Kung Fu Panda 3 is the latest installment in the computer-animated movie franchise that stars Jack Black as the voice of Po. The franchise also features the voices of Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogan, and David Cross.
Kung Fu Panda 3 tells the story of Po and the Furious Five going up against the evil Kai, who was once Grand Master Oogway's friend. To defeat Kai, Po must discover his chi. Po's dad, Li Shan (voiced by Bryan Cranston) finds Po and lets him know that there are other pandas hidden in a secret location. If you've seen the other Kung Fu Panda movies you will know that Po is thought to be the last panda. Master Shifu tells Po that pandas once held the secret to mastering true chi. That leads Po to go with his dad to learn how to be a panda, hopefully discover his chi, and to defeat Kai before he destroys all of China.
What I like most about Kung Fu Panda 3 is the visuals. When you watch the movie you can't help but look around the screen at all the little things on screen and be blown away about how it looks. I found myself often looking at the fur on Po and his dad and enjoying the finer details that made them unique.
Another highlight of Kung Fu Panda 3 is the action. Like the other movies in the franchise, the fighting scenes in Kung Fu Panda 3 are spectacular. The movement is so fluid between the characters as they fight. I often found myself with my jaw open or with a smile on my face as these scenes play out.
One problem I have with Kung Fu Panda 3 is the lack of any story elements that supplied any sort of emotional gut punch. Nothing happens that left me stunned or emotionally distraught. Maybe that's what the Kung Fu Panda movies try to do since none of them have these types of moments, but I feel that's what keeps them from being truly memorable.
To me Kung Fu Panda 3 is like the previous movies in the franchise. It contains bright and vibrant visuals, great action and moments of hilarious comedy. It also is pretty forgettable. Nothing in the movie stands out. Kung Fu Panda is a solid family movie that both kids and adults will enjoy, but don't expect it to stay with you like other animated classics that have been released in the past decade.
3 1/2 stars
Sunday, January 31, 2016
The Finest Hours Review
The Finest Hours is a movie based on the true story about the sinking of the SS Pendleton and the US Coast Guards attempt to rescue it's crew. The movie does a decent job of showing both sides of this epic rescue. You get to see how the crew of the SS Pendleton, led by Casey Affleck, had to stick together and try to keep the boat afloat as long as possible so they could hopefully get off the ship. On the other side you see Chris Pine and the Coast Guard brave hard weather conditions to try and save the SS Pendleton's crew.
What I liked most about The Finest Hours was the story. It was just a simple rescue movie. They didn't try to over complicate it with someone evil trying to stop the heroes from saving the day. I enjoyed getting to see what the crew on the SS Pendleton had to go through while waiting for someone to save them. They didn't just sit around. Casey Affleck's character had to convince those on board to work together to determine a way to keep the boat afloat. With Chris Pine's character you got to watch him try to get over his lack of confidence when it came to getting in a boat to try and save someone. But this is also one aspect of the story I felt that was lacking. They hinted a lot about Pine's character having experienced a tragic event where he failed to rescue someone. I felt like it would have been better if they had actually started the movie by showing that event. It would have been great to allow us, the audience, to experience what he went through so we can emotionally understand what happened and go through the journey of overcoming that ordeal.
Another part of the story I didn't like was the love story between Pine's character and Holliday Grainger. I felt that they both did a solid job acting in the movie, I just didn't care much for their romance. They didn't share enough screen time to get invested in their relationship.
The special effects in The Finest Hours were a mixed bag for me. I felt that when Pine and his crew were on their little boat going out to rescue the SS Pendleton, the special effects were great when they zoomed out and showed the boat going across the ocean and trying to get over the giant waves. But when they zoomed in on the boat itself and showed the crew getting splashed with water it just felt like a Hollywood backlot. I think overall though that's a problem for all films that involve a water rescue.
Overall I thought The Finest Hours was an entertaining rescue movie. The story was simple yet very important when it comes to the history of the US Coast Guard and showing what they experience when trying to rescue people even in the harshest of conditions. I feel that emotionally the movie could have done a better job but I was still on the edge of my seat during the main rescue scenes. I think that if you were looking for a movie to see in the theaters, you can't go wrong with picking The Finest Hours.
3 1/2 Stars
What I liked most about The Finest Hours was the story. It was just a simple rescue movie. They didn't try to over complicate it with someone evil trying to stop the heroes from saving the day. I enjoyed getting to see what the crew on the SS Pendleton had to go through while waiting for someone to save them. They didn't just sit around. Casey Affleck's character had to convince those on board to work together to determine a way to keep the boat afloat. With Chris Pine's character you got to watch him try to get over his lack of confidence when it came to getting in a boat to try and save someone. But this is also one aspect of the story I felt that was lacking. They hinted a lot about Pine's character having experienced a tragic event where he failed to rescue someone. I felt like it would have been better if they had actually started the movie by showing that event. It would have been great to allow us, the audience, to experience what he went through so we can emotionally understand what happened and go through the journey of overcoming that ordeal.
Another part of the story I didn't like was the love story between Pine's character and Holliday Grainger. I felt that they both did a solid job acting in the movie, I just didn't care much for their romance. They didn't share enough screen time to get invested in their relationship.
The special effects in The Finest Hours were a mixed bag for me. I felt that when Pine and his crew were on their little boat going out to rescue the SS Pendleton, the special effects were great when they zoomed out and showed the boat going across the ocean and trying to get over the giant waves. But when they zoomed in on the boat itself and showed the crew getting splashed with water it just felt like a Hollywood backlot. I think overall though that's a problem for all films that involve a water rescue.
Overall I thought The Finest Hours was an entertaining rescue movie. The story was simple yet very important when it comes to the history of the US Coast Guard and showing what they experience when trying to rescue people even in the harshest of conditions. I feel that emotionally the movie could have done a better job but I was still on the edge of my seat during the main rescue scenes. I think that if you were looking for a movie to see in the theaters, you can't go wrong with picking The Finest Hours.
3 1/2 Stars
Friday, January 1, 2016
Carol Review
Carol is the story of a woman named Carol, played by Cate Blanchette, that is going through a divorce. While Christmas shopping for her daughter she meets Therese, played by Rooney Mara. Carol ends up leaving her gloves at the store and when Therese returns the gloves their relationship starts to flourish. The problem for Carol is that her soon to be ex-husband, played by Kyle Chandler, is not happy about this relationship and will do all he can to keep Carol for himself.
I found that the chemistry between Cate Blanchette and Rooney Mara was incredible. They really felt like two people starting a new relationship where both are shy yet curious about each other. Their performances were outstanding and both will/should be nominated for an Oscar. I thought that director Todd Hayes did a wonderful job. The film felt like it was filmed in the 50's, where it takes place. It had a wonderful grainy look to it. Scenes throughout the film were beautifully shot.
The only problem I had with the film was the story. It didn't hit me emotionally like I was hoping it would. The relationship between Carol and Therese was both beautiful and depressing but I felt like they didn't experience enough together to get me too invested in it.
Carol is a film that will get a lot of talk come Oscar time and deservedly so. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara both give outstanding performances that make this movie worth seeing.
4 out of 5 Stars
I found that the chemistry between Cate Blanchette and Rooney Mara was incredible. They really felt like two people starting a new relationship where both are shy yet curious about each other. Their performances were outstanding and both will/should be nominated for an Oscar. I thought that director Todd Hayes did a wonderful job. The film felt like it was filmed in the 50's, where it takes place. It had a wonderful grainy look to it. Scenes throughout the film were beautifully shot.
The only problem I had with the film was the story. It didn't hit me emotionally like I was hoping it would. The relationship between Carol and Therese was both beautiful and depressing but I felt like they didn't experience enough together to get me too invested in it.
Carol is a film that will get a lot of talk come Oscar time and deservedly so. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara both give outstanding performances that make this movie worth seeing.
4 out of 5 Stars
Thursday, December 31, 2015
My 2015 Movie Rankings
- Ex Machina
- Mad Max
- The Martian
- Brooklyn
- Room
- Inside Out
- Kingsman: The Secret Service
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Sicario
- Creed
- A Most Violent Year
- Spotlight
- Straight Out of Compton
- Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
- Phoenix
- Testament of Youth
- It Follows
- The Danish Girl
- Far From the Madding Crowd
- Steven Jobs
- Mistress America
- Trainwreck
- Selma
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
- Ant-man
- Furious 7
- 99 Homes
- Foxcatcher
- Two Days, One Night
- Mr. Holmes
- Infinitely Polar Bear
- Diary of a Teenage Girl
- While We're Young
- Crimson Peak
- Suffragette
- Amy
- The End of the Tour
- The Gift
- Love & Mercy
- Dope
- Still Alice
- Spy
- Bridge of Spys
- The Night Before
- The Big Short
- Jurassic World
- Everest
- Pawn Sacrifice
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 2
- San Andreas
- The Good Dinosaur
- The Hateful Eight
- Joy
- Black Sea
- Pitch Perfect 2
- The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
- Trumbo
- Paddington
- Shaun the Sheep
- Southpaw
- Paper Towns
- The Avengers: Age of Ultron
- Black Mass
- Big Eyes
- The Walk
- Focus
- Grandma
- Macbeth
- Inherent Vice
- Peanuts
- Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
- Goosebumps
- Insurgent
- The Intern
- Sisters
- In The Heart of the Sea
- Spectre
- Penguins of Madagascar
- Ted 2
- Entourage
- Jupiter Ascending
- Into the Woods
- Aloha
- Chappie
- Tomorrowland
- American Sniper
- The Assassin
- Terminator: Genisys
- Fantastic Four
- Minions
- The Overnight
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Review (spoiler free)
The Star Wars franchise "Awakens". This franchise first came onto the scene thirty plus years ago and changed the movie industry and then the prequels came out and almost ruined everything the first three films had set up. Luckily with the seventh film, "The Force Awakens", the magic is back!
What I enjoyed most about "The Force Awakens" is that it feels like a Star Wars film. It's the story of an unexpected hero going on an adventure and meets various people along the way to fight against a big bad evil empire. "The Force Awakens" has two very likable new leads in Rey and Finn. The chemistry between these two is great from the start. The banter between them is hilarious, sweet and touching at multiple times throughout the film. I just wanted to see them both on the screen for the entire film. We also get to see some old favorites from the original Star Wars films and it's great to see them again.
Another great part of "The Force Awakens" is the action. It has non-stop, edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding action. The special effects are incredible and keep you in the film the entire time. The practical effects give many of the characters new life and make you feel like you will see them walking down the street one day.
Even though I loved the characters and the action in "The Force Awakens", it wasn't a perfect film. I felt like there were multiple plot holes and a lot of the things happen that just appear to move the story along with no real rhyme or reason. There was also one scene that I felt could have been cut out completely. The scene featured a lot of CGI creatures and contained characters who really didn't help progress the story. This movie takes place 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi" and it would have been nice to get more information on what happened during those 30 years.
I thought "The Force Awakens" was a cinematic event that everyone needs to see. It brings back the magic of the original Star Wars films and introduces us to new characters that you will care about and look forward to see how they progress through the next two films. May 2017 can't get here soon enough!
What I enjoyed most about "The Force Awakens" is that it feels like a Star Wars film. It's the story of an unexpected hero going on an adventure and meets various people along the way to fight against a big bad evil empire. "The Force Awakens" has two very likable new leads in Rey and Finn. The chemistry between these two is great from the start. The banter between them is hilarious, sweet and touching at multiple times throughout the film. I just wanted to see them both on the screen for the entire film. We also get to see some old favorites from the original Star Wars films and it's great to see them again.
Another great part of "The Force Awakens" is the action. It has non-stop, edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding action. The special effects are incredible and keep you in the film the entire time. The practical effects give many of the characters new life and make you feel like you will see them walking down the street one day.
Even though I loved the characters and the action in "The Force Awakens", it wasn't a perfect film. I felt like there were multiple plot holes and a lot of the things happen that just appear to move the story along with no real rhyme or reason. There was also one scene that I felt could have been cut out completely. The scene featured a lot of CGI creatures and contained characters who really didn't help progress the story. This movie takes place 30 years after the events of "Return of the Jedi" and it would have been nice to get more information on what happened during those 30 years.
I thought "The Force Awakens" was a cinematic event that everyone needs to see. It brings back the magic of the original Star Wars films and introduces us to new characters that you will care about and look forward to see how they progress through the next two films. May 2017 can't get here soon enough!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Predictions for the 2015 Academy Award
Here are my predictions for the 2015 Academy Awards that take place tonight.
Best Picture: Birdman (wouldn't be surprised if Boyhood wins)
Best Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman (wouldn't be surprised if Linklater wins for Boyhood)
Best Actor: Michael Keaton, Birdman (wouldn't be surprised if Eddie Redmayne wins)
Best Actress: Julianne Moore, Still Alice
Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood
Best Original Screenplay: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Imitation Game
Best Animated Feature: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (The Lego Movie should be nominated though)
Best Documentary: Citizenfour
Best Foreign Language Film: Ida
Best Cinematography: Birdman
Best Original Score: The Theory of Everything
Best Original Song: Glory
Best Costume Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Editing: Boyhood
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Production Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Visual Effects: Interstellar
Best Sound Editing: American Sniper
Best Sound Mixing: Whiplash
Best Live Action Short: No pick, I didn't see any of these
Best Animated Short: Feast
Best Documentary Short: No pick, I didn't see any of these
Best Picture: Birdman (wouldn't be surprised if Boyhood wins)
Best Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman (wouldn't be surprised if Linklater wins for Boyhood)
Best Actor: Michael Keaton, Birdman (wouldn't be surprised if Eddie Redmayne wins)
Best Actress: Julianne Moore, Still Alice
Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood
Best Original Screenplay: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Imitation Game
Best Animated Feature: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (The Lego Movie should be nominated though)
Best Documentary: Citizenfour
Best Foreign Language Film: Ida
Best Cinematography: Birdman
Best Original Score: The Theory of Everything
Best Original Song: Glory
Best Costume Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Editing: Boyhood
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Production Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Visual Effects: Interstellar
Best Sound Editing: American Sniper
Best Sound Mixing: Whiplash
Best Live Action Short: No pick, I didn't see any of these
Best Animated Short: Feast
Best Documentary Short: No pick, I didn't see any of these
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Predictions for the 2014 Oscars
Here are my predictions for 2014 Oscars that take place tonight:
Best Picture: 12 Years a Slave
Best Actor: Matthew McCanaughey
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Jared Leto
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong'o
Best Animated Picture: Frozen
Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley - 12 Years a Slave
Original Screenplay: Spike Jones - Her
Best Foreign Language Film: The Great Beauty
Production Design: The Great Gatsby
Achievement in Cinematography: Gravity
Achievement in Costume Design: American Hustle
Best Documentary Feature: The Act of Killing
Achievement in Film Editing: Gravity
Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling: Dallas Buyers Club
Best Original Score: Steven Price - Gravity
Best Original Song: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Rober Lopez - Frozen
Achievement in Sound Editing: Gravity
Achievement in Sound Mixing: Gravity
Achievement in Visual Effects: Gravity
Best Short Film - Animated: Get a Horse!
I can't pick Best Documentary Short and Best Short Film - Life Action because I don't know any of the nominees
Best Picture: 12 Years a Slave
Best Actor: Matthew McCanaughey
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Jared Leto
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong'o
Best Animated Picture: Frozen
Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley - 12 Years a Slave
Original Screenplay: Spike Jones - Her
Best Foreign Language Film: The Great Beauty
Production Design: The Great Gatsby
Achievement in Cinematography: Gravity
Achievement in Costume Design: American Hustle
Best Documentary Feature: The Act of Killing
Achievement in Film Editing: Gravity
Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling: Dallas Buyers Club
Best Original Score: Steven Price - Gravity
Best Original Song: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Rober Lopez - Frozen
Achievement in Sound Editing: Gravity
Achievement in Sound Mixing: Gravity
Achievement in Visual Effects: Gravity
Best Short Film - Animated: Get a Horse!
I can't pick Best Documentary Short and Best Short Film - Life Action because I don't know any of the nominees
Monday, June 3, 2013
Misery/The Mist Double Feature Review
While watching my movie collection in alphabetical order, I got to a point where I had two movies based on Stephen King novels, two of which I have not read. First up was Misery, followed by The Mist.
Misery was released in 1990 and is considered by many to be a classic. Misery is about an author, Paul Sheldon, played by James Caan, who goes to Colorado to write his novels. While leaving Colorado after finishing one of his novels a snow storm hits and he slides off the side of the road where he becomes trapped in his car. "Lucky for him", Annie Wilkes, played fantastically by Kathy Bates, was following him and helped him from his car. Unfortunately Paul is injured in the accident and Annie helps take care of him since the storm has blocked the road and disabled phone lines, or at least thats what Annie tells him. See Annie is Paul's biggest fan and idolizes everything he has written and knows really random facts about his life. Overtime Paul starts to realize that Annie has a few screws loose and thats when things get crazy intense. Kathy Bates plays the role of Annie perfectly, you can really tell she is a nutcase. It's almost like she isn't even acting, like she is just playing herself. It is very easy to see why she went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. You also have to give James Caan some credit, he seemed to take some real abuse in this movie, both physically and psychologically. Misery is a great movie and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat rooting for Paul to get out of Annie's crazy grasp.
The Mist was released in 2007, and I would say it's extremely underrated. The Mist takes place in a small Northeast town that experiences a violent storm that knocks out most the power in town. This forces David Drayton, played by Thomas Jane, to go to the store to pick up some necessities to make it through until their house is repaired. David takes his small son with him, leaving his wife at the house. While David is at the store, a thick mist rolls in, making it impossible to see outside the store. Some people start to get scared in the store, but the real panic sets in when someone runs into the store screaming that there is something in the mist that is snatching people up. No one really knows what is in the mist, they just know it can't be good. David and a small group of people finally get to see what's in the mist when Norm, a bag-boy, decides to go into the mist and unplug the generator vent so the store can get some electricity. When the side door opens, Norm is grabbed by a giant tentacle that actually has these pinchers that rip the flesh off is skin. David and the small group are able to fight off the tentacles, but can not save Norm. From that point on David gets a small group of followers that have to deal with other small groups within the store that have varying thoughts and beliefs on what is actually in the mist. The biggest thing that stays with you after seeing The Mist is easily the ending. I'm not going to give anything away but it is pretty intense and can easily make some people hate the movie and others love it. I sit on the "love it" side of the fence. I really enjoyed The Mist, way more than I thought I would when I bought it. I don't even know why I bought it actually because I never really heard much about The Mist when it was in theaters, but I am really glad I picked it up. Also I would like to point out that both times I have watched The Mist I have watched the black-and-white version of the film. That was director Frank Darabont's intended way to see the film. I can see how the movie could be less received in color due to possible issues with special effects plus I think the black-and-white aspect makes it more intense.
Movies based on Stephen King novels can be hit or miss. For every The Shining and The Shawshank Redemption, you have a Thinner and The Secret Window. But I must say that Misery and The Mist are extremely solid movies and should not be missed, especially if you like intense thrillers
Misery was released in 1990 and is considered by many to be a classic. Misery is about an author, Paul Sheldon, played by James Caan, who goes to Colorado to write his novels. While leaving Colorado after finishing one of his novels a snow storm hits and he slides off the side of the road where he becomes trapped in his car. "Lucky for him", Annie Wilkes, played fantastically by Kathy Bates, was following him and helped him from his car. Unfortunately Paul is injured in the accident and Annie helps take care of him since the storm has blocked the road and disabled phone lines, or at least thats what Annie tells him. See Annie is Paul's biggest fan and idolizes everything he has written and knows really random facts about his life. Overtime Paul starts to realize that Annie has a few screws loose and thats when things get crazy intense. Kathy Bates plays the role of Annie perfectly, you can really tell she is a nutcase. It's almost like she isn't even acting, like she is just playing herself. It is very easy to see why she went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. You also have to give James Caan some credit, he seemed to take some real abuse in this movie, both physically and psychologically. Misery is a great movie and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat rooting for Paul to get out of Annie's crazy grasp.
The Mist was released in 2007, and I would say it's extremely underrated. The Mist takes place in a small Northeast town that experiences a violent storm that knocks out most the power in town. This forces David Drayton, played by Thomas Jane, to go to the store to pick up some necessities to make it through until their house is repaired. David takes his small son with him, leaving his wife at the house. While David is at the store, a thick mist rolls in, making it impossible to see outside the store. Some people start to get scared in the store, but the real panic sets in when someone runs into the store screaming that there is something in the mist that is snatching people up. No one really knows what is in the mist, they just know it can't be good. David and a small group of people finally get to see what's in the mist when Norm, a bag-boy, decides to go into the mist and unplug the generator vent so the store can get some electricity. When the side door opens, Norm is grabbed by a giant tentacle that actually has these pinchers that rip the flesh off is skin. David and the small group are able to fight off the tentacles, but can not save Norm. From that point on David gets a small group of followers that have to deal with other small groups within the store that have varying thoughts and beliefs on what is actually in the mist. The biggest thing that stays with you after seeing The Mist is easily the ending. I'm not going to give anything away but it is pretty intense and can easily make some people hate the movie and others love it. I sit on the "love it" side of the fence. I really enjoyed The Mist, way more than I thought I would when I bought it. I don't even know why I bought it actually because I never really heard much about The Mist when it was in theaters, but I am really glad I picked it up. Also I would like to point out that both times I have watched The Mist I have watched the black-and-white version of the film. That was director Frank Darabont's intended way to see the film. I can see how the movie could be less received in color due to possible issues with special effects plus I think the black-and-white aspect makes it more intense.
Movies based on Stephen King novels can be hit or miss. For every The Shining and The Shawshank Redemption, you have a Thinner and The Secret Window. But I must say that Misery and The Mist are extremely solid movies and should not be missed, especially if you like intense thrillers
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Instant Thoughts on the 2013 Oscars
This year I will be blogging during the 2013 Oscars, giving my thoughts as the awards are given out.
I hope you all enjoyed reading my thoughts. Thanks for your time!
Looks like I got 14 of the 21 awards I picked correct. Not too bad if I do say so myself. How did you all do?
Best Picture: Argo. Surprise, surprise. Way to go Ben! It was a tough year to pick Best Picture but Argo was well deserving, I really enjoyed it.
I like how Michelle Obama casually leaves a conversation to introduce the nominees for Best Picture. Didn't look planned at all.
I was starting to worry that Jack Nicholson still had his sunglasses on.
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis is probably this generations greatest actors. Everything he does is absolutely amazing! And of course his speech is great, best speech of the night so far.
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook. I absolutely loved Jennifer in this movie. She stole every scene she was in. I liked how you could tell in her speech she was completely blown away by winning. Congrats Jennifer!
Why do they keep showing all the clips from Amour that were the most shocking and surprising?
Why isn't Jean Dujardin in more movies?
Best Director: Ang Lee - Life of Pi. Upset of the night so far in my opinion. I thought this would go to Spielberg hands down. Ben Affleck probably should have been nominated but I'm glad to see it go to Ang Lee.
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino - Django Unchained. Quentin is seemed pretty tame, I'm a little disappointed. I was hoping he would do something crazy like usual.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Chris Terrio - Argo. Solid acceptance speech.
Best Original Song: Adele - Skyfall. Is anyone really surprised with this one? No matter the award if you are nominated against Adele be prepared to lose.
Why didn't they let the other songs be performed life? Academy don't play favorites please. Oh wait there's Norah Jones!
Best Original Score: Mychael Danna - Life of Pi. Great score for a great film. I look forward to buying Life of Pi on Blu-ray.
Not a Barbara fan at all.
Best Production Design: Lincoln. Great movie. Even though you knew the outcome of the vote you were on pins and needles wondering if the bill would pass.
Why is Kristen Stewart presenting an award?
This is a really tough year to pick the Best Picture winner. All the films nominated are truly amazing.
Is there anything better than hearing Adele sing?
Best Film Editing: Argo. Finally Argo won an award.
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway. Surprise surprise on that one. I really do love Anne Hathaway, I can't wait to see what she is in next.
Best Sound Editing: Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall. I bet this whole tie thing really screws over some Oscar pools going on.
Wait a tie?!?!?! Is that allowed to happen? Maybe they allow write in votes and Ben will win Best Director.
Best Sound Mixing: Les Miserables. This was a good sounding film, minus Russell Crowe.
Oh look they do present awards at this show.
I do enjoy seeing the Les Miserables cast getting back together, until they brought out Russell Crowe and Sasha Baron Cohen.
Did Chicago really deserve to win Best Picture? I should probably see it at some point. I have no real desire to ever see Dreamgirls.
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour. I saw this movie today and I really enjoyed it. I was the youngest person there by probably 20 years. Amour was really touching, but made me not want to get old.
Best Documentary: Searching for Sugar Man. I really want to see this documentary. I've read some great things about it.
Have they ever switched hosts midway through the show? I'm starting to hope they do tonight.
I was wondering when Gigli was going to be brought up.
Best Documentary Short Subject: Inocente. I really need to start seeing these short films.
Best Live Action Short Film: Curfew. Yup don't know anything about this film and why do they get boxed seats?
I really need to see more Bond films. That song made me really want to see Goldfinger. I am pretty disappointed all the Bond actors didn't make an appearance.
Time for the Bond Tribute, I'm looking forward to this one.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Les Miserables. I was impressed with how much I actually enjoyed Les Miserables. Usually not a big fan of musicals but this was well done and emotional.
Best Costume Design: Anna Karenina. This movie is on my "to rent" list but mainly just because Keira Knightley is in it.
I enjoy the "time to shut up" music, but do you really have to silence the mic?!?!?!
Best Visual Effects: Life of Pi. Looks like Life of Pi will be winning a lot of the technical awards tonight. You got to give them credit for what they did with the animals in this movie. It was pretty much impossible to tell when the tiger was real or cgi.
Best Cinematography: Life of Pi. Loved this film. I really need to go back and reread the book.
Best Animated Film: Brave. BOOOOOOO. I actually haven't seen any of the films in this category, but I would have liked to see Wreck-It Ralph win. I've heard Brave is not up to the Pixar standards. And why was the guy that won yelling?
Best Animated Short Film: Paperman. I've heard some good things about this short. I should try and find it online somewhere.
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz. I really enjoyed Christoph's performance in Django Unchained, but I do feel like Leo should have been nominated as well. And what's the deal with Jack Nicholson wearing sunglasses indoors? And is Quentin Tarantino ever sober?
Opening Number: I enjoyed the opening number by Seth MacFarlane. I really liked his first joke making fun of Tommy Lee Jones for his straight face during the entire Golden Globe Award show. Not really sure how I feel about the whole William Shatner bit, I'm kind of ready for him to go away. I did enjoy geting to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt get on stage to do a little singing and dancing. Is there anything Channing Tatum can't do? The "I Saw Your Boobs" song was pretty funny.
I hope you all enjoyed reading my thoughts. Thanks for your time!
Looks like I got 14 of the 21 awards I picked correct. Not too bad if I do say so myself. How did you all do?
Best Picture: Argo. Surprise, surprise. Way to go Ben! It was a tough year to pick Best Picture but Argo was well deserving, I really enjoyed it.
I like how Michelle Obama casually leaves a conversation to introduce the nominees for Best Picture. Didn't look planned at all.
I was starting to worry that Jack Nicholson still had his sunglasses on.
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis is probably this generations greatest actors. Everything he does is absolutely amazing! And of course his speech is great, best speech of the night so far.
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook. I absolutely loved Jennifer in this movie. She stole every scene she was in. I liked how you could tell in her speech she was completely blown away by winning. Congrats Jennifer!
Why do they keep showing all the clips from Amour that were the most shocking and surprising?
Why isn't Jean Dujardin in more movies?
Best Director: Ang Lee - Life of Pi. Upset of the night so far in my opinion. I thought this would go to Spielberg hands down. Ben Affleck probably should have been nominated but I'm glad to see it go to Ang Lee.
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino - Django Unchained. Quentin is seemed pretty tame, I'm a little disappointed. I was hoping he would do something crazy like usual.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Chris Terrio - Argo. Solid acceptance speech.
Best Original Song: Adele - Skyfall. Is anyone really surprised with this one? No matter the award if you are nominated against Adele be prepared to lose.
Why didn't they let the other songs be performed life? Academy don't play favorites please. Oh wait there's Norah Jones!
Best Original Score: Mychael Danna - Life of Pi. Great score for a great film. I look forward to buying Life of Pi on Blu-ray.
Not a Barbara fan at all.
Best Production Design: Lincoln. Great movie. Even though you knew the outcome of the vote you were on pins and needles wondering if the bill would pass.
Why is Kristen Stewart presenting an award?
This is a really tough year to pick the Best Picture winner. All the films nominated are truly amazing.
Is there anything better than hearing Adele sing?
Best Film Editing: Argo. Finally Argo won an award.
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway. Surprise surprise on that one. I really do love Anne Hathaway, I can't wait to see what she is in next.
Best Sound Editing: Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall. I bet this whole tie thing really screws over some Oscar pools going on.
Wait a tie?!?!?! Is that allowed to happen? Maybe they allow write in votes and Ben will win Best Director.
Best Sound Mixing: Les Miserables. This was a good sounding film, minus Russell Crowe.
Oh look they do present awards at this show.
I do enjoy seeing the Les Miserables cast getting back together, until they brought out Russell Crowe and Sasha Baron Cohen.
Did Chicago really deserve to win Best Picture? I should probably see it at some point. I have no real desire to ever see Dreamgirls.
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour. I saw this movie today and I really enjoyed it. I was the youngest person there by probably 20 years. Amour was really touching, but made me not want to get old.
Best Documentary: Searching for Sugar Man. I really want to see this documentary. I've read some great things about it.
Have they ever switched hosts midway through the show? I'm starting to hope they do tonight.
I was wondering when Gigli was going to be brought up.
Best Documentary Short Subject: Inocente. I really need to start seeing these short films.
Best Live Action Short Film: Curfew. Yup don't know anything about this film and why do they get boxed seats?
I really need to see more Bond films. That song made me really want to see Goldfinger. I am pretty disappointed all the Bond actors didn't make an appearance.
Time for the Bond Tribute, I'm looking forward to this one.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Les Miserables. I was impressed with how much I actually enjoyed Les Miserables. Usually not a big fan of musicals but this was well done and emotional.
Best Costume Design: Anna Karenina. This movie is on my "to rent" list but mainly just because Keira Knightley is in it.
I enjoy the "time to shut up" music, but do you really have to silence the mic?!?!?!
Best Visual Effects: Life of Pi. Looks like Life of Pi will be winning a lot of the technical awards tonight. You got to give them credit for what they did with the animals in this movie. It was pretty much impossible to tell when the tiger was real or cgi.
Best Cinematography: Life of Pi. Loved this film. I really need to go back and reread the book.
Best Animated Film: Brave. BOOOOOOO. I actually haven't seen any of the films in this category, but I would have liked to see Wreck-It Ralph win. I've heard Brave is not up to the Pixar standards. And why was the guy that won yelling?
Best Animated Short Film: Paperman. I've heard some good things about this short. I should try and find it online somewhere.
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz. I really enjoyed Christoph's performance in Django Unchained, but I do feel like Leo should have been nominated as well. And what's the deal with Jack Nicholson wearing sunglasses indoors? And is Quentin Tarantino ever sober?
Opening Number: I enjoyed the opening number by Seth MacFarlane. I really liked his first joke making fun of Tommy Lee Jones for his straight face during the entire Golden Globe Award show. Not really sure how I feel about the whole William Shatner bit, I'm kind of ready for him to go away. I did enjoy geting to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt get on stage to do a little singing and dancing. Is there anything Channing Tatum can't do? The "I Saw Your Boobs" song was pretty funny.
Predictions for the 2013 Oscars
Here are my predictions for 2013 Oscars that take place tonight:
Best Picture: Argo
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Anne Hathaway
Best Animated Picture: Wreck-It Ralph
Best Director: Steven Spielberg
Adapted Screenplay: Chris Terrio - Argo
Original Screenplay: Mark Boal - Zero Dark Thirty
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour
Production Design: Life of Pi
Achievement in Cinematography: Lincoln
Achievement in Costume Design: Les Miserables
Best Documentary Feature: Searching for Sugar Man
Achievement in Film Editing: Argo
Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling: Les Miserables
Best Original Score: Mychael Danna - Life of Pi
Best Original Song: Adele - Skyfall
Achievement in Sound Editing: Life of Pi
Achievement in Sound Mixing: Les Miserables
Achievement in Visual Effects: Life of Pi
I'm skipping these categories because I know nothing about the nominees:
Best Animated Short Film
Best Live Action Short Film
Best Documentary Short Subject
Best Picture: Argo
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Anne Hathaway
Best Animated Picture: Wreck-It Ralph
Best Director: Steven Spielberg
Adapted Screenplay: Chris Terrio - Argo
Original Screenplay: Mark Boal - Zero Dark Thirty
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour
Production Design: Life of Pi
Achievement in Cinematography: Lincoln
Achievement in Costume Design: Les Miserables
Best Documentary Feature: Searching for Sugar Man
Achievement in Film Editing: Argo
Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling: Les Miserables
Best Original Score: Mychael Danna - Life of Pi
Best Original Song: Adele - Skyfall
Achievement in Sound Editing: Life of Pi
Achievement in Sound Mixing: Les Miserables
Achievement in Visual Effects: Life of Pi
I'm skipping these categories because I know nothing about the nominees:
Best Animated Short Film
Best Live Action Short Film
Best Documentary Short Subject
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