As you'll discover in the upcoming Year-End Spectacular, I've seen about 75 movies this year. Sounds like a lot (at least, to non-movie bloggers) and you'd think I'd have trouble narrowing down my Top 10, which of course is a part of the Spectacular. Trouble is, I couldn't. I had trouble getting past my top four films of the year! Is this an isolated feeling I'm having? Similarly, I've tried to think of what the Academy will choose for it's Best Picture nominees. I have to conclude that 3/5 of them or so have yet to released to the general public as of yet.
I mean, we know that certain movies have been tremendously well-reviewed this year (Iron Man, Wall*E) yet stand little chance of receiving a nom. It's safe to assume that The Dark Knight won't win but will get one of the five. What's left? Milk is clearly in the running (but won't win, either); Slumdog Millionaire and Rachel Getting Married are possible nominees as well, yet a fantasy like Slumdog ought not win and Rachel hasn't been that well-reviewed.
As far as I can tell, all that's left that's already been released is Frost/Nixon and Doubt (I loved Man on Wire, but it'll be lucky to win Best Doc). Maybe I've answered my question already, but it seems like, although this may be a strong year overall for movies, outside of Dark Knight, there aren't any prestige Academy films, or at least, none that are receiving anywhere near universal acclaim. Though, who knows, maybe Reservation Road and/or Benjamin Button will blow us all away. I just...doubt it.
Smallish slate this weekend. Here's a short and nitty gritty
The Day the Earth Stood StillReady for a big surprise? I haven't seen the original. I kinda wanted to prior to seeing this one, but we've already made plans to see this one tonight. Sorry, classic films. You lose yet again.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing (in the theater): 100%
DoubtI'm certain that I will see this, in time. I have the utmost confidence that the acting will be of the utmost caliber. I am sure that, despite having not been spoiled and not knowing anything about the play, we will either learn that Phil Sey Hoffman's character did it...or the film will end with us in, uh, doubt. I can't see why there would be a story if he didn't, especially the way the trailer paints the film. If it was just about outing Streep's character as a bitch, that wouldn't be much fun.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 90%, or the amount bigger Hoffman is now compared to when I first saw him in Scent of a Woman. Diet time, Phil.
Nothing Like the HolidaysIf I were Hispanic, would I be offended by this movie? Probably. As it is, I couldn't tell you the specific ethnicities of Alfred Molina, Freddy Rodriguez, John Leguizamo or the rest of the family members in this dramedy, but I'm pretty damn sure they ain't anywhere near the same. I think Molina's Spanish, even. That's like, a whole different continent and stuff. Oh well, progress is a bitch in Hollywood...better than a bunch of white dudes in makeup, I suppose.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 20%. Love the cast. Hate the blandness.
8 people have chosen wisely: on "TGITDNMAR (12/12/08)"
I was being generous with The Day the Earth Stood Still - but I suppose you have to see the original to see some of the elements they did get correct. Keanu was actually a great Klaatu in theory, but the messages and meanings got lost on the way to the finale.
As for Australia, I thought it was highly enjoyable. I can't wait to watch it on Blu-Ray.
I thought Keanu was a high point, for sure. I've never been a hater, and I think his haters are mistaking bad acting for a bad voice (he has the latter), but I could tell he was perfect for this. No one can do emotionless like Keanu. He should have played Spock...he'd be perfect.
About "The Day the Earth Stood Still" -- don't fret too much about seeing the original. While the score's an all-time great and there are some iconic scenes, the movie as a whole is mostly slow, and there's no real action.
Also, on Alfred Molina -- has anyone ever counted all the different ethnicities he has played? He's done Middle Eastern a few times ... Eastern European, Hispanic a few more. Look at his IMDB page, his character names feature almost every stereotypical foreign name you can think of (Sergei, Giovanni, Cezar, Sal, The Italian).
Hmmm, progress is a bitch?
...Sounds familiar. :)
Still, I think you miss the point with Nothing like the Holidays. The fact that there is a mainstream Hispanic holiday film in the first place is a major stride.
This is the only one I know of.
As for everything else? As I've also said, business as usual. ;)
"Still, I think you miss the point with Nothing like the Holidays. The fact that there is a mainstream Hispanic holiday film in the first place is a major stride."
How can I be missing the point? That's exactly what I was saying.
Fletch, you said if you were Hispanic you'd be offended by it.
:-/
REALLY though, if you were Hispanic it's more likely you'd be shocked the movie exists in the first place.
So yeah, point missed.
"If I were Hispanic, would I be offended by this movie? Probably."
"Oh well, progress is a bitch in Hollywood...better than a bunch of white dudes in makeup, I suppose."
What are YOU missing? I'm clearly glad it exists.
*shrug*
I guess, I missed that you're Hispanic. ;)
Still, it's miniscule in a internet is rife with these types of back-and-forth.
I'm flattered by the use of "progress is a bitch." :D
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