EW: "UP IN THE AIR" OPENS OSCAR SEASON

SANDRA BULLOCK: GIMME THAT OSCAR!

I often dish out harsh criticism but I’m also a sucker for stories like the one depicted in “The Blind Side” and that’ why I have to go au contraire with my respected colleague Daniel's view on this matter.

One could say this movie is the antithesis to “Precious”, while both films tell the stories of poor African-American teenagers with tough family lives, the difference lies in the execution of their material. While “Precious” takes it self too serious with its own grittiness and goes overboard sometimes, “The Blind Side” is too sugary and is missing a conflict.
But I liked “The Blind Side” better. Even though it is corny and far from being a great movie, the film is honest. It is what it is, and doesn’t pretend or aspire to be something it isn’t. In no way I’d identify myself with the Tuohys, but I appreciate that the movie doesn’t ridicule their lifestyle and believes, since trashing “suburban conservatives” is so in at the moment.

First of all: I find it disappointing that Gabourey Sidibe cleans up all the “Best Newcomer” awards (do people confuse a great part with a great performance? Think about it for a sec), while Quinton Aaron, who portrays Michael Oher has gotten zilch. I found him to be absolutely convincing in the role, being sometimes exposed to the camera more than Sidibe at times (a good trick by Lee Daniels, but more about “Precious” in a separate article) and emoting wonderfully. I’d be glad to see more of this guy in the future.

Sure in between there’s also Kathy Bates, who does the usual Kathy Bates-schtick (hey, at least it works), but the thing people are talking about is Sandra Bullock’s performance as matriarch Leigh Anne Tuohy.
If you expect another “Erin Brockovich” you’ll be disappointed. There’s not nearly as much struggle and conflict in “The Blind Side” and due to that, Bullock’s role is not as meaty as Julia Roberts’. Albeit, Sandra Bullock (never been a huge fan or follower of her career) nails the role of Leigh Anne: the behaviour, the way she carries herself, the jewelry, the hair, the accent, the sass.
I always find admirable when an actor, like Bullock here, infuses their performance with humour, while staying line with the character. She milks the part and at the same time, in the few meaty scenes she has, Bullock doesn’t go for big drama to earn brownie points.
Most of all, Bullock (along with Aaron) is the only one who provides the movie with insightful moments. It’s mature work by an actress, who shows what she’s capable of.

Actually my personal choice to win Best Actress is Tilda Swinton, but out of the hottest candidates in this year’s (boring) Best Actress race, Sandra Bullock is my favourite (not having seen Mulligan, Mirren and Streep in “It’s Complicated" – but I’m still hoping for that one!). She is probably an unpopular-poplar choice, but AMPAS: Don’t turn a blind eye on Sandra Bullock.

SIGOURNEY WEAVER: PRAYERS FOR GOOD ROLES

Sigourney Weaver shows the "Anti-over-40-Hollywood" how it's done: Not only is she back on the little screen with her Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated work in "Prayers for Bobby", Sigourney Weaver is also finally back in an bonafide blockbuster. Let's pray her participation in "Avatar" will lead to some good roles in feature films, so she can finally claim that long-overdue Oscar. Amen.

AVATAR

Director James Cameron is an enviable man: he got all the resources, the money, the time he needed to make a movie like "Avatar". And it shows. I found "Avatar" to be an impressive piece of work by Cameron.
The 3D technology makes for a breathtaking cinematic experience, therefor the film lives up to its promise (and I usually don't go for science-fiction and special effects). The story is good and could be described as a parable and the actors are likable. Still, the best thing about "Avatar" are the visual effects, which are its only reason why I'd call the movie great. People will admire Cameron's efforts on "Avatar" though, so look for him to gain steam in the Best Director race.
All in all, "Avatar" is definitely one of the best achievements of the year, and should be honored accordingly. Way to go, Mr. Cameron!

SANDRA BULLOCK DOES NOT DESERVE THE OSCAR

THE BLIND SIDE looks like a Hallmark movie and I have to admit it I only watch it because everyone is talking about Sandra Bullock and Oscar. It's a good performance but not Oscar material. But Bullock had her best year yet and I think she is a great actress that usaully choose bad movies. Sandra Bullock in a great role can win an Oscar. Not for THE BLIND SIDE. That movie only shows us she deserves better roles because she could nail it. If Sandra wins the Oscar - which I doubt - it's because Academy members doesn't want to give the Oscar to Carey Mulligan or Gabourey Sidibe. Or Meryl Streep.

AVATAR: GREAT MOVIE EXPERIENCE, BUT NOT BEST PICTURE

AVATAR is a new way to watch movies. A great cinematic experience, but yet, not the best picture of year. AVATAR has the most advanced 3D that we have ever seen. PRECIOUS have a story. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS have Christoph Waltz. THE INFORMANT! have the music. They are all movie experiences.

VALENTINE'S DAY

When I first saw this picture I thought they would remake "The Devil Wears Prada" with Queen Latifah as Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathway as Andie Sachs when she was already stylish.
Well, wrong. This still is from Garry Marshall's "Valentine's Day" which features several storylines starring actors like Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Jennifer Garner, Jamie Foxx, Topher Grace and some other "interesting/popular" casting choices.
Still going to see this though.

CYRUS: MARISA TOMEI IS JONAH HILL'S MOM

The new Duplass Brothers comedy is called "Cyrus" and stars Oscar-nominees John C. Reilly, Catherine Keener, Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei and Jonah Hill. Nothing wrong with that.
John C. Reilly plays a divorced man, who falls in love again with a woman (Marisa Tomei). Again nothing wrong with that. The clue is that he also gets to meet Tomei's son, played by Jonah Hill - oy!
Still: Marisa Tomei for all!

JANE FONDA

JANE FONDA: 72ND BIRTHDAY

Today we are reminded of the greatness of Jane Fonda, the actress celebrates her 72nd birthday (can you believe this?).
What is there to say, that hasn't been said? Fonda won two Oscars before her father Henry was even awarded one: in 1972 she won Best Actress for "Klute", seven years later she repeated in the same category for "Coming Home". She received noms for "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?", "Julia", "The China Syndrome", "On Golden Pond" and Sydney Lumet's "The Morning After".
Of course she is also know for her performances in the comedy "Barefoot in the Park", as the title characters in "Barbarella" and "Cat Ballou", and opposite Anne Bancroft in "Agnes of God". Recently the legendary actress was seen in "Monster-in-Law" and "Georgia Rule" (ahem Ok, let's forget about them), this year she was nommed for a Tony Award for "33 Variations", loosing out to fellow Oscar-champ Marcia Gay Harden.
Additionally, Jane Fonda also belongs in Countdown Oscar's own "Goldie Hawn-please-get-back-to-work" category of actresses, who -surprise- need to start doing movies again.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIE DELPY!

The beautiful and multi-talented Julie Delpy turns 40 today. She is mostly known for her performances in Krzysztof Kieslowski's "Trois couleurs: Blanc" and in "Before Sunrise" as Celine, who falls in love with Ethan Hawke in Vienna. For the sequel "Before Sunset" she received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, shared with director Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke and Kim Krizan.
For her comedy "2 Days in Paris", which she wrote and directed, Delpy was nommed for an Independent Spirit Award. This year the French actress starred in "The Countess", again written and directed by her, next year Julie Delpy will be seen in "Les passages" opposite Tony Award-winner Mary-Louise Parker (nice!). Bon anniversaire!

BRUCE WILLIS SEES "RED"

The movie "Red", based on a series of comic books, will star Bruce Willis as a retired agent who has to fight of killers, hired by his former agency.

The action movie will be directed by German helmer Robert Schwentke ("Flightplan", "The Time Traveler's Wife"), Summit Entertainment just announced that the release date for the film will be October 22nd, 2010.

The cast also includes Oscar-winners Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman, as well as Mary-Louise Parker, John C. Reilly and James Remar. Brian Cox, Ernest Borgnine, Richard Dreyfuss and Julian McMahon are rumored to be in negotiations of joining the cast.

MY SUPER EX-WIFE

I can't say it enough: I love award season. Check out this fun coincident:
The two Best Director frontrunners (let's just leave Tarantino out for a sec) are ex-husband and ex-wife. James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow were married from 1989-1992, staying on good terms after their divorce. For Bigelow's 1995 film "Strange Days", James Cameron wrote the screenplay and he also helped editing the film (he wasn't credited though since he hadn't joined the editors union yet). 18 years after going separate ways, both have good chances of taking the Best Director Oscar.
For now I'd give Kathryn Bigelow the edge for her outstanding work on "The Hurt Locker", but Mr. Kathryn Bigelow is high on his heels for the groundbreaking "Avatar"...

BEST ACTRESS: A CONVERSATION

Daniel says:
best actress
Stephan says:
sure
Daniel says:
the funny thing is: there are five locks already
Stephan says:
exactly
Daniel says:
it's mulligan, sidibe, streep, mirren and bullock
Stephan says:
the ones from sag
Daniel says:
i hated the young victoria
Stephan says:
i don't think there'll be a change
Daniel says:
i don't know why they considered emily blunt
mirren was no chance
so, that leaves us with 4
Stephan says:
i think she deserves the globe nom, but not more than that
Daniel says:
i have to say. meryl have a chance
i really do
Stephan says:
i think bullock will take /going on a limp here
cant believe i'm saying this
Daniel says:
this time meryl has a chance. althought I think the devil and doubt were much better performances
Stephan says:
i think wart will hurt meryl is that she won the sag last yr
Daniel says:
that was want i'm going to say
and mulligan will easily win the bafta
Stephan says:
and its such a lightweight movie
meryl streep winning for such a movie, i can't see it happening
somehow
and honestly i dont want to see it happen
Daniel says:
the point is: she won't win for that movie but for the past movies
let her win for SOMETHING!
she is always the bridesmaid
Stephan says:
true. BUT
Daniel says:
Meryl is Academy's biggest loser!
Stephan says:
i want meryl to win when she really deserves it: for a deserving best picture nominee in a truly great role
Daniel says:
i understand your point and i somehow agree but it frustrates me that she is never the frontrunner. just give her the third Oscar damn it
Stephan says:
i'd rather have her win for it's complicated
seems like a better movie and a more intersting perf
glenda jackson style
Daniel says:
if the bridges of madison county was from this year, meryl would win her third oscar
or even the devil wears prada
Stephan says:
her chances would be quite good then
Daniel says:
in a year like this, meryl could win with the devil
Stephan says:
thats a good point
Daniel says:
i think meryl will win the best comedy gg
with...
Stephan says:
me too
Daniel says:
julie & julia
even thought it's meryl vs. meryl
Stephan says:
but bullock...she's getting to be more of a competition every day
she's likeable, has never really won anything, success with the proposal as well, an erin brockovich-esque role
Daniel says:
yes
but the movie is bad, they say
Stephan says:
it's not a great movie, but she really grounds the movie, it's an honest perf (what i've seen so far), she's not trying to be extra dramatic to gain points
i guess we can agree that sidibe is out
Daniel says:
yes. too young.
hudson was special
she won for that song
that song is too strong
Stephan says:
i still can't believe she won, i can't even call it an acting performance
that everyone, really everyone (critics, sag,...) fell for that
Daniel says:
sandra bullock is the winner by the book. it's like julia roberts, charlize theron, reese witherspoon: a sweetheart with a great role
but something tells me carey mulligan is too big to ignore
Stephan says:
definitely
Daniel says:
and i'm saying carey mulling for all
Stephan says:
she's very big
the critic's support, there has been talk about her as long as about precious so
but will the academy have another foreign as best actress?
i mean winslet, cotillard, mirren
maybe they think it's time for another all-american girl to win
Daniel says:
winslet they consider her one of them
marion is the foreign one
mirren is an international star
i love carey mulligan. we are facebook friends eheh
Stephan says:
so i guess you chat about her situation in this year's award season regularly
with her of course

BEST ACTOR: A CONVERSATION

Daniel says:
best actor. can I start
Stephan says:
should we do one more category?
yes
Daniel says:
I have something to share with you
Stephan says:
yeeees?
Daniel says:
I think the frontrunner is morgan freeman but a strange think is hapening. by the book, eheh, freeman is the frontrunner. it's a biopic. but it's strange that he is not wining many awards. what is happening. I mean, in the past years, we have forest whitaker and daniel day-lewis wining everything and morgan freeman is not. what is the problem. isn't the role that good
Stephan says:
i was thinking about the same thing
it's a role destined for critics and awards attention, yet it doesn't seem to take off the way we thought it would
Daniel says:
exactly
and it would be too easy
it's mandela
everybody loves mandela
Stephan says:
right, maybe it's just too obvious
Daniel says:
does freeman personal life have something to do with it
Stephan says:
i don't know, all that hoopla happened months ago but doesn't really pop up now
Daniel says:
yes. so the problem can only be: the role is not that good
we are talking about mandela: too peaceful
gandhi is too peaceful but ben kingsley had scenes with some anger
Stephan says:
i doesn't look like people have been waiting to honor freeman, because obviously this would be the best chance
on the other hand
he lost the globe to clive owen
so the globes owe him something
just like i think that penelope cruz might win
the didn't give them the globes when they won the oscars, so they might feel like making it up
Daniel says:
that's another talk for later
Stephan says:
i think the globes will give freeman a boost
Daniel says:
but freeman was nominated for a sag and the oscar nod is sure
Stephan says:
he's a lock for a nom, but it's like his work is received in silence: no talk about
Daniel says:
we have two different oscar patterns this year: the biopic role (freeman) and "the poor one that doesn't have a Oscar" role (jeff bridges
pity
works
Stephan says:
and he's been getting the critics awards
Daniel says:
because last year was between rourke and penn and it was similar
Stephan says:
i think it will depend on how much steam freeman can gain in the next couple of weeks
Daniel says:
altought the critics awards went for penn and rourke and this time it's only jeff and clooney
i was hoping that rourke win (and I never liked him but the wrester is a masterpiece)
so, i just think. freeman. of course he will win
Stephan says:
i think sean penn rightfully won (i guess rourkes perf will loose its' prestige in the next yrs and people will go like: yeah good work, but not worth all the hysteria back then)
the question is also: if the baftas are important
what will happen at the best actor race there
?
will firth win there
Daniel says:
exactly
can we have a third one
Stephan says:
then we still don't know
Daniel says:
like roberto begnini. everybody was saying tom hanks or nick nolte
or adrien brody. everybody was day-lewis or jack nicholson will win.
and we have george clooney. a Oscar love we don't understand
Stephan says:
that's something i just don't get
but i have to say that i don't think he'll win
Daniel says:
it's unbelievable. there is a photo of up in the air where clooney is with vera farmiga and he is smiling and i thought that pic was from a nespresso commercial or ocean eleven
Stephan says:
he's everywhere
Daniel says:
i admire jack nicholson for that. it's the same smile but we know that the smiles always mean a different thing
Stephan says:
that's why he's such a great actor
another thing
clooney didn't win the sag for syriana
Daniel says:
right
Stephan says:
maybe the guild will make it up to him this time
then it'll get confusing
Daniel says:
did freeman won the sag
Stephan says:
yes
Daniel says:
but they can easily give it to freeman again
Stephan says:
because if clooney stopped winning after the critics it would make everything a little bit easier
agreed
Daniel says:
i think the big point is what you are saying about the bafta and colin firth
what about the fifth one. who will it be
Stephan says:
renner looks like he's gaining momentum, but it doesn't look that strong
Daniel says:
i rooting for matt damon
Stephan says:
i think he has the best chances
Daniel says:
his comic turn in the informant! is a-m-a-z-i-n-g
and you know I love daniel day-lewis
Stephan says:
yes hehe
lewis really doesn't look that strong
Daniel says:
my favorite actor is the god
maybe because matt damon will steal his golden globe comedy actor
eheh
Stephan says:
and damon, he will be "in" come award season, the will love him
Daniel says:
and we have to say: daniel day-lewis havea problem: it is impossible to top there will be blood
Stephan says:
i think he has a good chance at a double nom
and he was snubbed by the sag
Daniel says:
you know daniel plainview is my favorite male performance of all time
Stephan says:
and he won it twice, so obviously they actually like him
Daniel says:
but for the fifth spot, i have to go with Jeremy renner
Stephan says:
i knew you loved it, fave perf of all time? no, i didn't know that
Daniel says:
renner reminds me a little bit of russell crowe
yeap. daniel day-lewis in there will be blood is better than marlon brando
Stephan says:
do you think he can gain/at least sustain momentum till the oscar noms?
well it's a good choice, but we don't know what's yet to come from lewis so..
i think as far as the fifth spot is concerned the baftas might help
Daniel says:
I think it will be this five: freeman, bridges, clooney, firth and renner
Stephan says:
i'd say: bridges, clooney, damon, firth,freeman,
Daniel says:
who will win: freeman all the things. even the bafta
the comedy golden globe will go to matt damon
Stephan says:
damon and freeman for the globes, sag: either clooney of freeman, but eventually probably freeman at the oscars

BEST DIRECTOR: A CONVERSATION

Stephan says:
so lets talk about the best director race. kathryn bigelow seems to be the frontrunner at this point
but jason reitman also looks good
Daniel says:
well, i don't agree
Stephan says:
what do you think?
Daniel says:
i think quentin tarantino and jason reitman are the frontrunners
and I can easily, and I mean easily, can see tarantino winning this time
right now, I think tarantino, reitman and bigelow are locks for the the nod
Stephan says:
eastwood, do we need to talk about him?
Daniel says:
clint and cameron are the other two, i think
that means lee daniels is out and rob marshall too
very bad for nine and precious
Stephan says:
the two of them can forget it i think
Daniel says:
and that means up in the air and inglourious basterds are the serious frontrunners for best picture
Stephan says:
tarantino though hasnt fared so well with the critics so far, bigelow has
Daniel says:
but if you ask me: the hurt locker deserves more the oscar for best director that the one for best picture
it's a movie with a great direction
and don't forget: the hurt locker can easily win best editing
Stephan says:
i think its deserving of both and at this point bigelow looks good, but the question is if the academy is ready for a woman as best director winner
Daniel says:
i think it is
we really have many questions
about the five most probable ones
Stephan says:
i think the globes nailed it with their nominees
Daniel says:
1) bigelow: is the Academy ready for a woman
and are we all being cinycal and saying. we loved the direction of the hurt locker because we thought a woman coouldn't do that
that's a big question
are we being cynical
what you think
Stephan says:
i don't think so. the problem lies not with our perception. i guess we are educated/open enough to not think about it that way
i didn't think: wow a woman could do that
Daniel says:
but some did!
Stephan says:
sure
Daniel says:
and maybe that is an advantage
Stephan says:
some of the are probably part of the academy
kind of a chauvinistic advantage
Daniel says:
because i thought: uau, we have to wait for a woman to give us the most simple, quiet, can I say beautiful, perspective of war
Stephan says:
i think the problem is that the academy has their patterns and habits and thats what is difficult to overcome
the thing: do we have make a connection between her work and her gender?
bigelow did a fantastic and i dont see what her sex has to do with it
it's more a question of talent, observation, preparation, know-how
Daniel says:
I don't know if sex has to do with that but I loved the movie and I think that so far it is the best director
Stephan says:
i agree
Daniel says:
the other question is: how about bigelow past movies
Stephan says:
i've not seen one of them to be honest
Daniel says:
best director is an oscar many times for a careed
career
I saw K19
and Point Break
Stephan says:
right, but on the other hand the academy should be fair. the gave best supporting actress 3 yrs ago to jennifer hudson
why shouldn't a director also get that privilege to be honored even if their work wasn't seen so much
and did you like it?
Daniel says:
my point is: bigelow is too uncertain. she did a movie in 2000, another in 2002, another in 2007 and now the hurt locker
Stephan says:
and their resumee is liminted
Daniel says:
i know it's not fair
the hurt locker have the best direction so far
Stephan says:
sure, but people like terrence malick are also respected
Daniel says:
but we have to consider the things the academy think: what the hell are we going to do with bigelow after she win the Oscar
Stephan says:
and he doesn't make that many movies
you think the academy-members ask themselves that question?
Daniel says:
some, yes
Stephan says:
they don't seem to do that in other categories
they sometimes didn't in the past in the director category
avildsen for example
Daniel says:
come on: felicity huffman lose the oscar because they didn't know what to do with her after she wins. don't say me reese witherspoon deserved that
Stephan says:
of course thats a long time ago
Daniel says:
avildsen won because of the movie
Stephan says:
i didn't want to like witherspoon and i think she's a solid best actress winner (in the context of the whole history of that category), i wouldn't choose huffman now (i did back then though)
i thought she was wonderful in walk the line, i know thats unpopular
Daniel says:
reese witherspoon is almost like a female george clooney. but let's leave that
and jason reitman
the question is: isn't him too young
Stephan says:
i think that's an obastacle for him: his age
Daniel says:
it's the point, yes
Stephan says:
but to me he would seem like a solid choice
Daniel says:
but the movie can be so good that it's impossible to ignore
and academy loved him with Juno
he is not exactly a new new one
Stephan says:
he would go on making good movies periodically
Daniel says:
it's his third
Stephan says:
so they could go with him
Daniel says:
and i have to say juno is that kind of movie we love to call sweet
Stephan says:
he doesn't seem like someone the academy needs to worry about
Daniel says:
yeap, they can go with him
but they can also go with tarantino
and weinstein will promote tarantino like there is no tomorrow
Stephan says:
that will help him a lot
he will be tough competition
Daniel says:
and tarantino - look what i will write - can have an oscar for his career eheh
Stephan says:
and with bastards on the rise
i think he's very inventive and creative, but there are others who'd deserve to win directing oscars for their careers only as well
Daniel says:
clint can be nominated but we won't win. not at all. but james cameron is a contender. just because if avatar can be considered a the begining of cinematic history
Stephan says:
they just love to have him there, eastwood that is
james cameron also looks good
and people will admire him: he got all this money for the movie, he was allowed to take his time
Daniel says:
and we can have a digital revolution
Stephan says:
he took a risk
right
the outcome could be revolutionary
Daniel says:
so, right now. I think quentin tarantino is the frontrunner. for the Oscar and for the Globe
what do you think
Stephan says:
for now i'd go with bigelow, but she's shaky
ok i'll put it up on the blog
Daniel says:
let me just say: our poll ended right now. we have a tie
and that shows how this is a year wihtout a clear frontrunner
we have a tie between Nine and Up in the Air
Stephan says:
true
Daniel says:
(you can post everything in the same post right=
Stephan says:
but i guess many people voted for nine because its glamerous
i guess so
Daniel says:
and glamour can be what the voters what next march
imagine if there is a tragic event
they want glamour and passion
chicago was a great antidote in 2002
maybe Nine can be
the problem is: Nine doesn't seem so happy eheh
Stephan says:
in a way it looks so colorless
Daniel says:
good description

BEST PICTURE: A CONVERSATION

Now that the Oscar season started, we start a new thing. Our conversations about the awards will be published. We hope you like. Please comment.

Daniel says:
why do you think nine lose momentum?
Stephan says:
there was so much buzz about it, it was destined to lose momentum, and now with the not-so-enthusiastic reviews..
Daniel says:
I haven't seen the movie but probably they tried to do "Chicago part II" and that didn't work out.
Stephan says:
you think "up in the air" wins right?
Daniel says:
right now, yes. there was a moment I thought Precious was the frontrunner, but right now, Up in the air is the frontrunner but many things can happen before the Oscars
Stephan says:
what do you think is its appeal? is it all the love for george clooney?
Daniel says:
I remember that Aviator was going to win. Million Dollar Baby appeared later. actually, the appeal of up in the air is the story. it's current. very current. You know I'm not a fan of george clooney. I think he does the same role over and over again.
Stephan says:
agreed. i'm puzzled by all the critical acclaim for him
Daniel says:
her performance in Syriana was eating hamburger and get fat
Stephan says:
its like same ol' same ol' with his work
Daniel says:
it's the same role, man
the same expressions.
Stephan says:
exactly
Daniel says:
i think he is receiving the awards because of the movie and not because of his role
Stephan says:
too bad, but i'm happy for vera farmiga, she's finally breaking through awards-wise. eventhough her oscar nom is not secured
Daniel says:
And Precious is losing momentum because we had too much buzz
Stephan says:
right
Daniel says:
but best picture
Stephan says:
and its overrated
the direction is its weakest point, the only award worthy thing about it is mo'nique
Daniel says:
i'm saying up in the air, but we have to be careful and talk about some other movies
the first: inglourious basterds
right now, the movie is a silent underdog
Stephan says:
seems like its gaining buzz
Daniel says:
i loved the movie. it's the best of the year so far
it's growing, right
Stephan says:
but it doesn't look like a movie the academy is going to eat up
Daniel says:
and weinstein have a problem: which movie to promote: inglourious or nine
i don't know. Inglourious is not to understimate
Stephan says:
i guess basterds would be the better choice
Daniel says:
the ending is amazing
and more than a movie about nazis. it's a movie about cinema
Stephan says:
i was surprised by it, i thought i wouldn't like it
but the hurt locker has the gritiness the academy likes
Daniel says:
but it is too... simple maybe quiet is the best word
Stephan says:
i thought exactly this simplicity made it so good..situations like the ones the soldiers face are "thrilling" enough, no need for more extravaganza IMO
Daniel says:
it doesn't have some fireworks like the Academy like. it's odd that a movie with that story can have the fireworks the Academy wants.
don't get me wrong. i loved the hurt locker
but i think the direction is better than the movie
it's a great work of Bigelow
Stephan says:
i also liked the cast very much
Daniel says:
after inglourious, we have to pay attention to avatar
Stephan says:
true, but if the academy is ready for a woman to win best director
it will be big
Daniel says:
avatar can easily have the most nods
easily
Stephan says:
and maybe the will like it LOTR-style
Daniel says:
i'll watch this seunday
Stephan says:
you think any comedies are going to make it? 500 days?
Daniel says:
no
maybe the hangover
but drama will prevail
Stephan says:
to bad though
Daniel says:
i think the change to ten movies is useless
Stephan says:
exactly, i mean what a stupid choice of the academy, there was no need to do that
Daniel says:
i was excited at the begining but now...
the ratings will be bad again
Stephan says:
just to include popular movies so they telecast's ratings get better
Daniel says:
it won't be better
Stephan says:
it should be about quality
plus: the movies with director noms will be frontrunners anyway
the other 5...just fillers
Daniel says:
and we can't forget invictus
Stephan says:
they'll love it
eastwood, freeman, mandela
Daniel says:
invictus is the last movie to be discovered
and clint is very good with that
Stephan says:
matt damon is also gaining buzz for supporting actor
Daniel says:
just to end our thoughts on best picture.
how bad can be the lovely bones
Stephan says:
i guess the what most critics noted was that it is too sweet, it will have to struggle to get in
Daniel says:
it's gonna be hard
and it's probably gonna cost stanley tucci his oscar chances
Stephan says:
the movie is probably a missed chance for greatness
and a missed chance for tucci's oscar
Daniel says:
so. for best pic Oscar right now, I think up in the air will win. You
Stephan says:
i agree. at this point: up in the air
Daniel says:
what about Golden Globe best drama
i'm saying up in the air too
Stephan says:
it has clooney, it's cool, they'll love it
Daniel says:
best comedy GG: Nine, just because they prefer a musical. But we have strong comedies. The Hangover was a worldwide sucess. But i still think it's nine
Stephan says:
it's the hfpa after all
Stephan says:
mmh best comedy...i'd say nine
it's a musical, it has stars, enough said
Daniel says:
and best ensemble it's a doubt because up in the air is not nominated
can Nine win best ensemble and gain some momentum to the Oscars
Right now, I think Inglourious basterds have more chances
but Nine is Nine. it's too many pedigree to ignore
Stephan says:
basterd had "fun acting" and is obviously liked (Kruger's nom)
but precious shouldn't be underestimated
it's so popular at the moment
Daniel says:
altought SAG ceremony and Oscar ceremony are no longer close
Oscar noms are only after the Sag ceremony
so many things can happen. that's why BAFTA are the main predictors right now

MORE "NINE"... BUT NO STRONG OSCAR BUZZ

JENNIFER JONES DIES AT 90

From IMDB: Actress Jennifer Jones, who won an Academy Award for her performance in The Song of Bernadette, died Thursday at her home in Malibu; she was 90. The recipient of four other Oscar nominations, Jones was known as Phylis Walker early in her career, when she was married to actor Robert Walker, whom she met in acting school. However, it was producer David O. Selznick who "discovered" her, changed her name, groomed her for a big-screen career -- and later married her after she divorced Walker. Under Selznick's guidance, she made her first big film, The Song of Bernadette, the story of a French peasant girl who sees visions of the Virgin Mary near the village of Lourdes. The movie catapulted her to fame and an Oscar, and roles in 40s hits such as Since You Went Away, Love Letters, Portrait of Jennie, and the notorious-for-its-time Duel in the Sun followed. In the 50s she appeared in the cult hit Beat the Devil, the hit drama Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, and the massive flop A Farewell to Arms, produced by her husband. After Selznick's death in 1965, she mostly retired from acting, making her last screen appearance in the disaster movie The Towering Inferno. Jones is survived by her son, Robert Walker Jr.

SAG NOMINATIONS

Interesting fact: they liked Diane Kruger. We approve. And we love to see INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS as a serious contender. Harvey Weinstein, will you promote NINE or INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS?

Ensemble
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Nine
Precious

Best Actress
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabby Sidibe, Precious
Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

Best Actor
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
George Clooney, Up in the Air
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

Supporting Actor
Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Diane Kruger, Inglourious Basterds
Mo’Nique, Precious