<<Best Picture:
The Aviator
Alexander
J.M. Barrie's Neverland
Proof
The Terminal>>
Of those five I was surprised to see The Terminal up there. It was a good film(of course it's the only one released so far) but I'd rather see Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind up there.
The Aviator looks pretty good, I also think it maybe Scorese's biggest hit.
Neverland has me interested because of Johnny Depp alone.
Alexander is going to be a tough one. Troy and King Arthur have proved that audiences might "historically epiced out"
Proof, I have no idea about this movie.
Oscar Journal (Plus personal screening log)
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Prince Eric
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One More To Add to the Screening Log:
Vanity Fair
September 12, 2004 - If you like period pieces, you'll love this one. Reese Witherspoon shines and it's refreshing to finally see her use her full thespian range. However, this movie wasn't as pleasing as her comedies. It was, well... rather unremarkable. It was good, but dissapointing. Mira Nair, who is such a great director with large cast ensemble pieces like Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay!, loses track of her narrative. Not to mention that her version of Becky Sharpe is simply watered down and all her sass is diluted into the ever ubiquitous pool of likeableness. On the otherhand, great choice of costumes!
The Indian inspired moments are really the best, but unfortunately, this is an innately English story, and with that comes a weighty viewing.
Grade: B
One More Oscar Competitior:
Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence
Rave reviews and nothing but. As one of only six animated films to ever competed for the Palm D' Or at Cannes, many in the industry are aware of it. In will get a Best Picture nod at the ANnies, that's for sure (they nominate five films), but it will need a couple of critics awards to make the Oscar ballot. The Distributer, Dreamwork's Go Fish, will need to hope for a full five-slot ballot, and hope that the Academy won't go Disney sentimental for Home on the Range.
Vanity Fair
September 12, 2004 - If you like period pieces, you'll love this one. Reese Witherspoon shines and it's refreshing to finally see her use her full thespian range. However, this movie wasn't as pleasing as her comedies. It was, well... rather unremarkable. It was good, but dissapointing. Mira Nair, who is such a great director with large cast ensemble pieces like Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay!, loses track of her narrative. Not to mention that her version of Becky Sharpe is simply watered down and all her sass is diluted into the ever ubiquitous pool of likeableness. On the otherhand, great choice of costumes!
The Indian inspired moments are really the best, but unfortunately, this is an innately English story, and with that comes a weighty viewing.Grade: B
One More Oscar Competitior:
Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence
Rave reviews and nothing but. As one of only six animated films to ever competed for the Palm D' Or at Cannes, many in the industry are aware of it. In will get a Best Picture nod at the ANnies, that's for sure (they nominate five films), but it will need a couple of critics awards to make the Oscar ballot. The Distributer, Dreamwork's Go Fish, will need to hope for a full five-slot ballot, and hope that the Academy won't go Disney sentimental for Home on the Range.
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Prince Eric
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Screening Log Continues...
September 24, 2004 - Mean Girls - Still love it... (DVD)
September 26, 2004
Sky Captain and the World of Tommorow
All I can say is...wow! There's really nothing that I can say that will do it justice. I loved the retro technicolor cinematography and the costumes were a sight to see as well, even if their vibrance was muted by their lens' choice. The whole movie is pretty unbelievable, but that's thing about sci-fi films that directors don't seem to get these days; sci-fi means unbelievable, so why not go all out? This is highly recommended.
You'll either love it, or hate it, but that's a matter of how many brain cell you have! 
Grade: A
September 24, 2004 - Mean Girls - Still love it... (DVD)
September 26, 2004
Sky Captain and the World of Tommorow
All I can say is...wow! There's really nothing that I can say that will do it justice. I loved the retro technicolor cinematography and the costumes were a sight to see as well, even if their vibrance was muted by their lens' choice. The whole movie is pretty unbelievable, but that's thing about sci-fi films that directors don't seem to get these days; sci-fi means unbelievable, so why not go all out? This is highly recommended.
You'll either love it, or hate it, but that's a matter of how many brain cell you have! Grade: A
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Prince Eric
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One more for the screening log and Oscar competition...
October 2, 2004
Shark Tale
Wow...this was a pretty big dissapointment. I went into this with an open mind, I really did. I tried not to make comparisons with that other fish movie (which is cinema at its greatest I might add), but in the end, I felt that Dreamworks had betrayed my goodwill devolped from Shrek 2. The characters fell flat, and much of the dialogue was unintelligible. I really couldn't understand some parts, which is because of the inferior sound design. The score was really forgetable and the animation just looked sloppy. They couldn't get their underwater "realness" right. The best part of the whole affair is Christina Aguilera's and Missy Elliot's remake of "The Car Wash," which admittedly, was the deciding factor of whether or not I'd see this thing in theaters. Some would call this a disaster, but I have a bias towards all animated features, so I'm going to lenient in my grading of them. All this proves is that Dreamworks really only has one trick up its sleeve, and that's the Shrek franchise.
Grade: B-
On an Oscar note...
What's really scary is that this thing has a shot at a nomination. It's a high profile release and there's just no important indy/foreign animation that's slated for competition this year. If it's three nominations, Shark Tale willl have to battle it out with the polar express for the third slot. If there's five, it's in. Done deal.
October 2, 2004
Shark Tale
Wow...this was a pretty big dissapointment. I went into this with an open mind, I really did. I tried not to make comparisons with that other fish movie (which is cinema at its greatest I might add), but in the end, I felt that Dreamworks had betrayed my goodwill devolped from Shrek 2. The characters fell flat, and much of the dialogue was unintelligible. I really couldn't understand some parts, which is because of the inferior sound design. The score was really forgetable and the animation just looked sloppy. They couldn't get their underwater "realness" right. The best part of the whole affair is Christina Aguilera's and Missy Elliot's remake of "The Car Wash," which admittedly, was the deciding factor of whether or not I'd see this thing in theaters. Some would call this a disaster, but I have a bias towards all animated features, so I'm going to lenient in my grading of them. All this proves is that Dreamworks really only has one trick up its sleeve, and that's the Shrek franchise.
Grade: B-
On an Oscar note...
What's really scary is that this thing has a shot at a nomination. It's a high profile release and there's just no important indy/foreign animation that's slated for competition this year. If it's three nominations, Shark Tale willl have to battle it out with the polar express for the third slot. If there's five, it's in. Done deal.
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Prince Eric
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Two more screenings and another Oscar competitor:
October 8. 2004 - Picture Bride (1995)
Really Beatiful Cannes selection. Grade: A-
October 9, 2004 - Farenheit 9/11
This is a really good documentary and it's extremely informative. Still, you have to wonder how much is true, although from my view, I'd say 100%. Grade: A-
Team America: World Police
The reviews are solid, but the box-office is not. I think the Academy would be ready to honor the first marionette film, but there's one thing blocking its chances - the R rating. Shark Tale has the monster box-office, so if there's only three nominees, it's out. With five, there's a possibility.
Current Standings:
1.) Shrek 2
2.) The Incredibles
3.) The Polar Express
4.) Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
5.) Shark Tale
6.) Team America: World Police
7.) Home on the Range
8.) Teacher's Pet
9.)Kaena: The Prophecy
10.) Clifford's Big Movie
11.) Yugi-Oh The Movie
October 8. 2004 - Picture Bride (1995)
Really Beatiful Cannes selection. Grade: A-
October 9, 2004 - Farenheit 9/11
This is a really good documentary and it's extremely informative. Still, you have to wonder how much is true, although from my view, I'd say 100%. Grade: A-
Team America: World Police
The reviews are solid, but the box-office is not. I think the Academy would be ready to honor the first marionette film, but there's one thing blocking its chances - the R rating. Shark Tale has the monster box-office, so if there's only three nominees, it's out. With five, there's a possibility.
Current Standings:
1.) Shrek 2
2.) The Incredibles
3.) The Polar Express
4.) Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
5.) Shark Tale
6.) Team America: World Police
7.) Home on the Range
8.) Teacher's Pet
9.)Kaena: The Prophecy
10.) Clifford's Big Movie
11.) Yugi-Oh The Movie
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Uncle Remus
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Well You have to think to yourselves about if Team America might get the nomination for Best Animated Feature. For 1999, do you think (if the Academy Awards had the BAF award in 1999)that the South Park movie should have got a Best Animated Feature nomination along with the nomination for Best Song (Blame Canada). For that year, I would think the nominations would have been:Prince Eric wrote:
Team America: World Police
The reviews are solid, but the box-office is not. I think the Academy would be ready to honor the first marionette film, but there's one thing blocking its chances - the R rating. Shark Tale has the monster box-office, so if there's only three nominees, it's out. With five, there's a possibility.
Current Standings:
1.) Shrek 2
2.) The Incredibles
3.) The Polar Express
4.) Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
5.) Shark Tale
6.) Team America: World Police
7.) Home on the Range
8.) Teacher's Pet
9.)Kaena: The Prophecy
10.) Clifford's Big Movie
11.) Yugi-Oh The Movie
Fantasia 2000
The Iron Giant
South Park: Bigger Longer and Uncut
Tarzan
Toy Story 2
Team America might get a nomination but I am hoping that the nominations will be:
Home on the Range
The Incredibles
The Polar Express
Team America
Shrek 2
(Shark's Tale was a lousy excuse. Whenever an animation studio releases two animated movies in a year, one will be successful and the other will not be successful.)
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Prince Eric
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Shark's Tale may not have been a very good movie, but at a current $120 million dollar box-office, it's been pretty successful.Uncle Remus wrote:(Shark's Tale was a lousy excuse. Whenever an animation studio releases two animated movies in a year, one will be successful and the other will not be successful.)
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Prince Eric
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2 More 2004 Screenings:
Shaolin Soccer
Ridiculously hilarious! It's a fun movie, and it's a zany fusion of every genre imaginable. My only quibble is that it is a little too outrageous.
Grade: B
Super Size Me!
Really funny and original. Good information, but it's not like we already didn't know this stuff.
Grade: B
Shaolin Soccer
Ridiculously hilarious! It's a fun movie, and it's a zany fusion of every genre imaginable. My only quibble is that it is a little too outrageous.
Grade: B
Super Size Me!
Really funny and original. Good information, but it's not like we already didn't know this stuff.
Grade: B
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Prince Eric
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October 29, 2004
A Chorus Line - 1985
What a rip! This is sacrilidge compared to the state version. How could they mutilate that beautiful score and wonderful songs!
October 30, 2004
Ray
This is about as good as biopics get, and the music was terrific! Great soundtrack too. Jamie Foxx may not win the Oscar, but he'll surely get nominated. Grade: A-
A Chorus Line - 1985
What a rip! This is sacrilidge compared to the state version. How could they mutilate that beautiful score and wonderful songs!
October 30, 2004
Ray
This is about as good as biopics get, and the music was terrific! Great soundtrack too. Jamie Foxx may not win the Oscar, but he'll surely get nominated. Grade: A-
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Prince Eric
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November 5, 2004
Distant
Foreign film from Turkey. It's amazing what can be done with silence, if controlled by a true auteur and not a director. Where there is dialogue, it's unbelievable poetic and meaningful, and not a single strand of superfluous speaking is evident. Funny, wry humor arise from the life blunders of the two male cousins distant from everything the know and want. Highly symbolic and georgeously photographed. However, as an American, these all-too quite films can make a viewing tedious. It's good, but I won't be seeing it again.
Grade: B+
Distant
Foreign film from Turkey. It's amazing what can be done with silence, if controlled by a true auteur and not a director. Where there is dialogue, it's unbelievable poetic and meaningful, and not a single strand of superfluous speaking is evident. Funny, wry humor arise from the life blunders of the two male cousins distant from everything the know and want. Highly symbolic and georgeously photographed. However, as an American, these all-too quite films can make a viewing tedious. It's good, but I won't be seeing it again.
Grade: B+
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Prince Eric
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November 6, 2004
The Incredibles
Someone, please give Pixar a Best Picture Oscar already! Absolutely fabulous animation and nuanced characters. Beautiful, compelling storyline and gorgeous colors permeate this film for the perfect cinematic outing! I love it!
Grade: A
November 13, 2004
Shrek 2
Equally funny the same time around, but as a picture, I'm not really impressed with it. I still maintain that the detractors of this franchise are just jealous of the Monster's Inc. Oscar lose three years ago. Come on people, that picture was highly overrated. Even Pixar said in an interview they were ashamed of the movie, that it was way too formulaic for their tastes. They even rooted for Shrek as the winner! Of course, I'm in love with the film above, so I hope Shrek 2 crashes and burns at this year's awards ceremony.
White Chicks
Second-time around...Uh, No.
The Incredibles
Someone, please give Pixar a Best Picture Oscar already! Absolutely fabulous animation and nuanced characters. Beautiful, compelling storyline and gorgeous colors permeate this film for the perfect cinematic outing! I love it!
Grade: A
November 13, 2004
Shrek 2
Equally funny the same time around, but as a picture, I'm not really impressed with it. I still maintain that the detractors of this franchise are just jealous of the Monster's Inc. Oscar lose three years ago. Come on people, that picture was highly overrated. Even Pixar said in an interview they were ashamed of the movie, that it was way too formulaic for their tastes. They even rooted for Shrek as the winner! Of course, I'm in love with the film above, so I hope Shrek 2 crashes and burns at this year's awards ceremony.
White Chicks
Second-time around...Uh, No.
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Just Myself
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Prince Eric
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November 19, 2004
House of Sand and Fog
Ben Kingsly and Jennifer give knock-out performances. (How is it that Jen didn't get an Oscar nod for this awesome bravado when she actually won for her subpar A Beautiful Mind turn?) Let's get one thing clear: Shoreh Agdashloo was the supporting actress of last year. She handled her role with a thespian-esque, theatrical air that was simply unnerving. As much as I love Renee, it was a sin to give her Cold Mountain props in 2003. This movie was melodrama done right; it was suspensefully directed and the ending was a mind-boggler. Slightly disturbing.
Grade: B+
Finding Neverland
I'm pretty sure this is going to be my guilty pleasure Top 10 entry of the year. It wasn't an amazing film, but it was tastefully traditional. Hey, I just love Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Put them together and add a pinch of classic children's lit and you got a recipe for a fantastic fall movie. Nice art direction.
Grade: A-
House of Sand and Fog
Ben Kingsly and Jennifer give knock-out performances. (How is it that Jen didn't get an Oscar nod for this awesome bravado when she actually won for her subpar A Beautiful Mind turn?) Let's get one thing clear: Shoreh Agdashloo was the supporting actress of last year. She handled her role with a thespian-esque, theatrical air that was simply unnerving. As much as I love Renee, it was a sin to give her Cold Mountain props in 2003. This movie was melodrama done right; it was suspensefully directed and the ending was a mind-boggler. Slightly disturbing.
Grade: B+
Finding Neverland
I'm pretty sure this is going to be my guilty pleasure Top 10 entry of the year. It wasn't an amazing film, but it was tastefully traditional. Hey, I just love Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Put them together and add a pinch of classic children's lit and you got a recipe for a fantastic fall movie. Nice art direction.
Grade: A-
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Prince Eric
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November 26, 2004
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde
Reese really needs to stick with these kinds o f movies. She shines in contemporary pieces, but just seems out-of-place in period sets. B+
November 25, 2004
National Treasure
I'm sorry, but I just haven't warmed to Jerry Bruckheimer productions. This was much better than his past films, but why does his action movies have to be so generic? Not to mention Nicholas Cage played this exact character in Gone In 60 Seconds. B-
November 24, 2004
Two Weeks Notice
I think both Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant are the most underrated actors of our time. I'm glad I finally got to see this romantic outing. They are both at their best and the movie is actually good, unlike that other romantic comedy of the same time, Maid In Manhatten. (What a kitchfest!) They'll probably never get Oscars, but I'm glad they have Golden Globe comedy nominations under their belts. B+
November 23, 2004
Nicholas Nickleby
It's hard to tastefully render a Dickens tale, but these guys were right on the mark. It made me want to actually read the whole story from front to finish. I'm glad they used comedy instead of melodrama. B+
The Last Competitor:
The Spongebob Squarepants Movie
You can laugh if you want, but it's a contender. Spongebob will have to duke it out with Tom Hanks and gigolo robots for the third slot. I'm rooting for Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence. We need another anime nominated. I think it's unfair that they are seriously considering The Polar Express, when they snubbed Waking Life for the exact same reason - stop-motion animation.
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde
Reese really needs to stick with these kinds o f movies. She shines in contemporary pieces, but just seems out-of-place in period sets. B+
November 25, 2004
National Treasure
I'm sorry, but I just haven't warmed to Jerry Bruckheimer productions. This was much better than his past films, but why does his action movies have to be so generic? Not to mention Nicholas Cage played this exact character in Gone In 60 Seconds. B-
November 24, 2004
Two Weeks Notice
I think both Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant are the most underrated actors of our time. I'm glad I finally got to see this romantic outing. They are both at their best and the movie is actually good, unlike that other romantic comedy of the same time, Maid In Manhatten. (What a kitchfest!) They'll probably never get Oscars, but I'm glad they have Golden Globe comedy nominations under their belts. B+
November 23, 2004
Nicholas Nickleby
It's hard to tastefully render a Dickens tale, but these guys were right on the mark. It made me want to actually read the whole story from front to finish. I'm glad they used comedy instead of melodrama. B+
The Last Competitor:
The Spongebob Squarepants Movie
You can laugh if you want, but it's a contender. Spongebob will have to duke it out with Tom Hanks and gigolo robots for the third slot. I'm rooting for Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence. We need another anime nominated. I think it's unfair that they are seriously considering The Polar Express, when they snubbed Waking Life for the exact same reason - stop-motion animation.
I´d really like The Passion of the Christ to be nominated, if not for best picture, Mel gibson deserves a nomination for best director and Jim Caviezel for best actor, even Mya Morguensen performance was wonderful, and the score is beautiful
I'ts enough for this restless warrior just to be with you...
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Prince Eric
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December 18, 2004
Maria Full of Grace
Once again, Joshua Marston and Catalina Sandino Moreno deserve some type of recognition for their beautiful duet. It sucks that the Academy has barred it from the Foriegn Language Film category because the director is American.
December 15, 2004
Before Sunrise
Who thought you could make an entire movie out of a single conversation. Great, witty dialouge throughout and it never gets boring. This is more than a novelty flick for the art house crowd - it's American cinema at it's finest.
Grade: A
December 12, 2004
Ocean's 12
Ladies and gentleman! I present to you the worst picture of the year! No, this is not an extreme exaggeration. This truly is the most horrible movie of the year...and last year, and the year before that! The cast is no longer an ensemble performance, but a string of cameos linked together with no relevant connection other than the stars are under signed contract to show their pretty faces. Catherine Zeta-Jones is once again proving that her star turn in Chicago was a one-time only thing. Wrong role? Bad casting? Bad manager? Someone give this gifted actress a musical script so she can show her true chops!
Grade: F
December 4, 2004
The Clay Bird
I'm almost speechless! In a perfect world, this would be Best Picture material. A beautiful, touching, and heartfelt look at the political struggles of 1960's Bangladesh, the film chronicles the lives a young boy and his divisive family. A disturbing look at how Islam, Christianity, and religion in general affects worshipers and the people around them. A subtle jab at Western culture/society is also noticeable here.
Grade: A
December 3, 2004
Hero
Even more resonant the second time around. Subtle political undertones enhance the romance to full-throttle. I am dying to see House of Flying Daggers!
Maria Full of Grace
Once again, Joshua Marston and Catalina Sandino Moreno deserve some type of recognition for their beautiful duet. It sucks that the Academy has barred it from the Foriegn Language Film category because the director is American.
December 15, 2004
Before Sunrise
Who thought you could make an entire movie out of a single conversation. Great, witty dialouge throughout and it never gets boring. This is more than a novelty flick for the art house crowd - it's American cinema at it's finest.
Grade: A
December 12, 2004
Ocean's 12
Ladies and gentleman! I present to you the worst picture of the year! No, this is not an extreme exaggeration. This truly is the most horrible movie of the year...and last year, and the year before that! The cast is no longer an ensemble performance, but a string of cameos linked together with no relevant connection other than the stars are under signed contract to show their pretty faces. Catherine Zeta-Jones is once again proving that her star turn in Chicago was a one-time only thing. Wrong role? Bad casting? Bad manager? Someone give this gifted actress a musical script so she can show her true chops!
Grade: F
December 4, 2004
The Clay Bird
I'm almost speechless! In a perfect world, this would be Best Picture material. A beautiful, touching, and heartfelt look at the political struggles of 1960's Bangladesh, the film chronicles the lives a young boy and his divisive family. A disturbing look at how Islam, Christianity, and religion in general affects worshipers and the people around them. A subtle jab at Western culture/society is also noticeable here.
Grade: A
December 3, 2004
Hero
Even more resonant the second time around. Subtle political undertones enhance the romance to full-throttle. I am dying to see House of Flying Daggers!
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Prince Eric
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