Jack The Narrator posted a BLOG item 2 months ago

2012 Critics Choice Awards Nominees

For Me, this week begins the movie awards season. Given that my life literally revolves around cinema. It's pretty obvious that I'm salivating at the mouth right now. The Critcs Choice Awards are the first major set of awards to be handed out first thing this January followed by the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors, Director's, and Producer's Guild awards, and finally the Oscars.

Sadly to date, 2011 has proven to be the weakest year for movies since 2002. Of couurse Hollywood kept back their big guns for December (and I'll probably have to wait till January before most of them make their way to my part of Iowa)

I'm pleased to see DRIVE receiving some big love but must admit to being petubed at the lack/absense of nominations for THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, TINKER TAILOR SOLIDER SPY, and WIN WIN

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 17th ANNUAL CRITICS' CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS

BEST PICTURE
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Drive"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Moneyball"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"

BEST ACTOR
George Clooney - "The Descendants"
Leonardo DiCaprio - "J. Edgar"
Jean Dujardin - "The Artist"
Michael Fassbender - "Shame"
Ryan Gosling - "Drive"
Brad Pitt - "Moneyball"

BEST ACTRESS
Viola Davis - "The Help"
Elizabeth Olsen - "Martha Marcy May Marlene"
Meryl Streep - "The Iron Lady"
Tilda Swinton - "We Need to Talk About Kevin"
Charlize Theron - "Young Adult"
Michelle Williams - "My Week With Marilyn"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Kenneth Branagh - "My Week With Marilyn"
Albert Brooks - "Drive"
Nick Nolte - "Warrior"
Patton Oswalt - "Young Adult"
Christopher Plummer - "Beginners"
Andy Serkis - "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Bérénice Bejo - "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain - "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy - "Bridesmaids"
Carey Mulligan - "Shame"
Octavia Spencer - "The Help"
Shailene Woodley - "The Descendants"

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Asa Butterfield - "Hugo"
Elle Fanning - "Super 8"
Thomas Horn - "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
Ezra Miller - "We Need to Talk About Kevin"
Saoirse Ronan - "Hanna"
Shailene Woodley - "The Descendants"

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
"The Artist"
"Bridesmaids"
"The Descendants"
"The Help"
"The Ides of March"

BEST DIRECTOR
Stephen Daldry - "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Alexander Payne - "The Descendants"
Nicolas Winding Refn - "Drive"
Martin Scorsese - "Hugo"
Steven Spielberg - "War Horse"

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
"The Artist" - Michel Hazanavicius
"50/50" - Will Reiser
"Midnight in Paris" - Woody Allen
"Win Win" - Screenplay by Tom McCarthy, Story by Tom McCarthy & Joe Tiboni
"Young Adult" - Diablo Cody

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
"The Descendants" - Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" - Eric Roth
"The Help" - Tate Taylor
"Hugo" - John Logan
"Moneyball" - Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, Story by Stan Chervin

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
"The Artist" - Guillaume Schiffman
"Drive" - Newton Thomas Sigel
"Hugo" - Robert Richardson
"The Tree of Life" - Emmanuel Lubezki
"War Horse" - Janusz Kaminski

BEST ART DIRECTION
"The Artist" - Production Designer: Laurence Bennett, Art Director: Gregory S. Hooper
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" - Production Designer: Stuart Craig, Set Decorator: Stephenie McMillan
"Hugo" - Production Designer: Dante Ferretti, Set Decorator: Francesca Lo Schiavo
"The Tree of Life" - Production Designer: Jack Fisk, Art Director: David Crank
"War Horse" - Production Designer: Rick Carter, Set Decorator: Lee Sandales

BEST EDITING
"The Artist" - Michel Hazanavicius and Anne-Sophie Bion
"Drive" - Matthew Newman
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"  Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
"Hugo" - Thelma Schoonmaker
"War Horse" - Michael Kahn

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
"The Artist" - Mark Bridges
"The Help" - Sharen Davis
"Hugo" - Sandy Powell
"Jane Eyre" - Michael O'Connor
"My Week With Marilyn" - Jill Taylor

BEST MAKEUP
"Albert Nobbs"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
"The Iron Lady"
"J. Edgar"
"My Week With Marilyn"

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
"Super 8"
"The Tree of Life"

BEST SOUND
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Super 8"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
"The Adventures of Tintin"
"Arthur Christmas"
"Kung Fu Panda 2"
"Puss in Boots"
"Rango"

BEST ACTION MOVIE
"Drive"
"Fast Five"
"Hanna"
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
"Super 8"

BEST COMEDY
"Bridesmaids"
"Crazy, Stupid, Love"
"Horrible Bosses"
"Midnight in Paris"
"The Muppets"

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
"In Darkness"
"Le Havre"
"A Separation"
"The Skin I Live In"
"Where Do We Go Now?"

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
"Buck"
"Cave of Forgotten Dreams"
"George Harrison: Living in the Material World"
"Page One: Inside the New York Times"
"Project Nim"
"Undefeated"

BEST SONG
"Hello Hello" - performed by Elton John and Lady Gaga/written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin  GNOMEO & JULIET
"Life's a Happy Song" - performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie  THE MUPPETS
"The Living Proof" - performed by Mary J. Blige/written by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman and Harvey Mason, Jr. - THE HELP
"Man or Muppet" - performed by Jason Segel and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie  THE MUPPETS
"Pictures in My Head" - performed by Kermit and the Muppets/written by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis and Chen Neeman - THE MUPPETS

BEST SCORE
"The Artist" - Ludovic Bource
"Drive" - Cliff Martinez
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" - Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
"Hugo" - Howard Shore
"War Horse" - John Williams

Jack The Narrator posted a BLOG item 12 months ago

I Am Jack's Oscar Predictions

Most watch them so that they can see what the celebrites are wearing (who cares?) others just like to sit and make fun of everything they see on-screen (really, people?). But I for one actully watch the Academy Awards with enthralled anticipation for the movies themselves and the joy and surprise of of who and what will win on Hollywood's day of days. As I always do in some fashion or another every year, I make a list of the years Oscar Nominees (save for the short film/documentary/foregin film categories) and make my well-thought out predictions to who will win versus who I personally think should win as well as the most likely dark horse candidates whom may take the night by surprise.

Here are the nominees in no particular order:

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
ANOTHER YEAR, Mike Leigh
THE FIGHTER, Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson
INCEPTION, Christopher Nolan
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg
THE KING'S SPEECH, David Seidler

While most would agree that INCEPTION is the most imaginative, Siedler has been taking home the most awards so far for his magnificently structured bio-pic script wich manages to inform, move and entertain in equal parts. No small feat.

What Will Win: THE KING'S SPEECH

Who I'd Like To Win: I'll be happy if THE KING'S SPEECH, THE FIGHTER, or INCEPTION wins

Dark Horse: INCEPTION

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
127 HOURS, Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
THE SOCIAL NETWORK, Aaron Sorkin
TOY STORY 3, Michael Arndt
TRUE GRIT (2010), Joel & Ethan Coen
WINTER'S BONE, Debra Grannik & Anne Rosselini

I find it hard that anybody would contest Sorkin's verbally electric and super-sharp dark comedy tete-a-tete. The guy can write the shit out of anything.

What Will Win: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

What I'd Like to Win: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Dark Horse: TRUE GRIT (thin odds though)

BEST ART DIRECTION
ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010), Robert Stromberg
HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1, Stuart Craig
INCEPTION, Guy Hendrix Dyas
THE KING'S SPEECH, Eve Stewart
TRUE GRIT (2010), Jess Gonchor

Imagination is the key factor in this category which is why Tim Burton's ALICE IN WONDERLAND and Chiris Nolan's INCEPTION seem like no-brainer front runner's in this department. INCEPTION in particular, since architecture plays A crucial role in the movie.

What Will Win: ALICE IN WONDERLAND

What I'd Like to See Win: Tough call on this one but Id have to side with INCEPTION over ALICE since many of ALICE's beautiful scenics are done via blue screen/matte image versus more set pieces that are the real thing like in INCEPTION.

Dark Horse: THE KING'S SPEECH or INCEPTION

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BLACK SWAN, Matthew Libatique
INCEPTION, Wally Pfister
THE KING'S SPEECH, Danny Cohen
THE SOCIAL NETWORK, Jeff Cronenweth
TRUE GRIT (2010), Roger Deakins

Many times, the film I'd like to see win in this category never wins. Case in Point: Rodger Deakins has been nominated more times than I can remember (and deservedly so, he's a rembrandt), yet he has never won. Until now....perhaps? The academy likes handsomly-shot movies over more risque experimental photography like in BLACK SWAN, but who knows, especially with how movies are being "filmed" these days (i.e. AVATAR)

What Will Win: Probably TRUE GRIT

What I'd like to see win: TRUE GRIT. What's it gonna take for Deakins to win on Oscar?

Dark Horse: INCEPTION or BLACK SWAN

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010), Colleen Atwood
I AM LOVE, Antonella Cannarozzi
THE KING'S SPEECH, Jenny Beavan
THE TEMPEST, Sandy Powell
TRUE GRIT (2010), Mary Zophres

Jenny Beavan is a past winner (A ROOM WITH A VIEW), so she's already in good graces with the Academy. Plus, the fact that she designed the costumes for the Best Picture frontrunner should be enough to push her past dark-horse contender and two-time winner Colleen Atwood. But don't rule out the lush and elegant dresses that graced Tilda Swinton's delicious body in I AM LOVE, many people were talking about them after I saw that movie.

What Will Win: Probably THE KING'S SPEECH

What I'd Like to See Win: ALICE IN WONDERLAND or I AM LOVE

Dark Horse: ALICE IN WONDERLAND or I AM LOVE

BEST FILM EDITING
BLACK SWAN, Andrew Weisblum
THE FIGHTER, Pamela Martin
THE KING'S SPEECH, Tariq Anwar
127 HOURS, Jon Harris
THE SOCIAL NETWORK, Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

The key to great editing is to not only keep the film's pacing fast and zesty but to always make sure the audience can tell where they are and what is going on. With THE SOCIAL NETWORK switching back and forth between timelines (without on-screen info) with the greatest of ease shows how I feel that this movie is a shoe-in for this award.

Will Win: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

What I'd Like to See Win : THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Dark Horse: THE KING'S SPEECH

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, John Powell
INCEPTION, Hans Zimmer
THE KING'S SPEECH, Alexander Desplat
127 HOURS, A.R. Rahman
THE SOCIAL NETWORK, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

I was very happy to see Powell get nominated (he's a protege of Hans Zimmer) for DRAGON. Zimmer's INCEPTION score has been the talk of the town all year (even though I thought his score for last year's SHERLOCK HOLMES was a bit better), Rahman won only 2 years ago for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, so his chance of winning is moot (in this category at least, see Best Origianl Song). I'd love to see Despalt win, just not for THE KING'S SPEECH (his score was beautiful but minimal and the film featured more existing classical source music than original compositions). Reznor & Ross may finally break that long-awaited barrier where techno scores will finally get the respect they rightfully deserve.

What Will Win THE SOCIAL NETWORK

What I'd Like to See Win THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Dark Horse: THE KING'S SPEECH

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
'Coming Home' - COUNTRY STRONG
'I See the Light' - TANGLED
'If I Rise' - 127 HOURS
'We Belong Together' - TOY STORY 3

Still have no clue why there is only 4 instead of 5 nominees this year. and why that missing fifth nominee isn't Cher's song from BURLESQUE. But I digress. All four songs were very memorable. But "If I Rise" has that extra touch of powerful drama that makes it's it stand out amongst it's competiors.

What Will Win: 127 HOURS

What I'd Like to See Win: 127 HOURS

Dark Horse: TOY STORY 3

BEST SOUND MIXING
INCEPTION
THE KING'S SPEECH
SALT
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
TRUE GRIT (2010)

I'm sure many will assume that INCEPTION will win in this category. But the key to good sound mixing is to make all the sound effects (especially the dialouge) come through nice and clear. In INCEPTION there were some scenes where I couldn't understand what was being said, while in the dance club scene in THE SOCIAL NETWORK I could make out every thing that Mark & Sean were saying to eachother during that lengthy bass-heavy sequence.

What Will Win: INCEPTION

What I'd Like to See Win: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Dark Horse: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

BEST SOUND EDITING
INCEPTION
TOY STORY 3
TRON: LEGACY
TRUE GRIT (2010)
UNSTOPPABLE

Great sound editing incorperattes sound effects that viewers have never heard before. Which places INCEPTION and TRON in a far lead for this category.

What Will Win: INCEPTION

What I'd Like to See Win: TRON: LEGACY

Dark Horse: TRUE GRIT

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)
HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1
HEREAFTER
INCEPTION
IRON MAN 2

For the first time (finally!!!) there are 5 nominees in this category instead of 3. Given that INCEPTION's visual effects are very much reality based (and to that the fact that Nolan's THE DARK KNIGHT won this category 2 years earlier has it as the near-sure fire winner. But Don't rule out HARRY POTTER, ALICE or IRON MAN

What will Win: INCEPTION

What I'd like to see Win: IRON MAN 2

Dark Horse: ALICE IN WONDERLAND

BEST MAKEUP
BARNEY'S VERSION
THE WAY BACK
THE WOLFMAN (2010)

Always bet on Rick Baker, who put his magic to use in THE WOLFMAN. Though the aging makeup used on Paul Giamatti in BARNEY'S VERSION has been recieving accolades as well.

What Will Win: THE WOLFMAN

What I'd Like to See Win: THE WOLFMAN

Dark Horse: BARNEY'S VERSION

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
THE ILLUSIONIST (2010)
TOY STORY 3

As happy as I am to see DRAGON included on here. I must say I'm flustered as to why there are only 3 nominees this year given the fact that there where a record number of animated films released this past year. Nonetheless, TOY STORY 3 is going to win hand's down.

What Will Win: TOY STORY 3

What I'd like to see Win: TOY STORY 3

Dark Horse: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, THE FIGHTER
Helena Bonham Carter, THE KING'S SPEECH
Melissa Leo, THE FIGHTER
Hailee Steinfeld, TRUE GRIT (2010)
Jacki Weaver, ANIMAL KINGDOM

A tough call: 4 weeks ago, I would have said Leo for sure. But now Haliee Steinfeld is gaining tremendous momentum. Child actors often do very well in this category (Anna Paquin in THE PIANO immediately comes to mind). Leo is also competing against co-star Adams in the same movie. Which could cancel her out completley. And if THE KING'S SPEECH ends up sweeping the Oscars, Carter could very likely take home the little gold naked man as well.

Who Will Win: Melissa Leo

Who I'd Like to See Win: Melissa Leo

Dark Horse: Hailee Steinfeld

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale, THE FIGHTER
John Hawkes, WINTER'S BONE
Jeremy Renner, THE TOWN
Mark Ruffalo, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Geoffrey Rush, THE KING'S SPEECH

Bale's got this all but in the bag. Hawkes' performance is the kind that sneaks up on you and takes you by surprise. And if KING'S SPEECH sweeps, Rush could very likely win as well.

Who Will Win: Christian Bale

Who I'd Like to See Win: Christian Bale

Dark Horse: Geoffrey Rush or John Hawkes

BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Nicole Kidman, RABBIT HOLE
Jennifer Lawrence, WINTER'S BONE
Natalie Portman, BLACK SWAN
Michelle Williams, BLUE VALENTINE

Many people think that Beining is Portman's only compettion (claiming she is overdue for a win). The nominees this year are very strong. But in the end Portman will win. 2011 is the year of The Portman: With awards aplenty, a baby on the way and 5 movies being released this year. Michelle Willaims could surpise win, but she still has a lot to offer in her already amazing career.

Who Will Win: Natalie Portman

Who I'd like to See Win: Portman or Williams

Dark Horse: Annette Bening

BEST ACTOR
Javier Bardem, BIUTIFUL
Jeff Bridges, TRUE GRIT (2010)
Jesse Eisenberg, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Colin Firth, THE KING'S SPEECH
James Franco, 127 HOURS

Firth is First. Long overdue for an Oscar (I wish he'd won for last year's A SINGLE MAN) Firth gave a spectacular performance as the struglling, stammering future King George VI; while always making him an endearing and fallable man underneath. Franco & Eisneberg have the only real shot at pulling an upset. Franco epecially (127 HOURS depended soley on his performance, and he was sublime).

Who Will Win: Colin Firth

Who I'd Like to See Win: Firth or Franco

Dark Horse: Franco (slim odds though)

BEST DIRECTION
Darren Aronofsky, BLACK SWAN
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, TRUE GRIT (2010)
David Fincher, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Tom Hooper, THE KING'S SPEECH
David O'Russell, THE FIGHTER

This could very likely be one of those years where the Best Picture and Best Diector Oscars go to different movies. While THE KING'S SPEECH has gained serious momentum this awards season. Fincher's smooth-as-silk work on the facebook allegory has not wavered once this month. The Finchmiester is finally gonna win his Oscar (knock wood).

Who Will Win: David Fincher

Who I'd Like to See Win: David Fincher or David O' Russell

Dark Horse: Tom Hooper

BEST PICTURE
BLACK SWAN
THE FIGHTER
INCEPTION
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
THE KING'S SPEECH
127 HOURS
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
TOY STORY 3
TRUE GRIT (2010)
WINTER'S BONE

It's a neck and neck race between THE KING'S SPEECH and THE SOCIAL NETWORK. In the end I believe the academy wll side with NETWORK due to it's time capsule-like representation of our current society but one with a timeless social allegory that people will still respond to decades from now when facebook no longer exists.

What Will Win: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

What I Think Should Win: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Dark Horse: THE KING'S SPEECH

If anybody has anything they'd like to add or their own personal pick/omissions, don't hesitate to post them on this blog.

Jack The Narrator posted a BLOG item over 1 year ago

One of the Funniest Movie Dialogues Ever

Coutesy of Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg and their recent action-comedy THE OTHER GUYS.

Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg): You know what I just did? I just walked out that door, saw a couple of dectectives and I was about to start bad-mouthin' you behind your back. But I stopped myself because my pops taught me that a man who talks behind somebody's back is a coward.

Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell): Wow, I actually appreiciated that.

Hoitz: Good, beause I'm gonna tell you directly to your face.

Gamble: No, you don't have to.

Hoitz: No, I don't like you. I think your a fake cop. The sound of your piss hitting the urinal? It sounds feminine. If you were in the wild, I would attack you. Even if you wern't in my food chain I would go out of my way to attack you. If I were a lion and you were a tuna, I would swim out in the middle of the ocean and friggin' EAT you!!! And then I'd bang your tuna girlfriend.

Gamble: Okay, first off. A lion? Swimming in the ocean? Lions Don't like water! If you put me in a river or some kind of fresh water source, that makes sense. But you find youself in the ocean? 20-foot waves. I'm assuming it's off the coast of South Africa. Coming up against a full rogue 800-pound tuna, with his twenty or thirty freinds? (shakes head) You lose that battle. You lose that battle nine times out of ten. And guess what? You've wandered into our school of tuna, and we now have a taste of lion - we've talked to ourselves; we've communicated! And we've said 'You know what? Lion tastes good! Let's go get some more lion.' We've developed a system to establish a beachhead and aggressivley hunt you and your family. And we will corner your pride, your children, your offspring --

Hoitz: -- Oh yeah?! How you gonna do that?

Gamble: We will constuct a series of breathing apparatus with kelp. We will be able to trap certain amounts of oxygen. It's not gonna be days at a time. But an hour? Hour forty-five? No problem. That will give us enough time to figure out where you live and go back to the sea. You just lost to your own game; you are outgunned and outmanned. Did that go the way you thought it was gonna go? (shakes head) Nope.

Flustered for words, Hoitz picks up Gamble's coffee cup and throws it on him. Loud, painful screaming from Gamble ensues.

Jack The Narrator posted a BLOG item almost 2 years ago

I am Jack's Oscar Predictions

Well, now that I got my rant on Oscar-haters out of the way. I'm gonna waste another hour of my life writing a blog nobody's gonna give two shits about on who I believe is going to take home the Oscar for their respective category this year. As well as who I'd personally like to see win and who has the best chance at being a "dark horse" upset winner. Just FYI, in the past 5 years I've been 4/5 of the winners in the major categories. But of course, anything can happen. So here goes.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Who will win: Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner for UP IN THE AIR

Who I'd like to see win: Neill Blomkamp & Terri Tatchell for DISTRICT 9

Dark Horse: DISTRICT 9

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Who will win: Mark Boal for THE HURT LOCKER. He's swept the majority of awards, including the Writer's Guild award.

Who I'd like to see win: Boal,

Dark Horse: Quentin Tarantino for INGLORIOUS BASTERDS (he won this year's Critics Choice award)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Who will win: Mo' Nique for PRECIOUS

Who I'd like to see win: Mo'Nique is very deserving (a real on-screen transformation if I've ever seen one). But I'd also love to see Maggie Gyllenhall win for CRAZY HEART.

Dark Horse: Tough to call. I'd say Gyllenhall has the best shot. Since Cruz already won for this category just last year, she has zero chance (even though her nomination is deserved). And Farmiga & Kendrick getting nominated for the same film makes for a conflicted academy vote.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Who win win: Cristoph Waltz for INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

Who I'd like to see win: Waltz. Tucci & Harrellson's nominations are most deserving and I'd love to see them win as well.

Dark Horse: Woody Harrellson for THE MESSENGER

BEST DIRECTOR

Who will win: At first I thought it would be a toss up between James Cameron for AVATAR and Kathyn Bigelow for THE HURT LOCKER. But now I'm confident that Bigelow will win, she's swept up almost every directing award (save for the Golden Globes).

Would I'd like to see win: Bigelow

Dark Horse: I'd guess Cameron, now that he's sorta lost his momentum in this category.

BEST ACTOR

Who will win: Jeff Bridges for CRAZY HEART (not only is it a spectaclar performance, the man is long overdue for an Oscar)

Who I'd like to see win: Bridges. Like I said, the man is due. I will give a big cheer if Colin Firth wins for A SINGLE MAN, though.

Dark Horse: Jeremy Renner for THE HURT LOCKER (especially if THE HURT LOCKER sweeps its categories)

BEST ACTRESS

Who will win: Sandra Bullock for THE BLIND SIDE (accept it, people).

Who I think should win: I love all 5 performances very much, but I'd probably have to go with Carey Mulligan for AN EDUCATION, this actress is gonna be our next Cate Blanchett.

Dark Horse: Meryl Streep for JULIE & JULIA

BEST PICTURE

What will win: either THE HURT LOCKER or AVATAR (it's still too close to call)

What I'd like to see win: DISTRICT 9

Dark Horse: Call it pipe dreams, but I actually think that DISTRICT 9 might really have a shot here. I really think Hollywood stood up and took notice of this film's original concept, story and filmmaking style.

Jack The Narrator posted a BLOG item almost 2 years ago

In defense of the Oscars

I take no pride in pointing this out, but most of the so-called movie buffs (that includes most of the people on this very website) don't really see all that many movies. I realize that we all have jobs and families and can't commit a lot of time to our hobbies. But I don't think it's fair for "movie-buffs" to pass judgment on a movie if they have not seen it.

There is no example more fitting of this than the annual Academy Award nominations. Everybody always hates that their favorite movie(s) didn't get noticed while a movie they didn't see sweeps up all the major categories. Well, that argument is fair enough if you eventually end up seeing - or familiarize yourself with - the majority of the nominated films in question prior to awards time. But the fact is most of you guys out there probably have not seen 10% of all the major nominees this year or any other year. I have yet to find anyone on this site who has seen THE BLIND SIDE, A SINGLE MAN, THE LAST STATION, JULIE & JULIA, THE MESSENGER or AN EDUCATION. Yet four of these films have received more than one nomination in the major categories at this years Oscars.

THE BLIND SIDE in particular is receiving some extremely harsh jaded criticism by people who declare they haven't even seen it (the primary reason being that they hate Sandra Bullock simply for the sake of hating her). OK, you don't like Bullock, so be it. But don't piss on the actual movie itself solely for this reason, THE BLIND SIDE is actually a movie about something and not "just another Sandra Bullock" movie.

As for the films like AN EDUCATION and THE LAST STATION, these are "period dramas" that don't feature anything flashy like CGI aliens of cars blowing up. But these movies, while not epic in visuals, are rich with epic themes. And if given a chance at viewing could prove to be very fulfilling experiences.

Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to see the Academy mix it up with all different types of movie genres (particularity this year with films like DISTRICT 9 receiving Academy recognition). Yes, MOON and (500) DAYS OF SUMMER got overlooked, but you can't have everything in life. And if you weigh the pros with the cons, I think you'll realize there's a lot more to be thankful to what got nominated than what didn't.

I'm sure many of you that actually took the time to read this probably want to tell me to fuck off. I just had to speak my mind. I truly love movies. All kinds of movies. And I get incredibly annoyed when people claim they are huge movie buffs but only relegate themselves to seeing particular genres of movies and not all kinds of movies.

All I'm saying is: GIVE THE OSCARS A CHANCE, PEOPLE!

Read all 5 comments >>

Jack The Narrator posted a BLOG item almost 2 years ago

I am Jack's Golden Schmoes

Many of my choices were not chosen for the Actual Golden Shmoes, so I picked my own winners outside of the 5 nominees that were provided. Because quite frankly, I feel there were a lot of movies that shouldn't even be considered in their respective categories. Emma Stone for best T&A?!!! (don't get me wrong, she's gorgeous, but she didn't show ANYTHING in that movie).

Favorite Movie of the Year: DISTRICT 9
Worst Movie of the Year: GAMER
Best Director of the Year: Neil Blomkamp, DISTRICT 9
Best Screenplay of the Year: DISTRICT 9
Most Overrated film of the Year: ZOMBIELAND
Most Underrated film of the Year: THE INTERNATIONAL
Trippiest Movie of the Year: THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS
Best Comedy of the Year: I LOVE YOU. MAN
Best Horror Movie of the Year: DRAG ME TO HELL
Best Animated Film of the Year: CORALINE
Best Sci-Fi Movie of the Year: DISTRICT 9
Best Special Effects Movie: DISTRICT 9
Biggest Dissapointment of the Year: AVATAR
Biggest Surprise of the Year: THE HAUNTING IN CONNETICUT
Best Actor of the Year:(tie) Colin Firth, A SINGLE MAN Jamie Foxx, THE SOLOIST
Best Actress of the Year: Isabelle Furhman, ORPHAN
Best Supporting Actor of the Year: Cristoph Waltz, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
Best Supporting Actress of the Year: Mo' Nique in PRECIOUS
Breakthrough Performance of the Year: Isabelle Furhman in ORPHAN
Favorite Celebrity of the Year: Robert Downey Jr.
Coolest Character(s) of the Year: Rorsach & Dr. Manhattan in WATCHMEN
Best Music in a Movie: WATCHMEN (source ) SHERLOCK HOLMES (score)
Best Movie Poster of the Year: DISTRICT 9
Best Trailer of the Year: (3way tie) TERMINATOR SALVATION, DAYBREAKERS, STAR TREK
Best Blu-Ray of the Year: WATCHMEN: Director's Cut
Best Action Sequence of the Year: The Guggenhiem Shootout, THE INTERNATIONAL
Most Memorable Scene of the Year: Opening sequence of INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
Best T & A of the Year: Betsy Rue in MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D
Best Line of the Year: "Woooo, That's a Bingo!" from INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

Jack The Narrator posted a BLOG item about 2 years ago

2010 Critics Choice Awards Nominees

The start of the movie awards season is upon us and first off is the 15th Annual Critics Choice Awards, airing Live on VH-1 Jan. 15 at 9/8 central. These awards, as well as The Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards serve as the best pre-cursors as to what will be nominated and win at this years Oscars. Like this year's Golden Globe nominees, this years Critics Choice nominees are a nice ecclectic group, unlike last year's.

BEST PICTURE
Avatar
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Invictus
Nine
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up In The Air

BEST ACTOR
Jeff Bridges – Crazy Heart
George Clooney – Up In The Air
Colin Firth – A Single Man
Morgan Freeman – Invictus
Viggo Mortensen – The Road
Jeremy Renner – The Hurt Locker

BEST ACTRESS
Emily Blunt – The Young Victoria
Sandra Bullock – The Blind Side
Carey Mulligan – An Education
Saoirse Ronan – The Lovely Bones
Gabourey Sidibe – Precious
Meryl Streep – Julie & Julia

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Matt Damon – Invictus
Woody Harrelson – The Messenger
Christian McKay – Me And Orson Welles
Alfred Molina – An Education
Stanley Tucci – The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz – Inglourious Basterds

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Marion Cotillard – Nine
Vera Farmiga – Up In The Air
Anna Kendrick – Up In The Air
Mo’Nique – Precious
Julianne Moore – A Single Man
Samantha Morton – The Messenger

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Jae Head – The Blind Side
Bailee Madison – Brothers
Max Records – Where The Wild Things Are
Saoirse Ronan – The Lovely Bones
Kodi Smit-McPhee – The Road

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
Inglourious Basterds
Nine
Precious
Star Trek
Up In The Air

BEST DIRECTING
Kathryn Bigelow – The Hurt Locker
James Cameron – Avatar
Lee Daniels – Precious
Clint Eastwood – Invictus
Jason Reitman – Up In The Air
Quentin Tarantino – Inglourious Basterds

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Mark Boal – The Hurt Locker
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen – A Serious Man
Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber – (500) Days Of Summer
Bob Peterson, Peter Docter – Up
Quentin Tarantino – Inglourious Basterds

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach – Fantastic Mr. Fox
Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell – District 9
Geoffrey Fletcher – Precious
Tom Ford, David Scearce – A Single Man
Nick Hornby – An Education
Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner – Up In The Air

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Princess And The Frog
Up

BEST ACTION MOVIE
Avatar
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek

BEST COMEDY
(500) Days Of Summer
The Hangover
It’s Complicated
The Proposal
Zombieland

BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Gifted Hands
Grey Gardens
Into The Storm
Taking Chance

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Anvil
Capitalism: A Love Story
The Cove
Food, Inc.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It

BEST SONG
“All Is Love” – Karen O, Nick Zinner – Where The Wild Things Are
“Almost There” – Randy Newman – The Princess And The Frog
“Cinema Italiano” – Maury Yeston – Nine
“(I Want To) Come Home” – Paul McCartney – Everybody’s Fine
“The Weary Kind” – T Bone Burnett, Ryan Bingham – Crazy Heart

BEST SCORE
Michael Giacchino – Up
Marvin Hamlisch – The Informant!
Randy Newman – The Princess and the Frog
Karen O, Carter Burwell – Where The Wild Things Are
Hans Zimmer - Sherlock Holmes

Jack The Narrator posted a BLOG item about 2 years ago

Blu-Ray Report Card: 2009

Over the many years that I've collected movies on VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, HD DVD and now Blu-Ray. I've discovered that movie studios alter the way they present their movies on home video about every 2 - 3 years. Weather it's cover art designs, supplement production, menu designs, audio codecs, etc, something dramatic changes about them quite often. I like to grade the studios on their improvements/screw-ups every year with an annual report card. Here is how the major movie studios fared for 2009.

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment (FOX, MGM, United Artists) Grade: B-

The studio got off to a good start this year but ended it with a hard thud on the ground. After acquiring the rights to MGM/UA's video library a couple of years ago, Fox finally started to release several of the roaring lions titles on Blu-Ray this year including THE SILENCE OF THE LAMB, MISERY, THE GRADUATE, FARGO, ROAD HOUSE and SPACEBALLS as well as the recent releases VALKYRIE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE. All of these titles received first-rate transfers. The same can be said for Fox's own collection of catalog titles (including THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, DODGEBALL, NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, OFFICE SPACE, DONNIE DARKO and THE BOONDOCK SAINTS among many others). Fox also had began to take full advantage of Blu-Ray's interactive Picture-in-Picture capabilities and seemless branching technology on day-&-date new releases like MAX PAYNE and BABYLON A.D.

Sadly less than halfway into the year, Fox dropped the ball and began to offer less supplemental features on their new releases, especially recently TV season packages like 24, BURN NOTICE, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, LIE TO ME, and SONS OF ANARCHY. HD exclusives also quickly went by the wayside for the major new releases like WOLVERINE, ICE AGE 3 and NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM 2.

However, Fox has remained steadfast in it's commitment to DTS-HD Master Audio tracks and Capable video transfers (save for an occasional abomination like THE FRENCH CONNECTION which got ruined with an artificially blue-tinted image). Also Fox has made it easy for consumers to have more than one video format all in the same package by adding a Digital Copy (fully compatible with PC and Apple and with no expiration date) of the film in all their new releases as well as Standard-Def DVD copies on some titles as well.

High Points: MAX PAYNE, FIGHT CLUB, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: Battle of the Smithsonian, ICE AGE: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, VALKYRIE, QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Low Points: THE FRENCH CONNECTION, BURN NOTICE: Season 2, THE SIEGE

WALT DISNEY HOME ENTERTAINMENT (Walt Disney Pictures/Touchstone Pictures/Hollywood Pictures/Miramax Films) Grade: C

Disney probably offers the best video/audio transfers on every single Blu-Ray release they have done to date. Unfortunately, they haven't released many titles this year. Ever since Disney started to cut back on the number of movies it normally produces on a annual basis, the lack of titles is being felt all-around. It's bad enough that the new releases themselves aren't very good movies (G-FORCE, BEDTIME STORIES).

Since the fall of last year, Disney had finally adopted DTS-HD audio on all their new and subsequent releases and have blessedly continued to do so. Their Blu-Ray menus are easy to navigate, despite their lack of creative design. And the studios support for including fully compatible Digital Copies on their new releases is most welcome.

But, the lack of supplements (especially on any non-kids movie like THE PROPOSAL and CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC) make the hefty price tags for Disney Blu-Ray's hard to accept for purchasing. Only the Walt Disney/Pixar animated features are receiving the whole nine yards with interactive HD features and BD-Live connectivity.

High Points: SNOW WHITE, A BUG'S LIFE, DOUBT, SIN CITY

Low Points: High Retail Prices; bias treatment for non-family fare.

SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT (Columbia Pictures, Tri-Star Pictures, Screen Gems) Grade: A-

The people behind the genesis of Blu-Ray have been surprisingly lacking in certain areas regarding the interactive capabilities of the format. That's not to say that they have not been improving on the matter.

First this fall, Sony finally started applying DTS-HD audio to their new and subsequent releases such as THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, THE MASK OF ZORRO and ANGELS & DEMONS among others released since this past October. The studios number of catalog titles has gotten a tremendous boost this year as well with such releases as THE DA VINCI CODE, SILVERADO, THE DARK CRYSTAL, LABYRINTH, DR. STRANGELOVE, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, EASY RIDER, THE QUICK & THE DEAD and GO to name a few.

New releases have often included fully compatible digital copies, seamless branching technology and BD-Live connectivity (though not a lot of exclusive features to be found there yet). PiP tracks are off-and-on for certain titles but are always well-produced for the ones which they are included on.

High Points: THE INTERNATIONAL, ANGELS & DEMONS, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3, DR. STANGELOVE, UNDERWORLD: Rise of the Lycans

Low Points: GHOSTBUSTERS, poor ease-of-use on many Blu-Ray menus.

LIONSGATE Grade: A

Lionsgate has almost always hit a bulls-eye with their Blu-Rays and on the few occasions where they have gotten it wrong, they have corrected the issue with new and improved re-releases such as recent special editions of TERMINATOR 2 and STARGATE. But their new releases have been given such loving treatment as well with crisp clean 1080p video and DTS-HD Master Audio (often upgraded to 7.1 channels, for full cinematic envelopment) Lionsgate's acquisition of Artisan Home Entertainment has offered the studio a large number of back catalog titles that include, AIR AMERICA, ANGEL HEART, and NEAR DARK (all of which have received loving transfers).

In addition to plenty of interactive Blu-Ray exclusives and fully-compatible digital copies Lionsgate is a studio that has offered high quality treatment for all of it's TV series on Blu-Ray to date, granted they only consist of two shows so far (MAD MEN and WEEDS), but what a great supplemental package they have given them. As a cherry on top, all of Lionsgate's Blu-Ray's are very affordable price-wise for the ever-discerning consumer unsure about upgrading their back catalog of DVDs.

High Points: THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT, MAD MEN: Season 2, NEW IN TOWN, THE SPIRIT, TERMINATOR 2 (SkyNet Edition), STARGATE (15th Anniv. Edition), BATTLE FOR TERRA and many others.

Low Points: MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D

UNIVERSAL HOME ENTERTAINMENT (Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Rouge Pictures) Grade: B+

Universal was the last of the major studios to adjust to the Blu-Ray bandwagon (after supporting Tohisba's strong but underutilized HD-DVD format). But when they got on, boy did they ever deliver. Especially with regards to kick-ass High-Def DTS-HD audio and interactive supplements. Universal's patented U-Control features are easy to use and very informative to boot and offer hours upon hours of additional behind the scenes material for the movie in question. Universal's Blu-Ray's out-trump their HD-DVD counterparts in every way (which is a lot considering that I was a strong supporter of the now extinct format).

While Universal's DTS audio is always a winner on their released (both new & old), their video transfers can be a bit in-flux. For every crisp clear transfer like FAST & FURIOUS the BOURNE trilogy, STATE OF PLAY and CORALINE, there is a muddy-looking transfer on such classics like FIELD OF DREAMS, THE LAST STARFIGHTER and AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON. Also many less popular new releases (box-office disappointments and particularity films released by Rouge Pictures) have been given shitty supplemental packages. Some examples include THE UNBORN, FIGHTING, and DUPLICITY among others.

BD-Live interactivity is starting to be utilized quite well on recent releases like PUBLIC ENEMIES and FAST & FURIOUS and many new releases have included Digital Copies and/or Standard-Def DVD copies as well. The back catalog of Universal titles is quite plentiful to boot. You can mow enjoy such hits like SEABISCUIT, LOVE ACTUALLY, THE RUNDOWN, SHAUN OF THE DEAD, CHILDREN OF MEN, CINDERELLA MAN, HOT FUZZ, and INSIDE MAN.

High Points: The FAST & FURIOUS Quadrilogy, The BOURNE Trilogy, CORALINE, STATE OF PLAY, HOT FUZZ, CHILDREN OF MEN, THE TALE OF DESPERAUX, FROST/NIXON,

Low Points: FIELD OF DREAMS, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, THE LAST STARFIGHTER, DUPLICITY, 8 MILE, FLETCH

PARAMOUNT/DREAMWORKS HOME ENTERTAINMENT Grade: B

Since DreamWorks' sorta-separation from Paramount earlier this year, both studios have not released a whole lot of catalog titles this year as before. However, the ones that have been released have almost all been given loving video transfers and supplemental packages. Credit Paramount's recent Sapphire Series for giving some of their Oscar-winning fare like FORREST GUMP, BRAVEHEART and GLADIATOR the Special Edition treatment as well as the onslaught of STAR TREK this year, not only with J.J. Abrahms' reboot, but also the previous 10 films in the series and the original 60's TV series remastered.

While Paramount has begun to include DTD-HD tracks on their Sapphire titles and a couple recent new releases. The overall quality of their audio codecs leave a lot to be desired when it come the that bombastic punch that Blu-Ray often provides. That and the studios lack of including Digital Copies and Blu-Ray exclusive supplements make for a less than enticing proposition to upgrade.

High Points: THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, ZODIAC, FORREST GUMP, G.I. JOE: The Rise OF Cobra, JJ Abrahms' STAR TREK, STAR TREK II: The Wrath Of Kahn, The complete original STAR TREK TV series.

Low Points: GLADIATOR, STAR TREK III and IV (picture quality), Season 1-3 of DEXTER (no supplements)

WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT (Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema) Grade: B

The one studio that has achieved the biggest turnaround this year is without doubt Warner Bros. The last couple of year's the studio has failed to produce worthwhile and/or informative supplemental materials for their new releases. In addition they showed an unforgivable bias toward the audio/video treatment of certain types of genre fare (particularity comedies and family-fare) by giving them sub-par video and lossy, non-high-def audio transfers.

This year, Warner Bros. started to get things back on track by not only by including Dolby TrueHD (and in some cases DTS-HD) tracks on all their film releases (TV shows on Blu-Ray like CHUCK, THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES and SMALLVILLE are still being given the shaft) but WB also created what could very well be the next step in the many great interactive capabilities that Blu-Ray has to offer with "Maximum Movie Mode" which makes the regular PiP features on other Blu-Ray releases seem somewhat less intriguing compared to what this can achieve. So far only a couple of titles have been given the "MMM" treatment (WATCHMEN: Director's Cut, TERMINATOR SALVATION, "300" ULTIMATE EDITION) but man oh man are they ever fun to use. I wish I could say the same for the menu design for WB's Blu-rays which do not pop-up before the movie starts, making it a pain to access the features and change the audio after the movie has already begun and forcing you to have to start from the beginning, not cool.

Digital Copies have been included on the majority of titles this year (both new & old) but are sadly made available only for a limited time (approx. one year). The good news is that Warner Bros. is also utilizing the BD-Live capabilities of the format the most by including Live Communinty screenings with the stars and director's on such titles as WATCHMEN and HARRY POTTER & THE HALF-BLOOD PRNCE. On TERMINATOR SALVATION you can even access material that DVD consumers would have to pay extra for (such as the animated MACHINMA series that was released earlier this year. Very Nice. You've got a ways to go Warner, but your getting there fast.

High Points: WATCHMEN, TERMINATOR SALVATION, HARRY POTTER & THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

Low Points, Limited-time Digital Copies, Menu design/ease-of-use