Monday, January 31, 2005

New Cursed Pic and MPAA Info

Good news: here's the newest pic from Cursed.



Bad news: I won't see it until mid Summer. No, the film has not been bumped back. Well, actually, it kind of has. The version Dimension Films will release on February 25th will be the re-edited (sans Craven) PG-13 version. The film received that rating for "horror violence/terror, some sexual references, nudity, language and a brief drug reference." The version that has been screened for the past several months has been stated as being a very hard R with many beheadings and lots of gores. Obviously, Dimension believes this will earn the film more money at the box office. However, they need to consider this: Hide and Seek, an R-rated horror-thriller, just opened to $22 million this past weekend. It should end up making $55-65 million when all is said and done if you give it the standard horror opening-to-final gross multiplier. The reported final budget for Cursed is - amazingly! - only $38 million. Dimension recently re-edited Darkness to the dismay of the director and that only made $22 million with a PG-13 rating. You do the math.

What does all this mean? Unless the film receives mostly positive reviews, I'm holding out till Summer when the unrated edition comes to DVD.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

DVD Release Dates

OSCAR NOMINEES:

Feb. 1 - Ray
Feb. 15 - The Motorcycle Diaries
Mar. 15 - The Incredibles
Mar. 22 - Being Julia
Mar. 22 - Finding Neverland
Apr. 19 - House of Flying Daggers

OTHERS:
Feb. 1 - The Grudge
Feb. 1 - Vanity Fair
Feb. 8 - The Notebook
Feb. 8 - P.S.
Feb. 15 - Donnie Darko: Director's Cut
Feb. 22 - Get Shorty: Special Edition
Feb. 22 - I Heart Huckabee's
Mar. 1 - Exorcist: The Beginning
Mar. 1 - Flight of the Phoenix
Mar. 8 - The Ring: Collector's Set
Mar. 15 - Alfie
Mar. 15 - Miss Congeniality: Deluxe Edition
Mar. 22 - Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Apr. 5 - The Amityville Horror Collection
Apr. 26 - Beaches: Special Edition
May 3 - Gilmore Girls: Season 3
May 17 - Scrubs: Season 1
May 24 - NewsRadio: Season 1 & 2

Box Office Predictions: Jan. 28 - 30

1. Hide and Seek - $16m / $16m / $45m
2. Are We There Yet? - $11m / $34m / $58m
3. Million Dollar Baby - $10m / $19m / $75m
4. The Aviator - $7.5m / $67.5m / $120m
5. Coach Carter - $6.5m / $52m / $65m
6. Meet the Fockers - $6m / $256m / $272m
7. In Good Company - $5.5m / $35m / $46m
8. Sideways - $5.5m / $39m / $74m
9. Alone In the Dark - $4.5m / $15m / $24m
10. Assault on Precinct 13 - $4.5m / $15m / $24m
**Finding Neverland - $3m / $36m / $52m


Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Accuracy on Predictions

September 29 Predictions:
18/40 (Main* Categories) - 45%

October 26:
24/40 (Main) - 60%

November 29:
27/40 (Main) - 68%
24/47 (Technicals) - 51%

January 1:
29/40 (Main) - 73%
24/44 (Technicals) - 55%

January 22:
33/40 (Main) - 83%
24/44 (Technicals) - 55%

The following appeared in all five of my predictions:

Best Picture: The Aviator & Finding Neverland
Best Director: Martin Scorsese
Best Actor: Jamie Foxx
Best Actress: Imelda Staunton & Kate Winslet
Best Supp. Actor: Clive Owen & Thomas Haden Church
Best Supp. Actress: Cate Blanchett, Laura Linney & Natalie Portman
Best Orig. Screenplay: The Aviator & Eternal Sunshine
Best Adapt. Screenplay: Finding Neverland & Sideways

(The above 8 categories were the *Main categories.)
Bottom Line: I rule.

I didn't make year in advance predictions except for Actress & Supporting Actress. I predicted both Kate Winslet for Eternal Sunshine and Cate Blanchett in The Aviator correctly. Let's face it: Blanchett was this year's Renee Zellweger. As far as the big Oscar failures, I'd say Vanity Fair and Troy were the ones that seemed like shoe-ins March of last year. I never took Alexander seriously, luckily, and that was showered in Razzie noms.

OSCAR NOMINATIONS!!!! COMPLETE LIST AND REACTION

Well, its been fun trying to predict the nominees. I nailed Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. (The category, not the actual nominees, mind you!)
As it goes, the easier it is to predict the nominations, the harder it is to predict who will win. Vice versa, but that doesn't apply here.

Nothing big as far as surprises! Here were the "surprises" (in the loosest sense of the word):

1. Alan Alda - Best Supporting Actor
2. Clint Eastwood - Best Actor
3. Mike Leigh - Best Director
4. Before Sunset - Best Adapted Screenplay
5. Shark Tale - Best Animated Feature (W! T! F!)

Biggest Snubs In Major Categories:

1. Paul Giamatti - Best Actor
2. Marc Forster - Best Director
3. The Kill Bill series - not a single nomination between the two films. BOOO!
4. No Mick Jagger at the Oscars. BOOO!

I just saw the technical nods. They suck beyond belief. NO FX NOD FOR SKY CAPTAIN??????? TROY FOR COSTUME DESIGN????? NO COLLATERAL FOR CINEMATOGRAPHY???? This is where all the surprises and omissions happened. Holy shit.

Congratulations to my four favorite performances so far this year, all of whom were nominated.

My favorite nominees are in bold.

Here's the complete nominations:

Best Picture:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - Million Dollar Baby - Ray - Sideways

Best Actor:
Don Cheadle - Hotel Rwanda
Johnny Depp - Finding Neverland
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Jamie Foxx - Ray

Best Actress:
Annette Bening - Being Julia
Catalina Sandino Moreno - Maria Full of Grace
Imelda Staunton - Vera Drake
Hilary Swank - Million Dollar Baby
Kate Winslet - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Best Supporting Actor:
Alan Alda - The Aviator
Thomas Haden Church - Sideways
Jamie Foxx - Collateral
Morgan Freeman - Million Dollar Baby
Clive Owen - Closer

Best Supporting Actress:
Cate Blanchett - The Aviator
Laura Linney - Kinsey
Virginia Madsen - Sideways
Sophie Okenedo - Hotel Rwanda
Natalie Portman - Closer

Best Director:
Martin Scorsese - The Aviator
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Taylor Hackford - Ray
Alexander Payne - Sideways
Mike Leigh - Vera Drake

Best Screenplay (Adapted)
Before Sunset
Finding Neverland
Million Dollar Baby
The Motorcycle Diaries
Sideways


Best Screenplay (Original)
The Aviator
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Hotel Rwanda
The Incredibles
Vera Drake

Best Animated Film:
The Incredibles
Shark Tale
Shrek 2

Best Art Direction:
The Aviator
Finding Neverland
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
The Phantom of the Opera
A Very Long Engagement

Best Cinematography:
The Aviator
House of Flying Daggers
The Passion of the Christ
The Phantom of the Opera
A Very Long Engagement

Best Costume Design:
The Aviator
Finding Neverland
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

Ray
Troy

Best Documentary Feature:
Born Into Brothels
Story of the Weeping Camel
Super Size Me
Tupac: Resurrection
Twist of Faith

Best Editing:
The Aviator
Collateral
Finding Neverland
Million Dollar Baby
Ray

Best Foreign Film:
As It Is In Heaven
The Chorus
Downfall
The Sea Inside
Yesterday

Best Makeup:
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
The Passion of the Christ
The Sea Inside

Best Score:
Finding Neverland
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

The Passion of the Christ
The Village

Best Song:
Accidentally In Love - Shrek 2
Al Otro Lado Del Rio - The Motorcycle Diaries
Believe - The Polar Express
Learn to Be Lonely - The Phantom of the Opera
Look to Your Path - The Chorus

Sound Editing:
The Incredibles
The Polar Express
Spider-Man 2

Sound Mixing:
The Aviator
The Incredibles
The Polar Express
Ray
Spider-Man 2

Visual F/X:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
I, Robot
Spider-Man 2

Current Predicted Winners:
Picture - The Aviator
Director - Scorsese
Actor - Foxx
Actress - Swank (though I have a feeling Mr. Beatty is going to pull some strings for his wife)
Supp. Actor - Owen
Supp. Actress - eek! no clue. I'll go with Blanchett
Screenplay (Original) - Eternal Sunshine
Screenplay (Adapted) - Sideways
Animated Film - The Incredibles
Art Direction - The Aviator
Cinematography - The Aviator
Costume Design - The Aviator
Editing: Collateral or The Aviator
Makeup: Lemony Snicket
Score: Finding Neverland
Song: Shrek 2
Sound Editing: Spider-Man 2
Sound: The Aviator
Visual F/X: Spider-Man 2

Monday, January 24, 2005

Before the Best comes the Worst: Razzie Noms

These totally rock - by far the best razzie batch in a long time even though I haven't seen most of these films. I'm so glad for the Fahrenheit 9/11 noms (do you think Moore will show up to accept for the MIA nominees?) and Ben Stiller's nom. And thanks to the Razzie group for overlooking The Stepford Wives. Check out their website for more information. My choices are in bold.

WORST PICTURE
ALEXANDER
CATWOMAN
SUPERBABIES: BABY GENIUSES 2
SURVIVING CHRISTMAS
WHITE CHICKS

WORST ACTOR
Ben Affleck / JERSEY GIRL and SURVIVING CHRISTMAS
George W. Bush / FAHRENHEIT 9/11
Vin Diesel / CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK
Colin Farrell / ALEXANDER
Ben Stiller / ALONG CAME POLLY, ANCHORMAN, DODGEBALL,
ENVY and STARSKY & HUTCH (Darren sidenote: Why not Meet the Fockers?)

WORST ACTRESS
Halle Berry / CATWOMAN
Hilary Duff / CINDERELLA STORY and RAISE YOUR VOICE
Angelina Jolie / ALEXANDER and TAKING LIVES
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen / NEW YORK MINUTE
Shawn & Marlon (The Wayans Sisters) / WHITE CHICKS

WORST SCREEN COUPLE
Ben Affleck & EITHER Jennifer Lopez OR Liv Tyler / JERSEY GIRL
Halle Berry & EITHER Benjamin Bratt OR Sharon Stone / CATWOMAN
George W. Bush & EITHER Condoleeza Rice OR His Pet Goat / FAHRENHEIT 9/11
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen / NEW YORK MINUTE
The Wayans Brothers (In or Out of Drag) WHITE CHICKS

WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Carmen Electra / STARKSY & HUTCH
Jennifer Lopez / JERSEY GIRL
Condoleeza Rice / FAHRENHEIT 9/11
Britney Spears / FAHRENHEIT 9/11
Sharon Stone / CATWOMAN

WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Val Kilmer / ALEXANDER
Ah-Nuld Schwarzenegger / AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAZE
Donald Rumsfeld / FAHRENHEIT 9/11
Jon Voight / SUPERBABIES: BABY GENIUSES 2
Lambert Wilson / CATWOMAN

WORST DIRECTOR
Bob Clark / SUPERBABIES: BABY GENIUSES 2
Renny Harlin and/or Paul Schrader / EXORCIST 4: THE BEGINNING
“Pitof” / CATWOMAN
Oliver Stone / ALEXANDER
Keenan Ivory Wayans / WHITE CHICKS

WORST REMAKE OR SEQUEL (don't really care about this category)
ALIEN v PREDATOR (20th Century-Fox)
ANACONDAS: HUNT FOR THE BLOOD ORCHID (Screen Gems)
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAZE (Disney)
EXORCIST 4: THE BEGINNING (Warner Bros.)
SCOOBY DOO 2: MONSTERS UNLEASHED (Warner Bros.)

WORST SCREENPLAY
ALEXANDER, Written by Oliver Stone, Christopher Kyle and Laeta Kalogridis
CATWOMAN, Written by Theresa Rebeck and John Brancato & Michael Ferris and John Rogers
SUPERBABIES: BABY GENIUSES 2, Written by Steven Paul and Gregory Poppen
SURVIVING CHRISTMAS, Written by Deborah Kaplan & Harry Elfont and Jeffrey Ventimilia & Joshua Sternin
WHITE CHICKS, Written by Keenan & Shawn & Marlon Wayans and Andy McElfresh, Michael Anthony Snowden and Xavier Cook

Sunday, January 23, 2005

Don't Forget....


Best Picture
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
Anthony Bregman & Steve Golin


Best Director
Michel Gondry


Best Actor In A Leading Role
Jim Carrey as Joel Barish


Best Actress In A Leading Role
Kate Winslet as Clementine Kruczynski


Best Actor In A Supporting Role
Mark Ruffalo as Stan
Tom Wilkinson as Dr. Howard Mierzwiak
Elijah Wood as Patrick/"Baby Boy"


Best Actress In A Supporting Role
Kirsten Dunst as Mary Svevo


Best Original Screenplay
Charlie Kaufman


Best Cinematography
Ellen Kuras


Best Editing
Valdís Óskarsdóttir


Best Original Score
Jon Brion


Best Costume Design
Melissa Toth

Best Art Direction
David Stein



how happy is the blameless vestal's lot
the world forgetting by the world forgot
eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
each prayer accepted, each wish resign'd


Meet Me at the Kodak....

Saturday, January 22, 2005

OSCAR PREDICTIONS (5 OF 5) & FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

I'm hoping for some major surprises on Tuesday morning. Otherwise, this will be the most boring Oscar season ever! I'll check to see which of my five predictions was the closest to the actual nominees.

Best Picture:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - Million Dollar Baby - Ray - Sideways

Best Actor:
Don Cheadle - Hotel Rwanda
Johnny Depp - Finding Neverland
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator
Jamie Foxx - Ray
Paul Giamatti - Sideways

Best Actress:
Annette Bening - Being Julia
Catalina Sandino Moreno - Maria Full of Grace
Imelda Staunton - Vera Drake
Hilary Swank - Million Dollar Baby
Kate Winslet - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Best Supporting Actor:
David Carradine - Kill Bill: Vol. 2
Thomas Haden Church - Sideways
Jamie Foxx - Collateral
Morgan Freeman - Million Dollar Baby
Clive Owen - Closer

Best Supporting Actress:
Cate Blanchett - The Aviator
Laura Linney - Kinsey
Virginia Madsen - Sideways
Sophie Okenedo - Hotel Rwanda
Natalie Portman - Closer

Best Director:
Martin Scorsese - The Aviator
Marc Forster - Finding Neverland
Zhang Yimou - House of Flying Daggers
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Alexander Payne - Sideways

Best Original Screenplay:
John Logan - The Aviator
Charlie Kaufman - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Terry George & Kier Pierson - Hotel Rwanda
Bill Condon - Kinsey
Taylor Hackford & James L. White - Ray

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Patrick Marber - Closer
David Magee - Finding Neverland
Paul Haggis - Million Dollar Baby
Jose Rivera - The Motorcycle Diaries
Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor - Sideways

Best Art Direction:
The Aviator
Finding Neverland
House of Flying Daggers
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
The Phantom of the Opera

Best Costume Design:
The Aviator
Finding Neverland
House of Flying Daggers
The Phantom of the Opera
Vanity Fair

Best Cinematography:
The Aviator
Collateral
Million Dollar Baby
The Passion of the Christ
Ray

Best Editing:
The Aviator
Collateral
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
House of Flying Daggers
Ray

Best Sound Mixing:
The Aviator
The Bourne Supremacy
Collateral
Ray
Spider-Man 2

Best Sound Editing:
The Aviator
The Incredibles
Spider-Man 2

Best Makeup:
The Aviator
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
The Passion of the Christ

Best Visual F/X:
The Aviator
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Spider-Man 2

Best Original Score:
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek - Finding Neverland
Michael Giacchino - The Incredibles
Thomas Newman - Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Rolfe Kent - Sideways
John Williams - The Terminal

Best Original Song:
Old Habits Die Hard - Alfie
Million Voices - Hotel Rwanda
Learn to Be Lonely - The Phantom of the Opera
Believe - The Polar Express
Accidentally In Love - Shrek 2


FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:
(these aren't my favorite of the year, just a few things I consider to be great that have been ignored entirely this award season)

Best Picture - Kill Bill: Vol. 2
Best Actor - Matt Damon in The Bourne Supremacy
Best Actress - Rachel McAdams in The Notebook
Best Supporting Actor - Paul Bettany in Dogville
Best Supporting Actress - Kirsten Dunst in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Best Director - Alfonso Cuaron for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Best Original Screenplay - Shaun of the Dead
Best Adapted Screenplay - Spider-Man 2

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Coming Soon To This Blog...

Over the weekend, I'll post my Oscar predictions and a last minute 'For Your Consideration' article to coincide with the announcement of nominees on Tuesday morning. Since I've made it crystal clear what I consider to be the best film of 2004, I've decided to push back my top films of the past year to February 1, which is when Angie over at The Brain Drain has decided to release her list. I haven't posted any reviews lately despite having seen about a dozen films over the post month, including, most notably, The Aviator, Closer and Kinsey. I'm planning on cramming in about 15 to 20 more films over the next week and a half so I may not post as much. I'm hoping to make my count of 2004 movies to be about 120. The past two years I made to about 110, which allows me to fairly list 10 films I consider to be the best. Stupid little awards for the following categories will also be revealed:

Director of the Year
Female Performance of the Year (Lead and Supporting)
Male Performance of the Year (Lead and Supporting)
Screenplay of the Year (Original and Adapted)
Breakthrough Performance of the Year (Male and Female)
Breakthrough Director of the Year
Ensemble Performance of the Year
Editing of the Year
Cinematography of the Year
Production Design of the Year
Costume Design of the Year
Score of the Year
Movie Song of the Year
Trailer of the Year
Poster of the Year
Scene Stealers of the Year
Lines of the Year
Sexiest Female Performance of the Year
Sexiest Male Performance of the Year
Forgotten and Overlooked Gems of the Year
Worst Movie of the Year
Worst Performance of the Year (Male and Female)

Box Office Predictions: Jan 21 - 23

1. Coach Carter - $14m / $46m / $78m
2. Meet the Fockers - $12m / $25m / $282m
3. Are We There Yet? - $11m / $11m / $42m
4. Assault on Precinct 13 - $10m / $12.5m / $35m
5. In Good Company - $10m / $30m / $56m
6. Racing Stripes - $9.5m / $30m / $54m
7. White Noise - $6m / $50.5m / $60m
8. Elektra - $5.5m / $22m / $30m
9. The Aviator - $5m / $58.5m / $110m
10. The Phantom of the Opera - $5m / $33.5m / $48m

Monday, January 17, 2005

First Look: Jake as Jack in 'Brokeback' & New Posters!

I promised pics for #9 (Elizabethtown) and #1 (Brokeback Mountain) and here are some. While Focus still hasn't released a gallery for Brokeback, this will hold us over.

Enterainment Weekly currently has their 2005 Preview on newsstands. Profiled in the issue is many projects from all aspects of the industry, but the main concentration is on the big film projects. Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell of Bewitched are on the cover, and the inside presents new pics from War of the Worlds, Kingdom of Heaven, Star Wars and Batman Begins among others. They also have an awesome new pic of Joaquin as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line. The pic that caught my attention was the first official look at Jake Gyllenhaal playing Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain and an accompanying interview:

"It's a love story," attests Jake Gyllenhaal of Brokeback Mountain, an Ang Lee drama from an Annie Proulx short story that casts him and Heath Ledger as 1960s cowboys in love. "We've all gotten used to the same old love story over and over again in movies. And Ang was tired of that. This is the only way to get to the heart of what love's really about- to do it in a different way. We use lines like " Love has no bounds," but that's become bulls***. For me, this is a story where that might actually be true. Hopefully." says Gyllenhaal, who'll also star alongside Jamie Foxx as a Gulf War I marine in Sam Mendes' take on Anthony Swofford's Jarhead, "It will stir people up. If Kinsey can do it, then I think this movie probably will too."

You tell 'em Jake. I'm a 'Gyllenholic." This is term I picked up while browsing forums trying to find this pic. There's a bunch of Gyllenholic's online. Are you a Gyllenholic? It can either be for Jake or Maggie. I guess I am for both.

Jake's ex, Kirsten Dunst, is romancing Orlando Bloom in our first look at Elizabethtown.





Here's two cool new posters to big summer movies. The first is a stylish, retro-cool poster for the Lindsay Lohan remake of The Love Bug, Herbie: Fully Loaded. The next is for the much anticipated adaptation The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

BAFTA NOMINATIONS!!!

Another day, another awards batch. Oscar nominations are next Tuesday. I'll have weekend worth of coverage with that. Anywho, the BAFTA's are by far the best group so far mainly because they ignored Sideways and Million Dollar Baby almost entirely. While I can't say much for M$B having not seen it, I guess the Brits saw Sideways for what a lot of people are just discovering it is: a very good, but not great character movie.

Best Film:
The Aviator - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Finding Neverland - The Motorcycle Diaries - Vera Drake

Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film:
Dead Man's Shoes - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - My Summer of Love - Shaun of the Dead - Vera Drake

Carl Foreman Award for Special Achievement by a British Director/Producer or Writer in Their First Feature Film:
Amma Asante - A Way of Life
Andrea Gibb - Afterlife
Matthew Vaughn - Layer CAke
Nira Park - Shaun of the Dead
Shona Auerbach - Dear Frankie

David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction:
The Aviator - Martin Scorsese
Collateral - Michael Mann
Eternal Sunshine - Michel Gondry
Finding Neverland - Marc Forster
Vera Drake - Mike Leigh

Original Screenplay:
The Aviator - Collateral - Eternal Sunshine - Ray - Vera Drake

Adapted Screenplay:
The Chorus - Closer - Finding Neverland - The Motorcycle Diaries - Sideways

Film Not in the English Language:
The Chorus - The Motorcycle Diaries - A Very Long Engagement - Bad Education - House of Flying Daggers

Actor In a Leading Role:
Gael Garcia Bernal - The Motorcycle Diaries
Jamie Foxx - Ray
Jim Carrey - Eternal Sunshine
Johnny Depp - Finding Neverland
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator

Actress In A Leading Role:
Charlize Theron - Monster
Imelda Staunton - Vera Drake
Kate Winslet - Eternal Sunshine
Kate Winslet - Finding Neverland
Ziyi Zhang - House of Flying Daggers

Actor In a Supporting Role:
Alan Alda - The Aviator
Clive Owen - Closer
Jamie Foxx - Collateral
Phil Davis - Vera Drake
Rodrigo De La Serna - The Motorcycle Diaries

Actress In a Supporting Role:
Cate Blanchett - The Aviator
Heather Craney - Vera Drake
Julie Christie - Finding Neverland
Meryl Streep - The Manchurian Candidate
Natalie Portman - Closer

The Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music:
The Aviator - The Chorus - The Motorcycle Diaries - Finding Neverland - Ray

Cinematography:
The Aviator - Collateral - Finding Neverland - House of Flying Daggers - The Motorcycle Diaries

Editing:
The Aviator - Collateral - Eternal Sunshine - House of Flying Daggers - Vera Drake

Production Design:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - House of Flying Daggers - Vera Drake

Costume Design:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - House of Flying Daggers - Merchant of Venice - Vera Drake

Sound:
The Aviator - Collateral - House of Flying Daggers - Ray - Spider-Man 2

Achievement in Special Visual Effects:
The Aviator - The Day After Tomorrow - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - House of Flying Daggers - Spider-Man 2

Makeup & Hair:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - House of Flying Daggers - Vera Drake

Sunday, January 16, 2005

GOLDEN GLOBE REACTIONS

Yes, you wanted it. You got it. Get ready for lots of hyperbole, flamboyant gayness, and severe whoring.

Let's get the bad out of the way:

ANNETTE BENING. She reminded of the Nicole Kidman episode of SNL where Nic did a sketch with Mike Myers and goes "I'm a robot. I talk like a robot. I'm a robot." That was, by far, the worst acceptance speech I have ever seen. There was no surprise in her voice. Her speech, which was an actual SPEECH, was memorized to a tee and give her the most snide and arrogant demeanor I have ever seen. Like, 'Hi, I'm better than all of you. Bow before me.' I have a feeling she's a major bitch. I officially can not wait to watch Hilary Swank beat her at the Oscars AGAIN! Take it. During Bening's speech, I was hoping Kate Winslet would pull out a gun and shoot that fucking cunt in the head. They didn't show Kate's reaction to Bening's win. She was probably crying. Such a lovely girl. (Kate, however, gave Leo a one-woman standing ovation. Kate's my bitch. I love that girl.)

2nd Biggest Losers of the Night: Fox and ABC. You fucking bastards. You ran NEW(!!!!!) episodes of your nominees and winners Arrested Development and Desperate Housewives opposite them winning. How fucking pathetic.

MEMO TO LISA MARIE PRESSLEY: Capes are not in. You scare me.
MEMO TO USHER: When inside, you do not have to wear sunglasses.
MEMO TO VIRGINIA MADSEN: Buy a bra. Seriously.
MEMO TO KATE WINSLET: Your fab and I'm sorry you lost. You just seemed really out of it especially when you were playing with your nails during Robin's speech. (Though, when Charlize walked on stage, Kate mouthed something like "she's beautiful.")
MEMO TO RENEE ZELLWEGER: Where did you go? You presented, then left.
MEMO TO CLIVE OWEN AND EWAN MCGREGOR: You guys own it. But where's your buddy, Jude? And NO! those Alfie clips weren't enough. DAMN IT!

That is about it for the bad. Annette Bening is now on my shit list. I'll be seeing Being Julia in one week, regardless.


My favorite person/moment/dress of the night....(all in one)..


TERI HATCHER! Oh my god. She is heavenly. Her acceptance speech, full of surprise, emotion, and down to earthness, was the best of the night. Learn it. Love it. I love how both times Teri went to the stage, Zach Braff tried to hug her. He is so funny.

Coming in a close 2nd place for best dressed is Charlize Theron. Let's face it: she could have a mohawk and be wearing a lamp shade and make it work. The girl has it. The dress was amazing and her hair looks good, too. 2 years in a row for her.

Other dresses I loved but will wait till I can see more of to decide how to rate everything:

-my Desperate Housewives (while Eva's dress was a little floofy at the bottom, her earrings, hair and makeup are perfection)
-Emmy Rossum & Minnie Driver
-Sandra Oh
-Regina King
-Kate Hudson
-Halle Berry
-Diane Lane
-Claire Danes (holy BOMBSHELL!)
-Hilary Swank (didn't like the hair at first but it worked)
-Uma Thurman (though I didn't see the whole dress, but she looked amazing top up)
-Naomi Watts (she presented Eternal Sunshine, so gotta give her props)
-Mischa Barton
-Meryl Streep (needed different hair though)
-Portia De Rossi
-Mariska Hargitay

Speaking of red carpet stuff, Kathy Griffin was hosting something and, instead of asking people what they thought about the Brad/Jen breakup, asked someone what they thought of Dakota Fanning entering rehab. OMG. I'm losing it. E! just apologized on their postshow for her comment. They started talking about how wonderful she is and how she is some exciting projects coming out. What? Did her mom call them? This is too great.

2nd BEST MOMENT OF THE NIGHT: Meryl saying "Congratulations, Natalie." Meryl needs to be at every award show. She is the most hilarious person EVER!

3rd: Jamie Foxx. Even if it did involve every great acceptance cliche and there was some slight pandering, he is so charismatic. One thing that needs to stop: when a black person wins, why must they cut to every black person there. I wish he could've finished what he was trying to say. Oh well.

(I did not know Helen Mirren was married to Taylor Hackford. I had no idea Virginia Madsen was Michael's sister.)

(OMG! Eva Longoria is so drunk on E! right now talking about getting up at 5AM to be on the set. She's sitting in Marc Cherry's lap.)

There seems to be a consensus that the TV people stole the night from the movie people. Maybe...

4th: Robin Williams. Did you think he wouldn't be funny?

5th: Natalie & Clive's surprise wins. Though for me they are second best in their categories - behind Cate and David - they seemed very gracious. Natalie's dress was pretty bad.

Morgan Freeman is the coolest man alive. He is one of my favorite actors.

I can't think of much else. Just picture this, though: Hilary Swank walks up onstage to accept her 2nd Oscar on Feb. 27. Camera cuts to Kate Winslet and Julianne Moore's heads exploding.

WINNERS:

Best Picture (Drama) - The Aviator
Best Picture (Comedy/Musical) - Sideways
Best Director - Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Best Actor (Drama) - Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator
Best Actor (Comedy/Musical) - Jamie Foxx - Ray
Best Actress (Drama) - Hilary Swank - Million Dollar Baby
Best Actress (Comedy/Musical) - Annette Bening - Being Julia
Best Supporting Actor - Clive Owen - Closer
Best Supporting Actress - Natalie Portman - Closer
Best Screenplay - Sideways
Best Score - The Aviator
Best Song - Old Habits Die Hard - Alfie
Best Foreign Langauge Film - The Sea Inside

POST YOUR GG THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION!

Thursday, January 13, 2005

Golden Globe Predictions

I'd just like to add that, in my opinion, last year the Golden Globes were a MILLION times better than the Oscars. Everything felt new and after seeing Sean/Bill, Charlize, Renee, Tim and the LOTR crew at every ceremony, they got old. I thought the fashions were much better, except for Nicole Kidman. :-) Anywho, hope everyone has a fun Sunday night. Avoid E! because Star Jones has taken over the red carpet reigns from Joan and Melissa who will be on the TV Guide channel.

Prediction For Best Dressed: Naomi Watts. I don't know why. This is actually the first time she will be there, as she was never nominated by the Hollywood Foreign Press (!!!!!!!)

Oh, and watch out for Sharon Stone or Cameron Diaz if they are there. They are always trashed and lots of fun to watch.

Go here for the complete nominees list. I'll only be adding my personal pick if I've seen at least 3 in the category.

Best Picture - Drama
Will Win: The Aviator
Upset: Million Dollar Baby
Should Win: The Aviator

Best Picture - Comedy/Musical:
Will Win: Sideways
Upset: Ray
Should Win: Eternal Sunshine

Best Actor - Drama:
Will Win: Leonardo DiCaprio
Upset: Johnny Depp

Best Actress - Drama:
Will Win: Hilary Swank
Upset: Imelda Staunton

Best Actor - Comedy/Musical:
Will Win: Jamie Foxx
Upset: Paul Giamatti
Should Win: Foxx

Best Actress - Comedy/Musical:
Will Win: Kate Winslet
Upset: Annette Bening
(Everyone is predicting Bening to win, but personally I think that since Winslet hasn't won a Globe yet, she'll take it home.)

Best Foreign Language Film:
Will Win: House of Flying Daggers
Upset: The Motorcycle Diaries

Supporting Actress:
Will Win: Cate Blanchett
Upset: Virginia Madsen
Should Win: Blanchett

Supporting Actor:
Will Win: Morgan Freeman
Upset: Thomas Haden Church
Should Win: David Carradine

Best Director:
Will Win: Martin Scorsese
Upset: Clint Eastwood
Should Win: Martin Scorsese

Best Screenplay:
Will Win: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Upset: Sideways
Should Win: Eternal Sunshine

Best Original Score:
Will Win: The Aviator
Upset: Sideways
Should Win: The Aviator

Best Original Song:
Will Win: Alfie
Upset: Phantom of the Opera
Should Win: Alfie

Finally, some originality! WGA announces

The Writer's Guild of America has revealed their nominations and of all the guilds and critics groups, these are by far the most interesting:

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:

The Aviator - John Logan

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Charlie Kaufman, Story by Charlie Kaufman & Michel Gondry & Pierre Bismuth

Garden State - Zach Braff

Hotel Rwanda - Keir Pearson & Terry George

Kinsey - Bill Condon


ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Before Sunset - Richard Linklater & Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke, Story by Richard Linklater & Kim Krizan, Based on Characters Created by Richard Linklater & Kim Krizan

Mean Girls - Tina Fey, Based on the Book "Queen Bees and Wannabes) by Rosalind Wiseman

Million Dollar Baby - Paul Haggis, Based upon Stories from "Rope Burns" by F.X. Toole

The Motorcycle Diaries - Jose Rivera, Based on the Books "Notas de Viaje" by Ernesto Guevara and "Con el Che por America Latina" by Alberto Granado

Sideways - Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor, Based on the Novel by Rex Pickett

Great for Mean Girls! This is the film's first major accolade. Considering that a large branch of the WGA is made up of television writers, the noms for Fey and Braff aren't that surprising. Might there be an Oscar nomination in Miss Fey's future?
There's also this interesting rule that all sequels are considered adapted. Hmm. Where does that leave Kill Bill: Vol. 2?

Monday, January 10, 2005

2005 Movie Preview (Part 3) - DKME'S 10 MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES OF 2005

Darren Rant: Damn it. I caved. Stupid studios. Half of them finished their 2005 previews so I could have pictures to go with the below profiles. Paramount and Focus have yet to reveal theirs. Well, when pictures of their films on this list become I'm available, I'll do profiles. Its January 10, so I figured I'd better get this up.

Well, here you go. We've got zombies, witches, country singers, cowboys, videotapes and fashionistas. Simon Baker, Judy Greer and Shirley Maclaine each appear in two films. And Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel are each in films. Its a Darren world gone mad!!!! I hope 2005 is a great moviegoing year as there are many projects I'm looking forward to, but only a few I'm dying to see. Enjoy! (You probably already skipped to #1. Why am I still talking?)


10. THE RING TWO

Rachel Keller moves with her son, Aidan, to Oregon after the events in Seattle, but when a copy of the sinister videotape kills a boy and Aidan gets sick with an unexplained ailment, she has to dig deeper into the history of the girl that appears in the tape.

The Director: Hideo Nakata (Ringu)
The Cast: Naomi Watts, David Dorfman, Sissy Spacek, Simon Baker, Emily Van Camp, Gary Cole and Elizabeth Perkins.
The Screenwriter: Ehren Kruger (The Ring, Scream 3)
Based On: (loosely) The Ringu trilogy.

Why? Before I die, I should see the ring...two. Naomi and David are back, and horror icon Spacek joins them. What fun videotape shenanigans will they cook up this time?

Outlook: That hot new trailer is quite promising. Audiences went for the copycat The Grudge, so this shouldn't have any problem topping $100 million. The secretive nature of the project will only create more hype. Going against it is that a sequel rarely does well when released in another part of the year than its predecessor.
Trailer here.
DreamWorks Pictures - March 18


9. ELIZABETHTOWN

A suicidal man returns home to Elizabethtown, Kentucky for his father's funeral. Once there, he meets a quick witted flight attendant who helps him get his life back on track.

The Writer/Director: Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire)
The Cast: Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Judy Greer, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin and Jessica Biel.

Why? Bloom gets his chance to act and in a Crowe film, no less. Twentysomething angst is on its way back in.

Outlook: It may get lost its first weekend going against the big boys of summer, but should have no trouble developing into a sleeper. If Bloom can carry the film well, expect kudos for him and Dunst, who plays a free spirited flight attendant. The supporting cast of Sarandon, Greer and Baldwin will add nice comedic touches. If the film is strong enough, all of this could translate into awards later in the year.
Paramount Pictures - July 29


8. SIN CITY

Sin City is a violent city where the police department is as corrupt as the streets are deadly. In this movie, we follow three stories, the central of which is Marv, a tough-as-nails and nearly impossible to kill street fighter who goes on a rampage of vengeance when a beautiful woman, Goldie, he sleeps with for only one night is killed while lying in bed with him.

The Directors: Frank Miller (debut) and Robert Rodriguez (Desperado, Spy Kids)
The Cast: Jessica Alba, Devon Aoki, Maria Bello, Alexis Bledel, Rosario Dawson, Benecio Del Toro, Michael Clarke Duncan, Carla Gugino, Josh Hartnett, Rutger Hauer, Jaime King, Michael Madsen, Brittany Murphy, Clive Owen, Mickey Rourke, Nick Stahl, Marley Shelton, Bruce Willis and Elijah Wood.
The Screenwriters: Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez
Based On: The graphic comic by Miller.

Why? Have you seen that trailer? It also moved up a notch in my book when I found out Alexis Bledel and Clive Owen were in it.

Outlook: Audiences aren't reacting as positively to the trailer as film geeks are. Sky Captain only made $35 million despite mostly good notices, and I have no clue whether this groundbreaking format will work for a darker film. The cast and director should yield more business than Sky Captain but not by much. A cult hit status upon its DVD release is all but assured.
Dimension Films - April 1




7. SYRIANA

Syriana, a geological term, refers to the Middle East hot spots that have proved so volatile to U.S. security. Several vignettes dealing with these spots interweave including the stories of Robert Baer, who spent 20 years in the trenches for the CIA, and an oil executive suffereing a family tragedy.

The Screenwriter/Director: Stephen Gaghan (screenwriter of Traffic)
The Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, John Malkovich, Anjelica Huston, Gina Gershon, Amanda Peet, Jeffrey Wright, Max Minghella, Christopher McDonald, Tim Blake Nelson, Greta Scacchi and Michelle Monaghan.
Based On: Robert Baer's memoir "See No Evil: The True Story of a Foot Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism."

Why? Its a Traffic-style take on the political climate of the world and a very timely one. The cast is just as flawless and the script is said to be just as great.

Outlook: A serious, adult film opening in summer - the same weekend as Elizabethtown - probably won't last. If Warner Bros. wants it as their big awards titan, they should consider bumping it back to the fourth quarter where it would do much better and accolades would yield more money. Anticipation is huge and its a big budget risk. Let's hope Gaghan pulls the directing off the way he did the screenplay.
Warner Bros. - July 29


6. WALK THE LINE

He was a voice of rebellion that changed the face of rock and roll, an outlaw before today's rebels were born and an icon they would never forget. Johnny Cash did all this before turning 30. This is the story of the early years of the music legend and the woman who became the love of his life: June Carter.

The Director: James Mangold (Girl, Interrupted)
The Cast: Joaqin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnfer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Shelby Lynne, Dallas Roberts and John Carter Cash.
The Screenwriters: James Mangold and Gill Dennis
Based On: "Cash: An Autobiography."

Why? The man comes around. Phoenix and Witherspoon are perfectly cast and could be award-ready. Mangold has already been a director to watch, and this is his biggest, most ambitious project to date.

Outlook: Good. Phoenix and Witherspoon are singing their own tunes thanks to movie music master T-Bone Burnett (O, Brother Where Art Thou!; Cold Mountain.) Early stills look great and the actors enthusiasm for the film has shown in interviews. However, aren't biopics so 2004?
20th Century Fox - November 18


5. IN HER SHOES

Rose Feller is a thirty year old high powered attorney. Maggie is a 28 year old and drop dead gorgeous. These two women have nothing in common other than the same shoe size, a childhood tragedy, and the same DNA. The sisters are about to learn they're more alike than they ever imagined.

The Director: Curtis Hanson (L.A Confidential, Wonder Boys)
The Cast: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, Shirley MacClaine, Mark Feurstien, Brooke Smith, Anson Mount and Eric Balfour.
The Screenwriter: Susanna Grant (Erin Brockovich)
Based On: The novel of the same name by Jennifer Weiner.

Why? Diaz, and her possible first Oscar nomination. Hanson knows how to make a character story (see Wonder Boys.)

Outlook: Despite the talent involved - Ridley Scott also produces - buzz has been minimal so far, but the book has a following. It'll need all the talent of the cast, the terrific Hanson and Grant to make it rise above the Lifetime-ready storyline.
20th Century Fox - April 8


4. BEWITCHED

Washed up actor Jack Wyatt is about to get a role that could cause his already floundering career to sink or swim: the role of mortal Darrin Stephens in a movie version of the classic TV series Bewitched. As a stipulation, a complete unknown will be hired for the role Darrin's wife, Samantha: Isabel Bigelow, who is about to make the film's production very interesting with a secret from her past: she's really a witch from another planet.

The Director: Nora Ephron (You've Got Mail, Sleepless In Seattle)
The Cast: Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, Jason Schwartzman, Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Kristin Chenoweth, Steve Carell, David Alan Grier, Heather Burns and Nick Lachey.
The Screenwriters: Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron (You've Got Mail) and Adam McKay (Starsky and Hutch, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy)
Based On: The classic TV show of the same name.

Why? Because I needed a Nicole Kidman movie in the top 10. As a kid, I remember watching the TV show everyday, but only have a vague recollection of the actual show. Will Ferrell can make anything funny and that supporting cast is to die for.

Outlook: Solid. The original concept may throw off some, but the combination of a Ephron/Kidman/Caine/MacLaine movie mixed in with a Ferrell/McKay/Comedy Central lineup one should make for an enormously entertaining summer movie.
Columbia Pictures - July 8



3. CURSED

An estranged brother and sister living in Los Angeles, mourning the recent loss of their parents, are brought together by a savage werewolf attack, forcing them to fight for survival, against both the beast and the dangers of its virulent curse.

The Director: Wes Craven (the Scream trilogy, A Nightmare On Elm Street)
The Cast: Christina Ricci, Jesse Eisenberg, Joshua Jackson, Judy Greer, Portia De Rossi, Mya, Shannon Elizabeth and Michael Rosenbaum.
The Writer: Kevin Williamson (Scream, Scream 2)

Why? I've been waiting patiently for two and a half years for the reteaming of Craven and Williamson.

Outlook: Mixed. Test screening reactions have been warm, but with only a month and half before the film's supposed release date, there's very little buzz. Don't be surprised if its bumped back again. That rumor of a PG-13 cut being released really pisses me off. If true, I may just wait for the unrated cut on DVD.
Dimension Films - February 25



2. LAND OF THE DEAD

Zombies having taken over the world and those left alive are confined to a walled-in city that keeps out the corpse corps. Anarchy rules the streets, with the wealthy insulated and living in fortified skyscrapers. The drama revolves around a group of scavengers who must thwart an attempt to overthrow the city while the dead are evolving from brainless slow-moving creatures into more advanced creatures.

The Writer/Director: George Romero (the Living Dead trilogy)
The Cast: Dennis Hopper, Simon Baker, John Leguizamo, Asia Argento and Tom Savini.

Why? We've had fast moving, virus-infected humans. We've had action packed, zombie remakes. Now, the master is back and I'm dying to see what he's got in him after a twenty year break.

Outlook: Great for fans. Any fanatic of the famed, praised to heaven "Dead" trilogy knows this has been the zombie movie to see. The plot even has the series trademark tinge of politics and the cast is quite ecclectic. Its just up to Romero to show a new generation how its done.
Universal Pictures - October 21


1. BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

Set against the sweeping vistas of the Midwest, this is the story of two cowboys - Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist - who while working as ranch hands near Wyoming's Brokeback Mountain in the summer of 1961 begin a friendship that leads to love. Their lives take different courses over the next twenty years, however, with Jack becoming a rodeo cowboy while Ennis remains a ranch hand, and the film follows their lives as they see each other on a yearly "fishing trip." Their relationship is rocky, however, as they must deal with the challenges posed as the intolerance of pre-(and post)-Stonewall rural America rears its ugly, and ultimately violent head against the two lovers.

The Director: Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; The Ice Storm, Sense and Sensibility)
The Cast: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Anna Faris, Randy Quaid, Linda Cardelinni and Scott Michael Campbell.
The Screenwriters: Larry McMurty and Diana Ossana (Dead Man's Walk, Streets of Laredo)
Based On: The short story by Annie Proulx (author of "The Shipping News.")

Why? Its an intimate western, an epic love story with a tragic ending, and a gay indie all in one. Its also considered to be one of the most controversial films of the year. The acclaimed director and red-hot cast of Hollywood's hottest young talent will hopefully do justice to the script, rumored to have been the best unproduced script in Hollywood for the past several years. The short story it is based on is amazing.

Outlook: Extremely positive when it comes to being a good movie. Negative most everywhere else. For Ledger, Gyllenhaal and Williams (who plays Ledger's wife - the two are now dating in real life): the roles of a lifetime. Hathaway will play Gyllenhaal's married-for-her-money wife who is barely in the short story, but will probably be expanded adding another great role. The young and marketable cast have already had to defend the film to death and its still seasons away from release. As far as box-office, I doubt it will cross $30 million unless it is nominated for Best Picture. Then again, as we learned in 2004, niche audiences come out in droves. Anyone else think that if the film would star, say, Naomi Watts and Kirsten Dunst - Ledger and Gyllenhaal's respective ex-girlfriends - it would have no trouble grossing, like, $100 million. Gotta love those double standards. There's buzz that the film's title might be changed to "Brokedown Mountain" to avoid the film (already!) being called "Bareback Mount-him." (Insert pudding joke here.) As you can see, the title might as well be subtitled "Wrong Movie, Wrong Country."
Focus Features - Fourth Quarter



Well, now that my two cents are in, feel free to comment on what your most anticipated film of 2005 is!

Thursday, January 06, 2005

EW Predicts Oscar!


<----Okay, Johnny looks about 10lbs too thin and Kate looks about 10lbs to thick compared to what they look like of late. Might this picture be a little old?
(Yes, DOUBLE nominee for KATE WINSLET!)

Anywho, here are their predicts:

Best Picture:
The Aviator
Finding Neverland
Million Dollar Baby
Ray
Sideways
For your consideration: Maria Full of Grace

Actor:
Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda
Johnny Depp, Finding Neverland
Leo DiCaprio, The Aviator
Jamie Foxx, Ray
Paul Giamatti, Sideways
For Your Consideration: Jeff Bridges, The Door in the Floor

Actress:
Annette Bening, Being Julia
Catalina Sandino Moreno, Maria Full of Grace
Imelda Staunton, Vera Drake
Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby
Kate Winslet, Eternal Sunshine
For Your Consideration: Julie Delpy, Before Sunset

Supporting Actor:
Thomas Haden Church, Sideways
Jamie Foxx, Collateral
Morgan Freeman, Million Dollar Baby
Clive Owen, Closer
Peter Sarsgaard, Kinsey
For Your Consideration: James Garner, The Notebook

Supporting Actress:
Cate Blanchett, The Aviator
Laura Linney, Kinsey
Virginia Madsen, Sideways
Natalie Portman, Closer
Kate Winslet, Finding Neverland
For Your Consideration: Sharon Warren, Ray

Original Screenplay:
The Aviator
Eternal Sunshine
Hotel Rwanda
The Incredibles
Kinsey
For Your Consideration: Imaginary Heroes

Adapted Screenplay:
Closer
Finding Neverland
Million Dollar Baby
The Motorcycle Diaries
Sideways
For Your Consideration: Friday Night Lights

Director:
Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby
Marc Forster, Finding Neverland
Alexander Payne, Sideways
Martin Scorsese, The Aviator
Zhang Yimou, House of Flying Daggers
For Your Consideration: Michel Gondry, Eternal Sunshine

And the 25 movies to see before Oscar night:

1. Sideways
2. The Aviator
3. Finding Neverland
4. Million Dollar Baby
5. Closer
6. Kinsey
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
8. Ray
9. Vera Drake
10. Hotel Rwanda
11. Maria Full of Grace
12. Before Sunset
13. Being Julia
14. Collateral
15. The Incredibles
16. The Motorcycle Diaries
17. The Door in the Floor
18. Kill Bill Vol. 2
19. Imaginary Heroes
20. House of Flying Daggers
21. Bad Education
22. A Very Long Engagement
23. The Sea Inside
24. The Woodsman
25. The Phantom of the Opera

Darren has seen 13 of these. 12 more baby.

DGA, PGA, Lois Lane Has Been Cast and Alias Has Been Revived!

Director's Guild of America Nominations for Best Director:

Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Marc Forster - Finding Neverland
Taylor Hackford - Ray
Alexander Payne - Sideways
Martin Scorsese - The Aviator

Producer's Guild of America Nominations for Best Picture:

The Aviator
Finding Neverland
The Incredibles
Million Dollar Baby
Sideways

KATE BOSWORTH IS LOIS LANE!!! KATE BOSWORTH IS LOIS LANE!!! KATE BOSWORTH IS LOIS LANE!!! (No doubt Kevin Spacey helped get her this part.)
I've had a blue crush on her ever since I saw her in..well, you know.



ALIAS scored its second highest ratings of its 4 year run last night. It was also the second highest show of the evening, beating out Law & Order, only behind Lost. Okay, I'm so sick of L&O being on every fucking hour of the day. Imagine my extreme happiness (normally the substance related kind) that Jenny G kicked all those detective and lawyer asses. I'm filled with glee (the kind only Nicole Kidman looking great at an award show can cause.) Since L&O airs one hour after Alias regularly starting next week, I'm hoping Alias will remain strong throughout its fourth season.

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Random Thoughts: Alias 4.1: Authorized Personnel Only

What a perfect way to begin season number 4! "At last..." If that didn't grab your attention - and your crotch - I don't know what will. The show returns to the feel of the first season in that Sydney is also a person and not just a working, globe-trotting robot. Yeah, I think Garner looks totally awesome with her hair like that. I guess now that she's calm, she looks better. Here's my guide to what rocked, what needs improving and what rocked.

The Great:
-the use of "At Last"
-APO, i think this is a great setup
-Angela Bassett was a terrific addition to the cast in her brief moment
-the opening: classic Alias
-the flash forwards and flashbacks: classic Alias
-Mia Maestro's introduction as an agent, she gives Garner a run for her money
-the constant flashing of Vartan's tatoo
-Sloane as the good/bad guy
-Nadia and Syd are gonna kick ass together. Grrrl! Power!
-the APO team lined up together at the end with Sloane talking to them
-The most technically stunning show on television has returned!

The Not as Great:
-the first half of the episode was almost a direct copy of the super bowl episode. but hey, that was the series best!
-It took too long to bring back Flinkman, but I was so happy when he came back. OMG, I lost it when he said he went to see Sark twice and they had eggs. FUNNIEST MOMENT OF THE NIGHT!
-speaking of, where the fuck is Sark! he's so cool!
-I oddly don't miss Melissa George and yet feel bad about that. Hmm
-I feel slightly cheated by the cliffhanger last season. What exactly was Lauren referring to when she said that her and Syd were similar and both in on the same thing. Then we find out the papers Syd was looking at were about Irena's death.
-the end with Nadia vowing vengeance was a tad cliched
-Weis was also underused which might be good. He doesn't really add anything to the show except to be Vaughn's buddy.

The Shocks and Surprises:
-Is Irena officially dead? I mean, we pretty much know Lena Olin isn't coming back. But is she really dead? I don't buy it.
-Irena tried to kill Syd. Woah.
-Jack had Irena killed. Or did he?
-Sloane is back as a good guy. Or bad guy. Ugh. So frustrating.

Anywho, it was a great and promising start for season #4. It sets us up for a fun, edge of your seat ride and I can't wait to see where it all goes.

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Internal Sunshine of the Spotless Behind

I'm at a lack of stills for my top 10 most anticipated films of 2005 list, which should be up tomorrow or Thursday. Most of the studios still have to unveil their previews, and should do so within the next few days. In the meantime, here's what's happened since 2005 started:

ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND: 2 DISC COLLECTOR'S EDITION

Yeah, I bought it. As if I wasn't going to. It was well worth the money. It comes with a booklet which while being a screaming 'For Your Consideration' pamphlet is still a great collectable. The interview with Michel Gondry and Kate Winslet is fabulous as the two have great chemistry. I didn't watch the new deleted scenes featuring Ellen Pompeo, but will eventually. Anywho, if you love this movie, you must buy it. MUST!

I LOVE LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas announced their list which was had Aviator flying high. My happiness level hit maximum glee (stop laughing!) when this group named Kate Winslet Best Actress and Cate Blanchett Best Supporting Actress. I would love nothing more than to have this year's Oscar winning ladies have the same name with a different first letter. How clever am I!

ONLINE FILM CRITICS

Eternal Sunshine received the most nominations for this group including Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing and Original Score. This is the first group to take note of the film's Score and Cinematography and I can only hope some other groups follow suit.

"Meet me at the Kodak" may not have just been wishful thinking after all.

Monday, January 03, 2005

2005 Movie Preview (Part 2)

The following films are set to begin production this spring meaning I have no idea whether or not they will make a 2005 release date or will be bumped back to 2006. Since they sound like potentially great films, I thought I'd mention them:

THE BLACK DAHLIA
Brian De Palma directs this adaptation of the James Elroy novel focusing on cop corruption, crime and old Hollywood. Set in the 1940's, the drama focuses on the hunt for the killer of never-was actress Elizabeth Short by two LA cops. Josh Hartnett, Hilary Swank and Scarlett Johansson star. Think L.A. Confidential with a younger cast.

EVERY WORD IS TRUE
This is a star studded biopic of Truman Capote and his relationship with Dick Hickock and Perry Smith while writing In Cold Blood. Relative unknown Toby Jones plays Capote and Mark Ruffalo plays Smith. Sandra Bullock appears as Harper Lee and Gwyneth Paltrow will have a brief cameo playing Peggy Lee. Also in the cast: Sigourney Weaver, Alan Cumming, Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd. Douglas McGrath (Emma) writes and directs.

MARIE-ANTOINETTE
Let's see what Oscar-winner Sofia Coppola can do with a larger budget and a period setting. Kirsten Dunst, reteaming with Coppola after The Virgin Suicides, stars as the title character, while Jason Schwartzman co-stars as Louis XVI. This could be a great showcase for the trio involved, or everyone is completely wrong for it. Nevertheless, I'd like the tagline to be 'This Summer, You'll Eat Cake." And I know there's several people out there who want to see Dunst lose her head.


HONORABLE MENTIONS:

13. ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL

Terry Zwigoff and Daniel Clowes, the creators of Ghost World, reteam for this dark comedy about an art student accepted into elite art school. When he arrives, he finds the most pretentious people he's ever met and soon sets out a plan to become the greatest artist in the world, winning the heart of the school's most beautiful girl. Max Minghella (director Anthony's son), Sofia Myles, John Malkovich and Jim Broadbent star. (Summer)

12. STRANGERS WITH CANDY

Big screen version of the cult TV series that stars Amy Sedaris as an ex-convict prostitute released from prison almost 30 years after dropping out of high school. Trying to make amends with her family and getting her life together, she restarts her life where it stopped: as a freshman in high school. Paul Dinello, Stephen Colbert, Deborah Rush and Greg Hollimon reprise their roles. Joining the cast for the big screen are Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Kirsten Johnston, Allison Janney, Ian Holm, Dan Hedaya, Justin Theroux and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. The film will debut as a midnight selection at this year's Sundance Film Festival. David Letterman produces. (Spring)






11. THE WOODS

Its the reason The Village was called The Village. Lucky McGee (May) directs this Suspiria-esque gothic horror movie set in the early 60's at an all-girls private school. Agnes Bruckner plays a teen who suspects something sinister in the forest surrounding the school, and Patricia Clarkson is the evil headmistress with a deadly secret. Throw in genre icon Bruce Campbell, and you've got a potential horror classic. Filming finished over a year ago, and MGM is holding the release till September 2 because of test audiences negative reaction to the film's ending. Let's hope some reshoots help. Check out the film's official site here.

Saturday, January 01, 2005

2005 Movie Preview (Part 1)

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2005 list should be up by Tuesday. There are, as always, lots of films that didn't quite make the cut. Here's my guide to the best of the rest of films I'm looking forward to seeing. You'll notice no (ZERO!) mention of Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith. Or whatever. I don't care.

2005: The Year In All-Star Lineups

You want names? I got your names! Woody Allen's latest spring release is a blend of tragedy and comedy focusing on Radha Mitchell's character MELINDA & MELINDA, co-starring Will Ferrell, Amanda Peet, Chloe Sevigny and the MIA-of-late Johnny Lee Miller. Daniel Day Lewis's real life wife, playwright Rebecca Miller, writes and directs her husband in THE BALLAD OF JACK AND ROSE co-starring Catherine Keener and Jason Lee. Director Gore Verbinski drops the genre fare for the great looking dark comedy THE WEATHER MAN starring Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine and Hope Davis. Behind the scenes problems plagued the appropriately titled RUMOR HAS IT, a 'what if?' dramedy paying tribute to The Graduate. The cast includes Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Mark Ruffalo, Mena Suvari and Shirley Maclaine. Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle and Brendan Fraser lead the ensemble drama CRASH. Heath Ledger goes skateboarding with Girl Next Door's Emile Hirsh in Thirteen director Catherine Hardwicke's LORDS OF DOGTOWN. Oscar-winners Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger star in Oscar-winner Ron Howard's boxing drama CINDERELLA MAN which looks to be this summer's Seabiscuit. Paul Giamatti and Paddy Considine co-star. Writer-director Don Roos (The Opposite of Sex, Bounce) weaves a series of vignettes set in LA with a cast that includes Lisa Kudrow, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern, Jesse Bradford and Tom Arnold in HAPPY ENDINGS. And yes, it is that kind of happy ending. In the fall, Miramax releases the long delayed PROOF starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anthony Hopkins and Hope Davis; also from their shelf is AN UNFINISHED LIFE the latest from Lasse Hallstrom starring Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez and Morgan Freeman. Matt Damon and Heath Ledger are THE BROTHERS GRIMM for Terry Gilliam. The big budget adventure costars Monica Belluci as a wicked witch. Kate Winslet, Susan Sarandon, James Gandolfini, John Turturro and Mandy Moore star in the musical ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES. Claire Danes stars in the Steve Martin penned comedy SHOPGIRL with Martin, Jason Schwartman and Jimmy Fallon. Robert Altman directs another large ensemble (does he do any other kind of movie?) led by Salma Hayek for the artworld set PAINT. From the writer-director of Things You Can Tell Just By Looking at Her comes NINE LIVES, starring Holly Hunter, Kathy Baker, Amy Brenneman, Glenn Close, Robin Wright Penn, Sissy Spacek and Amanda Seyfried. HATING HER is a dark comedy about a family's meeting of their son's new girlfriend, whom based on the title you can tell they don't paricularly care for. Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Claire Danes and Luke Wilson star. Evan Rachel Wood accuses her teacher of sexual harassment and starts a media frenzy in PRETTY PERSUASION (best title of the year!), co-starring James Woods, Ron Livingston and Selma Blair. Jake Gyllenhaal is everywhere this year. (Lucky us!) He stars with Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Lucas Black and Sam Rockwell in JARHEAD for Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes. Mendes' real life wife Kate Winslet is part of the large ensemble cast of ALL THE KING'S MEN. Joining her is Sean Penn, Patricia Clarkson, Jude Law, Anthony Hopkins, Mark Ruffalo and James Gandolfini.

2005: The Year In Thrills

After the success of small horror films like The Grudge, Saw and Open Water, it seems more and more horror films are still getting the greenlight. The year opens with the Feb. 4 release of the long delayed BOOGEYMAN, from producer Sam Raimi and starring Barry Watson and Emily Deschanel. After that, let's hope Michael Bay can do less of a hackjob on his producing effort of THE AMITYVILLE HORROR than he did on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Not that I'd know since I didn't see that remake. Ryan Reynolds and Alias babe Melissa George star as the Lutz's for the April film. June brings us the import HIGH TENSION, which is being released from Lions Gate with the NC-17 rating very much in tact. In the hot month of July, we get the New Orleans-set gothic ghost story SKELETON KEY starring Kate Hudson, Peter Sarsgaard and Gena Rowlands. This one sounds pretty cool. New Orleans also makes an appearance in writer Kevin Williamson's BACKWATER due third quarter. Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly and Camryn Manheim try to stay afloat in some DARK WATER from director Walter Salles. As always, fall will be the best time for some thrills. THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE boasts one of the most impressive casts for a genre film this year: Tom Wilkinson, Laura Linney, Shorheh Aghdashloo and Campbell Scott. Richard Linklater directs Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder in the hip titled A SCANNER DARKLY based on the novel by Philip K. Dick. Wes Craven unleashes his second release of the year, RED-EYE, featuring the very sexy teamup of Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy. And last, but definately not least, is the remake of the John Carpenter classic THE FOG. As of right now, no cast has been set, but for the love of god please cast Patricia Clarkson in the Adrienne Barbeau role. She is beyond perfect for the part.

2005: The Year In Actresses

I'd watch Jennifer Garner star in a film based on the phone book. So you can imagine I have no problem with seeing the potentially bad ELEKTRA out January 14. I'm sure it will be better than Daredevil. Much like Miss Garner, Sandra Bullock is an actress audiences will watch in anything (see: Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood - or better yet, don't!) MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED AND FABULOUS doesn't look good, but I'm sure it will be at least fun, right? RIGHT!?!?! Thank god we can always fall back on Nicole Kidman who has the spectacular looking THE INTERPRETER due out at the end of April. Kidman plays an African-American (like Charlize Theron, not Angela Bassett) woman protected by Sean Penn from an evil assassin. In the summer months comes Lindsay Lohan in another remake, HERBIE: FULLY LOADED. Matt Dillon costars in the film which has that famous 'love bug' entering the NASCAR world. Anne Hathaway is a girl gone wild in HAVOC. The actress will appear nude in the long delayed film. In July, Charlize Theron plays an assassin (the kind not trying to kill Nicole Kidman) in Girlfright director Karyn Kusama's AEON FLUX, an adaptation of the MTV cartoon. Frances McDormand costars. And how's this: Theron and McDormand reappear together in Whale Rider director Niki Caro's CLASS ACTION, a drama about the first sexual harrassment lawsuit due out in December. Leaving behind her Friend-ly persona, Courteney Cox Arquette stars in the dark indie NOVEMBER, a fave at last year's Sundance Film Festival. Julianne Moore is THE PRIZE WINNER OF DEFIANCE, OHIO, a mother of 10 who enters a jingle contest and wins. Laura Dern costars. Finally, Uma Thurman and Meryl Streep face off in the comedy PRIME, which focuses on a woman who falls for the son of her therapist.

2005: The Year In $100 Million Movies

Here's your big blockbusters: Summer kicks off with THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY with the very cool cast of Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel and Mos Def. The same weekend as that movie opens, Ridley Scott's epic KINGDOM OF HEAVEN opens. Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons star. In June, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie try to out-sex each other in Doug Liman's MR. AND MRS. SMITH, a film pitched as a cross between True Lies and The War of the Roses. BATMAN BEGINS with Christian Bale as the caped crusader just starting out in Gotham. The supporting cast includes Katie Holmes, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Tom Wilkinson, Liam Neeson and Gary Oldman. At the end of June, audiences will have FUN WITH DICK AND JANE a remake of the caper-comedy starring Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni. WAR OF THE WORLDS is the big Independence Day release. The Steven Spielberg sci-fi epic caused Mission: Impossible 3 to be bumped back to 2006. In the fall, Colin Farrel plays John Smith in Terrence Malick's THE NEW WORLD. Harry Potter returns 2 weeks later in HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. Miranda Richardson joins the cast as....some evil teacher, I'm assuming. Rob Marshall directs the epic MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA starring Zhang Ziyi and Ken Watanabe. Due in December, its one of the big Oscar contenders of the year. And, finally, Peter Jackson's interpretation of KING KONG lands in December. Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody star while Gollum's Andy Serkis plays the big ape.

Oscar Predictions (4 of 5)

With less than a month to go, you'd think I'd have a clue what I was doing....

Best Picture:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - Hotel Rwanda - Million Dollar Baby - Sideways

Best Director:
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Marc Forster - Finding Neverland
Michel Gondry - Eternal Sunshine
Alexander Payne - Sideways
Martin Scorsese - The Aviator

Best Actor:
Javier Bardem - The Sea Inside
Don Cheadle - Hotel Rwanda
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator
Jamie Foxx - Ray
Paul Giamatti - Sideways

Best Actress:
Annette Bening - Being Julia
Imelda Staunton - Vera Drake
Hilary Swank - Million Dollar Baby
Uma Thurman - Kill Bill: Vol. 2
Kate Winslet - Eternal Sunshine

Best Supp. Actor:
David Carradine - Kill Bill: Vol. 2
Thomas Haden Church - Sideways
Morgan Freeman - Million Dollar Baby
Clive Owen - Closer
Peter Sarsgaard - Kinsey

Best Supp. Actress:
Cate Blanchett - The Aviator
Laura Linney - Kinsey
Virginia Madsen - Sideways
Natalie Portman - Closer
Kate Winslet - Finding Neverland

Best Original Screenplay:
The Aviator - Eternal Sunshine - Hotel Rwanda - Kinsey - Vera Drake

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Closer - Finding Neverland - Million Dollar Baby - Motorcycle Diaries - Sideways

Best Cinematography:
The Aviator - Collateral - House of Flying Daggers - Passion of Christ - Ray

Best Editing:
The Aviator - Closer - Eternal Sunshine - House of Flying Daggers - Million Dollar Baby

Best Art Direction:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - House of Flying Daggers - Lemony Snicket - Phantom of the Opera

Best Costume Design:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - House of Flying Daggers - Phantom of the Opera - Vanity Fair

Best Score:
The Aviator - Finding Neverland - Lemony Snicket - Million Dollar Baby - Sideways

Best Sound:
The Aviator - The Incredibles - Ray - Sky Captain - Spider-Man 2

Best Sound Editing:
The Bourne Supremacy - Sky Captain - Spider-Man 2

Best Makeup:
Lemony Snicket - Passion of Christ - Phantom of the Opera

Best Visual F/X:
The Aviator - Sky Captain - Spider-Man 2

Best Song:
Alfie - Old Habits Die Hard
Hotel Rwanda - Million Voices
Phantom of the Opera - Learn to Be Lonely
The Polar Express - Believe
Shrek 2 - Accidentally In Love

Best Foreign Film:
House of Flying Daggers - Sea Inside - - -

Best Documentary:
Born Into Brothels - Riding Giants - Super Size Me - Touching the Void -