I've grown tired of predicting the Oscars verballing and having it go my way, and then being told if it's not in writing, then there's no proof. So, I'm jotting down my predictions and we'll see how this goes. In these predications I'm gonna write down who I think should win and who I think will win, because there is a difference. The Academy makes mistakes often enough and I want to distance myself from those mistakes. Here we go. (Also not giving detailed predictions for categories I don't have a solid grasp on and that most of you don't care about)
Best Picture
Let's start off big and go for the one everyone cares about.
Nominees: The Artist, The Descendants, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Help, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, Moneyball, The Tree of Life, War Horse.
Should Win: Well I've already said Drive is the best movie of last year, but it got a major snub by not even being nominated. Out of the nominees I say The Artist.
Will Win: The Artist or I'll be completely stunned.
Best Actor
No Gosling again, so I don't think this category really sums up the best performances of last year.
Nominees: Demian Bichir - A Better Life, George Clooney - The Descendants, Jean Dujardin - The Artist, Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Brad Pitt - Moneyball.
Should Win: Gosling in Drive. He was also good in The Ides of March. Snubs aside, I'm not a big supporter of politcal wins, but Gary Oldman needs to round out that trophy case.
Will Win: Jean Dujardin
Best Actress
More of a powerhouse category this year than it's male counterpart.
Nominees: Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs, Viola Davis - The Help, Rooney Mara - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady, Michelle Williams - My Week with Marilyn.
Should Win: Rooney Mara. Everybody was excellent, but this movie was made by her performance. Maybe it's my Fincher bias though.
Will Win: Viola Davis is my guess, but I won't be stunned by a Meryl Streep win (as if we ever are).
Supporting Actor
Stunned by Hill's nomination, but that speaks to Aaron Sorkin's writing ability I think (more on that later).
Nominees: Kenneth Branaugh - My Week with Marilyn, Jonah Hill - Moneyball, Nick Nolte - Warrior, Christopher Plummer - The Beginners, Max von Sydow - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
Should Win: Jonah Hill....Kidding, it's Plummer. I love everything he does (Star Trek VI and Sound of Music being the standouts in my mind).
Will Win: Plummer, he's won the Golden Globe already, better make it a sweep.
Supporting Actress
I always love seeing multiple actor noms from the same film, it speaks volumes about the quality of the film. I usually chalk it up to directing though.
Nominees: Berenice Bujo - The Artist, Jessica Chastain - The Help, Melissa MacCarthy - Bridesmaids, Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs, Octavia Spencer - The Help.
Should Win: Berenice Bujo. The movie is solid.
Will Win: Berenice Bujo, I'm predicting a big night for The Artist.
Directing
Three big names and two relative unknowns in this category.
Nominees: Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist, Alexander Payne - The Descendants, Martin Scorsese - Hugo, Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris, Terrence Malick - The Tree of Life.
Should Win: Woody Allen or Terrence Malick. Both these films have the director's signature all over it.
Will Win: Michel Hazanavicius, again - big night for The Artist.
Adapted Screenplay
Aaron Sorkin is the king of writing. Everything he writes is so sharp, does anyone else stand a chance?
Nominees: The Descendants - Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, Hugo - John Logan, Moneyball - Steve Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, Stan Chervin, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Bridget O'Connor, Peter Straughan.
Should Win: Sorkin and co. Although I really enjoy the writing in The Descendants.
Will Win: The Descendants. Script is solid and I just can't see Moneyball winning.
Original Screenplay
Pretty solid crew for this category, and I love the inclusion of Bridesmaids. Comedies never really get their due in award season so this nom makes me smile.
Nominees: The Artist - Michel Hazanavicius, Bridesmaids - Annie Mumulo, Kristen Wiig, Margin Call - J.C. Chandor, Midnight in Paris - Woody Allen, A Seperation - Ashgar Farhadi.
Should Win: Woody Allen no doubt. His trademark wit shows throughout this film, and it's his best film.
Will Win: Midnight in Paris. Can't see a silent film getting this win, sorry The Artist.
Best Animated Film
Kind of a down year and I hate the throw in nom for Kung Fu Panda 2.
Nominees: A Cat in Paris, Chico and Rita, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, Rango.
Should Win: Rango. This movie is sharp and full of adult humour.
Will Win: Rango
Cinematography
Hugely underrated category.
Nominees: The Artist, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Hugo, The Tree of Life, War Horse
Should Win: Hugo
Will Win: Hugo
Quick Guesses
Visual Effects: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Sound Mixing: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Original Score: The Artist
Sound Editing: Hugo
Obviously there's some categories I didn't cover. Having not watched any of the short films, foreign films or documentaries I can't even guess what will win. And having no knowledge on make-up or costume design, I won't field a guess. That about does it, enjoy the Oscars. As always, leave some comments on what I did right or wrong.
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
The Movies of 2011
A quick disclaimer. I haven't seen every movie from last year. Pay me, and I will, but no one has offered yet, so I don't watch every movie that comes out. If I leave off a movie, it's because it sucked, or I didn't see it (generally speaking). I realize not all of you will agree. Feel free to add a comment or tweet me @AboveAvgDoug.
Top 11 Movies of 2011 (That I Saw)
11. Contagion - Steven Soderbergh
I really loved this movie, but I just couldn't put it higher. The cinematography is mind-blowlingly good. Every door, every pen, every cough is shot perfectly and creates a sense of fear for each of these everyday objects that we have an interaction with. The fear that this movie instills in you is stunning and if you're like me you will pay attention to all of the subtle movements of those around you for days after this movie.
10. Tree of Life - Terrence Malick
I know a lot of you probably didn't care for it, but it's a solid film and you have to take it for what it is. An art film about a life. Life in its entirety and the ties from an individual to a society to nature. Reminds me a lot of 2001 with certain shots and themes. It's very much a thinkers movie. Check it out and give it a shot.
9. The Descendants - Alexander Payne
George Clooney plays what I think is the only role he keeps getting, a man in midlife crisis. Sorry, a man who is in midlife and is also in a crisis. I still can't figure out if I really like Clooney as an actor or just like Clooney because he's Clooney. But I digress. The young cast is a huge standout for me, same with the script. Don't see how Clooney and the film won Golden Globes, but still a good film.
8. The Last Lions - Dereck Joubert
An unreal doc on a family of lions in Africa. Captures rare footage of a mother's journey to protect her family from the daily trials. Usually wouldn't put a doc like that in my top 10, but this movie has imagery that sticks with you post-viewing. It makes a huge case for environmentalism and naturism without even trying. Maybe a little heavy on anthropomorphesis, but maybe that's what makes your care. Make sure to follow up with something a little more light-hearted as this one is a sad one.
7. 50/50 - Jonathan Levine
Joseph Gordon Levitt rules this movie. You should all know the story by know, but if not he gets cancer and has a 50/50 chance of living (see what happens there?). Autobiographical from writer Will Reiser, this movie captures what I imagine something this horrific would truly be like. This film also uses Seth Rogen properly (which is to say sparingly). Dramedy's always capture what I believe life closest resembles life.
6. Moneyball - Bennett Miller
Always a sucker for a sports movie, especially if it's good. Aaron Sorkin (Social Network and The West Wing) wrote the script, so it's not surprising to me that I loved it. Brad Pitt and surprisingly Jonah Hill turn in good performances. Hate that like all sports movies (except Friday Night Lights), it has to have a happy ending. Too bad the book was ever published, seemed to wise up everyone else to what Billy Beane was doing, and then they did it better (Boston and Tampa).
5. The Ides of March - George Clooney
Already reviewed this on in depth, but thoroughly enjoyable. Clooney is charismatic and unlikable at the same time. Gosling turns in an excellent performance (but not his best of the year). A solid cast all around, that's the big standout looking back on this movie.
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - David Fincher
Man I love this movie, and if it weren't for the next three films this would be number one for me. Visually intense, this thriller builds up gradually to a tense climax. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross do the music for this film (are they gonna continue pairing with Fincher? Yes, a perfect blend between their sense of music as composers and Fincher's visual style as a director), and they do a great job. Synth and bass with dark overtones, this soundtrack plays to my heart. Rooney Mara is stunning in this, playing a tortured and torturing Lisbeth Salander. Anti-Rape themes? You bet. I love when a movie doesn't pull punches (not that Fincher would) and I think he was the perfect director for this adaptation.
3. Midnight in Paris - Woody Allen
Woody Allen's best film. One of the funniest movies of the year. High-brow stuff though, not for those of you who thought The Hangover 2 was awesome (see bottom for worst movies of the year). Rarely do you see Owen Wilson and say impressive, but that's what happens here. The movie relies on one of my favourite themes; nostalgia and a wish to live in the past. Watch this movie for yourself and for Woody.
2. Another Earth - Mike Cahill
Surprise. Don't think anyone was expecting a $200 000 indie film as my number two, but it is. Movies that convey emotions with dialogue get me. Same with sci-fi done right. Loved this movie. Pretty much a two man show with new coming Brit Marling and Lost alum William Mapother, it relies heavily on their performances. I'm not giving spoilers, so check this film out, well worth it. Buy it if you can, these guys deserve to collect money for this movie.
1. Drive - Nicholas Wending Refn
From the director of Bronson (also check that out), this movie is visceral and intense throughout. Gosling has his best performance of the year. The cinematography and soundtrack are also really big standouts for me. 80's inspired synth music with a modern heist flair. Refn can shoot the hell out of an action scene. This film shows off it's B-movie roots but stands out by rising above generic conventions. Sublty is the name of the game as far as emotion goes (an underappreciated tactic used in many European films). I could re-watch this everyday (and I already have on multiple occasions). All of you will enjoy this movie.
Top 10 Grossers of 2011
Here's a quick contrast between my top movies and the top money makers. (Stats courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter)
1. Harry Potter 8 - $1.3 Billion
2. Transformers 3 - $1.1 Billion
3. Pirates 4 - $1 Billion
4. Kung Fu Panda 2 - $663 Million
5. Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 - $648 Million
6. Fast Five - $626 Million
7. Hangover 2 - $581 Million
8. Smurfs - $562 Million
9. Cars 2 - $551 Million
10. Rio - $484 Million
A note to sum this up, notice only one original work in the top 10 (Rio). The other nine are sequels or new adaptations. I'll throw a blog up on that later.
Top Movies to Still Watch
The Help
J. Edgar
Shame
Hugo
Tin-Tin
Young Adult
Other Films I Enjoyed (films that aren't going to win awards, but are still worth a view)
Everything Must Go - Will Ferrell as a man who loses his job and wife on the same day. Usually not a fan of Ferrell, but he actually does a good job.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes - Despite it's horrible title, it's pretty solid. James Franco is always watchable.
Hesher - Joseph Gordon-Levitt again wows me with his range. Plays a metal and porno loving bum crashing in Rainn Wilson's garage. Always love his range.
Source Code - Not usually a Jake Gyllenhall fan, but I loved Duncan Jones first film (Moon, 2009 re: #OscarSnub) and this one is solid sci-fi stuff.
Biggest Duds of the Year (in no particular order)
The Hangover 2 - Just brutal. Was that the same script with all the wit removed for dick jokes? Stop going to see movies like this. Winner of the Inaugural Battlefield Earth Look-a-like award. This honour goes to movies that best represent the worst of films, be it in acting, writing, directing or a combination of the three. On a side note, is this seriously a trilogy? Last time something this good went this wrong it was named Lindsay Lohan (are those jokes still topical?)
Transformers 3: Pink Floyd Title - A three hour movie that could've been 25 minutes long and no one would've noticed. For comparison's sake, this cost $195 million vs Another Earth's $200 000. Just let that one soak in.
X-Men First Class - Aside from Michael Fassbender, this movie is unwatchable.
Season of the Witch - Don't even know why I got suckered into watching this. Nic Cage plays a shitty actor.
Top 11 Movies of 2011 (That I Saw)
11. Contagion - Steven Soderbergh
I really loved this movie, but I just couldn't put it higher. The cinematography is mind-blowlingly good. Every door, every pen, every cough is shot perfectly and creates a sense of fear for each of these everyday objects that we have an interaction with. The fear that this movie instills in you is stunning and if you're like me you will pay attention to all of the subtle movements of those around you for days after this movie.
10. Tree of Life - Terrence Malick
I know a lot of you probably didn't care for it, but it's a solid film and you have to take it for what it is. An art film about a life. Life in its entirety and the ties from an individual to a society to nature. Reminds me a lot of 2001 with certain shots and themes. It's very much a thinkers movie. Check it out and give it a shot.
9. The Descendants - Alexander Payne
George Clooney plays what I think is the only role he keeps getting, a man in midlife crisis. Sorry, a man who is in midlife and is also in a crisis. I still can't figure out if I really like Clooney as an actor or just like Clooney because he's Clooney. But I digress. The young cast is a huge standout for me, same with the script. Don't see how Clooney and the film won Golden Globes, but still a good film.
8. The Last Lions - Dereck Joubert
An unreal doc on a family of lions in Africa. Captures rare footage of a mother's journey to protect her family from the daily trials. Usually wouldn't put a doc like that in my top 10, but this movie has imagery that sticks with you post-viewing. It makes a huge case for environmentalism and naturism without even trying. Maybe a little heavy on anthropomorphesis, but maybe that's what makes your care. Make sure to follow up with something a little more light-hearted as this one is a sad one.
7. 50/50 - Jonathan Levine
Joseph Gordon Levitt rules this movie. You should all know the story by know, but if not he gets cancer and has a 50/50 chance of living (see what happens there?). Autobiographical from writer Will Reiser, this movie captures what I imagine something this horrific would truly be like. This film also uses Seth Rogen properly (which is to say sparingly). Dramedy's always capture what I believe life closest resembles life.
6. Moneyball - Bennett Miller
Always a sucker for a sports movie, especially if it's good. Aaron Sorkin (Social Network and The West Wing) wrote the script, so it's not surprising to me that I loved it. Brad Pitt and surprisingly Jonah Hill turn in good performances. Hate that like all sports movies (except Friday Night Lights), it has to have a happy ending. Too bad the book was ever published, seemed to wise up everyone else to what Billy Beane was doing, and then they did it better (Boston and Tampa).
5. The Ides of March - George Clooney
Already reviewed this on in depth, but thoroughly enjoyable. Clooney is charismatic and unlikable at the same time. Gosling turns in an excellent performance (but not his best of the year). A solid cast all around, that's the big standout looking back on this movie.
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - David Fincher
Man I love this movie, and if it weren't for the next three films this would be number one for me. Visually intense, this thriller builds up gradually to a tense climax. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross do the music for this film (are they gonna continue pairing with Fincher? Yes, a perfect blend between their sense of music as composers and Fincher's visual style as a director), and they do a great job. Synth and bass with dark overtones, this soundtrack plays to my heart. Rooney Mara is stunning in this, playing a tortured and torturing Lisbeth Salander. Anti-Rape themes? You bet. I love when a movie doesn't pull punches (not that Fincher would) and I think he was the perfect director for this adaptation.
3. Midnight in Paris - Woody Allen
Woody Allen's best film. One of the funniest movies of the year. High-brow stuff though, not for those of you who thought The Hangover 2 was awesome (see bottom for worst movies of the year). Rarely do you see Owen Wilson and say impressive, but that's what happens here. The movie relies on one of my favourite themes; nostalgia and a wish to live in the past. Watch this movie for yourself and for Woody.
2. Another Earth - Mike Cahill
Surprise. Don't think anyone was expecting a $200 000 indie film as my number two, but it is. Movies that convey emotions with dialogue get me. Same with sci-fi done right. Loved this movie. Pretty much a two man show with new coming Brit Marling and Lost alum William Mapother, it relies heavily on their performances. I'm not giving spoilers, so check this film out, well worth it. Buy it if you can, these guys deserve to collect money for this movie.
1. Drive - Nicholas Wending Refn
From the director of Bronson (also check that out), this movie is visceral and intense throughout. Gosling has his best performance of the year. The cinematography and soundtrack are also really big standouts for me. 80's inspired synth music with a modern heist flair. Refn can shoot the hell out of an action scene. This film shows off it's B-movie roots but stands out by rising above generic conventions. Sublty is the name of the game as far as emotion goes (an underappreciated tactic used in many European films). I could re-watch this everyday (and I already have on multiple occasions). All of you will enjoy this movie.
Top 10 Grossers of 2011
Here's a quick contrast between my top movies and the top money makers. (Stats courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter)
1. Harry Potter 8 - $1.3 Billion
2. Transformers 3 - $1.1 Billion
3. Pirates 4 - $1 Billion
4. Kung Fu Panda 2 - $663 Million
5. Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 - $648 Million
6. Fast Five - $626 Million
7. Hangover 2 - $581 Million
8. Smurfs - $562 Million
9. Cars 2 - $551 Million
10. Rio - $484 Million
A note to sum this up, notice only one original work in the top 10 (Rio). The other nine are sequels or new adaptations. I'll throw a blog up on that later.
Top Movies to Still Watch
The Help
J. Edgar
Shame
Hugo
Tin-Tin
Young Adult
Other Films I Enjoyed (films that aren't going to win awards, but are still worth a view)
Everything Must Go - Will Ferrell as a man who loses his job and wife on the same day. Usually not a fan of Ferrell, but he actually does a good job.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes - Despite it's horrible title, it's pretty solid. James Franco is always watchable.
Hesher - Joseph Gordon-Levitt again wows me with his range. Plays a metal and porno loving bum crashing in Rainn Wilson's garage. Always love his range.
Source Code - Not usually a Jake Gyllenhall fan, but I loved Duncan Jones first film (Moon, 2009 re: #OscarSnub) and this one is solid sci-fi stuff.
Biggest Duds of the Year (in no particular order)
The Hangover 2 - Just brutal. Was that the same script with all the wit removed for dick jokes? Stop going to see movies like this. Winner of the Inaugural Battlefield Earth Look-a-like award. This honour goes to movies that best represent the worst of films, be it in acting, writing, directing or a combination of the three. On a side note, is this seriously a trilogy? Last time something this good went this wrong it was named Lindsay Lohan (are those jokes still topical?)
Transformers 3: Pink Floyd Title - A three hour movie that could've been 25 minutes long and no one would've noticed. For comparison's sake, this cost $195 million vs Another Earth's $200 000. Just let that one soak in.
X-Men First Class - Aside from Michael Fassbender, this movie is unwatchable.
Season of the Witch - Don't even know why I got suckered into watching this. Nic Cage plays a shitty actor.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
The 12 Movies of Christmas
Alright, let me preface this with a big ol' apology. I realize that it's been a few weeks since I last wrote for you. I could say I've been busy. That I've had a lot going on. That's true, but I'm still sorry for not posting more.
Now with my apology out of the way, I'm gonna conduct my countdown of my 12 favourite Christmas time movies. Let me qualify this as well. I'm talking about "Christmas Time" movies, not "Christmas" movies. This broadens the definition to include movies that take place during Christmas as well as those that embody the spirit of Christmas (thanks to @sean_ashbridge for clarifying).
12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
I'm starting with a classic on this one. This movie is fantastic, and a faithful adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book (perhaps the most faithful book to film adaptation ever?). You all know the story of the Grinch who had hated Christmas and yet, came to save the day and fully embrace the season. Not really sure what else I can add, other than the original version is far superior to the 2000 Jim Carrey and Ron Howard product that was way too long and completely unnecessary.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
11. Home Alone (1990)
A childhood memory for those of the mid-late 80s and early 90s. This tale of horrible parenting is a Macauly Culkin star vehicle. It launched his career, and was the best looking thing he's done until Mila Kunis (Boom! tasteless sex joke in a Christmas blog, and Mom said it couldn't be done. That just proves kids that if you have a dream, and stick to it, you can accomplish anything. But I digress). This film falls under the category of Christmas Time rather than Christmas Spirit movie, as beating up senior citizens with micro machines and paint cans is hardly what Jesus had in mind.
Verdict: Christmas Time
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
See the pun in the title? I hope you had before this, otherwise you should put more effort into being observant. Starring Tim Allen, the movie follows a man who kills Santa and replaces him. While that man sound like the plot of The Talent Mr. Ripley or American Psycho to most people, this lil' number is anything but a serial killers film. A unwilling man accepts responsibility for his actions, and sucks it up for the greater good.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
9. Batman Returns (1992)
That one catches you off guard doesn't it? Well it takes place at Christmas, so it counts. My favourite non-Nolan Batman features Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. While admittedly over-the-top (featuring Batman blantantly lightling criminals on fire with the Batmobile - a definite Bat-No-No), it's well done and very Burton-esque. Danny Elfman's Batman Theme is still my first go to when thinking of Batman (sorry Adam West!). With lots of Christmas spectacle throughout, this movie always makes my watched list during the holidays.
Verdict: Christmas Time
8. Home Alone 2 (1992)
Mac does it again. The first repeat customer on my list, Home Alone 2 features our favourite neglected child, this time lost in New York. How this kid can be forgotten twice is mindblowlingly illogical, but no more so than how he outsmarts and abuses Joe Pesci on two separate occasions. This one holds a much more special place in my heart than the first, but that's probably because I owned the VHS and didn't own the first. And for those wondering, NO, Home Alone 3 and 4 don't make this list.
Verdict: Christmas Time
7. Jingle All The Way (1996)
Arnie's only spot on this list (don't worry, my afinity for 80s movies will have him on many other lists to come). Arnie vs. Sinbad in a hunt for the ultimate gift for Darth Vader (or at least the kid who played him in The Phantom Menace). This movie reminds us to not get our hopes up about that one "Hot" gift. Instead, we should just hope that our dad dresses up like a super hero and saves the day.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Looks like 1992 was a solid year for Christmas movies, or maybe I've got a serious case of nostalgia. Regardless, we all love the muppets (even if they became a little tired and overdone for years). Starring my favourite butler/actor Michael Caine, this movie isn't half-bad...it's all bad (har har har, muppet pun out of the way). Anyway, to break it down - it's a retelling of the Christmas Carol....featuring muppets.... I don't know what else I can say.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
5. Bad Santa (2003)
Come on, it's Billy-Bob and Christmas...together. Sold. A solid black comedy about the debauchery of Santa and his elf. Hilarious at nearly every point, this film inverts the traditional feel-goodery of Santa on its head and shows us that each of us can be naughty, even Santa. Thornton dominates the screen with his traditional dry delivery. Plus, isn't always nice to laugh during Christmas?
Verdict: Christmas Time
4. Scrooged (1988)
Bill F**king Murray. This guy blows my mind in almost ever role he's had. He tows the line between comic and solemn so often and has a charisma that few can look away from. A retelling of a Christmas Carol, we follow TV exec Frank Cross along on his journey to spiritual redemption.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
3. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This is Halloween, Halloween. This is Tim Burton's (who only wrote and produced this film, not directed) second appearance on my list (and it could've been a third - see my honourable mentions). The songs are fantastic. The message is amazing - stick to what you do well (I guess that also applies to Timmy himself, who's done a dud or two by differing from his standard Burton formula). The DVD also includes a couple great early Burton films (Frankenweenie touches the heart of this dog lover).
Verdict: Christmas Time
2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Who doesn't love a little Jimmy Stewart at Christmas Time? The best movie for Christmas Eve, this is how I spend each night before Saint Nick visits the household. It teaches us about the value of each individual life and the impact we can have on each other. During the holidays, it's always nice to be reminded how much we mean to everyone in our lives - and it's even nicer when that message is told in 130 min without having to read anything.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
1. Die Hard (1988)
The second movie starring an 80s action hero, but this is the only 80s action movie on the list. John McClane serves up some Christmas justice in the greatest combination of action and holiday cheer of all time. Fighting off terrorists in order to save his estranged wife and her co-workers during a Christmas party invasion, this movie provides classic action one-liners, special effects, and some good ol' fashioned mindless fun. In the end, Bruce Willis drops Severus Snape off the top of a tower, and how can that be a bad message? Christmas needs justice and action just like fat kids need holiday treats. This is the Christmas movie.
Verdict: Christmas Time
Honourable Mentions:
Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Why? It's the story of where snow comes from.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - Why? A family comedy we can all relate to.
White Christmas (1954) Why? Loves me some holiday racism in song form.
As always, feel free to comment. Share your thoughts on movies I left out, had too high or too low or judged improperly.
Now with my apology out of the way, I'm gonna conduct my countdown of my 12 favourite Christmas time movies. Let me qualify this as well. I'm talking about "Christmas Time" movies, not "Christmas" movies. This broadens the definition to include movies that take place during Christmas as well as those that embody the spirit of Christmas (thanks to @sean_ashbridge for clarifying).
12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
I'm starting with a classic on this one. This movie is fantastic, and a faithful adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book (perhaps the most faithful book to film adaptation ever?). You all know the story of the Grinch who had hated Christmas and yet, came to save the day and fully embrace the season. Not really sure what else I can add, other than the original version is far superior to the 2000 Jim Carrey and Ron Howard product that was way too long and completely unnecessary.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
11. Home Alone (1990)
A childhood memory for those of the mid-late 80s and early 90s. This tale of horrible parenting is a Macauly Culkin star vehicle. It launched his career, and was the best looking thing he's done until Mila Kunis (Boom! tasteless sex joke in a Christmas blog, and Mom said it couldn't be done. That just proves kids that if you have a dream, and stick to it, you can accomplish anything. But I digress). This film falls under the category of Christmas Time rather than Christmas Spirit movie, as beating up senior citizens with micro machines and paint cans is hardly what Jesus had in mind.
Verdict: Christmas Time
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
See the pun in the title? I hope you had before this, otherwise you should put more effort into being observant. Starring Tim Allen, the movie follows a man who kills Santa and replaces him. While that man sound like the plot of The Talent Mr. Ripley or American Psycho to most people, this lil' number is anything but a serial killers film. A unwilling man accepts responsibility for his actions, and sucks it up for the greater good.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
9. Batman Returns (1992)
That one catches you off guard doesn't it? Well it takes place at Christmas, so it counts. My favourite non-Nolan Batman features Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. While admittedly over-the-top (featuring Batman blantantly lightling criminals on fire with the Batmobile - a definite Bat-No-No), it's well done and very Burton-esque. Danny Elfman's Batman Theme is still my first go to when thinking of Batman (sorry Adam West!). With lots of Christmas spectacle throughout, this movie always makes my watched list during the holidays.
Verdict: Christmas Time
8. Home Alone 2 (1992)
Mac does it again. The first repeat customer on my list, Home Alone 2 features our favourite neglected child, this time lost in New York. How this kid can be forgotten twice is mindblowlingly illogical, but no more so than how he outsmarts and abuses Joe Pesci on two separate occasions. This one holds a much more special place in my heart than the first, but that's probably because I owned the VHS and didn't own the first. And for those wondering, NO, Home Alone 3 and 4 don't make this list.
Verdict: Christmas Time
7. Jingle All The Way (1996)
Arnie's only spot on this list (don't worry, my afinity for 80s movies will have him on many other lists to come). Arnie vs. Sinbad in a hunt for the ultimate gift for Darth Vader (or at least the kid who played him in The Phantom Menace). This movie reminds us to not get our hopes up about that one "Hot" gift. Instead, we should just hope that our dad dresses up like a super hero and saves the day.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Looks like 1992 was a solid year for Christmas movies, or maybe I've got a serious case of nostalgia. Regardless, we all love the muppets (even if they became a little tired and overdone for years). Starring my favourite butler/actor Michael Caine, this movie isn't half-bad...it's all bad (har har har, muppet pun out of the way). Anyway, to break it down - it's a retelling of the Christmas Carol....featuring muppets.... I don't know what else I can say.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
5. Bad Santa (2003)
Come on, it's Billy-Bob and Christmas...together. Sold. A solid black comedy about the debauchery of Santa and his elf. Hilarious at nearly every point, this film inverts the traditional feel-goodery of Santa on its head and shows us that each of us can be naughty, even Santa. Thornton dominates the screen with his traditional dry delivery. Plus, isn't always nice to laugh during Christmas?
Verdict: Christmas Time
4. Scrooged (1988)
Bill F**king Murray. This guy blows my mind in almost ever role he's had. He tows the line between comic and solemn so often and has a charisma that few can look away from. A retelling of a Christmas Carol, we follow TV exec Frank Cross along on his journey to spiritual redemption.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
3. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This is Halloween, Halloween. This is Tim Burton's (who only wrote and produced this film, not directed) second appearance on my list (and it could've been a third - see my honourable mentions). The songs are fantastic. The message is amazing - stick to what you do well (I guess that also applies to Timmy himself, who's done a dud or two by differing from his standard Burton formula). The DVD also includes a couple great early Burton films (Frankenweenie touches the heart of this dog lover).
Verdict: Christmas Time
2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Who doesn't love a little Jimmy Stewart at Christmas Time? The best movie for Christmas Eve, this is how I spend each night before Saint Nick visits the household. It teaches us about the value of each individual life and the impact we can have on each other. During the holidays, it's always nice to be reminded how much we mean to everyone in our lives - and it's even nicer when that message is told in 130 min without having to read anything.
Verdict: Christmas Spirit
1. Die Hard (1988)
The second movie starring an 80s action hero, but this is the only 80s action movie on the list. John McClane serves up some Christmas justice in the greatest combination of action and holiday cheer of all time. Fighting off terrorists in order to save his estranged wife and her co-workers during a Christmas party invasion, this movie provides classic action one-liners, special effects, and some good ol' fashioned mindless fun. In the end, Bruce Willis drops Severus Snape off the top of a tower, and how can that be a bad message? Christmas needs justice and action just like fat kids need holiday treats. This is the Christmas movie.
Verdict: Christmas Time
Honourable Mentions:
Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Why? It's the story of where snow comes from.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - Why? A family comedy we can all relate to.
White Christmas (1954) Why? Loves me some holiday racism in song form.
As always, feel free to comment. Share your thoughts on movies I left out, had too high or too low or judged improperly.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Christmas Teaser
Alright everyone. I love the Christmas season. I love the music, I love the songs, and I love the time with friends and family. So I'm gonna blog a bunch on my favourite things about Christmas. This will include;
Top Five Christmas Songs
Top Ten Holiday Specials
Top Five Ways to Spend Time
The Twelve Days of Christmas Movies
So get following, cause I'll be giving you some great ideas for the season.
Top Five Christmas Songs
Top Ten Holiday Specials
Top Five Ways to Spend Time
The Twelve Days of Christmas Movies
So get following, cause I'll be giving you some great ideas for the season.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Suhpid Mistakes
Ndomakung Suh, a year ago he was the best defensive lineman in football. Coming into the NFL he won multiple awards for dominating the college ranks (a particle championship game vs Colt McCoy and Texas comes to mind).
He continues this domination throughout his entire rookie season. Physical and fearce; he was referred to by Ross Tucker (my favourite analyst @RossTuckerNFL) as a future hall of famer on more than one occasion.
Fast forward to nearly a year later. Suh is suspeneded for two games without pay and now carries the moniker of the dirtiest player in the league. Worse than that, his apologies come off as forced from the organization.
Well, I'm shocked first. Suh is a player that gives it his all down in and down out. I never thought of him as dirty. However, I've watched these incidents (stomping, late hits, forcing helmets to the ground) and I would definitely say he plays on the edge and needs to reign it in.
Dirty, however, doesn't come to mind. Inauthentic does though. It appears as though he doesn't care about how he's viewed and doesn't think that he's dirty or even crossing a line. After each game he doesn't say he was wrong, or that maybe he made a poor decision. Instead, he says the other players are wrong, and it's not until a team meeting that he gives a half assed apology that does nothing for him, the Lions or the NFL.
All Suh has to say is that football is a violent game played by violent men and that the line between acceptable and unacceptable violence is barely visible and poorly defined.
Man up and accept responsibility.
He continues this domination throughout his entire rookie season. Physical and fearce; he was referred to by Ross Tucker (my favourite analyst @RossTuckerNFL) as a future hall of famer on more than one occasion.
Fast forward to nearly a year later. Suh is suspeneded for two games without pay and now carries the moniker of the dirtiest player in the league. Worse than that, his apologies come off as forced from the organization.
Well, I'm shocked first. Suh is a player that gives it his all down in and down out. I never thought of him as dirty. However, I've watched these incidents (stomping, late hits, forcing helmets to the ground) and I would definitely say he plays on the edge and needs to reign it in.
Dirty, however, doesn't come to mind. Inauthentic does though. It appears as though he doesn't care about how he's viewed and doesn't think that he's dirty or even crossing a line. After each game he doesn't say he was wrong, or that maybe he made a poor decision. Instead, he says the other players are wrong, and it's not until a team meeting that he gives a half assed apology that does nothing for him, the Lions or the NFL.
All Suh has to say is that football is a violent game played by violent men and that the line between acceptable and unacceptable violence is barely visible and poorly defined.
Man up and accept responsibility.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Nickelblocked
Awesome. That's all I can say. Awesome.
Aux.tv has created a plugin for Firefox and Google Chrome that effectively removes Nickelback from your internet. The purpose is to "scrub Nickelback from the internet. Permanently." In case you haven't gathered, the plugin is called Nickelblock.
My hatred of Nickelback is pure, it might be the only true emotion I've ever felt in my life. Removing them from my experience is a fantastic idea, too bad it doesn't erase my memory of their great songs.
With such hits like "I'm a disgusting person", "I can only play three chords" and "My lyrics are bullshit", this band does nothing but destroy the legitimacy of the Canadian music scene. We have so much more to offer!
So, Aux.tv, let me personally thank you from all of Canada for wiping Nickelback from the internet.
But, it doesn't end there. You see, not only do Canadians hate Nickelback, but so do Americans. Today is Turkey Day down south, and as is tradition football is being played by Detroit (Green Bay at Detroit). Nickelback is scheduled to be playing the half time show of this game. The citizens of Detroit, however, have different ideas.
A petition has been started (click here to sign it, a suggestion I'll give you) to stop Nickelback from playing the show. With comments like "Hasn't Detroit been through enough" and "I'll probably never watch the game, but if I can stop one Nickelback gig, I'll have done good", the nearly 55 000 (of a desired 75 000) have spoken out.
Again, this isn't the end of the story. Nickelback, in response has teamed with Funny or Die to respond. The video, shows Nickelback can poke fun at themselves, something I did not think they were capable of.
Interesting developments regarding Canada's most popular (yes it hurts me, I think I had an aneurysm just typing it) band. They suck, and Detroit thinks so, but at least Nickelback can embrace it.
Aux.tv has created a plugin for Firefox and Google Chrome that effectively removes Nickelback from your internet. The purpose is to "scrub Nickelback from the internet. Permanently." In case you haven't gathered, the plugin is called Nickelblock.
My hatred of Nickelback is pure, it might be the only true emotion I've ever felt in my life. Removing them from my experience is a fantastic idea, too bad it doesn't erase my memory of their great songs.
With such hits like "I'm a disgusting person", "I can only play three chords" and "My lyrics are bullshit", this band does nothing but destroy the legitimacy of the Canadian music scene. We have so much more to offer!
So, Aux.tv, let me personally thank you from all of Canada for wiping Nickelback from the internet.
But, it doesn't end there. You see, not only do Canadians hate Nickelback, but so do Americans. Today is Turkey Day down south, and as is tradition football is being played by Detroit (Green Bay at Detroit). Nickelback is scheduled to be playing the half time show of this game. The citizens of Detroit, however, have different ideas.
A petition has been started (click here to sign it, a suggestion I'll give you) to stop Nickelback from playing the show. With comments like "Hasn't Detroit been through enough" and "I'll probably never watch the game, but if I can stop one Nickelback gig, I'll have done good", the nearly 55 000 (of a desired 75 000) have spoken out.
Again, this isn't the end of the story. Nickelback, in response has teamed with Funny or Die to respond. The video, shows Nickelback can poke fun at themselves, something I did not think they were capable of.
Interesting developments regarding Canada's most popular (yes it hurts me, I think I had an aneurysm just typing it) band. They suck, and Detroit thinks so, but at least Nickelback can embrace it.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Why Penn State was Right
Alright, a lot has happened since my last blog and I feel like I should address some of what happened.
First and foremost, Paterno was fired (like I said he should be) by Penn State. The firing came mere hours after he announced that this season was his last. Now some might call this a classless move or a poor way to treat a man that IS your institution.
I disagree. Great move on Penn States part. By canning Paterno, the university is taking a stand that they are not okay with the lies and cover up. As we say PR, the cover up is always worse.
By distancing themselves from Paterno (and hopefully this stands for a long time) the university can save face, but that does not make what happened okay.
First and foremost, Paterno was fired (like I said he should be) by Penn State. The firing came mere hours after he announced that this season was his last. Now some might call this a classless move or a poor way to treat a man that IS your institution.
I disagree. Great move on Penn States part. By canning Paterno, the university is taking a stand that they are not okay with the lies and cover up. As we say PR, the cover up is always worse.
By distancing themselves from Paterno (and hopefully this stands for a long time) the university can save face, but that does not make what happened okay.
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