My Oscar Predictions

Despite all the controversy, I really enjoyed watching the films nominated in each of the major categories this year.  I wish there was time for me to delve into the documentaries and the animated films, too.  In short, I love the movies.  And I enjoy the Oscars' celebration of them.  However, I do sincerely hope the Academy is serious about making changes that will enhance the opportunities for all races to star in leading roles as well as be recognized for their outstanding work.  It will only make the whole that much better!  And now for my preferences and predictions...

Best Picture 

(in order of my preference)

1 - Brooklyn

2 - Spotlight

3 - Room

4 - The Martian

5 - Bridge of Spies

6 - The Revenant

7 - The Big Short

8 - Mad Max: Fury Road

*However, I think The Revenant will win Best Picture and Directing this year.*

Actor - Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)

Supporting Actor - Christian Bale (The Big Short)

Actress - Brie Larson (Room)

Supporting Actress - Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight)

*In case you missed it yesterday, check out the reasoning behind my selections in the Actor and Actress categories here.*

Regardless of which individuals take home the golden statues, I'm looking forward to an exciting show with Chris Rock at the helm on Sunday!  Cheers to another wonderful year of movies!

Andrea :)

A Look at Actors and Actresses...

This year, I perhaps went a bit overboard by not only watching all the Best Picture nominees (there were eight this year), but also watching the additional eight movies that had individuals nominated in the actress and actor categories.  To be honest, there were a couple of the latter movies (Trumbo and The Danish Girl) that I enjoyed a great deal more than most of those nominated in the Best Picture category!

Supporting Actress Nominees:

Rachel McAdams (Spotlight)
Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)

*Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight)*
Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)

Rooney Mara (Carol)

I'll go ahead and just say that I wasn't a fan of Carol.  It was slow and boring.  And the story line was predictable and not very interesting.  Spotlight was great, but I didn't think McAdams performed in any particularly spectacular manner.  The other three nominees - Winslet, Vikander, and Leigh - were phenomenal.  Any of them would be more than deserving, but my vote goes to Leigh (with an extremely close second to Vikander).  Leigh simply blew me away in her role (and I actually really liked the story of The Hateful Eight, too).

Supporting Actor Nominees:

*Christian Bale (The Big Short)*
Tom Hardy (The Revenant)
Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight)
Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)
Sylvestor Stallone (Creed)

I was unimpressed with many of these characters.  Hardy was good, but better in Mad Max: Fury Road.  Stallone was solid, but not spectacular.  Rylance and Ruffalo really weren't that special.  Bale was great in a difficult role so he takes this category fairly easily in my opinion.  If I could nominate a write-in candidate it would be Samuel L. Jackson in The Hateful Eight - he was fantastic!

Best Actress Nominees: 

Cate Blanchett (Carol)

Charlotte Rampling (45 Years)

*Brie Larson (Room)*
Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)
Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)

As I already mentioned, I wasn't impressed with Carol.  Unfortunately, that wasn't the worst performance in this category - Rampling was by far the least impressive nominee I've ever see.  I can't understand why she was nominated at all.  Her male counterpart was far more impressive than she in 45 Years - though neither did enough to hold my interest for longer than 45 minutes.  Easily my least favorite of all the movies I watched this season.  But back to the much more fabulous actresses in this category - Lawrence, Ronan, and Larson.  Lawrence wasn't super special, but she did carry the film.  Ronan and Larson were both wonderful.  I'm already looking forward to future films where they are cast. Ultimately, I selected Larson to win this year.

Best Actor Nominees:

 Bryan Cranston (Trumbo)
*Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)*

 Matt Damon (The Martian)
Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs)

Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)

Wow!  The actors in this category were each fantastic.  Damon is the weakest link by a pretty fair margin, but still did a fine job.  The other four - Redmayne, Fassbender, DiCaprio, and Cranston - were tremendous in four quite different and distinct roles.  First, The Danish Girl was a wonderful film.  I was disappointed it was not named a Best Picture nominee since it would have been in my top three without a doubt.  Redmayne is nothing short of phenomenal...and at this point I honestly wouldn't expect anything less.  Fassbender as Steve Jobs (what a complete jerk!) is amazing.  I haven't watched the other Steve Jobs movies, but this guy was on point.  And well supported by Kate Winslet and Jeff Daniels.  I've been a Cranston fan since my Breaking Bad binge days, but he really outdoes himself as Dalton Trumbo.  Trumbo is an absolute must-see movie.  Chris and I loved it!  Honestly, it was quite difficult for me to select a winner here.  I finally decided it was Leo's time.  He played an extremely difficult role with the majority of the lengthy film featuring his solo struggle to survive.  I'd be happy for any of these men to collect an Oscar, but I think it will be DiCaprio's night.

Do you have actor and actress predictions?

Andrea :)

Best Picture Review - Spotlight

The Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team of reporters dig deep into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church.  Their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishments setting off a wave of revelations around the world.

Having recently watched All the President's Men, Spotlight felt like a modern day version with a more wide spread and heart wrenching impact on local communities. I was fully engaged throughout the entire movie.  I never got bored or disinterested.  Each new turn or seeming dead-end held my attention.  The fact that it was a true story made it increasingly interesting as well.  I was stunned by the lengths that the Catholic Church made to cover-up for the inhumane priests that were abusing children.  Many of them simply being reassigned to other areas of the country.  It was sickening and frightening, but seeking truth remains paramount from beginning to end with each reporter playing a crucial part in telling the whole story.  I believe this is an important movie for all to see.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Other Nominations:

Supporting Actor (Mark Ruffalo), Supporting Actress (Rachel McAdams), Directing (Tom McCarthy), Film Editing, Writing (Original Screenplay)

Have you seen Spotlight yet?

Andrea :)

Best Picture Review - Room

A single mother (Brie Larson) has been held captive for nearly a decade.  She has converted a tiny shed into a living space for her and her five-year-old son (Jacob Tremblay).  It's time to break free from their captor, but it won't be an easy feat.  This movie is a touching tale of survival, isolation, and the struggle to adjust to an ever-changing society. The movie is based on the novel by Emma Donoghue.

Such an emotional journey!  I immediately felt strangely vested in these two characters and their well being.  And I was incredibly impressed with how the movie was filmed as well.  Half the movie takes place in a room roughly the size of my former Manhattan apartment.  Fortunately, I had the ability to leave my room.  I was blown away with their creativity and resourcefulness - they truly built their own little world inside that room.  The latter portion of the film where they attempt to integrate themselves into a world they've been absent from for far too long was fascinating.  I can only imagine how difficult that situation would be for not only those held captive, but also for their loved ones that had likely long ago given up hope they would ever return.  Certainly an emotional portrayal with solid acting throughout.  I didn't realize it was based on a book, but that book is definitely on my to read list now! 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Other Nominations:

Best Actress (Brie Larson), Directing (Lenny Abrahamson), Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Have you seen Room yet?

Andrea :)

Best Picture Review - The Revenant

Set in the 1820's, Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his son, Hawk, live on a settlement with other fur trappers. After attack by a native Arikara Indian tribe, a small group of the hunting party escapes into the vast wilderness. Fellow fur trader John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) tried to start trouble by antagonizing Hawk. Glass defends his son and attempts to make peace in the group.  However, things begin to rapidly go downhill for Glass after a nearly fatal bear attack.  Without going into all the details, Glass, boasting a number of injuries and ailments, is eventually left for dead by members of his own hunting party.  His survival does not look promising, but he is quite resourceful.  A final confrontation with Fitzgerald proves the climax of this long and winding tale.

Leonardo DiCaprio, who I have loved for ages now, and Tom Hardy were both fantastic in this film.  While I did thoroughly enjoy certain scenes, I didn't love the movie overall.  It was entirely too long.  Entirely.  Life was a struggle for Glass.  I understood that after one or two scenes.  I didn't need an hour worth of incident after incident to comprehend it was NOT a fun and exciting adventure.  This is a survival story.  This is a revenge story.  This is not a walk in the park for any of the characters involved.  I got it.  I typically like a story based on true events, but this one was a little over the top (particularly the bear scene).  The Revenant is an extremely intense film that just didn't manage to captivate me like it did so many others.  I loved the actors - truly superb.  I just didn't love the movie.  I'm not too surprised because I didn't really care for Alejandro G. Inarritu's Birdman last year either.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Other Nominations:

Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio), Supporting Actor (Tom Hardy), Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing (Alejandro G. Inarritu), Film Editing, Makeup & Hairstyling, Production Design, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects

Have you seen The Revenant yet?

Andrea :)

Best Picture Review - The Martian

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a wild storm and left behind by his crew. Remarkably, Watney manages to survive and wakes to find himself stranded and alone. With only meager supplies, his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to live allow him to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring "the Martian" home with the whole world watching and cheering for a safe return.

I heard wonderful things about this book and intended to read it before I watched the film, but I simply ran out of time.  I thought the movie was a much needed change from the other astronaut movies in recent years (Interstellar, Gravity) using humor to lighten many intense and stressful situations throughout the film.  I'm not a huge Matt Damon fan, but he forced me to like him in this role.  He spends a majority of the movie talking straight into the camera, but it is filmed in a way that makes the movie quite watchable.  I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.  Definitely a fun movie that will have you rooting for all involved in keeping "the Martian" from having to eat next to nothing for even one more sol.  Definitely gets a thumbs up from me!

My Rating: 4 stars

Other Nominations:

Best Actor (Matt Damon), Production Design, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects, Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Have you seen The Martian yet?

Andrea :)

Best Picture Review - Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road is an apocalyptic story set in a desert landscape where humanity is broken. Everyone is fighting for the necessities of life.  Water is a hot commodity. Within this world, two rebels on the run - Max (Tom Hardy), a former policeman seeking peace of mind following the loss of his wife and child in the aftermath of the chaos AND Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a woman who believes her path to survival may be achieved if she can make it across the desert back to her childhood homeland - attempt to restore order.

This movie is all action!  Not exactly my type of movie, but it honestly wasn't as terrible as I anticipated.  I really liked Charlize Theron.  I think she performed in this role just as well as many others nominated in the actress category.  Perhaps even better than a few.  The high speed car chases, violent battles, and other makeup and costume feats were certainly well executed and no doubt made for an exciting story, but it's just not my cup of tea.  I need something based a bit more in the reality of the here and now.  If you enjoy action, I hope you make time for this one!

My Rating: 2.5 stars

Other Nominations: 

Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing (George Miller), Film Editing, Makeup & Hairstyling, Production Design, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects

Have you seen Mad Max: Fury Road yet?

Andrea :)

Best Picture Review - Brooklyn

Eilis (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish woman travels to the United States in the 1950's in hopes of a better future.  She suffers from a severe case of homesickness initially, but eventually finds her way in Brooklyn.  Eilis lives at an Irish boarding house where she dines each night with the traditionalist landlady and her fellow residents, a truly comical crew.  She secures a job and meets a lovely Italian gentleman, Tony (Emory Cohen).  Then come some unexpected twists and turns that I don't want to spoil for you.

I absolutely loved this film.  Absolutely!  It is easily my favorite of all the nominees.  Perhaps it was because I identified with so many of the feelings that Eilis experienced along her journey.  But it couldn't be just that.  This film is the perfect mix of humor and drama.  I laughed many times, but also teared up right along with Eilis on a number of occasions.  I also really enjoyed Saoirse in this role.  She was a fresh face and quite talented as she truly carried this film from beginning to end.  We are planning to see her live in Arthur Miller's The Crucible on Broadway this spring.  Super excited to see more from this lovely leading lady!  Please find a way to check out Brooklyn - you won't regret it!!

My Rating: 5 stars

Other Nominations: 
Best Actress (Saoirse Ronan), Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Have you seen Brooklyn yet?

Andrea :)

Best Picture Review - Bridge of Spies

Bridge of Spies takes place during the Cold War.  An American lawyer, James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks), is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance).  A friendship of sorts is built between the two so despite losing the trial, Donovan pleads with the judge to keep Abel alive theorizing he could be used as a bargaining chip with Russia down the line.  Remarkably, such an event occurs causing the CIA to rely on Hanks to facilitate an exchange of Abel for a Soviet captured American spy plane pilot.

I'm always a fan of the true story tale...and this was no exception.  Doesn't hurt that I am a major Tom Hanks fan, but still it proved quite an intriguing movie.  I am unclear why Mark Rylance was nominated for Supporting Actor when others (like Samuel Jackson in Hateful Eight) were more deserving in my opinion.  Rylance did a fine job, but he didn't really have to do much.  His role was crucial to the film's plot, but limited on screen.  I didn't feel like he made an overwhelming impression overall.  Regardless, I did enjoy Hanks as he struggled from high to low throughout the film.  The ending left me wanting to know a bit more...and I think that is often a sign of a good film.
  

My Rating: 4 stars

Other Nominations: 

Supporting Actor (Mark Rylance), Music (Original Score), Production Design, Sound Mixing, Writing (Original Screenplay)

Have you seen Bridge of Spies yet?

Andrea :)

Best Picture Review - The Big Short

Simply put, The Big Short is a tale of the very real housing crisis of the mid-2000's.  Three separate, but parallel stories are told. Michael Burry (Christian Bale) - an eccentric hedge fund manager, Wall Street Trader Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) and Mark Baum (Steve Carell) - an idealist fed up with corruption in the financial industry, and the start-up team of Charlie Geller (John Magaro) and Jamie Shipley (Finn Wittrock) partnered with retired investment banker Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt) bet against (AKA "short") the housing market via a number of banks that prove naive in realizing the full scope of their issues. For the three groups to win, the general economy has to lose - ultimately, meaning the general investor (AKA the greater American population) who trusts the financial institutions suffers. 

Are you lost yet?  I know the feeling!  Since the story is based off our reality just a short decade ago, there were no real surprises.  However, the movie was made in sort of comedic manner.  The presentation was a little odd for me given the seriousness of the subject for many who were affected by the crisis, but it did provide a much needed lightness throughout.  Christian Bale, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, proved fantastic in his role.  His character is off-beat, borderline genius, and certainly on the autistic spectrum.  Additionally, he has one false eye from an accident as a boy.  Needless to say, he doesn't relate well to others.  A challenging role without a doubt...and Bale pulled it off flawlessly.  Steve Carell, not nominated, was equally as great in his role.  He plays a very serious and perpetually angry man.  I really enjoyed his performance.

In the end, I wasn't a huge fan of the movie overall.  Mostly because the subject matter didn't really interest me.  At first, I tried to keep up (there are various comedic vignettes throughout the film to assist), but ultimately just focused on the various character story lines.  If it had been about a half hour shorter, I might have enjoyed it more overall though.  As it stands, I'm happy I was able to see such great acting even if I didn't love the movie itself. 

My Rating: 3 Stars

Other Nominations: 

Supporting Actor (Christian Bale), Directing (Adam McKay), Film Editing, Adapted Screenplay

Have you seen The Big Short yet?

Andrea :)

February Faves

February has finally arrived.  My (second) favorite month for a number of reasons.  One of them being today - Groundhog's Day!!  Thank you Phil for not seeing your shadow!  I will be happy to bid winter adieu as soon as possible! 

Further reasons for being a February fan include it being a month of love. Yeah, I know Valentine's Day is kinda cheesy (and entirely commercial), but it is nice to have some time devoted to passing out treats and loving on others.  I've always liked the idea...even throughout my many years of singleness!

It's also a month to celebrate Black History.  A time to reflect on the leaders of the past and the progress made, but also a chance to determine how to make a difference going forward.  Our country has a long way to go in terms of equality.  It is an unfortunate truth, but reviewing history can help propel current strategies and policies designed to bridge the gap.  I challenge you to learn more about how you can do your part to break down barriers and cultivate change in your communities!  If you have an interest in learning more about Black History, check out my friend @evancsharp on instagram!

February also holds one very significant date for my wonderful husband. He gets to put on his party hat and add another candle to his cake toward the end of the month.  I look forward to celebrating him all month long!!  You know how I love birthdays!! :)

Finally, it's a month of Oscar buzz!!  Prepare yourself now for the onslaught of Oscar posts headed your way this month!  This year, I took my Oscar watching a step further than just viewing the nominated Best Pictures.  I also made an effort to watch all the movies that had nominated actors and actresses.  And I'm happy to announce, I've completed the task.  I look forward to sharing more about each film as the month progresses.  The countdown to the Oscars is officially on - consider yourself warned!

How do you feel about our shortest month?  

Have any fun plans for February?

Andrea :)