Sorry this is late, I had a crazy day on Monday.
God is Great
"Slumdog Millionaire" won Best Picture and 7 other awards. I would be more excited if I wasn't expecting it for weeks.
As for my predictions, I went an embarrassing 15 for 24, which is a paltry 62.5%. I am thoroughly ashamed of myself. To be fair, I did know that "Toyland" would win Live Action Short and Kate Winslet would win Best Actress, but I refused to acknowledge them, continuing my firm stance against Holocaust films.
There's some absurdly hilarious about Kate Winslet winning an Oscar for her role as a German prison guard at Auschwitz. She appeared on Ricky Gervais' TV series "Extras" a few years ago. In the show, she was playing herself, starring in a movie about Nuns in Nazi Germany. Winslet explains to Gervais' character why she's really starring in a Holocaust film:
(You NEED to see this video)
I don't know what to think of this. Was real-life Winslet taking the advice of her "Extras" counterpart? Or did she genuinely love the character she played in "The Reader"? Either way, she won the Oscar and the world keeps on turning.
Hugh Jackman was the best host in years. He balanced humor, energy, and extravagance perfectly. I loved the opening number, parodying the various Best Picture nominees and admitting that nobody really saw "The Reader." The other sequence, a Broadway style piece wasn't as fun and Beyonce's pants were way too short. I'm being serious. They were off-putting.
Here is the opening sequence in all its glory.
The compilation of Best Song nominees wasn't nearly as good as it could have been. I'll attribute it to the fact that M.I.A. was busy doing other things. A.R. Rahman lost his bewildered look from other ceremonies, as by now he must have been accustomed to winning. He looked confident during his two acceptance speeches and while he performed his two Oscar-nominated songs. I was hoping that Hugh Jackman would have joined in the Bollywood dancing. That would have been a hoot.
For all four acting awards, five past winners came to present and gave a short speech to explain why each nominee was so great in their role. For Best Actor, Robert DeNiro, Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Brody, Michael Douglas, and Ben Kingsley stood on stage to give Sean Penn his second Oscar. I have mixed feelings about this format. It was like the Heisman trophy presentation, welcoming a new member into the pantheon. It did chew up a big chunk of time though. I'll give it a few more years before I decide to like it or not.
Another change up was the ingenious order in which the awards were given out. Each category was placed in order of it's position in the production of a real movie. They started with the Screenplay awards, as that is the first step in making a movie. Next they did Art Direction, Cinematography, etc. that occur during the filming of the movie. Finally the categories moved to post-production, with Visual Effects, Editing and such. Then of Best Picture and the "important" awards. I liked this.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" won three technical awards and that's it. Kind of disappointing for a movie with such great expectations. It was tailor-made to win Best Picture. I'm going to blame its failure on the length and lack of spectacle. The tugboat shootout was cool, but it wasn't enough.
During the credits, we were given a glimpse of movies releasing in 2009. We got first looks at Michael Mann's "Public Enemies" with Johnny Depp as real-life gangster John Dillenger and Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes" adaptation with Robert Downey Jr. I'm most excited about "Whatever Works", the Larry David - Woody Allen collaboration. And the video had a song by Beck in the background. I'm pretty sure it was Beck. I'll do a proper 2009 movie preview very soon.
Jai Ho!
And oh yeah, these guys are so cute...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Oscar Wrapup - A Day Late
Monday, February 23, 2009
Political News Dump
This post is exactly what the title says it is - a place where I dump a ton of different news stories and write briefly about each one.
Report: Obama Continues Strikes Inside Pakistan
Front-page NY Times: The president has expanded its covert war attacking a militant network seeking to topple the Pakistani government. There's been two missile strikes within the country over the past week.Obama is using the CIA for this, and I feel it is important for everyone to know about it. Click here for the full story.
Ayers: Obama Presidency Could "Burn Up in the Furnace of War"
The former Weather Underground member and Obama acquaintance tells Fox News sending more troops to Afghanistan is a “colossal mistake.”I found it interesting that Ayers is appearing on Fox News for two reasons: (1) I didn't think he would want to be on Fox and (2) I didn't think Fox would want him on. As for what he said, I think he has a good point.
“I fear that this brilliant young man, this hopeful new administration, could easily burn their prospect of a great presidency in the war in Afghanistan or elsewhere.”
Full interview to air Monday at 9 pm ET on “Hannity.”
Clooney, Biden to Discuss Darfur
The two will meet in Washington Monday evening to discuss the conflict and the actor's recent travels in the region.I am happy that the administration is looking into the situation.
Holder Headed to Gitmo
Obama's AG will visit the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay Monday as the administration weighs what's needed to shut it down.Please, please shut this place down. However, it is important that we don't put so much focus on Gitmo that we forget about other similar camps, like one being currently built in Afghanistan.
Rice to Ink Trio of Memoirs
The former Secretary of State signs a three-book deal with Crown Publishers reportedly worth at least $2.5 million. The first book is planned for 2011, will focus on years in White House.I won't read them.
Debate Begins on D.C. Representation
Senators start debate Monday on a bill that would give the 600,000 residents of Washington, D.C., their own voting member of the House.I hadn't heard anything about this, so it surprised me. I've always felt that D.C. should have representation, although I find the Utah part of the proposal odd. I understand that there should be an odd number in the House, but why Utah now? I think this should wait until congressional redistricting in 2010, in which case the new seat would go wherever it was needed most.
Adding a Democrat would be offset by giving red Utah another seat, bringing the House to 437 members.
Bunning Apologizes for Ginsburg Remark
Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning (Republican) has apologized after making some pretty awful comments.
U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning predicted over the weekend that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg would likely be dead from pancreatic cancer within nine months.There may be a reason why nobody likes him and he is likely to lose re-election if he makes it out of the Republican primary. Meanwhile, Ginsburg is now back on the bench.
During a wide-ranging 30-minute speech on Saturday at the Hardin County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner, Bunning said he supports conservative judges "and that's going to be in place very shortly because Ruth Bader Ginsburg ... has cancer."
"Bad cancer. The kind that you don't get better from," he told a crowd of about 100 at the old State Theater.
Bobby Jindal's Big Moment
Politico: When the Louisiana Governor delivers the GOP response to the president's message to Congress, most Americans will see him for the first time.A lot of people like Jindal and compare him to Obama. I think they do this because he is a minority and is young. I really don't think Jindal is anywhere near the skilled politican Obama is.
GOP Governors Split on Stimulus
A rift among Republicans over the spending plan goes on full display on Sunday's TV shows. Schwarzenegger: "I think it's terrific and will help us." Crist: “It’s a matter of helping the people." vs. Sanford: "We're digging yet another hole for ourselves." Jindal: "We should be unafraid to stand up on principle...." NY Times: Debate "will go a long way toward shaping how the national party redefines itself...."Schwarzenegger (CA) and Crist (FL) represent a more moderate wing of the party. Jindal (LA) and Sanford (SC) represent the stubborn right wing of the party. Whether they like it or not, the stimulus money will help their constituents a lot. I don't think the citizens will appreciate this very much. Meanwhile:
Empire State Senators (Schumer and Gillibrand) call on Obama to give their state the stimulus money that several GOP governors say they don't want.Schwarzenegger made a very similar comment. If you don't want it, please, let us take it off your hands.
“If any governor -- Democrat or Republican -- leaves stimulus money on the table, then we respectfully request that funds be distributed to New York.”
Schwarzenegger Heads Back to the Big Screen
The California governor will make a cameo in the upcoming Sylvester Stallone film "The Expendables." Will be his fourth movie appearance since being elected.Cool.
Sebelius: No Talks on HHS
The Kansas governor says she hasn't had any talks with Obama on taking over the Department of Health and Human Services. "There really isn't anything to tell. I haven't had any meetings about the position."Believe her if you will.
Rulings Diminish Coleman's Chances
A series of court rulings have dealt the Republican long odds for overturning Franken's lead. And/But: He could still be laying the ground for another appeal.I've been reading about Coleman suffering setbacks for over three months now. This is ridiculous, as is this:
RNC Gives $250,000 to Coleman RecountIt must be so frustrating to live in Minnesota.
FEC reports show the party has invested a quarter of a million dollars in the fight over Minnesota's contested Senate seat. The funds were given to the Republican Party of Minnesota on Jan. 26.
Citigroup Possibly Headed For Nationalization
WSJ: Citigroup is in talks with federal officials that could result in the government substantially expanding its ownership of the bank.Citigroup is dead. My guess is that the federal government is going to have to nationalize some banks, turn them around, and try to privatize them again as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile: NYT reports Obama aides will begin taking a hard look at the financial condition of the country’s 20 biggest banks this week.
Plus: Federal regulators deny plans to nationalize any bank but announce they will launch an effort to get more money to banks on Wednesday.
Alright, that was a massive dumpage. My apologies. Have a nice day. Continue Reading...
This is a Good Day
How did Slumdog Millionaire win best picture?
A. The director was a genius.
B. Somewhere, someone cheated.
C. Pure luck.
D. Kavi predicted it.
Answer: It was simply an amazing film.
It seemed obvious to me that Slumdog Millionaire would be the winner, but still what a spectacular moment.
It made me think of the movies that have won Best Picture in the recent past. They just don't seem as good in comparison. Crash? The Departed? Chicago? They really don't have anything on Slumdog. I like them and own all three, but they don't seem worthy of given such a label as "Best Picture." Slumdog Millionaire does.
That smile is priceless. Have a great day.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Live Blogging the Oscars
I'm going to post my reactions to the Academy Awards tonight as they happen. How exciting!
12:01 - It was a good Oscars overall, no real surprises. But I can deal with that. I'm only pissed that Kate Winslet won. I'll have full reactions posted tomorrow.
11:58 - Slumdog Millionaire wins Best Picture. My favorite director (Spielberg) gets to hand the award to my favorite movie ever. How poetic. They brought the whole cast and crew on stage. It was a touching moment, especially with young Jamal and Salim there smiling their faces off.
11:47 - Spielberg presents one final Best Picture montage. Enough!
11:45 - Sean Penn is the man. Best Actor for "Milk". Totally deserved it and called out Prop 2 during his speech. "I'm proud to live in a country where an elegant man can become president." Word.
11:36 - And now I'm sad. Kate Winslet wins Best Actress. How lame is that? I swear she said "F- You, Academy" by mistake.
11:23 - Danny Boyle get Best Director. He bizarrely jumps up and down, and mentions that he promised he would jump like tigger if he won. I'm very happy.
11:15 - The Death Montage. Paul Newman, Bernie Mac, and Sydney Pollack will especially be missed.
11:07 - "Departures" from Japan wins Foreign Language Film. That's a surprise for sure. I'm sure it's good.
11:02 - A.R. Rahman wins TWO Oscars. What is the world coming to? One for Original Score in "Slumdog" and Best Song for "Jai Ho", which was the song and dance number at the end of the movie.
10:57 - Zac Efron and Alicia Keys keep saying A.R.'s name with a "ch". It is bothering me. I never thought I would see John Legend and A.R. Rahman singing a duet, which they did at the end of the compilation of Best Song nominees. Otherwise, the sequence was disappointing since M.I.A. was busy doing other things. Like giving birth. Pssh.
10:42 - Jerry Lewis is being given a humanitarian award. I'm embarrassed to say I don't really know who he is. He's a comedian who has done a lot of good for kids with muscular dystrophy. Oh, I know now. He was in the original "Nutty Professor".
10:35 - "Slumdog" also wins Editing proper. The movie did have some insane, hyperactive editing that gave it a whole lot of energy. Good job, Chris Dickens. I love the way Will Smith says "Slumdog Millionaire".
10:32 - "The Dark Knight" wins Sound Editing and "Slumdog" wins Sound Mixing. An Indian guy gets the Mixing award. And he thanks India! He has a nice jacket on.
10:26 - "Benjamin Button" deservedly wins the award for Visual Effects.
10:16 - "Man on Wire" wins the award and some guy runs up on stage. I don't know why. Oh, he was the guy that tightroped between the Twin Towers, who the movie was based off.
10:15 - For some reason, they picked Bill Maher to present the documentary award.
10:11 - Heath Ledger wins. His mother, father, and sister give a speech.
10:01 - Supporting Actor is next...I'm curious to see what will happen. The presenters are Alan Arkin, Kevin Kline, Joel Grey(??), Christopher Walken, and Cuba Gooding Jr.
9:58 - Hugh Jackman, Beyonce, Zac Efron, the girl from HSM, and finally the chick and guy from "Mamma Mia" were in long musical number that was a mix of songs from "Grease", "Moulin Rouge", "West Side Story", and of course "Mamma Mia". It wasn't very good, though it could have been. Apparently, it was choreographed by "Moulin Rouge" director Baz Luhrmann.
9:48 - The winner is the freaking Holocaust short film, Toyland. Seriously watch this sentimental piece of crap and tear your hear out. I knew it was going to win, but I didn't pick it on principle.
9:45 - James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Janusz Kaminski (Cinematographer for Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan) are in a pretty funny video. Franco and Rogen play their characters from "Pineapple Express". Now they are going to present the Live Action Short Award.
9:35 - Anthony Dod Mantle wins Cinematography for "Slumdog".
9:31 - Ben Stiller is wearing a Joaquin Phoenix beard to present Cinematography. And he's acting like Joaquin during Letterman.
9:28 - It was just a montage of romance in 2008 movies. Nice but forgettable.
9:25 - Oo la la. The guy from Twilight is presenting.
9:23 - "Benjamin Button" wins Makeup. I guess I underestimated voters. I thought they were smart enough to know that it was ALL VISUAL EFFECTS. Hellboy was a real task.
9:20 - As predicted, "The Duchess" wins Costume Design.
9:17 - "Button" wins Art Direction. I really hate it when two people win an award and one guy talks the whole time. I feel so bad for the other person who just kind of stands awkwardly, wanting to say something.
9:14 - Whoa! I forgot to predict Documentary feature and Documentary Short Subject! It’s going to be Man on Wire and The Conscience of Nhem En, respectively.
9:10 - "La Maison en Petits Cubes" wins the Animated Short Film award. I'm on a roll... The winner just said "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto" and he's Japanese. Good god, that was funny.
9:06 - Best animated film goes to "Wall E". 2-4. No surprise.
9:05 - Jack Black and Jennifer Anniston present a montage of the Animated movies of 2008, which is set to the song "Attack of the 60-foot Lesbian Octopus" by Does it Offend You Yeah? The irony!
9:01 - The winner is Simon Beaufoy, for Slumdog! The sweep begins...
8:59 - Tina Fey and Steve Martin are presenting another award, for Adapted Screenplay. This is strange, as they usually go later.
8:57 - The Original Screenplay goes to Dustin Lance Black for "Milk". O for 2, but it was a really good script. And he gives a shout out to the LGBT community.
8:54 - Steve Martin and Tina Fey are funny presenters. What's new.
8:49 - Cruz said something in Spanish in her speech. I didn't pick up on most of it, but otherwise it was a nice, heartfelt speech.
8:47 - And the Oscar goes to Penelope Cruz. I'm happy, but I'm also 0 for 1.
8:43 - They brought on four past winners to present the supporting actress award. Interesting decision. And they are reflecting on each performance nominated this year. This is too boring. Aren't the Oscars long enough?
8:40 - Hugh Jackman is supposedly contractually obligated to mention Brad and Angelina at least five times tonight.
8:38 - Quite possibly the best Oscar opening of all time. Hilarious spectacle with cool song and dance sequences.
8:34 - The Oscars are making fun of the fact that "The Dark Knight" was snubbed. They are good sports.
8:33 - He's a good singer. Watch this on youtube tomorrow. This is a great performance.
8:32 - Hugh Jackman is kind of funny. "Next year I'm starring in a film called New Zealand".
8:28 - As a reminder, here are my predictions.
8:24 - Signs the economy is not in recession: "Madea Goes to Jail" made $41 million this weekend.
8:12 - Zac Efron just complimented Dev Patel. Respect.
8:10 - The Slumdog crew! All the kids made it. It's so cute. Youngest Jamal is wearing a tux. Amazing.
8:04 - Why are they interviewing Sarah Jessica Parker? Was she nominated? Not bloody likely.
8:03 - Great. More red carpet nonsense. At least Tim Gunn from Project Runway is there for his impeccable analysis.
8:00 - In other news, "Slumdog" has now grossed $98 million. Not bad for a movie that's half in Hindi with no big stars.
7:59 - I'm listening to "E-Pro" by Beck to pump me up. Only one minute left!
7:56 – Hey it’s Nathan Fillion! He’s in the new ABC show Castle. Looks decent.
7:51 - The day is finally here. I'm at home, on my couch. I just ate some great Indian food. And now I'm going to watch the Oscars.
The Future's A Thing Of The Past
Poll Results!! I must add that I am very pleased with the results.
In honor of The International, what is your favorite Clive Owen movie?
Inside Man - 1 (14%)
Children of Men - 4 (57%)
Sin City - 0 (0%)
Shoot 'Em Up - 0 (0%)
Closer - 0 (0%)
Gosford Park - 1 (14%)
Elizabeth: The Golden Age - 0 (0%)
King Arthur - 0 (0%)
Who the Hell is Clive Owen - 1 (14%)
Okay, this was an obvious one. Children of Men is an amazing movie.
Children of Men - best cinematography ever.
Here is a throw out to another wonderful actor - Michale Caine. What a beast.
Here's a toast to babies. Have a good day.
Of all the Gin Joints in all the Towns in all the World...
I love Casablanca. It is such an amazing film. While it has a good story, I appreciate the dialogue the most._06.jpg)
What makes the film so good, however, is one of the supporting characters - Captain Renault.
I have included some of my favorite Captain Renault quotes (and one quote about him).
Annina: Monsieur Rick, what kind of a man is Captain Renault?
Rick: Oh, he's just like any other man, only more so.
Major Strasser: What is your nationality?
Rick: I'm a drunkard.
Captain Renault: That makes Rick a citizen of the world.
Captain Renault: I've often speculated why you don't return to America. Did you abscond with the church funds? Run off with a senator's wife? I like to think you killed a man. It's the Romantic in me.
Captain Renault: [seeing a uniformed French officer talking non-stop to an Italian officer] If he ever gets a *word* in, it'll be a major Italian *victory*.
[Rick and Renault discussing Victor Laszlo's chances of escaping Casablanca]
Captain Renault: This is the end of the chase.
Rick: Twenty thousand francs says it isn't.
Captain Renault: Is that a serious offer?
Rick: I just paid out twenty. I'd like to get it back.
Captain Renault: Make it ten. I'm only a poor corrupt official.
Rick: How can you close me up? On what grounds?
Captain Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!
[a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Captain Renault: [sotto voce] Oh, thank you very much.
Rick: And remember, this gun is pointed right at your heart.
Captain Renault: That is my *least* vulnerable spot.
That's all for now folks.
Who is happy? We are happy! Just how happy? Very happy! That's the way we're going to stay so knock on wood.
(and have a good day)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Bona-Fide Oscar Predictions
The Academy Awards are on Sunday. I will be live-blogging them. But for now, these are my predictions for each category. If I get at least 83% correct, I'll be pleased. Along with what film I think will win, I will mention what film should win in my opinion. Enjoy. Actor in a Leading Role
Should Win: Sean Penn
Will Win: Mickey Rourke
Brad Pitt is a great actor (see Snatch , Seven ) but he didn't do anything in this movie. There were better performances that should have been acknowledged. Jenkins has been around for awhile and was great, but the film is too little to win. Frank Langella was the early favorite, but judging from other awards this season, the race is between Rourke and Penn. In Milk , think that Penn gave the greatest performance of his career. But he already won in 2003 for Mystic River, and voters might think that he doesn't need another award. Plus, everyone is a sucker for a comeback story, which makes Rourke the favorite. I won't mind if he wins, since his acceptance speech would to rock. Actress in a Leading Role
Should Win: Anne Hathaway
Will Win: Melissa Leo
I only saw Doubt , and Streep gave yet another one of her stern old woman performances. Jolie has no chance. Anne Hathaway had a lot of momentum as the awards season began, but she kind of fell off the map. I'd like her to win, as she did the impossible feat of shedding her Disney princess image and has become a legitimate actress (well, most of the time). Leo was supposed to be great in her independent film, but the clear favorite is Kate Winslet. I love her body of work, but I hate The Reader as mentioned before and refuse to acknowledge that it might win such a prestigious award. This is Winslet's sixth nomination, but it would be sad if her career is defined by this movie. Thus, I'm going to pick Melissa Leo to win since if she does pull off the upset, I'll look really smart. Actor in a Supporting Role
Should Win: Heath Ledger
Will Win: Heath Ledger
This category is depressing. Heath Ledger owned in The Dark Knight , and everyone with a rational mind knows that he's going to win on merit and not because he passed away. I know I'm going to have tears in my eyes when his family goes up on stage to accept. It's also sad because in any other year, Hoffman, Brolin, and Downey Jr. could have easily won the award. This is pretty much the strongest category in the awards, even though we all know the victor. Actress in a Supporting Role
Should Win: Penelope Cruz
Will Win: Tajari P. Henson
This is the toughest category to call this year. All the previous awards (Golden Globes, SAG) were won by Kate Winslet, who had entered her role in The Reader in this category. So unlike the previous categories, there's no known leader. Marisa Tomei already won this award for My Cousin Vinny, which many people thought she didn't deserve. Voters may give her another one to justify Tomei's acting talents. Either Doubt co-star could also win, but I feel like the two women will split the vote and end up empty-handed. Davis was only in two scenes in that movie, but the were intensely gripping. Lots of pundits are giving the award to Cruz, and I agree that she deserves the Oscar. However, Henson gave the best performance in Button and will probably win. It would be too embarrassing for the industry if such a high prestige movie was to be shut out of every major category. Best Director
Should Win: Danny Boyle
Will Win: Danny Boyle
Forget the fact that three people on this list don't deserve to be here (Howard, Van Sant, and Daldry) because of the snub of one Christopher Nolan. Boyle is going to win, hands down. He filmed on location in the slums of Bombay with a cast of unknown child actors and Bollywood b-list actors. It's hard to believe how he pulled of some of the shot in that movie- the opening chase and the train sequence come to mind. I feel bad for Fincher, who I typically adore. Seven and Fight Club are two of my favorite movies. Again, like Winslet, I just feel like this was the worst movie he's made and he shouldn't get acclaimed for lousy work. Art Direction
Should Win: Benjamin Button
Will Win: Benjamin Button
Sorry, but I don't have time to type out each name. I feel bad, because it makes it seem like they don't matter. But they do. Anyways, I've never discounted Button's technical bravura. The film managed to realistically recreate sets from nearly an entire century, from the train station to the tugboat to the streets of New York. The rest of the movies were good, but they only had to focus on a single time period. Which isn't good enough this year. Cinematography
Should Win: The Dark Knight
Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
This category is a toss-up between Slumdog, Button, and Dark Knight. All three films made good use of lighting to reflect the emotions of their characters and to influence the mood of the audience. I prefer Batman, which used overpowering darkness to convey an unsettling sense of dread throughout the movie. I'd be happy if either of these three movies win, but it would be cool to see The Dark Knight as revenge for its disappearance in the major awards. It seems like Slumdog is going to win, with its incredible depiction of both India's beauty and its unpleasantness. Adapted Screenplay
Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Even though the source material is reportedly nothing like the movie, Simon Beaufoy will win. It is written. Original Screenplay
Should Win: In Bruges
Will Win: In Bruges
This is my genius pick of the night. Everyone has their money on Milk. I'm sticking with Colin Farrel and Ralph Fiennes. In Bruges was beloved by all who saw it, and it will win the only Oscar it was nominated for. If this actually happens, I will scream from the top of my roof. Costume Design
Should Win: Benjamin Button
Will Win: The Duchess
Again, I'm a big fan of Button's incredible technical work, and it should win for accurately reproducing costumes from several distinct time periods. But the Academy loves those medieval period dramas in this category, so it'll go to The Duchess Editing
Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Neither Button nor Milk had particularly memorable editing. Frost/Niixon was fast-paced and intense, but it wasn't very inventive. The Dark Knight had some excellently cut sequences, but nothing could match the insane energy created by splicing frames together in Slumdog . Makeup
Should Win: Hellboy 2
Will Win: Hellboy 2
Did anyone else see that wonderfully bizarre underground market scene? If yes, you know why Hellboy is going to win. Also, Button was mostly CGI and the Joker was really the only one with makeup in his movie. Foreign Language Film
Should Win: Waltz With Bashir
Will Win: The Class
Bashir is an documentary that is animated in the style of A Scanner Darkly. I'm going to watch it in a few weeks, and it looks sweet. However, voters generally don't like war and animation ( Bashir is about the Israeli-Palestinian War) so they'll go with The Class , which won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Best Picture
Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
It is a really good film. Everyone likes it. And it has won every major picture award. There is no stopping the Slumdog train. Jai Ho! Visual Effects
Should Win: Benjamin Button
Will Win: Benjamin Button
No contest. Making Brad Pitt look like an old baby man for most of the movie was the greatest technical feat of the year. Animated Film
Should Win: Wall E
Will Win: Wall E
I heard it's really good. I'm going to watch in the next few days, don't worry. Original Song
Should Win: "O Saya"
Will Win: "Jai Ho"
Both songs from Slumdog are pretty remarkable. I prefer the first, with it's core-shattering drums and MIA's rapping. I'd be cool with "Jai Ho" winning too, and it will, with its upbeat tempo and catchy refrain. Original Score
Should Win: A.R. Rahman
Will Win: A.R. Rahman
I've been listening to this guy since I was 8 years old. I may cry if he gets the award. What a great step for Indian culture in America. Thanks for enjoying it, honkies. Live Action Short Film
Should Win: The Pig
Will Win: The Pig
I was actually able to see all the short films for this year's Oscars. I meant to have them reviewed beforehand, but I kind of forgot. I'll have them done very soon. The Pig is heartfelt and witty, easily the most entertaining short. But Toyland is about kids and the Holocaust, so of course it's going to win. But I'm crusading against Holocaust films this year, so I'm going to predict that The Pig will win. Animated Short Film
Should Win: La Maison en Petits Cubes
Will Win: La Maison en Petits Cubes
Those of you who saw Wall E in theaters have seen Presto, which was attached to it. It was fun yet frivolous, just like the rest of the category except for La Maison. It was a mature, gorgeous animation about an old man living in an underwater world who revisits memories from when the world was proper and dry. Good stuff. Check it out on the youtube or something. Sound Mixing
Should Win: The Dark Knight
Will Win: Wall E
I don't know what this category means. I feel like the cute robot will win. Sound Editing
Should Win: The Dark Knight
Will Win: The Dark Knight
Again, this category is just unnecessary. So Batman's going to win it.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Bumper Sticker Number 2
Sarah Palin is still constantly in the news. Thus I am honoring her with a bumper sticker.
Have a most splendid day.
2010 Senate Race Update
Sorry I haven't been posting much in the last week, but I've been incredibly sick, and my major goal at the time was just to survive.
I'll start with a 2010 Senate Race Update. Mostly I will be talking about how incredibly dumb Roland Burris is and how incredibly crazy the situation in New Hampshire now is.
I'll start with the two most interesting ones, which are also the two that I switched my rating on.
IL-Sen (Likely Dem to Lean Dem)
Wow Roland Burris is such a goner. Look at this face. This is the face of a man who will not be in the Senate in two years.
Two bombshells in two days. He tried to raise money for Blagojevich and he lied under oath during Blago's impeachment trial. For the full article from the NY Times click here. Otherwise I have taken the two most important quotes out of the article:Mr. Burris, 71, tried, without success, to raise money for the governor, he acknowledged, at the request of the governor’s brother.
Since January, Mr. Burris has offered differing descriptions — at least three of them under oath — of what led to his arrival in the Senate.
I moved the race to lean democrat because Burris is much more vulnerable to a Republican challenger now, but I don't think he'll survive a Democratic primary challenger. This is assuming he is still in office in a year and a half. Illinois Republicans are calling for impeachment and the Democrats have ordered investigations. He is so toast.
NH-Sen (Lean Rep to Tossup)
Wow, this race has changed dramatically. Originally Judd Gregg (the current Republican senator) was going to be facing a fairly formidable challenge, but not something he couldn't beat.
Then he was suddenly Obama's new appointment for Commerce Secretary. It surprised me greatly since Gregg is a fiscal conservative, but whatever. Democratic Governor John Lynch was going to appoint a moderate Republican as Senator. I was going to put the race at Tossup at this point.
Then suddenly and dramatically Gregg announced he was removing his name from consideration to be Commerce Secretary over differences he had with Obama. I had felt that this was a relationship bound to have problems anyway. I feel it is fairly irresponsible on Gregg and Obama's parts that this happened. I was going to keep the race at Lean Republican, however. Here is the administration's initial response. It is fairly harsh sounding.
“Senator Gregg reached out to the President and offered his name for Secretary of Commerce. He was very clear throughout the interviewing process that despite past disagreements about policies, he would support, embrace, and move forward with the President’s agenda. Once it became clear after his nomination that Senator Gregg was not going to be supporting some of President Obama’s key economic priorities, it became necessary for Senator Gregg and the Obama administration to part ways. We regret that he has had a change of heart”.
The next day, Gregg announced he is not running for reelection in 2010. Oh my gosh. New Hampshire is a fairly Democratic state. Then Paul Hodes, a Democratic Congressman in the House, announced he is running for Senate. There is currently no Republican challenger. I really think this race is Lean Democrat at this point, but I will wait until I see who his challenger will be. This race is just crazy.
KS-Sen (staying at Safe Republican)
I had this at Safe Republican before, but was going to change it to Tossup as soon as term-limited Democratic governor Kathleen Sebelius entered the race. Well, it looks like she may be headed to the White House instead as Human Health and Services Secretary. I like her a lot (as does almost everyone in Kansas, Democrat or Republican), so I am happy she will have a job somewhere, but consider this race a safe Republican hold.
CT-Sen (Staying at Safe Democrat....for now)
Chris Dodd has been around for quite awhile, but his approval ratings are low and he has been surrounded by some controversies lately. One reason his constituents aren't too happy with him is that he moved to Iowa to run for President, only to fail miserably. Now it looks like he will probably have a fairly strong Republican challenger in Robbie Simmons (I can't remember what position he has held before, but he beat an incumbent Democrat before for some office)."My consideration of running against Sen. Dodd is not poll-driven," said Simmons, who criticized Dodd for losing touch with his constituents. "When I first ran for Congress in 1999, the Republican brand was way down in the toilet, and people said I was crazy to run when the GOP was out of favor - and I was able to beat a 20-year incumbent."
Personally, I think Dodd will win, but this could be interesting. I am thinking of moving this to Likely Dem.
Simmons said that, if he runs, he would face a significant fundraising disadvantage against Dodd. Still, he believes he would be financially competitive enough to run a formidable statewide campaign.
"He'll go to his pals in the banking industry and get lots of money - and I won't have that opportunity. But I don't believe that Senate offices are meant to be bought and sold," Simmons said.
MO-Sen (Staying at Tossup)
I said before that if Robin Carnahan (Dem) runs for Senator, she is probably the frontrunner. Well, she announced her candidacy. I feel she is currently the frontrunner, but I am definitely waiting to change the rating until she has a challenger.
UT-Sen (Staying at Safe Republican)
This is funny. Conservative Republican Senator Bob Bennett of Utah might face a primary challenge from an even MORE conservative candidate in David Leavitt, the former Juab County attorney best known for his successful prosecution of polygamist Tom Green. Bennett really isn't in much danger in my opinion, but I find it amusing.
Have a nice day!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
I Love Clive Owen - The International Review
It's a well known fact that I have a man crush on Clive Owen. So what did I think of his new film, The International ? 
Clive Owen reportedly turned down the chance to play James Bond when Pierce Brosnan left the job. And it’s a good thing, too, as 007 would have taken him away from time-consuming modern classics including “Children of Men.” Still, Owen gets a chance to see what life as Bond could have been like in the globetrotting thriller “The International.” It may not be as action-packed as “Quantum of Solace,” but “The International” is a solid, consistently intriguing film.
Head over to the Michigan Daily for the full review...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Push It - Push Review
For those of you who don't know, I got a job at The Michigan Daily, the paper for the University of Michigan. I'm writing film reviews. There are like 7 other people on staff, so I am only one of a few reviewing movies each week. Last week, I watched Push and it was published today in the paper. Since I work for the newspaper, I can't reproduce the entire review here, but I'm going to post the first paragraph and link it to the website.
February is a notorious dumping ground for sub-par superhero movies (see “Ghost Rider” and “Jumper”). Unfortunately, “Push” follows in this regrettable tradition. The film’s visual beauty and brilliantly executed action sequences are bogged down by a convoluted storyline with super-powered characters who are impossible to track. It's nothing more than a big-budget, well-directed episode of “Heroes.”
Here is the full review.
(by the way I didn't write the headline)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
D. Because It Is Written
So I finally watched Slumdog Millionaire, and I actually found it better than I expected. Kavi asked me to write a review. I reluctantly agreed, but it will pail in comparison to those of Master Pandey. Oh well, let us begin.
My favorite movie for quite awhile now has been Pulp Fiction, but Slumdog Millionaire is much better in some regards. What makes Pulp Fiction so good is the dialogue, but the heart of Slumdog is the storyline, and oh what a story it is. It brilliantly mixes humor with sadness and love to fully mobilize one's emotions.
The story centers around three souls of the slums - Jamal (the protagonist), his brother Salim, and his love Latika. The Three Musketeers. The audience sees events of their childhoods, their teenage years, and their current lives as young adults. I loved how flashbacks corresponded with questions asked of Jamal.
The best acting was done by the kid actors who played the young versions of Jamal, Salim, and Latika. They were great and totally stole the show.
Continue Reading if you wish, but beware of spoilers. I would suggest you continue only if you have seen the movie.
Three Favorite Scenes:
(1) When young Jamal receives the autograph of his favorite actor. He literally jumps into a pile of human waste to get it. His exclamation upon receiving said autograph is one of pure, uncorrupted joy. The scene was very fun and exhilerating. I felt like I received the autograph along with him.
(2) A group of kids are playing cricket when suddenly they are chased through the streets by police and "the music is pounding" (to quote Kavi). The song, O Saya, is up for an Oscar along with Jai Ho. It is fair to say that the music in this film is outstanding.
(3) Okay, so I am occasionally a sucker for the more romantic parts of movies. Yet few scenes I have ever seen compare to the emotion I felt when Latika picks up the phone when Jamal chooses to phone a friend. What is the name of the third musketeer?
Latika: I don't know. I have never known.
I think somewhere in an alternate universe I wept tears of joy at those words. It isn't the words that evoke the emotion, but the emotion behind the words. Beautiful.
The film ends with a Bollywood-esque dance routine. While it wasn't the best dancing I have ever seen in a Bollywood or Tamil film (which I have actually watched quite a few of), it was probably the cutest due to the transitions from old Jamal/Latika to young Jamal/Latika. I felt it was a good way to end.
To conclude, do I think it will win the Oscar for Best Picture?
Yes, for it is its destiny.
Never Send A Human To Do A Machine's Job
It is that special time of the week again...poll results day!!! (And there is much rejoicing)
What is your favorite trilogy?
The Original Star Wars Films - 2 (13%)
Lord of the Rings - 1 (6%)
The Godfather - 0 (0%)
Bourne Trilogy - 2 (13%)
The Matrix - 5 (33%)
First Three Indiana Jones Films - 4 (26%)
Austin Powers - 1 (6%)
X-Men - 0 (0%)
Seriously, The Matrix? I never expected that. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of the entire trilogy and actually just watched them all a week or two ago, but you guys think The Matrix is better than Star Wars or Indiana Jones? Harrison Ford doesn't even have a cameo appearance!
By the way, it is not good to piss off the Godfather. This is a picture of me telling him that you don't like his films. Beware of strange lumps in your bedsheets. (Hopefully someone at least understands that reference)
I guess it is only fitting to include a quote from the first Matrix film.
Agent Smith: We're willing to wipe the slate clean, give you a fresh start. All that we're asking in return is your cooperation in bringing a known terrorist to justice.Neo is such a bad-ass.
Neo: Yeah. Well, that sounds like a pretty good deal. But I think I may have a better one. How about, I give you the finger and you give me my phone call.
This next picture I found slightly amusing.
As a note: I was too scared to include Pirates of the Caribbean because I feared it may actually receive a vote. Continue Reading...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thom Yorke is a Golden God
This happened last night at the Grammy Awards. I knew Radiohead was performing, but I was not expecting this magical feat. They performed "15 Step" from In Rainbows with the USC Marching Band. Even if you don't like Radiohead, this is still pretty sweet. Enjoy:
Sunday, February 8, 2009
My Night With Bill Ayers
I have a cool post for you guys today. One of my jobs at Northwestern is to do sound and lights at one of the auditoriums on campus. Last fall I was able to do the sound for a speech by the Reverend Jeremiah Wright (the picture is one I took of Wright and Ayers together in November, and yes, I met and talked with them both). Well on Wednesday I did the sound for Bill Ayers. If you don’t know who Bill Ayers is, let Wikipedia help you:
William Charles Ayers (born December 26, 1944) is an American elementary education theorist who was a 1960s anti-war activist. He is known for the radical nature of his activism in the 1960s and 1970s as well as his current work in education reform, curriculum, and instruction. In 1969 he co-founded the violent radical left organization the Weather Underground, which conducted a campaign of bombing public buildings during the 1960s and 1970s. He is now a professor in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, holding the titles of Distinguished Professor of Education and Senior University Scholar.Ayers became a huge name during the Presidential campaign as some Republicans did their best to link Ayers with Obama because they live in the same neighborhood and served on an education panel together some years ago.
Anyway, here are the juicy details of the event:
The Muslim-cultural Students Association Presents:
Peaceful Progress: A Discourse on Affecting Change
Wednesday, February 4th 2009
With:
Bill Ayers – a distinguished professor of education and Senior University Scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ayers helped shape Chicago’s school reform program and in 1997 was awarded Citizen of the Year by the city for his work.
Bernadine Dohm – a professor of law at Northwestern University. Ayers and Dohm were involved in the radical left organization Weather Underground in the 1970s, but since then have become prominent educators and social activists in Chicago.
Rami Nashashibi – is the Executive Director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN). Nashashibi has lectured across the country on a range of topics related to the American Muslim identity, community activism and social justice issues. He was also a recent recipient of the LISC Community Hero Award and the National Housing Service Community Leaders Award.
I will only give a summary of the speech by Bill Ayers, although the whole event was interesting. This won’t flow very well, since it is more in the form of notes, but you guys will get the overall picture.
A Discourse on Affecting Change with Bill Ayers
Central Station, which is a movie from Brazil – Lady in Rio de Janeiro is paid one hundred dollars to pick up a ten year old boy, bring him across town, and give him to an American couple who is going to adopt him.
She does the deed, takes the money, and buys a television and takes it back to her modest appointment. A neighbor visit and asks her where she got it. She tells her the story.
Dora, are you that stupid? He wasn’t being adopted; he was being sold into the international market for organs. He is going to die. He may even be dead now.
Before she understood what it was, she was living her normal life. There was no question of right or wrong. Then someone pried her eyes open and she saw life differently.
This is the beginning. This is what we need.
Book РBlindness by Jos̩ Saramago
Starts out with man in a city. He suddenly becomes blind. He is helped from his car and then his car is stolen. He is taken to a hospital and he joins a large group of other blind people. The blindness spreads. Slowly everyone in the society becomes blind.
They start to pray with each other, but then they do terrible things to each other. Just as it seems like there is no hope, the first man regains his sight. Slowly they all regain their sight.
Why did we do these things? Why did we go blind, and why can we now see?
Maybe we were already blind. We had the power of sight but were blind. We only saw what we wanted to see.
We all are against slavery…right? Of course we are.
But would we have been in 1840? We would have been against the law, against convention, against our friends. Why would we have been?
When you are 60 years old and you have a granddaughter she will ask if you were in Chicago when that fine young black man was elected.
Yes, I was there.
Were you in Grant Park?
Yes, of course.
Were you at the inauguration.
Yes, I was in the first row, practically on the stage.
Is it true that it cost him half a billion to be elected?
Really? I didn’t hear about that part.
And you thought that was democratic?
Well…he raised it on the Internet.
Is it true that when you were at Northwestern there were 2.2 million Americans in prison?
Really…I don’t remember that.
I’m not saying these are the things that matter, but you must exile yourself from convention to see what you are not seeing. What is out of balance?
There is a good scene in the Monty Python movie Life of Brian.
A reluctant messiah is up on a rampart. Saying to the crowd below:
I am not the messiah.
CROWD: You are not the messiah!
No, no, no you have minds of your own!
CROWD: We have minds of our own!
MAN IN CROWD: It’s funny, I don’t feel like I have a mind of my own.
CROWD: Shut up! You have a mind of my own!
In reflection, you become a better activist, a better citizen. Open your eyes, doubt, act, repeat. Light one candle, challenge the darkness.
Love your own life enough to take care of your children, the elders, to enjoy a sunset. Love humanity enough to put your shoulder on history’s wheel and create change.
- The End-
Quote of the Night by Rami Nashashibi:
“The election of Barack Obama as president did not destroy white supremacy, but it did give it a black eye.”Have a nice day! Continue Reading...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Death by Semi - Duel (1971) Review
(I watched this as a part of my intro to film class)
This is Steven Spielberg's very first feature length film, way before he won your hearts with E.T. and made Jewish people badasses in Munich . Dennis Weaver (Gunsmoke) stars as an ordinary man traveling along the highway who finds himself in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with the driver of a gas tanker. Did it continue in the Spielbergian tradition of rocking my world?
If you've never heard of Duel before, that's because it was a TV movie in the early 70's. The plot probably sounds familiar as the 2003 Paul Walker/Steve Zahn movie Joyride is pretty much a complete ripoff of this. Nevertheless, it's a historic film for introducing Spielberg's immense talents as a filmmaker. The screenplay is from Richard Matheson, who wrote the novel "I Am Legend", which was adapted into the 2007 Will Smith blockbuster of the same name.
Duel is essentially a really long car chase. Dennis Weaver, in all his 70's porn star glory, seriously pisses off a truck driver by passing him on the highway. He spends the rest of the movie driving away from him at high speeds. Spielberg maintains suspense for a while with his uniquely awesome camera placement, but as expected, this grows tiresome. I was on the edge of my seat until the final 15 minutes, when I started to realize that I really wanted this movie to end. There's a limit to how much 80 mph driving a man can stand until he needs to see an explosion. I feel like my mind is numbed from watching intense vehicle carnage in movies like Death Race, so I can't appreciate the simple one-on-one car action seen in Duel . 
The only real dialogue in this movie comes from Weaver's internal ramblings. Like any rational person, he can't understand why this driver is so hell-bent on killing him. For a film like this, character development is unnecessary and there's hardly any. There's an interesting interval in a diner which displays Weaver's paranoia. Otherwise, it's just shot after shot of two cars engaging in a modern day Wild West gunfight, complete with tumbleweeds rolling along the ground.
Unless you are a devoted fan of Spielberg, don't bother with this. It has some pretty neat direction but it's nothing more than an above-average made for TV movie.
** out of ****
Enjoy your egg whites.
D'Oh! More Senate Appointment Fiascos?
I wrote before about WI Senator Russ Feingold's proposed Constitutional amendment making it so that all Senate vacancies are filled by special elections and special elections only. It is a great amendment, especially after the Roland Burris and Caroline Kennedy debacles.
Now, there is even more fuel for the fire.
Bill Richardson, New Mexico's Democratic Governor, was Obama's original selection for Commerce Secretary, but he later dropped his name for consideration after a controversy broke out. Now, Obama has selected Republican New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg for the position, which opens up yet another Senate seat. New Hampshire's Governor, John Lynch, is a Democrat, however, so there was speculation that Lynch would appoint a Democrat to fill Gregg's seat. Apparently, however, Gregg made a deal with Obama and Lynch that he wouldn't accept the position unless he was replaced with a Republican. Thus, today, J. Bonnie Newman, a Republican, was selected by Lynch to fill the open Senate seat.
This is not cool. I don't care that she is Republican, but I do care that there was a deal made preventing any Democrats from being considered. I find the whole thing kind of shady and undemocratic. We need Senators who are the result of elections and not the result of backroom deals. Feingold agrees:“But the apparent behind-the-scenes deal-making that went on to determine who will fill Senator Gregg's vacancy is alarmingly undemocratic. Once again, Americans will be represented in the Senate for nearly two years by someone they had no hand in electing. As the number of Senators appointed to their seats continues to rise, it's increasingly clear that we need to fix this constitutional anachronism. It is time to pass a constitutional amendment to end appointments by governors and the political gamesmanship they encourage.”
I whole-heartedly concur Russ.
On top of this new New Hampshire business, I read a post regarding Florida. Current Republican Senator Mel Martinez is planning on retiring at the end of this term, although there is speculation that he may retire early, and his office isn't really denying it. There is also talk about Charlie Crist, the current Republican Governor of Florida, is thinking about wanting a Senate seat. There is talk that Crist may actually consider appointing himself to the spot, which is unfortunately legal. This wouldn't look too good though, so he may resign as governor when Martinez resigns as senator. Then the Lt. Governor would become Governor and appoint Crist to the Senate seat. While I doubt this will happen, the fact that it could happen really bothers me.
We need this amendment. Have a good day.
Watch Out Watchmen!
We have the results from our second poll:
Why Was The Dark Knight Snubbed at the Oscars?
It wasn't a great movie - 1 (10%)
Oscars are biased against comic book movies - 5 (50%)
It didn't feature the Holocaust - 2 (20%)
Since it was released back in July, people forgot how great it was - 2 (20%)
We have now scientifically proved that the Oscars are biased against comic book movies. I knew it!
Have a nice day.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Super Bowl Pick
Cardinals 17, Steelers 16.
MVP: Steve Breaston, Cardinals.
You know it.
UPDATE: Kyle's prediction - Steelers 20, Cardinals 13
However, I would prefer it if Kavi was right. Go Cardinals!
By the way Bryan, they are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals.