Tag: up

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Academy Award 2010 picks

So this'll be a first for Movieville.org, seeing as we started up before the Oscars season last year, we missed the chance to mention this. Well, we have the chance now. I'm going to pick the ones which I have a connection with, with the exception of 5 Nomination categories(Documentary- Feature and Short Subject, Short Film- Animated and Live Action, Costume Design). Let's get this started. I'll justify the ones I feel need justifying, otherwise it'll just be the nomination. Best Picture: Avatar The first time watching Avatar in 3D, I said it was the best film I had ever seen. In many ways, it was, but there were minor flaws brining this film down. But based solely on the recognition this film has been getting since it's release, it seems to be a clear pick for best picture. Actor in a Leading Role: George Clooney (Up in the Air) After watching Up in the Air, it hadn't occurred to me that Clooney would be in the running for an Oscar. Watching it a second time, it's quite clear as to why he was considered to be in the running for an Academy Award. Clooney in Up in the Air was as refreshing as the film itself. Definitely not his best, but definitely Oscar-worthy. Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds) His sinister presence was noticed in every scene he was present in, and his performance as an antagonist in Inglorious was as noteworthy as the rest of the cast, if not better. Having already received a number of awards for his supporting role, this one should be in the bag. Actress in a Leading Role: Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) I couldn't see another actress on the list who deserved it more than Sidibe did. Actress in a Supporting Role: Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air) Anna Kendrick in Up in the Air was such an excellent addition, after her minor role in the 'Twilight' films, it was definitely a step up seeing her in a more 'involved' role. Animated Feature Film: Up Every time Disney/Pixar release a film, they never cease to impress. Up most definitely wasn't an exception. Each film is a step up from the last, and Up exhibits this perfectly. Definitely the best animated feature of the year. Art Direction: Avatar Nuff' said. Cinematography: Avatar There were too many shots in Avatar to count. But each shot was as beautiful as the last. The shot from the top of Hometree, from the Hallelujah Mountains, the trademark shot of Sully's feet 'tasting' the fresh soil for the first time- All shots which will forever remind me of Avatar. Directing: Up in the Air Film Editing: Inglorious Basterds Foreign Language film: Un Prophète (A Prophet) Makeup: Star Trek Music (Original Score): Avatar I've never listen to a movie score more than I've listened to Avatar's. I said this when I reviewed it, how each track equally matches it's visual counterpart, in both intensity and emotion. Whether Avatar gets the award for this nomination or not, it'll still be one of the best movie scores I've heard. Music (Original Song): Down in New Orleans Sound Editing: Up Sound Mixing: Star Trek Visual Effects: Avatar Again, nuff' said. Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Up in the Air Having already won an award for the same nomination at the BAFTA's, it won't surprise me if Up in the Air grabs an Oscar. Writing (Original Screenplay): Up There we have it, my picks. Kazed. FYI, The reason for me not doing the BAFTA's was it was too close to the time.

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Up in the Air review

Synopsis: The opening scene is pure hilarity, something I definitely enjoyed, and were people who have actually been fired recently in real life. The scene was organic, a word I use quite a lot, but this scene was just that- real, with real people. At any point during that establishing scene did it seem scripted to me, it was obvious they were being directed, but not so obvious that it was harmful to the overall polished-ness of the film. George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a man who travels from state to state firing people from their jobs because their bosses are too afraid to do so. So up until a little while into the film, he's leading a sheltered life of solitude and emptiness, but he doesn't realise this until he meets someone who complements him perfectly. What I found to be brilliantly astute was the way the air miles were portrayed within this film, as some sort of status symbol. Another thing I admired was how Clooney's character had a goal that he wanted to reach, it was as if he lived his life simply to achieve this. The way he spent every aspect of his life so sparingly was admirable, how he was organised, almost as if his life was choreographed. Brilliance, would be the best word to use here, how each scene was crafted with such precision. What do I mean? I'm referring mainly to the scenes where Ryan and Natalie(Anna Kendrick) are together, especially the scene where they both set out for the first time, the flow of that particular scene was clean, it was brilliantly edited, and was when I began to get a good insight into Clooney's character. Kendrick was great in this, her character was sheer brilliance, definitely her best role I've seen her in. Her cockiness-turned-understanding attitude was a good change of pace, I think she was portrayed as a cocky graduate quite well, and when she found out how damaging life can be, it was heartwarming, when she understood what she was doing was a little unethical and belittling. Theres not much else I can say without ruining the story, but it was such a good watch, another great from Jason Reitman, the ending was a bittersweet moment for both the audience and Clooney's character I think, but it was a stirring moment when he had returned to assist with the problems. Good film, good plot, good acting, witty, quirky dialogue, great cast, great film. 9/10

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Dan's Top 10 of 2009

It has been an interesting year for films, the rise of 3D has come around, some interesting leaps in technology have been made and the films themselves have been rather good.  Anyway, on with the Top 10! Here are my 10 best for 2009. Now, I'm not normally into these sorts of films but I really liked this. It had an indie edge to it and although this sounds really simple and blunt, probably the best way to describe it is 'nice'. It will make you laugh, and it will pull on your heart strings and with the unconventional ending it made for a really good watch. I recommend the soundtrack too, full of indie goodness if that's what you're into. I liked this film because I knew, and the film knew exactly what sort of film it was supposed to be. It is no Oscar winner, the acting is piss poor at times and it is way, way over the top. But that was exactly what I wanted from the film and it was 2 hours of glorious Cgeye candy (see what I did there), cheap thrills and it delivered. My only problem was John Cusack....I hate John Cusack. Kazed's review HERE Lots of funniez! I seen this film with a girl and she loved it as much as I did. It is one of those films which has an all round appeal and some genuine LOL moments. Its good to see Jason Segel have a main role in a film because he has played all of his roles very well and his comic timing is brilliant. Paul Rudd plays the same sort of character you have seen him in most of his other films, but in a starring role he is allowed to shine. Slappa' dee bass will stick with you forever once you have watched this film, to me it is an unconventional chick flick that everyone will love. It wouldn't be right to have a top 10 of the year without a Pixar film in it. Pixar have literally never failed me with their films, some I have liked more than others but I haven't been disappointed yet. With the last two films they have brought out (Wall-e and UP) they have had these underlying tones about loss, growing up, loneliness that make it grown up in a way, the first 20 minutes or so of UP are actually quite moving, depressing and slightly dark. But it's good to see that the storytelling has grown up and now offer more to the adult audience but that isn't to say the film is without its funny and slapstick humour, because it really is. The fact that Pixar has combined these adult subjects into a children's film is actually quite genius. My only problem with it really was that the characters aren't as memorable as the Woody's or Wall-e's we have seen in the past but it is a very minor gripe. Kazed's review HERE I had mixed emotions about Terminator Salvation. I will tell you now that if you haven't seen it then it definitely isn't a Terminator movie you will know and love from the James Cameron era but definitely a return to form none the less, especially after the slightly iffy third effort. It was the first time I had seen Sam Worthington in a major role and he played it well, although I think he will be confined to this sort of role in his future films. A good cast, good story, good action sequences, good film! For me, it was without a doubt the funniest film of the year and one of the funniest films I have seen in a long, long time. It is definitely the Superbad of 2009 and this is the first film since then to fill its boots, others have tried and just haven't quite been on par but im willing to be brave enough to say that The Hangover is as good as, if not better than one of the top comedy films of the decade. It offers the début of Ed Helms in a starring role and Zach Galifianakis who is seriously funny. I look forward to seeing more from these two, they have a lot to live up to now. My surprise package of the year. District 9 is refreshing and something that offers a fresh take on the sci-fi genre. Neill Blomkamps first effort into the mainstream industry is a promising and exciting product. It is shot in a documentary style which offers that sense of realism to a film which plot might sound slightly ridiculous to someone who only sees the black and white of it. The film itself offers so much more than that, rather than being your conventional Hollywood blockbuster, the film-makers have done brilliantly with what was a relatively small budget and chosen to develop the story and the characters rather than just adding lots of pretty explosions and CGI, although it has those too. It all makes for a compelling watch, a definite must see! Kazed's review HERE Brilliant film from J.J Abrams. In the first 5 minutes it manages to reduce a whole audience to tears in the midst of a battle scene with characters you are not engaged in or attached to emotionally which is an big feat and a quality piece of film making. The best part about it? It only gets better from there. This film is a fresh and exciting take on the sci-fi genre and the Star Trek franchise. The fact that this film was done so successfully with a relatively unknown cast is a testament to Abram's undoubted quality as a film maker. Kazed's review HERE I will just refer you to my review for this one. A seriously good effort from Tarantino that bravely re-writes the history books and fills it will lots of gory and trademark dialogue filled goodness. My favourite character of the year goes to Christopher Waltz who plays the jew hunter in the film, and his scary, demeaning charm makes the film in my opinion.  My review HERE It had to be. And as much as I hate to say it, I agree with Kazed with pretty much everything he says about the film. It is probably the first film since Lord of the Rings to blow me away with special effects. The technology is ground breaking and the effects are astonishing, especially in 3D which is a must. What I liked about the 3D side of things was that it wasn't a gimmick in any way, with other 3D films I have seen this year, it has been 'wow, look at me I pop out of the screen'. Avatar does it brilliantly because it is subtle and used to good effect to create a good all round visual orgasm. The plot is good, and compelling throughout but I do think without the effects and the technology the film wouldn't be anything special, still good, but nothing special. The film will be one of those films that will be remembered for a while and I'm glad that a blockbuster has lived up to the hype and in many ways exceeded it. Well done James Cameron. Kazed's review HERE I would just like to repeat Kazed's sentiments about the supports for Movieville over the past few months. Kazed deserves more of the praise for the work done on the site, my work has been pretty rare around here so kudos to Kazed. I decided to make my top 10 a bit more in depth than Kazed's offering but that's just to try and make up for the reviews that I haven't done. Dan

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Kazed Blogs #4 - Why Disney/Pixar movies are so damn badass

So check it, last week I reviewed 'Up', and talked about Pixar's spawn who have evolved into these huge financial and critical successes, and it'd hard to understand why. Well, it isn't. It isn't hard to understand. Each of these films follow a formula; There's the protagonist, who has some sort of 'ultimate goal', if you will, get's into some sort of trouble, usually involves a side plot, which is usually resolved before the ultimate ending. Give or take a few things, but thats usually the general gist of a Pixar film. Now, granted, this formula is pretty straightforward, sort of, but it works. They have this unique ability to enthrall an audience of all ages, and make them all smile and laugh with joy. It's truly a magnificent sight, to watch a Disney Pixar film, it just amazes me to how many movies they can fork out of their chest of wonders, and still not manage to bomb any. Maybe after writing this they'll manage to make a substandard film, but, somehow, I highly doubt it. Let's look at some of the films - Wall-E: A great film, amazing though, considering it barely contains any lines in the entire movie, it still managed to communicate stunning emotion through just visuals, and the 2 words: "Waaaaaaaall-Eeeeeeeeee" and "Eeeeevvvvvvvvaaaaaaaa". Only negative I'll give this, is the cliché message about looking after the earth it uncovered at the end. Just..ugh. It was nice seeing the ending the way it ended, but it just seemed really cheap, imo. Up: I covered this with the review I did last week, just such a great piece of work, brilliant story, lovely characters, beautiful backstory, check out my review. Cars: No way as near as good as the other Pixar selection, but it was still enjoyable film nonetheless. Followed the formula, inspired concept, great idea with world of cars, just had a certain something lacking that the others so greatly embodied. Nice to have Owen Wilson in the mix though, made the film. The Incredibles: I remember watching this when it first came out, and I just thought it was a colossal achievement of immense proportions. Ok, so maybe it wasn't THAT good, but still worthy of being named as one of the better Pixar films. This film was quite possibly on the same level as Cars, maybe better, but they lacked the emotion that Up, Wall-E, Toy Story, and Monsters Inc to name a few, contained. Toy Story: There's not alot I can say about this that hasn't already been said, but the first Pixar film that started the extensive line-up of success stories, it will always remain in my heart, and I'm sure in millions of others' hearts, as the very film that encapsulated the spirit of Pixar, if you will. Just a complete masterpiece, a great story, wonderfully quirky characters which make us love Toy Story so much. As you all know, of course there are others, but I just thought highlighting these specific ones were necessary, because these were the ones which were significantly interesting to me. Cars, because of the talking Cars(Awesome), Up, because of it's emotional and sentimental value, The Indredibles, because it was a family of Superheroes, including a baby with powers, Toy Story, because it is THE Pixar film, and Wall-E, the film which contained like 20 lines, yet still managed to pull off an enormous 47 awards, and 80-something nominations. All brilliant films in their own right, Pixar continue to amaze me with their capability to encapsulate almost anyone with the awesomeness that is a Disney Pixar film. Kazed

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Disney Pixar's "Up" review

Went to watch this a couple of days ago, and it was everything I'd thought it'd be and more. Pixar just have this incomprehensible ability to produce films that are just incredibly captivating and emotional, it's unlike anything one can experience. Sure there'll be the odd minute or two of contemptible mediocrity(woah, big words), but I suppose that's what make these films what they are. My god, it boggles the mind as to how successful they've become. As far as I know, every single Pixar film have been both financially and critically successful. The only film that comes to mind that wasn't quite UP there(eh? eh?), but still equally entertaining, would have been Cars. I enjoyed that film alot, but it contained the least amount of emotional and sentimental content (I think I just found the topic of my next blog). Now, Up. Up was just a great film throughout. I enjoyed this film from start to finish, I found myself laughing quite a few times during, as did alot of the children that were in the screen room, but the point is, there were moments in it that, quite frankly, were effing hilarious. I have to say though, the start of the primary plot was maybe the darkest part of a Pixar film I have seen, the most 'adult', if you will(It'll be apparent when you watch). I thought it was such a nice touch, to add another level of maturity to the film, it just made it that much better. I mean, sure, some kids may not understand why there were tears, but this is exactly why the (Pixar)films, this one in particular, are for all walks of life. Is there anything bad about the movie? In all honesty, I honestly couldn't see one aspect of Up that was bad, I guess that means this is a perfect film. Yes? No. The Character design wasn't AS memorable as alot of the other Pixar spawn, and neither was the personality of alot of the characters. It took a while for the humour to come around, but all of that was a minor blemish on what was probably the best animated flick of this year. 9.5/10 Kazed & Dan.