Boyle-In-Show

Last night's BAFTAs threw up nothing with regards to major surprises so i'll keep my grating short and rough!

Key Points:

1. Slumdog looks set for a sweep come the Oscars claiming 7 BAFTAs. Arguably it was a lock in for 4 awards (Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay & Music). On top of this it picked up the awards for editing, sound and cinematography. Best Sound?!! Bizarre...but definately signs of a sweep.

2. Mickey Rourke knows how to give a speech! Even though he didn't know what he was saying, it delivered a little menthol cool into the night. His remark about enjoying seeing Marisa Tomei naked brought the house down! He's probably the favourite for the Leading Actor Oscar now.

3. Winslet & Cruz both solidified their positions as the favourites for their respective Oscar categories (although not locks) and they both seemed genuinely rapturous with each other's victories.

4. Brangelina sulked...until Jagger stole the show!

5. Amy Adams and Marisa Tomei. Just divine.

6. Sharon Stone presenting the award for 'Best British Film'. I won't say more...

7. Finally, placing the In Memoriam segment directly after Heath Ledger's posthumous victory smacks of insensitivity. His performance should be honoured on its own merits and not as a token gesture as a result of his death.

Thats my lot!

Stay tuned for; my Top 20 Anticipated of 2009, Discs to Spin and the week's new releases all in the next few days!

What Will Those Barmy BAFTA Members Choose This Year?

It's the time of year when our treasured National Awards Body (NAB) rewards the British talent of the year, with a few American winners sprinkled in between. Last year saw Atonement take the Best Picture BAFTA whereas No Country For Old Men took the Oscar. The nominees this year:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7830076.stm

No real gripes this year apart from the rather smitten choices to include Dev Patel and Freida Pinto in the acting categories for Slumdog Millionaire. They were good, but seriously, that good?! The other real shames are Brits, Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) & Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) missing out. I'm not even going to delve into the flaws in nominating 'The Reader'.

So here go my predictions:

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire. Easy Peasy.
Best Director: Danny Boyle. Could be Fincher, or maybe even Daldry (yikes!) but i'm sticking with Boyle.
Best British Film: In Bruges. I can't see them giving 'Slumdog' two best film prizes...
Leading Actor: Sean Penn. There's a strong case for Mickey Rourke also, but I think Penn as he hasn't won a BAFTA award before.
Leading Actress: Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road). Though she could win for that other film she was in...or could split the vote and hand the prize to Streep.
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger.
Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz. Why the hell is Viola Davis (Doubt) not on this list? I'd give it to Cruz either way, but Tomei is also deserving.
Original Screenplay: Milk. Should get some love somewhere, though look out for the brilliantly scripted 'In Bruges' again.
Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire. I'm trying to find a place for 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' somewhere but this won't be it.
Film Not In The English Language: Waltz With Bashir. I've only seen one of the nominees, 'Gomorrah', which is mind-bendingly brilliant. But 'Bashir' is also worthy apparently.
Animated Film: Wall-E. Should be in the Best Picture line-up...
The Carl Foreman Award: Simon Chinn (Man on Wire). I haven't a clue.
Music: Slumdog Millionaire. The Dark Knight is the potential spoiler here.
Cinematography: The Dark Knight. Again 'TCCOBB' would be a fair winner.
Editing: Slumdog Millionaire. Chris Dickens, the editor of 'Slumdog', edits like a possessed, ravaging dog which is a good thing as it provides boundless energy to an already boundlessly energetic script.
Production Design: Revolutionary Road. The 50's setting looked fabulous so this is the place to reward the film.
Costume Design: Changeling? Again I don't have a clue...maybe 'The Duchess'?
Sound: The Dark Knight. Booming and disturbing sounds scampering through city skyscrapers.
Special Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. In the bag baby.
Make-Up and Hair: The Dark Knight. Maybe not the best of the year in this category, but probably the best of the five nominees. It's all part of the plan...
Short Animation & Film: I'm not going to be the fool who pretends to know much about these nominees. Although Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf & Death should win in the short animation category.
The Orange Rising Star Award: Voted by the public, who won't have seen the wonderful Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) until 2 days before the show itself but I'm backing her!

I have 'Slumdog' and 'Knight' for four wins apiece. Can't be right...bring on Sunday!

The BAFTAs start on BBC2 from 8pm and then switch to BBC1 from 9pm, Sunday 8th February

Whatever Happened To...The Breakfast Club

How did John Hughes's 80's output kept teenagers so entertained? 'Sixteen Candles', 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', 'Wierd Science', 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' and arguably the most famous of the all, 'The Breakfast Club' is how...

The 'Brat Pack' were synonymous with the legendary party and booze scenes of the MTV generation. But where are they now?!

Left to Right:

Judd Nelson


Nelson went from playing major roles in 'The Breakfast Club' & 'St. Elmo's Fire' to bit part appearances thereafter including a brief appearance in 'Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back' (!) and also 'CSI: New York'. Currently, he has just completed a role in the film 'Dirty Politics' and continues to play leading men in straight-to-TV movies.

Emilio Estevez


Since his breakout role in the film, Estevez (son of the legendary Martin Sheen) has been limited to roles in films such as 'Young Guns' & 'Men at Work'. However, directing gigs on popular US TV series; 'Cold Case' & 'CSI:New York' kept his profile simmering and the comeback was topped off with the 2006 star-studded and critically acclaimed 'Bobby' (which told the story of the assasination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy).

Ally Sheedy


To be frank, Sheedy's career peeked in 1985! But she does have some credits to her name, most notably the 'Short Circuit' films as well as cameo roles in 'Betsy's Wedding' as well as 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'.

Molly Ringwald


After 'Sixteen Candles' & 'The Breakfast Club', Ringwald went on to have a relatively successful few years with films such as 'Pretty in Pink' & 'Betsy's Wedding'. But since then her film career nosedived with her only role of (mild) interest being a nostalgic cameo in 'Not Another Teen Movie' (2001).

Anthony Michael Hall


Ironically, the least likely breakout star of 'The Breakfast Club' has possibly had the most success ever since (well, relative to the others). The only actor to play a major supporting role in three of John Hughes' films, (the other two, 'Sixteen Candles' and 'Wierd Science'), Michael Hall then went on to become a household performer on Saturday Night Live in the mid-late 80's. Since then his film credits range from 'Edward Scissorhands' to 'Freddy Got Fingered', his last role as a reporter in 2008 uber-blockbuster 'The Dark Knight'

A Filmmaking Dozen

Indulgence is not the greatest of virtues. However, whilst meticulously piecing together an article on my 20 most feverishly anticipated films of 2009, I found that the number of films had ballooned to 33. First thought: discipline.

So, dissecting my choices into an honourable mentions overspill seems ideal.

An honourable mention gives the impression of a child missing out on a class prize but told by their teacher they’re special anyway. All a little patronizing. But expect some of these films to be held up as the year’s finest as the sun sets on 2009.

In no particular order:

Sherlock Holmes (dir. Ritchie)
Expected Release Date: 20th Nov
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law & Rachel McAdams

Downey Jr. has had a huge career revival in the last few years. From Kiss Kiss Bang Bang through to Iron Man and Tropic Thunder. His rise should continue with this the
latest offering from Guy Ritchie. There’s not much information on the script at the moment but expect the usual Ritchie fare (which means it may be hit and miss).


Terminator: Salvation (dir. McG)
Expected Release Date: 5th June
Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington & Bryce Dallas Howard

The fourth outing in the Terminator series is what can only be described as a gamble. McG, director of fine works such as Charlie’s Angels and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, is at the helm. Two lifelines. One, Christian Bale is involved (and signed up for two further installments), and two, the first trailers suggest a gritty, grey direction which is encouraging.

Broken Embraces (dir. Almodóvar)
Expected Release Date: 28th August
Starring: Penelope Cruz

I won’t lie, plot details are as sparse as Jack Nicholson’s receding hairline. However, what is certain is that the last offering from the Almodóvar/Cruz magical axis, Volver, was…umm…magical, so I have high hopes for this one. It revolves around the story of a man, who 14 years after an accident which left him blind, remembers the woman he adored. Lovely.


The Fantastic Mr. Fox (dir. W Anderson)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray & Anjelica Huston

After The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Darjeeling Limited, it’s fair to say Wes Anderson needed a change in direction. Though fine films in their own right they seemed to just stretch out the blueprint laid out in The Royal Tenenbaums, namely dysfunctional ‘families’ and their ultimate redemptions. The Fantastic Mr. Fox, adapted from the Roald Dahl novel, should be perfect fodder for director and starry cast.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (dir. T Gilliam)
Expected Release Date: 6th June
Starring: Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law & Colin Farrell

Ex-Python Terry Gilliam hasn’t had a good track record in recent years with Tideland and The Brothers Grimm having little impact on global audiences. I concede my only curiosities with this film surround the late Heath Ledger’s final on-screen performance and how Depp, Farrell and Law have been integrated into the same role after Ledger’s untimely death. Here’s hoping it’s a fitting tribute.


This Side of The Truth (dir. Gervais)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Christopher Guest & Ricky Gervais

The directorial debut from Ricky Gervais is shaping up to be fantastic on many levels. The cast reads as a who’s who of prime time American comedy and film. So why is this film not in my top 20? Well there are a few reasons but mainly the fact that the film seems to have been pushed back to 2010 (US release). Whether this is a scripting or production issue is unknown, but with this talent on board all things wonderful are possible.


Funny People (dir. Apatow)
Expected Release Date: 31st July
Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana & Jonah Hill

Apatow, who brought us The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up is back with his latest effort, Funny People. Rogen and Sandler play stand up comedians who become friends after they perform at the same club one night. Like This Side of The Truth, Funny People has a talented cast and a director on the crest of the new wave of comedy. If it’s anywhere near as funny and touching as Knocked Up, then it’ll be a welcome summer treat.


Where The Wild Things Are (dir. Jonze)
Expected Release Date: 11th Dec
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Paul Dano, Catherine Keener & James Gandolfini

I love it when a story and director are matched in wild and unexpected ways. Where The Wild Things Are, a classic in illustrated literature for children, and Spike Jonze are exactly that match. Jonze, whose previous films include the Charlie Kaufman-penned Adaptation and Being John Malkovich, is hugely admired in the indie world and this off-centre adaptation should keep the respect flowing.


Jennifer’s Body (dir. Kusama)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Megan Fox

Diablo Cody, how acerbic and witty art thou…
In her much-anticipated follow up to Juno, Diablo Cody writes the story of a cheerleader who kills of her male classmates. Anyone remember Heathers? Well this sort-of-homage to the cult 80’s teen flick seems to tick all the boxes as possibly one of the biggest teen hits of 2009. It’s Megan Fox’s first major leading role (discounting Transformers) and at the very least it will get your man out of the house. Woof!


The Informant (dir. Soderbergh)
Expected Release Date: 9th Nov
Starring: Matt Damon

This one could go either way. To be fair Soderbergh’s filmography stands up as one of the most popular in recent cinema, ranging from Traffic, the Ocean’s series to the recently released and criminally underrated Che Guevara double bill. My only concern would be that Soderbergh’s last drama/thriller, The Good German, wasn’t as involving as it should have been. IMDB describes the film as a comedy foremost, and that definitely perks my interest up a notch (as does the presence of Damon).


Duplicity (dir. Gilroy)
Expected Release Date: 20th March
Starring: Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, Tom Wilkinson & Paul Giamatti

A pair of steamy ex-lovers pulling a con on their ex-bosses? Im up for that. Especially since the writer and director is possibly the king of thrillers at the moment having written the Bourne series as well as last year’s Michael Clayton. The plot does remind me of Out of Sight to a certain extent and if the chemistry between Owen and Roberts is anywhere near as strong as that Lopez/Clooney sexual steamboat then I’m sold and front of the queue.


Taking Woodstock (dir. Ang Lee)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Live Schrieber & Paul Dano

Ang Lee makes masterpieces comfortable in their own skin, never breaking out into something artificial and disposable. Lust, Caution. Brokeback Mountain. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Each soulful hymns, poetic and poignant and embedded in cinema’s consciousness. Taking Woodstock is Lee’s return to the English language and is an adaptation of the novel of the same name. Starring exciting young talents in Hirsch and Dano, this should be another gem to add to an already sparkling collection.


Biutiful (dir. Inarritu)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Javier Bardem

Biutiful, like Broken Embraces, seems to be wrapped in cotton wool as plot details seem to be completely redundant. I’ll keep an eye out for this one though as it is directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu who helmed the outstanding Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Best Picture-nominated Babel.


Check back over the next few days for my top 20. Should be a hoot!

Benjamin Button, Doubt or Vicky Christina Barcelona?

What to watch? Well this Friday, three of the year's heavyweights are released each vying for your mind, heart and wallet. I would love to do extensive reviews on each of them (and maybe I will over time) however they all have their merits and slight flaws and so how could anyone decide which to watch. My personal favourite is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button although I enjoyed Vicky Christina Barcelona more. Figure that one out!

So this is my oddball approach to help:

If you're an aspiring thespian, watch Doubt. The performances are what make this adaptation work. If you enjoy the deep nuances of film acting (and why wouldn't you) this is a treat. Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams & Viola Davis are all terrific as the key players, although I think Hoffman can play these sort of roles in his sleep...

N.B. All four actors have been nominated for an Oscar (the smart bet on the scene-stealing Davis).

Grade: B (7/10)

For something altogether far more uplifting, try Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It's sensual, sexual, exotic, fiery, funny and casual all at the same time. Definately Woody's best in a long, long time. I wouldn't quite call it a 'date movie' because it just isn't, but rather more apt a movie to watch with free-spirited souls. Again, all the actors are engaging, though altogether less methodical than the cast in Doubt. Newcomer Rebecca Hall is a standout, but the film's delightful pivot is the tangerine blast that Penelope Cruz's delivers. It's just wonderful!

Grade: B+ (8/10)

Finally, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Several critics in the UK and across the pond have been left a little icy with the story of a man who grows younger as each day passes. I wonder what they were watching though, as this is Fincher's warmest audience embrace in a filmography which breathes of diversity, plot and visual splendour. Clocking in at over 2 1/2 hours, the film flies by. This is Fincher's film through and through. The leads and technical aspects are also true standouts (the much speculated de-aging process a wonder of modern visual technology) but I really recommend the film as it feels incomparable to anything you've seen before and again for that the credit goes to Fincher.

Grade: B+ (8/10)

There you go, hope that was helpful. Not an easy choice...but your choice all the same.

Bon Chance!

Upstaged by 'The Pink One'

Not expecting much from this to be honest...

Discs To Spin (2nd Feb)

NEW RELEASE OF THE WEEK

RocknRolla (dir. Ritchie)

Guy Ritchie kinda went off the boil for a while there (though I can't really remember a time when he was striking hot...). This is his supposed return to form. To be fair, Gerard Butler, Mark Strong, Thandie Newton and Tom Wilkinson would be a credible cast in most films so it's worth a spin. Chuck in some trademark witticisms, as well as Ritchie's love for flashiness, and you have a good old London-based crime thriller. Rental recommended (especially for Ritchie die-hards).

Other releases this week:

Step Brothers

Starring Will Ferrell and John C Reilly. It's the usual Ferrell schtick, you know the charming/lunatic/immature/potty mouthed (delete where appropriate) man child. Hey, Talladega Nights was a laugh in places so who am I to complain...

Death Race (Blu-Ray)

Starring Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Tyrese Gibson and Ian McShane. Hi Octane B-Movie car romp. Nonsensical Plot. Leave your brain in the microwave actioner. Which is great really because that is exactly what you want in a film about murdering prisoners driving to kill to be set free!

BARGAIN DVD OF THE WEEK

Mean Streets (Dir. Scorcese)

Marty's first fling as director and boy does it still hold up. Robert De Niro and Harvey Kietal star in this taught drama based on the 'mean streets' of Little Italy in New York city. It's well worth watching, not only because it set up themes returned to in the likes of Taxi Driver (incidentally Scorcese's next film) and Goodfellas, but just because it is a terrific film

This special edition is well worth buying on DVD especially with Amazon selling it at a snip under 4 quid.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mean-Streets-Special-Robert-Niro/dp/B0007N1B7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1233751778&sr=1-1

Enjoy!

Slumdog Questionnaire

Slumdog Millionaire. Slumdog Crorepati.

The film has received wide spread acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic and has collectively secured a total of 21 nominations from Oscar and BAFTA. Its an unstoppable train, an inevitable march towards ultimate recognition. But since the film premiered in Mumbai on the 22nd January, a backlash has begun. From online film twitters to Bollywood megastars, questions have been raised regarding the quality of the film as well as the India it portrays.

See http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/jan/15/danny-boyle-shows

The final 30 mins of the film is so dizzyingly and gleefully edited, as if magically wrought by the genius of a Capra, Disney or Miyazaki, I defy anyone to be left unmoved (or uninvolved) by the final credits. However, the film does still seem to me as a little one-dimensional and predictable in its storytelling with the D-E-S-T-I-N-Y card a little too large to consume.

My interest is definately more rooted in the global debate it has raised.

Is it 'poverty porn'? Or is it a fair portrait of modern day India? I would argue the latter but many have vehemently disagreed. On the flipside, does it deserve to win the biggest and most recognised award in cinema? Is that it's place in history or should we be laying out the red carpet for more populist yet also critically raved fare such as Wall-E or The Dark Knight? All comments welcome!

What the film's success has done (hopefully) is to break down the barriers at a grass root level for talented international films and filmmakers to force through the age-old stereotypes as to what we as western audiences want from cinema.

Plus the kids are alright :).

The Class of 2009 (Isn't Mickey Rourke Great?!)

Click on image for full size Academy-lovin'!

Danny Boyle Wins DGA!

Zzz...wake me up on February 22nd...