INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS. Quentin Tarantino has a knack for telling a story in an intriguing way, both funny and suspenseful, breaking any previous idea you had on timing and delivery... In this sense, I think Tarantino is an excellent screenwriter and also showed quite some talent directing Christoph Waltz... Inglourious Bastards won't go home completely unglorified I think Best Supporting Actor should honor it. Strong contender for Original Screenplay too, but not strong enough to my taste.
AN EDUCATION. Although Peter Sarsgaard's Jewishness was hardly relevant to the story, this story seems somewhat autobiographical, so I think it shows a cultural difference belonging to the time and place where the story is being told. Also, we have to take into account that something that could seem enraging under today's puritanical standards would easily be more commonplace forty years ago. However, trying to get me to pass judgment on circumstances beyond my context, as if they were current, is not a fair trick. The way this movie takes us to that place is good, Carey Mullingan's interpretation is lively, the story works but no Oscar for this one in my ballot.
DISTRICT 9. This is quite a metaphor of settlements amongst different peoples... or species. The story itself works better than Avatar... it could be some sort of sequel to Avatar! It has a mockumentary touch to it in a very original manner, I don't think the alien theme has been explored in this manner before, but it shows us the discerning feelings of different cultures that have to withstand each other's closeness. A bit too "alien" for my taste but interesting nonetheless.
UP. I'm not much into animated films, but this one takes much attention into detail... plus the opening sequence makes for a really good movie, afterwards though, it drags on for too long, I guess even some of the adults might have fallen asleep. Still, the story line is compelling so this could be a contender for original screenplay, and I think, being nominated for best picture, makes it quite obvious it is the best Animated Feature Film, although I'm really looking forward to watching Fantastic Mr. Fox. Also, I think Up, could take some music related award!
THE BLIND SIDE. This is my theory, I think after counting votes, Oscar producers realized popular pictures like Avata, District 9 and The Blind Side, clearly fell out of the top five, and so they decided to nominate ten movies instead of five. I think this was a wise move, though I admit nine of the nominees will go home losers, I think they're all good movies and are very well worth your time. The Blind Side had perfect timing telling the story of a current NFL player that actually made it to the playoffs this season, plus, it's a feel-good movie without it being overly corny. Sandra Bullock is a delight to watch and she could contend for best actress, but that's about it for this movie tonight.
PRECIOUS. This is the type of movie I had to sort of drag myself to watch, and only because of its good reviews and the nominations it has, I figured it might be worth my while. I was right. Although the theme and tone of this movie are real downers, it leaves you with a sweet-n-sour taste. It also opens your eyes to situations that it's hard to admit, still occur in our modern day occidental world. Definitely interesting and powerful. Mo'Nique will for sure take the Best Supporting Actress award and I won't discard Precious on any other category, period.
A SERIOUS MAN. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with this one, but maybe I've just placed too high expectations on the Coen brothers. The movie starts out strong and intriguing but then I guess it dwells on and on too long on situations very pertaining to the mid-century American Jew, recently empowered by the Second World War and facing a new identity crisis. As usual, the Coens have very funny sequences which are worth watching, but overall I felt it lacked consistency, or timing, who knows... No awards for this one on my ballot, sorry.
UP IN THE AIR. I have to admit this is one of my favorites, hands down. I think it is very emotional, it touches a nerve on the current standing of American life and it IS very real (most of the interviewees are real unemployed people). The casting is excellent, as I can't seem to figure who could play a bit arrogant bachelor with a soft side better than George Clooney, and both his co-actresses play nominated roles as well. What I think this story has going on for it in terms of well delivered screenwriting and acting, it lacks for in cinematography, color, etc... The story mainly takes place in conference rooms, airports, etc, which really doesn't do much for the visual aspect of it all, as opposed to say, Avatar. Definitely, I'm voting for Up in the Air in the Best Adapted Screenplay category. George Clooney and Anna Kendrick could be contenders in their categories. Kudos to Jason Reitman, with Juno and Up in the Air, he's definitely becoming a powerhouse in the industry.
AVATAR. This is a popular favorite which I've reviewed earlier on this blog. www.RentalMovieWeek.blogspot.com (for those reading the note directly from facebook). I won't discard this one either but as the visual aspect of it works beautifully, the story doesn't quite cut it for me. Look out for several Oscars in Music, Cinematography, Art Direction, Visual Effects, etc. I don't think it has a great story or acting which are usually requirements to bring on a fulfilling emotion. But James Cameron pulled this off before with Titanic, which incidentally wasn't nominated for Acting (Not DiCaprio at least) or for Screenwriting (Which I felt it should have been nominated for). So..... will see, though not in my ballot!
THE HURT LOCKER. I have also reviewed this one briefly and I stand by my decision to back this one throughout the night. Excellent story, not overly complicated, delivers emotion and thrill throughout without diverging. Excellent Cinematography too... impacting. In terms of Film Editing and the like I don't consider myself very knowledgeable (not that I am knowledgeable in the rest of the categories), but I just know this one works. My ballot has The Hurt Locker for Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture... This will be the ultimate showdown as to what an ex-wife can take from under one's nose... move over James Cameron!
For further references, reviews, and synopsis on these and other films, I recommend www.IMDB.com, www.RottenTomatoes.com and www.filmcritic.com., and of course...www.RentalMovieWeek.blogspot.com
Have an excellent Oscar night!
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