One of the traditionally most ridiculous categories to predict, beyond the short films, is the Best Original Song Oscar.
The big complaint this year is that three songs from Enchanted got nominated. Now, I understand that Alan Menken has history on his side: eight wins for Disney standards like "Under the Sea," "A Whole New World," and "Colors of The Wind" from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Pocahontas, respectively. So I actually went to YouTube and checked out the three songs. "So Close" is okay- kind of a cheese-ball ballad that really feels dated to me, but I could see why it's nominated, at least in a year with a Randy Newman Pixar song or something. But both "That's How You Know" and "Happy Working Song" are complete pieces of fluff- pale imitations of earlier Disney musical songs that are absolutely nothing special.
The August Rush song, "Raise It Up," is nice and soulfull- but honestly some of the after-school rap lyrics are honestly cringe inducing. Also, children singing is very hit or miss for me.
So here are my choices, from the original list of 59, for what I'd vote for.
"Do You Feel Me" - Diane Warren (perf. by Anthony Hamilton)
from American Gangster
Randomly sung during a nightclub scene in Ridley Scott's all-but overlooked crime drama, this song left an immediate impression- it could have been any random seventies cover, but Diane Warren (an Oscar song giant herself) captured the soul of the era, and Anthony Hamilton delivers it. No offense to Amy Adams' singing voice, but come on.
"My Hands Are Shaking" - Sondre Lerche
from Dan In Real Life
If I had known that Norwegian troubadour Sondre Lerche composed the score and wrote several songs for Dan in Real Life, I probably would have gotten off my ass and seen it. As it is, you shouldn't have to be a former Beatle to get an Oscar nomination for a pop song.
"Pop! Goes My Heart" - Andrew Wyatt (perf. by Wyatt and hugh Grant)
from Music and Lyrics
Good song? Yeah, it's cheesy and captures the era. But mostly, how awesome would it be to see this performed at the Oscars? (assuming there is an Oscars).
"Guaranteed" - Eddie Vedder
from Into the Wild
Usually I'm not the biggest Eddie Vedder fan, but this seems to fit the mood of the story perfectly. What's with the Academy not liking pop stars anyway? This getting the shaft, after winning the Golden Globe, is pretty strange on the heels of both Vedder's and Johnny Greenwood's late-breaking disqualifications for Best Score.
And finally, the only one of the academy's five I agree with:
"Falling Slowly"- Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
from Once
Curiously, this song seems like it shouldn't have been nominated, as per the Academy's bitchy rules (it was written well before the film, and even released on Hansard and Irglova's "The Swell Season"). But as long as the voters were ignorant enough of it to nominate it, there's no way it should lose.
I would be well more pissed than any other Oscar fiasco (including Crash over Brokeback Mountain, Titanic over L. A. Confidential, anything) if "Falling Slowly" doesn't win the statue.
Showing posts with label once. Show all posts
Showing posts with label once. Show all posts
Friday, January 25, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
2007's Top 20 Films- Dave
Nine Movies That Would Have Probably Made My Top Twenty If They Had Arrived In Milwaukee Sooner, Or If I Had Made An Effort To See Them:
Away from Her, Control, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days, Gone Baby Gone, King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, Michael Clayton, The Orphanage, and Persepolis.
Only Away from Her, Gone Baby Gone, King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, and Michael Clayton made it to the Milwaukee market and I never got around to seeing any of them. Hopefully, I will catch Michael Clayton as it is going into a re-release for an Oscar run. As for the remaining five, they have not hit the Milwaukee market yet, but – assuredly – I will see them when they do. I have a feeling that they are all spectacular films based on their trailers, the reviews, and the award nominations they are receiving.
20. 28 Weeks Later
19. Breach
18. Juno
17. The Namesake
16. Knocked Up
15. 3:10 to Yuma
14. Into the Wild
13. Rescue Dawn
12. Ratatouille
11. The Bourne Ultimatum
I think that Breach and The Namesake could have been contenders for Best Supporting Actor if they had a campaign and a later release date. I am also not entirely blown away by Juno, though it is a very good movie. 3:10 to Yuma, Rescue Dawn, and – yes – 28 Weeks Later are all solidly crafted movies that I was unsure at first and all pleasantly surprised by.
I find the Best Picture talk for Into the Wild to be kind of crazy talk. I think the performances and cinematography are all top notch, but as an overall product, it does work that well for me.
Ratatouille and The Bourne Ultimatum are both outstanding fares for various reasons. I miss the early 1990’s because these two films would have garnered Best Picture buzz. The world has changed from the days of Beauty and the Beast and The Fugitive getting Best Picture nominations.
10. The Mist
I was initially reluctant to see this film because I know that Stephen King adaptations tend to be horrible. However, I figured the pairing of Frank Darabont and King has yielded good results in the past and I had nothing to do on a weekday afternoon.
This film’s focus is so sharp on the paranoia and power structures that arise with ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Though some labeled this a “B Movie,” it is nowhere near that in its portrayal of small townspeople.
Plus, the ending is surprising and still shocks me months after I first saw the film.
9. No End in Sight
Hey, look! A documentary! I rented this one a few weeks ago – on the same night that I rented The Namesake – and was entranced by it. Charles Ferguson’s film is not nearly as explosive as Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11, but the intimate interviews of people that do not support the war or have become disillusioned by it is mesmerizing. If you want to watch only one documentary on the conflict in Iraq, make it this one.
8. Eastern Promises
When I heard Cronenberg and Mortensen were re-teaming for another film, I was excited. Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises may lack the down-to-earth feel of A History of Violence, but it is still packs a powerful punch.
Mortensen’s performance was probably the most unhinged of any actor this year. The raw emotion – and body parts – that he put on display here is admirable. Supported by an outstanding supporting cast, Eastern Promises was one of the most satisfying films of the year.
7. Once
It should get nominations for Best Song, but it probably will not. It should probably merit a Best Picture nomination, but the Academy has not nominated a film for solely Best Picture since Grand Hotel.
This is the little musical that could and like Spielberg says, “This movie gave me enough hope for the rest of year.”
Robert Rodriguez made a documentary / lecture called Film is Dead. I would like to make an addendum to that saying the cinematic experience is dead.
There are a few exceptions where going to the movies becomes an experience. Whether it is because people dress up like the characters, religiously attend midnight showings of the movie, or know every single line of the film.
However, Grindhouse was the most fun at the movies all year. It was a unique experience that allowed people to stand up and cheer, openly cringe, and laugh hysterically at things that traditional Hollywood movies would not cue you to laugh at.
5. Atonement
I was completely fascinated with this movie after I saw the trailer. The movie lives up to the incredible hype that surrounds it constructing a beautifully tragic tale.
After I had seen the film, I told a friend about it and how excellent I thought it was. He said that he did not want to bec
ause “it seems like a British movie that is created solely for the purpose of making an Academy Awards run.” I could not disagree with him more, citing the stellar performances, outstanding editing, and the overall scope of the film.
4. There Will Be Blood
“Drainage! Drainage, Eli! Drained dry, you boy! If you have a milkshake and I have a milkshake and I have a straw and my straw reaches across the room and starts to drink your milkshake. I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!”
Daniel Day-Lewis sells this movie all by himself.
3. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Initially, people wondered if Tim Burton’s distinct visual style would hinder the film. I think the end product has silenced anyone who ever did question that.
Burton’s delightful film cruises along with toe-tapping songs, Johnny Depp’s memorable performance, and an exquisite complimentary cast.
I wish this film would get all the Academy Award nominations it deserves. People would argue that musicals tend to get overlooked by the Academy, but they should stop and notice the excellence this film exudes.
2. Zodiac
If I had run of the Academy Awards, Zodiac would be the runaway leader in nominations. However, because the film was released in March and has had a minimal campaign, it will get entirely overlooked come Oscar time.
Remarkable performances from everyone made this the best ensemble piece in my eyes. From Gyllenhaal’s restraint to the always undervalued Anthony Edwards everybody had a genuine feel to them. Robert Downey Jr.’s performance was arguably one of the best of the year, but in a crowded field, he has almost entirely been forgotten.
The cinematography is an awesome spectacle as it is the first film to completely use the Vesper-Thomson film system. The editing, score, and attention to detail are heightened to a point that you feel like you are really in the Bay Area.
James Vanderbilt, having improved his writing skills since Basic, is at the top of his game and I hold out hope that he will be recognized for his work come January 22nd.
In the end, the person who deserves the most credit for Zodiac is David Fincher. His meticulous work and research on the film makes this film the highlight of his career. This movie – along with one other this year – left me completely breathless at the end, even though I knew what the outcome was going to be. Just like…
This is movie perfection. There is no other way to describe it. I feel that no matter how many adjectives I throw out there they simply will not do this movie justice.
So much has already been said about the film that I feel I can only add one thing: Javier Bardem is not the “ultimate badass.” I would call him the ultimate car wreck. There has never been a character that is so horrific and methodical, yet I can not take my eyes off of him. I want to see what he will do next and I know that it is going to be something atrocious. That is how I know the Coen Brothers truly captured something menacing.
Most Overrated Film of the Year:
Charlie Wilson’s War – Yes, the two male leads are quite good. The script is very good for about 75 minutes. However, the more I think about this movie, the more I do not like it. I view Julia Roberts as a waste of space, Mike Nichols seems content to let his stars do what they want, and I wonder how the heck it managed a Best Picture Comedy or Musical nomination at the Golden Globes.
Best Guilty Pleasure Film of the Year:
300 – It made a gazillion dollars and has amazing visuals, but the dialogue is a tad ridiculous and – at times – it really quite cheesy. In ten years this movie may still be heralded as a visual achievement, but I do not think it will age well. Still, Snyder’s unique vision is entertaining for its slow-motion fight scenes and bombastic catchphrases.
Away from Her, Control, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days, Gone Baby Gone, King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, Michael Clayton, The Orphanage, and Persepolis.
Only Away from Her, Gone Baby Gone, King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, and Michael Clayton made it to the Milwaukee market and I never got around to seeing any of them. Hopefully, I will catch Michael Clayton as it is going into a re-release for an Oscar run. As for the remaining five, they have not hit the Milwaukee market yet, but – assuredly – I will see them when they do. I have a feeling that they are all spectacular films based on their trailers, the reviews, and the award nominations they are receiving.
20. 28 Weeks Later
19. Breach
18. Juno
17. The Namesake
16. Knocked Up
15. 3:10 to Yuma
14. Into the Wild
13. Rescue Dawn
12. Ratatouille
11. The Bourne Ultimatum
I think that Breach and The Namesake could have been contenders for Best Supporting Actor if they had a campaign and a later release date. I am also not entirely blown away by Juno, though it is a very good movie. 3:10 to Yuma, Rescue Dawn, and – yes – 28 Weeks Later are all solidly crafted movies that I was unsure at first and all pleasantly surprised by.
I find the Best Picture talk for Into the Wild to be kind of crazy talk. I think the performances and cinematography are all top notch, but as an overall product, it does work that well for me.
Ratatouille and The Bourne Ultimatum are both outstanding fares for various reasons. I miss the early 1990’s because these two films would have garnered Best Picture buzz. The world has changed from the days of Beauty and the Beast and The Fugitive getting Best Picture nominations.
10. The Mist
I was initially reluctant to see this film because I know that Stephen King adaptations tend to be horrible. However, I figured the pairing of Frank Darabont and King has yielded good results in the past and I had nothing to do on a weekday afternoon.
This film’s focus is so sharp on the paranoia and power structures that arise with ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Though some labeled this a “B Movie,” it is nowhere near that in its portrayal of small townspeople.
Plus, the ending is surprising and still shocks me months after I first saw the film.
9. No End in Sight
Hey, look! A documentary! I rented this one a few weeks ago – on the same night that I rented The Namesake – and was entranced by it. Charles Ferguson’s film is not nearly as explosive as Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11, but the intimate interviews of people that do not support the war or have become disillusioned by it is mesmerizing. If you want to watch only one documentary on the conflict in Iraq, make it this one.
8. Eastern Promises
When I heard Cronenberg and Mortensen were re-teaming for another film, I was excited. Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises may lack the down-to-earth feel of A History of Violence, but it is still packs a powerful punch.
Mortensen’s performance was probably the most unhinged of any actor this year. The raw emotion – and body parts – that he put on display here is admirable. Supported by an outstanding supporting cast, Eastern Promises was one of the most satisfying films of the year.
7. Once
It should get nominations for Best Song, but it probably will not. It should probably merit a Best Picture nomination, but the Academy has not nominated a film for solely Best Picture since Grand Hotel.
This is the little musical that could and like Spielberg says, “This movie gave me enough hope for the rest of year.”
6. Grindhouse
Robert Rodriguez made a documentary / lecture called Film is Dead. I would like to make an addendum to that saying the cinematic experience is dead.
There are a few exceptions where going to the movies becomes an experience. Whether it is because people dress up like the characters, religiously attend midnight showings of the movie, or know every single line of the film.
However, Grindhouse was the most fun at the movies all year. It was a unique experience that allowed people to stand up and cheer, openly cringe, and laugh hysterically at things that traditional Hollywood movies would not cue you to laugh at.
5. Atonement
I was completely fascinated with this movie after I saw the trailer. The movie lives up to the incredible hype that surrounds it constructing a beautifully tragic tale.
After I had seen the film, I told a friend about it and how excellent I thought it was. He said that he did not want to bec
ause “it seems like a British movie that is created solely for the purpose of making an Academy Awards run.” I could not disagree with him more, citing the stellar performances, outstanding editing, and the overall scope of the film.4. There Will Be Blood
“Drainage! Drainage, Eli! Drained dry, you boy! If you have a milkshake and I have a milkshake and I have a straw and my straw reaches across the room and starts to drink your milkshake. I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!”
Daniel Day-Lewis sells this movie all by himself.
3. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Initially, people wondered if Tim Burton’s distinct visual style would hinder the film. I think the end product has silenced anyone who ever did question that.
Burton’s delightful film cruises along with toe-tapping songs, Johnny Depp’s memorable performance, and an exquisite complimentary cast.
I wish this film would get all the Academy Award nominations it deserves. People would argue that musicals tend to get overlooked by the Academy, but they should stop and notice the excellence this film exudes.
2. Zodiac
If I had run of the Academy Awards, Zodiac would be the runaway leader in nominations. However, because the film was released in March and has had a minimal campaign, it will get entirely overlooked come Oscar time.
Remarkable performances from everyone made this the best ensemble piece in my eyes. From Gyllenhaal’s restraint to the always undervalued Anthony Edwards everybody had a genuine feel to them. Robert Downey Jr.’s performance was arguably one of the best of the year, but in a crowded field, he has almost entirely been forgotten.
The cinematography is an awesome spectacle as it is the first film to completely use the Vesper-Thomson film system. The editing, score, and attention to detail are heightened to a point that you feel like you are really in the Bay Area.
James Vanderbilt, having improved his writing skills since Basic, is at the top of his game and I hold out hope that he will be recognized for his work come January 22nd.
In the end, the person who deserves the most credit for Zodiac is David Fincher. His meticulous work and research on the film makes this film the highlight of his career. This movie – along with one other this year – left me completely breathless at the end, even though I knew what the outcome was going to be. Just like…
1. No Country for Old Men
This is movie perfection. There is no other way to describe it. I feel that no matter how many adjectives I throw out there they simply will not do this movie justice.
So much has already been said about the film that I feel I can only add one thing: Javier Bardem is not the “ultimate badass.” I would call him the ultimate car wreck. There has never been a character that is so horrific and methodical, yet I can not take my eyes off of him. I want to see what he will do next and I know that it is going to be something atrocious. That is how I know the Coen Brothers truly captured something menacing.
Most Overrated Film of the Year:
Charlie Wilson’s War – Yes, the two male leads are quite good. The script is very good for about 75 minutes. However, the more I think about this movie, the more I do not like it. I view Julia Roberts as a waste of space, Mike Nichols seems content to let his stars do what they want, and I wonder how the heck it managed a Best Picture Comedy or Musical nomination at the Golden Globes.
Best Guilty Pleasure Film of the Year:
300 – It made a gazillion dollars and has amazing visuals, but the dialogue is a tad ridiculous and – at times – it really quite cheesy. In ten years this movie may still be heralded as a visual achievement, but I do not think it will age well. Still, Snyder’s unique vision is entertaining for its slow-motion fight scenes and bombastic catchphrases.
Friday, January 18, 2008
2007's Top 20 Films- Duncan
The clock is ticking on "best of" columns for 2007. But, due to the curse of the midwest, I must compose my list not having seen things like Persepolis, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and The Savages, since the first two don't open for two weeks in Wisconsin, and the latter just got here.
So know that this list will be revised, if applicable, when I do see those films, and I'll link back to it when appropriate. I ended up seeing over fifty films released last year, depending on how you count it (I say count February to January, since this month is all about seeing art-house award contenders that hadn't made it here yet). And with very few exceptions, they were all pretty much a good time. Whittling it down to 20 was hard.
The latter half of the list:
21. Ratatouille
20. Paprika
19. Stardust
18. Juno
17. Gone Baby Gone
16. The Darjeeling Limited
15. American Gangster
14. The Bourne Ultimatum
13. 3:10 to Yuma
12. Knocked Up
Pretty self explanatory runners-up. I'm obviously not as high on Juno as other countdown makers, but it's still a great film in a crowded year. Paprika is the only thing to make the list that I missed in the theater- otherwise I saw most of this list on the first weekend I could.
11. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The only film in all of 2007 that I saw more than once in theaters, so it leapfrogs The Bourne Ultimatum and Knocked Up from the Summer Countdown for the ten-spot. I never would have predicted, based on the first two films, that I'd eventually be as stoked for first-day midnight showings of the Harry Potter series as I was for Lord of the Rings, but the last three films are right up there with any other famous trilogies. Can't wait until November.
10. Atonement
After I saw Atonement, I read the Ian McEwan novel (normally something I'd have done first), and to my surprise still preferred the film. It was able to cut very efficiently through a beautiful, but plodding novel, and maintain a tense energy throughout.
It's not really as "Oscar"-ish at it seemed at first glance, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It eschews redundant pining and melodrama for a twist that is both satisfying and heart-wrenching at the same time. In a slower year, I wouldn't have hesitated so much to put it into my Best Picture nominees.
9. Zodiac
As I am now reminded, January through March is not the best time to go to the movies (unless you're Dave, who's seeing Cloverfield this weekend and Rambo(?) next weekend, he tells me. I felt like I had to share this with you). This is the only representative from the Mid-winter and Spring months of 2007 on this whole list- The Namesake, Reign Over Me, Hot Fuzz, and The Host are all in the twenties for sure, but still.
Robert Downey, Jr. steals the show in David Fincher's moody, atmospheric procedural not-quite-a-thriller about the unsolved Zodiac killings in San Francisco. Jake Gyllenhaal does a workmanlike job as a cartoonist obsessed with the case, but never really solidifies this picture into an awards contender. Between this and what I hear is a bland turn in Rendition (I didn't see it), we're still waiting for you to capitalize on the potential you showed in Donnie Darko, Jake.
8. Rescue Dawn
Christian Bale eats live worms. For real.
7. Michael Clayton
A heart-pounding, throwback thriller that has stuck in my memory so well I might go see it again once they re-expand it next weekend (so far, the Clayton and No Country teams are positive enough about multiple Oscars noms that they've planned the Awards rerun expansions already. If Into the Wild makes it into the final five, they'll probably re-up that as well).
6. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
True story: right before I went to see this with Nicole, we had lunch at Boston Market and I ordered a chicken pot pie. Yeah.
5. Away From Her
Bought it on DVD, and it still holds up. Further information (from my parents, who watched it on my fervent recommendation) has revealed to me that the K. D. Lang song that plays over the credits is a classic Neil Young song.
So maybe they chose it to appeal to the presumably older than I am target audience of this Alzheimer's centered drama. So what- the Ray LaMontagne song from the trailer is still a better fit, I way.
4. There Will Be Blood
Basically the shortest three hours I spent in a movie theater this year. Between the score, the visuals, and the utterly ridiculous badassness of Daniel Day-Lewis, an instant buy on DVD. And it's a shoe-in for a Best Picture nomination on Tuesday, to boot.
3. Once
I know, I know, this was runner up to Away From Her on my list four months ago. What can I say? I'm not paid enough for this to not change my mind about things. Watching it on DVD, I realized what an efficient, brilliant film it turned out to be for the budget.
And they say nothing elevates a film like the right soundtrack, but this is really a case of a brilliant soundtrack elevating a bootstraps indie film to an instant classic. It's a shame that only two songs ("Falling Slowly" and "If You Want Me") are eligible for the Best Original Song Oscar, and that's the only place that Once has a shot at showing up in.
2. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
(See review)
Sure, pick the most lauded film of the year, Duncan. Way to go out on a limb. What can I say? You can't argue with two Coen brothers, a Pulitzer-winning author, two badasses and a complete psychopath.
Most Overrated film of the year:
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
When I caught up with this one, I remembered vaguely the premise and that it got outstanding reviews. And while the execution is there, and the cast is more than able (Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei's breasts, Ethan Hawke, and Albert Finney), it's just a miserable film about misery for the sake of misery. Much like the similarly lauded but god-awful House of Sand and Fog, I can just never get behind sad people with bad luck doing horrible things to each other.
Plus, 83-year old Sidney Lumet decides to fracture the timeline of this film with completely jarring and useless Tarantino cuts, which recur until you just start wishing for the thing to end. Maybe the critics were just so proud of him for managing to shoot a whole film without soiling himself that they gave him a free pass.
Best Guilty Pleasure: Across the Universe
Who doesn't like a good sing along? I have no intention of buying Julie Taymour's cheesy, goofball Beatles collage movie (maybe as a gift), but I did pick up the soundtrack to blast in my car.
It's been such a strong year for musicals/music-related pictures I thought the Academy might dust off the "Best Musical" category and nominate Across the Universe, Once, La Vie En Rose, Hairspray, and Sweeney Todd.
Omissions:
I never had the effort to see Into the Wild (which would be an inspiring yarn of natural connection and individualism if (spoiler) its protagonist didn't starve to death in an abandoned van in Alaska(end spoiler)). And that's the only film in the running for Best Pic I haven't made it to, except for Diving Bell as I mentioned. I could really care less about The Great Debaters (I was on the Chess Team in high school. The Debate Team was a bunch of nerds) or The Bucket List. I didn't ever really feel the need to see La Vie En Rose or A Mighty Heart, because I'm not into French music or bad French accents. And there was too big a part of my mind that thought Lars and the Real Girl sounded too much like a National Lampoon's movie (the crappy ones, with Paris Hilton in them for five minutes) to take seriously.
Otherwise I saw just about everything, which is way too many for someone who doesn't get paid to.
So know that this list will be revised, if applicable, when I do see those films, and I'll link back to it when appropriate. I ended up seeing over fifty films released last year, depending on how you count it (I say count February to January, since this month is all about seeing art-house award contenders that hadn't made it here yet). And with very few exceptions, they were all pretty much a good time. Whittling it down to 20 was hard.
The latter half of the list:
21. Ratatouille
20. Paprika
19. Stardust
18. Juno
17. Gone Baby Gone
16. The Darjeeling Limited
15. American Gangster
14. The Bourne Ultimatum
13. 3:10 to Yuma
12. Knocked Up
Pretty self explanatory runners-up. I'm obviously not as high on Juno as other countdown makers, but it's still a great film in a crowded year. Paprika is the only thing to make the list that I missed in the theater- otherwise I saw most of this list on the first weekend I could.
11. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The only film in all of 2007 that I saw more than once in theaters, so it leapfrogs The Bourne Ultimatum and Knocked Up from the Summer Countdown for the ten-spot. I never would have predicted, based on the first two films, that I'd eventually be as stoked for first-day midnight showings of the Harry Potter series as I was for Lord of the Rings, but the last three films are right up there with any other famous trilogies. Can't wait until November.
10. Atonement
After I saw Atonement, I read the Ian McEwan novel (normally something I'd have done first), and to my surprise still preferred the film. It was able to cut very efficiently through a beautiful, but plodding novel, and maintain a tense energy throughout.
It's not really as "Oscar"-ish at it seemed at first glance, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It eschews redundant pining and melodrama for a twist that is both satisfying and heart-wrenching at the same time. In a slower year, I wouldn't have hesitated so much to put it into my Best Picture nominees.
9. ZodiacAs I am now reminded, January through March is not the best time to go to the movies (unless you're Dave, who's seeing Cloverfield this weekend and Rambo(?) next weekend, he tells me. I felt like I had to share this with you). This is the only representative from the Mid-winter and Spring months of 2007 on this whole list- The Namesake, Reign Over Me, Hot Fuzz, and The Host are all in the twenties for sure, but still.
Robert Downey, Jr. steals the show in David Fincher's moody, atmospheric procedural not-quite-a-thriller about the unsolved Zodiac killings in San Francisco. Jake Gyllenhaal does a workmanlike job as a cartoonist obsessed with the case, but never really solidifies this picture into an awards contender. Between this and what I hear is a bland turn in Rendition (I didn't see it), we're still waiting for you to capitalize on the potential you showed in Donnie Darko, Jake.
8. Rescue Dawn
Christian Bale eats live worms. For real.
7. Michael Clayton
A heart-pounding, throwback thriller that has stuck in my memory so well I might go see it again once they re-expand it next weekend (so far, the Clayton and No Country teams are positive enough about multiple Oscars noms that they've planned the Awards rerun expansions already. If Into the Wild makes it into the final five, they'll probably re-up that as well).
6. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
True story: right before I went to see this with Nicole, we had lunch at Boston Market and I ordered a chicken pot pie. Yeah.
5. Away From Her
Bought it on DVD, and it still holds up. Further information (from my parents, who watched it on my fervent recommendation) has revealed to me that the K. D. Lang song that plays over the credits is a classic Neil Young song.
So maybe they chose it to appeal to the presumably older than I am target audience of this Alzheimer's centered drama. So what- the Ray LaMontagne song from the trailer is still a better fit, I way.
4. There Will Be Blood
Basically the shortest three hours I spent in a movie theater this year. Between the score, the visuals, and the utterly ridiculous badassness of Daniel Day-Lewis, an instant buy on DVD. And it's a shoe-in for a Best Picture nomination on Tuesday, to boot.
3. Once
I know, I know, this was runner up to Away From Her on my list four months ago. What can I say? I'm not paid enough for this to not change my mind about things. Watching it on DVD, I realized what an efficient, brilliant film it turned out to be for the budget.
And they say nothing elevates a film like the right soundtrack, but this is really a case of a brilliant soundtrack elevating a bootstraps indie film to an instant classic. It's a shame that only two songs ("Falling Slowly" and "If You Want Me") are eligible for the Best Original Song Oscar, and that's the only place that Once has a shot at showing up in.
2. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
(See review)
1. No Country For Old Men
Sure, pick the most lauded film of the year, Duncan. Way to go out on a limb. What can I say? You can't argue with two Coen brothers, a Pulitzer-winning author, two badasses and a complete psychopath.
Most Overrated film of the year:
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
When I caught up with this one, I remembered vaguely the premise and that it got outstanding reviews. And while the execution is there, and the cast is more than able (Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei's breasts, Ethan Hawke, and Albert Finney), it's just a miserable film about misery for the sake of misery. Much like the similarly lauded but god-awful House of Sand and Fog, I can just never get behind sad people with bad luck doing horrible things to each other.
Plus, 83-year old Sidney Lumet decides to fracture the timeline of this film with completely jarring and useless Tarantino cuts, which recur until you just start wishing for the thing to end. Maybe the critics were just so proud of him for managing to shoot a whole film without soiling himself that they gave him a free pass.
Best Guilty Pleasure: Across the Universe
Who doesn't like a good sing along? I have no intention of buying Julie Taymour's cheesy, goofball Beatles collage movie (maybe as a gift), but I did pick up the soundtrack to blast in my car.
It's been such a strong year for musicals/music-related pictures I thought the Academy might dust off the "Best Musical" category and nominate Across the Universe, Once, La Vie En Rose, Hairspray, and Sweeney Todd.
Omissions:
I never had the effort to see Into the Wild (which would be an inspiring yarn of natural connection and individualism if (spoiler) its protagonist didn't starve to death in an abandoned van in Alaska(end spoiler)). And that's the only film in the running for Best Pic I haven't made it to, except for Diving Bell as I mentioned. I could really care less about The Great Debaters (I was on the Chess Team in high school. The Debate Team was a bunch of nerds) or The Bucket List. I didn't ever really feel the need to see La Vie En Rose or A Mighty Heart, because I'm not into French music or bad French accents. And there was too big a part of my mind that thought Lars and the Real Girl sounded too much like a National Lampoon's movie (the crappy ones, with Paris Hilton in them for five minutes) to take seriously.
Otherwise I saw just about everything, which is way too many for someone who doesn't get paid to.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Summer Movie Recap, Part III (8-1)
Part I / Part II / Part III
The best eight films I saw this summer, and the only ones I will probably buy. (maybe Superbad, too, just 'cause).
The "I Ate How Much Popcorn?" All-Stars (an Eddie Izzard reference)
8. Ratatouille (imdb) (official site)
This is probably a good time to mention that I'm an amateur standup comedian. When Pixar offended my entire way of life by promoting the continued existence of Larry the Cable Guy with Cars, I wasn't sure if I could ever forgive them for paying actual money to the racist, hackish, example of everything wrong with the comedy world today.
But then, in their very next film, they cast the hilarious, shining beacon of everything good in standup, Patton Oswalt, as a talking rat. How could I not support this? Plus, it's honestly my favorite CGI film to date.
7. Stardust (imdb) (off.)
If you knew how much I love everything that Neil Gaiman has ever touched, you wouldn't believe I could rank this only at number seven. My girlfriend would personally attest that each time I reread Sandman, American Gods, or Stardust, I'm probably a hair's breath away from driving the eight hours to Menomonee, Wisconsin (who would've guessed?), finding his house, and then camping outside until he agreed to sign my forehead with a Sharpie so I could get it tattooed over.
But alas, while I loved Matthew Vaughan's adaptation of Neil's (Yeah, I call him Neil as if I knew him personally. What of it?) illustrated novel, it could've been a little less Pirates of the Carribean inspired in its rush to a climatic, showy battle.
But I'll probably still be camping outside of Best Buy the night before this comes out on DVD. Does that make any sense?
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (imdb)
(off.)
Speaking of obsessions, while I know quite a few people who camp out for various Harry Potter related things, I would say I stay more at the level of "dedicated fan" than "fanatic" for the Harry Potter series.
But I did wait in line for a midnight showing of the newest film, and it was my favorite one so far. I could probably go on about why this is the only film I like better than its novular counterpart, but instead I will leave you with two words: Gary Oldman.
5. The Bourne Ultimatum (imdb) (off.)
Everyone is rightfully anointing this film as the champion of all the threequels out this summer (Spidey 3, Pirates 3, Ocean's 13, Rush Hour 3), but really we could've all predicted it before the season even began. Spiderman had nowhere to go but down after the universally approved second film, and The Bourne Supremacy was the only one of the second installments of those trilogies met with acclaim and not subject to tiresome overexposure.
The Single Handedly Saving The Romantic Comedy Jury Prize
4. Knocked Up (imdb) (off.)
So I'm running out of creative titles. But seriously, by building on the shoulder's of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, this comedy definitely breathed new life into funny movies as a whole.
Whether Hollywood immediately carries this trend way too far, however, is still up in the air. The Apatow-written Walk Hard Johnny Cash parody seems like an early warning sign.
The Contenders
3. Rescue Dawn (imdb) (off.)
A quiet, nuanced tale of survival, like a much more badass Adrien Brody in The Pianist, Bale puts in his name for a long overdue Oscar nomination. He might have some competition from himself, as we'll see later in my 3:10 to Yuma thoughts.
2. Once (imdb) (off.)
The music of this film really speaks for itself.
Seriously. It's 110 and 3 on Rotten Tomatoes. Go see it.
Right now.
And finally....
1. Away From Her (imdb) (off.)
This is a surprise to me as well. I remember, long ago, reading that Sarah Polley was going to direct a film and thinking, "Huh. Good for her."
Then I was blown away by the perfect use of Ray LaMontagne's "Be Here Now" in this mesmerizing trailer. So I was officially excited about the film, now, against all odds. I wouldn't have expected a film about the elderly dealing with Alzheimer's disease to be my favorite film of the summer.
Ironically, the film is a beautiful, dreamy Canadian snow-scape, released in early May. But it's an amazing film. Julie Christie is perfect as a woman dealing with the loss of herself, and Gordon Pinsent is a heartbreaking vision of reluctant acceptance as her husband.
If those two don't have Academy Award nominations locked, and until I see this fall's contender's I say wins as well, I will be even more upset than the whole Crash debacle two years ago.
My only complaint here is that "Be Here Now" is not even in the film itself, or during the credits. Instead they use some awful K. D. Lang song where the refrain is her singing "helpless, helpless" over and over. Other than LaMontagne's song being way better, I think the implicit theme of savoring the time left to you ("Be Here Now") is much more in tune with the film than helplessness.
But seriously, everything else is perfect. Find this on DVD, Netflix, anything. You won't regret it.
The best eight films I saw this summer, and the only ones I will probably buy. (maybe Superbad, too, just 'cause).
The "I Ate How Much Popcorn?" All-Stars (an Eddie Izzard reference)
8. Ratatouille (imdb) (official site)
This is probably a good time to mention that I'm an amateur standup comedian. When Pixar offended my entire way of life by promoting the continued existence of Larry the Cable Guy with Cars, I wasn't sure if I could ever forgive them for paying actual money to the racist, hackish, example of everything wrong with the comedy world today.
But then, in their very next film, they cast the hilarious, shining beacon of everything good in standup, Patton Oswalt, as a talking rat. How could I not support this? Plus, it's honestly my favorite CGI film to date.
7. Stardust (imdb) (off.)
If you knew how much I love everything that Neil Gaiman has ever touched, you wouldn't believe I could rank this only at number seven. My girlfriend would personally attest that each time I reread Sandman, American Gods, or Stardust, I'm probably a hair's breath away from driving the eight hours to Menomonee, Wisconsin (who would've guessed?), finding his house, and then camping outside until he agreed to sign my forehead with a Sharpie so I could get it tattooed over.
But alas, while I loved Matthew Vaughan's adaptation of Neil's (Yeah, I call him Neil as if I knew him personally. What of it?) illustrated novel, it could've been a little less Pirates of the Carribean inspired in its rush to a climatic, showy battle.
But I'll probably still be camping outside of Best Buy the night before this comes out on DVD. Does that make any sense?
6. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (imdb)
(off.)Speaking of obsessions, while I know quite a few people who camp out for various Harry Potter related things, I would say I stay more at the level of "dedicated fan" than "fanatic" for the Harry Potter series.
But I did wait in line for a midnight showing of the newest film, and it was my favorite one so far. I could probably go on about why this is the only film I like better than its novular counterpart, but instead I will leave you with two words: Gary Oldman.
5. The Bourne Ultimatum (imdb) (off.)
Everyone is rightfully anointing this film as the champion of all the threequels out this summer (Spidey 3, Pirates 3, Ocean's 13, Rush Hour 3), but really we could've all predicted it before the season even began. Spiderman had nowhere to go but down after the universally approved second film, and The Bourne Supremacy was the only one of the second installments of those trilogies met with acclaim and not subject to tiresome overexposure.
The Single Handedly Saving The Romantic Comedy Jury Prize
4. Knocked Up (imdb) (off.)
So I'm running out of creative titles. But seriously, by building on the shoulder's of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, this comedy definitely breathed new life into funny movies as a whole.
Whether Hollywood immediately carries this trend way too far, however, is still up in the air. The Apatow-written Walk Hard Johnny Cash parody seems like an early warning sign.
The Contenders
3. Rescue Dawn (imdb) (off.)
Starring Christian Bale, the Greatest Actor of His Generation. Every single thing he's done in the last five years (post-Equilibrium, that is) has been incredible, so much so in fac
t, that I may be on the verge of finally renting Harsh Times even though Eva Longoria makes me vomit a little inside my mouth.
t, that I may be on the verge of finally renting Harsh Times even though Eva Longoria makes me vomit a little inside my mouth.A quiet, nuanced tale of survival, like a much more badass Adrien Brody in The Pianist, Bale puts in his name for a long overdue Oscar nomination. He might have some competition from himself, as we'll see later in my 3:10 to Yuma thoughts.
2. Once (imdb) (off.)
The music of this film really speaks for itself.
Seriously. It's 110 and 3 on Rotten Tomatoes. Go see it.
Right now.
And finally....
The Winner
1. Away From Her (imdb) (off.)
This is a surprise to me as well. I remember, long ago, reading that Sarah Polley was going to direct a film and thinking, "Huh. Good for her."
Then I was blown away by the perfect use of Ray LaMontagne's "Be Here Now" in this mesmerizing trailer. So I was officially excited about the film, now, against all odds. I wouldn't have expected a film about the elderly dealing with Alzheimer's disease to be my favorite film of the summer.
Ironically, the film is a beautiful, dreamy Canadian snow-scape, released in early May. But it's an amazing film. Julie Christie is perfect as a woman dealing with the loss of herself, and Gordon Pinsent is a heartbreaking vision of reluctant acceptance as her husband.
If those two don't have Academy Award nominations locked, and until I see this fall's contender's I say wins as well, I will be even more upset than the whole Crash debacle two years ago.
My only complaint here is that "Be Here Now" is not even in the film itself, or during the credits. Instead they use some awful K. D. Lang song where the refrain is her singing "helpless, helpless" over and over. Other than LaMontagne's song being way better, I think the implicit theme of savoring the time left to you ("Be Here Now") is much more in tune with the film than helplessness.
But seriously, everything else is perfect. Find this on DVD, Netflix, anything. You won't regret it.
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