Thoy's Oscar Preview (sort of but not really)

Not really a preview but basically my uneducated opinions on the films I saw this past year. Don't worry about spoilers because there are none.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Terrible. Don't ever bother with it. Don't even think about thinking about renting it if you ever see it on the shelf. Just don't do it. Save your time. Unless of course you're in need of a sleeping aid, than by all means view Mr. Buttons. Sure I can appreciate the cinematography and the make-up and all that jazz but there are plenty of other films that I can say the same about that also don't bore me to death.

The Wrestler
Wasn't a big fan of this or Rourke's performance. I mean it was okay and Rourke pretty much nailed it but I didn't feel the role was that hard to nail. I think I stand alone. Maybe if I were a little older and experienced the whole Mickey blows his life away ordeal I could appreciate it more? But hey, I saw Rumble Fish and loved him in that so I have cred there. Marrisa Tomei loved to show her boobs in this though so that was nice. I can't not recommend it though because I can see a lot of people liking it so go see it at the two dollar theater, or rent it as soon as its on dvd.

Note: I got my two downer movies out the way. I loved something about everything else pretty much.

Milk
Sean Penn was great. I guess the purpose of the film was successful because I had never heard of Harvey Milk before I saw this. Now I know that he was a gay dude who ran repeatedly for a small political position and eventually won. The supporting cast looks amazing on paper but really didn't deliver. James Franco basically plays a gay version of Harry (When he's not the Goblin)from Spider Man. Emile Hirsch was okay but they never really seem to develop his character but that is understandable because the film is called Milk, not Cleve Jones. Josh Brolin's performance is highly overrated. Didn't do anything at all for me. Wait to see this when its showing on the LOGO channel.

Frost/Nixon
I liked it. I wasn't at the edge of my seat at all though and there were definitely moments I felt like they were trying to be "edge of your seat" moments. I can't help but think I would really enjoy the play over the motion picture. History interests me and this is one of the most historical events (Watergate that is) of The United States. Watch it when it's on HBO

Slumdog Millionaire
A very cheesy story that I was completely into. I didn't see it until after the Golden Globes and some other awards show and they kept showing that same clip when he phones a friend and that girl runs to the phone trying to get there in time. I watched that clip and thought, "this looks terrible, what the fuck." But hey, the way the story is set up is a simple concept that I can dig. Not to mention that it is visually intriguing. After the hype of it I wouldn't race to see it if you haven't yet just because I did this with Juno and couldn't stand that. So what I would do is Redbox it for free with one of those promo codes.

The Reader
Loved it. Kate Winslet was fantastic. Plus she loves to show her tits too (bonus!). My only issue is the acting in the male lead. Not Ralph Fiennes but the younger version. Something about him really bothered me throughout the entire film. I can't really put my finger on it so I just blame it on being German. Don't rush to see it. Just google Kate Winslet nude for the time being and wait for it to show up on an Encore channel in a few years.

Doubt
I loved pretty much everything about this film from start to finish. Production, story, acting, it was all wonderful. I'm a little annoyed that it isn't nominated for best film. Every actor in it is nominated but the director and film itself got no love. If you're a catholic and have been raped by a priest like me, go see it right away. If you're not a catholic but want to laugh at the corruption, go see it right away.

Gran Torino
Thought it was awesome. Awesome is not an adjective that I would use on a lot of the other nominees but this was AWESOME. And what do you know, it got no love from the Academy. Probably because people like me think its awesome. I guess I can understand why, because the acting is pretty awful by everyone in this, including Eastwood. But man, it is absolutely hilarious for the first 80 minutes. Plus the ending is, one more time...awesome. See this immediately if you want to learn some new racist vocabulary. Like "spooks" for black people. Hilarious.

Rachel Getting Married
My favorite film not named In Bruges of the year. I don't think a lot of people know much about it so here is the trailer.


Even watching that makes me happy. I actually feel very silly for liking it so much. But you know what? Chris Connelly loves it as much as I do, so it's cool. Fun Fact that I had to google because it drove me nuts the entire duration of the movie, The man Rachel is marrying is the lead singer of TV on the Radio. So good for him for having a sweet new album out and being in a great film, I guess. I'm a little embarrassed by my excitement for this so I couldn't really handle rejection from others due to my recommendation. So don't see it. I'll keep it all to myself.

The Visitor
A cute, sad, little film that I enjoyed. I don't think anything else really needs to be said.

Vicky Christina Barcelona
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Can't really argue with a Woody Allen film featuring three beautiful ladies who like to make love to a beautiful man. It is quirky and the narration might bother some people but I would recommend this as a great date night film. I have used it recently for that and it worked out perfecttttt...god I'm so lonely!

On to the awards.
Best Picture

It has to go to Slumdog. I'm okay with that I suppose because it was super entertaining for me. I wouldn't be upset if The Reader won but if any of the other three somehow steals it I might write an angry letter.

Best Actor
I think it's a toss up between Rourke and Penn. Rourke's got the town on his back but might have ticked off some of the members of the academy because he has been partying a little hard lately. Penn was good enough to steal Rourke's thunder. Plus we know how much they love homosexual roles. Pitt sucked, Langella was ok, and Richard Jenkins should be very satisfied that he was nominated.

Best Supporting Actor
* Josh Brolin in “Milk” - NO!
* Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” - Never saw it but he was funny in the trailer
* Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” - Very solid. Who I want to win.
* Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” - Very Solid. Who will win. I'm actually a little nervous that I might cry when his little 3 year old daughter comes up for the statue.
* Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” - Never saw this. Heard it was boring.

Best Actress

* Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” - Obvi my choice
* Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” - Never saw. Heard it wasn't that great
* Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” - Never saw, nor know anything about
* Meryl Streep in “Doubt” - Excellent. I hate the Streep hype but she sold me in this.
* Kate Winslet in “The Reader” -Thanks for the tits Kate. I have a feeling you'll win. Please don't cry.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

* Amy Adams in “Doubt” - Super Job. You're a young, good looking, talented, female actress. You have at least 3 more years until your looks fade and you're dependent solely on your skills.
* Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” At the beginning of the film I said, "Damn, no one is as good looking as Scarlett" than about 40 minutes later Penelope came onto screen and I said, "Damn bitch, you just ousted Scarlett"
* Viola Davis in “Doubt” - This chick was in the movie for basically 1 scene! Yeah it was a great screen but man I wish I could focus on a performance for one scene and than get nominated for an Oscar.
* Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” - Ok, you were very cute lady, but the movie was just that terrible that I can't root for you.
* Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” - You'll win. Congrats. Tell Vinny I said hi.

I'll end with the predictions/thoughts there. I feel like I'm dragging on quite a bit. Just wanted to point out that the Academy is worthless. In Bruges was completely overlooked. If you haven't seen this, go buy/rent now. It is wonderful. You'll love it. I'm happy that I got the invite to Molly and Steve's for the viewing once again. We had a ton of fun last year so hopefully we can repeat some of that.

It's kind of late and I gotta work at 9. I won Chris' drawing and will be attending the Red Wings game with him tomorrow night. I look forward to that. I will be checking in here soon with my upcoming plans for lent. So until than, have a good one and drive safe out there.

-rp mcmurphy