2012 Hofscars
Hello all. Mark here.
The Hofscars are meant to celebrate the films and actors/actresses that didn’t get nominated.
Here we go!
Best Performance of any man/woman/child/animal/alien of 2011 – Michael Shannon – Take Shelter
Best Use of Music and a Hammer – Drive
Give Me Back My Rocks Award – Apollo 18
Best Performance By a Guy Who You Will Never See on Screen – Andy Serkis – Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Best Couple – Seth Rogen and JGL –50/50
Funniest Moment – The Michael Caine impersonation contest in The Trip.
Best Ensemble – The Guard
Best Villain – Loki – Thor
Best Monsters – Attack the Block/Troll Hunter
Best Hipster Couple – Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent – Beginners
Best Face Puncher Award – Gina Carano – Haywire
Man Tear Award – Warrior
Best Scotch Drinking Du0 – Felicity Jones/Anton Yelchin- Like Crazy
Best Candle Making Duo – Paul Rudd and Tj Miller – Our Idiot Brother
Best Second in Command – Colonel Sebastian “Basher” Moran – Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows
Best One-Shot Action Scene – The exploding dam scene in Tin Tin
Best Three Minute SteadiCam Shot – Eric Bana whooping ass in Hanna
Funniest Horror Movie featuring Dumb College Kids – Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil
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Elite Squad: The Enemy Within
This movie came out of nowhere and punched me in the gut. I love getting punched in the gut by a movie. You don’t see and it coming and BAM the movie is great. I totally understand why it is the largest grossing film in South American history.
People are comparing this movie to Casino and City of God. The narration is similar to Casino and the subject matter does involve the slums of Brazil. However, this is not a movie about gangsters and drug lords.
This is a bleak film about the politics behind the elite squad of cops who patrol the drug trade in Brazil. The slums are used as a tool for politicians, legislators and colonels to fill their pockets and advance in politics.
I loved how inconsequential the drug dealers are in this film. They are chess pieces that can be taken at will. In other movies you are lead to believe that they are this all-powerful force that is above the law. However, when the political machine gets rolling they are killed at will.
Wagner Moura is fantastic as Lt. Colonel Nascimento. He is focused on taking out of the trash of Brazil. Nascimento is damn good at his job and is one of the clean cops on the police force. He reluctance to engage in the political/corrupt aspect of the government keeps him on the outside. However, when he does get messed with he becomes a force to be reckoned with.
If you are in the mood to expand your international film knowledge base you should watch Elite Squad. The movie is a pleasant surprise that will not disappoint on action, story and subtitles.
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Retreat
Cillian Murphy and Thandie Newton play a yuppie couple having innumerbale marital problems so they go to an isolated cabin they often visit to have some alone time. The cabin is on a far off Scottish island and like all movies like this the generator is wonky, there is no cell phone coverage and the CB radio is old.
The characters are not entirely fleshed out because they play such brats. They are defined by the problems the script gives them. Newton is always depressed and mopey while Murphy apologizes a lot and is no good with tools. They are obviously struggling due to the loss of their unborn child. One morning they find a bloodied/unconscious Jaime Bell lying outside.
When Bell wakes up he tells the couple that a disease is ravaging the world and they are not safe on the island. Having no contact with the outside world the couple don’t know whether he is crazy or not. All they know is that he is barracading the house and talking about the end of the world.
What follows is three solid actors doing good work in a claustrophobic experiment. Without these actors the movie would not have been nearly as enjoyable. Jamie Bell sinks his teeth into the pyscho role and proves to be realistically menacing. It is also nice to see Cillian Murphy in something not involving bats, space or inception.
I am happy to say that the “twist” at the end was neat. I didn’t see it coming and it made the experience worth it. The twist didn’t make you scoff and it added an unexpected layer. Retreat is worth the rent.
Watch Retreat. Be happy it is not Couple’s Retreat. Unless you do like Couples Retreat. Then, you will not like Retreat.
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A Better Life
A Better Life has never heard of the word “subtle.” The cultural issues are tackled like a lineman. However, the two main characters are so good you begin to care for the characters and forget the plot devices.
The movie centers around Bechir’s character considering buying a truck so he can start his own business and get his 15-year-old son into a better school. The problem is if he gets pulled over he will be deported. He buys the truck and it is quickly stolen. The rest of the story features the two trying to find the truck while avoiding immigration. The schmaltz is never thick and the comparisons to the film The Bicycle Thief are many
2012 Best Actor nominee Demian Bichir is fantastic in the role. It never feels like he is “acting.” The natural acting style Chris Weitz uses keeps the story from being too familiar. The choices he makes are well thought out and measured. His ending monologue is what guaranteed him his Oscar nomination and I’m certain they will show the clip when they introduce the nominees.
The movie rests on Bichir’s shoulders. Without his nuanced presence I’d doubt this film would have had the impact it is having. You like the character so you roll with the paint by the numbers plot. I’m excited to see what is next for Damian and I’m happy that Weitz has gone back to his About a Boy roots and stepped away from The Golden Compass and Twilight big budget films.
Watch this film. Enjoy the Bichir. Wish for About a Boy 2
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Movies, Films & Flix Oscar Talk: Best Picture
Hello all. Mark here.
I understand why eight of these movies are on the list. However, I don’t understand the inclusion of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. It is in no way better than Drive, Warrior, Like Crazy, The Guard or Take Shelter.
With the Oscars approaching this has become a race between three films. Hugo, The Artist and The Descendants are neck in neck racing towards the finish line. Hugo and The Artist are similar in their sweeping respect to cinema. The Descendants is popular because it is a Alexander Payne/George Clooney joint that has more depth than expected.
Here are the Vegas betting odds:
The Artist – 1/9
The Descendants- 9/1
Hugo – 18/1
The Help – 20/1
War Horse – 40/1
Moneyball – 80/1
Midnight in Paris – 80/1
The Tree of Life 100/1
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Loud – 100/1
Logic says that The Artist has all the momentum leading into Sunday. However, in a world where Shakespeare in Love can beat Saving Private Ryan I wouldn’t be surprised if there was an upset.
I’d love to see Tree of Life, War Horse or Midnight in Paris win the award. Tree is a beautifully simple film. War Horse is a sweeping memorable film. Midnight is an intelligent and watchable film.
What amazes me is that backlash that has been hitting The Artist. Critics are complaining about the dancing, simple plot and understanding of black and white cinema. When the film came out people loved it. Roger Ebert said it was “black and white and great all over.” It seems that whenever a film becomes a front-runner that backlash begins. The same thing happened to The King’s Speech last year.
Who will win: The Artist
Who should win: War Horse
Who would win in a perfect world: Take Shelter
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Oscar Predictions 2012
Hello all. Mark here.
I’ve gotten over the sting of Take Shelter, Warrior, The Guard, Drive and Like Crazy getting little love and I’m ready to make my predictions.
I am going to break down all the major categories and fearlessly pick the winners. Some of my picks will be based on prior award shows, buzz and hunches.
Best Picture
This all comes down to a competition between The Artist and Hugo. The Artist won big at the DGA and BAFTA awards so it is the clear front-runner. However, Hugo is a wonderful film about the preservation of cinema. The Descendants is still a dark horse and you can never count out War Horse or The Help. I’d love to see Midnight in Paris or Tree of Life win. Also, how in the world did Extremely Loud get nominated? The movie has been panned by a whole lot of critics and is certified rotten on Rotten Tomatoes.
My prediction: The Artist dances away with the Oscar and Uggie the dog steals the show while people complain that the Academy Awards are boring.
Best Actor
Jean Dujardin has been charming everyone. Check out this hilarious Funny or Die clip where he auditions to play every upcoming bad guy http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/6jq0
His main competition is George Clooney. Clooney is the honorary mayor of Tinsletown and hasn’t won a Best Actor award yet. I’d wager the award is leaning 60/40 towards Jean.
The other nominees are Damian Bichir and Brad Pitt. Pitt was perfectly understated yet is up against stiff competition. Damian should be happy with the nomination for his popular role in A Better Life.
My Prediction: I am going out on a limb and picking Gary Oldman to walk away with the Oscar. People love him, people love Tinker Tailor Solider Spy and he has been doing a great promotional job http://collider.com/gary-oldman-dark-knight-rises-call-of-duty-interview/144183/
Best Actress
Viola Davis is going to win the Oscar. She was the best part of The Help and has been in the acting game for a long time. Kudos to Streep, Mara, Close and Williams for being nominated.
My Prediction: Davis for the win.
Best Supporting Actor:
Christopher Plummer is the clear-cut winner. However, I read Max Von Sydow was the only one to get a standing ovation during the Oscar luncheon. I’m hoping Nick Nolte will walk away with the statue because his work in Warrior was amazing. Jonah Hill and Kenneth Branagh are cool dudes but their nominations are award enough.
My prediction: Plummer will win the award for his likable character in Beginners. He was able to take an oscar bait role and add subtlety and nuance to an already great character.
Best Supporting Actress
Chastain was great in everything. I find it odd that she was nominated for the The Help because she was better in Tree of Life and Take Shelter. Berenice Bejo charmed, danced and wowed in The Artist. McCarthy killed in Bridesmaids and Janet McTeer got raves for Albert Nobbs. None of this matters though because The Help train is barreling down the tracks.
My Prediction: Octavia Spencer will walk away with the gold statue due to her superb comic timing and sassy pie.
Best Original Screenplay
I’d love to see Bridesmaids win an Oscar. It won’t happen but it would be a riot. Margin Call is a crafty little flick and The Artist was lovely. However, this is a two film race. A Separation and Midnight in Paris will pick up the Oscar. Separation is sitting pretty at #70 on the IMDB top 250 list but people dig Woody Allen.
My Prediction: Midnight in Paris was a smart, charming and imaginative film that is pure Oscar bait.
Best Adapted Screenplay:
Ooof…This is a tough category to pick because there are so many good films. Moneyball, Hugo, Descendants, Ides of March and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
My prediction: The Descendants will win due to elegant writing that kept it out of sitcom territory and made it a unique character driven story.
Best Director:
The DGA and BAFTAS chose The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius as the best director so I have a hard time going against him. However, Scorsese may walk away with the gold.
My Prediction: Hazanavicius has won every prior award. I don’t see him losing.
Best Animated Feature:
Tin Tin isn’t on the list so the field is wide open. Chico and Rita uses classical animation but Rango is the hip choice.
My Prediction: Rango is too strange to ignore. It will ride off into the sunset with the gold.
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Movies, Films and Flix: Best Supporting Actress
Hello all. Mark here.
People can analyze this list all they want but it is unnecessary. Octavia Spencer is going to walk away with the Academy award. People loved her in The Help and she has proved to be a humble/friendly/personable presence amongst the veteran Hollywood folk.
Here are the Vegas betting odds:
Octavia Spencer – 1/33
Berenice Bejo – 10/1
Jessica Chastain – 20/1
Melissa McCarthy – 40/1
Janet McTeer – 40/1
It would be amazing if Melissa or Jessica won but there is no way that will happen. I’m pretty certain Jessica Chastain will win an Oscar eventually and Bridesmaids is the number one movie in On Demand history so I don’t feel too bad for Melissa. Many people love McCarthy’s character so that is award enough.
Kudos to Octavia Spencer!
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Movies, Films & Flix Oscar Talk: Best Supporting Actor
Hello all. Mark here.
It is time for another unscientific look at who will win the bald gold man statue.
This is a two man race. Christopher Plummer and Max Von Sydow are vying for the title. The favorite is Plummer but word on the street says that Max is gaining momentum. Basically, if you watch football Plummer is the New England Patriots and Max is the New York Giants. Plummer has won all of the awards but Von Sydow is peaking at the right time. Who will win the Oscar Bowl?
I have no problem with either man winning but it is a shame that Nick Nolte (Warrior) is not being considered for his beautiful portrayal of a man trying to redeem himself. Nolte actually takes more punishment that his fighting sons. His role covers the spectrum of emotions and leads to the best scene of the year. Watch Warrior and you will know what I’m talking about.
Here are the Vegas odds
Christopher Plummer – 1/33
Max Von Sydow – 20/1
Kenneth Branagh – 12/1
Nick Nolte – 33/1
Jonah Hill – 40/1
Momentum is a strange thing. Critics are split on Incredibly Loud and Extremely Close however they all agree Von Sydow is great. At the Oscar luncheon last week Max was only person to get a standing ovation. I wouldn’t look into this too much because Plummer wasn’t at the luncheon and Von Sydow famously played chess with the devil.
I’m happy that Jonah Hill got nominated for his understated work in Moneyball. Some people argue that he took Patton Oswalt’s (Young Adult) spot. However, I enjoyed Hill the most. Oswalt knocked his role out of the park but I liked Hill’s mixture of intelligence and naivity.
Kenneth Branagh is a welcome addition any year. He won’t win the award but he does class it up a bit.
Who will win: Christopher Plummer
Who Should win: Nick Nolte
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Bad Movie Tuesday: Two-Headed Shark Attack
They Asylum has jumped the shark by making too many crappy shark movies. The films used to create a feeding frenzy in the deep waters known as the blogosphere. Now you need to take a Jules Verne type adventure to read anything about the bad films.
Two-Headed Shark Attack is purposefully bad. That is why it is not worth watching. It may seem odd to tackle the intricacies of a two-headed shark movie. However, the actors know they are saying bad dialogue. The writers knew the dialogue was horrible. The producers gave the film a six-day shooting schedule…..It all smooshes into a boring film. A film that is only watchable if you you are doing something else and vacuuming at the same time.
If you look at The Asylums breakout hit Megashark Vs. Giant Octopus the movie seems to be taking itself seriously. The actors play everything straight-laced and nobody seems to be acting like they are in a terrible film. The movie is horrible genius.
The production company Asylum has made 100 bad films in the last 15 years. With the notoriety their product has become sub par. Now a days they are celebrating making bad films. Before Two-Headed they showed a video of all the bad movies they’ve made. They are patting themselves on the back and that is not a good thing. They’ve become a self-aware (wink wink) company that no longer tries to be creative. When this man is hilariously bicycle kicking the piranhas he is not smiling at the cameras.
The Asylum has hit a bottleneck. They saturated the market with pre made bad products. Their movies are no longer talked about. The Scope has shrunk. They no longer look to push the creative boundaries of sharks eating planes mid-air.
There will be no Mega Shark infographics for this film.
The other movies (Megashark, Mega Piranha, Crocosaurus) had a wow factor that made them inherently watchable. You watched them to see something unexpectedly hilarious. Now, they bask in the badness which makes it predictable.
The best horrible movies are films that the producers think are good. They feature directors who believe in their horrible film. The Room, Troll 2, Bucky Larson and The Change Up are bad because people thought they were good.
People made this to be bad. They failed by not trying hard enough. They say two heads are better than one….Not in this case.
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Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengance
When I first heard that Nic Cage was doing a Ghost Rider sequel I was extremely happy. Then I heard that he was going to be directed by Neveldine/Taylor the insane guys who filmed Crank. I envisioned an R-rated spectacle of crazy shots and Nic Cage freaking out multiple times.
However, when I found out the film would be rated PG-13 I got worried. I knew it wouldn’t be better than Blade 2 and I never expected good writing or a coherent plot I just wanted Marvel mayhem in which a man with a flaming skull battles evil people. I also hoped that this film would be more Crank (fun) and less Gamer (horrible on every level) These pictures suggested I would get what I wanted.
I understand the %15 rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The plot is nonexistent and Nic Cage’s freak outs are predictable. The fun is gone when the Cage crazy seems forced. The movie works best when Cage is being a normal human being. I understand that he has been possessed by a captured angel that was tortured in hell and ultimately became insane. However, Cage is the weakest part of this film. The dude feels semi-exploited by his zaniness and this hurts the movie.
The look of Ghost Rider is beautifully gritty. I will never say that this is a good film but I will admit it looks great. The directors are known for their out of control style and determination to get the funkiest shots available.
I think a documentary about the making of this film would be better than the actual movie. Neveldine/Taylor have been known to buy cheap cameras in order to wreck them to get a crazy shot. The problem is that they focus more on thier style and less on the story. The idea behind this film is very cool. However, it becomes so garbled you are left with a great looking movie with very few bright spots.
Idris Elba is reliably good as the drunk Frenchman named Moreau.
Also, Johnny Whitworth has a great time being an evil dude who becomes Blackout. Blackout can turn anyone into dust…besides the main characters.
The movie is a visual cornucopia full of dumb. I wish the story would have lived up to the look of the film. There is a great Ghost Rider story out there somewhere. Hopefully, the third time is the charm.
Movies, Films & Flix 