Cowboys & Aliens: Wish they had given me more Cowboys & less Aliens

As the ending credits roled for the latest summer blockbuster, Cowboys & Aliens, I sat in the theater with my buddy and tried to grasp what it was we just saw.  After a few quiet minutes, we looked at each other and just shrugged.  John Favreau’s (Iron Man, Iron Man 2) latest creation is an interesting melding of the Western and Sci-fi genres. At no point does the film go campy which was a surprising relief, and it does a competent job at telling a story of western settlers, outlaws and natives teaming up to defeat the unknown demons who threaten to eradicate their existence.

The standout in this film is Daniel Craig, who gives an intense performance as the brooding and enigmatic Jake Lonergan, an outlaw who can’t remember his painful past.  Harrison Ford’s portrayal as Woodrow Dolarhyde, a rich, ruthless cattle owner, offers the audience an unusual departure from Ford’s typical typecast as the suave, leading man hero.  Sam Rockwell’s inclusion into this cast was an exciting surprise as I saw his name in the opening credits.  However I found myself disappointed at how meek and submissive his character was in the film.  I don’t think they best utilized his outstanding acting talents. 

My biggest disappointment surrounded Olivia Wilde’s performance as Elle Swenson.  For the first half of the film it seemed her main purpose was just to stand in the shot, look pretty and give varying levels of vacant stares.  It was if she was channeling her inner Megan Fox.  Then the storyline takes a strange and kind of clunky shift (I won’t go into details for I don’t want to ruin the surprise for you) and suddenly her character adds a completely different annoyance level to the film.  Her role felt a bit contrived and artificial to me; perhaps an actress with a bit more range might have been better suited for the character. 

When trying to describe Cowboys & Aliens, my buddy put it best when he said that it was an alien movie with a western setting.  And that left me a bit disheartened.  I found the most enjoyable parts in this film were the true western scenes when the aliens weren’t around to muck it up.  There is an excellent movie buried somewhere in this big, explosive summer blockbuster.  With the success of last year’s True Grit, I would love to see this film redone as a true western.  Even still, Cowboys & Aliens does have a certain entertainment value, and I give it credit for not completely falling on its face.  (3 out of 5 stars)

(Just for future reference, I have decided to switch to a 5 star system because I feel it gives me more flexibility in my ratings)

Rabbit Hole-A Somewhat Entertaining Downer

After a couple month break from my little blog (that I’d like to consider a silent protest to all the crap that has come out in the theaters over the last couple months) I must admit I find it a bit strange to have Rabbit Hole be the first review of my return.  Starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, the film revolves around a married couple trying to cope with the sudden and tragic death of their 4-year-old son. 

Rabbit Hole gives a very genuine and authentic look at a family’s grief after a sudden tragedy.  From the opening scene, it sets a somber and mourning tone that at times can be overbearing.  To the movie’s credit, there are occasional lighter moments that help break up the tension between Kidman and Eckhart’s characters.  There is also a very touching storyline that unfolds between Kidman and a young man she runs into and winds up following.  Though full of great performances, I found Rabbit Hole to be a hard film to embrace due to the delicate subject matter it covers.  (2 ½ Stars) 

The King's Speech-Not Worthy of the Throne

Over the last couple weeks leading up to last night’s Academy Awards it appeared, based on numerous reports from many different movie pundits, that The King's Speech had overtaken The Social Network as the frontrunner for the Best Picture of 2010.  After reading these reports, my hope was that this was just a bunch of last minute Hollywood hype and that the Academy wouldn’t make yet another bad choice in the selection of their top honor.  Unfortunately, as I sat in front of my friend’s new flatscreen last night and listened to Steven Spielberg officially name The King’s Speech the Best Picture for 2010; I was saddened and disappointed with the Academy’s selection to say the least.

After viewing The King's Speech a few weeks ago, my initial reaction was that it was a solid, above average, feel good film with an outstanding performance from lead man Colin Firth, and that it deserved a Best Picture nomination.  However, it is my humble opinion that The King’s Speech is NOT the best movie of 2010, and as a film there is nothing truly remarkable or memorable about it other than Colin Firth's performance.  It doesn't speak to a generation and it will never crack an All-time top100 film list.  Please don’t misunderstand me; The King's Speech is a very good film that is worth seeing if you haven’t yet.  But it is the type of movie that should have been remembered for being the film that won Colin Firth his Best Actor award.  I foresee in a couple of years The King's Speech becoming this decade's Shakespeare in Love; that movie where people look back and scratch their heads wondering why in the world it won Best Picture. 

I also have a more personal bone to pick with The King's Speech. Every year it seems that the major studios release their best films later and later in the year in hopes of getting the attention of the Academy.  The Social Network was released October 1st to critical acclaim and was all but anointed the Best Picture winner for 2010.  The King's Speech on the other hand was officially released in the US on December 24th.  The fact that this year’s Best Picture spent a grand total of seven days in theaters in the year 2010 is a joke.  The King's Speech’ victory sets yet another bad precedent to the studio execs that they need to release their Oscar hopefuls at the last possible minute to give them any chance at winning, leaving us movie fans to suffer the rest of the year watching below average Hollywood crap.  So in order to stop this practice from taking place, I propose a new rule that states; if any studio wants a film to be in consideration for Oscar nominations, that film must be released before December 1st of that calendar year.  This will then guarantee that all films in consideration for any Academy awards have spent ATLEAST one month in the theaters in that given year.  Perhaps then, we might be able to watch a quality film in April or September that has the same chance at winning Best Picture as those films released just weeks before the awards are handed out.

Oh, and I would like to congratulate Harvey Weinstein for now having three of most unworthy Best Pictures of the last 20 years, Shakespeare in Love (1998), Chicago (2002) & The King’s Speech (2010).

Top 10 Films of 2010

Now that I have finally gotten the opportunity to see James Franco's amazing 127 Hours, I can now create my 2010 Top 10 movies list. There were times when it felt like I was pulling teeth desperately trying to find an entertaining movie during this last year. However, as the year closed more films of a higher quality began slowly making their presence known, and I can honestly say that I truly feel these movies are the best of the best for the year. So here we go, finally.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2010

1. Winter's Bone- Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, Winter's Bone has two amazing Academy award nominated performances from Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes. Gripping, frightening & hauntingly beautiful, no film stood out more in 2010 then Winter's Bone.
2. Inception- Christopher Nolan's Sci-Fi thriller masterpiece; no film in 2010 better combined big time action with an original captivating storyline and stunning visuals more then Inception. It's a travesty that Nolan did not receive a Best Director nomination from the Academy.
3. 127 Hours- Based on a true story, James Franco gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Aron Ralston, a hiker who is forced to cut his arm off just below the elbow in order to save his own life. The follow-up film for director Danny Boyle after his 2008 Best Picture Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours is truly a visual masterpiece and an awe-inspiring story that deserves to be seen.
4. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo- This Swedish mystery thriller was the biggest surprise film of 2010. The first of the Stieg Larsson trilogy, Dragon Tattoo introduced us to one of the most mysterious and complex cinematic characters of the last decade, Lisbeth Salander played masterfully by Noomi Rapace. Dark and thrilling, Dragon Tattoo grabs a hold of you from the opening scene and never lets go.
5. Black Swan- Darren Aronofsky's ballet psychological thriller, Black Swan shows a frightening and hypnotic look into the mental breakdown of a performer under the highest of stress. Natalie Portman's exceptional performance already garnished her a Best Actress Golden Globe, and is currently the front-runner for the Academy Award that will be announced later this month.
6. Get Low- Set in 1930's rural Tennessee, Get Low tells the story of a social hermit who decides he wants to have a living funeral service. A story of regret and redemption, Get Low is highlighted by wonderful performances from acting greats Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek and especially Robert Duvall, who easily deserved an Academy award nomination for his celebrated portrayal of cantankerous recluse Felix Bush.
7. The Kids Are All Right- When the two children of lesbian a couple become curious about their biological father, an anonymous sperm donor, this happy little family gets turned upside down. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore give memorable performances in this unconventional yet amazingly warm family drama.
8. The Social Network- The mostly factual story about the creation of the gigantically popular social website Facebook. Fast paced and edgy, director David Fincher constructed a film that best encapsulates the creation of the new 21^st century social landscape. The Social Network is currently the front-runner for the Best Picture Oscar.
9. The King's Speech- Set during the years just before WWII, Colin Firth plays Prince Albert, Duke of York, the eventual King of England who receives help from an unexpected commoner to overcome the stammer that had plagued him for most of his life. Majestic visuals and outstanding performances from Firth and Geoffrey Rush make this a film worthy of the praise that has been bestowed upon it.
10. The Town- Starring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner & Rebecca Hall, The Town tells the story of childhood friends who form a robbery crew. Co-written & directed by Affleck, this Boston crime drama wallops an intense punch.

HONORABLE MENTION-Animal Kingdom, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Shutter Island, Toy Story 3, True Grit

My Oscar Predictions & Wishful Winners

At approximately 6am west coast time, the nominees for the 2011 Academy awards were announced.  Unfortunately I still haven't seen 127 Hours, but I did get the chance to finally view The King's SpeechSo here are my predictions and who I think should win the 6 main catagories.

BEST PICTURE NOMINEES:
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King's Speech
127 Hours
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter's Bone

WHO SHOULD WIN: Winter's Bone-After careful debate between Winter's Bone and Inception, I've come to the conclusion that there was no film that stood out more for me this past year then Winter's Bone.  I'm really excited to see the Academy give it a nomination, and in a perfect world Winter's Bone would pull the upset of 2010.

WHO WILL WIN: The Social Network-Although personally this movie is not in my top 5 for 2010 (that list is coming real soon I promise) I honestly can't see any film knocking this critical darling off the top spot for Best Picture.

(And on a side note, I personally think that The Fighter receiving a Best Picture Nomination over The Town was the wrong choice, but overall the Academy picked the best of 2010)


BEST ACTOR NOMINEES:
Javier Bardem (Biutiful)
Jeff Bridges (True Grit)
Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network)
Colin Firth (The King's Speech)
James Franco (127 Hours)

When it comes to the Best Actor Nominees, my disappointment lies is in not seeing Robert Duvall nominated for his wonderful performance in Get Low; it appears that Javier Bardem beat him out for the last nomination spot. 

WHO SHOULD WIN: Colin Firth-His performance in The King's Speech is what makes the film the 12 Oscar nomination giant that it is. 

WHO WILL WIN: Colin Firth-This has been an outstanding two year run for Mr. Firth, first barely missing out on last year's Best Actor award for his stellar performance in A Single Man, and now being the front runner for this year's honor.  After last year's close call, I believe that Firth will walk away with the gold statue this time.

BEST ACTRESS NOMINEES:
Annette Bening (The Kids are All Right)
Nicole Kidman (Rabbit Hole)
Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone)
Natalie Portman (Black Swan)
Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine)

WHO SHOULD WIN: Jennifer Lawrence-This is certainly not an indictment on Portman's performance (she was outstanding as well), but I feel Lawrence's portrayal of a teenager trying to track her delinquent father or lose the family home is the performance of a lifetime. 

WHO WILL WIN: Natalie Portman-As some of you may know, I am a huge fan of Natalie Portman, and her performance in Black Swan makes 2010 her year for the Oscar.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Christian Bale (The Fighter)
John Hawkes (Winter's Bone)
Jeremy Renner (The Town)
Mark Ruffalo (The Kids Are All Right)
Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech)

I personally think that Sam Rockwell's performance in the crime drama Conviction was worthy of a Supporting Actor nomination.  Unfortunately I think the lack of box office success cost him in the end.

WHO SHOULD WIN: John Hawkes-I was extremely excited to see the Academy give a nomination to John Hawkes for his role in Winter's Bone.  Hawkes' chilling performance is easily the most deserving of the Oscar, but unfortunately I can't see the Academy agreeing with me.  Maybe I'll be surprised.

WHO WILL WIN: Christian Bale-If you've read my review on The Fighter, you already know my feelings on Christian Bale's performance.  Christian Bale has had many outstanding performances over the last decade, but for this role to be the one that wins him the Oscar is disappointing and just plain wrong. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Amy Adams (The Fighter)
Helena Bonham Carter (The King's Speech)
Melissa Leo (The Fighter)
Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit)
Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom)

WHO SHOULD WIN: Hailee Steinfeld-Of these five nominees, Steinfeld's break through performance in True Grit is by far the most deserving in my eyes.  What adds even more to its greatness is when you consider this was Steinfeld's first major movie role.  However I don't see the Academy awarding a 14-year-old one of the most prized honors in the business.  Perhaps I'll be pleasantly wrong.

WHO WILL WIN: Melissa Leo-I REALLY hope I'm wrong here, but after her victory at the Golden Globes, I see the Academy following suite and awarding Leo the Oscar.

BEST DIRECTOR:
Darren Aronofsky-Black Swan
David O. Russell-The Fighter
Tom Hooper-The King's Speech
David Fincher-The Social Network
Joel & Ethan Coen-True Grit

WHO SHOULD WIN: Christopher Nolan-The fact that The Fighter's David O. Russell got the nomination over Inception's Christopher Nolan is the biggest joke of this years Oscar nominations.  Christopher Nolan created one of the most original and entertaining Sci-Fi thrillers in decades.  I believe he's the most deserving the Best Director Oscar and it's a travesty that he didn't even get nominated.

WHO WILL WIN: David Fincher-This is definitely the year of The Social Network, and after an already stellar directing career (Fight Club, Seven, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Zodiac) I see the Academy using this opportunity to give Fincher the award he's deserved for quite some time.

Two Redbox Rental Options:

The Other Guys (2010): Starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, this buddy-cop action comedy was a mixed bag of laughs and moments that kind of fizzled.  Playing socially inept detective Allen Gamble, Will Ferrell gives his customary silly and bizarrely ludicrous performance that has its moments of genius, while other times feels old and a bit played out.  Wahlberg gives a mildly entertaining performance, especially during his scenes with Eva Mendes, who plays Ferrell’s wife Sheila.  In a year where Wahlberg had two films released, I was surprised to find that I enjoyed this performance more than the one he gave in the wildly overhyped The Fighter.  Overall, The Other Guys is a decently funny action comedy that is worth the rental fee if you keep your expectations low.  (** ½ Stars)

The Girl Who Played With Fire (2010):  this is second film in the Stieg Larsson Swedish Millennium Trilogy series.  The story follows Lisbeth Salander as she tries to prove her innocence of charges that she murdered a journalist and his girlfriend along with her guardian.  Whereas The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was able to use and tie together so many storylines to perfection, Played with Fire instead felt incomplete and confusing at times.  While moderately suspenseful and entertaining, when looked at in comparison to the previous film, The Girl Who Played with Fire unfortunately did not live up the greatness of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  (** ½ Stars)

True Grit: A Straight Forward Enjoyable Western

With so many of the better films being released later and later in the year because of Oscar hopes, it has become a frustrating waiting game to see when I can finally view these supposed great movies and also caused an unfortunate delay in my Top 10 films of the 2010 list.  Over the holiday season, I did get the chance to watch True Grit, which is a re-make of the 1969 Western that brought John Wayne his only Academy Award.

True Grit (2010):  Starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit is the new Western film from the famed Coen Brothers.  When local law enforcement shows little interest in tracking down Tom Chaney (Brolin), Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) hires the talented yet ornery Deputy U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Bridges) to track down her father’s killer.  Some unexpected help is also given by Texas Ranger la Boeuf (Damon), who is also attempting to capture Chaney for another murder he committed in Texas.  Traveling through the Choctaw terrain, the three try to find Chaney before his trail runs cold and he escapes the hand of the law.

While nothing in this film really stands out to warrant calling it a new Western classic, True Grit is still a solid effort with noteworthy individual performances and striking cinematography.  Jeff Bridges is at the top of his game, adding an unexpected subtle humor to his rugged portrayal of Rooster Cogburn.  However, it’s Hailee Steinfeld that stands out the most in this film.  This extremely talented 14-year-old gives a surprisingly mature and versed performance, especially considering this is her first role in a major feature film.  With the Oscar nominations being announced on January 25^th, I believe Steinfeld deserves a nomination for her compelling performance.  Overall, the Coens have created a skillfully entertaining Western.  True Grit is one of the better films of 2010 and definitely worth viewing. (*** Stars)