"And the award goes to......."
The Oscars? Yea ok, its somewhat cheesy, and maybe a little bias... but who wouldn't want a buff gold covered man holding a sword looking down on them from a shelf high above. It would make an awesome paper weight that's for sure.
I have been a movie fan since day 1. My first movie experience was watching Return of the Jedi in the theater when I was just a wee tot. My mom fed me Vienna sausages (snack of champions) and I made it through all 3 hours. I even remember a few scenes. That is a kick-A first movie if I may say.... and it started a life of movie love. The Oscar's are a recognition of the magic that can sometimes be felt through the screen. I had the pleasure of watching all 5 Best Picture Nominees for 2008 (I am thaaaat into movies, 14 hours in a dark room with a few hundred movie lovin' freak friends) and here is my 'D' Rated the run down:
MILK: This was first movie of the morning and I knew that it was going to be an emotional roller coaster. I will be honest.... I almost cried, like 10 times.... I mean.... I was really trying to save face in a theater packed with people I was going to spend the rest of the day with.... so I choked it up. What is that anyway?! Why do you feel like 10 tons of pressure like you are choking to stop yourself from crying... It almost makes you cry from the pain! There is no avoidance! Any who... Back to the movie.... It was by far my favorite of the day. Penn's performance was that of legend and I am SO happy that he won the Oscar for best actor. Definitely growing up in S.F. made it that much more special. I give this movie a solid A+.
THE READER: This movie was drama too! Can a teary-eyed woman catch a break!? Ok, so not as much choking as in the last movie but still... anything based in or around World War II is going to be drama. So tragedy aside... I liked this film as well but I would say it was my least favorite of the day. Something in it didn't catch me. Winslet was great, and am happy she won Best Actress... But it was hard to love or hate her, so I was stuck somewhere in the middle for the entire film. Her self preservation and pride was interesting and well played... But came just a little short of making me care. But! I have to give it credit for being a movie about the love of reading.... so.... you get a little bump up to a B-.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON: Whew... lemme take a breather with this... somewhat... light hearted movie. Couldn't have come at a better time for me. I had seen this movie already, it was one of my Disney World flight pastimes so I was prepared for it. The progression of Pitt from this old scary child to hot(!) motorcycle old man was quite interesting. The effects people were fantastic and this story read well with a clear beginning, middle, and end. I was pleased with all acting and just the overall flow of the film. It was very.... actually.... think of a light hearted Fight Club... if that is possible. I know, what the heck?! But Fincher has a very dynamic and specific filming style and I 100% picked up on it in this movie. I give it a hearty and lively B.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: Back to the drama. Ok, drama with a happy ending. I LOVED this movie. It will definitely be one of the movies I can see myself watching a few times through because of its pure entertainment value. Patel is just SO genuine... you are really pulling for him the entire time. Also, I really liked getting to watch the game show host say "Who wants to be a.... mill-i-o-naire" like 50 gillion times. Ha. I would say in reflection I do really think this movie deserved the Best Picture award (I was originally a little bitter because Milk did not win). I think the award should go to the best idea... the best execution... the best 'movie magic'.... which 100% was this film. Classic rags-to-riches + boy loves girl and will do anything for her. Ok, everyone in unison.... 'Awwwww.....' Definitely another A+ on our hands.
FROST vs. NIXON: Ok, so maybe not the best idea to put this on after 10 hours of movie.... because this movie really took a lot of thought, a lot of analysis... but I powered through and really REALLY enjoyed this showdown! The acting was insane! Langella was an awesome Nixon, who actually made me care for him. If an actor can pull that out of a political 'monster' I definitely comend him. Ok, so I still wouldnt vote for him. :) Either way.... worth the watch.... even just for the history lesson. B++ (extra plus for the awesome laughs)It is great to see any film... good or bad (ok, so Step Brothers.... yea, not glad I saw that at ALL!) so go out and see 'em! I can't wait for next year. "And the winner is...."
Memorable quotes for
"The Critic"
Duke Phillips: Why the hell do you have to be so critical?
Jay Sherman: I'm a critic.
Duke Phillips: No, your job is to rate movies on a scale from "good" to "excellent".
Jay Sherman: What if I don't like them?
Duke Phillips: That's what "good" is for.
