2016 Academy Award Predictions

It’s that time of year again, Oscar season! I’m going to be honest, this year’s nominations are a little grim and predictable. There wasn’t anything I was really felt excited about, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be watching on the edge of my seat. I felt like there were quite a few snubs that really bothered me. The biggest snub I think is Quentin Tarantino. THE HATEFUL EIGHT was hands down one of the best films of 2015 and certainly deserves many accolades. QT being the renegade director who refuses to play by any rules is often penalized for it. There should have been a Best Picture nomination, Best Director, and at least Best Original Screenplay for HATEFUL EIGHT. Todd Haynes should have received a Best Director nomination for CAROL. Michael Keaton deserves a best Actor or at least Supporting Actor nomination for SPOTLIGHT. He really deserved the Oscar for BIRDMAN, but that’s neither here nor there. Although, the film fell a little short, Johnny Depp’s performance in BLACK MASS was certainly worthy of at least a Best Actor nomination.


Now that I’ve aired my grievances, here’s my bracket for the 2016 Academy Awards:

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: AMY

Best Doc is one of my favorite categories because I constantly obsess over documentaries. AMY is a safe bet for the Academy. They don’t like overly controversial films in this category which I think is why the other choices won’t win. THE LOOK OF SILENCE was my pick to win, but the Academy isn’t going to choose a film that blatantly calls out the U.S. for their involvement in the Indonesian genocide. This is evident in the snub for the first film, THE ACT OF KILLING. I only hope that the momentum behind THE LOOK OF SILENCE brings more awareness of this often overlooked massacre. I enjoyed AMY, but in the big scheme of things and compared to the other docs, it seems a lot more selfish and trite. AMY was well made and engaging film even if you’re not a fan of Amy Winehouse’s music. It’s a great look into the psychology of addition, but I don’t think it’s as essential as other films in this category.



BEST FOREIGN FILM: SON OF SAUL

What really gets my goat is that most of the foreign features won’t screen nationwide here in the U.S. until after the Oscars. SON OF SAUL is the all-around frontrunner in this category as it won the Grand Prix award at Cannes as well as the Golden Globe. SON OF SAUL is an intense film about a prisoner in Auschwitz forced to burn the bodies of his own people. This is Hungary’s submission for Best Foreign and would mark the second win after 1981’s MEPHISTO. Personally, I think WHITE GOD is the best Hungarian film which was nominated last year and on my list of favorite films of 2015.



BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: THE BIG SHORT

Some of my favorite writers were nominated in this category. BTVS alum and CABIN IN THE WOODS director, Drew Goodard was nominated for THE MARTIAN. I enjoyed THE MARTIAN for the most part, but it was a bit overambitious and I felt like the script was a little too flimsy. I expect more from Goodard. BROOKLYN was written by one of my all-time favorite novelist, Nick Hornby. Hornby has had much success lately with his screenplays and book adaptations. I liked BROOKLYN, but it didn’t give me the warm fuzzies like everyone else.



BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: SPOTLIGHT

As previously stated, I think THE HATEFUL EIGHT deserves this award. It’s certainly more deserving of a nomination than INSIDE OUT. By process of elimination, I’m going with SPOTLIGHT in this category. I enjoyed this film, but at the same time it felt like one big pat on the back for investigative journalism. It was a little too self-gratifying to take seriously, but then again so is the Academy.



BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: SYLVESTER STALLONE

Ah, the time honored career Oscar. The one performance of actors in this category that stands out above the rest is Tom Hardy for THE REVENANT. His role was dark, gritty, and sinister. He deserves this award more than any other nominees in the category, but I think Rocky will take it home. This is (probably) the last Rocky film so why not commemorate that with an Oscar for the man who has encompassed the role for the last forty years? Yawn.



BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: ALICIA VIKANDER

Of course I’d pick Jennifer Jason Leigh for this award, but that’s not going to happen. The current frontrunner is Alicia Vikander. I think she’s very young and at the beginning of her career and isn’t ready for this award. Then again so is J. Law and she still has an Oscar. Her performance in THE DANISH GIRL is great, but not as diverse as Leigh’s role in HATEFUL EIGHT. Daisy Domergue is such a loathsome character and Leigh really made it her own. I think Jennifer Jason Leigh’s character was far more challenging than any other in this category. I also really enjoyed Rooney Mara in CAROL.



BEST ACTOR: LEONARDO DICAPRIO

Leo is the Susan Lucci of Academy Awards. How far will Leo go to get an Oscar? Well, he’ll allow himself to be violated by a bear. But seriously, I think he honestly deserves an Oscar. He chooses smart roles and strong directors to work with and it’s pushed him to the top echelon of actors. He’s proven himself as a versatile actor and not just a former teen heartthrob. My favorite performance in this category is Eddie Redmayne in THE DANISH GIRL, but he was the belle of the ball (no pun intended) last year so I don’t think the Academy would let him win back to back (that’s only for Tom Hanks). This is Leo’s year; after all he’s paid his dues (bear rape).



BEST ACTRESS: BRIE LARSON

I know it’s not very ethical or objective, but something about Brie Larson really bothers me. Could it be that she’s a former child actress who lucked into a really good role? I don’t know, but I’m just not feeling it. I would choose Cate Blanchett for her role in CAROL, but she’s already got a couple Oscars. She was so captivating, tragic, and vulnerable all at once as Carol Aird. I was completely mesmerized by her performance and the chemistry between her and Rooney Mara. Alas, I think Brie Larson will take this category.



BEST DIRECTOR: ALEJANDRO INARRITU

Even though he won last year for BIRDMAN, I think he’ll take this award again. The Academy loves Inarritu and I’m so glad he’s finally received the mainstream success he deserves. I’ve been a big fan of his work since AMORES PERROS and certainly look forward to what he has in store in the future. THE REVENANT was a notoriously tough shoot with tensions rising between director and actors. Inarritu has a vision and a drive that will not be compromised, but I can see this conflicting with strong actors like Tom Hardy and Leo DiCaprio. In the end a masterpiece was created. The one dark horse in this category is MAD MAX which was a fantastic futuristic tale of feminism and strife. My money is on another Inarritu win.



BEST PICTURE: THE BIG SHORT

This category could actually be a toss-up between THE BIG SHORT and SPOTLIGHT. Again, I would have liked to see THE HATEFUL EIGHT nominated at the very least. I loved THE BIG SHORT and I love that it was co-written and directed by the genius who brought us STEP BROTHERS. THE BIG SHORT is smart, funny, and perfectly paced. I think it’ll take home the Oscar.



There you have it folks. You know the Academy Awards are always to be taken with a grain of salt. They don’t always get it right and most of the time it’s about money and politics, but they’re still pretty fun to watch. I’m actually pretty excited about Chris Rock hosting this year than anything else. Who do you think will win?

Most Anticipated Films of 2016

There’s so many great films coming out in 2016, it was really difficult to choose just ten. Like many of you I’m looking forward to watching THE LOBSTER, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND, and TRUE CRIMES. I really have no interest in most of the never-ending sequels to any modernly successful big studio film coming out this year. However, I am excited to see a couple superhero films like X-MEN: APOCALYPSE and CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. Without further ado, here are my Top Ten Most Anticipated Films of 2016:

10. THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS

“Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max's life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke. They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners.”

I’m a total sucker for movies centered around dogs, especially if there’s a pug. This film actually looks enjoyable and I even caught Ross chuckle a bit during the trailer. It’s made by the people who created DESPICABLE ME/MINIONS. I can’t say I’ve seen anything in that franchise, but with voice acting by Steve Coogan and Louis C.K. there’s a big chance for potential. Sometimes you have to watch silly movies.




9. KNIGHTS OF CUP/VOYAGE OF TIME/UNTITLED

“A screenwriter living in LA tries to make sense of the strange events occurring around him.”

“An examination of the birth and death of the known universe.”

“Two intersecting love triangles. Obsession and betrayal set against the music scene in Austin, Texas.”

Terence Malick was really cooking after THE TREE OF LIFE; he had several films in pre-production immediately following the release. He quietly put out TO THE WONDER which was received with lukewarm reviews. I personally felt like it was a lengthy, big production fragrance add starring Ben Affleck and Olga Kurylenko. It certainly lacked the substance that comes with all of Malick’s previous films. However, I am incredibly hopeful for his upcoming releases which are (so far) slated for 2016. It seems like VOYAGE OF TIME is an extension of the first half of THE TREE OF LIFE. You either loved or hated the whole chapter on the big bang theory in THE TREE OF LIFE. I felt like it created a beautiful precedent for his most personal film yet. I’m excited to see how he applies his stunning visual expression to the universe. Ryan Gosling (Hey Girl) stated that there was no script used while filming the untitled project. It was also filmed back to back with KNIGHTS OF CUP here in Austin. It will be interesting to see how our famed music scene is portrayed. Basically, I’m excited to see anything from Terence Malick. At this point, he’s on a roll compared to when he was releasing only one film every decade.



8. THE WITCH

“A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.”

I’ll be honest; I’ve been thoroughly disappointed with current horror films. Even much lauded films like GOODNIGHT MOMMY and IT FOLLOWS fell very short for me. I feel like there’s no creativity or fervor put into recent horror films which really breaks my heart since this is my absolute favorite film genre. I’ve always been fascinated by the whole witch hysteria and this is certainly a refreshing topic to tackle. Writer/director Robert Eggers has worked on several short films, but this appears to be his first feature film. THE WITCH did well at Sundance and has received positive reviews from notable sources. It's actually rated R which is a big relief. Nothing pisses me off more than a horror film that's rated PG/PG-13. Could this mean redemption for American horror? Let’s keep our fingers crossed.



7. THE NICE GUYS

“A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.”

Director Shane Black has had great success with screenwriting, but he’s probably most know for directing IRON MAN 3 which I enjoyed most out of the trilogy. He also wrote my favorite adolescent film, MONSTER SQUAD. The film has a pretty diverse cast staring Hey Girl, Russell Crowe, and Kim Basinger. From watching the trailer, I get a PTA - INHERENT VICE (which I loved) vibe from it. It also seems like Russell Crowe is revising his beloved character from LA CONFIDENTIAL (also starring Kim Basinger). This film looks fun, witty, and entertaining. Let’s hope it is.




6. HAIL, CEASAR!

“A Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio's stars in line.”

The Coen brothers never disappoint. Even their less favorable films like BURN AFTER READING and A SERIOUS MAN are still amusing and well made. They have singlehandedly perfected the fumbled crime plot. The cast of HAIL CEASAR consists of frequent Coen players like Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Josh Brolin, and Frances McDormand. As long as the Coens continue to put out smart, whimsical scripts, I will continue to eat it up.



5. NEON DEMON

“When aspiring model Jesse moves to Los Angeles, her youth and vitality are devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women who will take any means necessary to get what she has.”

Nicolas Winding Refn is one of my favorite newer film directors. He makes such striking films that rely heavily on mood and atmosphere. He also chooses strong actors who can make his scripts come alive. Refn’s last film, ONLY GOD FORGIVES was one of my favorite films of 2013. It was incredibly startling with gorgeous colors and very little dialogue. This was definitely one of Hey Girl’s finest roles yet. I get a feeling that NEON DEMON is a throwback to classic 1980s Brian De Palma. I would love to see the 1980s steamy thriller genre come back.



4. SALT AND FIRE

“A scientist blames the head of a large company to cause an ecological disaster in South America. But when a volcano begins to present eruption signs, they must unite to avoid a disaster, despite their ideological differences.”

There are so many things I love about this film and it’s not even out yet. I love ALL of Werner Herzog’s films and documentaries. I especially love Gael Garcia Bernal and Michael Shannon. Herzog is no stranger to environmental catastrophes and anomalies. Just look what he did with LESSONS OF DARKNESS. I love that Herzog always plays by his own rules. His films are direct and to the point with striking visuals. It will be interesting to see how he applies his uncommon style to a volcano disaster film.




3. THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS

“A lighthouse keeper and his wife living off the coast of Western Australia raise a baby they rescue from an adrift rowboat.”

Derek Cianfrance is an incredibly talented director who really captures the vulnerability of his characters. His last film THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES was my favorite film of 2012. Before that he made BLUE VALENTINE which was an eloquent examination of a romantic relationship from start to finish. His films are sensitive and emotional. The film is based on a novel by M.L. Stedman. I’m really interested to see the chemistry between Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander who subsequently became a couple during filming. I’m also interested to see how he utilizes the gorgeous backdrop of New Zealand. I look forward to many more films from Cianfrance.



2. MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

“A father and son go on the run after the dad learns his child possesses special powers.”

Jeff Nichols makes gritty, impassioned films mostly set in the South. MIDNIGHT SPECIAL will be his first foray into the sci-fi realm. As with many Jeff Nichols films, Michael Shannon will star. This relationship is shaping up to be the new Scorsese/DiCaprio duo and I really like it. Michael Shannon is certainly one of the most underrated actors around and Jeff Nichols’ film are always well received. Nichols is going to do big things and I think MIDNIGHT SPECIAL will bring him the attention he deserves.



1. EVERYBODY WANTS SOME

“A group of college baseball players navigate their way through the freedoms and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood.”

Initially, this film was touted as a sequel to DAZED AND CONFUSED. It follows the same timeline, but not the same characters for obvious reasons. (Batfleck may have been a little too busy to reprise his O’Bannion role.) As someone who grew up in the 80s, I have such an affinity for anything set in that time period. Just ask Ross how much I laughed out loud in the theater during HOT TUB TIME MACHINE. Nobody does nostalgia like Linklater. He’s perfected and applied the concept to nearly all his films. I love that he cast all unknown actors and I can’t wait to see what the soundtrack is like. Linklater utilizes music like Cameron Crowe, and it really brings the scenes together. It’s also exciting to see how Austin in the 1980s will be portrayed. Linklater always goes back and forth between making serious dramas to fun comedies and he’s relatively successful with both genres. DAZED AND CONFUSED is such an iconic and cult film for my generation. I think it definitely ushered in that whole 70s revival we saw in the 1990s. Perhaps EVERYBODY WANTS SOME will do the same for this generation. Either way, I can’t wait to see it.



Please note all synopsizes are courtesy of IMDb.com.

There it is friends, my most anticipated films for 2016. I hope everyone is having a great start to the New Year and I look forward to hearing what else is out there to watch. What are you looking forward to seeing in 2016?

Lucy

I was not the least surprised that LUCY made $44M & became no. 1 at the box office this past weekend. I was surprised to see a glowing review by a fellow female writer. Did we watch the same film? I approached the film with a bit of caution. Director, Luc Besson is best known for his masterpiece THE PROFESSIONAL & THE FIFTH ELEMENT, but in recent years he has released some lackluster films (THE TRANSPORTER series). I really wanted to like LUCY, but I just couldn’t. It's basically a few poorly done MATRIX shots wrapped up in a black Versace dress.



Most complaints lie with the seriously flawed plot. That aspect didn’t bother me as much since I did not plan on watching a documentary going in to LUCY. I do not watch films to critique the scientific accuracies. Cinema is a form of art. You cannot expect an artist to logically explain a piece, so why do it with film? This was a major issue with the film GRAVITY as well. The genre of science fiction exists because it is just that…fiction. Moving past the plot, the bigger flaws lie within the script. This film is riddled with bad acting and even worse writing. Do all actions films lack dept? The film tries desperately to be ever so thought provoking, but falls very flat. It's as if someone who skimmed the Cliff's Notes explaining Jean Paul Sarte philosophies.



The main point of the article I read is to prove that women can carry a successful film. I certainly support this notion, but this is not the film to demonstrate that idea. I agree we need more female driven films in strong roles. We need women taking on bigger roles outside of the cheesy romantic comedy. I certainly hope this turd doesn’t lead to a Black Widow film like everyone anticipates. When will people realize ScarJo is not a great actress? The Black Widow character could be really great, but ScarJo’s uninspired acting takes her in a very one dimensional direction.



The solution to this predicament is to start with better writers. It’s no secret that the film industry is a man’s world. The industry is saturated with male producers, directors, and writers. Many of whom are not capable of writing a well developed female character. Lars Von Trier has built a career on extremely complex female characters. His leading ladies are far from the stereotypical manic-pixie-dream-girl. It’s easy for men to feel alienated and uncomfortable watching his films as a result. We’ve had amazing female characters throughout the years such as Ellen Ripley, Beatrix Kiddo, and Sarah Connor. However, in the last two decades the strong female character has drastically faded. Unfortunately, most women in recent action films only exist as eye candy. They have the typical tough exterior like a wild tiger that needs a little taming by Vin Diesel or Jason Stratham.



I’m sorry to say that LUCY is not going to revolutionize the film industry. It had a big start, and gradually descended into stupidity. I’m also sorry to say that Luc Besson pretty much peaked with THE PROFESSIONAL. How can a film about being the smartest person in existence be the dumbest film of the year? Don’t bother wasting your time.

The Punk Singer

Documentary film is one of my favorite genres. I will almost always watch a doc on just about any topic. I’ve seen films about everything from skateboarding to freemasonry. I love the idea that someone could have so much passion for a particular subject that they would make a film about it just to share that passion with others.

I came of age just as the riot grrrl movement was at its peak. As an angry/snotty teenager, I was definitely the target audience, but I could never relate to it for some reason. It’s not that I did not identify with feminism, the combination of the bad music and abrasive characters (notably Hanna) were a complete turn off for me.

I’m really struggling to say something positive about this film, but I am at a loss for words. I watched it in hopes that I would get a better understanding of where Hanna is coming from. I gathered nothing from this other than the fact that Hanna is still a bratty teenager trapped in a 40 something (apparently failing) body.



I understand that she was prominent in advocating a very important movement, but what did she actually contribute? Just the music alone from Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, Julie Ruin, etc. is so sophomoric it is almost embarrassing. Let’s face it; Kathleen Hanna is not a great lyricist. He rants resemble something I wrote in 10th grade. Her voice is earsplitting at some points, musically and just in general. They even address her “valley speak” vernacular in the film, but there is still no excuse for it.



Her stories are so self indulgent that I almost feel sorry for her. Just hearing Hanna describe how she “was SOOO wasted” while hanging out with Kurt Cobain is awful. I do not dislike Hanna because of her ideas or her past, I dislike her because she has nothing of substance to say. I feel like Hanna is the face of the riot grrrl movement in the same vain that Sid Vicious is the face of punk rock. Neither contributed anything to their respective genres excerpt for an aesthetic that certainly gives them far more credit than deserved.



I would love to see a doc on other key players from this movement like Kim Gordon. In some ways, I would Courtney Love (bitter rival) a more positive feminist than Kathleen Hanna. I guess if this film or the music of Bikini Kill encourages a young woman to further investigate feminism than that's one good thing to come out of this train wreck. I do respect her for her intentions; I just wish she had a more tactful way of expressing them.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

I had always considered myself an average Wes Anderson fan. My favorite films of his are RUSHMORE and TENNEBAUMS. The others I enjoyed, but they never really stood out for me. I definitely enjoyed MOONRISE KINGDOM upon initial viewing. Then after a while, the sugary sweet love story kind of gave me a toothache.



However, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL really made me appreciate Anderson’s entire body of work as a whole. I also think GRAND BUDAPEST is the bookend to MOONRISE. I just really love when films compliment each other. I view MOONRISE KINGDOM and GRAND BUDAPEST as the yin & yang of Wes Anderson. I have the utmost respect for a filmmaker that can really explore the depths of his talent like this. It shows that he is open to examining his style to keep creating unique and exciting films.



I love the cinematography in GRAND BUDAPEST more than any of his other films. What I loved the most about this film is that there was a bit of underlying darkness within it. Standout roles were certainly Adrien Brody and Willem Dafoe which is interesting since Bill Murray usually outshines all. As the two villains in the film, I enjoyed the fact that they were a little more sinister than other villains in Anderson’s films. I love Bill Murray just as much as the next guy, but he can’t always have the best performances.



It's so easy to get lost in Anderson's universe. His stories remind me of early Tim Burton (pre-PLANET OF THE APES years). They have both created worlds I want to be apart of. I certainly suggest seeing this film as it will bring a smile to your face and make you long for the German alps.

Veronica Mars

A fandom was born in me during the early days of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. I stuck with that show though the tough days (season 4) and the good days (all the other seasons). I laughed and cried, sometimes simultaneously. When Buffy ended, a hole was left in my heart. I even tried watching the last couple seasons of Angel to capture that same magic and it just never felt the same.

Veronica Mars debuted a whole year after Buffy ended. Until then, I never paid much attention to anything else on UPN until I heard about this new show. I specifically remember one review describing it as “Buffy meets Nancy Drew.” I was instantly intrigued. Another review said Veronica Mars is Angelina Jolie in high school. I’m not exactly sure what that meant. I caught one of the first episodes and despite the fact that Paris Hilton was a main character, I kept watching.



I fell in love with Veronica’s acerbic humor and snarky retorts. She was incredibly independent and strong, yet very flawed. I guess in a way I related to her alienation and determination. Veronica and I both struggled with our own personal demons while managing to keep a straight face.

After those first few episodes, I was enthralled. I even got Chad watching Veronica Mars. We often went to the weekly screenings they did at the Alamo Drafthouse Village. It was such a fun show, but I had a sinking feeling with most things I love getting cancelled. I knew it was a niche audience and I could never imagine the same people watching Lost or Two and a Half Men actually getting Veronica Mars. We had three glorious seasons. I loved the idea of Veronica going to the FBI which was the direction she would have taken. Besides Buffy and Veronica, my biggest role model is Clarice Starling. To see Veronica step into that role as an agent was so exciting.



Fast forward to 2013:

I’ve never pledged to any kickstarter campaign. In fact, I often mocked it for many of the less than reputable projects floating around. However, that afternoon when I saw that the campaign went live, I did not make a second thought. When I pledged, the campaign had not even reached a million yet. I still couldn’t believe it was actually happening. I had no idea there was so much interest in a little show I loved several years ago.



One of the best experiences was getting to attend the kickstarter party here in Austin. Rob Thomas was absolutely beaming (he might have been a little tipsy too) from ear to ear greeting all the people who came out on such short notice. As a surprise, Rob flew out Jason Dohring as a special guest. The entire place was screaming with delight, myself included. I even got to meet the infamous Logan Echolls!



Fast forward to 2014:

The film was shot in less than a month. I admit I had concerns about it flowing with the show. In the end, I knew that no matter what, it would be something special for me and the other fans to enjoy.



The film starts as a recap of the initial three seasons. It gives you a background of who Veronica is and what Neptune is like. This makes it much easier for those who have never seen the show. There are tons of references that only fans will get and there are also tons of other pop culture references. Piz makes a Buffy reference that warmed my heart so much because it really brought together two things I truly love. I loved the film and I think as a stand alone feature, it holds up. As a climax to a long journey it is bittersweet. There’s several open ended questions left for us viewers. I love that Rob Thomas is writing a series of books about Veronica. VM lives on in the same way Buffy lives on through comic books.



Things I LoVe'd:

I love the grown up versions of all the characters. Their prospective jobs are very fitting. I love the exchange with Deputy Leo and Veronica. With the exception of Logan, Leo was my favorite love interest. I just really love the script that Rob Thomas put together. It reminded me of all the things I fell in love with about the show. His writing is really good as we witnessed with Party Down another beloved failed show. I loved that Kristen Bell was a little fuller figured having just given birth to her baby girl in real life. It gave VM a more mature look. Twenty-eight year olds should not look the same as they did at eighteen. Yet with her mature self, VM still slipped on that old satchel like a glove. I loved the Celeste Kane cameo that no one saw coming. I also loved the James Franco cameo. Most of all, I loved Dicky Casablancas. He certainly got some of the best lines.



This I did not LoVe:

I was not happy that there was no reference to Backup the dog. Obviously, he would not have survived all those years, but a photo or nod would have been appreciated. I did not like hearing Gia and Cobb doing it. Yuck! I wasn’t that crazy about the Justin Long cameo, but it was befitting that he got the only “fuck off” in the entire film. I did not want to see Weevil get back into his old habits. The whole man in a uniform thing never did it for me so the military storyline with Logan fell flat for me. Don’t get me wrong he looked good, and he does need some sort of structure in his life. I’m just not crazy about the storyline. Although, I cannot think of a better one for him so I guess it works.



Overall, I enjoyed the film. It saddened me a bit to see Piz so brokenhearted, but it’s all about Logan & Veronica. The scene with Keith getting hit by the truck gave me anxiety, but everything worked out in the end. Even if you never watched Veronica Mars, the film is a great watch. If you have seen the show, it’s a beautiful love letter to all the fans. Now if we could just get that Party Down movie made.

Harold Ramis

Yesterday was a sad day for film fans. Anyone who grew up in the 1980s owes a great deal of thanks to Harold Ramis for so many fun times. I know I certainly do.

I'm not gonna pretend like my childhood was any tougher than the next person because it's hard being a kid no matter who you are. Every speed bump feels like the world is coming down on you. During those tough times, Harold Ramis’ films always made me smile. His films were a comfort even when friends and family could not be. They were also a revelation that the underdog matters too.

His films always conveyed the same message: that even if you are an outcast or weird, you can do anything. You could beat the bully and you do belong somewhere. I carry that lesson with me today when times get hard. His films also gave me some really beautiful memories of my family. I’ve never seen my mother laugh harder than when she would watch NATIONAL LAMPOONS VACATION. I always loved watching CADDYSHACK with my dad even if I didn’t get the dirty jokes. When I watch GHOSTBUSTERS now as an adult, I still feel like that same bright eyed kid. Not many things can channel that feeling.

I just hope Harold Ramis is knocking golf balls around with my dad in the big 18th hole in the sky. Thanks for the laughs Mr. Ramis, we’ll always have that goin’ for us, which is nice.

2014 Oscar Predictions

Here it is, the moment we have all been waiting for…The Oscars! I love The Academy Awards more than any other special event. For one thing, I always have a fun party planned, but I mostly love doing research for The Oscars. I love catching up on any and all films I may have missed the previous year. I also love predicting who will win the coveted statue. So here goes:

BEST PICTURE: 12 YEARS A SLAVE
This film chilled me to the bone. As I posted in my film review, I think it is the most important films of the year if not the past decade. Director, Steve McQueen has a way of grabbing the audience by the balls and this film is no exception. Nearly all of his films have a frightening darkness to them, but there’s beauty in that. Don’t get me wrong, I loved most of the other films nominated (except the pirate movie), but I think 12 YEARS A SLAVE is a cut above the rest.



BEST DIRECTOR: ALFONSO CUARON
Cuaron has well established himself in his native Mexico, but GRAVITY put him on the map here in the US. He’s made a slew of critically acclaimed films that have mostly flown under the radar. I think the Academy will finally recognize this. I would love to see Steve McQueen win this award, but I know 12 YEARS is not the last we have heard of him. He has the potential to be the next Kubrick or PTA. McQueen only gets better and better.



BEST ACTOR: TEXAS T-REX
It’s Leo’s time to get an Oscar and he most assuredly deserves one especially after his WOLF OF WALL ST performance, but this year belongs to Matthew McConaughey. TX T-REX blew everyone away with his role in DALLAS BUYERS CLUB including myself. He is on such an amazing streak of great films I can’t wait to see what he does next. His small cameo in WOLF was perfect. It’s so hard for me to pick one of these two, but I suspect McConaughey will take the statue. I only pray that his acceptance speech is as good as the one he gave at the Globes where he quoted David Wooderson. L-I-V-I-N!



BEST ACTRESS: CATE BLANCHETT
Every lady nominated for Best Actress already has an Oscar so this is some stiff competition. Blanchett’s performance in BLUE JASMINE was incredibly bittersweet. The film itself received mixed reviews, but there was no doubt about Blanchett’s stellar performance. I really enjoyed this film despite the criticism. I liked the portrayal of the other side of money and the resulting effects on one’s life. I don’t think many films address that scenario and I think Allen did a great job of making the characters relatable, but kept it in perspective of their roles. And just when you feel a happy ending coming on, NOPE we are reminded that this is still a Woody Allen film and there are no happy endings.



BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: JARED LETO
My near 20 year crush on Jordan Catalano has profoundly affected my judgment this Oscar season. Before I suspected Leto was even a nominee, I would have given this award to my other love, Michael Fassbender. His haunting portrayal as a sadistic slave owner in 12 YEARS was disturbing and compelling. Fassy is not only unbelievably attractive, but he’s exceptionally talented. He too has a great career ahead of him. As far as Leto goes, acting has not always been his main priority. I feel like music takes precedent in his life so this may be his one big chance at an Oscar. His portrayal as an AIDS stricken transvestite was heartbreaking. Both McConaughey and Leto underwent drastic physical changes for their respective roles. That is something the Academy always considers and rewards.



BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: LUPITA NYONG’O
Before the film was even over, I was sold on Nyong’o. She has a beautiful presence that is unmatched. The other performances in this category pale in comparison to this emotionally and physically demanding role that was portrayed flawlessly. Nyong’o is poised to become Hollywood’s it girl as she should be.



BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: HER
I did not enjoy HER one bit, but I will admit that the script was unique and original. Is it enough to merit and Oscar? Not in my book, but I am not a member of the Academy. I generally enjoy the films of Spike Jonz, but this just fell flat for me. I didn’t even realize it was supposed to take place in the future! I was also praying that Joaquin would kill himself at the end of the film to at least offer some kind of impact in a lukewarm story that felt way too long. I could see AMERICAN HUSTLE taking this award and I would say that film is more worthy, but for some reason I feel like HER will be the curveball the Academy throws us this year.



BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: 12 YEARS A SLAVE
I really think 12 YEARS is the front runner here. Solomon Nortup’s book is such a harrowing tale of unfortunate circumstance and civil injustice. I can’t imagine any other screenplay in this category having as much of an impression on an audience as 12 YEARS.



BEST DOCUMENTARY: THE ACT OF KILLING/ THE SQUARE
I still cannot decide which film should win this category. Initially, I felt like ACT OF KILLING would be the lead, but now I’m not so sure. ACT OF KILLING was one of the most horrifying pieces I’ve seen in years, not necessarily because of the content or subject, but because of the lack of empathy and remorse from the film’s main stars. The relevancy of THE SQUARE and how it relates to current events in Egypt leads me to believe that it could take the honor. Honestly, I would have loved to see BLACKFISH in this category, and win the Oscar. I certainly think that documentary had one of the most insightful social commentaries on something that has not often been discussed. It was definitely the most eye opening documentary of the year.





BEST FOREIGN FILM: THE GREAT BEAUTY
I loved this film so much. It has drawn many comparisons to LA DOLCE VITA which I can understand. However, the occasional, raw, sardonic themes in this film remind me of early Woody Allen. This epic tale of Jep Gambardella’s life and love is parallel to the protagonist in THE TREE OF LIFE. I really can’t see any other film in this category topping THE GREAT BEAUTY.



BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: FROZEN
I rarely watch any of the animated features; it’s one of my least favorite categories. Actually, animated films in general are low on the list of film genres for me. I usually bet on Disney because let’s face it; they’ve cornered the market in this category. However, I do enjoy the films of Hayao Miyazaki. I recently got to see an advanced screening of THE WIND RISES and without any knowledge of the other films in this category, I think it should win. THE WIND RISES is much different from the other well known Miyazaki films, but his same style of epic tales is still very prevalent. This was such a great and endearing story! I especially love animated JGL and the super cute Werner Herzog sing along. It’s unfortunate if this really his last film.



EVERYTHING ELSE: GRAVITY
I have GRAVITY taking pretty much all of the technical awards and rightfully so.



I also really hope that there is a respectable tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman. I'm still pretty torn up about it and struck with disbelief. When someone in the public eye dies suddenly, it's a cliche to rave about how talented that person was (even if they weren't). Hoffman was the epitome of true artistry and definitely contributed an unbelievable amount of talent to the film industry. He was in his prime and would have continued to grow with so many upcoming roles. It truly is a shame and a huge loss for any film fan.



There you have it; my picks for this year’s Academy Awards. Who do you think will win? See you all on March 2nd!

Most Anticipated Films of 2014

There are a ton of films I am looking forward to this year, including some that were scheduled to be released in 2013 but didn’t quite make it out for some reason or another. I am still waiting to see NYMPHOMANIAC (which is apparently a two part film now), THE GOLDEN SUICIDES (still in development according to IMDb), and all three new Terrance Malick films that are pending. My most anticipated film of 2013, HORNS is promised to be released this year and I am on the edge of my seat for that one. It tested very well at TIFF last year. I also cannot stress how much I want to see ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE either.

I’m really interested in UNBROKEN (directed by Angelina Jolie and written by the Coen brothers), LUCY (the latest film from Luc Besson), and CHILD 44 (starring Gary Oldman, Bane, and Lisbeth Salander).

As far as big budget, mainstream films go, I would like to see INTERSTELLAR and TRANSCENDENCE. I also want to catch the new CAPTAIN AMERICA film; I wasn’t too impressed with the first one, but this one looks promising. I also can’t wait to see the new Terry Gilliam film, ZERO THEOREM which has already received much praise at last year’s Fantastic Fest.



Here is my list:

10. A MOST WANTED MAN

A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught up in the international war on terror.

Anton Corbijn is mostly known for directing music videos. He’s created some of the most iconic videos for bands like Depeche Mode. In 2007, he directed his first feature film, CONTROL about Joy Division’s own Ian Curtis. CONTROL was visually stunning as well as captivating. A MOST WANTED MAN has a strong cast with notables like Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Willem Dafoe, and Robin Wright. I look forward to seeing Corbijn grow as a film director, after all David Fincher started out as a music video director and look where he is now.



9. BIRDMAN

A washed-up actor who once played an iconic superhero must overcome his ego and family trouble as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory.

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu is a much revered director in his home country of Mexico for films like AMORES PERROS and BIUTIFUL which both garnered Oscar nominations. You may even recall his English language films like BABEL and 21 GRAMS. It will be interesting to see how he handles an actual comedy film. Edward Norton and Michael Keaton both have supporting roles.



8. INHERENT VICE

In Los Angeles in 1970, drug-fueled detective Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.

I am a huge proponent of Paul Thomas Anderson, but I must say THE MASTER did not impress me one bit. I’m hoping he redeems himself with INHERENT VICE. Once again he teams up with Joaquin Phoenix. Jenna Malone, Reese Witherspoon, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, and Benicio Del Toro also star in this film based on a novel by Thomas Pynchon. This will also mark PTA’s first time working with his real life wife, Maya Rudolph.



7. HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER

A single mother is swept into a dark underworld, while her teenage son discovers a road that leads him to a secret underwater town.

Hey Girl is often stigmatized for his good looks and Disney past. I think he’s a truly incredible actor who dives into roles wholeheartedly. HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER is his first foray at writing and directing. Christina Hendricks, Eva Mendes, and horror legend Barbara Steele star in this fantasy thriller. I’m sure this film will gain much attention since it also stars Matt Smith aka The Eleventh Doctor. JGL proved himself with DON JON last year, let’s see if Hey Girl can match him.



6. BIG EYES

A drama centered on the awakening of the painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s.

I know I said Tim Burton was dead to me after that abomination that was DARK SHADOWS, but he somewhat redeemed himself with FRANKENWEENIE. This is literally his last chance to restore my faith in a man who created some of the greatest films of my childhood. Fortunately, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter will not be apart of this production. Christoph Waltz and Jason Schwartzman star alongside Amy Adams and Krysten Ritter. As per usual, Danny Elfman will be handling music duties. Longtime Burton collaborator and Oscar winner, Colleen Atwood will helm the costume design. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.



5. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

Wes Anderson continues to delight audiences with his quirky, sentimental, and whimsical films. His last film MOONRISE KINGDOM was received with much praise and even nominated for an Oscar. He’s got a formula that seems to work every time. All the usual suspects will be apart of this ensemble cast including Bill Murray. Another thing I love about Anderson is that he has a beautiful way of incorporating the perfect music into his scenes. His soundtracks are nearly as synonymous as Tarantino’s. This is definitely a must see for all.



4. DEVIL’S KNOT

The savage murders of three young children sparks a controversial trial of three teenagers accused of killing the kids as part of a satanic ritual.

After four documentaries, a couple books, and extensive research into this case I am still completely engrossed by it. Even with the 2011 release of the wrongfully convicted West Memphis 3, the story does not end there. There are still so many unanswered questions and child murder(s) on the loose. Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth star in this small budget picture. It will be interesting to see how the key players will be portrayed on film.



3. CESAR CHAVEZ

A biography of the civil-rights activist and labor organizer Cesar Chavez.

Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was made aware at an early age that Cesar Chavez was a great civil rights leader. I always thought it was such a shame that a film had not yet been made about his struggles. We have films about Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Abraham Lincoln. I’m so glad Diego Luna took on this project because I know it will be made with plenty of passion and love. Michael Pena, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera, and John Malkovich star in this depiction of a real American hero. Sí, se puede!



2. GONE GIRL

A woman mysteriously disappears on the day of her wedding anniversary. Based on the novel, "Gone Girl."

Gone Girl is one of the best books I read last year; I could not put it down once I started reading. I am so excited to see that David Fincher will be directing the film adaption of this amazing read. Author, Gillian Flynn is even writing the screenplay in case any one has any misgivings about book to film adaptations. In fact, all three of Flynn’s incredible novels will eventually become films. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike star as the tragic couple, Nick & Amy Dunne. I can’t stress enough that you should read this book (and the other two) before watching the film.



1. VERONICA MARS

Veronica Mars returns home -- just in time for her high school reunion -- in order to help her old flame Logan Echolls, who has been accused of murdering his girlfriend.

The first and only time I have ever donated money to Kickstarter was for VM. I’ve been anticipating this film almost as much as Kristen Bell has. I loved this series so much when it was on; it helped me cope when BTVS ended. However, I never felt any closure when season three ended. Thank you so much to Rob Thomas for never letting go of this idea. I was fortunate enough to attend the Kickstarter party Rob Thomas hosted last spring here in Austin. The surprise guest was none other than Logan Echolls himself! And yours truly got to meet him. I know this film will be everything I love about VM and crew. I only hope that Rob Thomas goes on to make that Party Down movie.



HONORABLE MENTIONS

It’s very difficult to narrow down this list so I need to add a few honorable mentions.

ROSEWATER

A journalist is detained in Iran for more than 100 days and brutally interrogated in prison.

Directed by Jon Stewart and starring my boyfriend, Gael Garcia Bernal.

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

The latest Woody Allen film starring Colin Firth.


SOLE SURVIVOR

In the history of aviation, there have been only 14 of them: sole survivors of a commercial aviation disaster. Most have never spoken publicly about the loss, the guilt, the immense pressure of feeling "spared." Who, after all, could ever truly understand? The answer is only each other. Sole Survivor brings four of them together (George Lamson, Cecilia Cichan, Bahia Bakari and Jim Polehinke) to share their very complex, personal stories for the first time. They revisit the most harrowing moments of their lives in an effort to heal and overcome their most perplexing questions.

There it is folks, my most anticipated films of 2014. All synopsizes are courtesy of IMDb.com so don’t sue me or anything. What are you looking forward to this year?

Best FIlms of 2013

A new year is upon us friends! As tradition dictates I thought I would share my favorite films of 2013. I saw so many fantastic films this year.



For me, 2013 might be the year of the documentary because I watched some really good ones. I also saw some really huge turds like SPRING BREAKERS and PASSION. Alas, I’ll save that list for another post. I absolutely loved AMERICAN HUSTLE, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, and BLUE JASMINE. Even big budget blockbusters like IRON MAN 3, PACIFIC RIM, and THOR 2 were pretty enjoyable.

Here is my list:

10. DRINKING BUDDIES
I missed this film in theaters, but caught it on DVD. I had not even heard of it until it was mentioned by QT. I saw director, Joe Swanberg in YOU’RE NEXT and he was my favorite character. I love the cameo by director Ti West; he even reps a Lawrence Arms t-shirt! At a distance, looking at this film nothing really stands out. However, the whole film was completely improvised with no script. A vague outline was given to the actors much like an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Anyone familiar with acting or performing knows that improv is not an easy task. The acting in this film was fantastic and the characters were very relatable. DRINKING BUDDIES reminded me of my early 20s. Much like this film those years were very carefree and fun.



9. FILMAGE
This is a documentary that really hits close to home. As a long time fan of The Descendents, it was heartwarming to finally see a documentary about them. We all know the songs, but we don’t know the stories behind the songs. I once got the chance to sit and have some beers with Stephen Eggerton and he was one of the most delightful people I’ve ever met. He indulged all my asinine questions about ALL and Descendents. Watching this film, I still gained so much more knowledge about this amazing band. This documentary is a love letter to such an influential band that will never cease to be an important part of my life.



8. BEFORE MIDNIGHT
Typically, sequels are never as good as the original film. Nonetheless, I loved BEFORE SUNRISE so much more than BEFORE SUNSET. Now I love BEFORE MIDNIGHT more than SUNSET if you can believe that. This is a perfect trilogy that chronicles the ups and downs of a true relationship. Life and love is not like THE NOTEBOOK, it’s disagreeable and uncertain. The chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy is electrifying. MIDNIGHT really exudes their wisdom as actors and the comfort they feel among each other. MIDNIGHT is a great end to Richard Linklater’s wonderful trilogy.



7. STOKER
While Spike Lee was busy butchering Chan-wook Park’s masterpiece OLDBOY, Park was exhibiting his first English language film. STOKER made very little splash here in the US which is unfortunate because Park is one of the best directors currently in the game. The themes and color usage in this film were very subtle but absolutely important. Park has an understated way of telling his story; he makes you work for it and I am always happy to oblige.



6. THE COUNSELOR
I cannot for the life of me understand why this film was so critically panned. I truly loved it and I am the last person to support a Ridley Scott vehicle. Read my previous review and simply give it a chance. No spoilers, I promise.



5. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET
This film should be called THE WOLF OF HOLLYWOOD because Leo is thirsty for Oscar blood. To tell you the truth, he deserves it. I feel like Leo has paid his dues for his teen heartthrob past and now he needs to be respected for the amazing actor he’s become. Scorsese brings out the best in Leo. I love the Leo/Scorsese team almost as much as I love the QT/Uma team. Normally I despise Jonah Hill, but he is ridiculously funny in WOLF. It’s as if his character from SUPERBAD grew up and became a stockbroker. This film pushes the envelope; it’s smart and funny. Just give Leo an Oscar already.



4. BLACKFISH
The greatest thing about this compelling documentary is the impact is has had on society. It has really opened the public’s eye to the cold hard facts that SeaWorld is a truly evil corporation. Several musicians have cancelled pending performances at SeaWorld parks as a direct result of this film. This is a small victory for an important issue.



3. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Joss Whedon is flawless and so is this film.



2. 12 YEARS A SLAVE
I understand a lot of people don’t want to watch this film. It’s uncomfortable, heartbreaking, and difficult to watch. Remember that the topic at hand is slavery. There’s nothing pleasant about slavery. Having said that, I think the story of Solomon Northup is especially important and one that everyone should know.



1. THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
I watched this film without knowing much about it other than the fact that it was directed by Derek Cianfrance who blew me away with BLUE VALENTINE. It’s a great story with a really unique format. Hey Girl is in top form and Eva Mendes poured her heart into this role. This film really flew under the radar, but now the rumor is that Mike Patton might get an Oscar nod for his amazing score. Take that Trent Reznor!




HONORABLE MENTIONS
Some films that barely missed the cut:

DON JON
JGL is no doubt an incredibly talented actor. His directorial debut really showcased his skills behind the camera. Let’s talk about how awesome Tony Danza was in this film! I really hope JGL continues to write and direct because he has so much potential.



ONLY GOD FORGIVES
I’ve been on the fence about Nicolas Winding Refn because I enjoyed BRONSON, but DRIVE fell very short for me. With ONLY GOD, I feel like he’s really coming into his own style as a director instead of just mimicking Gaspar Noe. You either love this film or you hate it; there’s no in between. I just couldn’t take my mind off this film after initially watching it. That is what makes a good film, something that stays with you days later. The cinematography is just gorgeous and I cannot say enough about Kristin Scott Thomas’ role. If you’re looking for a Hey Girl jerkfest, look elsewhere because he speaks only 17 lines total. There’s not much dialogue in this film because it’s meant to keep you guessing.



STORIES WE TELL
I really commend Sarah Polley’s courage to take on this project. To turn the camera inward and document the hard truth about your own family is a really brave thing to do. She tells the story of her life with a nonpartisanship that most others would find impossible. I look forward to other projects from Polley.



There it is folks, my favorite films from 2013! Thank you for another year of faithful readership, it is much appreciated. I hope you continue to enjoy my posts. Feel free to share your favorite films and let me know if I missed any.

Happy New Year!

The Counselor

So I want to talk about THE COUNSELOR. I have heard nothing but bad reviews and negative remarks regarding this film. Even the Austin Chronicle gave it the same rating as the nü CARRIE remake which baffles me. I saw it and I enjoyed it! Before you call me biased, I will admit I am a Fassbender superfan. I can still offer a nonpartisan review without being clouded by his devastating good looks. For the record, I still have not seen X-MEN ORIGINS which starred Fassy as a young Magneto. Not even he can sell me on that shit.



I was excited to see THE COUNSELOR because I love Cormac McCarthy’s brilliant writing and with him behind the screenplay how could you go wrong? I generally despise Ridley Scott films (with the exception of ALIEN which is flawless), but for once he actually got it right. I’ll go ahead and accept this as an apology for PROMETHEUS. The cast of THE COUNSELOR is fantastic. I was a little unsure of Cameron Diaz, but she really put it all on the table (to say the least).



The film mirrors many of the same themes of NO COUNTY FOR OLD MEN (also written by McCarthy). It even takes place in Hell Paso, Texas. The film highlights a botched crime/foiled plan. In this picture, Fassy exists as the man with no name a la Javier Bardem in NO COUNTRY.



Many complaints I’ve come across claim the film is too dialog heavy which confuses the hell out of me. Do these people realize it’s based on a book filled with dialog? These are the same people who complain when there’s not enough dialog like with ONLY GOD FORGIVES (which I also enjoyed immensely). There are several scenes featuring various soliloquies which I think adds to the mystery of each character. Some questions are answered, but many more questions are raised. I really loved the whole perplexity of this film.



I’ve also heard people criticize the character development in THE COUNSELOR. I feel like this was intentional. This film centers on Fassy’s character; all other characters are secondary. The film presents the total descent of one man. We virtually see Fassy’s character go from a confident, charming, cunning man to a scared, broken, shell of a man in less than two hours. Watching Fassy take on this transition was really fascinating and I could not picture a better actor taking on this role. Again, I am biased as I would watch him act in a Wheaties commercial but that’s neither here nor there.



Diaz has been accused of overacting; again something I believe was intentional. Her character was meant to be over the top and extremely exaggerated. Her pronounced movements and monologues were intended to be hyperboles. I also like the parallel metaphors with the cheetahs. The symbolism of the hunt & chase was really beautiful. Similarly, Penelope Diaz’s character was very one dimensional, another calculated move by the filmmaker. Cruz’s character exists as a symbol for purity and the utter corruption that destroys that purity as a direct result of Fassy’s greed. As much as I detest Ridley Scott, nothing he does is unfixed (even if it does not make sense) and I really admire the way he unraveled this mesmerizing story.



One of my favorite writers, Bret Easton Ellis also enjoyed THE COUNSELOR. He said,

“I liked the bloody feel-bad nihilism of Ridley Scott's THE COUNSELOR, a much-needed rejoinder to "noble" and "humanistic" movies everywhere. There's so much self-righteous hatred aimed at THE COUNSELOR because it dares to laugh darkly at the "Victims Are Our New Heroes" culture...”

If anything, go see this film for the car fucking scene alone.

Top Ten Guilty Pleasures

It took me a while to commit to this post. I go back and forth with guilty pleasures. I will admit I can be very opinionated about films and I do usually judge a person by their taste in cinema. However, everyone is entitled to enjoy whatever films they choose. There is no write or wrong opinion. I don’t think anyone should really feel guilty or embarrassed for genuinely enjoying a film, unless of course it’s the nü STAR WARS trilogy. By “guilty pleasure” standards, there are a few films I like that could fall into that category. As hard as it is to believe, I don’t always watch Palme D’ Or winners or Academy nominated features. Let me share a few of my guilty pleasures. Maybe it will inspire you to share yours and we can do away with this negative connotation assigned to “guilty pleasure” films. In no particular order:

HOTEL FOR DOGS
What can I say; I am a crazy dog lady. You know how some people will stop a mother with a stroller on the street to coo & ahh at their baby? I am just like that with dogs. As a result, I’m a sucker for any movie with a dog in it. I suffered through DUE DATE simply because I loved the adorable Frenchie in it. I actually really enjoyed SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS, but the cute Pomeranian made it all the more enjoyable. HOTEL FOR DOGS really got me. It’s a heartwarming story about a few kids who create a home for stray dogs. How can you not love that? And it has a pug! By the way, I own this film on Blu Ray.



HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL
I generally despise remakes, but I’m guilty of enjoying this one. I actually really like the original Vincent Price film. It was spooky and suspenseful without ever showing any gore as opposed to most horror films that are made today. I admit this is not a very good film and the ending leaves something to be desired. Nonetheless, my favorite aspect about it is the cast. There’s a cameo by the RE-ANIMATOR himself, Jeffrey Combs and everyone’s favorite vampire, James Marsters. The script is pretty weak, but the visual effects are really entertaining. I have resisted purchasing this film because I’m afraid to own up to it. I guess I just did.



BOOMERANG
I watched this film in the theater when I was just a kid with my sister. I thought it was the funniest thing I’d ever seen. You must admit it is a pretty good cast with Eddie Murphy, David Allen Grier, and Martin Lawrence. I guess it reminds me of the days of In Living Color. I have liked Robin Givens since her Head of the Class days. Also, coming of age at this time granted me an affinity for early 90s R&B which this soundtrack is riddled with. I’m really dating myself simply by the inclusion of this film.




GOOD WILL HUNTING
It took me a couple years to watch this film. It’s not necessarily the type of film that peaks my interest, although I do have a great amount of respect for Gus Van Sant. It came to me highly recommended from someone who knows my taste. I hated to admit that I actually enjoyed it. Again, this is a pretty brilliant cast even despite Minnie Driver. It was also one of the first dramatic roles I ever saw Robin Williams in. He did a fantastic job and his Oscar was well deserved. GOOD WILL HUNTING also shows what great writers Damon & Affleck are. This film also taught me not to always make assumptions about a film.




HOT TUB TIME MACHINE
I’m not crazy about comedies, but when they parody my favorite decade (1980s) I’m in. Like every other girl my age, I fell in love with John Cusack long ago, or should I say I fell in love with Lloyd Dobler. I was shocked that he even agreed to appear in a film like this. He seems a little embittered by his former heartthrob status. I love every reference and every single song from this film. I loved this film so much I saw it twice in the theater. Both times I was in tears laughing at Rob Corddry’s epic version of “Home Sweet Home.” This film is so much fun and I couldn’t be more excited for the sequel.




BREAKIN 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO
Lots of people reference this film and have never even seen it. It’s become a thing to cite “Electric Boogaloo.” I was completely mesmerized by this film as a child. I wanted to know exactly how the hell Turbo could dance on the ceiling. Turns out they used the same rotating room from A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. They just don’t make films like this anymore. The type of feel good, community coming together, everyone wins in the end, type of film. BREAKIN 2 was way ahead of its time by showcasing interracial dating. It also highlighted a young edgy rapper long before he became Detective Fin Tutuola. BREAKIN 2 has a great soundtrack, awesome dance sequences, and incredible montages. How can you not love this film?




RATATOUILLE
For the most part, I despise animated feature films (with the exception of certain Japanese films). It used to make me feel really uneasy. Disney movies were the worst. Those early Disney films were pretty disturbing for a kid to watch. I have no problem with children’s cartoons, but I can’t bear to watch the films. I think the last Disney film I saw was THE LION KING. I happen to be at a friend’s house when his Disney obsessed little sister was watching RATATOUILLE. It caught my attention because I think rats are kind of cute (I slept with a Chuck E Cheese doll longer than I wish to admit). I found myself actually enjoying it. No one’s parents die, no animals die a horrible death, and there are no dancing hippos in tutus. If all Disney films were like this, I might actually give them a chance.




STEPBROTHERS
I’m conflicted over whether or not this is actually a guilty pleasure because it’s such a fantastic film. It made my “All Time Favorite Comedies” list. It has Academy nominated actor, John C. Reilly and the adorable Adam Scott. I am willing to debate anyone who disapproves of this film!




THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN
This film holds a lot of sentimental value for me. It was actually filmed in the quaint coastal town I lived in when I was a kid. It’s great to watch it now and see all the things I loved about Corpus Christi like Padre Staples Mall and Ocean Drive. The film itself is pretty corny, but endearing. However, I applaud anything that promotes strong women. Although, it does come off very “Afterschool Special,” THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN’s moral is to stand up for yourself. There are lots of interesting casting choices too like Lisa Simpson and Supergirl. This was also the film debut of Christian Slater who went on to become the bane of existence for every Jack Nicholson fan.




CALIGULA
Yes, I actually enjoy CALIGULA and not in an ironic way. I’m incredibly fascinated by ancient Roman history. Granted CALIGULA is not necessarily historically accurate, but it’s still a fun movie to watch. This film is a no holds barred depiction of one (perverted) man’s vision. Of course it’s filled with misogynistic tones, but the Roman Empire kind of invented misogyny. This is also an amazing cast of legendary actors like Peter O’Toole, Dame Helen Mirren, and the incomparable Malcolm McDowell. It’s ironic that the no name, Penthouse Pet turned actress was the one who sued Bob Guccione because the film’s hardcore sex scenes “tarnished her career/reputation.” You don’t see Dame Helen bitching about it; in fact she appears in interviews for the special edition DVD set (which I own). I think CALIGULA was ahead of it’s time. Nowadays it’s compared to films like SHOWGIRLS. It takes a certain personality to appreciate the tongue in check concept this film exudes. You either love it or you hate it.




HONORABLE MENTION
THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FIRST SEQUENCE)
I’m not guilty or embarrassed for enjoying HUMAN CENTIPEDE because it’s an awesome film. Again, it’s not the type of film that is for everyone. Director, Tom Six has a great appreciation for horror films and I really admire his “no rules” approach to filmmaking. He actually makes it fun. I’m also glad that we can make films like this today and that there’s an audience for it. Roger Ebert refused to assign a star rating for CENTIPEDE. He simply stated,

"[The film] is what it is and occupies a world where the stars don't shine."

I think that review is 100% medically accurate.




I felt it unnecessary to include John Hughes or Cameron Crowe films simply because everyone who grew up in that era loves those films and they should not be considered guilty pleasures. They’re just rite of passage films for a certain age group. Now you guys know all my secrets. Care to share any of yours?