Oscar Watch: About Ray (2015)

Hello, Bloggers, welcome to another part of my Oscar Watch where I discuss trailers for upcoming Oscar contenders. For this post, I will go into the trailer for another LGBT contender in the mix. That is About Ray (previously titled Three Generations) starring Elle Fanning, Naomi Watts, and Susan Sarandon.

About Ray is a pretty simple story about a girl (played by Elle Fanning) who slowly transitions into being a boy and her family slowly comes to terms with it. Elle Fanning looks like she is doing a very nice job and is making me believe she is playing somebody who is transgendered. The Best Actress race looks to be pretty packed, so it'll be an uphill battle for Fanning to get in. But if there is anybody from the cast that could sneak in to Best Lead or maybe even Supporting, it might be Naomi Watts. She looks like she has a pretty baity role of the struggling mother trying to be supportive of her child. It also helps she is in a roll with her starring in the Best Picture winner Birdman, the indie hit While We're Young, and being involved in the successful Divergent series.

Although I have a feeling that this won't be an easy watch, this one looks like it'll be very good and potentially tug at the heartstrings. I must say, though, this looks like it'll be a hell of a year for LGBT cinema as we got Carol, The Danish Girl, Freeheld, Stonewall, and now About Ray. About Ray is being distributed by the Weinstein Company and will be released on September 18th.

So those are my thoughts on the trailer for About Ray. Be sure to write your own thoughts in the comments section on whether you think this looks like a viable Oscar contender. Thanks for reading!

Oscar Watch: By The Sea (2015) and Stonewall (2015)

Hello, Bloggers, welcome to another episode of my Oscar Watch. For this episode, I will go into two films that are even under my own radar, but potentially something to watch out for. The firsr film is By The Sea starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

As I said in my top 10 list of Oscar films that'll either score or miss the mark, I had my preconceptions about this one, worrying whether or not it would be a showcase for the two actors because not only does it star Hollywood's power couple, but they are both producing and Jolie is also writing and directing. So I don't know. I like how the trailer is shrouded in mystery, as well as the use of the song in the trailer. While we didn't see much of them, I also like how it co-stars Neils Arestrup from A Prophet, Laurence Anyways' Melvil Poupaud and Melanie Laurent aka Shosanna from Inglourious Basterds. All very talented actors. I am also a big fan of Pitt and Jolie. But because the material is created and financed by themselves, I worry that it'll come off as a vanity project.

The next film is Stonewall starring Jeremy Irvine, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Ron Perlman and directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, 2012, White House Down). This one is based on a true story about riots at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 caused by gays fighting against discrimination. When this trailer hit, it was hit with a lot of controversy because of how it was actually drag queens and gays of color that started the riots, but here, they have a white male protagonist that helped start the riots. I can understand why people are outraged because it seems like they are whitewashing history. But then again, this is nothing new in Hollywood. Audiences have always been hit with films that have "whitey saves all" narratives (The Help, The Blind Side, Dances With Wolves). It's not a narrative I am always fond of, I'll admit. But since when have filmmakers cared about staying true to real-life stories they tell? Regardless of its historical accuracy, I think the film looks very good. It is a complete stretch from Roland Emmerich's usual work and I appreciate that he is trying something different. Even if the inaccuracies do become distracting, it could still be a well-made film and maybe not get lost in the shuffle in the awards season. Especially since we have films like Carol, The Danish Girl, and Freeheld in the mix that are from bigger studios.

So what do you guys think? Do you think these are legitimate contenders in the Oscar race? Please feel free to write your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

Topic Of The Day: The 'Art' Of Phoning It In

Hello, Bloggers, welcome to another episode of Topic Of The Day. Since sometimes, I use Topic Of The Day to talk about things that grind my gears, for today's topic, I will delve into my distaste for seeing actors check out on screen. This is the 'Art' Of Phoning It In.

One thing about seeing actors mail in their performances that really irks me is when older actors collect big paycheck gigs when they are at a point where they don't have to. Take, for example, Bruce Willis. He has made it known that he dislikes doing action films nowadays and people have commented on how he sleepwalks through them. But my big question is, "Who is twisting your arm, Bruce?" If you hate doing studio action films, then you can easily say no and stop torturing yourself. You're Bruce freaking Willis! In Moonrise Kingdom, you looked like you gave a crap. Maybe you should do more smaller scale films like those. Look at Matthew McConaughey. I'm sure the reason he is gravitating towards smaller films nowadays is because he is at the point where he doesn't need to collect big payday after big payday.

But then again, there are those that continue doing studio films, revisiting roles that made them famous. You have Hugh Jackman who audiences still enjoy seeing play Wolverine because he is always game every time he revisits the character. Since he likely gets massive paydays for the role, because of how game he is, I certainly don't mind. As long as he has fun, it makes it more fun for the audience. As I said in my rankings of the Phase 2 Movies from Marvel, one of the reasons Thor: The Dark World was such a failure is because half the actors were sleepwalking through a paycheck. Because of how they weren't exactly enjoying themselves, it makes the viewing experience less pleasurable. To me, seeing these kinds of acting artistes coast their way through studio films with mass appeal screams egotism. As they emotionally check out when in front of a green screen, it's as if they are saying "I'm too good to be in a movie like this" and just want to go and fund their pet projects or small important movies that hardly anyone sees. I understand that in Hollywood, you're only as good as your last movie, either critically or financially. But if you don't seem fond of these big studio films, then either don't torture yourself and refuse to sign the dotted line or sign on and try to look alive. If you look like you're enjoying yourself, then it makes it easier for the audience to enjoy the film watching experience.

So those are my thoughts on my distaste for seeing actors phone it in on screen. Whether you agree or disagree, please feel free to write your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

Review: Minions (2015)

                           

                 
                        The 'Minions' Are Purely Serviceable
       
         While the Minions are adorable and will seek to serve any villain, if there is one in particular that they serve, it is the film's distributor trying to pluck dollar bills out of our wallets.

        Story:
       Minions follows the story of the tiny yellow henchmen of Gru from the Despicable Me series and their journey before they met Gru. When three of them go out in search of the biggest, baddest villain to work for, they find Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock), who looks to take over the world.

       Ups:
      Now, before I saw this, I was unsure how they would have a film that featured ninety minutes of the Minions talking in gibberish. But they tried to make it work by incorporating narration from Geoffrey Rush in the beginning and the end to tell their story. I think that helped a lot. One of my favorite scenes is in fact the opening where we see the Minions and how they have a hard time keeping the different bosses they've had over the years.

      I also liked some of the voice work from the cast. I really liked Jon Hamm, who plays Scarlett's husband Herb. I thought he was funny along with Michael Keaton as the father of a family that picks the Minions up. Keaton didn't have much screen time, but he still left me wanting more.

      Downs:
     While they did make a great attempt at making a Minions movie work, I still feel they are better suited as sidekicks. Thinking about that just makes this film seem like a silly cash grab. A rather harmless one, though.

      Also, something about Sandra Bullock's voice work didn't really click with me. I really like her as an actress, but here, her voice work seemed flamboyantly phoned in.

     Consensus:
    Overall, Minions is a fun and harmless yet rather unneeded cash grab. I liked the voice work from some of the cast, but they feel sidelined by the supbar-ness of the film itself.

     Would I Recommend It?:
     Not necessarily. If you want to take the children to the theaters, I would recommend Inside Out instead. That one is for the whole family while this one is just for kids.

Grade: D-

Review: Neighbors (2014)

                     

           
                   These 'Neighbors' Should Move In Next Door
             
         While I didn't laugh every second when watching this, much like with Spy, it still showed that men and women can be funny together.

        Story:
     Neighbors follows the story of a couple named Mac and Kelly Radnor (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) who feel trapped in their mundane life with their baby and marriage. But things begin to change once a college fraternity, led by Teddy (Zac Efron), moves in next door. After one phone call to the police by Mac and Kelly, chaos ensues between both parties.

      Ups:
     I'll go into the main actors first. Seth Rogen, I thought, was his usual funny self. He does the same thing he usually does, but I enjoy that routine. But Zac Efron was a huge surprise as, for his portrayal of a villainous frat student, he is very three-dimensional. He not only nails the 'sinister frat boy with sex appeal' aspect to the character, as well as the deadpan humor, but also the scared little boy who is afraid of life after college. As great as he and Rogen are, though, the film belongs to Rose Byrne. A lot of us know she is a capable dramatic actress, with her work in films like Place Beyond The Pines and Insidious. But here, she lets her freak flag fly with her fierce comedic prowess. She is hilariously layered as the devoted mother bear who also acts as a sex kitten and a chill neighbor. I also thought she and Rogen had wonderful chemistry as the laid-back grownups who long to be invited back to the party. That actually brings me to my next point.

    For such a raunchy comedy, there are some surprisingly poignant themes about the struggle to grow up and be adults. The characters of Mac and Kelly and Teddy work as interesting parallels of one another as Mac and Kelly, despite being married and parents, want to hang with the cool kids again while Teddy is terrified of leaving the party and facing the big, bad world. The VP of Teddy's frat, played by Dave Franco, serves as a perfect foil to Teddy as he has his priorities set pretty straight. That's what I love about films by Judd Apatow and by members of his troupe. Despite the raunchy humor of their films, the characters in their films are actual characters.

    Downs:
    NIL.

    Consensus:
    Overall, Neighbors is a comedy that, despite not being laugh a minute, makes up for it with its colorful and entertaining characters and hidden depth-filled storytelling. It is a different kind of coming of age story and I appreciate it a lot for that.

    Would I Recommend It?:
    Yes if you are a fan of the main actors involved. Also, if you don't mind R-rated raunchy humor, then you'll probably enjoy it.

Grade: A

Oscars 2016: August Predictions

Hello, Bloggers, it is now August which means I have updated my Oscar predictions. Just as a heads up, next month, I will update my predictions after the Venice and Toronto film festivals take place so that we get a clearer idea of what the contenders will be. Here we go:

Best Picture:
Beasts of No Nation
Carol
The Danish Girl
Inside Out
Joy
The Revenant
Steve Jobs
Suffragette
Youth

Left out Brooklyn in favor of Beasts of No Nation. It's a war film and it's premiering at Venice and Toronto. That, to me, is very key.

Dark Horses: Black Mass, Bridge of Spies, Brooklyn, The Hateful Eight, In The Heart Of The Sea, Mad Max: Fury Road (I'll be beating the drum for this one), Trumbo, The Walk

Best Director:
Cary Fukunaga, Beasts of No Nation
Todd Haynes, Carol
Tom Hooper, The Danish Girl
Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu, The Revenant
David O. Russell, Joy

Replaced Sarah Gavron with Cary Fukunaga.

Dark Horses: Danny Boyle, Steve Jobs, Sarah Gavron, Suffragette, Ron Howard, In The Heart Of The Sea, Paolo Sorrentino, Youth, Quentin Tarantino, The Hateful Eight

Best Actor:
Michael Caine, Youth
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
Johnny Depp, Black Mass
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl

Replaced Tom Hiddleston and Leonardo DiCaprio with Bryan Cranston and Johnny Depp. Hiddleston's film seemingly not working the festival circuit isn't the greatest sign and with the love/hate relationship DiCaprio has with the Academy, I wouldn't hold my breath. The nostalgic factor could help Cranston's chances due to him playing a blacklisted screenwriter and the physical transformation/career redemption could benefit Depp.

Dark Horses: Don Cheadle, Miles Ahead, Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant, Ben Foster, The Program, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Snowden/The Walk,  Tom Hanks, Bridge of Spies, Tom Hiddleston, I Saw The Light, Jason Segel, The End Of The Tour

Best Actress:
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Julianne Moore, Freeheld
Carey Mulligan, Suffragette
Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl

Bumped Vikander up into Lead and replaced Saoirse Ronan and Lily Tomlin with Vikander and Julianne Moore. With the boxes Moore checks off (gay, dying, fresh off Oscar win in the same category), she should have no issue making it in here. But Blanchett and Lawrence, I have a feeling, will stay on my predictions until Nomination Day. Possibly even Mulligan depending on the reviews for Suffragette.

Dark Horses: Cate Blanchett, Truth, Emily Blunt, Sicario, Marion Cotillard, Macbeth, Brie Larson, Room, Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years, Lily Tomlin, Grandma, Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road

Best Supporting Actor:
Robert De Niro, Joy
Idris Elba, Beasts of No Nation
Tom Hardy, The Revenant
Michael Keaton, Spotlight
Harvey Keitel, Youth

Replaced Seth Rogen and Benicio Del Toro with Idris Elba and Harvey Keitel. While Leonardo DiCaprio has such a love/hate relationship with Oscar, they still like to shine a light on his co-stars. So Tom Hardy could land a nod. Plus, this category loves a good villain. That's why Idris Elba could land a nod as well.

Dark Horses: Steve Carell, Freeheld, Benedict Cumberbatch, Black Mass, Benicio Del Toro, Sicario, Ralph Fiennes, A Bigger Splash, Samuel L. Jackson/Bruce Dern/Demian Bichir/Walton Goggins, The Hateful Eight, Seth Rogen, Steve Jobs

Best Supporting Actress:
Helena Bonham Carter, Suffragette
Jane Fonda, Youth
Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight
Rooney Mara, Carol
Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs

Now that Alicia Vikander is bumped into Lead, in her place here, I went with Jennifer Jason Leigh, who went back to my predictions for The Hateful Eight. Quentin Tarantino has a habit for recognizing leading men and women seemingly forgotten by Hollywood (John Travolta, Kurt Russell, etc.). So that could work wonders with her. I also replaced Diane Ladd with Helena Bonham Carter. Although I wouldn't underestimate Diane Ladd's ability to sneak in.

Dark Horses: Diane Ladd, Joy, Rachel McAdams, Spotlight, Elizabeth Olsen, I Saw The Light, Ellen Page, Freeheld, Julie Walters, Brooklyn

So those are my predictions for six of the major categories at the Oscars. Whether you agree or disagree with my predictions, please feel free to write your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading and since it is getting closer and closer, here is to a great awards season!

Indie Review: Welcome To Me (2015)

                     

             
          'Welcome To My' Review Of This Latest Dramedy Gem By Kristen Wiig

       When you see your favorite celebrity on television or on YouTube, when they are accepting an Oscar or sitting on court side seats at a Lakers game, do you think to yourself, "Ugh, I wish I had all that"? Well, it's not just you as this film demonstrates that kind of influence of media culture while also throwing in themes of mental illness.

       Story:
      Welcome To Me follows the story of a woman named Alice Klieg (Kristen Wiig) who suffers from borderline personality disorder and spends her time buying lottery tickets and watching Oprah. When she ends up winning the lottery, she decides to use her winnings to start her own show devoted entirely to her own life.

      Ups:
     I'll start off with Kristen Wiig. While the character of Alice seems pretty unlikeable and selfish, Wiig manages to use her quirky charms to make her more endearing. Plus, she not only has great comedic timing, but she nails the tragedy within the comedy as well and while I enjoy watching her in comedies, kudos to her for tackling films where she stretches her dramatic chops.

      I also thought it was interesting how the film is a character study that also works as a film that demonstrates the power of media as well as materialism. Some of the film's best scenes are the ones where Alice is doing her show and re-enactments of events from her life are taking place. In those scenes, we get to see more of her backstory and see her more vulnerable side. Also, the media and materialism aspects that I think really worked are how Alice always watches and observes Oprah, hoping to become like her. A lot of us common folk want to become people like Oprah or Steven Spielberg and when we see our favorite celebrity on television and YouTube or when they post pictures of their nice houses and such, we usually never come up with a plan to become them. We just fantasize and look at the screen without a complete plan to make it happen. So I think the film is very realistic in that regard. Even if the whole concept of a mentally ill woman having her own talk show isn't, there is still plenty of truth to be found.

     Downs:
    This is more nitpicking than anything else, but I wasn't crazy about some of the song choices incorporated in the beginning of the film. Other than that, there are no downs.

     Consensus:
     Overall, Welcome To Me is a quirky dramedy that works as both a character study on mental illness and a demonstration on the power of materialism. It features a brilliant performance from its leading lady and after seeing it, has me thinking about how I view celebrity culture and I appreciate a film that makes me think.

     Would I Recommend It?:
     Yes if you are a Kristen Wiig fan. But if you're not a fan of these kinds of quirky indie dramedies, this might not be for you.

Grade: A-