT IN IMAX – ITS STILL ON!!!!!!!!!
Synopsis – Set in an alternate 1985 America, Watchmen is an action packed, multi-layered adventure that follows the investigation by a vigilante hero named Rorschach into the murder of a superhero who used to be a member of the Watchmen.
My Reaction – O my giant blue tackle, this film is friking awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
Plot – Inspired! I would seriously suggest reading the novel before seeing the film as it will enrich your viewing experience, but don’t panic if you can’t! The plot is incredible, such a weaving and compound storey written by a writing mastermind and adapted by directing mastermind.
Acting – Some very gripping and A-rated performances from relatively unknowns! Jackie Earle Haley deserves the most credit. His depiction of the mentally scarred and very disturbed Rorschach is on a par with Heath Ledgers Joker, if not (dare I say it) better!
Cinematography / FX – Exceptional! Not only has the backdrops shown an 80’s New York perfectly, they also never stray away from the books dark and grotty universe.
Direction – I’ve given him a quick mention already, but Zack Snyder does a top job with this film. Alan Moore (the books Author) famously said that his book could not be made into a film. Having read the book, I understand why he said that, but he was wrong. Given that Snyder is a bigger Watchmen fan than I am, he was the perfect lunatic to take on such a task, and in turn has given us the most realistic super hero film ever.
Best Bit – A very pi**ed off Dr Manhattan!
To Sum Up – The best book (just cos its not on Richard and Judy’s book club, doesn’t mean its not a book) adaptation since Shawshank Redemption. An immediate classic and a fitting tribute to a talented but overlooked writers signature piece.
Score – I’m giving it two scores (oooo, controversial). 1st is the score for me being a fan and all the Watchmen lovers – 9.8 Thumbs Up out of 10.
Now for my professional (can I call myself a pro if I’m not getting paid) film reviewer opinion – 7.8 thumbs up out 10 – only because it is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, and the extreme violence will put a lot of people off!
PS – YOU MUST WATCH IT IN IMAX – ITS STILL ON!!!!!!!!!
Sunday 22 February 2009
Oscar nominations
Now then! Oscar nominations – ill try keep it as short as possible, but there’s so many! O and to make it easier – WTTW is want this to win, and TTWW is think this will win.
Performance by an actor in a leading role
· Richard Jenkins in "The Visitor" (Overture Films)
· Frank Langella in "Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
· Sean Penn in "Milk" (Focus Features)
· Brad Pitt in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW
· Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
· Josh Brolin in "Milk" (Focus Features)
· Robert Downey Jr. in "Tropic Thunder" (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
· Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Doubt" (Miramax)
· Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) TTWW / WTTW
· Michael Shannon in "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
· Anne Hathaway in "Rachel Getting Married" (Sony Pictures Classics)
· Angelina Jolie in "Changeling" (Universal)
· Melissa Leo in "Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics)
· Meryl Streep in "Doubt" (Miramax)
· Kate Winslet in "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) TTWW / WTTW
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
· Amy Adams in "Doubt" (Miramax)
· Penélope Cruz in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (The Weinstein Company)
· Viola Davis in "Doubt" (Miramax)
· Taraji P. Henson in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
· Marisa Tomei in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW / WTTW
Best animated feature film of the year
"Bolt" (Walt Disney)
Chris Williams and Byron Howard
"Kung Fu Panda" (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount) WTTW
John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney) TTWW
Andrew Stanton
Achievement in art direction
"Changeling" (Universal)
Art Direction: James J. MurakamiSet Decoration: Gary Fettis
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW / TTWW
Art Direction: Donald Graham BurtSet Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Art Direction: Nathan CrowleySet Decoration: Peter Lando
"The Duchess" (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films)
Art Direction: Michael CarlinSet Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
"Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
Art Direction: Kristi ZeaSet Decoration: Debra Schutt
Achievement in cinematography
"Changeling" (Universal)
Tom Stern
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW
Claudio Miranda
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Wally Pfister
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Anthony Dod Mantle
Achievement in costume design
"Australia" (20th Century Fox)
Catherine Martin
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) TTWW / WTTW
Jacqueline West
"The Duchess" (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films)
Michael O'Connor
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Danny Glicker
"Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
Albert Wolsky
Achievement in directing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW
David Fincher
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
Ron Howard
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Gus Van Sant
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
Stephen Daldry
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Danny Boyle
Best documentary feature
"The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)" (Cinema Guild)A Pandinlao Films Production
Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
"Encounters at the End of the World" (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment)A Creative Differences Production
Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
"The Garden"A Black Valley Films Production
Scott Hamilton Kennedy
"Man on Wire" (Magnolia Pictures) WTTW A Wall to Wall Production
James Marsh and Simon Chinn
"Trouble the Water" (Zeitgeist Films)An Elsewhere Films Production TTWW
Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
Best documentary short subject – HAVENT GOT A CLUE
"The Conscience of Nhem En"A Farallon Films Production
Steven Okazaki
"The Final Inch"A Vermilion Films Production
Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
"Smile Pinki"A Principe Production
Megan Mylan
"The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306"A Rock Paper Scissors Production
Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde
Achievement in film editing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) TTWW
Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) WTTW
Lee Smith
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Elliot Graham
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Chris Dickens
Best foreign language film of the year – HAVENT GOT A CLUE
"The Baader Meinhof Complex" A Constantin Film Production - Germany
"The Class" (Sony Pictures Classics) A Haut et Court Production - France
"Departures" (Regent Releasing) A Departures Film Partners Production - Japan
"Revanche" (Janus Films) A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production - Austria
"Waltz with Bashir" (Sony Pictures Classics) A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production - Israel
Achievement in makeup
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW / TTWW
Greg Cannom
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O'Sullivan
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" (Universal)
Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Alexandre Desplat
"Defiance" (Paramount Vantage)
James Newton Howard
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Danny Elfman
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
A.R. Rahman
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney) WTTW
Thomas Newman
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song
"Down to Earth" from "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) WTTW
Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas NewmanLyric by Peter Gabriel
"Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Music by A.R. RahmanLyric by Gulzar
"O Saya" from "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam
Best motion picture of the year
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)A Kennedy/Marshall Production WTTW
Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal)A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
"Milk" (Focus Features)A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production
Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production
Nominees to be determined
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)A Celador Films Production TTWW
Christian Colson, Producer
Best animated short film – HAVENT GOT A CLUE
"La Maison en Petits Cubes"A Robot Communications Production
Kunio Kato
"Lavatory - Lovestory"A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production
Konstantin Bronzit
"Oktapodi" (Talantis Films)A Gobelins, L'école de l'image Production
Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
"Presto" (Walt Disney)A Pixar Animation Studios Production
Doug Sweetland
"This Way Up"A Nexus Production
Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes
Best live action short film – HAVENT GOT A CLUE
"Auf der Strecke (On the Line)" (Hamburg Shortfilmagency)An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production
Reto Caffi
"Manon on the Asphalt" (La Luna Productions)A La Luna Production
Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
"New Boy" (Network Ireland Television)A Zanzibar Films Production
Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
"The Pig"An M & M Production
Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
"Spielzeugland (Toyland)"A Mephisto Film Production
Jochen Alexander Freydank
Achievement in sound editing
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) WTTW
Richard King
"Iron Man" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment) WTTW
Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Tom Sayers
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney)
Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
"Wanted" (Universal)
Wylie Stateman
Achievement in sound mixing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney)
Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
"Wanted" (Universal)
Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt
Achievement in visual effects
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) TTWW
Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
"Iron Man" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment) WTTW
John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan
Adapted screenplay
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW / TTWW
Screenplay by Eric RothScreen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
"Doubt" (Miramax)
Written by John Patrick Shanley
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
Screenplay by Peter Morgan
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
Screenplay by David Hare
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy
Original screenplay
"Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Written by Courtney Hunt
"Happy-Go-Lucky" (Miramax)
Written by Mike Leigh
"In Bruges" (Focus Features)
Written by Martin McDonagh
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Written by Dustin Lance Black
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney)
Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim ReardonOriginal story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter
FEATURE FILMS WITH TWO OR MORE NOMINATIONS
(This list does not include Short Films or Documentary Short Subjects.)
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" - Paramount and Warner Bros - 13
"Slumdog Millionaire" - Fox Searchlight - 10
"The Dark Knight" - Warner Bros - 8
"Milk" - Focus Features - 8
"WALL-E" - Walt Disney -6
"Doubt" - Miramax - 5
"Frost/Nixon" - Universal - 5
"The Reader" - The Weinstein Company - 5
"The Changeling" - Universal - 3
"Revolutionary Road" - Distributed by Paramount Vantage - 3
"The Duchess" - Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films - 2
"Frozen River" - Sony Pictures Classics - 2
"Iron Man" - Paramount and Marvel Entertainment - 2
"Wanted" - Universal - 2
"The Wrestler" - Fox Searchlight = 2
TV coverage
Sky 1 10pm Live Red Carpet Coverage
Sky Movies Premiere (23rd Feb) 1am Live coverage of the show.
Performance by an actor in a leading role
· Richard Jenkins in "The Visitor" (Overture Films)
· Frank Langella in "Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
· Sean Penn in "Milk" (Focus Features)
· Brad Pitt in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW
· Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
· Josh Brolin in "Milk" (Focus Features)
· Robert Downey Jr. in "Tropic Thunder" (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
· Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Doubt" (Miramax)
· Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) TTWW / WTTW
· Michael Shannon in "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
· Anne Hathaway in "Rachel Getting Married" (Sony Pictures Classics)
· Angelina Jolie in "Changeling" (Universal)
· Melissa Leo in "Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics)
· Meryl Streep in "Doubt" (Miramax)
· Kate Winslet in "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) TTWW / WTTW
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
· Amy Adams in "Doubt" (Miramax)
· Penélope Cruz in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (The Weinstein Company)
· Viola Davis in "Doubt" (Miramax)
· Taraji P. Henson in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
· Marisa Tomei in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW / WTTW
Best animated feature film of the year
"Bolt" (Walt Disney)
Chris Williams and Byron Howard
"Kung Fu Panda" (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount) WTTW
John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney) TTWW
Andrew Stanton
Achievement in art direction
"Changeling" (Universal)
Art Direction: James J. MurakamiSet Decoration: Gary Fettis
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW / TTWW
Art Direction: Donald Graham BurtSet Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Art Direction: Nathan CrowleySet Decoration: Peter Lando
"The Duchess" (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films)
Art Direction: Michael CarlinSet Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
"Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
Art Direction: Kristi ZeaSet Decoration: Debra Schutt
Achievement in cinematography
"Changeling" (Universal)
Tom Stern
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW
Claudio Miranda
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Wally Pfister
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Anthony Dod Mantle
Achievement in costume design
"Australia" (20th Century Fox)
Catherine Martin
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) TTWW / WTTW
Jacqueline West
"The Duchess" (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films)
Michael O'Connor
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Danny Glicker
"Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
Albert Wolsky
Achievement in directing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW
David Fincher
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
Ron Howard
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Gus Van Sant
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
Stephen Daldry
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Danny Boyle
Best documentary feature
"The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)" (Cinema Guild)A Pandinlao Films Production
Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
"Encounters at the End of the World" (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment)A Creative Differences Production
Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
"The Garden"A Black Valley Films Production
Scott Hamilton Kennedy
"Man on Wire" (Magnolia Pictures) WTTW A Wall to Wall Production
James Marsh and Simon Chinn
"Trouble the Water" (Zeitgeist Films)An Elsewhere Films Production TTWW
Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
Best documentary short subject – HAVENT GOT A CLUE
"The Conscience of Nhem En"A Farallon Films Production
Steven Okazaki
"The Final Inch"A Vermilion Films Production
Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
"Smile Pinki"A Principe Production
Megan Mylan
"The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306"A Rock Paper Scissors Production
Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde
Achievement in film editing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) TTWW
Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) WTTW
Lee Smith
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Elliot Graham
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Chris Dickens
Best foreign language film of the year – HAVENT GOT A CLUE
"The Baader Meinhof Complex" A Constantin Film Production - Germany
"The Class" (Sony Pictures Classics) A Haut et Court Production - France
"Departures" (Regent Releasing) A Departures Film Partners Production - Japan
"Revanche" (Janus Films) A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production - Austria
"Waltz with Bashir" (Sony Pictures Classics) A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production - Israel
Achievement in makeup
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW / TTWW
Greg Cannom
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O'Sullivan
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" (Universal)
Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Alexandre Desplat
"Defiance" (Paramount Vantage)
James Newton Howard
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Danny Elfman
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
A.R. Rahman
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney) WTTW
Thomas Newman
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song
"Down to Earth" from "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) WTTW
Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas NewmanLyric by Peter Gabriel
"Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Music by A.R. RahmanLyric by Gulzar
"O Saya" from "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam
Best motion picture of the year
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)A Kennedy/Marshall Production WTTW
Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal)A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
"Milk" (Focus Features)A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production
Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production
Nominees to be determined
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)A Celador Films Production TTWW
Christian Colson, Producer
Best animated short film – HAVENT GOT A CLUE
"La Maison en Petits Cubes"A Robot Communications Production
Kunio Kato
"Lavatory - Lovestory"A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production
Konstantin Bronzit
"Oktapodi" (Talantis Films)A Gobelins, L'école de l'image Production
Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
"Presto" (Walt Disney)A Pixar Animation Studios Production
Doug Sweetland
"This Way Up"A Nexus Production
Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes
Best live action short film – HAVENT GOT A CLUE
"Auf der Strecke (On the Line)" (Hamburg Shortfilmagency)An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production
Reto Caffi
"Manon on the Asphalt" (La Luna Productions)A La Luna Production
Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
"New Boy" (Network Ireland Television)A Zanzibar Films Production
Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
"The Pig"An M & M Production
Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
"Spielzeugland (Toyland)"A Mephisto Film Production
Jochen Alexander Freydank
Achievement in sound editing
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) WTTW
Richard King
"Iron Man" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment) WTTW
Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) TTWW
Tom Sayers
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney)
Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
"Wanted" (Universal)
Wylie Stateman
Achievement in sound mixing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney)
Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
"Wanted" (Universal)
Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt
Achievement in visual effects
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) TTWW
Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
"The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
"Iron Man" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment) WTTW
John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan
Adapted screenplay
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) WTTW / TTWW
Screenplay by Eric RothScreen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
"Doubt" (Miramax)
Written by John Patrick Shanley
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
Screenplay by Peter Morgan
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
Screenplay by David Hare
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy
Original screenplay
"Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Written by Courtney Hunt
"Happy-Go-Lucky" (Miramax)
Written by Mike Leigh
"In Bruges" (Focus Features)
Written by Martin McDonagh
"Milk" (Focus Features)
Written by Dustin Lance Black
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney)
Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim ReardonOriginal story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter
FEATURE FILMS WITH TWO OR MORE NOMINATIONS
(This list does not include Short Films or Documentary Short Subjects.)
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" - Paramount and Warner Bros - 13
"Slumdog Millionaire" - Fox Searchlight - 10
"The Dark Knight" - Warner Bros - 8
"Milk" - Focus Features - 8
"WALL-E" - Walt Disney -6
"Doubt" - Miramax - 5
"Frost/Nixon" - Universal - 5
"The Reader" - The Weinstein Company - 5
"The Changeling" - Universal - 3
"Revolutionary Road" - Distributed by Paramount Vantage - 3
"The Duchess" - Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films - 2
"Frozen River" - Sony Pictures Classics - 2
"Iron Man" - Paramount and Marvel Entertainment - 2
"Wanted" - Universal - 2
"The Wrestler" - Fox Searchlight = 2
TV coverage
Sky 1 10pm Live Red Carpet Coverage
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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Review
Brad Pitt made to look like a very old immobile man, finally a chance to prove I’m better looking than he is!.........what, he gets younger – BLAST!
Synopsis – Benjamin Button is born as a very old man in 1918 in New Orleans, but gets younger instead of getting older. The story follows his life and his interactions with the love of his life, who unfortunately ages like normal folk!
My Reaction – Blimey! Despite its length, I have already seen this film twice at the cinema, and I would happily go again! A new timeless classic! Very similar to Forest Gump in for how the tale is told.
Plot – Ingenious! I’m never sure on period dramas, but this one stems right from 1918 to 2003 and ever time they enter a different decade; it works perfectly for the story. The original is a short story which has been adapted, but the script writers deserve an Oscar for this! I was also impressed with how they made technically a very sad and potentially depressing story into such a happy one!
Acting – I use this line a lot, but Brad Pitts best yet. Cate Blanchett also gives a very good supporting role. I wanted to throttle her character a few times through the film, but that just shows how good a turn she gave! Taraji P. Henson (the one who fancies Alicia Keys in Smoking Aces) has been given the nod for supporting actress though. She’s great in this, but I’m not sure she should have been given the nomination over Cate Blanchett.
Cinematography / FX – This is what all the hype has been about, the FX on Pitt’s makeup. And it’s deserved, they make him look older that Thora Hird in those Stanna Stair Lift ads (other stair lifts are available) and make him look younger that he did in Meet Joe Black.
The cinematography is epic too. As I’ve already mentioned, the time changes are flawless and the approach of each shot is first-class.
Direction – David Fincher is nothing short of a genius. He should work with Pitt on every film because he always manages to bring out the best in him, just like he did in Fight Club!
Best Bit – I don’t want this to take anything away from any other aspect of the film, but it has to be the man who has been hit by lightening 7 times – watch it and you’ll understand! O, and that Bike Pitt uses!
To Sum Up – A must see! Very much a feel good film, with a lot more comedic moments than I anticipated. Outstanding!
Score – 9.25 Thumbs up out of 10! My best yet! It would have got more but it is a very long running film, probably the only thing that’s wrong with it! That and I’m still failing to see the link to Hurricane Catrina – again watch it and tell me if you get it! My guess is new beginnings!
Synopsis – Benjamin Button is born as a very old man in 1918 in New Orleans, but gets younger instead of getting older. The story follows his life and his interactions with the love of his life, who unfortunately ages like normal folk!
My Reaction – Blimey! Despite its length, I have already seen this film twice at the cinema, and I would happily go again! A new timeless classic! Very similar to Forest Gump in for how the tale is told.
Plot – Ingenious! I’m never sure on period dramas, but this one stems right from 1918 to 2003 and ever time they enter a different decade; it works perfectly for the story. The original is a short story which has been adapted, but the script writers deserve an Oscar for this! I was also impressed with how they made technically a very sad and potentially depressing story into such a happy one!
Acting – I use this line a lot, but Brad Pitts best yet. Cate Blanchett also gives a very good supporting role. I wanted to throttle her character a few times through the film, but that just shows how good a turn she gave! Taraji P. Henson (the one who fancies Alicia Keys in Smoking Aces) has been given the nod for supporting actress though. She’s great in this, but I’m not sure she should have been given the nomination over Cate Blanchett.
Cinematography / FX – This is what all the hype has been about, the FX on Pitt’s makeup. And it’s deserved, they make him look older that Thora Hird in those Stanna Stair Lift ads (other stair lifts are available) and make him look younger that he did in Meet Joe Black.
The cinematography is epic too. As I’ve already mentioned, the time changes are flawless and the approach of each shot is first-class.
Direction – David Fincher is nothing short of a genius. He should work with Pitt on every film because he always manages to bring out the best in him, just like he did in Fight Club!
Best Bit – I don’t want this to take anything away from any other aspect of the film, but it has to be the man who has been hit by lightening 7 times – watch it and you’ll understand! O, and that Bike Pitt uses!
To Sum Up – A must see! Very much a feel good film, with a lot more comedic moments than I anticipated. Outstanding!
Score – 9.25 Thumbs up out of 10! My best yet! It would have got more but it is a very long running film, probably the only thing that’s wrong with it! That and I’m still failing to see the link to Hurricane Catrina – again watch it and tell me if you get it! My guess is new beginnings!
Wednesday 11 February 2009
Bafta Winners
Hello
Here is a list of the winners, and after I was requested to, the results to my predications!
BEST FILM
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Christian Colson
I wanted this to win, but I thought Ben Button would, as I thought that would take a clean sweep of everything!
OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM
MAN ON WIRE – Simon Chinn, James Marsh
Swing and a miss on this one. I wanted Slumdog to win, but I thought Mamma Mia would, purely for its box office returns.
THE CARL FOREMAN AWARD - for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer or Producer for their First Feature Film
STEVE McQUEEN (Director/Writer) – Hunger
Another one predicted wrong on my part! I wanted Slumdog to win, and I thought Mamma Mia would.
DIRECTOR
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Danny Boyle
I wanted good old Danny Boy to win, but I thought Ben Button would get it.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
IN BRUGES – Martin McDonagh
Finally got one right, but I wanted Milk to win.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Simon Beaufoy
Another one I wanted to win correctly, but thought Ben Button would take it.
FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG – Yves Marmion, Philippe Claudel
Completely got this one wrong, I guessed Waltz with Bashir would take it.
ANIMATED FILM
WALL•E – Andrew Stanton
Two correct now, but I wanted Waltz with Bashir to win.
LEADING ACTOR
MICKEY ROURKE – The Wrestler
I should have changed my opinion after seeing it, but I did want this to win. Perhaps I’ve put too much faith in Ben Button and Brad Pitt…….
LEADING ACTRESS
KATE WINSLET – The Reader
Woohoo, another one correct!
SUPPORTING ACTOR
HEATH LEDGER – The Dark Knight
I’m on a role now, COUNT IT!
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
PENÉLOPE CRUZ – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
O, never mind, missed this one completely but in my defense, it only came out on the 6th feb and isnt in the cinemas up here! I thought Amy Adams would win, but I wanted Marisa Tomei to steel it.
MUSIC
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – A. R. Rahman
Another mistake, I thought Mamma Mia would take it, but I wanted Wall E. to.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Anthony Dod Mantle
Another (insert Family Fortunes type incorrect answer noise) I thought Ben Button would win, but I wanted (and quite frankly this should have) the Dark Knight to win.
EDITING
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Chris Dickens
Im starting to think I suck at this cos I thought Ben Button to win but I wanted the Dark Knight to.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON – Donald Graham Burt, Victor J. Zolfo
Ben Button finally wins one, and I’ve guessed that Slumdog will win, but I secretly wanted the Dark Knight to.
COSTUME DESIGN
THE DUCHESS – Michael O'Connor
Another mistake on my part, I thought the Ben Button would win, but again I wanted the Dark Knight to.
SOUND
SLUMDOG MILLIONARE – Glenn Freemantle, Resul Pookutty, Richard Pryke, Tom Sayers, Ian Tapp
I wanted Bond to win, but I’m happy to say I predicted correctly.
SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON – Eric Barba, Craig Barron, – Nathan McGuinness, Edson Williams
I wanted Dark Knight to win this, but that’s two in a row correct for predictions.
MAKE UP & HAIR
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON – Jean Black, Colleen Callaghan
I wanted Dark Knight to win this, but that’s three in a row correct for predictions.
SHORT ANIMATION
WALLACE AND GROMIT: A MATTER OF LOAF AND DEATH – Steve Pegram, Nick Park, Bob Baker
Somebody stop me, that’s 4 in a row!
SHORT FILM
SEPTEMBER – Stewart le Maréchal, Esther May Campbell
I said I didn’t have a clue, so I’m not counting this as a break in correct guessing sequence!
ORANGE RISING STAR AWARD
NOEL CLARKE
Never mind my streak is over but I did want him to win. I thought Michael Cera would take it.
OUTSTANDING BRITISH CONTRIBUTION TO CINEMA
PINEWOOD STUDIOS AND SHEPPERTON STUDIOS
ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP
TERRY GILLIAM
Well I got 7 / 25 correct, not the best performance possible, but maybe ill get the Oscars correct!
Coming soon………..Benjamin Button review!
Here is a list of the winners, and after I was requested to, the results to my predications!
BEST FILM
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Christian Colson
I wanted this to win, but I thought Ben Button would, as I thought that would take a clean sweep of everything!
OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM
MAN ON WIRE – Simon Chinn, James Marsh
Swing and a miss on this one. I wanted Slumdog to win, but I thought Mamma Mia would, purely for its box office returns.
THE CARL FOREMAN AWARD - for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer or Producer for their First Feature Film
STEVE McQUEEN (Director/Writer) – Hunger
Another one predicted wrong on my part! I wanted Slumdog to win, and I thought Mamma Mia would.
DIRECTOR
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Danny Boyle
I wanted good old Danny Boy to win, but I thought Ben Button would get it.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
IN BRUGES – Martin McDonagh
Finally got one right, but I wanted Milk to win.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Simon Beaufoy
Another one I wanted to win correctly, but thought Ben Button would take it.
FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG – Yves Marmion, Philippe Claudel
Completely got this one wrong, I guessed Waltz with Bashir would take it.
ANIMATED FILM
WALL•E – Andrew Stanton
Two correct now, but I wanted Waltz with Bashir to win.
LEADING ACTOR
MICKEY ROURKE – The Wrestler
I should have changed my opinion after seeing it, but I did want this to win. Perhaps I’ve put too much faith in Ben Button and Brad Pitt…….
LEADING ACTRESS
KATE WINSLET – The Reader
Woohoo, another one correct!
SUPPORTING ACTOR
HEATH LEDGER – The Dark Knight
I’m on a role now, COUNT IT!
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
PENÉLOPE CRUZ – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
O, never mind, missed this one completely but in my defense, it only came out on the 6th feb and isnt in the cinemas up here! I thought Amy Adams would win, but I wanted Marisa Tomei to steel it.
MUSIC
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – A. R. Rahman
Another mistake, I thought Mamma Mia would take it, but I wanted Wall E. to.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Anthony Dod Mantle
Another (insert Family Fortunes type incorrect answer noise) I thought Ben Button would win, but I wanted (and quite frankly this should have) the Dark Knight to win.
EDITING
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Chris Dickens
Im starting to think I suck at this cos I thought Ben Button to win but I wanted the Dark Knight to.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON – Donald Graham Burt, Victor J. Zolfo
Ben Button finally wins one, and I’ve guessed that Slumdog will win, but I secretly wanted the Dark Knight to.
COSTUME DESIGN
THE DUCHESS – Michael O'Connor
Another mistake on my part, I thought the Ben Button would win, but again I wanted the Dark Knight to.
SOUND
SLUMDOG MILLIONARE – Glenn Freemantle, Resul Pookutty, Richard Pryke, Tom Sayers, Ian Tapp
I wanted Bond to win, but I’m happy to say I predicted correctly.
SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON – Eric Barba, Craig Barron, – Nathan McGuinness, Edson Williams
I wanted Dark Knight to win this, but that’s two in a row correct for predictions.
MAKE UP & HAIR
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON – Jean Black, Colleen Callaghan
I wanted Dark Knight to win this, but that’s three in a row correct for predictions.
SHORT ANIMATION
WALLACE AND GROMIT: A MATTER OF LOAF AND DEATH – Steve Pegram, Nick Park, Bob Baker
Somebody stop me, that’s 4 in a row!
SHORT FILM
SEPTEMBER – Stewart le Maréchal, Esther May Campbell
I said I didn’t have a clue, so I’m not counting this as a break in correct guessing sequence!
ORANGE RISING STAR AWARD
NOEL CLARKE
Never mind my streak is over but I did want him to win. I thought Michael Cera would take it.
OUTSTANDING BRITISH CONTRIBUTION TO CINEMA
PINEWOOD STUDIOS AND SHEPPERTON STUDIOS
ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP
TERRY GILLIAM
Well I got 7 / 25 correct, not the best performance possible, but maybe ill get the Oscars correct!
Coming soon………..Benjamin Button review!
Saturday 7 February 2009
The Wrestler Review
A film about Pro Wrestling, with Mickey Rourke in, and directed by the guy who is going make the new Robocop – GENIUS
Synopsis – Mickey Rourke plays Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a wrestler who was big 20 years ago, but still wrestles to make ends meat! The story follows his life and relationships, after he has a heart attack following a match.
My Reaction – I was blown away by Mickey Rourkes performance, and Darren Aronofskys direction and vision is astounding.
Plot – The whole story hits home with a very scary realism, which just shows how some people can not let go of past fame. Robert D. Siegal’s writing gives a fine balance of story to wrestling matches.
Acting – Where to start!!! Its clear Mickey Rourke completely immersed himself into this role. (It’s been rumoured he wants to go into the WWE!) His physical form and the way he performs whilst wrestling is to professional standard, I’d expect nothing less from a man has had a short boxing career. This dedication is matched with every line he delivers in his day to day life, especially when he tries to patch things up with his daughter.
However, this isn’t just Rourkes film. Marisa Tomei (from Alfie and The Love Guru fame) plays the stripper Cassidy, and interacts with Rourke perfectly. I think she is the perfect contender for some awards. Plus, I’ve got to say, the 44yr old looks stunning whilst stripping!
Cinematography / FX – Brilliant throughout. Aronfsky’s use of close up camera shots during the wrestling matches almost make you feel every hit or body slam. From an FX perspective, at one point during the film you see the after effects of a ‘hardcore’ match, with glass, staples and tacs being removed from Rourkes body. This is either FX trickery, or Rourke received those cuts for real (something I wouldn’t be shocked to hear!).
Direction – Aronofskys best yet in my opinion. He has managed to bring the already talented Rourke into another Oscar worthy role.
Best Bit – During the aforementioned ‘Hardcore’ match, a member of the crowd give The Ram his fake leg to use as a weapon, which makes the crowds chant “USE HIS LEG, USE HIS LEG”. After a quick beating with the prosthetic limb, the crowd start a new chant of “HOLY SH*T, HOLY S*IT”.
To Sum Up – Amazing lead and supporting actor performances, clever direction and pro wrestling, a must see for everyone.
Score – My highest yet, 9.2 Thumbs up out of 10.
Synopsis – Mickey Rourke plays Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a wrestler who was big 20 years ago, but still wrestles to make ends meat! The story follows his life and relationships, after he has a heart attack following a match.
My Reaction – I was blown away by Mickey Rourkes performance, and Darren Aronofskys direction and vision is astounding.
Plot – The whole story hits home with a very scary realism, which just shows how some people can not let go of past fame. Robert D. Siegal’s writing gives a fine balance of story to wrestling matches.
Acting – Where to start!!! Its clear Mickey Rourke completely immersed himself into this role. (It’s been rumoured he wants to go into the WWE!) His physical form and the way he performs whilst wrestling is to professional standard, I’d expect nothing less from a man has had a short boxing career. This dedication is matched with every line he delivers in his day to day life, especially when he tries to patch things up with his daughter.
However, this isn’t just Rourkes film. Marisa Tomei (from Alfie and The Love Guru fame) plays the stripper Cassidy, and interacts with Rourke perfectly. I think she is the perfect contender for some awards. Plus, I’ve got to say, the 44yr old looks stunning whilst stripping!
Cinematography / FX – Brilliant throughout. Aronfsky’s use of close up camera shots during the wrestling matches almost make you feel every hit or body slam. From an FX perspective, at one point during the film you see the after effects of a ‘hardcore’ match, with glass, staples and tacs being removed from Rourkes body. This is either FX trickery, or Rourke received those cuts for real (something I wouldn’t be shocked to hear!).
Direction – Aronofskys best yet in my opinion. He has managed to bring the already talented Rourke into another Oscar worthy role.
Best Bit – During the aforementioned ‘Hardcore’ match, a member of the crowd give The Ram his fake leg to use as a weapon, which makes the crowds chant “USE HIS LEG, USE HIS LEG”. After a quick beating with the prosthetic limb, the crowd start a new chant of “HOLY SH*T, HOLY S*IT”.
To Sum Up – Amazing lead and supporting actor performances, clever direction and pro wrestling, a must see for everyone.
Score – My highest yet, 9.2 Thumbs up out of 10.
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