My 2011 Oscar Predictions

The Academy Awards also known as the Oscar is the last but the most prestigious award giving bodies that every movie fans like me are excited about during the award season in the US. So for this post, I'll be making my predictions and some commentaries about my choices for the 83rd Academy Awards --whom I think will win and whom I want to win.

(Selected Awards only)

Best Picture

Think and Want: The King's Speech - I was initially skeptical with this film winning the Oscar's after The Social Network had the industry buzzing about its front runner status in the said category but after SAG and BAFTA declaring it their best film, that status shifted positively to this British film. It's definitely my favorite! Colin Firth's stutter and Helena's accent got me!

Best Director

Think: David Fincher -Golden Globes, BAFTA and SAG said so

Want: Tom Hooper - I, most of the time believe that if a movie won the Best Picture -the director should get 60% of the credits and since my best picture is The King's Speech, my winner is from this film as well --atleast, that's what I want to happen. haha

Best Actress

Think: Natalie Portman - As much as I like (LOVE!) her, I think Annette should get this but apparently, Natalie's time has arrived. Sometimes, timing plays a very important part on choosing who's going to win. Look at Sandra winning last year over Meryl Streep.

Want: Annette Bening - She just can't get a break. First, losing to Hilary Swank and this. I'd be so damn happy if she'd get her first Oscar-- please Academy, give where the credit is due!

Best Actor

Think and Want: Colin Firth - please, give it to Colin this time. He was so robbed last year and his performance was way above his competition!

Best Supporting Actor

Think and Want: Christian Bale - he's superb in The Fighter and he should get that statuette on February 27!!

Best Supporting Actress

Think: Melissa Leo -Like Natalie Portman, her moment has arrived. I do think though that she "kinda" deserved this award after losing quite a number of times. Haha

Want: Helena Bonham Carter - she's just my sentimental favorite!!

Best Animated Film

Think: Toy Story 3 - this is stupid, you'd nominate an animated film in the Best Picture Category and Best Animated Film at the same time? They should just give the award right away to this film for the Animated Film Category, like seriously???

Want: As much as I was touched by Toy Story 3, my favorite would have to be How To Train Your Dragon which was the first film I've given a 10/10 ratings.

Best Original Song

Think: I See The Light - from Tangled

Want: If I Rise - 127 Hours

Best Make Up

Think: Barney's Version

Want: The Wolfman

Best Art Direction

Think and Want: Inception

Best Costume Design

Think and Want: Alice In Wonderland

Best Adapted Screenplay

Think: The Social Network

Want: 127 Hours

To See The Complete List Of Nominees Check Out: Oscar Nominations

-paddylast

Vanishing On 7th Street Film Review

Gateway Cineplex

P161

Director: Brad Anderson

Starring:
Hayden Christensen
Thandie Newton
John Leguizamo

When checking out what film to watch this weekend I find myself choosing between Unknown and Vanishing on 7th Street. Unknown because of the three stars led by Liam Neeson and Vanishing On The 7th Street by Hayden Christensen. I ended up choosing Hayden's film because of its very interesting premise about people vanishing into thin air because of a mysterious phenomena where light is your only way to fight the "shadows" but then it will also the reason these "shadows" will get you. People on the 7th street started to disappear leaving only the clothes they're wearing and their other belongings. There was no explanation at all why it's happening but you need to keep a light handy or stay in a well-lit place (or wear it for that matter) to survive. Apparently, according to Luke's (Hayden Christensen) flashback, this was a global blackout of some sort.

The film does have a couple of startling scenes and the actors were okay but the whole film just lacks narrative. I am at a loss as to what the story is really about. I do know however, that it's some sort of related to that Roanoke story that the character of John Laguizamo (Paul) was reading before the mysterious event started. It is about the Roanoke Colony who simply vanished either because they abandon the place or die of starvation because there are no supplies to keep them alive.

It is simply mind boggling and draggy at the same time. The characterizations are shallow and non-emphatic from start to finish. The ending is anti-climactic and predictable. I won't recommend this film to anyone at this point. You don't want to waste some valuable time my dear readers...

I'd give it a 3.5 /10 ratings.

-paddylast

My Idol Don McLean To Visit Manila!!!

Growing up as a teenager, I've always been drawn to old songs because it gives me that magical feeling of being transported at another time, another era and another persona. Some of these songs are from Kenny Rogers, John Denver, Porter Wagoner, Ray Price and of course Don McLean.

Don McLean has always been my favorite since I bought his Greatest Hits CD, his songs are my drugs at those times when my family was facing some personal difficulties. It's such a relief hearing his music which gave me more energy and lift my spirit to go on with life.

Some of my favorite songs would have to be his classics If We Try, Castles In The Air and his rendition of Crying. I also love The Birthday Song and Everyday, two particular song of his which makes me very happy every time I listen to them.

It's just last week though that I've heard that he's coming for a concert on March 2 and it got me all excited! I've waited all my life to see him and I'm very excited to sing along with him while watching him perform all the great songs that he has written and remade. I wish I could meet him face to face!!! I wish!

A Starry Starry Night With Don McLean

Date: March 2, 2011, Wednesday 8PM

Venue: Araneta Coliseum

Ticket Prices:

VIP(103&101 ROWS A-J) (Reserved Seating) 4760

PATRON (Reserved Seating) 4230

LOWER BOX (Reserved Seating) 3700

UPPER BOX A (Reserved Seating) 2640

UPPER BOX B 1060

GENERAL ADMISSION 530

Tickets are available in all Ticketnet outlets. Call 911-5555 or visitwww.ticketnet.com.ph for more details.

To Don McLean,

Thank you very much for your music and for the inspiration that you gave me!

-paddylast

The King's Speech Is My Best Picture!

On DVD

Director: Tom Hooper

Starring

Colin Firth

Geoffrey Rush

Helena Bonham Carter

I've seen this film for a couple of times now this year and those times that I've watched it made me like Colin Firth even more. The guy's a genius and deserves all the accolades that he's gotten so far from this film.

The story is basically about King George VI of England (Firth) overcoming his speech impediment (stammer) with the help of his speech therapist Lionel Logue played by Geoffrey Rush. This true story was quite simple to begin with, Tom Hooper who directed the film was able to accomplish that period era vibe and pulled the greatness out of Firth, Rush and Bonham-Carter.

Firth's stutter are very much convincing in every scenes. He's also very much adorable as a very intimidated Duke and a loving father and husband. I love the part when he was telling a story to his kids.

Geoffrey Rush was such a delight to watch all through out the film. He embodies the characteristics of a unconventional therapist/teacher and you will really believe him.

Helena Bonham-Carter played a very refreshing Duchess / Queen as well. I'm not used to seeing her act normal but in this film, she really did pull it off. She's such a darling to watch and very lovable for that matter.

I'm not surprised at all that these three got the nods of the Academy for they all played their role in such a manner that you would want to repeat the film over and over to see them again.

With that being said, I declare this film my Best Picture of 2010 with Firth as my Oscar's Best Actor.

Ratings: 9.5/ 10

-Paddylast