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

Zombadings (Patayin Sa Shokot Si Remington)

I have been very busy with other projects and it's just now that I've the time to update this blog. While browsing some cover versions of my favorite songs in Youtube, I came across this very very funny and promising film called Zombadings ( Patayin Sa Shokot si Remington). Apparently, it starred Mart Escudero as Remington, Mr. Roderick Paulate, Eugene Domingo, Janice de Belen and more.

The teaser was very funny and with Roderick and Eugene together, a film is surely worth watching! I can't wait to watch it in full!!!

Whatcha think??

Black Swan Film Review

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Starring

Natalie Portman

Vincent Cassel

Mila Kunis

Barbara Hershey

Natalie Portman has been getting all the good press from this film and her well-talked about transformation in this film got me really interested to try to get a copy of this film since its release date coincides with the Metro Manila Film Festival which basically only shows Filipino films until the second week of January. Plus, since its premiere at the 67th Venice International Film Festival –the film got me all excited to catch with critics saying that she’s definitely a front runner for this year’s Academy Awards.

The premise revolves around the production of Swan Lake by a very prestigious Ballet Company who is looking for its pool of talents a new star to play both the White and the Black Swan. Nina played by Portman perfectly embodied the White Swan but couldn't seem to be as sensual as newcomer Lily played by Mila Kunis who is also competing for the lead. In the process of the production, Nina find herself growing darker with symptoms of psychosis. In the end, Nina was able to perfectly dance as the Swan Queen both playing the white and the black swan but was ultimately drawn to her evil alter-ego.

Natalie Portman sure transformed as a Ballet dancer in this film. She exudes that nice and rather vulnerable persona of Nina. The scene where she stabs her alter-ego was just perfection and the dance rehearsals are all a joy to watch because you could really feel her surging emotions. I have to clap myself after she performed the final dance.

Mila Kunis was exemplary as well showing strong command on screen. I like her attitude as the cool, sensual Lily. I’ve to say though, that I was very much impressed with Barbara Hershey who played Nina’s Mom. She’s just amazing! Her scenes are one of the best in the film – and the creepiest as well if I may just say.

I have to agree with most critics that this is Natalie’s strongest performance to date (After Closer, I think). She definitely delivered the goods and her portrayal is just beyond. You’d get chills at some of her scenes because her acting was really piercing. I still place her though as a very good contender for the Oscar Best Actress since I already have my favorite for this award.

I’d give this film a 9/10 ratings for the cast and it’s well executed story. Another great film from Mr. Aronofsky.

-Paddylast

The Kids Are All Right Film Review

On DVD.

Director: Lisa Cholodenko

Annette Bening

Julianne Moore

Mark Ruffalo

Mia Wasikowska

Josh Hutcherson

The Kids Are All Right has got to win something at the Oscars. This was my first reaction immediately after watching the film on DVD. It goes to show that you don’t really need to spend millions to create something as refreshing and as grandiose (story-wise) as this film. It is definitely a very, very good watch. It’s fresh, raw and very well acted.

Plot: Nic (Bening) and Jules (Moore) are lesbian couple who have each given birth to a child using the same sperm donor. Their youngest child Laser (Josh Hutcherson) was eager to meet his sperm donor Father but was very young to contact the facility so he asked his 18-year old sis Joni (Mia Wasikowska) to make the call and have them meet their biological father Paul played by Mark Ruffalo. The meeting went well and that’s the beginning of Paul’s entrance to the family.

Jules have a landscaping businnes and Paul asks her to landscape his garden. Jules immediately said yes but Nic thinks that it's not a very good idea since they are initially uncomfortable with the idea of Paul spending time with the kids. While doing the work at Paul's garden, Jules was very thankful and suddenly kissed Paul which end up in bed and they begin to have an affair.

At the dinner in Paul's house, Nic discovered the affair when she found Jule's hair in Paul's bathroom and bed. She confronted Jules and regretfully admits the affair. Nic was distraught so as the kid who are angry at Paul and Nic.

Jules eventually addressed her family and begs for forgiveness. Joni went to college and Laser told his Mom's not to break up because they're too old. Both giggles at Laser's comments and the film ended showing them smiling at each other.

The dinner at Paul's house would have to be one of my favorite scenes in the film! Annet Benning has got to win the Oscars! She is FANTASTIC! While watching this film, I am a little bit embarrassed by Nic’s actuation –it was just amazing! I cried when Jules had her speech in front of the family apologizing, explaining marriage and all! With the line“Sometimes you hurt the one you love the most” which is indeed true. The whole ensemble was great except for Mark Ruffalo’s who’s presence I didn’t feel that much. I find no depth at all –or am I supposed to look for one? LOL.

I’d give this a 9.5/10 ratings.

A Serbian Film Review

"Srpski film"

Director: Srđan Spasojević

Starring: Sergej Trifunović, Srđan Todorović

I wasn't aware of this film until recently when I discovered it from a forum where I am a very active poster. It just pique my curiousity because according to some posters, it was one of the most disturbing films they've ever seen. I'm like, more disturbing than Gigli (?) hahaha. When I read its synopsis in IMDb, I immediately felt sick but I was still interested to watch it. I downloaded the movie from the net and watched it right away.

Watching it could get a bit draggy if not for the gory scenes depicted each time I blink my eyes. It's beyond gory to be honest. The torture sex scene, the baby scene, the rape are beyond comprehension. It is an intelligent film if you go beyond its visuals. From where it was filmed, you could easily tell that it's beyond art that pushes this film to be as fantastic as it is --that is -- concept wise.

(a screencap of probably the most heart wrenching and disturbing scene in the film history)

Is it disturbing? Yes. Is it too gory to watch? Yes. Is it worth your time? Yes. Watch it, you'd actually enjoy it. Savor the experience. Feel the pain, feel it's tragic storyline, after-which-- you'll never be the same again.

Ratings: 8.5/10

-paddylast

Paranormal Activity 2 Film Review

Trinoma Mall
Nov.7, 2010
P160 with Dee.

Director: Tod Williams
Starring
Katie Featherston
Micah Sloat
Brian Boland
Sprague Grayden
Molly Ephraim
Tim Clemens

I wasn't really planning to watch this film last night but I got curious with its trailer. I don't find the first one scary at all and I'd like to know if this one's actually better than the first one. Well, I'd say the scenes are better which are more subtle yet creepier. The film's actually about Katie's (the protagonist from the first film) sister who is also terrorized by the demon (apparently because of her first born male) --it's a good premise. Lots of startling scenes and the actors are actually --well, good.

I'd give it an 8.5/10 ratings.

-paddylast

Eat, Pray, Love Film Review

Gateway Cineplex 3

October 09, 2010

with Malcolm

Director: Ryan Murphy

Starring: Julia Roberts, Billy Crudup, James Franco, Javier Bardem, Viola Davis, Richard Jenkins, Christine Hakim

It was after the Oscar this year when I found out that Julia Roberts will have another film (other than Valentine's Day -where she shared the screen with practically everyone in Hollywood) for which she top-billed the role of the writer Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote the book where the movie was based. I've been waiting for this film for like forever and It was only shown here two months after it's release in the States.

Was it worth the wait? I'd say Yes because Julia is simply one of my favorite actresses and seeing her being "Julia" again even though she's playing a real life character makes me love her even more. The film was engaging and funny at times--not very moving at all but it would make you think something about life. About freedom, choices --what exactly do you want to do in life?

My only problem with this film was that it tends to be a bit draggy. It was 2 hours and 22 minutes long and I'm like --Okay, so when does she go to India? My favorite part would have to be her Italian escapade. It makes me want to go to Rome --and seriously, I HAVE TO GO TO ITALY!

James Franco was very charming as usual but I did not really connect with his character while Javier Bardem on the otherhand was such a darling to watch!

I'd probably recommend this film to people who loves watching long "Julia Robert" films --I'm not expecting too much from this film because I really haven't read the book (which I ought to do soon) --but I'd say I really did enjoy it --it was really a feel good film.

Ratings: 7.5/10

Who's Playing Renesmee Cullen?

Young Actress Mackenzie Foy is said to play the half-human half-vampire child of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan of Twilight Saga's fourth installment, the Breaking Dawn. I kinda like this girl's look--pale and cute. She's good enough for me to play Renesmee Cullen. As a Twilight Saga fan, I'm pretty excited to see where Director Bill Condon would cut this first part of the saga's last installment. I hope he'd cut it after Bella gives birth to Renesmee. :)

Here's my Renesmee interpretation using Mackenzie's pic.

Updated

Apparently there will be five young actresses that will play the half-vampire, half-human child of Edward and Bella named Renesmee that we’re going to see on the second part of the last installment of the Breaking Dawn that will be shown November of next year.

MacKenzie Foy will be the first Renesmee and she will have Rachel St. Gelais, Sierra Pitkin, Eliza Faria and Christie Burke as Renesmee in stages of her accelerated growth.

I apologize for my poor editing skills J

Sierra Pitkin

Eliza Faria

Rachel St. Gelais

Christie Burke

Charlie St.Cloud Film Review

SM Megamall Cinema 10

September 27, 2010 7PM

with Malcolm.

Directed by Burr Steers

based on the novel of Ben Sherwood (novel)

Starring

Starring

Zac Efron

Kim Basinger

Ray Liotta

Amanda Crew

Charlie Tahan

I was once again lucky enough to get invites to a red carpet premiere of a film, this time for Charlie St.Cloud starring Zac Efron which will have a wide release on September 29. I was quite surprised with how Zac Efron matured as an actor. I'd say I'm very much impressed with his Charlie St.Cloud persona where you could easily feel his pain for losing his brother.

Charlie Tahan who played his kid brother Sam was very good as well. The over-all presentation of the film was good. Nice sceneries, very melancholic, great camera shots though, it's a bit predictable because I easily pointed out to my friend during the film that Tess (his love interest)

was probably dead or may be dead.Don't worry though, she didn't die. Charlie have this thing about seeing dead people like his friend Sullivan and kid brother Sam.There was also a foreshadowing of Tess being/maybe "dead" when Charlie found her in her father's graveyard with her head bleeding -- and her "come find me" note to Charlie.

I would give a good recommendation for the film not because it is that great but because it is a feel good film which will make you realize that "sometimes we have to let go of some things in order for us to move on" and how people are getting second chances for a reason.

I'll give it a 7.5/10 ratings.

-paddylast