Rather than just list off the parts of the show show that were in varying degrees of awful, good, bad and okay. I think I'll just list of why I actually did like the show this year. Sure we can harp on Ellen being pretty unfunny the whole show, but she had her moments. That selfie she took with all those actors has already surpassed any Tweet as most Retweeted of all time and has gone viral. Funny or not, that's a cool feat. The music was fun as well. Were they the best performances of all time? Of course not, but everyone sounded fine and did a good job with the time they were given. Except U2, that song blows and Bono is a douche. Finally, the Awards went to the right people. Sure "12 Years a Slave" is a safe and predictable win, but it could've gone to something bland (until the climax) like "Captain Phillips" or (solid, but WAY overrated) "American Hustle." Everything else was pretty good as well. Highlights being Matthew McConaughey's speech after he won Best Actor. Also Luptia Nyong'O's speech after she won for Best Supporting Actress. Jared Leto winning for Best Supporting Actor, "Frozen" winning Best Animated Feature Film and Spike Jonze winning Best Original Screenplay are also great highlights. I really wanted them to win in their respective categories. Watching the stuff you like/love do well (movies, sports, family, friends, etc) is a great feeling. You gotta wade through a lot of boring though this year. I'm writing this while waiting for Jimmy Kimmel's after The Oscars show to start, cause he always brings it pretty well. Overall if you haven't seen this and want to go back and watch it, find highlights rather than just watching it all from start to finish. There's a ton of good moments, a few great moments and the awards went to the right people. Everything could've gone much much worse tonight. #BringBackGervais
Tonight's Winners
Best Picture
12 Years a Slave
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave)
Best Animated Feature
Frozen (Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Peter Del Vecho)
Best Cinematography
Gravity (Emmanuel Lubezki)
Best Costume Design
The Great Gatsby (Catherine Martin)
Best Directing
Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón)
Best Documentary Feature
20 Feet from Stardom
Best Documentary Short
The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life (Malcolm Clarke, Nicholas Reed)
Best Film Editing
Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón, Mark Sanger)
Best Foreign Language Film
The Great Beauty (Italy)
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Dallas Buyers Club (Adruitha Lee, Robin Mathews)
Best Original Score
Gravity (Steven Price)
Best Original Song
"Let It Go" - Frozen
Best Production Design
The Great Gatsby (Catherine Martin, Beverley Dunn)
Best Animated Short Film
Mr. Hublot (Laurent Witz, Alexandre Espigares)
Best Live Action Short Film
Helium (Anders Walter, Kim Magnusson)
Best Sound Editing
Gravity (Glenn Freemantle)
Best Sound Mixing
Gravity (Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead, Chris Munro)
Best Visual Effects
Gravity (Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk, Neil Corbould)
Ahhh it's this time of year again, it's time for The Oscars, or if you like to be more formal, The 86th Annual Academy Awards! The biggest night of the year for film, whether you think every award given out is rigged or not. Like last year, I've compiled a list of some of the categories and given a little bit of thought into each category, as well as a few predictions for each one as well. You can also comb through my blog and read reviews of all the Best Picture Nominees, if you so choose. Sorry "Philomena," I really did like you but didn't have time to get a review up. Anyway, without further adieu, here's my thoughts and predictions for this year's show. If you wanna follow along with my live thoughts, once the show starts, check out @FatJesusReviews! Thank you kindly in advance for reading!
Best Picture
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
12 Years a Slave
The Wolf of Wall Street
Thoughts
2014, at least these Best Picture nominees, are good, but not as good and people would make some of them out to be. There's a ton of good in here, but there's also a ton of over hype. "American Hustle", "Captain Phillips", "Gravity" and "Philomena" are all good movies, but are they the best of the year? Not to me. Then we get to the middle ground of these nominees, "12 Years a Slave" and "The Wolf of Wall Street." While both are great movies, I loved them both, they're ones that will catch the eyes of everyone and win awards I think should go to others. Finally, we get to a my favorite three of the bunch, and the ones I really hope to win in "Dallas Buyers Club", "Her" and "Nebraska." "Dallas Buyers Club" has the best acting duo of the year in Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto. "Her" is probably the best written and all around move of the year. While "Nebraska" is a movie you go into expecting a solid film, that you're totally blown away by. Overall this is a class, so to speak, I really enjoyed, but if something like "American Hustle" won, that'd be pretty lame.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Actor (Leading)
Christian Bale, "American Hustle"
Bruce Dern, "Nebraska"
Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Chiwetel Ejiofor, "12 Years a Slave"
Matthew McConaughey, "Dallas Buyers Club"
Thoughts
You know you've got a good group when Christian Bale is the weakest of the bunch. "American Hustle" is the hot hand heading in, despite not being the best film at The Oscars. David O. Russel knows how to put together as cast, his movies are only okay, but everyone buys into them being Godly. I feel bad for people like Bruce Dern, who was otherworldly in "Nebraska" or Matthew McConaughey having a resurgence in "Dallas Buyers Club." Then you have Leonardo DiCaprio who was great in "The Wolf of Wall Street" and Chiwetel Ejiofor for "12 Years a Slave", who will most certainly be in the running to win as well. This is a stacked category, and my only real complaints are that Joaquin Phoenix ("Her") and Michael B. Jordan ("Fruitvale Station") were left out. This is one of those categories I can see anyone winning in, but damn do I want McConaughey to take it.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Actress (Leading)
Amy Adams, "American Hustle"
Cate Blanchett, "Blue Jasmine"
Sandra Bullock, "Gravity"
Judi Dench, "Philomena"
Meryl Streep, "August: Osage County"
Thoughts
To contrast the stacked Best Actor category, the Best Actress category leaves a ton to be desired. I would assume most people are thinking Cate Blanchett will win for her role in "Blue Jasmine." Though it's a movie I didn't get the appeal of, Blanchett played her role well. Then you have the older actress', the ones who've mastered their craft in Judi Dench and Meryl Streep. Dench was surprisingly good in "Philomena", while Streep was the lone bright spot in "August: Osage County." A movie that shouldn't even have any nominations towards it. Despite the big name appeal of Amy Adams and Sandra Bullock, I don't think either would win for their roles. I felt both Adams and Lawrence were both supporting roles in "American Hustle" and neither stood out to me all that much. While Bullock, carried "Gravity" pretty well, she's going up against Streep, Blanchett and "American Hustle."
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Actor (Supporting)
Barkhad Abdi, "Captain Phillips"
Bradley Cooper, "American Hustle'
Michael Fassbender, "12 Years a Slave"
Jonah Hill, "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club"
Thoughts
There's a lot of good and a lot of okay in this category of the awards. Bradley Cooper was fine, but because he's apart of "American Hustle" you have to consider him the top favorite. Barkhad Abdi and Michael Fassbender for each of their respective movies ("Captain Phillips" and "12 Years a Slave") were shining spots as well. But, not quite good enough to win. Then we have the final two, who are my two personal favorites of the year. Jonah Hill is one of those actors that's emerging as someone who can play the comedic relief wrapped in a serious role. While I don't think he'll win, his role in "The Wolf of Wall Street" was really good. Finally we're at Jared Leto, whose role in "Dallas Buyers Club" was superb. He's the one guy of the nominees to really embrace the part and become the character beautifully. I loved Leto's role and it'd be a shame if he lost, especially if it were to Bradley Cooper.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Actress (Supporting)
Sally Hawkins, "Blue Jasmine"
Jennifer Lawrence, "American Hustle"
Lupita Nyong'o, "12 Years a Slave"
Julia Roberts, "August: Osage County"
June Squibb, "Nebraska"
Thoughts
A month ago before I had seen "12 Years a Slave" and "Nebraska," I was really wondering why the supporting actress nominees were really weak. Sally Hawkins was fine in "Blue Jasmine," I actually liked her role more than Blanchett's, it wasn't an Oscar-worthy performance. Neither was Julia Robert's performance in "August: Osage County." It was fine, but it baffles me that "August: Osage County" can get two nominations when something like "Fruitvale Station" or "Rush" gets none. Everyone for the past year or so has been all over Jennifer Lawrence, and while I do like her, and she does have a bright career ahead, I still think her role in "American Hustle" is wholly generic. She's still a top favorite despite what I think. It seems like I'm hating on "American Hustle" and David O. Russel. I'm really not trying to, but to me it's so average and over hyped it hurts. Lupita Nyong'o gives a powerful performance in "12 Years a Slave," but I feel like she was a very small part that needed more time on-screen. June Squibb on the other hand was superb in "Nebraska", bringing out both humor and emotion. She was easily my favorite role out of all of these. I think it's gonna be Lawrence again, even though there were two better performances in this category.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Animated Film (Feature)
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Ernest & Celestine
Frozen
The Wind Rises
Thoughts
It's really unfortunate I live where I live, and won't have an opportunity to see "The Wind Rises" before the Oscars this Sunday. Being a big fan of Hayao Miyazaki, as most people who are who've seen a Studio Ghibli film, this looks to be a great send off for him as a director. This would be an awesome win, no doubt, but it's going against a movie that's been going bananas, both critically and at the box office, for almost five months straight now. "Frozen" has taken the world by storm. Not only is it a pretty great movie overall, combining great animation with a decent story and great songs, it's also smashing box office records left and right. It's been in the box office top ten since being released in November and is nearing one billion dollars grossed worldwide. This is the biggest animated film since "Toy Story 3" and I'd be shocked if any of these other films can beat it.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Director
David O. Russell, "American Hustle"
Alfonso Cuarion, "Gravity"
Alexander Payne, "Nebraska"
Steve McQueen, "12 Years a Slave"
Martin Scorsese, "The Wolf of Wall Street"
It takes hundreds of people to make a movie, but the person that bridges the gap from script to screen is the almighty director. This is a good group and the name that stands out most to me is David O. Russell. Everyone is on the Russell train since 2012's "Silver Linings Playbook." While Russell is a good writer, better than most, his direction leaves a lot to be desired. Martin Scorsese will always be a mainstay if he directs a great film like "The Wolf of Wall Street." Alfonso Cuaron could be a sneaky dark horse as he really did make good out of a movie ("Gravity") about floating around in our atmosphere. Steve McQueen is another one that really did well with his nominated film "12 Years a Slave." An emotionally powerful film like his will always be strong contender to win. But, my personal favorite is Alexander Payne and the beautiful "Nebraska." The all around look and feel of "Nebraska" is absolutely fantastic. I can really see anyone winning in this category.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, "Before Midnight"
Billy Ray, "Captain Phillips"
Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, "Philomena"
John Ridley, "12 Years a Slave"
Terence Winter, "The Wolf of Wall Street"
I was hesitant to watch "Before Midnight" just because I've never seen the other two movies apart of that great multi-decade trilogy, so I can't say much about that. But, adapted screen play-wise, the other four movies are really good. "Captain Phillips" is good enough, then it really picks up in the seconds half. While "Philomena" is a great little heartfelt film, but won't have enough, I don't think to win. Then we come to the two I think'll win. "The Wolf of Wall Street" is a fantastic adaption that delivers on all levels and gives the viewers a fun watch. On the flip side, "12 Years a Slave" is a emotionally powerful film that was done well and is one that will stick with you and even make you think a little. Look for "12 Years a Slave" or "The Wolf of Wall Street" to win here.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Writing (Original Screenplay)
Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell, "American Hustle"
Woody Allen, "Blue Jasmine"
Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, "Dallas Buyers Club"
Spike Jonze, "Her"
Bob Nelson, "Nebraska"
The biggest thing that standout when you look at the nominees for best original screen play is David O. Russell for "American Hustle." It's heavily favored to win big this year, as I've stated many times already. But I really do think it's outclassed by everything else in the category. "Blue Jasmine" is well written despite me not liking it, sorry Woody. Then we have "Dallas Buyers Club." This movie is so well done in the character department and the story is good all around as well. "Nebraska" is the same way as this is a move where the story is driven by the characters, no pun intended, which was a pleasure to watch. Finally, we have my favorite of the bunch in "Her." It wasn't nominated for a lot of awards, which really bummed me out. So I really hope it does win here it was nodded. Spike Jonze wrote a helluva film.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Music (Original Score)
John Williams, "The Book Thief"
Steven Price, "Gravity"
William Butler and Owen Pallett, "Her"
Alexandre Desplat, "Philomena"
Thomas Newman, "Saving Mr. Banks"
I love music, and the music in a movie really can bring out the best in a scene, or even just make the movie that much better. I was temped to see "The Book Thief" when the nominations were announced, but just because it has a good score, doesn't mean I'm going to buy into the fact I need to watch it. Sorry, Academy Awards. The rest of these I have seen and I really do like the scores for them, well aside from "Philomena." I just didn't see what was so great about it. "Gravity" would be one of the big ones in the running to win I would think. The score by Price combined with those great visual effects was astounding to watch as the move progressed. I also really liked the songs littered throughout "Saving Mr. Banks," despite it being a movie that I didn't like very much at all. Again we have landed at "Her" because the music from this movie is fantastic. It invokes emotion and humor so well and I loved every minute of it. I really hope "Her" wins but "Saving Mr. Banks" may get the nod here.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Music (Original Song)
Pharrell- "Happy", Despicable Me 2
Idnia Menzel- "Let It Go", Frozen
Karen O- "The Moon Song", Her
U2- "Ordinary Love", Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
"Let It Go" is a power house of a song. "Happy" is a great, catchy and just plain fun song. "The Moon Song" is emotionally saturated and fantastic. Finally, I hate Bono. Go anyone but him. (I really do love "Let It Go" to win here though.)
Best Cinematography
Philippe Le Sound, "The Grandmaster"
Emmanuel Lubezki, "Gravity"
Bruno Delbonnel, "Inside Llewyn Davis"
Phedon Papamichael, "Nebraska"
Roger A. Deakins, "Prisoners"
I love it when a movie looks good. Like with music, great cinematography can completely change the direction of a film and make it better (or worse). I could talk about the fantastic landscapes sprinkled all over "Nebraska." Or the great shots crammed into "Prisoners" and "Inside Llewyn Davis." But the is the category, when I'm pretty sure, that "Gravity" is going to take the cake, so to speak. The movie is set in out atmosphere and every shot of either earth, outer space itself, or both, are breathtaking. It's lacking overall, but "Gravity" got cinematography and visual effects right.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Costume Design
Michael Wilkinson, "American Hustle"
William Chang Suk Ping, "The Grandmaster"
Catherine Martin, "The Great Gatsby"
Michel O'Connor, "The Invisible Woman"
Patricia Norris, "12 Years a Slave"
Now this is one of those throwaway categories you could say. It's not going to generate a ton of buzz, and it's probably going to be lumped in with another category when the actual award is given out. But that doesn't mean I love the look and style of a move any less. This is the one area where I actually loved "American Hustle." The design was fantastic all around and they really did well. "12 Years a Slave" also did a great job of this as well, so don't be surprised if it wins. But, my personal favorite was the costume design in "The Great Gatsby." This film didn't do a lot right, but what it did do right was the look of the characters, and everything did look fantastic.
Who I Want To Win
Who Will Win
Best Visual Effects
Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould, "Gravity"
Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds, "The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug"
Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick, "Iron Man 3"
Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier, "The Lone Ranger"
Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton, "Star Trek: Into Darkness"
Popcorn flicks are awesome. I'm a huge fan of the MARVEL Cinematic Universe, even though I know they're not the greatest films. CGI reigns prevalent in them, so I'm getting more and more used to good CGI. Like the cinematography category, I could go over the great shots from "Iron Man 3" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness," but I'd be wasting your time. I think this is the other category where "Gravity" is sure to win. Like I said above the CGI, melded with the look (and even score) of this film makes it a great (looking and sounding) watch.
