And The Oscar Goes To...

Not so fast!  I haven’t even reviewed any of the films!  Ok, it’s time for me to channel my inner Siskel & Ebert and tell you about these films.  Just so you know.  I will not claim that I’m a great critic.  Hell, I don’t even know what a great critic entails, I’m just writing.   Here goes nothin’...

127 Hours

According to IMDB.com, this movie is an 8.1 out of 10.  I think thats a fair assessment.  I wasn’t blown away by this movie but it was fun to watch for sure.  Its amazing how far we can push ourselves physically.  I remember very vividly Basic Training at Ft. Sill Oklahoma being pushed to my limit, or so I thought.  We can always go just a foot further, or a minute longer.  We just have to will ourselves to do it.  James Franco plays Aron Ralston, an avid climber from Colorado who finds himself in a peculiar predicament.  In 2003, Aron was forced to amputate his right arm with a dull knife in order to be freed from a boulder.  I think this film was nominated for the sole reason that the human spirit, once challenged, will prevail. 

If you haven’t watched this film yet, please do.  It inspired me in many ways.  One being, it made me appreciate the relationships I have.   It also made me realize what’s important in my life: family, friends, relationships.  It may inspire you in a completely different way.  127 Hours is a film that portrays the human spirit as it truly is: A boulder, inpenetrable and lasting forever, even with only one arm.  

The Social Network

What a crazy movie!  What is that site that we all are addicted to?  Face...face...face something?  Ah, FACEBOOK!  IMDB.com gives this film a 8.2 out of 10.  I would rate it more like a 9.  Its about time we find out what is behind this world wide phenomenon that is Facebook.  For those of you who’ve never seen Mark Zuckerburg (so-called creator of Facbeook,)  Jesse Eisenberg is a perfect match.  Not only in the looks department but in the awkward, nerdy, witty, and eccentric department as well.  Eisenberg, a great actor, plays the same type of character in his movies.  If you’ve seen Adventureland or Zombieland you’ll understand.  He plays the same “type” of guy.  I guess he does it well. 

The madness that is Facebook comes to life in this well written movie.  The one funny thing behind this movie is that Zuckerburg had nothing to do with it.  In fact, he denied interviews.  I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or not.  Why would he deny an interview?  Is it because he knew he was going to be the “bad guy” in the film?  I’m just about to start the book the movie is based on: The Accidental Billionaires.  I’ll keep you posted on how closely they are related. 

I also want to say that I love original scores(music) to movies and this movie has an unbelievable soundtrack.  

This leads to my last question.  What will the next random person in society discover that will make him or her the next billionaire?

True Grit  

Does a remake deserve a nod at Best Picture?  I personally don’t think so, but I’m not the man that makes the decision.  I don’t even think movies should be remade to begin with.  It was an original idea when it was made, why tamper with it and modernize it?  Thats just me.  

Okay, first things first.  I think Hailee Steinfeld stole the entire film.  Her straight-to-the-point sassiness was hilarious.  If I ever have a daughter, I hope she grows up to be like Steinfeld’s character.  Mattie Ross didn’t take guff from anyone, including Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges.)  Bridges plays a U.S. Marshall named Rooster.  He is a hard-nosed, alcoholic with a little sass himself.  

Mattie, looking for someone who can track down her father’s killer, pays Rooster to track him down in “Indian country.”  She insists coming along but Rooster leaves a little early and she’s left behind.  He must have thought she’d just roll over and wait for him to get back.  She did the opposite, she caught right up to him!  

The film was filled with stars like Matt Damon and one of my favorites, Barry Pepper.  An all-star cast is only one way to get an Oscar nod.  Great acting and a great script will get the job done as well.  If you like Westerns, this is right up your alley.  

Toy Story 3

How often does an animated film get nominated for Best Picture?  Can it take home the coveted golden statue?  Sure.  Will it?  We’ll have to wait and see.  If I had kept all my toys till I was about to begin college, I would have been considered very awkward considering I really didn’t start college till I was 25.  Andy, however, is starting when the majority of people do, straight out of high school.  The film basically gets turned over to the toys because of this reason.  After the toys experience total chaos at the local day care, Andy decides he should donate the beloved toys to a little girl who attends the day care.  

For some reason, most animated films always bring a little tear to my eye.  Toy Story 3 help up its end of the bargain, I shed a few dammit.  I hate admitting that!  Anyway, Toy Story 3 is a great movie that even a battle-hardened soldier can appreciate.   

The Fighter

I’m going to say 3 words and 3 words only, well at first.  Christian freakin’ bale.  Talk about doing what you can to make the film awesome.  The man dropped 63 pounds for this film.  He usually walks around at 230 pounds and had to cut down to 170 to look like a welterweight fighter.  It took me about 20 minutes to even realize it was him!  Anyway, The film is about dicky and micky ward.  Dicky is played by Bale and Micky, played by Mark Wahlberg, who does an equally amazing job.  

Dicky, a crack crazed, washed up boxer who’s only real claim to life was allegedly knocking down Sugar Ray Leonard.  Micky, can’t seem to get out from under his shadow, that is, until he decides to stop using his family as his trainers and managers.  Its then that Micky steps into the lime light and finally starts winning.  

I can see this movie winning Best Picture purely on what Christian Bale did to make it great.  I guess thats why he’s nominated for Best Supporting Actor. 

Winter’s Bone

This film probably isn’t as well known as it should be.  It was very powerful nonetheless.  More of an Indie-type film, I’d not expect it to be a huge hit at your local Edward’s Theatre.  I, however, thought it was very inspiring, much like 127 hours.  

Jennifer Lawrence plays Ree Dolly, a 17 year old girl who is the “mother” of the house.  She takes care of her ailing mother, and a younger brother and sister.  Her father, who was in jail, has skipped bail and has put their house up for the bond.  The sheriff gets involved after he skips bail and tells Ree that if she doesn’t find her father, they will lose their home.  

In the backwoods of the Ozarks, meth rules her family and neighbors.  Her father was indeed jailed for cooking meth.   It is through this neighborly connection that Ree finds the remains of her father, even if it took her getting beaten up to do it.  Like 127 hours, we all have something in us that is good, that is powerful, that can endure anything.  We all have something in us that will allow us to “step up” to the plate and deal with the bad things that happen to us.  This is a definite “buyer” for me when I get home from Iraq.  It should be at least a “renter” for you!

Black Swan

Okay just so we’re clear, I took a lot of crap for liking this movie but thats because most people think I only thought it was good because of the obvious: a love scene between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis.  Well, I’m going to be completely honest, that scene was so HOT but don’t think thats the only reason I like the movie.  Natalie Portman did amazing in this film and I believe she’ll take home the award for Best Actress.  I have never been a fan of ballet but what this film showed me is that these dancers are true athletes.  Albeit, they do go a little far for a part.  Portman showed us what a dancer will do to get that coveted “featured part.”  She let the role get the best of her and she went crazy.  

What else could a man like about this film other than a love scene between two women you ask.  How about a wonderful screenplay, great acting by all the characters and beautiful cinematography.  Believe me when I say this movie will be one of the two finalists for Best Picture.  Oh, and one more thing, the tattoo on Mila Kunis‘ back blew me away!  

The King’s Speech

If the Queen of England herself approved of this movie, I suppose its a pretty good flick.  The King’s Speech is about King George VI and his battle with “stammering.”  What is unbelievable about this film is that it portrays a person in power who seems to be powerless.  Everything about King George VI was pointing toward him being unfit as the new King of England.  To get beyond this, he asks for help from an unorthodox speech therapist played by Geoffrey Rush.  What is unorthodox about him is that the therapist has had no formal speech training.  Colin Firth’s character is able to push beyond his stammering and delivers wonderful speeches to his country.  Rush’s character, Lionel Logue becomes a great friend of the King and is present when King George gives the majority of his speeches.  

What I love about this film is that it shows us “normal folk” that Royalty are not perfect.  Sure they are well dressed, have wonderful manners, and are well off but they are not immune from the problems that plague the people they rule over.  

Okay, as you can see, there are only nine reviews here where there should be ten.  I was unable to watch “The Kids are Alright.”  My friend Matt Stocking sent it to me but it didn’t record right so...I won’t be able to review it.  From what I’ve read though, I don’t think it will win anyway.  So, what is my pick for Best Picture at the 2011 Oscars?

The King’s Speech

I truly think this movie will win.  Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush deliver amazing performances and I think that what they did will help this film bring home the statue for Best Picture as well as Best Actor.  

Well, I hope you enjoyed my reviews.  It was fun to watch all these films and make my decision.  There is a reason they are all nominated, they are wonderful movies.