Oscar Journal (Plus personal screening log)

[Prince Eric]

My favorite award of the year has to be the Best Animated Feature Film Oscar. I know I may be in the minority, but I whole-heartedly agree with the Academy's first three choices of winner. With that said, I think this year is definately going to be the most competitive year yet. I just thought I'd post my thoughts throughout the year of who will make the cut as each film opens. Feel free to share!

Teacher's Pet

Believe it or not, this TV adaptation got better reviews than Disney's last five films directly from their animation canon. It was decent, but it was a minor film, and it didn't bring in the box-office. Though this may be one of the better animated efforts this year, it won't get nominated.

Clifford's Really Big Movie

The Academy would have to be brain dead to nominate this one. If you're over the age of 8, I doubt you'd find this one interesting. Again, it's a TV adaptation and one of those has yet to be nominated.

Home on the Range

I can almost guarantee Disney is going to use the sympathy card during campaign time. I can see their posters now: "Honor Disney's last 2-D animated effort. The end of a legacy." If voters have one ounce of intelligence, they'll look at each other and say, "Who's fault is that?" What can I say? I wasn't a total flop, but it did do dissapointing business. If there's five nominees (which I really think there will be) this year, then it has a shot. However, it's going to have to fight against the critically acclaimed anime films and the upcoming TV adapted blockbusters to find its way into the top 5.

Shrek 2

Can anyone say "Our first lock of the year." It's a given, people. Even though I don't think the Academy would honor the same franchise twice, it's quite possible that they'll want to nominate it again. I take that back, if reviews our any indication, they definately will want to honor it again. Plus, it's one of only four films in the history of Cannes to compete for the Palm D'Or.

Current Predictions:

Howl's Moving Castle
The Incredibles
The Polar Express
A Shark's Tale
Shrek 2

[Prince Eric]

I thought I might use this for my annual Top 10 list. My list last year, published in my school newspaper, was reputable, but this year, I've been so out of the movie-going experience, I doubt I'll be able to do one this year. In fact, I've only seen 10 movies thus far! Oh, well, I'll catch up in the summer, the fall, or at the video store. Here's a rundown of the movies that I've seen and what I think.

Cinematic Excellence! (These have firm holds on the list.)

Osama
It's foreign films like these that make me feel that Hollywood is all about show and star power. This movie was touching and there were moments when I almost felt like freezing the moving and putting the captured shot in a frame. Of course, it had the requisite awesome cinematography that only foreign directors can achieve. This was the first post-Taliban era film released in Afghanistan. The foreign branch of the Academy was simply idiotic when they passed this up. They've done it too many times recently to worthy films in favor of their boring and tradition European "treasure." Last year it was City of God, the year before it was Atanjurat: The Fast Runner. Again, it only proves that this is the most irrelevant category. The simple idea of lumping all the world's films in one category with five slots is lunacy! On top of that, the best are often restricted from competitions by red tape and once that's over with, they don't even choose the best ones that are the final list. Whatever, we know who deserves props and who doesn't.

Shrek 2

Everyone would love this more if the whole satire against fairy tales hadn't already been established by its predecessor. Regardless of what people say, I think it tops the original and it's just so lively and fun! Kudos to the casting department for giving Puss in Boots a Spanish flavored twist through the talent of the Tony-nominated Antonio Banderas.

Really Good Movies I Would Recommend Anyday (These will most likely make the list if the rest of the year is weak.

Ella Enchanted

This was one of the few movies where critics were literally split down the middle. You either loved it or hated it. I loved it! I never would have thought a live-action version of Shrek was possible, but that's exactly what this is. It's a nice take on the Cinderella tale and with a show-stopping musical production for a finale, who wouldn't fall under the charms of these perfectly lovable characters.

13 Going On 30

I think I liked this because I felt like I had to like it, especially from the rants of the critics. I thoroughly enjoyed Jennifer Garner's innocent performance and the jokes and humor were subtle and set with nuance. I'll have to watch it on video (no, make that DVD, duh!) to come to a final conclusion.

Solid Films, But Easily Forgettable

50 First Dates
I hate Adam Sandler, but I love Drew Barrymore. The premise was sweet and I could have loved it, if it weren't for the gross out antics from the first half hour. In short, it was way too crude for my taste.

Win A Date With Tad Hamilton!

Again, another good premise, but this time it was spoiled by too much bubble gum-flavored angst. It has it's good moments, (the "smiles speaches" by both parties) but it proved way too syrupy in the end.

I Didn't Care for These...

Along Came Polly
Starsky & Hutch

I ask, why is Ben Stiller so highly overrated? Co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson shine through his tepid attempts at being the contemporary Adam Sandler. Again, why would anyone want to do that?

Jersey Girl

Snooze fest! Anyone who classifies this as a well-written indie is a private publicist for Bennifer! Don't listen to this, they're lying! A part from Liv Tyler's beautifully taboo adulterated performance, there's nothing here to see. The monologues are simply horrible.

Waste of Time and Money

The Alamo

Neither historically accurate or entertaining. Whatever.

Movies I missed or that I'll see on VIDEO/DVD

Bon Voyage
Connie and Carla
Home on the Range
Noi
Shaolin Soccer

Note: I need to get a car so I'll be able to catch the ones I want! Right now I'm relegated to the ones my whole family want to see. I know, I need to lay off the chick flicks, but what can I do?

[toonaspie]

Shrek 2 will be kicking every one else's asses, unless the academy forgets about the film by next February, which I doubt

[Jake Lipson]

Shrek 2 will be kicking every one else's asses, unless the academy forgets about the film by next February, which I doubt

Well, don't be so hasty to say that. It's a great movie, but both The Incredibles and The Polar Express seem to be prime competitors.

[Uncle Remus]

look the main competition thsi year in animated movies are Shrek 2 and the Incredibles. dont put any other animated movies in the competition since they all seem to look very bad.

[Prince Eric]

I'm regretful to say I've only seen three more 2004 films. Two were very good, one was not.

Cinematic Excellence

Mean Girls

I love the gals from SNL, especially Tina Fey! She's so witty in her writing and her brilliant adaptaion of Queen Bees is over-the-top fun. Plus, there's a few moral lessons, which never hurts, unless layed down too thick, which never happens here. LIndsey Lohan glows and redeems hereself from Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.

Spider Man 2

Wow! Beautifully scripted and shot. My only beef is that some of Spider-Man's abilities made him look like Superman. Holding a train headed for a free fall at 120 miles per hour? You have got to kidding me? Otherwise, very good.

I Didn't Care for These...

White Chicks

THere were parts that I thought were terribly funny. However, the only way a low comedy works is if you keep the laughs at a fast pace. A five minute farting symphony is simply not funny!

[Prince Eric]

I Didn't Care for These...

King Arthur

I've come to the conclusion that all period war epics are boring. First of all, they try way too hard to come off as a piece of art. Also, there's only so many ways you can shoot two armies killing each other and make it look at least half-way interesting. Kiera Knightley looked cool (not acted) and the ice battle was a really nice segment.

Yet another Oscar contender...

Kaena: The Prophecy

France is hoping that if it could nab an animation slot with the traditional form, it can do the same with CGI. Not likely considered it's gotten bad reviews and an out-of-this-world plot in the flat-out loopy sense of the phrase and nowhere near the intriguing kind. No hope at all...

Current Chart:

1.) Shrek 2
2.) Home on the Range
3.) A Teacher's Pet
4.) Kaena: The Prophecy
5.) Clifford Really Big Movie

[englishboy]

as for the initial post.


Shark's Tale is going to sink, IMO. It'll do so-so business. But the character design is basically ugly. Who approved that stuff? The animation I've seen seems to be very poor pixar rip offs (but then, so does Chicken Little). The story, bizare. Expect the same business as El Dorado.

[Uncle Remus]

hey i have noticed something about the Academy Awards lately. check this out:
2004:
Lord of the Rings – December 17, 2003
Lost in Translation – October 3, 2003
Master and Commander - November 14, 2003
Mystic River – October 15, 2003
Seabiscuit – July 25, 2003
2003:
Chicago – December 27, 2002
Gangs of New York – December 20, 2002
The Hours – December 27, 2002
Lord of the Rings – December 18, 2002
The Pianist - December 27, 2002
2002:
A Beautiful Mind – December 21, 2001
Gosford Park – December 26, 2001
In the Bedroom – December 25, 2001
Lord of the Rings – December 19, 2001
Moulin Rouge! – June 1, 2001
2001:
Gladiator – May 5, 2000
Chocolat – December 22, 2000
Erin Brockovich – March 17, 2000
Traffic – December 27, 2000
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – December 22, 2000
2000:
American Beauty – October 1, 1999
The Cider House Rules – December 17, 1999
The Green Mile – December 10, 1999
The Insider – November 5, 1999
The Sixth Sense - August 6, 1999
1999:
Shakespeare in Love – December 25, 1998
Elizabeth – November 6, 1998
Saving Private Ryan – July 24, 1998
The Thin Red Line – December 25, 1998
Life is Beautiful – October 23, 1998
1998:
Titanic – December 19, 1997
As Good As It Gets – December 25, 1997
The Full Monty – August 13, 1997
Good Will Hunting – December 5, 1997
L.A. Confidential - September 17, 1997

i noticed that most of the best movies that are nominated for an Oscar come out in the last months of the year. i have a good idea that one of the movies thats coming out this year that might be nominated is Finding Neverland starring Johnny Depp. Johhny Depp also might get nominated for Best Actor again and might win the Oscar this year. I have another feeling that Farenheit 9/11 might be nominated and win the Best Documentary Oscar. and for Best Animated Feature: well i come to believe that Shrek 2 may win because of its incredible records that it has made. but then again, my mind might change when i see the Incredibles.

[AwallaceUNC]

Well, Remus, hopefully that will follow through and give The Incredibles an edge. But then, there's A Shark's Tale and The Polar Express, so that might not do Disney much good.

Shrek 2, Incredibles, and Polar are almost guaranteed to garner a nom. The others (including Home on the Range) have a decent chance at getting nominated, but not of winning. I really hope Shrek 2 doesn't win- and I don't think it will. I don't know if they consider the animation itself when picking winners (the Academy's criteria remains a mystery to me), but if they do, then that should be a shot in the arm for Shrek. As for the other two, I'll have to wait and see them first, I suppose. I wish a Disney project (as in, without Pixar) would be able to win one of these.

-Aaron

[Uncle Remus]

well if there had been a Best Animated Feature catagory starting from 1990, then which movie would win in each year following that:

2000:
Dinosaur
The Emperor’s New Groove
Titan A.E.
The Road to El Dorado
Chicken Run
1999:
Tarzan
Fantasia 2000
Toy Story 2
The Iron Giant
South Park: Bigger Longer and Uncut
1998:
Antz
Mulan
A Bug’s Life
The Prince of Egypt
The Quest For Camelot
1997:
Hercules
Anastasia
Cats Don't Dance
1996:
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
All Dogs Go To Heaven
Space Jam
James and the Giant Peach
Beavis and Butthead Do America
1995:
Pocahontas
Toy Story
Balto
The Pebble and the Penguin
A Goofy Movie
1994:
The Lion King
A Troll in Central Park
Thumbelina
The Pagemaster
The Swan Princess
1993:
The Nightmare Before Christmas
We're Back A Dinosaur Story
Once Upon A Forrest
My Neighbor Totoro
1992:
Fern Gully The Last Rainforest
Aladdin
Rock-A-Doodle
1991:
Beauty and the Beast
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West
Rover Dangerfield
1990:
The Rescuers Down Under
Duck Tales the Movie
The Nutcracker Prince
1989:
The Little Mermaid
All Dogs Go To Heaven
1988:
Oliver and Company
The Land Before Time
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
1987:
The Brave Little Toaster
The Chipmunk Adventure
1986:
The Great Mouse Detective
An American Tail

some of these are a little hard to choose from dont you think?

[AwallaceUNC]

2000:
Probably not The Emperor's New Groove. Any of the others would have about an equal chance with the Academy.

1999:
I know Iron Giant, and maybe even Pokemon, has its fans here, but with serious competition like this, I don't think the Academy would've given them a nod. I also don't think Tarzan could win against Toy Story 2 or Fantasia 2000, but who knows.

1998:
Very tough year. We've got a fairly good Disney film, Pixar's weakest film, a beautiful but dry film (featuring Amy Grant with one of the two keynote songs), and a funny and popular but not overly impressive film featuring the voice of Whoopi Goldberg, my favorite actress. I am TORN. But looking through the academy's eyes, I think Rugrats would have no chance. I honestly don't know where they'd go with these after that. Prince of Egypt is the artsiest of these, so maybe that? Mulan has a message, too, though, and A Bug's Life was a fairly big deal at the time. Hmm. Thoughts, anyone?

1997:
I'm afraid it may have been Anastacia, though if it were up to me, it would easily be Hercules.

1996:
This is a tough one. I really like all of these, but I think Hunchback would probably edge out the others. Would Space Jam be eligible? It's not entirely animated, so I don't know. If it is, it would be a competitor. James & The Giant Peach is worthy of the award as well, but something tells me it wouldn't get it. All Dogs, while a good movie, doesn't quite stack up to the others, and I definitely don't see it winning.

1995:
Pocahontas may have given Toy Story a little competition, but I'm pretty sure TS would have won out. I would hope so, anyways. Man, if Pocahontas would've won an Oscar, the animation business could've been VERY different today.

1994:
The Lion King, hands down.

1993:
You didn't list any competition, so it looks like it's Nightmare Before Christmas by default (and deservingly so).

1992:
Aladdin, hands down.

1991:
Beauty and the Beast, hands down.

1990:
Rescuers DU would probably win, but I think Duck Tales would be equally deserving (admittedly, I haven't seen either in years).

-Aaron

[Prince Eric]

That was a really good idea Uncle Remus. Although, there would have been a lot more competition than the ones you named. You pretty much just thought of the main ones. If you look at www.cartoonresearch.com, you'll see the full list of entries for each year. The bottom lin is, If the animated Oscar had been created a decade earlier, we wouldn't be depressed now that Disney might not ever win for an in-house project. It would have already won five! However, I'm in a way glad that they no longer monopolize the market. I agree, awallacuence, Shrek 2 should not win, even if it is the best of the year. I mean, two Oscars in for years? Come on! That would lead people to believe that the Shrek franchise is the best the industry has to offer. In ters of voting, the don't go by animation per se. Which ever is the best movie wins. Which explains Spirited Away's underdog win. (I would say that it was truly the best animated, but that's just me.) I'm hoping Miyazaki gets thrown into the mix again this year, though.

My current "to-see" list:
De-Lovely
Catwoman
Flavors

[Prince Eric]

Solid Movies, But Easily Forgetable

Catwoman

OK, I like this movie a lot more than what I'm willing to admit. I guess I went in expecting the worst, and went out having a really good time. I don't know, I liked the backstory and the whole concept that there has been a history of Catwomen. I don't think the suit was the best idea, especially since it made the effects look fake. If she had been covered up, they could have gone for a Spider-Man-esque look. The script wasn't horribly at all, and the plot was cohesive and believable. However, it definately can't be called "art" like other comic book movies, such as Spider =-Man 2 and X2: X-Men United. The cinematography and direction was uninspired, but it was still a really good popcorn flick. I'll have to mull on this some more. If I bump it up, and try and squeeze it in my end of the year Top-10 list, my college newspaper might not publish it, because of credibility purposes. Especially if it sweeps the Razzies, the anti-Oscars.

CURRENT GRADING SCALE:

A
Osama
Shrek 2
Spider-Man 2

A-
Mean Girls

B+
Ella Enchanted
13 Going on 30

B
50 First Dates
Catwomen

B-
King Arthur

C+
Along Came Polly
Starsky & Hutch
Win a Date With Tad Hamilton!
White Chicks

D+
Jersey Girl

D
The Alamo

[Prince Eric]

Two more movies seen:

The Village

Good, but a huge dissapointment. I was on the edge of my seat three times, which is sad considering this was supposed to be a thriller. I went for horror, and instead, I got a pretty thick dose of philosophy. The score alone is what saved it, and why I gave it a generous "B." The overall premise was pretty neat, though the supposedly talented directed just didn't quite execute it properly. Grade: B

Maria Full of Grace

Simply the best movie of the year! Beautifully written and directed. For a foreign language/independent/art house flick, it was never boring and evenly paced. It was excruciatingly suspenseful and the topic was one of pathos, but the movie never sank to melodrama. It was superbly acted by the lead and some of the later supporing characters - in short, Oscar worthy. Grade: A

[Prince Eric]

If I had to give out an award to the best animated film of each year since 1989 (the beginning of the animation's golden age the mass market, multi-million dollar phenomonon), this is how the winner's would look like:

1989: The Little Mermaid

1990: The Castle of Cagliostro

1991: Beauty and the Beast

1992: Aladdin

1993: My Neighbor Totoro

1994: Grave of the Fireflies (This was only released at the Chicago
Children's Film Festival, so in the "real world," it might be deemed
ineligible, in which case, I'd choose The Lion King.)

1995: Pocahontas

1996: James and The Giant Peach (For all the purists who would argue
this films "live-action" segments, I'd settle for The Hunchback of
Notra Dame, probably my "real," "first" choice on further
speculation/consideration.)

1997: Hercules (If I'd seen it, probably Cats Don't Dance.)

1998: Mulan (Truly a great year for animation, especially since every
film in the genre is considered a "major" one. Runner-up: The
Prince of Egypt.)

1999: Toy Story 2

2000: Chicken Run

2001: Shrek (Say what you must, but Monster's Inc. was not the better
film.)

2002: Spirited Away (Much love to Lilo & Stitch, though. Good year.)

2003: Finding Nemo

I think the Academy would have gone a different route on several of my choices. In 1990, it might have gone to The Rescuers Down Under, but since it flopped that year, they might have picked their first anime winner - my choice. 1994 would most likely go to The Lion King. 1995 is tricky, since it's essentially the only year that the votes would be split down the middle. Considering the enormous success of Walt Disney Feature Animation at the time, I do believe Pocahontas would prevail over Toy Story, especially if the entire Academy voted. (They gave tropies to Pocahontas in both music catergories over Toy Story.) However, if rules are they way the are now, and only animation professionals vote on the animated category winner, then I can definately see Toy Story winning. 1996 would also most likely see The Hunchback of Notra Dame the winner. In the first year of the Annie Awards -1997 - they gave their "Best Picture" prize to both films I mentioned - it was presumably a tie. I think, considering the Disney backlash that was growing at the time, Cats Don't Dance would emerge the winner, dispite the box-office dissapointment and it's "flop" status. 1998 is a toss-up. It could go to Mulan (for box-officce success), The Prince of Egypt (for granduer), or A Bug's Life (for positive box-office and both audience and critical approval). Antz and The Rugrats First Movie would be vote syphoners. All aside, I have an inkling Mulan would win, and deservedly so.

Maybe this could be a project for the entire board, coming up with a consensus from all the members of who they think should win? Feedback anyone?

[AwallaceUNC]

2001: Shrek (Say what you must, but Monster's Inc. was not the better film.)

I could not whole-heartedly disagree more.

-Aaron

[Prince Eric]

One More to add to the screening log:

The Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement

It did what it was supposed to do: entertain. It dragged, though, A LOT. There were times, especially Princess Mia's wedding monologue, that I thought I was slipping into a diabetic coma. What ever happened to the wonderful actress I saw earlier this year in Ella Enchanted? Oh, well, at least I didn't pay for it.

P.S. Sorry, Luke, I don't think Raven made this a bad movie. She wasn't in it nearly long enough to be considered a supporting role, a high-profile cameo at best. The critics dislike it simply because it's a mediocre movie.

Grade: C+

One More to add to the Oscar Competition:

Yugi-Oh!: The Movie

OK, I'm absolutely blown away that the box-office for this movie is actually decent! It won't factor into the race, though. If they haven't honored Pokemon, they won't honor Yugi-Oh. However, I do think whoever distributes this should submit it for Oscar consideration, if only to reach the 15 title criteria required to activate the 5-nomination ballot.

[Uncle Remus]

earlier this week, i was looking at a website that was talking about their Oscar predictions and these were their predictions (the first one in each list they believev will win the Oscar)

Best Picture:
The Aviator
Alexander
J.M. Barrie's Neverland
Proof
The Terminal

Best Director:
Martin Scorsese (The Aviator)
Oliver Stone (Alexander)
Marc Forster (J.M. Barrie's Neverland)
Steven Spielberg (The Terminal)
Mike Nichols (Closer)

Best Actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio (The Aviator)
Johnny Depp (J. M. Barrie's Neverland)
Colin Farrell (Alexander)
Liam Neeson (Kinsey)
Tom Hanks (The Terminal)

Best Actress:
Gwyneth Paltrow (Proof)
Reese Witherspoon (Vanity Fair)
Nicole Kidman (Birth)
Jennifer Lopez (An Unfinished Life)
Kate Winslet (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)

Best Supporting Actor:
Peter O'Toole (Troy)
Anthony Hopkins (Alexander)
Morgan Freeman (An Unfinished Life)
Anthony Hopkins (Proof)
Stanley Tucci (The Terminal)

Best Supporting Actress:
Cate Blanchett (The Aviator)
Meryl Streep (The Manchurian Candidate)
Lauren Bacall (Birth)
Sissy Spacek (A Home at the End of the World)
Laura Linney (Kinsey)

Best Original Screenplay:
The Aviator
The Life Aquatic
Bad Education
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The Terminal

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Proof
J.M. Barrie's Neverland
Vanity Fair
A Home at the End of the World
Closer

Best Animated Feature:
The Incredibles
The Polar Express
Shark Tale
Shrek 2
Steamboy

Best Documentary:
Touching the Void
Aileen: The Life and Death of a Serial Killer
Riding Giants
Super-Size Me
Bukowski: Born Into This

Best Art Direction:
The Aviator
Alexander
J.M. Barrie's Neverland
Vanity Fair
The Passion of the Christ

Best Cinematography:
Alexander
The Aviator
The Phantom of the Opera
The Brothers Grimm
Vanity Fair

Best Film Editing:
The Aviator
Alexander
Troy
The Terminal
The Passion of the Christ

Best Original Score:
The Aviator
Alexander
The Terminal
Troy
A Series of Unfortunate Events

Best Sound Mixing:
Alexander
Troy
The Aviator
The Phantom of the Opera
King Arthur

Best Sound Editing:
Troy
Alexander
I, Robot
Day After Tomorrow
The Incredibles

Best Make Up:
The Aviator
The Phantom of the Opera
The Brothers Grimm
Alexander
Troy

Best Costume Design:
The Aviator
The Phantom of the Opera
Vanity Fair
The Brothers Grimm
Alexander

Best Visual Effects:
I, Robot
Spider Man 2
Troy
Day After Tomorrow
The Brothers Grimm

Source:
http://www.oscarcentral.com/

[Prince Eric]

Two more screenings:

Barbershop 2: Back in Business

The best this year has had to offer in terms of low comedy and popcorn laughs. Queen Latifah delights as usual, and Cedric the Entertainer is hilarious when you can understand his speech, which almost marres the whole movie considering he plays a huge part in it. Recommended.

Grade: B

Hero

Visually stunning! I almost fainted from happiness at the sight of the beautiful photography, the gorgeous costumers, and the breathtaking landscapes. Gotta' love the five-color scheme idea. The people behind this are brilliant, and it's unfortunate that it is not eligible for Academy Awards this year. (It was nominated two years ago for Best Foreign Language Film, which prevents it from being honored in the technical categories this year.) I'll have to decide between Hero or Maria Full of Grace as my favorite film of the year, although the latter engrossed me for a longer period of time. Hero really began to falter towards the last 30 minutes, it could have been shorter and still be equally captivating. Also, Jet Li isn't as iconic as he has been in the past. In fact, it's Maggie Chueng and Tong Leung Chiu-Wai stoled the show. Even Zhang Ziyi and Donnie Yen had the moments. It was still an impeccable show and anyone who watches it shows true cinematic taste and culture.

Grade: A