Best Picture Showcase 2012 – Day 2
I’m a day late with this post. Sometimes, life takes over, and you do what you gotta do (like take a much-needed nap). Last Saturday was the second day of AMC’s Best Picture Showcase. There were 5 movies this week (as opposed to last week’s 4 films; click here for my reviews from Day 1). It was a longer day, but a more satisfying one. The remaining nominees are…
Hugo – 4 stars – Based on a children’s book about a boy working to finish what his late father started. The story is captivating; wondrous discoveries are made as Hugo tries to solve the mystery of an automaton. Sacha Baron Cohen does a fine turn as the station inspector. Fantastic visuals of a train station in wintry Paris, only enhanced more by 3D. A pleasant surprise, and one I look forward to watching again with my daughter.
The Help – 5 stars – Powerful film about the African-American women who served as maids to white families in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s, and the aspiring novelist who collaborated with them to tell their stories from their point of view. Memorable performances all around, including that of Viola Davis (Best Actress nominee), Octavia Spencer (Best Supporting Actress winner), Jessica Chastain (Best Supporting Actress nominee), and Bryce Dallas Howard. No movie has made me think twice about pie since, well, American Pie.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close – 4 stars – The story about a boy on an exhausting search through post-9/11 New York City. Oskar tries to solve the mystery he believes was left by his late father, whom he lost when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center fell the year before. Thomas Horn is spectacular as Oskar, and it’s any wonder why the boy was not nominated for his amazing performance. This movie is filled with emotion, and I found it very difficult to relive what Oskar will only refer to as “the worst day”.
The Artist – 4 stars – A silent film about a silent film star struggling with the rise of “talkies” in late 1920s Hollywood. Best Director winner Michel Hazanavicius does a fine job of bringing the audience back to an era long forgotten. Presented in black and white, made in the 1.33:1 screen ratio (like those from the golden age of cinema), and combined with a great score, the winner of Best Picture had the look and feel of a classic silent film. “Full” credits were even displayed at the beginning of the movie, another common trait of older films (note the word “full” is in quotes, as not all credits these days can be displayed before the movie begins, hence the reason they were moved to the end). Several “rules” were “broken”, which I thought helped the story along (you must see the movie to understand). Entertaining and a nice change of pace.
Midnight In Paris – 3.5 stars – A writer visits Paris with family, and thanks to some midnight encounters in the City of Light, he has to come to terms with the divergent paths he and his fiancée are taking. Wonderful dialogue from Best Original Screenplay winner (and Best Director nominee) Woody Allen. I referred to this as Woody’s stab at “sci-fi”, but it’s more “Fantasy Island” in France. Funny film, and an enjoyable end to a long day.
Since I’m late, it’s senseless to predict what the Academy would select as Best Picture (I honestly would have predicted “The Artist”). But MY choice would have been “The Help”.
Best Picture Showcase 2012 – Day 1
AMC Theatres held Day 1 of their 6th annual Best Picture Showcase yesterday. This year the Academy nominated 9 films for Best Picture (with a minimum of 5 and up to a maximum of 10). I paid $30 for Day 1′s movie pass, which also included a $5 gift card for concessions. That’s a $5 decrease from last year, and a far cry from the unlimited popcorn and soda that was included with admission in 2007. A large popcorn and large soda cost $13.25 (including free refills for the day), and thanks to another promotion, any large candy cost $2 with a large combo. So I spent $10.25 for a large popcorn, large soda, and a large bag of peanut M&M’s. Tack on $7.50 for chinese food for dinner, and I’m out just under $50 for the day.
War Horse – 3.5 stars – Sweeping epic from Steven Spielberg about a bond between a young man and his horse during the First World War. Break out the tissues (an AMC employee actually offered tissues to moviegoers when it was done). Think “Lassie Come Home” but with a horse instead of a collie. This tearjerker may have been too sappy for my friend, but it certainly tugged at the heartstrings of animal lovers, including my own.
Moneyball – 4 stars – Based on Michael Lewis’ book about the Oakland A’s and GM Billy Beane’s sabermetric approach to building a competetive team with limited payroll. Brad Pitt (Best Actor nominee) is pitch perfect as Billy Beane, and Jonah Hill (Best Supporting Actor nominee) complements him as the assistant GM. Fascinating look at the numbers game and how it impacted baseball in 2002.
The Tree of Life – 2 stars – Wikipedia describes this film as a drama with “experimental elements”. Sometime in the 1960′s, Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien (Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain) receive news of their 19-year-old son’s death. Their eldest son Jack is then seen modern day, just having had an argument with his father about his brother’s death. I don’t think anyone in the theater expected what happens next. A lot of ethereal imagery appears on the screen: galaxies, volcanoes, microbes, dinosaurs, earth, water, fire (not necessarily in that order). We are then transported back to 1950′s Texas where we see Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien live, witness the birth of their 3 sons, and the boys’ childhood seen mostly through Jack’s eyes. I could relate to this part of the film where a story was being told: fearing one’s father, minding my manners, respecting my elders, learning to be a man yet trying to be a kid at the same time. But then director Terence Malick’s screenplay had to go trippy on me again. I have to say his experiment on life, evolution, religion, and what not just didn’t work for me.
The Descendants – 3 stars – I have to admit that I have a man crush on George Clooney. I pretty much enjoy everything he’s in. With that said, I had high expectations for this film. This is a bittersweet dramedy about a lawyer reconnecting with his daughters after his wife ends up comatose from a boating accident. Some hilarity ensues as he deals with greedy family members, a bitter father-in-law, his own daughters, and the notion of infidelity within his marriage. Humorous and sad with fine performances by Clooney (Best Actor nominee) and Shailene Woodley as his eldest daughter Alexandra. I believe this film was nominated for Best Picture on the merit of Clooney’s performance alone (like Black Swan in 2011); that is why I gave it 3 stars.
Day 2 of the Best Picture Showcase is next Saturday. Follow me on Twitter, GetGlue, or follow the Twitter hashtag #amcbps as moviegoers tweet during the showcase. I’ll have another post a week from today to review the last five films, and I’ll also give my prediction. After four films in, Moneyball is atop my leaderboard.
Best Picture Showcase 2011 – Day 2
Yesterday I attended the second half of AMC’s Best Picture Showcase. Here are the remaining nominees (Day 1′s reviews here):
Winter’s Bone – *** – This movie started out slowly for me, but the lead performances helped drive the story of a teenage girl’s search for her meth-making father after he put up the family house as collateral for bail. Jennifer Lawrence (Best Actress nominee) is great as Ree, a strong-willed girl left to raise her younger siblings and care for her ailing mother. John Hawkes (Best Supporting Actor nominee) is excellent as her father’s brother Teardrop.
Black Swan – *** – Like with 127 Hours, Black Swan is all about the lead actor’s performance. Natalie Portman (Best Actress nominee) plays Nina, a ballet dancer who lands the lead in Swan Lake. Her obsession with perfection causes her to lose her mind as the big opening nears. Darren Aronofsky (Best Director nominee) does an excellent job of making the audience see, feel, and hear what Nina experiences as she heads into a downward spiral; he did it effectively with drug addicts in Requiem for a Dream. Because of this, I was disturbed by what I was witnessing and confused as to what was really happening. This movie drained me.
Inception – ***** – WOW! This movie was AWESOME, and it was well worth the wait. You have to see it to believe it, and you must give it your full attention to understand it. I had no problem understanding the idea and method of extracting information from one’s mind while the target is asleep and dreaming (but like my friend said, it’s so complex, I couldn’t tell it to you). A fantastic story by Best Director nominee Christopher Nolan (also nominated for Best Original Screenplay) and amazing visuals (nominated for Visual Effects and Cinematography) all executed to near perfection.
The Social Network – **** – The story of how Facebook came to be. Jesse Eisenberg (Best Actor nominee) is outstanding as Mark Zuckerberg, and his delivery of Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay (Best Adapted Screenplay nominee) is flawless as we watch his rise from Harvard nerd to billionaire. I am not a fan of Facebook, but I do use it to connect with other people. To see its conception, its development and growth, and the legal battles that ensue is absolutely fascinating.
The King’s Speech – **** – This is the period piece that most people expect to win Best Picture. Colin Firth (Best Actor nominee) plays Prince Albert, the Duke of York, who struggles with a stutter when speaking publicly. He’s introduced to Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush, Best Supporting Actor nominee), a speech therapist who helps him through to his eventual, albeit reluctant, ascension to the throne at the beginning of World War II. Firth will most likely win the Oscar for his moving performance as King George VI. Rush is excellent as Lionel, loose and relaxed to Firth’s stiff and tempered “Bertie”.
Recap of the 10 nominees and what I think will happen:
Toy Story 3 – **** – It will not win Best Picture because it will win Best Animated Feature.
127 Hours – *** – James Franco may win Best Actor, but that’s all that this movie would get.
The Kids Are All Right – **** – I’d like to see Annette Bening win Best Actress for this because she was great.
True Grit – **** – Hailee Steinfeld should win Best Supporting Actress. She is the driving force in this film.
The Fighter – ***** – The “Rocky” of this generation? Possibly, given it’s a true story. Look for this to pull an upset.
Winter’s Bone – *** – Another sleeper. Don’t know that it can win the big prize.
Black Swan – *** – Too freakishly disturbing to win Best Picture. But Natalie Portman should get Best Actress.
Inception – ***** – My favorite of the bunch. But most successful blockbusters don’t win Best Picture, unless you’re Lord of the Rings.
The Social Network – **** – This could very well win. Best Adapted Screenplay, if not Best Picture.
The King’s Speech – **** – The heavy favorite, and deservedly so. It’s got a lead who struggles to become triumphant in the end, it’s a period piece, and it’s won a bunch of awards already: traits of Best Picture.
Best Picture Showcase 2011 – Day 1
This is the 5th year AMC Theatres is having their annual Best Picture Showcase, and I’ve been there every year. Daniel, his girlfriend, and I met up with my friend and his sister at AMC’s movieplex in Chesterfield Mall. For $30 each, we got a pass to view 5 Best Picture nominees along with a $10 gift card for concessions. We learned upon entry that with our movie pass, we could get unlimited refills on popcorn and soda. There was a catch: you must purchase a large popcorn and large soda to get the refills. Well, it turns out a large popcorn and large soda cost $13. Not a really big deal considering regular admission to a single movie is $10. So I essentially paid $33 for admission to five films and all the popcorn and soda I want.
Toy Story 3 – **** – Everyone’s favorite toys return in this third go-round from Disney and Pixar. Andy’s getting ready for college, and Woody, Buzz and the gang contemplate life without their owner. This one tugs at the heartstrings. This is the only film I saw prior to the showcase (Sophia got the blu-ray for Christmas). I’d be surprised if this didn’t win Best Animated Feature.
127 Hours – *** – The true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s (James Franco, Best Actor nominee) near-death experience while climbing Blue John Canyon in Utah. Outstanding performance by Franco, but the graphic details of Ralston’s extrication was too much for most of us in the theater (especially me).
The Kids Are All Right – **** – Dramedy about a lesbian couple, their two teenagers, and the sperm donor who is the father of the kids. Funny and sad as this motley crew tries to figure things out. Fine performances all around from this ensemble cast (including Best Actress nominee Annette Bening and Best Supporting Actor nominee Mark Ruffalo).
True Grit – **** – The Coen Brothers adaptation of the novel by Charles Portis (as opposed to a “remake” of the 1969 film that won John Wayne an Oscar for Best Actor). This western follows Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld, Best Supporting Actress nominee) on a quest for justice for the killing of her father. Jeff Bridges (Best Actor nominee) is great, but this show belongs to Steinfeld. Probably the most surprising thing about this movie was how straight it was; it was very un-Coen-like. Except for maybe the mountain man and his bearskin rug.
The Fighter – ***** – Based on the true story of Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his struggles to make it in professional boxing while keeping his family together. Christian Bale (Best Supporting Actor nominee) is outstanding as Micky’s older brother and trainer Dicky Eklund, and the other nominees (Melissa Leo as the mother/manager, Amy Adams as Micky’s girlfriend, both for Best Supporting Actress) are great as well. A great film to end a long day.
Day 2 of the Best Picture Showcase is next Saturday. Follow me on Twitter or follow the Twitter hashtag #amcbps as moviegoers tweet during the showcase. I’ll have another post a week from today to review the last five films, and I’ll also give my prediction.
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Public Enemies
Public Enemies – 3 out of 5 – Michael Mann’s gangster film about the Great Depression outlaw John Dillinger may be called an epic by some. To me, it was just a tad bit too long. Plenty of loud shootouts were mixed with quiet dialogue (I hate to have to “rewind” and turn on the subtitles). And it was difficult at times to distinguish the criminals from the feds; they all dressed the same. And there’s no real character development. Despite all this, Johnny Depp is convincing as Dillinger. I think Mann’s Heat is a much better crime drama.
Gran Torino
Gran Torino – 5 out of 5 – A cranky old man takes on some “boyz n the hood”. Clint Eastwood is outstanding as Walt Kowalski, an angry, retired widower who’s alienated from his family and despises the Asian immigrants who’ve taken over his neighborhood. A relationship then develops between Walt and the Hmong family next door after a gang incident pits Walt right in the middle. I cannot believe this film was left out of the Oscar race in 2009.
The Day After Tomorrow
The Day After Tomorrow – 3 out of 5 – When this first came out 6 years ago, I called this Independence Day with weather instead of aliens. I chose not to see it based on that. I finally watched it Friday night. Impressive special effects make up for the dull, predictable story. But what gets me the most is the reality that this can happen.
best picture showcase 2010 – day 2
Saturday was Day 2 of AMC’s Best Picture Showcase. Daniel, however, was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict at work. I met my friend and his sister at the First Watch restaurant for breakfast in Chesterfield. I had myself a Far West omelette; pretty tasty, and if I may add, no upset stomach this week.
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best picture showcase 2010 – day 1
After the announcement was made that the Academy Awards would have 10 Best Picture nominees this year, there was speculation on whether AMC Theaters would continue their Best Picture Showcase. Well, I’m happy to see they are; they decided to show the 10 films over the span of 2 Saturdays. Yesterday, I took Daniel and his friend to the theaters in Chesterfield Mall. In previous years, we’ve gone to the AMC in West Olive; the folks there have always done a great job. But we chose Chesterfield based on the movie schedule; the mall also provides us with a food court, which was a nice bonus.
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Knowing
Knowing – 3 out of 5 – this sci-fi thriller stars Nicolas Cage as a professor whose son comes upon a list of numbers obtained from a time capsule buried 50 years ago. After a closer look, he determines the numbers are predictions of actual disasters that have happened since the list’s creation, and there are more that have yet to occur. A great story that took us for a ride. Plenty of great special effects (especially the New York sequence). Would’ve given 4 stars, but CL and I felt gypped by the end.
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best picture showcase 2009
This will be the third year in a row that Daniel, Scott, and I have gone to AMC’s Best Picture Showcase at the West Olive 16 in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Daniel’s girlfriend Erika, his buddy Chris, and Scott’s sister Tracey rounded out the group. They actually opened up 2 theaters for the showcase to accommodate more people. (more…)
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3:10 to Yuma
3:10 to Yuma – **** – remake of the 1957 western based on Elmore Leonard’s short story. Fine acting from an outstanding cast, and I love a good gunfight.
best picture showcase 2008
I took Daniel and a friend of his to St. Louis for the AMC Best Picture Showcase at the West Olive 16. We met up with my friend Scott and his sister Tracey at the theater. We arrived at 10 AM, and the first film started at 11. We stayed for the entire event, which ended shortly after 11 PM. Sitting in a theater for roughly 13 hours was rough on me and my knee. I forgot to bring some ibuprofen with me; Tracey went to get some from the dispensers located in the restroom but they were all out. I decided I had to get up and move around to keep it from stiffening up.
Another packed house, and a very enthusiastic crowd. Same deal as last year – $30 for 5 movies and unlimited popcorn; the crowd highly voiced their displeasure over the exclusion of a free soda, including refills, which was included in the same price for last year’s showcase. You could buy a large soda for $4.75, but you would only be allowed one refill (and the staff was asking).
Michael Clayton – **** – George Clooney (Best Actor nominee) is superb as the title character, a fixer for a large corporate NY law firm who cleans up messy cases. Tom Wilkinson (Best Supporting Actor nominee) is fantastic as Clayton’s troubled associate Arthur Edens.
There Will Be Blood – **** – the story of prospector Daniel Plainview and his rags-to-riches story as an oilman in the early 1900′s. Daniel Day-Lewis (Best Actor nominee) is phenomenal as Plainview and should win the Oscar. However, the film was too long, and the eerie score was a little too much for me.
Atonement – **** – a love story that hinges on the observations and actions of a 13 year old girl. Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, this powerful story is told with flashbacks and fast-forwards. I especially liked the score where sounds of a typewriter emphasized the pace and tension in the film.
Juno – ***** – a hilarious film about a teen who finds herself with child. A great cast drives a sweet story that is from the heart; continuous laughs from start to end. Ellen Page (Best Actress nominee) is perfect as Juno. I know I’m biased because CL and I are having a baby, but this movie takes the idea and makes it more special and meaningful for me.
No Country For Old Men – **** – this movie will probably win the Best Picture Oscar. It is a dark and violent crime drama by Joel and Ethan Coen (Best Director nominees). Josh Brolin is great as Llewelyn Moss, the man who stumbles upon a drug deal gone bad and makes the unfortunate decision to take the money and run. This sets the stage for a terrifying cat and mouse chase. The hunter is chillingly played by Javier Bardem (Best Supporting Actor nominee, and my pick to win). Minus a star for me since I felt lost towards the end; I’m interested in reading the novel.
¿Dónde Está Ché Pelotas?
My cousin Ren and his band of fellow traveling movie makers have finally put out the trailer for the biggest movie of the year…
Easily the most talked about movie of the year, decade, and perhaps century. A compelling tale of a silky smooth criminal, whose trail of destruction leads people to ask, Where is CHE PELOTAS? He’s loved by the people, but despised by the two Interpol Officers on the case. Will these two officers be the ones to finally answer the question, ¿DÓNDE ESTà CHE PELOTAS?
Check it out at Global Transmission’s website.
Should Ratatouille Be Nominated For Best Picture?
My answer is – YES! I actually take back what I previously said about Beowulf; I had somehow forgotten I had seen this wonderful film over the summer. Ratatouille is by far the best film I had seen all year.
Disney/Pixar are contemplating pushing Ratatouille for the Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards, but the Mouse House is worried that such a push, might diminish their chances of winning the Best Animated Feature Oscar.
Beowulf
Beowulf – 5 out of 5 – Outstanding retelling of a classic poem that I hated reading back in high school. The film has an all-star cast including Anthony Hopkins, Robin Penn-Wright, John Malkovich, Crispin Glover as the demon Grendel, Angelina Jolie as Grendel’s mother, and Ray Winstone as the fearless warrior Beowulf. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it was done in beautiful CGI; we happened to catch it at a theater with a digital projector, and it was shown in 3D. Spectacular!
Viewing films in 3D have certainly improved. I was always impressed with 3D presentations done in theme parks like Disney and Universal. However, I found myself with a headache because of straining my eyes to visualize the 3D effects. Those attractions lasted 5 to 10 minutes; I wasn’t so sure about a film lasting nearly 2 hours. I had nothing to worry with Beowulf. In fact, the 3D presentation was done so well that I had forgotten I was wearing special glasses. Lots of action and great storytelling made this the best film I had seen this year.
UPDATE: 11/30/07 – I forgot about Ratatouille. So I digress and say Beowulf is one of the best films I have seen this year.
Transformers
Transformers – (3.5 out of 5) – Having owned the toys as a kid, this was kind of a nostalgic trip for me. Lots of action and the special effects are the true stars of this film, and Shia LaBeouf is great and keeps the movie going. A good popcorn movie, although it fizzled towards the end (costing it a star on my rating scale).
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Disturbia
Disturbia – 3 out of 5 – I haven’t seen Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, where this thriller gets its inspiration. This movie has terror and violence – two things I normally don’t have any interest in. The opening sequence with the main character and his dad was enough to make me look away. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this movie; Shia LaBeouf is great as Kale, the teen under house arrest who occupies his time by spying on his neighbors. This brings him to suspect one of them of being a murderer. That’s where the “fun” begins.
