AVATAR- Breathtaking and innovative, this is the most important movie of 2009.

Last night, four of us went to Lincolnshire IL to see “Avatar” premiere on a real iMax screen in 3D. Since the screen filled my vision and the 3D made the action extend pretty much into my lap, it was the most memorable cinematic experience of my life. But it wasn’t just the theatre alone that left me (Caroline) in shock and awe (though it’s hard to believe I was in a theatre at all, it felt like I was in the jungles of Pandora along with the characters), “Avatar” has such profound visual effects it is difficult to tell what was real and what is animated.

My expectations for this movie were really high, because writer/director James Cameron has been working on it for 15 years. He basically had to wait until the right technology could exist. It’s the most expensive movie ever made, costing more than $500,000,000. “Avatar” greatly exceeded my expectations. It’s overall very solid, but the visual effects are what blew my mind.

The way the Na’vi are animated make them look… real. This is due mostly to their skin texture and the INCREDIBLE way their faces move. The landscapes are also intensely rich with beauty, especially at night when the jungles become bioluminescent. The Na’vi themselves have some glowing pores. The plants and animals native to Pandora are completely dreamed up and visually stunning.

It’s obvious this movie was made for 3D, because there are many details that cater to it. At one point, a character swung her arm around and I ducked!

This movie is also solid in directing, editing, art direction, production design, original score and sound mixing/editing. I expect it to win MANY Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

You always know it’s a good movie when everyone talks about it the ENTIRE way back to Milwaukee. To quote Adam, “This must have been what it was like to see Star Wars in 1977…” Furthermore, Steven Spielberg, who had actually been there in 1977, said it felt exactly like walking out of Star Wars (to clarify, he was not in the car with us).

New Moon Trailer: Most Trite Love Story Ever

Today I went to see "The Box" but I'm not going to talk about that. Instead I'm going to talk about the New Moon trailer I saw before the movie.



Well let me tell you. This looks like the biggest bunch of bullshit love story ever. This girl fell in love with some dude vampire she met once and things just don't work out...so she goes to the point of "killing herself" to get him to come back. Sounds like a crazy ass bitch to me. Sound like the guy is better off. She's messing with a world she doesn't understand, nor does she belong there...but yet...she loves him...so she doesn't care. She'll fuck up her life, his life, and the life of all other vampires just because she has some stupid high school crush on the guy...I'm sorry...but that's retarded.

Worse yet, when the guys finds out she "killed" herself, he decides to kill himself so he can "be with her." Are you kidding me? She's a stupid immature high school girl and he's a vampire who's been around FOREVER! or at least that's how vampires are supposed to be. No way in all his travels through time a stupid high school girl is the perfect woman for him...please.

What bothered me even more was that the way he has to kill himself is to go into the sunlight...hmmm...yes that kills vampires...but...ummm...doesn't he and all the other vampires go in the sun all the time in this movie? yeah...I don't get it. This "saga" is exploiting stupid teenagers who think they understand love and is destroying all of the lore and mythology that occupies the vampire genre.

Final thought, doesn't this love story sound like a warped version of Romeo and Juliet? Girl "kills" herself (but not really) guy thinks she's dead so he kills himself. Please, give me a break. If you're gonna do that, please make it less obvious. Or make it clear that you're paying homage to Shakespeare and not just blatantly ripping him off.

I have lost all respect I never had for the Twilight "Saga" if you can even call it that. Lord of The Rings was a saga...Twilight...is not.

Highest Grossing Summer in Box Office History

This summer movies have made more money than they ever have in the summer season.

It's interesting. It shows that even in a recession, people STILL want to go to movies, possibly even more so. People want to be taken away, people want to get away from their drab lives and experience something different. Movies offer than experience. Nothing else does.

It just makes me want to get into the big leagues that much more.

I"M NOT DEAD YET!

Can we please wait for a person to die or become too old or deathly ill or incompetent to tell their own story before we make a biopic about them? Cinematical reports that they're looking to cast someone as Lance Armstrong in a new biopic, click here. Why would you make a lance armstrong biopic now? He's talking about making a come back. His story isn't over yet, there might be a triumphant ending that has still yet to be written. Please wait for a person's career/life to over before you make a movie about their whole life, that just doesn't make sense.

Hey What is This?

Hey...What is this? hmmm, i can't really tell...it's a little dusty, let me just dust this thing off................HOLY SHIT IS MY BLOG!!!!!!!! I HAVEN"T SEEN THIS THING IN MONTHS!!!!!

Sorry guys...Adam and I have been REALLY busy making.

yeah...it's been emotional...stay tuned, i'll upload production stills and stuff soon...maybe i'll throw together a little trailer...but the piece is only 6min long and is all dialogue, so i don't know how exciting a trailer would be, we'll see.

Wall-E VS Watchmen

This is a Wall-E Watchmen trailer mash-up

SO SORRY!

OMG, i'm so sorry we haven't updated in so long. i promise i'll have a blog post up by the end of the day. but until then, here are some trailers of some up and coming movies.





and here's a fake trailer for Gobstopper, a horror version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Chistopher Lloyd.

Gobstopper Trailer from Paul Scheer

and this is Forrest Gump in one minute and in one take


and this is Kill Bill 1&2 in one minute and in one take


hope you enjoy, sorry for our lazy-ness

Updates!

Mike and I have seen a lot of movies recently... So many that we're both overloaded with reviews that we still have to write.

In the mean time I thought I would let you guys read something that I thought was kind of interesting. The link is below. Enjoy!

- Adam

http://bamkapow.com/will-hollywood-kill-the-comic-book--2569-p.html

"This Movie is Crap, But I Don't Care, Cause It Looks SWEET On Blu-Ray!"

Wow, what is this world coming to. Check out this Blu-Ray Forum post I stumbled upon while looking up info about the look of The Wrestler.

These people are so ignorant, complaining about film grain, wondering why The Wrestler couldn't go to 35mm when The Dark Knight was able to go to 70mm IMAX stock. This is ignorant for a number of reasons. But before I call out their ignorance I just want to say, wouldn't the sight of film grain be a good thing on Blu-Ray? The more grain the better? Because the more grain you're seeing, that means you have a more high def image if you can see all the grain. Am I right? Anyway, their ignorance, reason one, The Dark Knight was a big summer blockbuster, therefore, extremely big budget, the movie grossed just over a billion dollars at the box office. The Wrestler on the other hand, was bought for only 4 million dollars, that's ridiculously cheap. And the movie was made for way less. I'm pretty sure most of the budget went just to paying Mickey Rourke.

This question about film choice clearly shows how unacquainted the America today is with artistic decisions. Rather than asking why they didn't choose to shoot on 35mm, ask why they chose to shoot on 16mm. Because there was a reason to it other than fiscal issues, granted that may have been the driving force. Grain gives an aesthetic and visceral look and feel to the movie. It makes it feel more raw, much like Mickey's character. The film was also shot mostly on a Steadicam to give it a documentary feel. The Steadicam teamed up with the 16mm film gives the movie the feeling of an old documentary from the 60s or 70s.

Not only do these comments make me upset with the world's artistic views, but it upsets me that the worlds standard of image reproduction has changed. We've become obsessed with megapixels and 1080i and 720p and component vs HDMI and Red Cameras and DSLRs that shoot HD video Yes HD looks great...but it looks almost too great. HD is so crisp and clean that it becomes hyper real. Please, look around you, everything you see looks real and has a raw feeling to it, as if everything has lived. HD gives you the feeling that everything has just been born, but that's not the way real life is. Film gives you a raw feeling, but yet it gives you a fantastical feeling about the world. It's separate from our world, but yet it is the same. This is why it offeres such great escapism. HD just gives us a fantasy world that is too much alike and too much more than our own lives. I could continues to rant on the differences between digital and film...but I'll hold back, this argument is really just about film grain and how we view cinema.

My main point is, stop obsessing over pixels and contrast ratios and think about how many different ways we can reproduce images and how each medium gives a different effect, hell, some music videos today are even being shot on Super8 for artistic reasons and aesthetic feel. So think about it.

Pale Flower (1964)

The 1964 Japanese movie Pale Flower was directed by Masahiro Shinoda and was shot entirely on 16mm black and white film. For having been shot on 16mm film, this movie is extremely beautiful.

I am unable to find pictures that truly show off the beautiful cinematography of this film, but trust me, if you like amazing black and white photography, that's enough reason to see this film. On an extremely small budget the film makers were able to establish a very heavy and emotional visual style that is almost film noir.

The film is about a Japanese gangster who is recently let out of prison. He tries to get back in touch with his life by seeing the people he once new and returning to his old gambling joints. While tending to his gambling needs he encounters a beautiful woman gambler with guts. She is extremely intriguing and becomes entranced by her mystique. He takes her to a high stakes gambling match and she is an instant hit with the mob crowd. This is all fun and games, but they inevitably run into problems with rival mobs and broken hearts.

The film is beautifully told and has the feel of an American about poker film, in this film they play Mahjong. Although there are some scenes that feel out of place, they are entertaining and are almost used as comic relief. Yes the film probably could have done with out them, but it's those scenes that let you know the movie doesn't take itself too seriously.

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

What defines a classic movie? It's a movie that captured the aura of an era, was a break through in it's time, and is still entertaining and socially prevalent today. Rebel Without a Cause takes a look at juvenile delinquency in the 1950's. The movie follows Jim Stark (James Dean) as he tries to fit himself into a new town. He struggles with meeting people and getting in with the "cool" kids/greasers.

I had the opportunity to see an original print screening of Rebel Without a Cause at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The Gene Siskel is mainly a first run art house theatre where they show anything from first run art films to older obscure films. This was my first time going to the Gene Siskel, and although I wasn't in their main theatre, it was still a pretty cool experience. Their theatres, they have two screens, are both THX certified, which means wonderful sound reproduction including a subwoofer under the floor, the theatre is "floating" meaning it doesn't touch the rest of the builsing structure for extra sound proofing, and intense double doors into the theatre making sure no sound gets in our out. The seats were uber comfortable and the theatre was very intimate. The film center also has a cafe with classic movie posters and pictures of old movie stars. They will also have gallery shows from time to time. So it's a really cool place to just hang out even if you're not seeing a movie.

But anyway, Rebel Without a Cause is a wonderful film that completely capures the 1950s. Specifically the problems with teenage delinquincey. Everything from chicken races, to breaking and entering, to poor parenting. And on top of it, James Dean is just cool. If you haven't seen this movie yet, go out and see it NOW! And if you're in the Chicago area, you can head down to the Gene Siskel Film Center sometime this week before Friday to catch a screening of it. Click here for the Gene Siskel's website.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)

Those of you who have been reading us since the beginning (the beginning about a week ago) probably know that I still owe you reviews on Gran Torino, The Visitor and Frozen River. I just thought I should take the time to let you in on a special bonus review...

Most of you didn't see Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Those of you who saw it didn't like it. I'm not quite sure why though. I thought it was a fantastic film -- maybe even tied for the most underrated film alongside In Bruges. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist even scored an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist is a romantic comedy about well... Nick (Michael Cera) and Norah (Kat Dennings) who are on a quest to find a New York underground indie band, when they instead find each other. While the story might make some incredible leaps at times, you kind of just have to sit back and remember the good old days of being in high school.

At first the age of Nick & Norah seems a little off putting. At times you wonder where their parents were, but then I started to feel like a dinosaur. I know that I have had crazy adventures like this before and I think that's the appeal of this film. It's a nostalgia film, because we all feel like we've been there.

Michael Cera's amazing ability to look awkward never seizes to amaze me. What does amaze me is that this is the first time that I actually think it worked. Kat Dennings on the other hands needs more roles. Her Norah had a variety of levels, and I love her facial expressions -- she dazzled her way across the screen.

The Verdict
If you like indie music and quirky indie romantic comedies than Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist should be at the top of your Netflix Queue. I strongly recommend this film.

How High (2001)

My girlfriend and I decided to watch this movie instead of watching E!'s Oscar Red Carpet Party.

This movie is so bad it's amazing.

Verdict
Watch it on Comedy Central. Please don't pay money for this.

Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Rachel Getting Married is like watching the home wedding video of a couple that belongs to a dysfunctional family that you don't even know. There wasn't a structure to this film, no rising action, no tense building -- not even any character development.

Rachel Getting Married is the story of well, Rachel getting married. However, her dysfunctional ex-junkie sister comes home from rehab and of course chaos ensues.

This film reminded me a point I had in a conversation the other day. I am extremely sick and tired of people telling me a film is good simply because it was a good performance. I do think Anne Hathaway was beyond fantastic in this film -- however, Rachel Getting Married still lacked a certain, como se dice, "good" quality to it.

The film was almost entirely shot handheld -- almost as if the audience were watching a DVD of the wedding and the events surrounding it. It would have been nice to have maybe seen an image stabilizer. The handheld was so ridiculous that there was a point at the wedding reception that people were bumping into the camera -- and while most directors would have redone the shot because it looks like crap, Rachel Getting Married director Jonathan Demme decided that it would probably look more realistic.

I think what kills me the most is that Jonathan Demme directed Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Philadelphia (1993). Those films are classics... I could go on forever about just how terrible Rachel Getting Married really was. A lot of this movie needed to be cut simply because it didn't develop character, or conflict -- without either of the two you have Rachel Getting Married.

This film made me so frustrated that a few friends of mine were genuinely shocked that I actually made it through the film.

The Verdict
Don't see this movie! Anne Hathaway's brilliant performance isn't enough to save this film from being a total catastrophe.

The Wrestler (2008)

While the poster it say that this film was directed by Darren Aronofsky. This wasn't a Darren Aronofsky film. It couldn't possibly be a Darren Aronofsky film -- this was Aranofsky's sad attempt to try and make a PT Anderson movie. Except it failed miserably.
Deciding to break away from films like: pi, Requiem for a Dream and The Fountain -- The Wrestler is about the fictitious life of ex-superstar wrestler Randy "The Ram." It chronicles his life post superstardom as he struggles with normal life and the daughter he abandoned.

While the poster it say that this film was directed by Darren Aronofsky. This wasn't a Darren Aronofsky film. It couldn't possibly be a Darren Aronofsky film -- this was Aranofsky's sad attempt to try and make a PT Anderson movie. Except it failed.

Of course. Aranofsky's film was accompanied by a Clint Mansell score (whom I tend to love). I guess it was actualy Mansell's twin brother who joined an 80's hair metal band. The Wrestler had a disappointing score to say the least. The idea that the cinematographer got an Image award is absolutely ludicrous . The entire film was virtually shot in entirety on steadicam and handheld shots. I understand the nitty gritty reality TV look they were going for... but seriously, would it kill you to use a tripod?

I feel the relationship between Randy "The Ram" and his daughter was the prototype of stereotypical teenage angst. The daughter can't forgive the dad because he was no good, but he promises that he'll make amends even though you know you'll be let down. Maybe it's like real life -- however it's cinematic trite.

This film should not have been in any of your top 10 lists. Mickey Rourke was good, but I don't think I liked him as much as the rest of the world did -- but hey, what's new? Marisa Tomei on the other hand dazzles and masters every scene.

The Verdict
Unless you really like the look of ridiculously grainy un-color-corrected 35mm film on the silver screen AND you can't find anything else at blockbuster. I would recommend renting this film.
Although the film is flawed -- there is enough substance to make it a somewhat enjoyable experience. I'll stand by Aranofsky -- I just hope he doesn't make this a habit.

Preview of 2009

If you're like me, you probably turned the TV off or went to the bathroom as soon as Slumdog Millionaire received it's award for best picture. If you're like me, then you missed a preview of what's to come in 2009. This year during the credits for the Oscars they played clips from some of the movies that we will be seeing in 2009. Some of the criteria for these clips where that the clips had to be brand new, which I'm assuming means they had to use clips that weren't already in trailers.

Check out the previews below. 2o09 looks...interesting...to say the least.

Adam's Upcoming Reviews!

I had to do a lot of catching up for the Oscars tonight -- and let's just say it involved 6 films in a 24 hour period. 

Hopefully tomorrow I'll post my reviews for the following films -->

- The Wrestler

- The Visitor

- Frozen River

- Rachel Getting Married

- Gran Torino

Frost/Nixon was the first of the 6th, and I already posted that review. Is anybody as shocked as I am about Mike's length Oscar timeline? It's kinda ridiculous -- although I suppose after his very tame Paula Abdul like review of Altered States, he owed us all one. I'll put up my final tally as to Oscar predictions and my closing remarks on the subject tomorrow.

Until Tomorrow,

Adam

"...But I think the audience is ready for that"

- Guy Ritchie

The Oscar Tallies Are In

The Oscar Tallies are in, you can check out all the winners below in a previous post, or at the Oscars website.

Vicki, Christina, Barcelona - 1
Milk - 2
Slumdog Millionaire - 8
WALL-E - 1
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 3
The Dutchess - 1
The Dark Knight - 2
The Reader - 1

The Oscars Have Begun!

It's currently 7:17, the Oscars have officially started...well...the red carpet has officially started, but that's totally apart of the Oscars. Check back periodically, I'll be doing my best to do a live update, so check back periodically if you can't watch the Oscars live.

Red Carpet: Kate Winslet=Hot
Brad and Angelina=In a Hurry
Amy Adams=Hot
Anne Hatheway=hmmm

7:20, here come the guys with the winning envelopes! They're walking sooooooo slow.

Penelope Cruz=Classic/Gorgeous
Jack Black=Akward...kinda funny...maybe drunk

7:27, Montage of the Oscars new set and musical direction. Band on stage, classic jazz band stands, LOT OF CRYSTALS...hmmm, don't know how I feel about this... I'll find out in 3min.

7:38, the set wasn't as bad as i thought it was going to be, but it feels like there's a lot less stage space than in the past. The stage is just a little higher than the floor space and the seats go right up to the stage because they got rid of the orchestra pit. Because of this, Hugh Jackman keeps going into the audience to harass the actors, it gives the Oscars a feel that is much like SNL...I don't think it works for the Oscars. Hugh Jackman's opening musical montage was pretty entertaining.

7:41, Montage of women accepting Oscars. I thought one of the changes they were making to the Oscar's was no more montages, except for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

7:43, WOW they have 5 women presenting the award for Best Supporting Actress.

The Nominees Are:
Amy Adams, Doubt
Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler

It's weird...instead of doing a small clip for each nominee each of the five presenters is giving a small description of the actress' roles. I really hope they don't do this for the whole show, I'd rather watch a small clip.

And The Best Supporting Actress of 2008 goes to:

Penelope Cruz

This makes me happy. It was a great movie, with a great cast, and she is just an amazing woman.

And she gave an eloquent speech. I love that woman.

7:53, Good intro for best screenplay, Tina Fey and Steve Martin are great. It seems like this year at the Oscars they're spending more time introducing the presenters than the nominees.

And the Nominees for Best Original Screenplay are:
Frozen River
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges
Milk
WALL-E

And the Best Original Screenplay of 2008 is:

Milk

Milk, I think is a bit of an upset. I think WALL-E should have one. It's harder to make up a story than adapt a person's real life, you've already got the story here. The politics of the Oscars are already taking affect.

7:59, Nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

And the Best Adapted Screenplay of 2008 is:

Slumdog Millionaire

I'm ok with this.


8:03, Montage of animated movies. The music is overbearing and obnoxious, it feels kind of slapped together or very similar to an art students re-appropriation project.

Nominees For Best Animated Feature:
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL-E

And the Best Animated Feature of 2008 is:

WALL-E

Sweet!

8:08, Nominees for Animated Short Film:
La Maison en Petits Cubes
Lavatory - Love Story
Oktapodi
Presto
This Way Up

And the Best Animated Short of 2008 is:

La Maison en Petits Cubes

This makes me happy, I actually had the chance to see the shorts screen, this one deserved to win. Aw, the poor guy accepting the award can hardly speak English, but it made it ok when he finished his speech with "Domo arigato Mr. Roboto."

8:15, Nominees for Best Art Direction:

Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road

And the Best Art Direction of 2008 is:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Ok, this is Bullshit. Yes, the art director had to figure things out for multiple decades, but here's the thing...there were a lot of problems with their art direction. The thing that gave it away was that some times cars wouldn't match the time period. It wasn't consistent enough for this to be the best art direction of 2008. It should have gone to The Dark Knight, it was consistent and it created a world.

Nominees for Best Costume Design:

Revolutionary Road
The Dutchess
Milk
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Australia

And the Best Costume Design of 2008 is:

The Dutchess

Nominees for Best Make-Up:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II: The Golden Army

And the Best Make-Up of 2008 is:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This deserved to win, they freakin' put Brad Pitts face on another guys body! AND CHANGED HIS AGE!

8:25, The guy from Twilight looks like such a creeper. I don't know why you girls find him sooooo attractive. Romance 2008 Montage

8:29, Stay Tuned for a short by Judd Apatow.

8:31, OOOOOHHHH MY GOD, I love Natalie Portman, Ben Stiller is making fun of Jaoquin Phoenix by wearing sun glasses and a big fake beard.

The Nominees for Best Cinematography:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
The Dark Knight
Changeling
The Reader

And the Best Cinematography of 2008 is:

Slumdog Millionaire

Hmmm, I think Dark Knight should have one, it did so many new things with the camera, it was the first movie to use an IMAX camera for a feature length film, it was so much harder. The cinematographer for Slumdog just replicated previous styles of Danny Boyle, nothing new. Yes the movie looked gorgeous, but nothing new.

8:38, Jessica Biel is a bad presenter..."joke...(Wait for laugh...shit! Where's my laugh?)"

8:42, Judd Apatow short with Seth Rogan and James Franco. It's their characters from Pineapple Express sit down and watch movies that weren't nominated for best movie.

Nominees for Best Live Action Short:

Auf Der Strecke (On the Line)
Manon on the Asphalt
New Boy
The Pig
Spielzeugland (Toyland)

And the Best Live Action Short of 2008 is:

Spielzeugland (Toyland)

I can agree with this.

8:52, Another Hugh Jackman musical number with surprise guest Beyonce. They're going through a musical montage of movie musicals. This is slightly ridiculous and awesome at the same time. "THE MUSICAL IS BACK!" - Hugh Jackman

9:02, Nominees for Best Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin, Milk
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road

And the Best Supporting Actor of 2008 is:

Heath Ledger

This was well deserved, I don't care what any of you think or say. Ben Kingsly was totally dosing off during the acceptance speech.

9:11, Documentary Montage. Why is Bill Mahr at the Oscars...oh wait...I guess he did do a documentary this year.

Nominees for Best Documentary:
The Betrayal
Encounters at the End of the World
The Garden
Man on Wire
Trouble the Water

The Best Documentary of 2008 is:

Man on Wire

This was really good, it deserved to win. Haha, the star of the documentary crepily worked his way on stage and did some magic and balanced the Oscar on his chin.

Noninees for Best Documentary Short Subject:
The Conscience of Nhem En
The Final Inch
Smile Pinki
The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306

And the Best Short Subject Documentary Short Subject of 2008 is:

Smile Pinki

Didn't know anything about these, so I have no opinion.

9:23, Action Montage
Nominees for Best Visual Effects:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man

And the Best Visual Effects of 2008 are:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I'm glad the Academy got this one right.

Nominees for Best Sound Editing:
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted

The Best Sound Editing of 2008 is:

The Dark Knight

SWEET!!!! I wanted this to win, but didn't think it'd win.

The Nominees for Best Sound Mixing:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted

And the Best Sound Mixing of 2008 is:

Slumdog Millionaire

I'll take it, the soundtrack was really cool.

Will Smith is still on stage presenting.

Nominees for Best Editing:
Frost/Nixon
The Dark Knight
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Best Editing of 2008 is:

Slumdog Millionaire

This is deserved, Danny Boyle's style requires some crazy editing.

9:41, The Jean Hersholt Award goes to - Jerry Louis

9:50, Scores Montage
Nominees for Best Original Score:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Defiance
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E

The Best Original Score of 2008 is:

Slumdog Millionaire

They got another one right.

Nominees for Best Original Song:
Slumdog Millionaire - O-Saya and Jai Ho
WALL-E - Down to Earth

The Best Original Song of 2008 is:

Slumdog Millionaire: Jai Ho

I really would have liked to see Peter Gabriel there perform, but I give him mad props for choosing not to perform. Read up on it here.

10:06, Nominees for Best Foreign Film:
The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)
The Class (France)
Departures (Japan)
Revanche (Austria)
Waltz with Bashir (Israel)

And the Best Foreign Film of 2008 is:

Departures (Japan)

I didn't see any of these, I have no opinion.

10:10, The In Memoram, was nice, but not suited for TV, there were lots of little projections on the stage, doesn't work too well for TV, it was so hard to see what was going on. And I think they skipped Heath Ledger.

10:18, Nominees for Best Director:
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant, Milk
Stephen Daldry, The Reader
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

The Best Director of 2008 is:

Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire

Danny Boyle has been working so hard now and he deserved to finally get this. He's a very under rated director.

It looks like the Oscars might end before midnight for the first time in awhile.

10:25, Best Actress winners montage.
Nominees for Best Actress:
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kate Winslet - The Reader

And the Best Actress of 2008 is:

Kate Winslet

WOOOO! She's NEVER EVER WON AN OSCAR! It's kinda funny though that she wins the Oscar for a movie where in ever other awards ceremony she was nominated for best supporting actress. But at least she got an Oscar.

10:36, Montage of Best Actor Winners. PS: Who introduced Michael Douglas? Some def woman? When I find out the answer I'm probably gonna feel like an asshole, but that was weird.
Nominees for Best Actor:

Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler

And The Best Actor of 2008 is:

Sean Penn

I still need to see this movie...I feel bad for having not seen it.

10:47, Steven Spielberg!!!! Best Picture Winners/Nominees Montage
Best Picture Nominees:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

The Best Picture of 2008 is:

Slumdog Millionaire

Saw this coming a mile away, but I think it was well deserved. I haven't seen all the noms, so I don't know for sure.

Oscar Predictions! By Adam

Well, now that it's that time -- Oscar Time that is... I thought I would make some predictions. I mean this is all what I want to win -- not necessarily who I think will win. Here's my best show. Can I mention that I'm extremely upset that Revolutionary Road was not nominated for best picture or any of the acting categories.

Anyway here's what I think.

BEST PICTURE
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] Frost/Nixon
[ ] Milk
[ ] The Reader
[X] Slumdog Millionaire

DIRECTOR
[ ] David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
[ ] Gus Van Sant, Milk
[ ] Stephen Daldry, The Reader
[X] Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
[ ] Frozen River
[ ] Happy-Go-Lucky
[ ] In Bruges
[ ] Milk
[X] WALL-E

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] Doubt
[ ] Frost/Nixon
[X] The Reader
[ ] Slumdog Millionaire

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
[ ] Richard Jenkins, The Visitor
[ ] Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
[X] Sean Penn, Milk
[ ] Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
[ ] Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
[ ] Angelina Jolie, Changeling
[ ] Melissa Leo, Frozen River
[ ] Meryl Streep, Doubt
[X] Kate Winslet, The Reader

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
[ ] Josh Brolin, Milk
[ ] Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
[ ] Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
[X] Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
[ ] Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
[ ] Amy Adams, Doubt
[X] Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
[ ] Viola Davis, Doubt
[ ] Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
[ ] The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)
[ ] The Class (France)
[ ] Departures (Japan)
[ ] Revanche (Austria)
[X] Waltz with Bashir (Israel)

ANIMATED FEATURE
[ ] Bolt
[ ] Kung Fu Panda
[X] WALL-E

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
[ ] The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)
[ ] Encounters at the End of the World
[ ] The Garden
[X] Man on Wire
[ ] Trouble the Water

DOCUMENTARY SHORT -- I know nothing about these. So I have no idea where to guess.
[ ] The Conscience of Nhem En
[ ] The Final Inch
[ ] Smile Pinki
[ ] The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306

SHORT FILM - ANIMATED
[ ] La Maison En Petits Cubes
[ ] Lavatory - Lovestory
[ ] Oktapodi
[X] Presto
[ ] This Way Up

SHORT FILM - LIVE ACTION -- Same thing as above.
[ ] Auf Der Strecke (On the Line)
[ ] Manon on the Asphalt
[ ] New Boy
[ ] The Pig
[ ] Spielzeugland (Toyland)

ORIGINAL SCORE
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] Defiance
[ ] Milk
[ ] Slumdog Millionaire
[X] WALL-E

ORIGINAL SONG
[X] "Down to Earth" - WALL-E
[ ] "Jai Ho" - Slumdog Millionaire
[ ] "O Saya" - Slumdog Millionaire

ART DIRECTION
[ ] Changeling
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[X] The Dark Knight
[ ] The Duchess
[ ] Revolutionary Road

CINEMATOGRAPHY
[ ] Changeling
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[X] The Dark Knight
[ ] The Reader
[ ] Slumdog Millionaire

COSTUME DESIGN
[ ] Australia
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[X] The Duchess
[ ] Milk
[ ] Revolutionary Road

MAKEUP
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] The Dark Knight
[X] Hellboy II: The Golden Army

SOUND MIXING
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] The Dark Knight
[X] Slumdog Millionaire
[ ] WALL-E
[ ] Wanted

SOUND EDITING
[ ] The Dark Knight
[ ] Iron Man
[X] Slumdog Millionaire
[ ] WALL-E
[ ] Wanted

VISUAL EFFECTS
[X] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] The Dark Knight
[ ] Iron Man

FILM EDITING
[ ] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
[ ] The Dark Knight
[ ] Frost/Nixon
[ ] Milk
[X] Slumdog Millionaire

Altered States (1980)

Altered States (1980) is a trip film that follows a professor who is obsessed with altered states of consciousness. He spends his time studying subjects inside of sensory deprivation tanks, and even studying himself while in a sensory deprivation tank. He obsession continues to the point where he starts experimenting with mind altering substances that Native American's have used for rituals. He eventually tires the drug while in the sensory deprivation tank and his visualizations become so intense that his mind thinks they're real and his hallucinations become actualizations.

The movie tended to rely on the concept of what would happen if your hallucinations because so intense that the mind thought it was real. That's it. It was the writer playing the, "Wouldn't it be cool if..." game. When I heard about this movie I was hoping for something very David Cornenberg-esque, a-la Videodrome. Unlike David Cronenberg, this movie had no social commentary or psychological terror. Altered States relies on it's fantastical trip sequences, which aren't half bad for 1980. The first half of the movie is the characters talking about the same thing over and over again, but just years after they said it the previous time. I'm pretty sure the writter did this because he didn't know how to take his concept and stretch it to a feature length script.

If you like trip sequences and you just like plain ole horror with no depper meaning for the human condition, then you'll probably like this movie. Just know this movie is nothing more than that.

The 81st Anual Academy Awards

Ok folks, the Oscars are tonight (duh), so it's time to get all of your friends together, sit in front of the TV, and endorse the egos of celebrities. What a wonderful night it truly is. It's a night where a group of unknown people tell us what the best movie of the year is, actors, actresses, director, etc. I LOVE IT!

But seriously, it is a night of recognition, giving mad props to the artists who worked their asses off and created new, interesting, and emotional works of art. Not to mention a night of hot sexy people in extravagant dresses. But what better way to give recognition than by playing TVGuidecom's Official Oscar Drinking Game. That's right folks, you can now watch the Oscars and get drunk too and not seem like an alcoholic, because now you have a purpose to your drinking, and you'll (hopefully) be with friends! So head over to TVGuide.com for the complete rules and regulations of the game. If i can get enough people to play, I'll be playing tonight. The game starts at 7PM Central Standard Time on ABC.

Frost/Nixon (2008)

For a movie that was about 2 people talking, I think that Ron Howard did an excellent job directing this. The style reminded me a lot of Kenneth Branagh Sleuth (another awesome movie that I highly recommend -- It's funny that they're both plays). Frost/Nixon was exciting -- in the same way a suspense thriller is, but it was historical and I think that adds another element into the equation.

I've read several reviews that claim that Michael Sheen's David Frost outacted Frank Langella's Richard Nixon -- but I think that argument is what makes this movie so enjoyable. That it's like watching someone prepare for battle -- and jump in headfirst. Langella plays Nixon like a tragic hero, a truly haunting performance.

I strongly recommend seeing this movie NOW. Don't wait to rent it, don't wait for it to lose at the Oscars -- just go out and see this. This movie was worth way more than I actually paid for it.

- Adam

The Best of 2008 According to Michael!

So most people's top picks of 2008 have consisted mostly of Oscar season favorites. That's all fair to the extent that they are good films, and are nominated for a reason, but there are still lots of other good films that came out earlier in the year that people tend to forget about, myself included.



1. Slumdog Millionaire - Revolutionary Road - Everything about it is solid, and the acting is TOP NOTCH. Some of the best acting I've ever see. Kate Winslet and Leonard DeCaprio gave performances of a life time. The emotion was so raw and so true to life that at times it was hard to take, which is why I don't put this first as must see movies of 2008, more of you will be more likely to go see Slumdog than Revolutionary Road because of the heavy and truly depressing reality of this film. I loved it, but I don't know if I want to see it again.

2. Slumdog Millionaire - I originally put this first because it has a great pace, action, emotion, and it's told very well, and if you should see one movie over any others it should be this film. Although Revolutionary Road is a better movie, it may be hard for some people to watch, so I had this first as a must see, but Revolutionary Road takes the cake as far as being the best. Slumdog did have minor problems, I couldn't find any in Revolutionary Road. But anyway Slumdog goes a lot of places. Danny Boyles style came through in this drama, which i was skeptical about, but it's his style that ultimately made this film. Other Danny Boyle: Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Sunshine.

3. The Fall - It was easy for me to skip over this one durring my first round picks because, first off, this film had a very select release, ALSO, this film was technically made in 2006. it wasn't untill 2008 that it got picked up by a distributor. I wasn't even sure if i could put it on my list because it was made in 2006, but it was up for awards in 2008, therefore i consider it a 2008 movie. ANYWAY, this movie was spectacularly vivid. Probably the best cinematography I've seen all year. This fantastical, yet superbly dramatic film, incorporated the grit and realism of the real world, with the vivid-ness of the make believe. This movie has wonderful metaphors and is a great leap forward in the art of story telling. Visually pleasing, and masterful story telling, definitely a must see for everyone.

4. Funny Games - This movie was a great feat for actors Tim Roth and Naomi Watts. At times almost unbearable to watch, but it's the realism of the horror that keeps you from looking away. Some of the most real, most shocking, most intense acting i have ever seen. If you've been in any of my acting classes you will know what i'm talking about when i say that this movie is one long ACTION OBJECTIVE scene. Truly intense, you really feel for these characters throughout the movie. The villains are also portrayed in a horrifically realistic way, and the whole movie/situation is presented almost in a fashion of theatre of the absurd. Some of the irony in this movie is so funny, but you know you shouldn't laugh because of how horrible it is, but you laugh anyway. truly brilliant writing, acting, and directing. Kudos.

5. The Wrestler - Much different from the rest of Darren Aaronofsky's work (See Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain) it is just as powerful as the rest of his work. Aaronofsky does a great job at tapping into human emotion at it's worst. This one taps into the lives of people who have out grown their true passion, and that true passion has taken over their lives and they can't seem to let go even though they have no choice. Mickey Rourke gives a killer performance that leaves you with a lump in your throat. He is truly a teddy bear. He deserved his Golden Globe, and I wish him the best of luck at the Oscars.

6. The Dark Knight -This movie blew me away. I saw it five times in theatres, once on an Ultra Screen, and twice on the IMAX. Seriously breath taking movie. From the acting to the action, this movie was superb. And it made film history by being the first feature length film to utilize the IMAX film medium, the highest quality picture you can get PERIOD. Although there may be some flaws in this movie, tiny plot holes and tiny editing errors, the fact that this movie could hold your attention for 3 hours is amazing, I did not feel like i was in the theatre for that long. And setting aside the fact that Heath Ledger died, this was still the most haunting performance ever given for any villain...EVER. The truth and the horror portrayed by him was unbelievable. One final note, this movie has the best mythology out of any superhero movie ever. The metaphors that are placed before you are perfect. The Dark Knight dropped a few places from my first round of picking. Although very superb, and i would love to keep it up there, i just couldn't. I took a page from Adam's book and asked myself, "did this movie change my life?" and i sad...well...it affected my views about comic book movies, realistic action movies, and technical aspects as a film maker, and it is a testament to the film industry and it has superb story telling, it wasn't anything knew enough for me. Chris Nolan took his superb understanding of the absurdity of raw realism and applied it to a batman movie. that's pretty much it. yes, this movie makes me feel great every time i watch it, but he just mastered skills that were already set into play, the previous movies developed skills which is why The Dark Knight dropped in rank.

7. Wall-E - One of the best Pixar movies, hands down. Who would have thought to tell a CRAZY adventure that involved a love story and commented on the future of human the human race with robots that pretty much don't talk. Granted there are many characters in this movie that do talk, it's Wall-E who carries and tells the story, and the only thing he says in the entire movie is "Directive?" and "Eve". But as they say, actions speak louder than words, and Wall-E certainly stole the show. Sweetest character ever.

8. Vicky, Christina, Barcelona - Woody Allen strikes again, in another movie about relationships and sex (why is this nerdy guy obsessed with sex? and know so much about it's consequences?) This movie is written extremely well, directed extremely well, acted extremely well, and it's extremely sexy. If you see this movie for one reason and one reason only, see it because of Scarlet Johanssen, Penelope Cruz, and Javier Bardem. Hottest threesome ever.

9. Iron Man - I guess I'll go with Iron Man next, considering i haven't seen many of the other Oscar favorites, but it was told very well, and a wonderful come back for Robert Downey Jr. (I almost called him Freddy Prince Jr...how awkward...) This movie is essentially an action flick, but it does a wonderful job at touching on real life problems with individuals and our country. It was also a good refresh for the Marvel series of movies.

10. Tropic Thunder - I'm starting to get tired of all these descriptions...but lets just say this: all star cast, explosions, Robert Downey Jr. AS A BLACK MAN, and Tom Cruise as a fat balding asshole produce. I'm telling you, it's gold. It's satire on the movie industry is amazing, gotta love it.


Movies I Still Need to See:
Milk
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
Burn After Reading
The Reader
Gran Torino
Australia
In Bruges
Mongol
Red Belt
Rock N Rolla
Synecdoche, New York (I REALLY regret having not seen this yet, my favorite screen writer)
Valkyrie
Waltz With Bashir



Worst Movies of 2008, in no particular order:
Changeling
Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
Repo! The Genetic Opera (seriously don't get me talking about this one)
The Happening

The Best of 2008 According to Adam!

I'm tired of all these awful Top 10 lists so here's my list. I hate all of you. Some people just wait for the good movies (oscar bait) to roll around -- but I happen to go to the movies all the time. I don't need the academy to tell me what's good and what isn't. 2008 was the year I learned to trust my instincts and not the papers. I feel like this would be an appropriate first post.

1. Revolutionary Road -- This movie is perfect. It's got a small cast, it's got a great director so there is less room for failure. I know none of you will ignore my strong bias for Leo and Kate and Sam -- but it's only because they are just that good. The fact that this movie is not nominated for best picture blows my mind and makes me feel like everybody is stupid. This movie was a tragedy from the get-go... the pacing was perfect, the acting amazing, it was just a perfect movie. Do any of you know how hard it is to direct that much dialogue in a movie while keeping pace and having the plot move?

2. Slumdog Millionaire -- I think this movie is ridiculously good, but just the slightest bit overrated. All I have to ask is why was his brother in a bed of money at the end? That's all I'm saying. Danny Boyle kept his style very consistent to his other movies which was a ridiculous feat. The question that I had to ask myself when choosing between Revolutionary Road and Slumdog was "did this movie change my life?" and Slumdog did not.

3. The Dark Knight -- This movie definitely had it's problems -- but it lived up to every single expectation I had for this movie (minus Maggie G's droopy face). I broke my record for seeing a movie in theatres. The record was 4 (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and I believe I did 5 or 6 or something like that. Point being -- you didn't have to make any great leaps to connect to this movie, you didn't take any great message from it -- this movie stood up on it's own 2 feet -- and for that I say kudos.

4. WALL-E -- The cutest most haunting movie ever.

5. The Reader - Seeing a movie about the holocaust on Christmas was a terrible idea. There were two halves of me during this movie... There was half of me that was so jealous about that kid who was like naked with Kate Winslet for the first 1/2 of the movie -- and then there was the half of me that was blown away by Kate Winslet's acting chops...yet again. So, whatever call me biased, but she is the best actress of her generation -- it's the one right before mine i guess. It's too bad the Academy is going to screw her out of another Oscar.

Can somebody please tell me how if you're nominated by everybody else for Supporting Actress -- suddenly the Academy can change you into a Leading Actress. I hate the Academy.

6. Synechdote, NY -- None of you saw this movie. You should. It was incredible.

7. Forgetting Sarah Marshall -- If you've ever been in a meaningful relationship let it be known that the cure is to go to Hawaii.

8. In Bruges -- The end was like Shakespeare. This is my underdog movie of the year. I didn't watch it until last weekend... but it was really good. Not what I expected at all.

9. Tropic Thunder -- Is probably one of the best satires of the hollywood system since -- I don't know... Since Sunset Blvd... Ok, maybe not that far back -- but you know the deal.

10. Australia -- Underrated Movie. Did you see it? Or did you just hear it was bad and passed? I saw it. It was really good. It was like Pearl Harbor -- if that movie wouldn't have sucked. Besides, Baz Luhrmann is the man, and Michael Bay sucks.

Movies you'll yell at me for not seeing (yet).
1. Milk
2. The Wrestler
3. Defiance
4. Frost / Nixon

The Most Overrated Movies.
1. Doubt - Sometimes when you make a play it should stay on the stage. This movie didn't work. In film, I don't think you can talk about things that happen elsewhere -- in film you show these things. You have limited possibilities on stage -- but in film you can do whatever. This was almost as bad as Puff Daddy in A Raisin' In The Sun.

2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button -- this movie was good. But it wasn't THAAAAAT good. Cate Blanchett as a redhead = smoking hot.

Worst Movies.
1. Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay
2. Hamlet 2
3. Quantum of Solace
4. Indiana Jones and the bullshit of the bullshit aliens.