As always, there are a few crucial moments I would have done differently (I may elaborate once the film's out), but to criticise this film as an adaptation of the final section of the book is to be picky in the extreme. They make enough changes for the film franchise to make sense, with a few surprises (mostly pleasant) for the initiated too. Whilst we've all been waiting to see The Battle of Hogwarts, the film-makers have decided that the story is the most important part, and does take priority over the spectacle. For that, they are to be commended, so a lot of the action is off-screen (or background). As for the cast, they've matured nicely, the surprise stand-out being Matthew Lewis as Neville, and the no-surprise stand-out being Alan Rickman's Snape (although Maggie Smith does get to upstage him at one point!). I laughed, I cried, I stamped my feet with excitement, and I can't wait to do it all again next weekend. Oh, and the 3D conversion has proven to be a complete waste of time and money. Not one moment requires it, and there are several mis-shapen faces that require its absence. Even that can't spoil this awesome movie, but save your money, see it in 2D.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Harry Potter
With the eighth and final Harry Potter movie about to be released in cinemas, now is an appropriate time to take a look at the most successful franchise of all-time.
With its books, movies and merchandise, Harry Potter has become a worldwide phenomenon that has encouraged children and adults alike to discover and rediscover reading, not to mention packing cinemas and shifting millions of DVDs, all over the world.
I read the first four books in September 2001, after seeing the trailer for the first movie, and was a bona fide fan by the time the movie was released. Each book was re-read before each film's release, the whole series was re-read before each book was released, and each movie's release saw (at least) its predecessor re-watched, both for cinema and DVD releases. So it's fair to say I know them all pretty well.
I've been lucky enough to obtain preview tickets for a screening of the final film this coming Thursday, July 7th, over a week before its official release date on Friday 15th. After that screening, it is my intention to re-watch all previous seven films, and review each with an eye on various particular perspectives;
1. Straightforward film review; how it stands up as a film in its own right.
2. The film as an adaptation of the book; what works, what doesn't, what they got right, what they got wrong.
3. What was changed from the book; what was left out, what was put in, what played out differently.
4. What essential information was left out for the film series to make complete sense.
It's the fourth point in particular in which I'm most interested for this blog.
Whilst I'm currently re-reading the end of Deathly Hallows, I'm noticing that there is so much that hasn't been covered in the films that should have been by now. And I'm not talking about the likes of Snape's relationship with James Potter & friends- it's important in the books, but no longer necessary for the film series to work.
I'm talking about some glaring omissions that have been carried over film-to-film, but never addressed. If you haven't read the books, and aren't confused, then you're not paying attention.
For example...
Peter Pettigrew. From film 4 onwards he's called "Wormtail". Explained in book three, but none of the films.
Harry has a piece of mirror in film 7. Explained in book five, but none of the films.
Film 8 will feature items referenced in book 6, but no films so far.
It'll be interesting to see how much is rectified in their final chance. I'm hoping to clarify what they don't.
With its books, movies and merchandise, Harry Potter has become a worldwide phenomenon that has encouraged children and adults alike to discover and rediscover reading, not to mention packing cinemas and shifting millions of DVDs, all over the world.
I read the first four books in September 2001, after seeing the trailer for the first movie, and was a bona fide fan by the time the movie was released. Each book was re-read before each film's release, the whole series was re-read before each book was released, and each movie's release saw (at least) its predecessor re-watched, both for cinema and DVD releases. So it's fair to say I know them all pretty well.
I've been lucky enough to obtain preview tickets for a screening of the final film this coming Thursday, July 7th, over a week before its official release date on Friday 15th. After that screening, it is my intention to re-watch all previous seven films, and review each with an eye on various particular perspectives;
1. Straightforward film review; how it stands up as a film in its own right.
2. The film as an adaptation of the book; what works, what doesn't, what they got right, what they got wrong.
3. What was changed from the book; what was left out, what was put in, what played out differently.
4. What essential information was left out for the film series to make complete sense.
It's the fourth point in particular in which I'm most interested for this blog.
Whilst I'm currently re-reading the end of Deathly Hallows, I'm noticing that there is so much that hasn't been covered in the films that should have been by now. And I'm not talking about the likes of Snape's relationship with James Potter & friends- it's important in the books, but no longer necessary for the film series to work.
I'm talking about some glaring omissions that have been carried over film-to-film, but never addressed. If you haven't read the books, and aren't confused, then you're not paying attention.
For example...
Peter Pettigrew. From film 4 onwards he's called "Wormtail". Explained in book three, but none of the films.
Harry has a piece of mirror in film 7. Explained in book five, but none of the films.
Film 8 will feature items referenced in book 6, but no films so far.
It'll be interesting to see how much is rectified in their final chance. I'm hoping to clarify what they don't.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Film Review - Green Lantern (2011)
First up, this review will sound negative, but it really isn't. I thought Green Lantern was a good film. It kept me interested and entertained, and the SFX were pretty spectacular. I don't know or care how accurately it portrays the comic, as a film with its own story, it worked. It does not deserve the kicking it's been getting from critics.
And yet. There are a few issues I just need to get off my chest.
I love Ryan Reynolds. He has proper big-screen charisma, great comic timing (and delivery) and a body that makes me want to kill myself. But he has developed a bit of a familiar schtick, and whilst I love it, there are times when it isn't appropriate. He knows this himself, as proven in Buried and Amityville. But here he uses it randomly, rather than in a considered manner, so sometimes it works well, sometimes it feels fake.
We also get the now over-familiar Superfluous Character Syndrome, the honours here going to Blake Lively's blander-than-bland damsel, and the oddly-cast Peter Sarsgaard as a balding, middle-aged doctor or something who gets mutated by evil (or "fear" to be more accurate). When these characters appear, the film has a tendency to slam on the breaks. No comment on the actors per se, just their characters (or rather their lack thereof).
But most importantly, each time you're introduced to a new superhero, you need to know "what's his gimmick?" And Green Lantern's is pretty cool. Basically, he's given the power to bring his imagination to life. And therein lies the problem with this film. Hal Jordan apparently has a very VERY limited imagination. I'm sure he'll grow with time, but it was a bit infuriating to see him consistently defeating bad guys (including enormous planet-devouring entities) by just imagining various weapons and projectiles to throw at them. Not that the film's conclusion isn't satisfying, it is. It's also disappointingly unimaginative.
But apart from that, I enjoyed it very much. I'd watch it again and I'll happily queue to see Green Lantern 2. Although it's looking about as likely to happen as The Subtle Knife.
And yet. There are a few issues I just need to get off my chest.
I love Ryan Reynolds. He has proper big-screen charisma, great comic timing (and delivery) and a body that makes me want to kill myself. But he has developed a bit of a familiar schtick, and whilst I love it, there are times when it isn't appropriate. He knows this himself, as proven in Buried and Amityville. But here he uses it randomly, rather than in a considered manner, so sometimes it works well, sometimes it feels fake.
We also get the now over-familiar Superfluous Character Syndrome, the honours here going to Blake Lively's blander-than-bland damsel, and the oddly-cast Peter Sarsgaard as a balding, middle-aged doctor or something who gets mutated by evil (or "fear" to be more accurate). When these characters appear, the film has a tendency to slam on the breaks. No comment on the actors per se, just their characters (or rather their lack thereof).
But most importantly, each time you're introduced to a new superhero, you need to know "what's his gimmick?" And Green Lantern's is pretty cool. Basically, he's given the power to bring his imagination to life. And therein lies the problem with this film. Hal Jordan apparently has a very VERY limited imagination. I'm sure he'll grow with time, but it was a bit infuriating to see him consistently defeating bad guys (including enormous planet-devouring entities) by just imagining various weapons and projectiles to throw at them. Not that the film's conclusion isn't satisfying, it is. It's also disappointingly unimaginative.
But apart from that, I enjoyed it very much. I'd watch it again and I'll happily queue to see Green Lantern 2. Although it's looking about as likely to happen as The Subtle Knife.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Film review - Senna
I have no interest in any sport, yet still found this film to be absolutely gripping from beginning to end. Emotional, exciting, infuriating, and dramatic. Ayrton Senna makes for a hugely charismatic and likeable lead, and his enthusiasm for the sport (and life) is infectious. Heroes and villains are drawn, and the film makes no attempt to hide whose side it is on (if anything, Formula 1 itself is the biggest villain, its politics oddly reminiscent of the current FIFA situation). However, during the lead-up to the final act, Senna's enthusiasm evaporates, and that smiley lead character disappears. He is replaced by an unhappy, stressed, rapidly-ageing man who is losing his faith in the vehicle he has always understood, as it becomes corrupted by technology. The dramatic conclusion to the story is sensitively handled, and delivered in a way that is surprisingly un-dramatic, but still hits an emotional punch.
Monday, 8 March 2010
The Oscars 2010
I usually rely on pen & paper to make my way through the Oscars, thanks to printable ballots. Thought I'd try blogging instead this year.
Looking forward to it more this year than I have for a while. A lot of great films are up, and a lot fewer films I hated than the last few years. I don't get the Hurt Locker thing at all, but certainly didn't dislike it. I'm rooting for Avatar all the way, and Up.
I'll predict and vote on each category as and when.
Claudia Winkleman hosts the UK coverage with guests David Baddiel, Ronnie Ancona and Mark Dolan. Interesting choices, with only Baddiel absent last year. No party pooper Stephanie Beacham, thankfully. She did my head in last year.
Baddiel didn't even know A Serious Man was nominated. Oh dear.
Over to Angela Griffin on the red carpet. And we're back. That totally wasn't a waste of time.
Now we hear the nominees discuss how they feel. I'm guessing the response is positive. I am, evidently, correct. And now winners' memories. A montage of "um"s over Kylie music. Nice.
We'll be returning to the panel at each ad break.
1.30
And here we go...
As always, can't hear the live announcements to the audience. All the nominated actors are on stage for some reason. Except Matt Damon. Christoph Waltz too. Bastards.
1.32
Neil Patrick Harris. Legen.... Wait for it... Dary! Sound mix is off. Can hear the trumpets over the vocals. Hang on, some of those dancers are from SYTYCD (US)... Cool.
1.35
Hosts Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin lowered from the ceiling. Jokes about Meryl Streep losing. She rocks. All three of them were in It's Complicated. Must see it.
1.41
Ooh the Bigelow/Cameron marriage has been mentioned! Drink! A joke about a Toyota. I don't get it. George Clooney is looking well fucking miserable. Alec's called him up on it.
Twice!
1.45
Penelope Cruz introduces Supporting Actor.
Nominees:
Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
My vote: Christoph Waltz
My prediction: Christoph Waltz
Winner: Christoph Waltz
Wow, he named a lot of people!
1.51
Ryan Reynolds introduces Best Picture nominee The Blind Side.
1.52
Ad break. Boy do the audience look bored shitless. They have 4 hours to go.
1.55
Cameron Diaz and Steve Carrell introduce Animated Picture.
Nominees:
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Princess & the Frog
The Secret of Kells
Up
Vote: Up
Prediction: Up
Winner: Up, Pete Docter director.
2.01
Amanda Seyfreid and Miley Cyrus introduce Original Song.
Nominees:
"Almost There" from The Princess & the Frog.
"Down in New Orleans" from The Princess & the Frog.
"Loin de Paname" from Paris 36.
"Take It All" from Nine.
"The Weary Kind" from Crazy Heart.
Vote: "Take It All"
Prediction: "The Weary Kind"
Winner: "The Weary Kind"
2.05
Chris Pine introduces Best Picture nominee District 9.
Ad break 2. The panel are happy with Up.
2.12
Robert Downey Jr & Tina Fey introduce Original Screenplay. Amusing intro.
Nominees:
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
The Messenger
A Serious Man
Up
Vote: Up
Prediction: The Hurt Locker
Winner: The Hurt Locker, Mark Boal writer.
2.17
Molly Ringwald & Matthew Broderick introduce a tribute to John Hughes, followed by a video montage and then his films' stars appear on stage, introducing his family in the audience. Fair play, what with all the Oscar recognition he got.
2.24
Samuel L Jackson introduces Best Picture nominee Up.
Ad break 3. The panel reveal Baddiel had worked with John Hughes. And is there to plug his new film.
2.28
Carey Mulligan & Zoe Saldana introduce Short Films. I won't be predicting many of these.
Animated nominees:
French Roast
Sleeping Beauty
The Lady & The Reaper
Logorama
A Matter of Loaf & Death
Prediction: A Matter of Loaf & Death.
Winner: Logorama
Documentary nominees:
China's Unnatural Disaster
The Last Campaign
The Last Truck
Music By Prudence
Rabbit a la Berlin
Winner: Music By Prudence.
Live action nominees:
The Door
Instead of Abracadabra
Kavi
Miracle Fish
The New Tenants
Winner: The New Tenants.
2.38
Ben Stiller, in Avatar form, introduces Makeup.
Nominees:
Il Divo
Star Trek
The Young Victoria
Vote: Star Trek
Prediction: The Young Victoria
Winner: Star Trek
2.43
Jeff Bridges introduces Best Picture nominee A Serious Man.
Ad break 4. They briefly predict the next category.
2.48
Jake Gyllenhaal & Rachel McAdams introduce Adapted Screenplay.
Nominees:
Up in the Air
Precious
In The Loop
An Education
District 9
Vote: District 9.
Prediction: Up in the Air.
Winner: Precious.
2.52
Queen Latifah introduces the Governors' Event. Don't ask me. Roger Corman and Lauren Bacall won something. Cue seriously laboured standing ovation.
2.55
Robin Williams introduces Supporting Actress.
Nominees:
Penelope Cruz, Nine.
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Monique, Precious
Vote: Monique
Prediction: Monique
Winner: Monique
Cue genuine standing ovation. And then she spoke...
3.01
Colin Firth introduces Best Picture nominee An Education.
Ad break 5. Was Monique being arrogant in her speech? This is for the performance, not the politics??? Does that mean "I won because I was great"? She was, but even so...
3.06
Sigourney Weaver introduces Art Direction.
Nominees:
Avatar
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Sherlock Holmes
The Young Victoria
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: Avatar
Yay! Avatar won something!
3.10
Tom Ford and Sarah Jessica Parker introduce Costume Design.
Nominees:
Bright Star
Coco Before Chanel
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Nine
The Young Victoria
Vote: The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Prediction: The Young Victoria
Winner: The Young Victoria
She sounded a bit ungrateful.
3.12
Charlize Theron introduces Best Picture nominee Precious.
Ad break 6. Mark Dolan is losing the hosts' predictions competition.
3.17
Steve & Alec do a Paranormal Activity spoof.
3.18
Kristin Stewart & Taylor Lautner introduce a tribute to horror because Oscar loves to ignore it. Errrrm... Okay....? I'm noticing a theme. Spoiler alert aplenty btw. Someone should have pointed out that Twilight is a different definition of horror.
3.23
Zac Efron & Anna Kendrick introduce Sound awards, with a handy video showing us the difference.
Sound Editing
Nominees:
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek
Up
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: The Hurt Locker
Winner: The Hurt Locker
Sound Mixing:
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: The Hurt Locker
Uh-oh. A Hurt Locker sweep is looming...
3.28
Elizabeth Banks introduced the Scientific and Technical awards. Which we don't see.
3.29
John Travolta introduces Best Picture nominee Inglourious Basterds.
Ad break 7. They discuss the Hurt Locker sweep. Consensus appears to be "hope not" as Avatar will be remembered.
3.35
Sandra Bullock introduces Cinematography.
Nominees:
Avatar
Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
The White Ribbon
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: Avatar
Phew.
3.38
Demi Moore introduces In Memoriam, while James Taylor sings In My Life.
I'd heard of...
Patrick Swayze
David Carradine (met him, not nice)
Dom DeLuise
Ron Silver
Brittany Murphy
Roy Disney
Michael Jackson
Natasha Richardson
Karl Malden
Twitter was not happy at the absence of Farrah Fawcett and Bea Arthur, when Michael Hackson was honoured. Fair play. Bad form, Academy.
Ad break 8. Avatar vs Hurt Locker. 2-3 so far. SFX will even it next. Avatar is in a league of its own, but Hurt Locker is better made?!??!?
3.45
J-Lo and Sam Worthington introduce Score, danced by SYTYCD alumni! Travis Wall!!!! That awesome Asian guy from Madonna videos and shows!!! Will be YouTube-ing that tomorrow.
Nominees:
Sherlock Holmes
The Hurt Locker
Fantastic Mr Fox
Up
Avatar
Vote: Up
Prediction: Up
Winner: Up
Wow! The actual best score rarely wins. Good for them!
3.54
Gerard Butler & Bradley Cooper introduce Visual Effects
Nominees:
Avatar
District 9
Star Trek
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: Avatar
A no-brainer.
3.57
Jason Bateman introduced Best Picture nominee Up in the Air.
4.01
Matt Damon introduces Documentary Feature.
Nominees:
Burma VJ
The Cove
Food Inc.
The Most Dangerous Man In America
Which Way Home
Vote: I haven't seen any of them yet.
Prediction: The Cove
Winner: The Cove
Wow, Oscar winner Fisher Stevens! Again, Twitter was ablaze!
4.06
Some black guy introduces Editing.
Nominees:
Avatar
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: The Hurt Locker
Winner: The Hurt Locker
Oh and the black guy is Tyler Perry. He's famous in America. (Thanks, Twitter!)
4.10
Keanu Reeves introduces Best Picture nominee The Hurt Locker.
Ad break. David's moved into the lead.
4.14
Pedro Almodovar & Quentin Tarantino introduce Foreign Language.
Nominees:
Ajami, Israel.
The Milk of Sorrow, Peru.
A Prophet, France.
The Secret in Their Eyes, Argentina.
The White Ribbon, Germany.
Vote: The White Ribbon
Prediction: The White Ribbon
Winner: The Secret in Their Eyes.
4.18
Kathy Bates introduces Best Picture nominee Avatar.
Ad break 4454. Countdown to the final four...!)
4.24
Best Actor performance montage. Past co-stars appear.
Nominees:
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart. Introduced by Michelle Pfeiffer.
George Clooney, Up in the Air. Introduced by Vera Farmiga.
Colin Firth, A Single Man. Introduced by Julianne Moore.
Morgan Freeman, Invictus. Introduced by Tim Robbins.
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker. Introduced by Colin Farrell.
Award presented by Kate Winslet.
Vote: Colin Firth
Prediction: Jeff Bridges
Winner: Jeff Bridges
Ads
4.39
Best Actress performance montage. Past co-stars appear.
Nominees:
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side. Introduced by Forest Whitaker.
Helen Mirren, The Last Station. Introduced by Michael Sheen.
Carey Mulligan, An Education. Introduced by Peter Sarsgaard.
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious. Introduced by Oprah Winfrey.
Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia. Introduced by Stanley Tucci.
Presented by Sean Penn.
Vote: Sandra Bullock.
Prediction: Sandra Bullock.
Winner: Sandra Bullock.
4.50ish
Barbra Streisand introduces Best Director.
Nominees:
James Cameron, Avatar
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds.
Lee Daniels, Precious.
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air.
Vote: James Cameron, Avatar.
Prediction: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Winner: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
5.00ish
Tom Hanks introduces Best Picture.
Nominations: see above.
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: The Hurt Locker.
Shit.
5.05
It's over.
Sigh. We have witnessed history. A pub quiz answer has been created.
Apologies for any typos, spelling errors, etc. It's 5am for f***'s sake.
Thrown doll out of pram.
Goodnight.
Looking forward to it more this year than I have for a while. A lot of great films are up, and a lot fewer films I hated than the last few years. I don't get the Hurt Locker thing at all, but certainly didn't dislike it. I'm rooting for Avatar all the way, and Up.
I'll predict and vote on each category as and when.
Claudia Winkleman hosts the UK coverage with guests David Baddiel, Ronnie Ancona and Mark Dolan. Interesting choices, with only Baddiel absent last year. No party pooper Stephanie Beacham, thankfully. She did my head in last year.
Baddiel didn't even know A Serious Man was nominated. Oh dear.
Over to Angela Griffin on the red carpet. And we're back. That totally wasn't a waste of time.
Now we hear the nominees discuss how they feel. I'm guessing the response is positive. I am, evidently, correct. And now winners' memories. A montage of "um"s over Kylie music. Nice.
We'll be returning to the panel at each ad break.
1.30
And here we go...
As always, can't hear the live announcements to the audience. All the nominated actors are on stage for some reason. Except Matt Damon. Christoph Waltz too. Bastards.
1.32
Neil Patrick Harris. Legen.... Wait for it... Dary! Sound mix is off. Can hear the trumpets over the vocals. Hang on, some of those dancers are from SYTYCD (US)... Cool.
1.35
Hosts Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin lowered from the ceiling. Jokes about Meryl Streep losing. She rocks. All three of them were in It's Complicated. Must see it.
1.41
Ooh the Bigelow/Cameron marriage has been mentioned! Drink! A joke about a Toyota. I don't get it. George Clooney is looking well fucking miserable. Alec's called him up on it.
Twice!
1.45
Penelope Cruz introduces Supporting Actor.
Nominees:
Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
My vote: Christoph Waltz
My prediction: Christoph Waltz
Winner: Christoph Waltz
Wow, he named a lot of people!
1.51
Ryan Reynolds introduces Best Picture nominee The Blind Side.
1.52
Ad break. Boy do the audience look bored shitless. They have 4 hours to go.
1.55
Cameron Diaz and Steve Carrell introduce Animated Picture.
Nominees:
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Princess & the Frog
The Secret of Kells
Up
Vote: Up
Prediction: Up
Winner: Up, Pete Docter director.
2.01
Amanda Seyfreid and Miley Cyrus introduce Original Song.
Nominees:
"Almost There" from The Princess & the Frog.
"Down in New Orleans" from The Princess & the Frog.
"Loin de Paname" from Paris 36.
"Take It All" from Nine.
"The Weary Kind" from Crazy Heart.
Vote: "Take It All"
Prediction: "The Weary Kind"
Winner: "The Weary Kind"
2.05
Chris Pine introduces Best Picture nominee District 9.
Ad break 2. The panel are happy with Up.
2.12
Robert Downey Jr & Tina Fey introduce Original Screenplay. Amusing intro.
Nominees:
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
The Messenger
A Serious Man
Up
Vote: Up
Prediction: The Hurt Locker
Winner: The Hurt Locker, Mark Boal writer.
2.17
Molly Ringwald & Matthew Broderick introduce a tribute to John Hughes, followed by a video montage and then his films' stars appear on stage, introducing his family in the audience. Fair play, what with all the Oscar recognition he got.
2.24
Samuel L Jackson introduces Best Picture nominee Up.
Ad break 3. The panel reveal Baddiel had worked with John Hughes. And is there to plug his new film.
2.28
Carey Mulligan & Zoe Saldana introduce Short Films. I won't be predicting many of these.
Animated nominees:
French Roast
Sleeping Beauty
The Lady & The Reaper
Logorama
A Matter of Loaf & Death
Prediction: A Matter of Loaf & Death.
Winner: Logorama
Documentary nominees:
China's Unnatural Disaster
The Last Campaign
The Last Truck
Music By Prudence
Rabbit a la Berlin
Winner: Music By Prudence.
Live action nominees:
The Door
Instead of Abracadabra
Kavi
Miracle Fish
The New Tenants
Winner: The New Tenants.
2.38
Ben Stiller, in Avatar form, introduces Makeup.
Nominees:
Il Divo
Star Trek
The Young Victoria
Vote: Star Trek
Prediction: The Young Victoria
Winner: Star Trek
2.43
Jeff Bridges introduces Best Picture nominee A Serious Man.
Ad break 4. They briefly predict the next category.
2.48
Jake Gyllenhaal & Rachel McAdams introduce Adapted Screenplay.
Nominees:
Up in the Air
Precious
In The Loop
An Education
District 9
Vote: District 9.
Prediction: Up in the Air.
Winner: Precious.
2.52
Queen Latifah introduces the Governors' Event. Don't ask me. Roger Corman and Lauren Bacall won something. Cue seriously laboured standing ovation.
2.55
Robin Williams introduces Supporting Actress.
Nominees:
Penelope Cruz, Nine.
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Monique, Precious
Vote: Monique
Prediction: Monique
Winner: Monique
Cue genuine standing ovation. And then she spoke...
3.01
Colin Firth introduces Best Picture nominee An Education.
Ad break 5. Was Monique being arrogant in her speech? This is for the performance, not the politics??? Does that mean "I won because I was great"? She was, but even so...
3.06
Sigourney Weaver introduces Art Direction.
Nominees:
Avatar
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Sherlock Holmes
The Young Victoria
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: Avatar
Yay! Avatar won something!
3.10
Tom Ford and Sarah Jessica Parker introduce Costume Design.
Nominees:
Bright Star
Coco Before Chanel
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Nine
The Young Victoria
Vote: The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
Prediction: The Young Victoria
Winner: The Young Victoria
She sounded a bit ungrateful.
3.12
Charlize Theron introduces Best Picture nominee Precious.
Ad break 6. Mark Dolan is losing the hosts' predictions competition.
3.17
Steve & Alec do a Paranormal Activity spoof.
3.18
Kristin Stewart & Taylor Lautner introduce a tribute to horror because Oscar loves to ignore it. Errrrm... Okay....? I'm noticing a theme. Spoiler alert aplenty btw. Someone should have pointed out that Twilight is a different definition of horror.
3.23
Zac Efron & Anna Kendrick introduce Sound awards, with a handy video showing us the difference.
Sound Editing
Nominees:
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek
Up
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: The Hurt Locker
Winner: The Hurt Locker
Sound Mixing:
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: The Hurt Locker
Uh-oh. A Hurt Locker sweep is looming...
3.28
Elizabeth Banks introduced the Scientific and Technical awards. Which we don't see.
3.29
John Travolta introduces Best Picture nominee Inglourious Basterds.
Ad break 7. They discuss the Hurt Locker sweep. Consensus appears to be "hope not" as Avatar will be remembered.
3.35
Sandra Bullock introduces Cinematography.
Nominees:
Avatar
Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
The White Ribbon
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: Avatar
Phew.
3.38
Demi Moore introduces In Memoriam, while James Taylor sings In My Life.
I'd heard of...
Patrick Swayze
David Carradine (met him, not nice)
Dom DeLuise
Ron Silver
Brittany Murphy
Roy Disney
Michael Jackson
Natasha Richardson
Karl Malden
Twitter was not happy at the absence of Farrah Fawcett and Bea Arthur, when Michael Hackson was honoured. Fair play. Bad form, Academy.
Ad break 8. Avatar vs Hurt Locker. 2-3 so far. SFX will even it next. Avatar is in a league of its own, but Hurt Locker is better made?!??!?
3.45
J-Lo and Sam Worthington introduce Score, danced by SYTYCD alumni! Travis Wall!!!! That awesome Asian guy from Madonna videos and shows!!! Will be YouTube-ing that tomorrow.
Nominees:
Sherlock Holmes
The Hurt Locker
Fantastic Mr Fox
Up
Avatar
Vote: Up
Prediction: Up
Winner: Up
Wow! The actual best score rarely wins. Good for them!
3.54
Gerard Butler & Bradley Cooper introduce Visual Effects
Nominees:
Avatar
District 9
Star Trek
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: Avatar
A no-brainer.
3.57
Jason Bateman introduced Best Picture nominee Up in the Air.
4.01
Matt Damon introduces Documentary Feature.
Nominees:
Burma VJ
The Cove
Food Inc.
The Most Dangerous Man In America
Which Way Home
Vote: I haven't seen any of them yet.
Prediction: The Cove
Winner: The Cove
Wow, Oscar winner Fisher Stevens! Again, Twitter was ablaze!
4.06
Some black guy introduces Editing.
Nominees:
Avatar
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: The Hurt Locker
Winner: The Hurt Locker
Oh and the black guy is Tyler Perry. He's famous in America. (Thanks, Twitter!)
4.10
Keanu Reeves introduces Best Picture nominee The Hurt Locker.
Ad break. David's moved into the lead.
4.14
Pedro Almodovar & Quentin Tarantino introduce Foreign Language.
Nominees:
Ajami, Israel.
The Milk of Sorrow, Peru.
A Prophet, France.
The Secret in Their Eyes, Argentina.
The White Ribbon, Germany.
Vote: The White Ribbon
Prediction: The White Ribbon
Winner: The Secret in Their Eyes.
4.18
Kathy Bates introduces Best Picture nominee Avatar.
Ad break 4454. Countdown to the final four...!)
4.24
Best Actor performance montage. Past co-stars appear.
Nominees:
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart. Introduced by Michelle Pfeiffer.
George Clooney, Up in the Air. Introduced by Vera Farmiga.
Colin Firth, A Single Man. Introduced by Julianne Moore.
Morgan Freeman, Invictus. Introduced by Tim Robbins.
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker. Introduced by Colin Farrell.
Award presented by Kate Winslet.
Vote: Colin Firth
Prediction: Jeff Bridges
Winner: Jeff Bridges
Ads
4.39
Best Actress performance montage. Past co-stars appear.
Nominees:
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side. Introduced by Forest Whitaker.
Helen Mirren, The Last Station. Introduced by Michael Sheen.
Carey Mulligan, An Education. Introduced by Peter Sarsgaard.
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious. Introduced by Oprah Winfrey.
Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia. Introduced by Stanley Tucci.
Presented by Sean Penn.
Vote: Sandra Bullock.
Prediction: Sandra Bullock.
Winner: Sandra Bullock.
4.50ish
Barbra Streisand introduces Best Director.
Nominees:
James Cameron, Avatar
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds.
Lee Daniels, Precious.
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air.
Vote: James Cameron, Avatar.
Prediction: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Winner: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
5.00ish
Tom Hanks introduces Best Picture.
Nominations: see above.
Vote: Avatar
Prediction: Avatar
Winner: The Hurt Locker.
Shit.
5.05
It's over.
Sigh. We have witnessed history. A pub quiz answer has been created.
Apologies for any typos, spelling errors, etc. It's 5am for f***'s sake.
Thrown doll out of pram.
Goodnight.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
The Top 10 Best Films of 2009
Well, the year's over, I have had the chance to revisit most of the films, and this is my definitive list of films with a UK release date of 2009.
1. Avatar
2. District 9
3. Up
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
5. Inglourious Basterds
6. Bolt
7. 2012
8. Let the Right One In
9. Paranormal Activity
10. Drag Me to Hell
It may still be tweaked if I see some 2009 films in time to come, especially as I hunt down unwatched films with big award nominations.
I've chosen the films to watch very carefully, and, knowing my tastes, find it unlikely. However, each year at least one awards contender takes me by surprise.
1. Avatar
2. District 9
3. Up
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
5. Inglourious Basterds
6. Bolt
7. 2012
8. Let the Right One In
9. Paranormal Activity
10. Drag Me to Hell
It may still be tweaked if I see some 2009 films in time to come, especially as I hunt down unwatched films with big award nominations.
I've chosen the films to watch very carefully, and, knowing my tastes, find it unlikely. However, each year at least one awards contender takes me by surprise.
BluRay collection
Movies:
1. The 39 Steps (1935)
2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
3. Pinocchio (1940)
4. The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
5. North by Northwest (1959)
6. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
7. Blade Runner (1982)
8. Ghost Busters (1984)
9. Gremlins (1984)
10. The Terminator (1984)
11. Dirty Dancing (1987)
12. Lethal Weapon (1987)
13. Die Hard (1988)
14. Batman (1989)
15. Die Hard 2 (1990)
16. Total Recall (1990)
17. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
18. Batman Returns (1992)
19. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
20. Speed (1994)
21. Stargate (1994)
22. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
23. Batman Forever (1995)
24. A Time to Kill (1996)
25. Independence Day (1996)
26. Mission: Impossible (1996)
27. Men in Black (1997)
28. The Wedding Singer (1998)
29. The Matrix (1999)
30. The Mummy (1999)
31. The Sixth Sense (1999)
32. Final Destination (2000)
33. Mission: Impossible II (2000)
34. The Patriot (2000)
35. Unbreakable (2000)
36. X-Men (2000)
37. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
38. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
39. The Mummy Returns (2001)
40. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
41. The Bourne Identity (2002)
42. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
43. Signs (2002)
44. The Transporter (2002)
45. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
46. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
47. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
48. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
49. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
50. X-Men 2 (2003)
51. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
52. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
53. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
54. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
55. House of Flying Daggers (2004)
56. I, Robot (2004)
57. Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
58. Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
59. National Treasure (2004)
60. Night Watch (2004)
61. The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
62. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
63. Batman Begins (2005)
64. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
65. The Chronicles of Narnia: 62. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
66. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
67. The Island (2005)
68. King Kong (2005)
69. Serenity (2005)
70. Sin City (2005)
71. The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
72. The Ant Bully (2006)
73. The Butterfly Effect 2 (2006)
74. Cars (2006)
75. Casino Royale (2006)
76. Day Watch (2006)
77. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
78. Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (2006)
79. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
80. Mission: Impossible III (2006)
81. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
82. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
83. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
84. 300 (2006)
85. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
86. AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem (2007)
87. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
88. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
89. Death Proof (2007)
90. Die Hard 4.0 (2007)
91. Enchanted (2007)
92. The Golden Compass (2007)
93. Hairspray (2007)
94. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
95. I Am Legend (2007)
96. Juno (2007)
97. The Kite Runner (2007)
98. National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
99. Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
100. The Orphanage (2007)
101. Persepolis (2007)
102. Ratatouille (2007)
103. Son of Rambow (2007)
104. Superbad (2007)
105. Bolt (2008)
106. Changeling (2008)
107. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
108. Cloverfield (2008)
109. The Dark Knight (2008)
110. Hancock (2008)
111. Iron Man (2008)
112. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
113. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
114. Let the Right One In (2008)
115. Mamma Mia! (2008)
116. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
117. WALL•E (2008)
118. Wanted (2008)
119. The Wrestler (2008)
120. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)
121. The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations (2009)
122. District 9 (2009)
123. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
124. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
125. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
126. The Proposal (2009)
127. Push (2009)
128. Star Trek (2009)
129. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
TV:
1. Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series (2003-2009)
2. Damages: Season One (2007)
3. True Blood: Season One (2008)
4. Dollhouse: Season One (2009)
5. Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side (2009)
1. The 39 Steps (1935)
2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
3. Pinocchio (1940)
4. The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
5. North by Northwest (1959)
6. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
7. Blade Runner (1982)
8. Ghost Busters (1984)
9. Gremlins (1984)
10. The Terminator (1984)
11. Dirty Dancing (1987)
12. Lethal Weapon (1987)
13. Die Hard (1988)
14. Batman (1989)
15. Die Hard 2 (1990)
16. Total Recall (1990)
17. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
18. Batman Returns (1992)
19. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
20. Speed (1994)
21. Stargate (1994)
22. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
23. Batman Forever (1995)
24. A Time to Kill (1996)
25. Independence Day (1996)
26. Mission: Impossible (1996)
27. Men in Black (1997)
28. The Wedding Singer (1998)
29. The Matrix (1999)
30. The Mummy (1999)
31. The Sixth Sense (1999)
32. Final Destination (2000)
33. Mission: Impossible II (2000)
34. The Patriot (2000)
35. Unbreakable (2000)
36. X-Men (2000)
37. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
38. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
39. The Mummy Returns (2001)
40. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
41. The Bourne Identity (2002)
42. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
43. Signs (2002)
44. The Transporter (2002)
45. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
46. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
47. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
48. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
49. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
50. X-Men 2 (2003)
51. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
52. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
53. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
54. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
55. House of Flying Daggers (2004)
56. I, Robot (2004)
57. Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
58. Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
59. National Treasure (2004)
60. Night Watch (2004)
61. The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
62. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
63. Batman Begins (2005)
64. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
65. The Chronicles of Narnia: 62. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
66. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
67. The Island (2005)
68. King Kong (2005)
69. Serenity (2005)
70. Sin City (2005)
71. The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
72. The Ant Bully (2006)
73. The Butterfly Effect 2 (2006)
74. Cars (2006)
75. Casino Royale (2006)
76. Day Watch (2006)
77. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
78. Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (2006)
79. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
80. Mission: Impossible III (2006)
81. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
82. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
83. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
84. 300 (2006)
85. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
86. AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem (2007)
87. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
88. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
89. Death Proof (2007)
90. Die Hard 4.0 (2007)
91. Enchanted (2007)
92. The Golden Compass (2007)
93. Hairspray (2007)
94. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
95. I Am Legend (2007)
96. Juno (2007)
97. The Kite Runner (2007)
98. National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
99. Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
100. The Orphanage (2007)
101. Persepolis (2007)
102. Ratatouille (2007)
103. Son of Rambow (2007)
104. Superbad (2007)
105. Bolt (2008)
106. Changeling (2008)
107. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
108. Cloverfield (2008)
109. The Dark Knight (2008)
110. Hancock (2008)
111. Iron Man (2008)
112. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
113. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
114. Let the Right One In (2008)
115. Mamma Mia! (2008)
116. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
117. WALL•E (2008)
118. Wanted (2008)
119. The Wrestler (2008)
120. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)
121. The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations (2009)
122. District 9 (2009)
123. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
124. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
125. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
126. The Proposal (2009)
127. Push (2009)
128. Star Trek (2009)
129. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
TV:
1. Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series (2003-2009)
2. Damages: Season One (2007)
3. True Blood: Season One (2008)
4. Dollhouse: Season One (2009)
5. Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side (2009)
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