Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo (Helena Bonham Carter)
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale (Geoffrey Rush)
Best Animated Film: Toy Story 3
Best Director: David Fincher
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network
Best Original Screenplay: The King’s Speech
Best Actress: Natalie Portman (Annete Bening)
Best Actor: Colin Firth
Best Picture: The King’s Speech
Legend: Prediction (Wishful thinking)
Enjoy the show!
OK, so maybe I am procrastinating… in addition to the fact that True Grit and Winter’s Bone are my two least favorite nominees. I do agree that they were both pretty good movies, but unfortunately, I don’t think either of them are good enough to creep past the other phenomenal films this year (in terms of Oscar-contention). I also feel like I might lose whatever credibility I have in the “blogosphere” if I don’t finish this three four-post series.
9. True Grit (seen in January, high expectations)
I think this was one of the only Best Picture nominations where I actually had pretty high expectations that the movie failed to live up to. Before everyone freaks out, I did think the acting was close to perfection and the picturesque scenery was to-die-for. I think the problem was I had never seen any of the old “original” westerns, so I couldn’t truly appreciate the value of a western re-make (SBI). That being said, Hailee Steinfeld was incredible and I am kind of annoyed she wasn’t granted a nomination for Best Actress (Um, I’m sorry, what other actress was she supporting??). Jeff Bridges was good too, but he was just so last year. I really don’t mean to be a downer about this movie, I did enjoy it, but like I said, I just don’t think the Academy will throw much its way.
Verdict: B (no Academy Awards)
10. Winter’s Bone (seen in February, had not even heard of it until the Golden Globe nominations were announced).
Along the same lines as True Grit, I did appreciate this movie. However, I just didn’t think it was good enough to make the Best Picture cut (i.e., I liked Blue Valentine a helluva lot better). The story was intriguing and captivating, and Jennifer Lawrence was fantastic. But I still feel like it would not have been missed from this category. And even though Jennifer Lawrence deserved the nomination, she doesn’t stand a chance amongst the other nominees.
Verdict: B (no Academy Awards)
Sorry to be so negative tonight, maybe it was all the BBQ & Crown from the cook-off? If I have time tomorrow morning I will post my consolidated predictions before the big show!
YESSSSS! The Academy Awards are inching closer! I just realized that I might not have time (or the energy) to review all four movies , so I am just going to do 2 for right now. Plus, I know everyone is enjoying them so why rush to the end? On the menu today: The Social Network and Toy Story 3.
7. The Social Network (seen in October with maximum expectations)
As everyone knows, this movie is fantastic and has swept nearly all of its Best Picture (and Best Director and Adapted Screenplay) nominations throughout the current awards season. Everyone is addicted to, lives and breathes, and swears by the facebook (except I learned on a podcast this afternoon that, ironically, neither David Fincher or Jesse Eisenberg even have accounts). So, it’s no surprise that we all fell in love with a story about its extremely captivating emergence (e.g., I read Accidental Billionares in less than 4 hours). I don’t think it’s necessary to go on and further explain how amazeballs this movie is, because I know you all have seen it and agree. Watching Jessie Eisenberg was a pleasure– “If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you would have invented Facebook.”
Verdict: A+ (obvi) (I think it is definitely going to win Best Adapted Screenplay and is a true contender for Best Director and Best Picture.)
8. Toy Story 3 (saw WAY TOO LATE, legit expectations)
So, Toy Story 3 came out in the theaters (like in the summer time?) and I was so pumped to see it. But none of my friends were interested (I’m looking at your CC). So I kept asking, and no one was biting, and it eventually left theaters, and then I got super depressed that I missed it, and then it came out on DVD, and then I got excited again because I could watch it by myself and not be embarassed. So that I did. By this time (around January) I had pretty much forgotten what the movie was supposed to be about, but I was ready to take a trip back to childhood. When I am told a movie is going to have a threequel (?), I immediately assume it is going to be bad (because usually, they are). Anyway, for any post-high school viewer, this movie obviously hit home. It actually made me want to drive over to my parents house and look for my old toys to make sure they were still there. I literally cried my eyes out straight for the last 15 minutes of this movie. It was gut-wrenching, but so profusely emotional at the same time. Pixar, you’ve done it again.
Verdict: A (received a much-deserved Best Picture nod, but unfortunately, not a real contender. However it’s got Best Animated Feature Film in the bag)
True Grit and Winter’s Bone reviews up next (last but not and, IMHO, kind of least).
As I drove home from work this afternoon, with my windows rolled down and my i-pod blaring, I started to think about those songs that are perfect for a beautiful day. With the weather quickly morphing into spring (oh, Houston and your non-seasons), here are a couple to have on-hand for the next time you need some good tunes to accompany you in the car on a gorgeous day. Also, I am officially requesting some of your favorites of the same variety.
1) Stillness is the Move – Dirty Projectors
2) Good Day – Nappy Roots
3) Ants Marching – Dave Matthews Band
4) No One – Alicia Keys
5) Missed the Boat – Modest Mouse
6) Jumping Bean – nelo
7) Love in This Club – Usher
Now, off to have some Margaritas at Yelapa to commemorate National Margarita Day!
This is the second post of a three part series that reviews the 10 nominations for Best Picture(according to me). Today’s post will review the next three in the line-up: The Kids are All Right, The King’s Speech, and 127 Hours.
Before I begin with today’s reviews, I wanted to share one of the things I am most excited about for this year’s Oscars. PS22 Chorus is performing! Now, I know you might think, who the F is that? But I promise, you know… for one, they are the cutest little kids in the entire world and have the most fantastic voices. They are the kids that sing the background vocals for many of Passion Pit’s songs (Little Secrets, The Reeling, etc.). They have also performed with Matisyahu, at the White House tree lighting, and on Good Morning America. Anne Hathaway surprised the chorus at their winter concert to reveal that they have been invited to perform at the Oscars (video of the surprise embedded below, get your kleenex ready).
4. The Kids are All Right (seen in early January, after its Golden Globe nomination)
I had zero expectations for this movie, so it’s no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was light, funny, and perfectly simple. Another thing I appreciated, without getting overly-political, is the normality of a lesbian couple mothering two children. The fact that there was little-to-no controversy or discussion around the sexuality of this movie really proves that our society is becoming more accepting of different types of families (i.e., the opposite of Brokeback Mountain). I enjoyed taking a glimpse into the interworking of an alternative family with a little bit of humor and quirkiness along the way. I am happy with the Best Picture and Best Actress nod (although I did love Julianne Moore’s role just as much as Annette Bening’s). On another note, I was disappointed not to see Lisa Cholodenko nominated for Best Director after a female took it last year (Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker). However, there is still a glimpse of hope in the Original Screenplay category, although, I think The King’s Speech will take it.
Verdict: B ++ (sadly, I predict no Oscars)
5. The King’s Speech (seen in late January, but before Oscar nominations were announced, with super high expectations)
LOVED. THIS. MOVIE. As I stated above, I had super high expectations after the Golden Globes, but it met and exceeded every one of them. Another movie based on a true story, so I will admit it did have an unfair advantage. Regardless of its realism, this film was just beautiful: every scene, every landscape, and every camera angle. I just couldn’t get enough. It was both intriguing and serene. The writing was absolutely fantastic; each and every exchange between Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush was a masterpiece. I can’t wait to watch the movie again, and watch The King’s Speech accept every Oscar that it deserves.
Verdict: A+ (I predict that it is a top contender (competing with The Social Network) for: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Original Screenplay and as I said before, I wish it would take best supporting actor)
6. 127 Hours (saw this movie in early January, little to no expectations except that I loved Slumdog Millionaire)
127 hours, another true story, was another amazing creation that came out of 2010. First of all, I love Danny Boyle. And while I don’t think this movie will get nearly as much Oscar attention as Slumdog Millionaire, I still think he did a terrific job staying true to the story (apparently the real Aron Ralston was on set at least once a week). When one actor (e.g., Tom Hanks in Castaway) can keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat throughout the entire movie, I consider it an accomplishment. This movie evokes almost every emotion you can think of: happiness, fear, disgust, nausea, empathy, and the list goes on. This is also one of only two (quite surprising, actually) Best Picture nominations that made me cry. I was so infatuated with the story that upon arriving home from the theater, I watched countless interviews with the real Aron Ralston (and proceeded to cry through those as well). Many predictions websites thought James Franco’s nomination would be replaced by Ryan Gosling or Michael Douglas, but I am glad the host got the nomination he deserved. However, while we are on the Best Actor note, I think Ryan Gosling definitely deserved a nod. In addition, I am also slightly annoyed that Danny Boyle wasn’t nominated for Best Director. Ok, enough with my ranting… at least until the next post.
Verdict: A-
I am currently sitting in my apartment, recovering from last night’s terrible migraine, wishing the Academy Awards were on tonight instead of next Sunday. For those of you that are not aware, I am OBSESSED with the Academy Awards (and the Golden Globes and the SAG awards, but mostly the Oscars). I see all the movies, read prediction websites leading up to the nomination announcement, watch the live nomination announcement, and of course host a party (and shush the chatting) to watch the main event. In an effort to keep myself occupied until the big day, I plan to briefly review the 10 movies nominated for a Best Picture in a 3-post series. In addition, I plan to offer some predictions and insights to the award show along the way.
In general, I am very excited about this year’s Oscars. For one, the hosts are younger (Anne Hathaway & James Franco) which will attract a larger audience and, in my opinion, spice up the show a little bit. In addition, I think the movies (more than ever before) have a more “mass appeal.” Several of the Best Picture nominations were seen by your average movie-goer (e.g., Toy Story 3, The Social Network, Inception, and True Grit).
In today’s post I will review Black Swan, The Fighter, and Inception. Before I begin, I would like to warn the readers that I think movie opinions 90% based on expectations. Movies viewed before “the hype” are always better than expected, and movies seen after “the hype” usually never live up to expectations. With that being said, here goes:
1. Black Swan (I saw this on New Years Day (beginning of the hype), after the GG nominations came out, but before any award shows).
To be frank, I dont really understand people’s infatuation with this movie. I think Natalie Portman’s acting was fantastic, and I would put money on the fact she wins best actress. It was entertaining, I was on the edge of my seat, and the dancing was gorgeous. But the story, eh, I have seen better. To be more specific, it left me wanting way more. I had no idea what I just watched. Was it real? Did she die? Too many unanswered questions and I was just not satisfied.
verdict: B+ (and an in-the-bag Best Actress win)
2. The Fighter (saw this in December, before the hype)
I really liked this movie. I think it’s because I have a thing for true stories & sports movies. So a sports movie that is a true story is a win/win. The acting was nothing short of incredible. While I believe Christian Bale will win Best Supporting actor, I think Geoffrey Rush deserves it more (SBI). I am also confident that Melissa Leo will win Best Supporting actress. I was disappointed that Mark Wahlberg was overlooked in the Best Actor category, but the Academy does recognize him as a producer in the Best Picture category. If you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend it.
verdict: A- (will take both Best Supporting awards)
3. Inception (seen summer of 2010- no expectations nor a hint of what the movie was about)
Before I start to overwhelm you with my opinions about Inception, I would like to note the difference between a good, fun-to-watch movie and a good, Oscar-worthy movie. They are different. I am sure most people would agree that The Holiday is a good, entertaining movie but was it nominated for anything? NO! Inception was an entertaining movie, with the layers of the plot keeping you on the edge of your seat. One of my “good movie criteria” is if you spend the 30 minutes after the movie talking about what you just watched. This movie definitely presented a quality and much-needed post-cinema discussion. Do I think this is a fantastic movie? YES! Do I think it deserves Best Picture? NO! Do I think it would still be nominated if there were only 5 Best Picture nominations? NO!
verdict: A- (no awards. Well, maybe Sound Editing, because I feel bad.)
With Super Bowl Sunday behind us and the Rodeo Cook-off only a few weeks away, I think it is time to share my chili recipe. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing better than being surrounded by friends, glass of wine in-hand, and running around multi-tasking like crazy hoping that the meal you are putting together gets the seal of approval. I have made this chili recipe three times now and it has been good every time. Ergo, I think it’s time to share.
Ingredients (for 6 servings)
* these are items that can be altered to make your chili more or less spicy. For example, use an additional 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes to make it more spicy or use hot salsa or taco seasoning instead of medium.
Directions:
recipe adapted, only slightly, from allrecipes.com
OK, so I think I am getting a hang of the blogging thing. As I am getting more familiar with wordpress and my site’s statistics, I am gaining more of an understanding of what my readers are reading. One thing I have noticed is that my readers are starting to click more on my music selections. For those of you that don’t know me personally, I have a deep love and appreciation for many different kinds of music. I have realized that in order to gain additional loyalty, I should “introduce” some of my music preferences to you.
I have attempted to divide my music taste into 3 extremely broad categories, and have provided links to a few favorite selections in each category:
1. Mash-ups, Covers, and Remixes
2. Chill
3. (What I like to call) Electro/Pop
I hope everyone had a good Monday! And now, you all have some new tunes to listen to at the office (or while studying/walking to class) tomorrow!
1. Texas
2. Bond no.9
3. ICEEs
4. Tuberose Coldpiece Candles
5. Taylor Swift
Good genes definitely run in my family. When I was born, 3 of my great grandparents and all of my grandparents were still living. One of my great grandmothers lived to be almost 100. In fact, I was blessed enough to have all four of my grandparents until one year ago today. Last February 3 my nana (father’s mother) passed away at age 86. While I can say it was “expected”, it still was not an easy thing to handle. Luckily (if you can even say that), we were aware of the looming inevitable and were able to spend some time with her about 2 weeks before.
For those of you that are aware, in the jewish religion, it is customary to have the funeral within 24 hours of the passing. However, because our family was so spread out (Houston, D.C., and Philadelphia) we opted to wait until everyone was able to congregate for the ceremony. My dad gave me the option (if I was interested) to speak at the funeral. I quickly turned down his offer as I thought I might not be able to pull myself together to speak in front of an audience. The next morning my dad pulled me aside and highly suggested that I reconsider speaking for fear that I might regret it if I did not. I thought about it and quickly realized that he was making a valid point. I had 1 hour and a head-full of thoughts to create something short enough to get through but meaningful enough to represent 23 years of memories and feelings. In honor of her Yahrtzeit, this is what I said (or tried to say) at the funeral:
“While my visits with nana might not have been as frequent as some of my other cousins, they didn’t fall short of memorable.
One thing I have always admired about nana is her ability to speak her mind. She was never afraid to stand up for herself. Some people are sneaky, can be conniving, and speak behind your back. Not my nana; she had no filter, and for the most part, held nothing back. While this was sometimes known to get her in trouble, this trait of hers I will always respect. While I wouldn’t call myself a pushover, there have been times where I could be more self-assured. In the future, opportunities will present themselves, and with her in mind, I will always strive to stand up for myself.
Nana was always a supporter of learning, and most of our phone conversations centered around my education. My most recent educational accomplishment was graduating from Trinity University, which nana helped financially support. We sometimes referred to this as the ‘nana scholarship.’ I know she was happy to contribute, but I thanked her countless times, and throughout the years sent her a plethora of Trinity collateral. Whether it was a trinity notebook, or a simple program or brochure, I knew she was always happy to receive it. With nana’s decision to contribute to my education, she became an investor in me and in the future (wherever that path may lead) I plan for nana to see a high return on her investment.
Nana was a one of the strongest women I have ever met, and the innumerable stories about her will live on for many future generations.”
Sorry for the long post, but nana has been in the back of my mind all day. And if you made it all the way down here I really appreciate you reading and learning about her.
Random Acts of Rachel 