Author(s): Michael
Location: Oklahoma
“Gone with a Dream”
Directed by Alexander Payne
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Written by Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor, and B.J. Novak
Music by Rolfe Kent
Principal Cast:
Ellen DeGeneres- Judy Glenn
Cloris Leachman- Julie Glenn
Paul Giamatti- Michael Conway
Virginia Madison- Natalie Conway
Nathan Lane- Alex Crawfish
Steve Carell- Brandon Yench
Tagline: "This spring… no matter how old or young, shoot for your dreams, or not…you know whatever floats your boat really"
Synopsis: When Judy Glenn (DeGeneres) has had her 50th birthday she decides that she finally wants to shoot for her dreams of moving to Hollywood and work her way up to being an A list Actress. Even though her mother, Julie (Leachman), has never approved of anything Judy does, Judy decides to forget her and go pursue her dreams. She quits her job working at the Post Office and takes the next plane to Los Angeles. After a month of struggling, Judy gets a job as an assistant for the A list actor, Michael Conway (Giamatti), and also for his wife, Natalie Conway (Madison), too. Judy works hard at her job, but never quite excels because she doesn’t really like Michael or Natalie at all. When Michael is working on a movie for acclaimed flamboyant director Alex Crawfish (Lane), Alex discovers that Judy is particularly funny. Giving her a small role in the film Judy does exceedingly well and he starts to progressively give her bigger and bigger roles. Judy is so surprised that a lot of the actors that she works around aren’t really as smart as they seem on screen. A prime example of this is her fellow actor Brandon Yench (Carell) who is a bigoted, idiotic, very unintelligent person who just doesn’t understand anything. Judy goes on to star in films such as Billion Dollar Infant, Citizen Mary, The Godmother, The Queen and Me, and Basic Instinct 3. Judy tried to stay away from the life that she saw Michael and Natalie live, but she went a little bit too far. Judy starts demanding impossible things and becoming impossible to work with.
What the press would say:
A hilarious laugh out loud funny comedy that just isn’t what you would expect to see on a movie screen. Pure enjoyment that is fun to watch and a feel good movie in a weird sort of way! DeGeneres is such a good comedic performer it is a wonder why she doesn’t get more work like this. All in all, Ellen gives a hilarious performance that well deserves an Oscar nomination and practically makes you wet you pants anytime she comes on screen. Cloris Leachman gives another great performance as DeGeneres’ mom and might sneak in to get an Oscar nod. Nathan Lane also gives an awkward but funny performance as the flamboyant director, Alex Crawfish. Paul Giamatti and Virginia Madison were so delightful in an odd way it is hard to describe how funny they really are. Steve Carell is just so funny he plays painfully funny really well he is a comedic genius and this is no exception. A hilarious performance by every cast member and this ensemble is perfectly cast. Alexander Payne pulls off another wet your pants comedy and even though she ultimately loses everything she had it is still the best comedy I’ve seen in years!
For Your Consideration
Best Picture
Director- Payne
Actress- DeGeneres
Supt. Actress- Leachman
Supt. Actor- Lane
Supt. Actor- Carell
Original Screenplay- Payne, Taylor, and Novak
Best Original Score
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Guardian Angel
Author(s): Dpac
Location: Appleton
“The Guardian Angel"
Directed by Gary Ross
Produced by Frank Marshall and Gary Ross
Screenplay by Billy Bob Thornton and Gary Ross
Music by Randy Newman
Principal Cast:
Bob Shane – Sean Penn
Janet Shane – Robin Wright Penn
Young Laura Shane - Dakota Fanning
Older Laura Shane – Natalie Portman
Thelma Ackerson – Camilla Belle
Ruth Ackerson – Katie Cassidy
Chris Packard – Liam Aiken
Daniel Packard – Hugh Jackman
Stefan Krieger – Freddy Rodriguez
Willy Sheener – Billy Bob Thornton
Kokoschka – Gael García Bernal
Dr. Paul Markwell – Liam Neeson
Tagline: “A Guardian Angel that risked both his and the lives of the people he was guarding"
Synopsis: On the night of Laura Shane's birth, a stranger appears from nowhere to prevent her from dying while being delivered by a drunken doctor. All through Laura's childhood the stranger shows up when she is in danger. Laura marries and has a son. The mysterious stranger shows up on a deserted highway, warning Laura and her family that they are in danger. Laura’s husband is killed; her hero is unable to prevent his death. Warning Laura that she is in danger and that he will return, he vanishes again. Laura begins to learn to protect herself and her son. The stranger appears once again during a thunderstorm, this time he is badly injured and needs her help.
What the press would say:
This movie made my year….And I doubt any movie to be released this year will be better. Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) whose movies are know to be innovative and enticing, brings this movie adapted from the Dean Koontz’s novel Lightning) which doesn’t fail to impress you and leave a mark in your heart. The Guardian Angel, adapted from Dean Koontz’s novel Lightning by Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade) and Gary Ross, is movie everyone should watch, child or adult. It has the correct balance of drama and action. The Guardian Angel is about a woman who is protected by a guardian angel from her childhood who eventually seeks protection from her. The movie has all the elements of a thriller, fight scenes, time travel, World War II and a bit of sentiment. The performances in the movie are heart-breaking and are unbelievable. Below are the summaries of all the Oscar-worthy performances.
Dakota Fanning (I Am Sam) plays the protagonist Laura in her childhood and does well at that but her screen time is very less and that hurts her chance to be nominated for an Oscar, but she does give a performance far superior than her SAG-nominated performance in I Am Sam. But since screen time is not very important these days (remembering Judi Dench), I’m predicting her to be nominated for a wonderful performance.
Oscar nominee Natalie Portman (Closer) plays the older Laura and I have to say, she is AMAZING!! Her role is so complex and she does it so well. She had to play an orphan, a girl who a rapist seeks to rape, a girl whose best friend and father die, a girl who keeps getting visits from this man who says he’s her guardian angel, etc in this movie. She sinks her teeth so much into her character. She shines in every scene of hers. Her best moment is when she is left alone in the orphanage with the molester. That scene alone will win her the Oscar. Hers is one of the best performances in the movie and of this year. Wow, I think history might repeat itself for the third time this year and we will see two actresses nominated for playing the same character in the same movie but the only difference is the ages of the character (see Gloria Stuart and Kate Winslet in Titanic and Judi Dench and Kate Winslet in Iris.) But I hope anyone of them win this time….
Liam Aiken (Lemony Snickets’ A Series of Unfortunate Events), one of the best child actors of today, gives a wonderful supporting performance as Chris, son of Laura and Daniel, who believes Stefan (Laura’s guardian angel) and helps his mom in saving Stefan. He has a pivotal role in the film and shows his talent in this role.
Camilla Belle (The Quiet) has a quirky role as one half of the Ackerson twins. She plays a very enthusiastic Thelma Ackerson who later turns depressed as she is faced to deal with the death of her sister in a fire. She goes on to become Laura’s best friend in the orphanage. Her best moment in the movie is when she comes face to face and has a painful chat with the molester. Her performance also proves to be Oscar worthy. But if nominated she is not likely to win.
Freddy Rodriguez (Bobby) plays Stefan, the strange man who turns out to be Laura’s guardian angel, who risks his life for the welfare of Laura. He is a time traveler and fell in love with Laura in the future who was destined to be crippled he didn’t come back and alter the past. Freddy is flat out amazing and even better than he was in Bobby. His role is well written and Freddy acts it out well. Freddy shines whenever he is on screen but the scene of his breakdown and rage after when he meets Kokoschka -- a person from his organization and who wants to kill Stefan for treason and also want to kill Laura -- and Laura, Danny and Chris in the mountain and saves Laura and Chris but couldn’t save Danny, is heart touching and shows his awe worthy talent of his.
Billy Bob Thornton. Sigh. I am speechless when I think of the performance the Oscar winner gave. Wow. He plays Willy Sheener, the child molester, who is the cause of the haunting memories that Laura has. His performance is creepy and will surely haunt you at night. He was perfect for that role and surpasses Jackie E‘s performance as the child molesting neighbor in Little Children. The casting directors should be given an Oscar for casting Billy as Willy. From the looks of it, I think Billy might be on track to win two Oscars, for writing and acting.
Hugh Jackman, Gael Garcia Bernal, Katie Cassidy, Liam Neeson, Sean and Robin Wright Penn round up the cast. What a cast. What a movie. This movie will prove to be irresistible to the Academy. The film is a wonderful experience to sit through. And for a second it isn’t boring. Once it hooks you, it never lets you go. I have not a doubt that this movie will win loads of Oscars and precursor awards especially Billy Bob and Natalie. Sigh. What performances.
Possible Nominations-
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor – Freddy Rodriguez
Best Actress – Natalie Portman
Best Supporting Actor – Billy Bob Thornton or Liam Aiken.
Best Supporting Actress – Dakota Fanning and Camilla Belle
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Editing
Best Song – ‘Life Me’ by U2
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Location: Appleton
“The Guardian Angel"
Directed by Gary Ross
Produced by Frank Marshall and Gary Ross
Screenplay by Billy Bob Thornton and Gary Ross
Music by Randy Newman
Principal Cast:
Bob Shane – Sean Penn
Janet Shane – Robin Wright Penn
Young Laura Shane - Dakota Fanning
Older Laura Shane – Natalie Portman
Thelma Ackerson – Camilla Belle
Ruth Ackerson – Katie Cassidy
Chris Packard – Liam Aiken
Daniel Packard – Hugh Jackman
Stefan Krieger – Freddy Rodriguez
Willy Sheener – Billy Bob Thornton
Kokoschka – Gael García Bernal
Dr. Paul Markwell – Liam Neeson
Tagline: “A Guardian Angel that risked both his and the lives of the people he was guarding"
Synopsis: On the night of Laura Shane's birth, a stranger appears from nowhere to prevent her from dying while being delivered by a drunken doctor. All through Laura's childhood the stranger shows up when she is in danger. Laura marries and has a son. The mysterious stranger shows up on a deserted highway, warning Laura and her family that they are in danger. Laura’s husband is killed; her hero is unable to prevent his death. Warning Laura that she is in danger and that he will return, he vanishes again. Laura begins to learn to protect herself and her son. The stranger appears once again during a thunderstorm, this time he is badly injured and needs her help.
What the press would say:
This movie made my year….And I doubt any movie to be released this year will be better. Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) whose movies are know to be innovative and enticing, brings this movie adapted from the Dean Koontz’s novel Lightning) which doesn’t fail to impress you and leave a mark in your heart. The Guardian Angel, adapted from Dean Koontz’s novel Lightning by Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade) and Gary Ross, is movie everyone should watch, child or adult. It has the correct balance of drama and action. The Guardian Angel is about a woman who is protected by a guardian angel from her childhood who eventually seeks protection from her. The movie has all the elements of a thriller, fight scenes, time travel, World War II and a bit of sentiment. The performances in the movie are heart-breaking and are unbelievable. Below are the summaries of all the Oscar-worthy performances.
Dakota Fanning (I Am Sam) plays the protagonist Laura in her childhood and does well at that but her screen time is very less and that hurts her chance to be nominated for an Oscar, but she does give a performance far superior than her SAG-nominated performance in I Am Sam. But since screen time is not very important these days (remembering Judi Dench), I’m predicting her to be nominated for a wonderful performance.
Oscar nominee Natalie Portman (Closer) plays the older Laura and I have to say, she is AMAZING!! Her role is so complex and she does it so well. She had to play an orphan, a girl who a rapist seeks to rape, a girl whose best friend and father die, a girl who keeps getting visits from this man who says he’s her guardian angel, etc in this movie. She sinks her teeth so much into her character. She shines in every scene of hers. Her best moment is when she is left alone in the orphanage with the molester. That scene alone will win her the Oscar. Hers is one of the best performances in the movie and of this year. Wow, I think history might repeat itself for the third time this year and we will see two actresses nominated for playing the same character in the same movie but the only difference is the ages of the character (see Gloria Stuart and Kate Winslet in Titanic and Judi Dench and Kate Winslet in Iris.) But I hope anyone of them win this time….
Liam Aiken (Lemony Snickets’ A Series of Unfortunate Events), one of the best child actors of today, gives a wonderful supporting performance as Chris, son of Laura and Daniel, who believes Stefan (Laura’s guardian angel) and helps his mom in saving Stefan. He has a pivotal role in the film and shows his talent in this role.
Camilla Belle (The Quiet) has a quirky role as one half of the Ackerson twins. She plays a very enthusiastic Thelma Ackerson who later turns depressed as she is faced to deal with the death of her sister in a fire. She goes on to become Laura’s best friend in the orphanage. Her best moment in the movie is when she comes face to face and has a painful chat with the molester. Her performance also proves to be Oscar worthy. But if nominated she is not likely to win.
Freddy Rodriguez (Bobby) plays Stefan, the strange man who turns out to be Laura’s guardian angel, who risks his life for the welfare of Laura. He is a time traveler and fell in love with Laura in the future who was destined to be crippled he didn’t come back and alter the past. Freddy is flat out amazing and even better than he was in Bobby. His role is well written and Freddy acts it out well. Freddy shines whenever he is on screen but the scene of his breakdown and rage after when he meets Kokoschka -- a person from his organization and who wants to kill Stefan for treason and also want to kill Laura -- and Laura, Danny and Chris in the mountain and saves Laura and Chris but couldn’t save Danny, is heart touching and shows his awe worthy talent of his.
Billy Bob Thornton. Sigh. I am speechless when I think of the performance the Oscar winner gave. Wow. He plays Willy Sheener, the child molester, who is the cause of the haunting memories that Laura has. His performance is creepy and will surely haunt you at night. He was perfect for that role and surpasses Jackie E‘s performance as the child molesting neighbor in Little Children. The casting directors should be given an Oscar for casting Billy as Willy. From the looks of it, I think Billy might be on track to win two Oscars, for writing and acting.
Hugh Jackman, Gael Garcia Bernal, Katie Cassidy, Liam Neeson, Sean and Robin Wright Penn round up the cast. What a cast. What a movie. This movie will prove to be irresistible to the Academy. The film is a wonderful experience to sit through. And for a second it isn’t boring. Once it hooks you, it never lets you go. I have not a doubt that this movie will win loads of Oscars and precursor awards especially Billy Bob and Natalie. Sigh. What performances.
Possible Nominations-
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor – Freddy Rodriguez
Best Actress – Natalie Portman
Best Supporting Actor – Billy Bob Thornton or Liam Aiken.
Best Supporting Actress – Dakota Fanning and Camilla Belle
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Editing
Best Song – ‘Life Me’ by U2
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Hearts of Age
Author(s): Corey
Location: USA
"Hearts of Age"
Directed By: Bennett Miller
Written By: Dan Futterman & Simon Callow
Produced By: Caroline Baron, William Vince, & Michael Ohoven
Music By: John Williams
Cinematography By: Robert Richardson (The Aviator, JFK)
Costumes By: Sandy Powell (The Aviator, Far From Heaven)
Art/Set Direction: Jeannine Claudia Oppewall (L.A. Confidential)
Edited By: Christopher Tellefsen (Capote, Man on the Moon)
Principal Cast:
Danny Huston: Orson Welles
Michael C. Hall: Joseph Cotton
Julianne Moore: Rita Hayworth
Philip Seymour Hoffman: William Randolph Hearst
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Paola Mori
Winona Ryder: Virginia Nicholson
Frances McDormand: Oja Kodar
Shirley MacLaine: Agnes Moorehead
Kevin Spacey: Carol Reed
Glenn Close: Marlene Dietrich
Sharon Stone: Zsa Zsa Gabor
Brad Pitt: Charlton Heston
Charlize Theron: Janet Leigh
Rachel McAdams: Anne Baxter
Clifton Collins: Graham Greene
Lauren Bacall: Beatrice Ives
Tony Huston: Richard Head Welles
Tagline: "We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone"
Synopsis: At age twenty six he was being called a genius. Just a year later he saw what was to be another masterpiece destroyed and by 1984 he was the butt of every joke. Where did it all go wrong?
Opening with the broadcast of Orson Welles’ legendary War of the Worlds radio reading, the film traces Welles’ life: from the success of Citizen Kane to the destruction of films like The Magnificent Ambersons, Mr. Arkadin, and A Touch of Evil. His numerous marriages are also focused on, including his brief one to Rita Hayworth. Welles’ close bond with actor Joseph Cotton is also blended into the ultimately dark and provocative look into the life of one of the most brilliant filmmakers Hollywood will ever know.
What the press would say:
Director Bennett Miller directs another effective and dark bio-pic. Although switching from the literary field to the cinematic one, Hearts of Age serves almost as a companion piece to Bennett’s Oscar-nominated film Capote. Award worthy performances come from so many of the great ensemble cast members. Under-rated actor Danny Huston gives a raw and emotionally complex portrayal of the character of Orson Welles, while Michael C. Hall excels as frequent Welles collaborator Joseph Cotton. Capote star Philip Seymour Hoffman, who won an Academy Award last time around with Miller, gives audiences yet another phenomenal performance as newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. The scenes that contain both Hoffman and Huston are some of the best in recent film.
Huston’s real-life brother, Tony, helps bring Welles’ alcoholic father to the screen with searing perception, while screen legend Lauren Bacall gives a brief, subtle performance as Welles’ mother. Julianne Moore gives perhaps the greatest female performance of the film as Welles’ second wife and screen goddess Rita Hayworth. Inhabiting the style and attitude of the legendary actress seems to be quite an easy task for the talented actress. Also portraying wives of Welles are Winona Ryder and Catherine Zeta-Jones. While both give convincing performances, it’s Ryder who excels with her best role from recent memory. An award winning supporting cast helps pull the whole film together, with stand-out performances from Sharon Stone, Frances McDormand, and Clifton Collins. Glenn Close and Shirley MacLaine also appear, and give convincing performances, as frequent collaborators of Welles.
The crew is another revelation. With director Miller pulling in Capote collaborator Dan Futterman and Welles biographer Simon Callow, the script is sure to be a frontrunner come awards season. The technical elements of the film all perfectly match the film, with a haunting score coming from legendary composer John Williams.
When the credits begin to roll, there will be those who believe that the film has lead them nowhere. In all truth the film spreads only some light on Welles’ legacy, ultimately leaving most of his life in the shadows of time, where it rightfully belongs.
Oscar Nominations:
Best Picture: Caroline Baron, William Vince, & Michael Ohoven
Best Director: Bennett Miller
Best Actor: Danny Huston
Best Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Supporting Actor: Michael C. Hall
Best Supporting Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actress: Frances McDormand
Best Supporting Actress: Catherine Zeta-Jones
Best Supporting Actress: Sharon Stone
Best Adapted Screenplay: Dan Futterman & Simon Callow
Best Score: John Williams
Best Costume Design: Sandy Powell
Best Editing: Christopher Tellefsen
Best Art/Set Direction: Jeannine Claudia Oppewall
Location: USA
"Hearts of Age"
Directed By: Bennett Miller
Written By: Dan Futterman & Simon Callow
Produced By: Caroline Baron, William Vince, & Michael Ohoven
Music By: John Williams
Cinematography By: Robert Richardson (The Aviator, JFK)
Costumes By: Sandy Powell (The Aviator, Far From Heaven)
Art/Set Direction: Jeannine Claudia Oppewall (L.A. Confidential)
Edited By: Christopher Tellefsen (Capote, Man on the Moon)
Principal Cast:
Danny Huston: Orson Welles
Michael C. Hall: Joseph Cotton
Julianne Moore: Rita Hayworth
Philip Seymour Hoffman: William Randolph Hearst
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Paola Mori
Winona Ryder: Virginia Nicholson
Frances McDormand: Oja Kodar
Shirley MacLaine: Agnes Moorehead
Kevin Spacey: Carol Reed
Glenn Close: Marlene Dietrich
Sharon Stone: Zsa Zsa Gabor
Brad Pitt: Charlton Heston
Charlize Theron: Janet Leigh
Rachel McAdams: Anne Baxter
Clifton Collins: Graham Greene
Lauren Bacall: Beatrice Ives
Tony Huston: Richard Head Welles
Tagline: "We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone"
Synopsis: At age twenty six he was being called a genius. Just a year later he saw what was to be another masterpiece destroyed and by 1984 he was the butt of every joke. Where did it all go wrong?
Opening with the broadcast of Orson Welles’ legendary War of the Worlds radio reading, the film traces Welles’ life: from the success of Citizen Kane to the destruction of films like The Magnificent Ambersons, Mr. Arkadin, and A Touch of Evil. His numerous marriages are also focused on, including his brief one to Rita Hayworth. Welles’ close bond with actor Joseph Cotton is also blended into the ultimately dark and provocative look into the life of one of the most brilliant filmmakers Hollywood will ever know.
What the press would say:
Director Bennett Miller directs another effective and dark bio-pic. Although switching from the literary field to the cinematic one, Hearts of Age serves almost as a companion piece to Bennett’s Oscar-nominated film Capote. Award worthy performances come from so many of the great ensemble cast members. Under-rated actor Danny Huston gives a raw and emotionally complex portrayal of the character of Orson Welles, while Michael C. Hall excels as frequent Welles collaborator Joseph Cotton. Capote star Philip Seymour Hoffman, who won an Academy Award last time around with Miller, gives audiences yet another phenomenal performance as newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. The scenes that contain both Hoffman and Huston are some of the best in recent film.
Huston’s real-life brother, Tony, helps bring Welles’ alcoholic father to the screen with searing perception, while screen legend Lauren Bacall gives a brief, subtle performance as Welles’ mother. Julianne Moore gives perhaps the greatest female performance of the film as Welles’ second wife and screen goddess Rita Hayworth. Inhabiting the style and attitude of the legendary actress seems to be quite an easy task for the talented actress. Also portraying wives of Welles are Winona Ryder and Catherine Zeta-Jones. While both give convincing performances, it’s Ryder who excels with her best role from recent memory. An award winning supporting cast helps pull the whole film together, with stand-out performances from Sharon Stone, Frances McDormand, and Clifton Collins. Glenn Close and Shirley MacLaine also appear, and give convincing performances, as frequent collaborators of Welles.
The crew is another revelation. With director Miller pulling in Capote collaborator Dan Futterman and Welles biographer Simon Callow, the script is sure to be a frontrunner come awards season. The technical elements of the film all perfectly match the film, with a haunting score coming from legendary composer John Williams.
When the credits begin to roll, there will be those who believe that the film has lead them nowhere. In all truth the film spreads only some light on Welles’ legacy, ultimately leaving most of his life in the shadows of time, where it rightfully belongs.
Oscar Nominations:
Best Picture: Caroline Baron, William Vince, & Michael Ohoven
Best Director: Bennett Miller
Best Actor: Danny Huston
Best Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Supporting Actor: Michael C. Hall
Best Supporting Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actress: Frances McDormand
Best Supporting Actress: Catherine Zeta-Jones
Best Supporting Actress: Sharon Stone
Best Adapted Screenplay: Dan Futterman & Simon Callow
Best Score: John Williams
Best Costume Design: Sandy Powell
Best Editing: Christopher Tellefsen
Best Art/Set Direction: Jeannine Claudia Oppewall
Holy Cow!
Author(s): Ryan
Location: New Jersey
"“Holy Cow!: Loosely Based On a Surprisingly (I Promise You) True Story”
Directed by Adam McKay
Written by Adam McKay & Will Ferrell
Music by Alex Wurman
Principal Cast:
Kal Penn (Safwat Mikadesh)
Will Ferrell (Judge Alex Owens)
Sarah Silverman (voice of: Haley Cow)
Tina Fey (Judy Young)
Amy Pohler (Janey Young)
Amy Sedaris (Mallory Tate)
Chelsea Handler (Kelsey Ian)
Paul Newman (as Himself)
Keenan Thompson (John Thorton)
Jennifer Tilly (Amanda Needy)
Dane Cook (Ashton Limer)
Sacha Baron Cohen (Christina)
Jack Nicholson (Max Green)
Ashton Kutcher (Dax Maler)
Tagline: "Every Year There is a Film That Will Offend Everyone. This is it.” 8/31/07
RATED R- for Pervasive language, sexual references, drug references and a scene of carnage.
Synopsis: When a Indian train conductor, Safwat Mikadesh (Kal Penn), sees a cow, Haley Cow (voiced by Sarah Silverman), he stops the train, because cows are sacred in India. However, this causes the train to crash and everybody dies except Safwat. Safwat now faces the Supreme Court with life vs. religion. Judge Alex Owens (Will Ferrell) is the judge of this case, however his wife just left him and he is still dizzy from the drugs he did last night. During the case we hear testimonies from the spirits of the dead passengers played by Siamese twins Judy and Janey Young (Tina Fey and Amy Pohler), herbalist Mallory Tate (Amy Sedaris), rock band groupie Kelsey Ian (Chelsea Handler), pregnant alcoholic mother Amanda Needy (Jennifer Tilly), wannabee gangsta’ rapper John Thorton (Kennan Thompson), suicidal ticket taker Ashton Limer (Dane Cook), disorderly drunk Max Green (Jack Nicholson), male transvestite prostitute Christina (Sacha Baron Cohen), and male model Dax Maler (Ashton Kutcher). We also hear testimony from the Cow, Haley Cow (voiced by Sarah Silverman). Or is the crash to be blamed by Paul Newman (as Himself) for letting his cow get out? One of the most hilarious Oscar worthy films ever! And if you see it, you’re a racist!
What the press would say:
"Two shamefully thumbs up!”-Ebert & Roeper
“Made as a joke, but turns out as a superb one!”- People
“A+! Sure to be the most Controversial Oscar Winner EVER!”-Entertainment Weekly
“Racist, hilarious, and Oscar Worthy.”-Rolling Stone Magazine
Holy Cow!, is a film to be envied. From one stand-point is Oscar gold, from another it is a low budget, hilarious, ridiculous, and racist film lower than Jackass: Number Two. Holy Cow! Is like a played out SNL skit that truly does work. Every performance is at it’s best and every line is brilliant. Will Ferrell truly will be remembered for his role as the Judge whose wife left and is still dizzy from the drugs he took the night before he left. Especially Jennifer Tilly’s character as the Alcoholic pregnant mother. All the characters are remember able and unique in every way. Whether Siamese twins or suicidal ticket takers Holy Cow!: Loosely Based on A Surprisingly (I Swear to You) True Story.
Best Picture
Best Director: Adam McKay
Best Screenplay: Adam McKay & Will Ferrell
Best Original Score: Alex Wurman
Best Actor: Kal Penn, Paul Newman, Will Ferrell
Best Supporting Actor: Ashton Kutcher, Dane Cook, Sacha Baron Cohen
Best Actress: Sarah Silverman
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Tilly, Chelsea Handler
Location: New Jersey
"“Holy Cow!: Loosely Based On a Surprisingly (I Promise You) True Story”
Directed by Adam McKay
Written by Adam McKay & Will Ferrell
Music by Alex Wurman
Principal Cast:
Kal Penn (Safwat Mikadesh)
Will Ferrell (Judge Alex Owens)
Sarah Silverman (voice of: Haley Cow)
Tina Fey (Judy Young)
Amy Pohler (Janey Young)
Amy Sedaris (Mallory Tate)
Chelsea Handler (Kelsey Ian)
Paul Newman (as Himself)
Keenan Thompson (John Thorton)
Jennifer Tilly (Amanda Needy)
Dane Cook (Ashton Limer)
Sacha Baron Cohen (Christina)
Jack Nicholson (Max Green)
Ashton Kutcher (Dax Maler)
Tagline: "Every Year There is a Film That Will Offend Everyone. This is it.” 8/31/07
RATED R- for Pervasive language, sexual references, drug references and a scene of carnage.
Synopsis: When a Indian train conductor, Safwat Mikadesh (Kal Penn), sees a cow, Haley Cow (voiced by Sarah Silverman), he stops the train, because cows are sacred in India. However, this causes the train to crash and everybody dies except Safwat. Safwat now faces the Supreme Court with life vs. religion. Judge Alex Owens (Will Ferrell) is the judge of this case, however his wife just left him and he is still dizzy from the drugs he did last night. During the case we hear testimonies from the spirits of the dead passengers played by Siamese twins Judy and Janey Young (Tina Fey and Amy Pohler), herbalist Mallory Tate (Amy Sedaris), rock band groupie Kelsey Ian (Chelsea Handler), pregnant alcoholic mother Amanda Needy (Jennifer Tilly), wannabee gangsta’ rapper John Thorton (Kennan Thompson), suicidal ticket taker Ashton Limer (Dane Cook), disorderly drunk Max Green (Jack Nicholson), male transvestite prostitute Christina (Sacha Baron Cohen), and male model Dax Maler (Ashton Kutcher). We also hear testimony from the Cow, Haley Cow (voiced by Sarah Silverman). Or is the crash to be blamed by Paul Newman (as Himself) for letting his cow get out? One of the most hilarious Oscar worthy films ever! And if you see it, you’re a racist!
What the press would say:
"Two shamefully thumbs up!”-Ebert & Roeper
“Made as a joke, but turns out as a superb one!”- People
“A+! Sure to be the most Controversial Oscar Winner EVER!”-Entertainment Weekly
“Racist, hilarious, and Oscar Worthy.”-Rolling Stone Magazine
Holy Cow!, is a film to be envied. From one stand-point is Oscar gold, from another it is a low budget, hilarious, ridiculous, and racist film lower than Jackass: Number Two. Holy Cow! Is like a played out SNL skit that truly does work. Every performance is at it’s best and every line is brilliant. Will Ferrell truly will be remembered for his role as the Judge whose wife left and is still dizzy from the drugs he took the night before he left. Especially Jennifer Tilly’s character as the Alcoholic pregnant mother. All the characters are remember able and unique in every way. Whether Siamese twins or suicidal ticket takers Holy Cow!: Loosely Based on A Surprisingly (I Swear to You) True Story.
Best Picture
Best Director: Adam McKay
Best Screenplay: Adam McKay & Will Ferrell
Best Original Score: Alex Wurman
Best Actor: Kal Penn, Paul Newman, Will Ferrell
Best Supporting Actor: Ashton Kutcher, Dane Cook, Sacha Baron Cohen
Best Actress: Sarah Silverman
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Tilly, Chelsea Handler
I Am Man
Author(s): Zgamer
Location: Eagle, ID
“I Am Man”
Distributed by: Buena Vista Studios
Produced by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen and Scott Rudin
Directed by: Joel Coen
Written by: Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
Principal Cast:
Steve Buscemi as Oliver Darwin
Brian Cox as Peter Gabriel Callahan
Frances McDormand as Miranda Quinn
Regina King as Susan Parks
John Goodman as Mayor Paul McKinley
Tim Blake Nelson as Joshua Cobb
Genre: Dramatic-Comedy
Rating: PG-13 for language and some suggestive humor
Tagline: “It’s called MANkind for a reason"
Release Date: October 14, 2007
Synopsis: The year is 1910. The woman’s rights movement is starting to gain momentum, as more people begin to learn of and sympathize with the plight and discrimination that this gentle gender has suffered. Led by the charismatic Miranda Quinn (McDormand), aided immeasurably by her assistant and civil rights activist Susan Parks (King), the movement has plowed through the male dominated society with the force of a rolling boulder. Soon, the women of the nation may finally get the rights they have been looking for, including that basic right to vote.
However, this does not bode well for one man. Oliver Darwin (Buscemi), an unmarried New Yorker who holds to his conviction that he is a descendant to Charles Darwin himself, feels that the movement is wrong. In his own opinion, he believes that man rightfully deserves the privileges women don’t have, being the “pinnacle of evolution” they are. One day, he finally decides he needs to get this message broadcasted to the world. So, hiring an ex-political campaign manager (Cox) and his spineless assistant (Nelson) to help him, he started a new movement to ensure that the rights men have had for thousands of years are kept the way they are.
Many months pass, and as Darwin continues his crusade, the odds truly begin to stack against him. New events, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, arise that further his opponent’s cause, which brings important figures like the mayor of New York (Goodman) into the fray. And as Darwin continues to preach of his “just cause”, the idiocy of it all becomes evident to the public. Even Callahan, who initially had no doubt that this was the right idea, begins to question if his employer’s bigotry. Darwin does not see it this way, as he is willing to do whatever it takes, even sacrifice his fellowship with the people he wants to defend, to make people see he is right. Then one day, a chance meeting with Quinn herself gives Darwin the opportunity to tip the scales in his favor. After talking with her for a while, Darwin decides to challenge her to a formal public debate in front of city hall to see who will emerge victorious. So it’s on that rainy Saturday morning, in front of a diverse crowd, that the fate of this struggle will be decided.
What the press would say:
As if role reversal wasn’t screwed up enough. Now the Coen brothers, who have a record for being politically incorrect, have made this unique and ironically funny movie that dares to have the audience question their own opinions on the going-ons of our culture. The tone will shift now and then from a twisted fable to a sharp satire on the influence of special interest groups on the public, but this style of storytelling should not be unfamiliar to any Coen fan. The said pace is balanced well by director Joel, so that you’re neither overwhelmed by the message of being open-minded that the story gives or left out of the loop of the wit of the screenplay.
The casting in this movie is a thing of beauty. Buscemi is great as a charmingly twisted main character. Though his closed-minded views and strange agenda may catch some of the audience off-guard, none will question that this is probably one of the best-realized characters of any Coen film. Buscemi keeps his character consistently funny and appealing, even if the audience already knows he’s fighting a losing battle. To add to this, the supporting cast all offers a great springboard for Buscemi to work off of. Cox, who’s career has had a string of hit-or-miss roles, gives his all in a witty role that helps balance the insanity his character has gotten himself into. To no one’s surprise, the Coen’s ability to construct colorful and powerful women characters shows once again. McDormand‘s performance of Miranda Quinn radiates the charisma and inner strength of the female spirit that, if she really existed, would be the true spirit of the women’s right movement.
If any movie this year can tickle your funny bone and reward those with a sharp eye for wit, this is that one.
Possible nominations
Best Picture (Ethan Coen, Joel Coen and Scott Rudin)
Best Director (Joel Coen)
Best Screenplay (Ethan and Joel Coen)
Best Actor (Steve Buscemi)
Best Supporting Actor (Brian Cox)
Best Supporting Actress (Frances McDormand)
Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins)
Best Costume Design (Judianna Makovsky)
Best Editing (Roderick Jaynes a.k.a. Joel Coen)
Location: Eagle, ID
“I Am Man”
Distributed by: Buena Vista Studios
Produced by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen and Scott Rudin
Directed by: Joel Coen
Written by: Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
Principal Cast:
Steve Buscemi as Oliver Darwin
Brian Cox as Peter Gabriel Callahan
Frances McDormand as Miranda Quinn
Regina King as Susan Parks
John Goodman as Mayor Paul McKinley
Tim Blake Nelson as Joshua Cobb
Genre: Dramatic-Comedy
Rating: PG-13 for language and some suggestive humor
Tagline: “It’s called MANkind for a reason"
Release Date: October 14, 2007
Synopsis: The year is 1910. The woman’s rights movement is starting to gain momentum, as more people begin to learn of and sympathize with the plight and discrimination that this gentle gender has suffered. Led by the charismatic Miranda Quinn (McDormand), aided immeasurably by her assistant and civil rights activist Susan Parks (King), the movement has plowed through the male dominated society with the force of a rolling boulder. Soon, the women of the nation may finally get the rights they have been looking for, including that basic right to vote.
However, this does not bode well for one man. Oliver Darwin (Buscemi), an unmarried New Yorker who holds to his conviction that he is a descendant to Charles Darwin himself, feels that the movement is wrong. In his own opinion, he believes that man rightfully deserves the privileges women don’t have, being the “pinnacle of evolution” they are. One day, he finally decides he needs to get this message broadcasted to the world. So, hiring an ex-political campaign manager (Cox) and his spineless assistant (Nelson) to help him, he started a new movement to ensure that the rights men have had for thousands of years are kept the way they are.
Many months pass, and as Darwin continues his crusade, the odds truly begin to stack against him. New events, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, arise that further his opponent’s cause, which brings important figures like the mayor of New York (Goodman) into the fray. And as Darwin continues to preach of his “just cause”, the idiocy of it all becomes evident to the public. Even Callahan, who initially had no doubt that this was the right idea, begins to question if his employer’s bigotry. Darwin does not see it this way, as he is willing to do whatever it takes, even sacrifice his fellowship with the people he wants to defend, to make people see he is right. Then one day, a chance meeting with Quinn herself gives Darwin the opportunity to tip the scales in his favor. After talking with her for a while, Darwin decides to challenge her to a formal public debate in front of city hall to see who will emerge victorious. So it’s on that rainy Saturday morning, in front of a diverse crowd, that the fate of this struggle will be decided.
What the press would say:
As if role reversal wasn’t screwed up enough. Now the Coen brothers, who have a record for being politically incorrect, have made this unique and ironically funny movie that dares to have the audience question their own opinions on the going-ons of our culture. The tone will shift now and then from a twisted fable to a sharp satire on the influence of special interest groups on the public, but this style of storytelling should not be unfamiliar to any Coen fan. The said pace is balanced well by director Joel, so that you’re neither overwhelmed by the message of being open-minded that the story gives or left out of the loop of the wit of the screenplay.
The casting in this movie is a thing of beauty. Buscemi is great as a charmingly twisted main character. Though his closed-minded views and strange agenda may catch some of the audience off-guard, none will question that this is probably one of the best-realized characters of any Coen film. Buscemi keeps his character consistently funny and appealing, even if the audience already knows he’s fighting a losing battle. To add to this, the supporting cast all offers a great springboard for Buscemi to work off of. Cox, who’s career has had a string of hit-or-miss roles, gives his all in a witty role that helps balance the insanity his character has gotten himself into. To no one’s surprise, the Coen’s ability to construct colorful and powerful women characters shows once again. McDormand‘s performance of Miranda Quinn radiates the charisma and inner strength of the female spirit that, if she really existed, would be the true spirit of the women’s right movement.
If any movie this year can tickle your funny bone and reward those with a sharp eye for wit, this is that one.
Possible nominations
Best Picture (Ethan Coen, Joel Coen and Scott Rudin)
Best Director (Joel Coen)
Best Screenplay (Ethan and Joel Coen)
Best Actor (Steve Buscemi)
Best Supporting Actor (Brian Cox)
Best Supporting Actress (Frances McDormand)
Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins)
Best Costume Design (Judianna Makovsky)
Best Editing (Roderick Jaynes a.k.a. Joel Coen)
Insanity in the First Degree
Author(s): Matt
Location: Illinois
“Insanity in the First Degree”
Directed By: Todd Field
Written By: Alan Ball
Produced By: Clint Eastwood and David Cronenberg
Edited By: Ronald Sanders
Original Score By: Clint Eastwood
Principal Cast:
Jim Caviezel as Fred Tyler
Susan Sarandon as Evelyn Grant
George Clooney as James Grant
Shia La Bouef as Sean Grant
Evan Rachel Wood ad Kim Sexton
Reese Witherspoon as Debra Samson-Tyler
Tim Robbins as Andrew Finch
Donald Sutherland as Douglas Tate
Amanda Peet as Mrs. Amanda Annerino
Denis Leary as Detective William Syler
Tagline: "Insane or not, what's done is done
Synopsis: In an All-American, Chicago suburb, a community was full of upper-middle class families. One such family, the Grants were especially respectable. The father (Clooney) was a lawyer. The mother (Sarandon) was a real estate agent, and a proud housewife. The son (La Bouef) was an intelligent and active student, on his way to Duke University . The Grant's lives, as well as the lives of their neighbors, were about to be turned upside down.
On a bright summer day, a new face (Caviezel) was spotted amongst the close and connected neighborhood. It was the face of a man, dirty and miserable. For days, the man would walk down the street on which the Grants lived. After this walk, the stranger would spend time sitting on an over-sized rock that sat decoratively on the busiest street in the community. At this spot, the man would be seen talking. However, nobody else was around him.
Sean Grant, the son, was involved with a girl, Kim Sexton (Wood) that lived across the street from where the strange man always sat. While visiting his girlfriend, Sean couldn't help but notice the man, who continued to talk to himself. Sean concluded that the stranger was just lonely, and needed somebody to talk to. Always trying to help his neighbors and community cope with their problems, Sean planned to talk to the man within a few days. Still, Kim didn't approve of the plan. On a Wednesday afternoon, Sean left his house on foot and headed for the rock, where he had hoped to meet the lonely man. He never returned home.
Later on, that Wednesday night, Evelyn Grant called to police and reported her son's apparent disappearance. She was told to relax and wait until morning to take any action. After all, her son was 18 and could be at a number of different places. Once Sean still didn't come home, his parents requested that a detective come out to their home. Detective William Syler was put on the disappearance case, and questioned various members of the community. Kim, Sean's girlfriend, was the most helpful. She had told Syler that her boyfriend was going to talk to the stranger, in order to offer some help. This was the detective's first lead.
After the stranger wasn't seen for a couple of days, the man's role in the missing boy's case seemed likely and plausible. Detective Syler began looking throughout the neighborhood, and entered a forest preserve that contained a park and a trail. As he continued to walk down the trail, he came across a man, who was sitting in the grass, talking to himself. Detective Syler asked the man if he knew a boy named Sean. The man stopped talking, and just looked at a patch of high grass. Sean's body was found within that grass, and he was beaten to death. The stranger was taken to the police station, questioned, and identified as Fred Tyler. It was quite obvious that Tyler was responsible for the death of Sean, but his motive was less apparent. He claimed insanity.
At the request of the Grants, a court hearing was scheduled. Mrs. Grant refused to let the man who murdered her son get a lesser punishment because of the insanity claim. Mr. Grant, who was too emotional and vengeful, could not represent his son and the police department. Instead, he asked his partner, Andrew Finch (Robbins) to take the case. The court case, which lasted for months, was presided upon by Judge Tate (Sutherland). Mrs. Amanda Annerino (Peet), one of Sean's teachers, and Debra Samson-Tyler (Witherspoon), the suspect's ex-wife, were among those who took the stand. Mrs. Annerino talked about the responsible and caring Sean, and how he had such a bright future. Debra, alleged that Tyler really wasn't insane, just depressed because their marriage didn't work out. She blamed him for the separation.
In the end, Fred Tyler was found guilty for the murder of Sean Grant. His claims of insanity were not proven true, and so, he was sentenced to life in prison. He continued to sit alone in his cell, talking to himself.
What the press would say:
Insanity in the First Degree is the first of its kind. It challenges the court and the idea of insanity. Todd Field directs his finest work yet, in a setting that he has grown comfortable with during the last couple of years. His skills are more apparent than ever, since he effortlessly transfers from a normal setting to a court room drama. Still, without a great script, Insanity in the First Degree would have had no chance. Alan Ball writes his best screenplay; besting even American Beauty. Clint Eastwood who has scored such great films as his own Mystic River , once again creates an atmosphere that contains various emotions. Ronald Sanders, who edited A History of Violence, does his job just as well with this film. The icing on the cake is all of the beautiful and, at times, understated performances. Jim Caviezel is perfect as the strange man. He never lets that audience fully understand whether or not he is insane. Caviezel is better here than in his previous work, The Passion of the Christ, for which he was snubbed of an Oscar nomination. He should not be denied a nomination again. Susan Sarandon is at the top of her game. She is great as the grieving mother, who isn't just going to sit back and let her son's murder be forgotten or forgiven. Sarandon gives a remarkable performance. George Clooney, who recently won an Oscar for Syriana, tops that performance by a mile. He is great as the depressed father, who can't even bear to do his job and represent his son throughout the court case. Shia La Beouf and Evan Rachel Wood are both beyond their years in acting ability. Wood has grown from Thirteen to now, and it should be said that this is her best job. La Beouf is completely believable in his role and the loss of his character is truly tragic. Denis Leary is the break-through film star of the year. After earning an Emmy Nomination for his leading role on Rescue Me, Leary proves that he can rule the silver screen. His work as Detective William Syler is worthy of an Oscar nomination. Reese Witherspoon and Amanda Peet are also worth mentioning, since they make the court room scenes a lot more tense and real. Kudos to the whole cast, for giving amazing performances, in the best film of the year.
For Your Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director: Todd Field
Best Original Screenplay: Alan Ball
Best Actor: Jim Caviezel
Best Actress: Susan Sarandon
Best Supporting Actor: Denis Leary
Best Supporting Actor: George Clooney
Best Supporting Actress: Reese Witherspoon
Best Supporting Actress: Evan Rachel Wood
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best Cinematography
Location: Illinois
“Insanity in the First Degree”
Directed By: Todd Field
Written By: Alan Ball
Produced By: Clint Eastwood and David Cronenberg
Edited By: Ronald Sanders
Original Score By: Clint Eastwood
Principal Cast:
Jim Caviezel as Fred Tyler
Susan Sarandon as Evelyn Grant
George Clooney as James Grant
Shia La Bouef as Sean Grant
Evan Rachel Wood ad Kim Sexton
Reese Witherspoon as Debra Samson-Tyler
Tim Robbins as Andrew Finch
Donald Sutherland as Douglas Tate
Amanda Peet as Mrs. Amanda Annerino
Denis Leary as Detective William Syler
Tagline: "Insane or not, what's done is done
Synopsis: In an All-American, Chicago suburb, a community was full of upper-middle class families. One such family, the Grants were especially respectable. The father (Clooney) was a lawyer. The mother (Sarandon) was a real estate agent, and a proud housewife. The son (La Bouef) was an intelligent and active student, on his way to Duke University . The Grant's lives, as well as the lives of their neighbors, were about to be turned upside down.
On a bright summer day, a new face (Caviezel) was spotted amongst the close and connected neighborhood. It was the face of a man, dirty and miserable. For days, the man would walk down the street on which the Grants lived. After this walk, the stranger would spend time sitting on an over-sized rock that sat decoratively on the busiest street in the community. At this spot, the man would be seen talking. However, nobody else was around him.
Sean Grant, the son, was involved with a girl, Kim Sexton (Wood) that lived across the street from where the strange man always sat. While visiting his girlfriend, Sean couldn't help but notice the man, who continued to talk to himself. Sean concluded that the stranger was just lonely, and needed somebody to talk to. Always trying to help his neighbors and community cope with their problems, Sean planned to talk to the man within a few days. Still, Kim didn't approve of the plan. On a Wednesday afternoon, Sean left his house on foot and headed for the rock, where he had hoped to meet the lonely man. He never returned home.
Later on, that Wednesday night, Evelyn Grant called to police and reported her son's apparent disappearance. She was told to relax and wait until morning to take any action. After all, her son was 18 and could be at a number of different places. Once Sean still didn't come home, his parents requested that a detective come out to their home. Detective William Syler was put on the disappearance case, and questioned various members of the community. Kim, Sean's girlfriend, was the most helpful. She had told Syler that her boyfriend was going to talk to the stranger, in order to offer some help. This was the detective's first lead.
After the stranger wasn't seen for a couple of days, the man's role in the missing boy's case seemed likely and plausible. Detective Syler began looking throughout the neighborhood, and entered a forest preserve that contained a park and a trail. As he continued to walk down the trail, he came across a man, who was sitting in the grass, talking to himself. Detective Syler asked the man if he knew a boy named Sean. The man stopped talking, and just looked at a patch of high grass. Sean's body was found within that grass, and he was beaten to death. The stranger was taken to the police station, questioned, and identified as Fred Tyler. It was quite obvious that Tyler was responsible for the death of Sean, but his motive was less apparent. He claimed insanity.
At the request of the Grants, a court hearing was scheduled. Mrs. Grant refused to let the man who murdered her son get a lesser punishment because of the insanity claim. Mr. Grant, who was too emotional and vengeful, could not represent his son and the police department. Instead, he asked his partner, Andrew Finch (Robbins) to take the case. The court case, which lasted for months, was presided upon by Judge Tate (Sutherland). Mrs. Amanda Annerino (Peet), one of Sean's teachers, and Debra Samson-Tyler (Witherspoon), the suspect's ex-wife, were among those who took the stand. Mrs. Annerino talked about the responsible and caring Sean, and how he had such a bright future. Debra, alleged that Tyler really wasn't insane, just depressed because their marriage didn't work out. She blamed him for the separation.
In the end, Fred Tyler was found guilty for the murder of Sean Grant. His claims of insanity were not proven true, and so, he was sentenced to life in prison. He continued to sit alone in his cell, talking to himself.
What the press would say:
Insanity in the First Degree is the first of its kind. It challenges the court and the idea of insanity. Todd Field directs his finest work yet, in a setting that he has grown comfortable with during the last couple of years. His skills are more apparent than ever, since he effortlessly transfers from a normal setting to a court room drama. Still, without a great script, Insanity in the First Degree would have had no chance. Alan Ball writes his best screenplay; besting even American Beauty. Clint Eastwood who has scored such great films as his own Mystic River , once again creates an atmosphere that contains various emotions. Ronald Sanders, who edited A History of Violence, does his job just as well with this film. The icing on the cake is all of the beautiful and, at times, understated performances. Jim Caviezel is perfect as the strange man. He never lets that audience fully understand whether or not he is insane. Caviezel is better here than in his previous work, The Passion of the Christ, for which he was snubbed of an Oscar nomination. He should not be denied a nomination again. Susan Sarandon is at the top of her game. She is great as the grieving mother, who isn't just going to sit back and let her son's murder be forgotten or forgiven. Sarandon gives a remarkable performance. George Clooney, who recently won an Oscar for Syriana, tops that performance by a mile. He is great as the depressed father, who can't even bear to do his job and represent his son throughout the court case. Shia La Beouf and Evan Rachel Wood are both beyond their years in acting ability. Wood has grown from Thirteen to now, and it should be said that this is her best job. La Beouf is completely believable in his role and the loss of his character is truly tragic. Denis Leary is the break-through film star of the year. After earning an Emmy Nomination for his leading role on Rescue Me, Leary proves that he can rule the silver screen. His work as Detective William Syler is worthy of an Oscar nomination. Reese Witherspoon and Amanda Peet are also worth mentioning, since they make the court room scenes a lot more tense and real. Kudos to the whole cast, for giving amazing performances, in the best film of the year.
For Your Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director: Todd Field
Best Original Screenplay: Alan Ball
Best Actor: Jim Caviezel
Best Actress: Susan Sarandon
Best Supporting Actor: Denis Leary
Best Supporting Actor: George Clooney
Best Supporting Actress: Reese Witherspoon
Best Supporting Actress: Evan Rachel Wood
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best Cinematography
Jackson
Author(s): Evan
Location: N/A
“Jackson”
Directed by Spike Lee
Produced by Mike Ellis, Jon Kilik, and Spike Lee
Screenplay by Spike Lee
Cinematography by John Toll
Music by Craig Armstrong
Principal Cast:
Maria Bello as Linda Dixon
Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Rev. Daniel Gibson
Tamyra Gray as Maddie Washington
Morgan Freeman as Pastor Samuel Mason
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Dr. Bobby Ford
William H. Macy as Governor Don Phillips
Tagline: "In a battle between our freedoms and our values, which will prevail?"
Synopsis: Linda Dixon is the manager of the Jackson Women’s Health Center, the last abortion clinic in the state of Mississippi. When the Association to Promote American Values, an anti-abortion group led by the fiery Rev. Daniel Gibson, arrives in Jackson to close the clinic through picketing around the property, a battle ensues between the clinic and the organization. With only a few nurses, Linda is unable to manage the clinic and at the same time protect her patients from the fierce crowd outside. And so, to help out, hundreds of volunteers from around the nation travel to Jackson to shield local women as they attempt to enter the clinic. To counter them, Gibson issues a fervent call for supporters to assist in the fight against “the most abominable of all sins.” It isn’t long until the entire town becomes embroiled in the conflict.
With hundreds of people around the clinic, some calling for its demise and others aiding in its continuance, tensions begin to mount. When Maddie Washington, a young black woman from a nearby town, seeks to enter the clinic to have an abortion, she is forcefully blocked from entering the building, unleashing anger in the local black community. At a town hall meeting to react, a division arises between the young Dr. Bobby Ford, an increasingly popular local leader who calls for direct action against what he believes are white attempts to deny poor blacks of their rights, and Pastor Samuel Mason from the local African Methodist Episcopal church, who opposes abortion but wishes to remain uninvolved in the issue. As Ford’s followers mobilize to take on Gibson’s picketers, a worried Republican Governor (though himself against abortion) knows that he must call in the National Guard to stabilize the situation and keep it from becoming violent. The clinic remains open, but the city has been severely torn apart at its seams.
What the press would say:
In his newest film Jackson, loosely based on a true story, director Spike Lee delivers a superb portrayal of the battle to close the last abortion clinic in Mississippi. With a theme especially pertinent—and incredibly controversial—in today’s nation, Lee approaches the theme with open eyes, exposing the merits and misdeeds of both sides of the abortion battle. In Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city is divided between abortion’s supporters and opponents when a conservative religious organization moves in to shut down the abortion clinic by blocking those wanting to receive abortions from entering. In one such division, Dr. Bobby Ford, a local leader of the African-American community (Ejiofor), attacks the inaction of Pastor Samuel Mason of a local AME church (Freeman) who wisely refuses to become involved in the depraved events in the streets. This exchange is a welcome meeting of two amazing actors— a rising star in Ejiofor, whose feisty portrayal of a fed-up man proves that he will be around for years, and Freeman, one of America’s most beloved actors, in a very subdued yet powerful turn as the peaceful elderly reverend who will not call for his congregation to join the fight. William H. Macy shines as an anxious governor torn between doing what he knows he must do and his own inclination toward one side of the conflict. Even Tamyra Gray, continuing a trend of American Idol contestants-turned-actors, turns in an impressive performance as Maddie Washington, a woman who gets caught up in the storm despite wishing to obtain an anonymous surgery.
Despite the strong supporting roles, the best performances are those of the main characters. Maria Bello redefines the traditional feminist character as Linda Dixon, the devoted woman in charge of the clinic. Bello’s character is a simple, passionate doctor who wants to lead the fight for her patients when a right-wing organization led by Rev. Daniel Gibson (Hoffman) arrives to shut down the clinic. But unlike the formulaic Erin Brockovich or Norma Rae-type woman, Dixon realizes she may be over her head. She’s a strong leader—only she doesn’t know it—and Bello is astounding in portraying each of her daring actions and also her self-doubts. Hoffman once again gives an awe-inspiring performance as Gibson, an overzealous man whose commanding and boisterous manner of speech as he states his views is terrifying for the audience to watch. Contrary to his much quieter foil played by Freeman, Hoffman’s character is the keystone of the work, the person who drives the entire film… and the audience will thank him for it.
Avoiding all clichés to obtain as accurate view as possible, Lee has created an amazingly fresh film that, with the wonderful cinematography of Oscar-winner John Toll (Legends of the Fall, Braveheart) and the music of Craig Armstrong (Love Actually, Ray), achieves true cinematic beauty. While Jackson will certainly stir conversation about the sensitive issue of abortion, people of both sides of the issue will be happy that no side is favored over the other. Lee allows the strengths and weaknesses of both abortion’s supporters and opponents to speak for themselves, leaving the ultimate judgment of the situation to the viewer.
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director- Spike Lee
Best Actor- Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Best Actress- Maria Bello
Best Supporting Actor- Chiwetel Ejiofor, Morgan Freeman, William H. Macy
Best Supporting Actress- Tamyra Gray
Best Original Screenplay- Spike Lee
Best Cinematography- John Toll
Best Score- Craig Armstrong
Location: N/A
“Jackson”
Directed by Spike Lee
Produced by Mike Ellis, Jon Kilik, and Spike Lee
Screenplay by Spike Lee
Cinematography by John Toll
Music by Craig Armstrong
Principal Cast:
Maria Bello as Linda Dixon
Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Rev. Daniel Gibson
Tamyra Gray as Maddie Washington
Morgan Freeman as Pastor Samuel Mason
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Dr. Bobby Ford
William H. Macy as Governor Don Phillips
Tagline: "In a battle between our freedoms and our values, which will prevail?"
Synopsis: Linda Dixon is the manager of the Jackson Women’s Health Center, the last abortion clinic in the state of Mississippi. When the Association to Promote American Values, an anti-abortion group led by the fiery Rev. Daniel Gibson, arrives in Jackson to close the clinic through picketing around the property, a battle ensues between the clinic and the organization. With only a few nurses, Linda is unable to manage the clinic and at the same time protect her patients from the fierce crowd outside. And so, to help out, hundreds of volunteers from around the nation travel to Jackson to shield local women as they attempt to enter the clinic. To counter them, Gibson issues a fervent call for supporters to assist in the fight against “the most abominable of all sins.” It isn’t long until the entire town becomes embroiled in the conflict.
With hundreds of people around the clinic, some calling for its demise and others aiding in its continuance, tensions begin to mount. When Maddie Washington, a young black woman from a nearby town, seeks to enter the clinic to have an abortion, she is forcefully blocked from entering the building, unleashing anger in the local black community. At a town hall meeting to react, a division arises between the young Dr. Bobby Ford, an increasingly popular local leader who calls for direct action against what he believes are white attempts to deny poor blacks of their rights, and Pastor Samuel Mason from the local African Methodist Episcopal church, who opposes abortion but wishes to remain uninvolved in the issue. As Ford’s followers mobilize to take on Gibson’s picketers, a worried Republican Governor (though himself against abortion) knows that he must call in the National Guard to stabilize the situation and keep it from becoming violent. The clinic remains open, but the city has been severely torn apart at its seams.
What the press would say:
In his newest film Jackson, loosely based on a true story, director Spike Lee delivers a superb portrayal of the battle to close the last abortion clinic in Mississippi. With a theme especially pertinent—and incredibly controversial—in today’s nation, Lee approaches the theme with open eyes, exposing the merits and misdeeds of both sides of the abortion battle. In Jackson, Mississippi’s capital city is divided between abortion’s supporters and opponents when a conservative religious organization moves in to shut down the abortion clinic by blocking those wanting to receive abortions from entering. In one such division, Dr. Bobby Ford, a local leader of the African-American community (Ejiofor), attacks the inaction of Pastor Samuel Mason of a local AME church (Freeman) who wisely refuses to become involved in the depraved events in the streets. This exchange is a welcome meeting of two amazing actors— a rising star in Ejiofor, whose feisty portrayal of a fed-up man proves that he will be around for years, and Freeman, one of America’s most beloved actors, in a very subdued yet powerful turn as the peaceful elderly reverend who will not call for his congregation to join the fight. William H. Macy shines as an anxious governor torn between doing what he knows he must do and his own inclination toward one side of the conflict. Even Tamyra Gray, continuing a trend of American Idol contestants-turned-actors, turns in an impressive performance as Maddie Washington, a woman who gets caught up in the storm despite wishing to obtain an anonymous surgery.
Despite the strong supporting roles, the best performances are those of the main characters. Maria Bello redefines the traditional feminist character as Linda Dixon, the devoted woman in charge of the clinic. Bello’s character is a simple, passionate doctor who wants to lead the fight for her patients when a right-wing organization led by Rev. Daniel Gibson (Hoffman) arrives to shut down the clinic. But unlike the formulaic Erin Brockovich or Norma Rae-type woman, Dixon realizes she may be over her head. She’s a strong leader—only she doesn’t know it—and Bello is astounding in portraying each of her daring actions and also her self-doubts. Hoffman once again gives an awe-inspiring performance as Gibson, an overzealous man whose commanding and boisterous manner of speech as he states his views is terrifying for the audience to watch. Contrary to his much quieter foil played by Freeman, Hoffman’s character is the keystone of the work, the person who drives the entire film… and the audience will thank him for it.
Avoiding all clichés to obtain as accurate view as possible, Lee has created an amazingly fresh film that, with the wonderful cinematography of Oscar-winner John Toll (Legends of the Fall, Braveheart) and the music of Craig Armstrong (Love Actually, Ray), achieves true cinematic beauty. While Jackson will certainly stir conversation about the sensitive issue of abortion, people of both sides of the issue will be happy that no side is favored over the other. Lee allows the strengths and weaknesses of both abortion’s supporters and opponents to speak for themselves, leaving the ultimate judgment of the situation to the viewer.
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director- Spike Lee
Best Actor- Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Best Actress- Maria Bello
Best Supporting Actor- Chiwetel Ejiofor, Morgan Freeman, William H. Macy
Best Supporting Actress- Tamyra Gray
Best Original Screenplay- Spike Lee
Best Cinematography- John Toll
Best Score- Craig Armstrong
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)