Reaction to the Oscar Nominees

The nominations are in, and all in all, there weren’t very many surprises. In fact, I’d argue that there were little to no surprises at all this morning. Since I gave up following the Oscar idol with as much intensity a while ago, these nominations didn’t destroy my soul like they’ve done before. Still there were things that still irked and pleased me, so here’s the quick rundown of the major categories.

Best Picture

Black Swan

The Fighter

Inception

The Kids Are All Right

The King’s Speech

127 Hours

The Social Network

Toy Story 3

True Grit

Winter’s Bone

-A very predictable lineup, and I’m glad that 127 Hours managed to beat out The Town and conquer its dying buzz. This is the second consecutive year of ten Best Picture nominees, and the second consecutive year where I’ve been 9 for 10 on this front, with this one being easier since we didn’t have a Blind Side. Another reason to get rid of this system.

Best Director

Darren Aronofsky - Black Swan

David O. Russell - The Fighter

Tom Hooper - The King’s Speech

David Fincher - The Social Network

Joel Coen, Ethan Coen - True Grit

-We have confirmation: the Academy hates Christopher Nolan. I don’t know what this man has to do in order to get a Best Director nomination from these fools, but apparently totally redefining the way they do business and creating the most spectacular directors’ pieces isn’t enough. We might as well give up hope that it ever will happen. I’m not happy to see him snubbed while Hooper’s overdirection and Russell’s unemotional steps were honored instead.

Best Actor

Javier Bardem - Biutiful

Jeff Bridges - True Grit

Jesse Eisenberg - The Social Network

Colin Firth - The King’s Speech

James Franco - 127 Hours

-Woohoo! Enough people came out of the woodwork for Bardem and he slipped in. I wouldn’t say it was a surprise, since he was the subject of some chatter, but I’m glad he got in. The only way this would have been perfect is if Bridges could have been replaced by Ryan Gosling. However, I’m not complaining a lot because it was a very competitive category, so little complaints here.

Best Actress

Annette Bening - The Kids Are All Right

Nicole Kidman - Rabbit Hole

Jennifer Lawrence - Winter’s Bone

Natalie Portman - Black Swan

Michelle Williams - Blue Valentine

-Predicted every spot correctly, and I’m glad my personal favorite in this category, Williams, didn’t slip through the cracks. Still, a very predictable lineup.

Best Supporting Actor

Christian Bale - The Fighter

John Hawkes - Winter’s Bone

Jeremy Renner - The Town

Mark Ruffalo - The Kids Are All Right

Geoffrey Rush - The King’s Speech

-Well, what I was afraid was going to happen happened. Hawkes got enough industry support to push him over Garfield. I do like Hawkes in that role, but instead of replacing my personal winner in this category, I wish he could have edged out Renner who gave an entertaining performance but was saddled with an uninteresting character. Had this been a couple years ago, I would have been devastated. Now, I know that Garfield will always be an Oscar-winner in my heart.

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams - The Fighter

Helena Bonham Carter - The King’s Speech

Melissa Leo - The Fighter

Hailee Steinfeld - True Grit

Jacki Weaver - Animal Kingdom

-Another nice surprise, as Jacki Weaver managed to sneak in. I’m glad that performance didn’t fall between the cracks. Kunis getting snubbed makes sense, though I think she should be nominated in place of a category fraudulent Steinfeld, a submissive Adams, and even a subdued Carter.

Best Original Screenplay

Another Year

The Fighter

Inception

The Kids Are All Right

The King’s Speech

-I don’t know why people were jumping off the Another Year train to get a nomination here. Mike Leigh always gets a mention. The Fighter beat out Black Swan for that fifth spot, and at least Nolan was honored here, but now it looks more like a consolation prize.

Best Adapted Screenplay

127 Hours

The Social Network

Toy Story 3

True Grit

Winter’s Bone

-Five for five here. No surprises at all. Normally I pray for the writing branches of the Academy to shake things up and provide some interesting choices. They opted not to do that this time.

So there is is once again: a list that brings out the manic-depressive in me. Now a new circus begins until the statues are handed out. And still, in the case that these nominees really depress me, I can just think we’ll always have BAFTA.

Shout Out to the Longshots

The Oscar nominations announce tomorrow, and as usual, I make a last ditch plea to put out a personal “For Your Consideration” in certain categories. Usually these never pan out, but last year I made mention of In the Loop’s screenplay, and it made the cut. Here’s what I’m hoping for this year.

Best Picture: Exit Through the Gift Shop

The supposed reason for opening up the Best Picture field was to open up the selection to films that tend not to find a foothold, in particular animation, foreign films and documentaries. So far, only animation seems to be slipping in. I’d love for them to make an exception this time, as Banky’s satirical examination of the art world was funny and poignant. But that would mean the Academy has to take a chance, which it rarely does.

Best Director: Derek Cianfrance - Blue Valentine

Cianfrance made his feature debut with this film, and I think it is a stunning achievement. Through his efforts, he crafted a genuinely intimate setting to peek in on the relationship that has the power to enchant and destroy its viewers. It’s a wonderful film that deserved far more attention than it got, and I’d like to see him get some love.

Best Actor: Javier Bardem - Biutiful

This is so perplexing. Everyone who has seen this movie loves the performance that Bardem gives. However, he never gets nominated. Lately, he’s got some high profiled stars like Julia Roberts and Sean Penn campaigning for his recognition, and I’m certainly hoping it pays off. Bardem is devastating in a complex role, far superior to his Oscar-winning one. He embodies a deep soul that is wrenching to watch. It’s one of the year’s best, and ignored, performances.

Best Actress: Julianne Moore - The Kids Are All Right

Moore’s been creeping up the line in the recent weeks as being not much of a longshot as she once was, but it’s still nowhere a given she’ll get nominated. That’s too bad, because she carries just as much of the emotional weight as her co-star, who also deserves a nomination. The two work as a great pair, and Moore’s scenes are magnificent. There’s only one room for a Kids co-star, and it’s probably going to be Bening.

Best Supporting Actor: Justin Timberlake - The Social Network

The Kids Are All Right isn’t the only film that deserves more than one nomination in the same acting category. Timberlake was on track to attempt an Oscar campaign, but shortly after a star-effing organization like the Golden Globes snubbed him, that quickly vanished. It shouldn’t have, because Timberlake perfectly captures the sly and devious nature of the character of Sean Parker and creates a significant impact on the film. It’s helped with an ironic bit of casting, but Timberlake pulls his weight as well, and I think he should be rewarded for it.

Best Supporting Actress: Dianne Wiest - Rabbit Hole

Another tiny film that, like with every Oscar season, is getting lost in the shuffle. Kidman is getting most of the acclaim, but in an incredibly weak category, I’d hope they’d make room for this reliable veteran. She’s a stoic anchor to the film, and provides some really endearing moments that don’t go over-the-top at all. Any other year, I’d understand leaving her off. However, which such a weak category this time around, I wish they’d make room for considering her.

Best Original Screenplay: Animal Kingdom

David Michôd’s feature film debut was incredibly well executed and conceived. I’ll admit I may have been a bigger fan of his directorial efforts than his writing, but I still admired his screenplay a good deal. He crafts a story that builds in quiet intensity to finally come to an interesting conclusion. Sometimes the writing categories offer some surprises, and I’d love to see one here.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

The film was pretty much ignored throughout its initial theatrical run, and many wrote it off as having no Oscar potential. However, by the very fact that it made the shortlist for the visual effects award makes me think some Academy members might be willing to give this one a second look. If they choose to, it would be nice to see Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall’s screenplay get the recognition, as it’s filled with a great sense of humor and endearing characters. I’d be happy for this film to get some kind of recognition.

That’s it for now. Tomorrow morning are the nominees, and I’ll have my commentary then.

New Review: The Way Back

Scar Trek

Peter Weir is a filmmaker that still exists in another generation. He’s the type of guy who makes the films that were present decades ago, where epic filmmaking and grand vistas filled the frame and the focus was not on detailed storytelling but rather intimate character moments. That type of genre-free filmmaking is all but gone, and while I don’t necessarily weep at its demise, it is comforting to see such filmmakers try to harken back to that old style, for better or worse. Weir and a collection of very talented people come together for a project that, unfortunately, delivers a bit more on the latter than the former.

World War II has just broken out, and Europe is being savaged by the Germans to the west and the Russians to the east. Janusz (Jim Sturgess) is a polish citizen fallen victim to trumped-up conspiracy charges and is sentenced to twenty years in Siberia. His will and determination leads to him and a small band of other prisoners to escape and eventually make a 4,000 mile journey to the north of India. Included on the trip are a crackly old American known only as Mister Smith (Ed Harris), a Russian thug (Colin Farrell), and an abandoned girl (Saorsie Ronan) who meets them during their very long walk.

Weir is a man who knows what he’s doing, and there isn’t one place where I doubt his masterful skill as a director. He knows how well to shoot such epic material, and it’s nice to see him harken back to a style that is quickly vanishing. He suffers from some pacing problems, particularly toward the end, but he crafts a portrait that knows how to be grand and intimate in the right spots. However, the screenplay by Weir and co-writer Somebody offers very little beyond the first act and has characters that simply wallow on the screen. Very little is given to characters not played by big stars, and it is to the film’s detriment. An emotional connection is hard to find in people that are quite expendable, causing much of the back half of the movie to drag on nearly to the point of unbearableness.

The ensemble is nicely fashioned, though Sturgess, a reliable actor in anything he does, is somewhat of an uncharismatic lead. He does his best to anchor the film, but as the center upon which everything else is built upon, he hardly shows enough to be taken seriously in the lead. Among the supporting players, I’m split. Harris is great, but he’d be better if he wasn’t saddled with such a subdued character whose emotional revelation didn’t feel like a forced trick at the end. I like Farrell’s charm and dedication to his role, but his hammy accent gets in the way of becoming lost in the character. Ronan barely registers in a limited role, and of the four interchangeable other escapees, only Dragos Bucor as a joker named Zoran stands out with some light humor that brings the film out of its melancholy state of mind.

In the end, this is one of those movies that you tend to respect and appreciate more than you actually like. The performances are good and the direction feels solid, particularly in a strong first act, but it never really maintains that energy all the way through, and as the story drags and the characters deflate, we’re left with gorgeous imagery that does little else to stimulate the intellect. It’s a noble effort for sure, but if Weir was intending this as a persuasive essay to bring back an old style of filmmaking, this is not one of the strongest arguments.

B-

Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Picture

Best Picture (Predicted 10)

Black Swan

It’s a love-it-or-hate-it film, but there’s enough love to push it into the spotlight. A nomination is more than likely assured.

The Fighter

A rousing crowd pleaser that has front-runner status in the supporting acting categories. It’s in.

Inception

Let’s not kid ourselves: the whole reason we have ten Best Picture nominees is because of The Dark Knight. Even if Nolan miraculously gets snubbed, the film is making the cut here.

The Kids Are All Right

The delightful little indie that has waves of support, particularly from the actors. A sure bet that is probably getting in.

The King’s Speech

For the nomination, this is a cake walk. It’s fighting really hard to steal some buzz away from the frontrunner.

The Social Network

The one to beat at the moment, particularly because it’s been winning everything. It’s cozying up to take the top prize.

The Town

It’s been a critical and financial success, but, more importantly, it’s been an industry success. Affleck and the cast are good, and it’s the type of film that supposedly opening the field was supposed to honor.

Toy Story 3

Pixar got in last year, and going in with the best reviewed film of the year will probably pay off. That win that Disney wants is probably out of reach, but the nomination isn’t an issue.

True Grit

People everywhere love this movie. It’s a late bloomer that’s making a significant impact. They were here last year for a film that hardly anyone saw, so I’d imagine getting invited back is a no brainer.

Winter’s Bone

The buzz isn’t what it used to be, but I think there’s still enough industry support to push the film over the edge. I think it will pay off.

Alts.

127 Hours

The buzz for this film is an up and down roller coaster. It started strong, then it dipped, then it rose up again with mentions from the Producers and Writers guild, then it dipped back down when it missed other guild support. With all of that, and the fact that the Slumdog Millionaire mega-success was only two years ago, will probably mean that Danny Boyle will be left on the sidelines this time. Franco’s nomination will probably be the film’s consolation prize. Still, there are a couple of soft spots in the lineup, so it could very well get mentioned.

Blue Valentine

This is a longshot, I know. However, people are just discovering this movie, and the people who love it, really, REALLY love it. That’s the kind of support that helps smaller films get pushed into the spotlight. With Harvey Weinstein behind the project, that means a lot in terms of its broad awards potential. There’s not a general sweep of acclaim, as some are not willing to embrace the film entirely, but it remains a possibility. It’s not likely, but if there’s a surprise in the Best Picture lineup, this might be it.

Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Director

Best Director (Predicted 5)

Darren Aronofsky - Black Swan

I thought he’d be here for The Wrestler and he was snubbed. This time around he’s got a much more celebrated support with solid industry support. He’s on track for his first nomination.

David O. Russell - The Fighter

It seemed like he was a longshot at first, but nabbing both a Golden Globe and DGA nomination means a lot more than his infamous reputation within the business. The movie’s riding high, and he’ll probably make the cut.

Christopher Nolan - Inception

It's been well established that The Dark Knight has created more influence than it probably should have, and Nolan is to thank for that. To leave him off this time, in spite of all the support from the precursors in such a “director’s” piece, would be a severe mistake.

Tom Hooper - The King’s Speech

He’s credited for making the film feel less dry than this material normally would be. He won’t win, but a nomination is a pretty safe bet.

David Fincher - The Social Network

Nothing to worry about for the nomination. He will more than likely win this award next month.

Alt.

Joel and Ethan Coen - True Grit

True Grit is making a last minute surge in popularity, and it’s probably going to pay off in many categories. However, I’m not as sure about this category as I once was. The directing duo has tons of industry support, but often times I think people are more quickly ready to reward their stories rather than their directing, even though both are highly revered. In this case, I can see the Academy snubbing them in response to rewarding a first-timer like Russell, Hooper or Aronofsky. Still, they could replace any of them, or repeat themselves and snub Nolan again (ugh). Their film will have a lot of success, but I’m not thinking it will be in this category.

Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Actress & Best Actor

Best Actress (Predicted 5)

Annette Bening - The Kids Are All Right

She's a veteran who is working that angle very much to position a possible upset. She's beloved, the film's beloved, and a nomination is almost assured.

Nicole Kidman - Rabbit Hole

She's been holding on well throughout all the major precursers, and it's likely that she'll make the cut. It's a performance from her than many are willing to reward this time around.

Jennifer Lawrence - Winter's Bone

She's no longer in the strong position she once was when the film debuted this past summer, but she's still got a lot of passionate support. Even if the film doesn't make the cut, she's in.

Natalie Portman - Black Swan

The nomination is no problem right now. She's the frontrunner to win this award, and her name is going to be called; no question.

Michelle Williams - Blue Valentine

Very much a longshot at this point, but her performance and the film has got a lot of support, and much of it is from a passionate place. I can see her being the representative for her tiny film.

Alt.

Hailee Steinfeld - True Grit

The support for this girl is off the charts, and a lot of people want to nominate her. However, some people would prefer to see her in this category rather than Supporting Actress where the campaign has placed her. That dissent has reached a lot of people's ears, and it might be enough to bump Williams from that fifth slot. It's likely Steinfeld will get a nomination, but it's unclear exactly where she'll show up.

Best Actor (Predicted 5)

Jeff Bridges - True Grit

He's the man about town right now, and people are really liking his performance in a very good movie. Even with the Oscar from last year, he's in the position to be invited back once again.

Robert Duvall - Get Low

Not a sure bet at this point, but he's an industry favorite who finally has a performance that is worth nominating. People like him and will probably reward him for it.

Jesse Eisenberg - The Social Network

The film shows up everywhere, and Eisenberg is right along with it. Earning the SAG nomination shows how much support he has and will lead to his first nomination.

Colin Firth - The King's Speech

Another veteran from last year's ceremony, except this time he's the frontrunner. A nomination is assured; all that is left is to see if he'll win it in next month.

James Franco - 127 Hours

Yet another person whose nomination is locked in the bag. In fact, had he not taken the consolation prize of hosting the event, he might have been in a better position to upset. Anyway, expect his name to be called.

Alt.

Ryan Gosling - Blue Valentine

The "little movie that could" of the year is catching on with many people. Gosling's name hasn't shown up on every ballot, but he and Williams are constantly being mentioned in the wind. It's a deserving performance, as many agree, but the problem is that there are many worthy performances in this category. If he gets snubbed, it isn't a matter of unworthiness, it'll be not enough spaces. I think he missed one two many honors to make the cut, but he could very well replace some like Duvall, or even Bridges and Eisenberg.

Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Supporting Actress & Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress (Predicted 5)

Amy Adams - The Fighter

The film itself is gaining a lot of momentum lately, and she's right there with it. The right precursors and a lovely personality has helped her before, and I expect it to pay off once again.

Helena Bonham Carter - The King's Speech

She's the weakest link in the ensemble, but she's competing in an incredibly weak category this year. She's riding on the coattailes of the film, and she'll likely earn her second nomination.

Mila Kunis - Black Swan

She was a bit of a longshot at first, but nominations at the Critic's Choice, Golden Globe and especially the SAG Awards speaks volumes to support she has. It's a safe bet she'll make the cut.

Melissa Leo - The Fighter

The arguable frontrunner in this race, taking most of the major critics honors, as well as the recent Golden Globe. It'd be a big shocker if she's snubbed, and given this Oscar race, that's very unlikely.

Hailee Steinfeld - True Grit

This one's stricky because Steinfeld is in a heated category placement debate. While she's getting a lot of support in the Best Actress race, she's more likely to make a stand here, and if so, she may be a possible upset.

Alt.

Jacki Weaver - Animal Kingdom

There's a battle for the last spot in this category, all based on which category Steinfled gets nominated in. If she gets in the other one, then it's up to Weaver or Manville. Both have a strong, passionate support base, but Weaver's got the memorable villain role going for her. There's not a whole lot of wiggle room in this category, but if Steinfeld gets an upgrade, then she's might have a well-deserved nomination.

Best Supporting Actor (Predicted 5)

Christian Bale - The Fighter

An incredible performance that has no question of getting nominated. Bale has that step in the bag. Now it's just a matter if he can win the award.

Andrew Garfield - The Social Network

The SAG snub really stunted his buzz, but I still think he's going to make the cut. His film is still riding high, and if all else fails, the coattailes will rally him to the frontlines. He's definitely one of the weaker nominees, but I still have faith.

Jeremy Renner - The Town

This category has had a habit of rewarding memorable screen villains, and he certainly fits the profile. Plus, the film was a significant industry hit and he's got alot of goodwill left over from his nomination from The Hurt Locker.

Mark Ruffalo - The Kids Are All Right

He's got a lot of respect in the industry, and he's in a well-respected film. Add to it that he's always been mentioned as someone who has deserved to be here many times before.

Geoffrey Rush - The King's Speech

A charming actor in a charming role. The film is far too beloved to have him be left off, and he remains a (distant) upset for Bale to win the Oscar.

Alt.

John Hawkes - Winter's Bone

He's been popping up in a lot of precursers lately, and having been working as a reliable character actor in the business for a while gives him an edge over some of his competition. The film had a surge of buzz, but lately it's been faltering a bit. Still, he's a credible contender, and could very well take Garfield's place. I'm thinking he might just miss the cut, but he's a name to keep in mind.

Golden Globe Predictions

Best Picture (Drama)
Predicted Winner: The King's Speech
Possible Upset: The Social Network

Best Picture (Musical/Comedy)
Predicted Winner: The Kids Are All Right
Possible Upset: Alice in Wonderland

Best Actor (Drama)
Predicted Winner: Colin Firth - The King's Speech
Possible Upset: James Franco - 127 Hours

Best Actor (Musical/Comedy)
Preicted Winner: Johnny Depp - Alice in Wonderland
Possible Upset: Kevin Spacey - Casino Jack

Best Actress (Drama)
Predicted Winner: Natalie Portman - Black Swan
Possible Upset: Nicole Kidman - Rabbit Hole

Best Actress (Musical/Comedy)
Predicted Winner: Annette Bening - The Kids Are All Right
Possible Upset: Anne Hathaway - Love and Other Drugs

Best Supporting Actor
Predicted Winner: Christian Bale - The Fighter
Possible Upset: Geoffrey Rush - The King's Speech

Best Supporting Actress
Predicted Winner: Helena Bonham Carter - The King's Speech
Possible Upset: Melissa Leo - The Fighter

Best Director
Predicted Winner: David Fincher - The Social Network
Possible Upset: Christopher Nolan - Inception

Best Screenplay
Predicted Winner: The Social Network
Possible Upset: Inception

Best Original Score
Predicted Winner: Inception
Possible Upset: Alice in Wonderland

Best Original Song
Predicted Winner: "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" - Burlesque
Possible Upset: "I See the Light" - Tangled

Best Animated Feature
Predicted Winner: Toy Story 3
Possible Upset: How to Train Your Dragon

Best Foreign Language Film
Predicted Winner: Biutiful
Possible Upset: I Am Love

2010 Blog Awards

**winner**

Best Picture
Blue Valentine
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Inception
**The Social Network**
Toy Story 3

Best Director
Danny Boyle - 127 Hours
Derek Cianfrance - Blue Valentine
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - True Grit
**David Fincher - The Social Network**
Christopher Nolan - Inception

Best Actor
Javier Bardem - Biutiful
Jesse Eisenberg - The Social Network
Colin Firth - The King's Speech
**James Franco - 127 Hours**
Ryan Gosling - Blue Valentine

Best Actress
Annette Bening - The Kids Are All Right
Jennifer Lawrence - Winter's Bone
Julianne Moore - The Kids Are All Right
Natalie Portman - Black Swan
**Michelle Williams - Blue Valentine**

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale - The Fighter
**Andrew Garfield - The Social Network**
Mark Ruffalo - The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush - The King's Speech
Justin Timberlake - The Social Network

Best Supporting Actress
Helena Bonham Carter - The King's Speech
Mila Kunis - Black Swan
Melissa Leo - The Fighter
**Jacki Weaver - Animal Kingdom**
Dianne Wiest - Rabbit Hole

Best Original Screenplay
Animal Kingdom
Inception
**The Kids Are All Right**
The King's Speech
Please Give

Best Adapted Screenplay
127 Hours
Fair Game
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
**The Social Network**
Toy Story 3

Best Animated Feature
How to Train Your Dragon
Tangled
**Toy Story 3**

Best Art Direction
The Good, The Bad, The Weird
**Inception**
The King's Speech
TRON: Legacy
True Grit

Best Costume Design
Alice in Wonderland
Get Low
The Good, The Bad, The Weird
**The King's Speech**
The Tempest

Best Cinematography
127 Hours
**Biutiful**
Inception
Robin Hood
True Grit

Best Film Editing
127 Hours
Exit Through the Gift Shop
**Inception**
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
The Social Network

Best Original Score
How to Train Your Dragon
**Inception**
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
TRON: Legacy

Best Original Song
"I See the Light" - Tangled
**"We Belong Together" - Toy Story 3**
"Shine" - Waiting for "Superman"

Best Makeup
**Alice in Wonderland**
Kick-Ass
True Grit

Best Sound Mixing
127 Hours
How to Train Your Dragon
**Inception**
Toy Story 3
TRON: Legacy

Best Sound Editing
127 Hours
How to Train Your Dragon
**Inception**
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
TRON: Legacy

Best Visual Effects
Alice in Wonderland
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I
**Inception**
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
TRON: Legacy

Best Documentary Feature
Catfish
**Exit Through the Gift Shop**
Inside Job
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Waking Sleeping Beauty

Best Foreign Language Film
Biutiful
The Good, The Bad, The Weird
I Am Love
Mother
**No One Knows About Persian Cats**

Top 10 Movies of 2010

That particular time of the year has come once again, when the celebration for the year’s best achievements start to roll in. Nearly all of the major critics have already given out their lists, but since I am not in their gracious company, I am obligated to wait a few more weeks until I can make my list. That point for me has now been reached, and I can give my own list. First I’ll give my picks for the films that would be in my bottom tier, the ones that would qualify as the #20-11 spots. Here they are in alphabetical order:

Biutiful, Catfish, How to Train Your Dragon, Inside Job, The King’s Speech, No One Knows About Persian Cats, Please Give, Rabbit Hole, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Winter’s Bone

Now onto the top ten:

10. Fair Game

This year, while having many good films, didn’t offer too many surprises. This was one of the few. Many people avoided the display of peering into recent political history, not helped by the master grandstander himself Sean Penn. However, I was completely taken in by this riveting, exciting, and even humorous film. Penn and Naomi Watts give incredible performances, and together with director Doug Liman, they work to create a film that engages the audience in a way that has so much relevance today. This may have been avoided by most audiences, but I hope people will seek it out later and give it a better chance than it ultimately got.

9. Animal Kingdom

An incredibly effective crime drama that is aided by its capable director. I’m quite amazed that this is David Michôd’s first feature film, and the way he builds suspense and tension within such a quiet atmosphere is astounding. His script is also a gem, unfurling this dense world that exists just beyond the public’s gaze. The entire ensemble delivers, with the standout being Jacki Weaver as the matriarch to the criminal tribe, who can deliver the sweet grandmotherly charm just as well as the sinister plotter against even those closest to her. In an incredibly Best Supporting Actress race, she rises as one worth singling out.

8. The Kids Are All Right

I really fell in love with this movie when it first came out, and while subsequent viewings have diminished my affection a bit, I still don’t deny that it’s still an excellent film. It still boasts probably the year’s best ensemble, with absolutely stellar performances from the likes of Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. Lisa Cholodenko directs this film with a steady hand, and the script by her and co-writer Stuart Blumberg captures every genuine emotion that comes with not only modern families but in all families living today. It’s not a perfect film, but it feels endearing in its message and a joy to watch.

7. True Grit

You’d be hard pressed to find a recent Coen Brothers film that doesn’t have something to like about it. They are in true form once again here, with their adaptation/remake of the classic story. Their touch as master craftsmen is felt throughout the entire film, and they continue to indulge in creating an engaging piece of suspense and tension while also giving way to that off-beat sense of humor that has permeated through all of their films. The actors also bring a lot to the table here, with Jeff Bridges carrying quite the charm and hard-edged gruff to portray Marshall Cogburn and Matt Damon as the deviously charismatic Texas Ranger. However, it is Hailee Steinfeld who steals the show here, always willing to carry her own weight with the big boys as well as most of the emotional weight for the entire film. Definitely one of the most entertaining movies of the year.

6. 127 Hours

Thank goodness Danny Boyle was the man who was given the task to direct this story. It seems that only a man whose entire career has been about characters constantly on the run could be the one made about a man who stays in one spot for the majority of the story. Boyle’s presence here has received charges of overcompensation, but I feel it a necessary task in order to not only keep the viewer’s interest maintained in the story, but also give an accurate representation of what Ralston is going through. James Franco topped off an incredible year he had with an incredible performance. It’s really up to him whether or not the film lives or dies, and his remarkable dedication never once feel disingenuous in its emotions. He’s utterly fantastic in an utterly fantastic film.

5. Inception

I’ll admit the film’s got issues, but returning to the film again and again, I still get caught up in the awesome spectacle. Christopher Nolan has now permanently cemented himself as one of the true visionary artists working today. His touch is all over this film, and he creates an exciting and wholly entertaining ride. His script might be a bit exposition heavy, but I still found it to unveil a plot that was still quite engaging to experience. The whole ensemble delivers well here, with all of them working well against one another. It’s hard to pick standouts, but Tom Hardy always manages to bring a smile to my face. It’s a film that has a good amount of ambition, and for me it paid off very well.

4. Toy Story 3

The folks at Pixar are some of the smartest people working today, and the reason is because they take so much time to hone their storytelling, and get it to the point where it feels just right. This is no different, and with even a decade-plus hiatus from these characters, there is still an emotional resonance that is struck. The movie finds plenty of humor, along with its incredible serious emotions. The film manages to find a sweet conclusion to this endearing series, and everyone involved managed to deliver an emotional ride that felt genuine in every moment, something that is rare and should certainly be appreciated.

3. Blue Valentine

If this movie is doing its job right, then it will make you squirm while watching it. However, you will get down on your knees and thank that the film for it. Derek Cianfrance, experienced in documentary films, captures such a quiet and intimate tone to the piece, making every scene feel so real and powerful. The two leads also deliver outstanding and incredible performances. Gosling disappears into his chameleonic habits and creates a man whose boyish charms wow us in the beginning and self-destructing habits destroys us in the end. Michelle Williams, pulling off the more subdued and trickier role, is absolutely devastating and she provides a compelling portrait of a woman trying to stay afloat in a world that is constantly trying to drown her. When you watch the two of them falling in love to an acoustic Elvis song and then see their relationship disintegrate before our eyes, you feel the right emotion for each, and the film earns it in every scene.

2. Exit Through the Gift Shop

Whether the film is all truth or fabrication, I couldn’t care less. No matter what degree of veracity, there still remains such in engaging and entertaining story. The setup feels too perfect to believe, but you end up going with it anyway. The hapless protagonist is such a loveable mess, and is quite the interesting avatar into a world that is hidden beneath the surface to most people. By the end of it, we are treated to an interesting satirical commentary on the world of art, how art is perceived in the popular culture and what ultimately defines the “good” art from the bad. I had never heard of Banksy until this film. Now I’m completely fascinated. Quite a nice bit of self-promotion while also creating a great movie.

1. The Social Network

I apologize for joining the resounding chorus of critics groups right now, but even before the unstoppable avalanche of accolades, I had come to pick this film as the best of the year. This is a movie that stays with you long after you see it, and David Fincher’s meticulous and controlled direction pulls you in from the get go. His talents also work well with Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay, probably the best written script this year, and the zippy lines freely fly by while also maintaining their strict discipline and heavy tones. The performances are also outstanding from Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake and Armie Hammer. This is really an ensemble film, and everyone delivers. All the parts work together, and the finished product is the best film of the year.

There it is. In the next day or two, I’ll have my own personal awards, recognizing a lot of the categories the Oscars do. So be on the lookout for that.

Worst of 2010

Since there’s still just a few more films I have to see in order to confidently make a top ten list of the year, I’ll start out by giving my picks for the worst movies that I had the displeasure of watching. Since I don’t make a habit of seeing too many bad movies, I’ll just give out my bottom five, since extending it to ten would mean including some films that I didn’t like, but don’t deserve to be called one of the year’s worst.

1. The A-Team

This was the worst film I had seen even at the midpoint of the year, and no other film managed to take the title away from it. What is most offensive about it is probably how its horribly directed action just drags on and on in a never-ending, head-numbing, stupid mess. Nevermind that the acting is also atrocious, with only Sharlto Copley having some resemblance of entertainment. Overall, one of the worst experiences I’ve had at watching a film, and it suits the movie pretty well.

2. Jonah Hex

This could have been a fun, campy action western, as evident by the first ten minutes. What it eventually became was a sloppy, rushed film that rehashed a bad plot from Wild Wild West and featured subpar acting, particularly from Megan Fox in one of her worst performances, and that’s saying something. Jonah Hex is one of those perfect examples that not every comic book property deserves a film adaptation.

3. The Wolfman

The pedigree of the film had me very interested, and I though with Benicio Del Toro in the lead, this could be something very interesting. However, it all came crashing down horribly. The action is a cluttered mess with an onslaught of unnecessary gore, and the story is an uninteresting piece of junk that ends with a ridiculous climax it feels like it should be in an even sillier film. Everyone’s talent is wasted here in an embarrassing fashion, particularly Del Toro who finally gives a performance that made me want to divert my eyes from the screen.

4. The Tourist

Another film that had the potential to be really good, with a long list of very talented people working on it. However, it all comes together to create a big pile of nothing. Forget the fact that Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp are completely phoning it in. That would be forgivable if they had even the slightest bit of chemistry. The director, who won the Foreign Language Film Oscar for The Lives of Others, poorly directs both the grand-scale action as well as the intimate emotional moments. This is the product of Hollywood excess and the belief that having two big stars in your movie automatically translates to a sure thing. This film proves that it’s not the case.

5. Splice

The opinions on this film are pretty divided: you either love it or hate it. Obviously, I fall into the latter camp. I don’t deny that the film has originality, but that doesn’t matter when you don’t do anything with it. What bothers me most about the film is that these characters are so unlikeable and stupid, and not only stupid but aren’t even consistent in their stupidity. There’s no connection here to be made, and once we get into the bizarre horror territory at the end, all credibility is thrown out the window. I know the film has a lot of love, but the kindest thing I can say is it’s an interesting failure, and that is too kind.

Worst Picture: The A-Team

Runner-Up: Jonah Hex

Worst Actor: Johnny Depp - The Tourist

Runner-Up: Johnny Depp - Alice in Wonderland

Worst Actress: Sarah Polley - Splice

Runner-Up: Angelina Jolie - The Tourist

Worst Supporting Actor: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson - The A-Team

Runner-Up: Jackson Rathbone - The Last Airbender

Worst Supporting Actress: Jessica Biel - The A-Team

Runner-Up: Megan Fox - Jonah Hex

Worst Director: Jimmy Hayward - Jonah Hex

Runner-Up: Joe Carnahan - The A-Team

Worst Screenplay: The Last Airbender

Runner-Up: TRON: Legacy

Biggest Disappointment: Alice in Wonderland

Runner-Up: Shutter Island

Now that I’ve gotten through the muck, I can look forward to better and brighter things in the future. The top ten will be here in a couple days.

Most Anticipated in 2011

As another year has come to a close, the time comes to always look back as well as gaze into what the future might have in store. For 2011, there’s an interesting slate of films heading out, and these are the top eleven movies that currently have me intrigued.

11. Thor

I’m not a huge fan of many comic book properties, and this one is no different. I know very little of the source material, and the lead actor here has yet to impress me in anything he’s been in. However, the only reason why I am looking forward to this at all is because Kenneth Branagh is directing. It’s an interesting notion, and I’m curious to see what a distinguished filmmaker of Branagh’s pedigree can do with a big-budget action picture. Many are predicting failure, and they’re probably right, but I’m intrigued as of now.

10. Cowboys and Aliens

I was pleasantly surprised at how well Jon Faverau was able to competently handle the first Iron Man outing, especially considering nothing in his past signaled anything as such. I thought he was on track to become the next great action director. Iron Man 2 notwithstanding, I still believe that to an extent, and with such a, shall we say, “unique” premise, this ought to be one helluva ride.

9. Source Code

Duncan Jones’s Moon is a well shot work of art that impressed many, including myself. His follow up looks just as interesting. First, it’s got a great cast featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright. Then you’ve also got a pretty interesting premise, even if it bares a resemblance to Tony Scott’s Deja Vu. Add to it a homefront location and it all adds up to a pretty good film. At least a film that has potential to be good, and one I’m very much looking forward to seeing.

8. Rise of the Apes

Call me crazy for looking forward to yet another chapter in the already worn out Planet of the Apes series, but often times the spoils from the past year have away of bleeding into less worthy projects of the next. It happened last year when Jeff Bridges’s performance in Crazy Heart amped up my anticipation for TRON. After seeing James Franco give two really good performances in 2010, I’m ready to see him in just about anything. Between this and Your Highness, I’d much rather see this, and the fact that the cast also includes Frieda Pinto and Andy Serkis doesn’t hurt either.

7. The Thing

I have a lot of respect for the original classic, and John Carpenter’s re-imagining is one of those few remakes that approaches on being better than the film it took inspiration. I’m not exactly sure why this story calls for further attention every thirty years, but I’d agree that there’s always room to dive deeper. If the film can harken back to the vision that Carpenter had while also giving trying to execute the original film’s origin storyline, then that sounds quite promising. Hopefully the film can follow-up on that promise.

6. X-Men: First Class

The Wolverine movie that came out a couple years ago may have made Fox a bundle of cash, but it sure did stink like nobody’s business. This is a project that, I’ll admit, doesn’t sound very interesting on the surface. Yet another prequel in this franchise that is quickly losing steam doesn’t sound promising. However, having a stylish director like Matthew Vaughn and an incredible cast that includes the names of James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Kevin Bacon, that sounds a little more promising.

5. Moneyball

This has been a notoriously dogged production, facing many financial issues as well as creative ones which eventually led original director Steven Soderbergh to abandon the project. That many problems out the gate is never a good sign. However, there remains a sliver of hope, as Soderbergh’s replacement is Bennett Miller, handling his first film since his incredible debut with Capote. I’ve been awaiting for another Miller film for many years now, and this is the next one coming up. And the cast is pretty nice too.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

I’ve enjoyed nearly all of the of the films in the Pirates trilogy, even though the first sequel was an overstuffed mess, and the second sequel was an overcomplicated mess. However, it appears that this one is trying to return to the simple roots that made the first film so enjoyable. Losing Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly helps a bit as well, and, like Thor, I’m interested in seeing what a prestigious director like Rob Marshall can do with such an action heavy film.

3. Hugo Cabret

Even though I was underwhelmed by Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island, I am still excited by his projects, and eagerly await any film he’s got lined up. He still remains a master filmmaker, and always allows incredible actors to work with him. Chloe Moretz is an incredible new talent and surrounding her is the likes of Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley and Christopher Lee. Plus, I’m interested in seeing what Scorsese’s first venture into the digital 3D process will heed.

2. The Tree of Life

I’ve been hearing talk of this film for at least three years now, and I even had it as one of my anticipated films for the fall of last year when it was still tentatively slated to be released then. I stick by what I said then: I’m still not a huge Terrence Malik fan, but the buzz surrounding this project has me in interested. Plus, the newly displayed trailer has a beauty and elegance to it that is quite difficult not to be dazzled by.

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

The grand finale has finally come. After a decade of films, the enormous series will see it’s fantastic conclusion. The first part of the finale was a tad underwhelming, but everyone was told that all that wandering through the forest was just a necessary pretext for the epic battle that was to come. From a literary standpoint, that much is very true. Having been with the series for this long, I see no reason to abandon now, just as the gettings gettin’ good. It will be a notable day when it all ends, and I will be right there to see it with billions of others.

Honorable Mentions:

Red State

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

In a few weeks, I will attempt to assemble my top ten of 2010, as well as my annual personal awards. Until then, let’s hope the new year will bring a bit more joy than the one before it.