2014 Oscar Challenge

Bright and early this morning the Oscar nominations were announced, and at that I am pleased to announce I will be embarking on my 2nd annual Oscar challenge! Same as last year, what I will be trying to do is to watch all the movies nominated for Best Picture before the awards show and throw in my two cents on who I think should win. I had a lot of fun doing it although I didn't QUITE see them all.

This year I am already in good shape having seen 3 of the 9 - and the show isn't until March 2nd so I've got plenty of time! The nominees for Best Picture are:

So far with the ones I've seen I would be more than happy with Captain Phillips or Her winning. Both EXCELLENT movies. I feel like I'm going to stand alone when I say I don't think American Hustle should win. It won the Golden Globe and I just don't think it was deserving, especially in the company the other films. Anyway, more on specific reviews later...

Have you seen any or most? Any strong opinions or hunches so far?

Christmas Movies

I feel like I could talk about the best parts of Christmas forever. There are so many, from big things like family, to little things like candy canes. These favourite things seem to pop up or come to mind constantly over the holidays, which is great. Or you'll hear someone else talk about them and immediately chime in. One of my (endless list of many) favourite things about Christmas is the movies. From old school cartoon movies (most of which I own) to new school Christmas movies. The stories are always filled with love, they always have a festive setting, and let's be honest, when it's snowy outside isn't it the best to sit inside by the tree and watch these Christmas movies? That's what I'm looking forward to this weekend. There's a couple of big snow storms hitting the city and with only a couple of plans, I intend to make sure all the necessary Christmas movies get watched or re-watched! With today being my last work day before the holiday, I've got time :)

With that in mind, I thought I'd share some of my favourite Christmas movies:

1. Love Actually - This is a no brainer. Forget Christmas, this is one of my ALL TIME favourite movies.
2. The Family Stone - I feel like this movie is less well known and popular and I have ZERO idea why. It is again one of the best movies in existence. Fun and funny, such a beautiful story.
3. Elf - Duh. We all need a laugh over the holidays. And we all need a little Will Ferrell always.
4. Home Alone - Classic. Just classic. 
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - I can't believe I only saw this for the first time when I was in my early 20's. That's probably why it's not higher on the list but MAN I know why this is most peoples fave! 
6. Scrooged - Saw this for the first time last Christmas season with my friend and we laughed and laughed and laughed! Previous to seeing it was in the "Christmas" section of the movie rentals, we hadn't really heard anything of it but decided to give it a shot! If you've not heard of it, do give it a shot! It's hilarious. 
7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, Charlie Brown Christmas - Not in any particular order, I cannot rhyme off a list that does not include these childhood cartoon favourites. I own these and hope to get to them all this weekend or before Christmas - it's tradition! 

I'm SURE I am missing one or two or ten... isn't that always the way? Someone mentions one and you're like "Oooooh yeahhhhh!". What's your fave?

At that, here's my fave part of my fave movie Love Actually - which you should probably only watch if you've seen the movie (spoiler alert) - enjoy:
 

Gatsby

This past weekend the much anticipated movie The Great Gatsby opened. I had been looking forward to it for a long, long time. And when I say long time, I mean back in the day when it was originally supposed to open this past Christmas! For what ever reason it was delayed, but this weekend the time came. Due to this extreme anticipation I felt like I absolutely must see it opening weekend, so I did just that with a friend of mine who felt the very same way. Prior to going in I didn't read any reviews for it, but I did know that the reviews out there were not good. It was an ok movie. Not awful but not fantastic. Certainly not all I had hoped it would be. It was visually beautiful and although I found some parts were great and exciting,  other parts just dragged a bit. But I will say I do not regret seeing it in the theater at all - when I'm that excited for a movie I like to see it regardless and make my own conclusions! Plus 3D movies are fun! And 3D Leo, well... that was worth it too. :)

BUT, on the (very) bright side, last Wednesday The Great Gatsby soundtrack came out. I had pre-ordered it so it automatically downloaded on my phone and the second I took a listen I was in love. THIS IS THE BEST SOUNDTRACK HANDS DOWN THAT I HAVE HEARD IN A VERY LONG TIME! I'm not even a big soundtrack kinda girl. Back in the day I kind of  was with movies like Cruel Intentions and Romeo + Juliet (another Baz Luhrmann movie funnily enough). When I saw the previews for the movie I was quite enchanted by the music. Later when they announced who would be on it, I knew it was a must buy. Bang Bang by will.i.am, Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey, and Over the Love by Florence + The Machine are my favourites IF if MUST choose... because it's not easy. Five stars and a recommended buy from me! 

Did you get swept up in the Gatsby excitement? 

Oscar Challenge Recap

Just under one month ago I set out to complete an Oscar Challenge. The challenge was to watch all 9 movies that are nominated for Best Picture prior to the show. I did not quite make it through all 9 but I did see 6 of them which I've got to say, I'm quite pleased with! I suppose there is still a chance I could see one or two more before the show on Sunday night, but I highly doubt it. I saw: Silver Linings Playbook, Les Misérables, Django Unchained, Beast of the Southern Wild, Zero Dark Thirty and Argo. Each one of these movies was good in their own way but I must say, after seeing Les Misérables, I felt like it was winner. I still feel that way. It's not that it was the best of the lot, because they are all VERY different movies (and this one is 100% musical, not one word spoken, so you have to like that), it's just that it was incredibly well done and affected me long after it was over. It was excellent. That being said, if Django won I would fully understand. It also impressed me.

Did you see any? Any predictions?

For my brief review of each movie, scroll on down, but I want to first share another "Funny Friday" video that is quite topical. I'm pretty sure it's hilarious if you've not seen Les Misérables but if you have, all the better!


Let the Reviews Begin! (in the order I saw them)

Silver Linings Playbook - Great movie. Good, strong, unique story and incredible acting. Prior to this movie I was not a Jennifer Lawrence fan, but I became one after seeing this. Although I really liked it, and can't point out any flaw, I don't feel like it will/should win Best Picture.

Les Misérables - After this was finished, I found my self consumed with what I just saw and was sure, even though I'd not finished my challenge, that this would win best picture. I still believe that. You have to like musicals to enjoy this as there is zero talking, but I love musicals and this musical happens to be my favourite. The movie did not disappoint.

Django Unchained - Another great flick. You do have to like Tarintino in order to enjoy this movie, and if you do, you will love it too! Typical of his work you are constantly visually stimulated by his creativity, and you feel like he has shown you the world as he imagines it. As for the story, it is thought provoking and riveting. To compare it to one of his previous films, I would definitely say Inglorious Bastards style as opposed to a Kill Bill. If this won best picture I would not be surprised or disappointed.

Beasts of the Southern Wild - This movie was definitely more on the artistic side. It's not one that I would necessarily recommend but that's mostly because I don't think it would appeal to a broad audience. You'd have to like a certain kind of movie AND be in a certain kind of mood I think. The first half was VERY artsy, but I really enjoyed the story in the second half.

Zero Dark Thirty - Very tough subject matter detailing the events that followed 9/11 but it was an exceptional movie that was very tastefully done. Jessica Chastain is nominated for her role in this and I was blown away by her performance. I'm thinking she might win.

Argo - As everyone probably knows, this movie is based on a true story. I knew that going in but was not really familiar with the story itself. I thought it was riveting. I also found myself fully engaged and at the edge of my seat the whole time! It was really well told and the acting was superb. I had heard from a couple of people who saw it in the theatre that it was a little long (as in they could have cut out at least 20 minutes by editing it a bit better) but I didn`t really feel that way - likely because I was watching it from the comfort of my own couch! :)

 

Oscar Challenge

It is EXACTLY one month until the Oscars and I've decided to give myself a challenge between now and then - watch every movie nominated for best picture. I've noticed on Facebook that there are a couple of people who are doing this, and that inspired me to give it a go. I mean, I love movies so why not!? Quite a few of them are on my "to-see" list anyway. 

So, can I do it? What will be my favourite? Only time will tell. For anyone who doesn't know, here is the full list of movies nominated for Best Picture:

I've never done this before and I have no idea how successful I will be, mostly because I don't even know if a few of these are still in theaters, but I will give it a shot! As I see them I'll be sure to review as I like to do, and most of all, share whether or not I think they're Oscar worthy! 

Have you seen any? Where to begin...

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Love Actually

EVERY SINGLE CHRISTMAS SEASON this is a must watch for me! Definitely one of my favourite movies of all time, this film just warms my heart and gets me in the holiday spirit like nothing else.

I just watched it with my cousin and there were so many times we were saying "oh, this part is so good!", or even got emotional! (That's my M.O. by the way - I'm a weeper!) Since the movie takes place while counting down to Christmas, it's hard not to let the Christmas spirit take you over. It's also such a powerful movie when it comes to love. Isn't love the best?! So many stars in it too. I just can't get enough of it. I'm pretty sure I smile from start to end, haha!

With the negative things going on in the world/on the news as of late, the opening dialogue in the movie is something worth sharing and keeping in mind: "Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around."

Chances are you have seen this movie, BUT if you have not, I recommend you drop everything you're doing right now and watch it immediately. You will not regret it. 

Skyfall

I love James Bond. A lot. So you can imagine I was outstandingly excited for the lastest Bond, Skyfall, to come out. I went to see it at an pre-screening this past Thursday night. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and maybe more.

Whether you know James Bond well or not, most people know that this latest installment starring Daniel Craig has been a very different kind of Bond. It's darker. It starts Bond's story from when he became 007 (in Casino Royale) and develops the character and why he is the way he is. I also find they leave out some of the farcical James, and some of the cheese. These latest movies are also very intelligent. The third movie holds true to that. What I rather enjoyed, is that now that we are on movie number three, the story of the Bond we know and love is developing further! Certain characters have appeared for example. Another thing was this movie release coincides with the 50th anniversary of Bond. There are endless references (both subtle and not so subtle) to the previous Bond movies. I found that quite fun of course, but you can still enjoy the movie if these go over your head. I almost feel like a Bond geek because they all/most stuck out to me! (Who am I kidding, I'm totally a Bond geek)

So more on the movie. As one would expect it is a total action flick. As previously mentioned, it's so intelligent. The acting is also worth noting as it was incredible. There has never been a Bond actor that has been nominated (for their Bond performance), but I kind of think that might change. Javier Bardem... WOW! He was the villain and he was mind-blowing in my opinion. Another nomination I could see is Adele getting nominated for writing/performing the theme song. That's an easy prediction though. Bond songs have been nominated in the past, but maybe she'll be the first to win?

I can't possibly go on without giving more away - I highly recommend going to see it. It's outstanding and my love for James Bond is only stronger from it.

Me and James

I Love Katy Perry

I really do! I recently watched her movie, Katy Perry: Part of Me, and that's where this love came from. 

I've always enjoyed her music, and I've always thought she was a super talented singer (when you are singing alone in the shower or car, those notes are harder to hit then you might think!), but I never really thought much of HER. With her recent costumes lately - the bright candy themed concoctions - I didn't know what to make of her. After watching this movie, all that changed. No, I don't like the candy costumes, but I do like her. I love her. She is the bees knees. 

Firstly, this movie started and ended with fans talking about Katy and how she's inspired and motivated them. It's extremely touching. She might have an element of fantasy about her but she is also very much about being who you are and doing what you believe is right for you, and following your dreams.

This movie is divided into two very interesting themes: her tour and all its moving parts, and her life (past, present, future). I thought it was super cool to get a behind the scenes of her tour. Her costumes, her prep, her team, her travel, her interaction with fans, and of course her actual performances! So much goes into this thing, it's just incredible! Then the other theme of her life. Without giving away the story, I thought her rise to fame was interesting. Her motivation and spirit is quite admirable. She worked hard to be where she is, and she's still working hard. You also get to see bits and pieces of her love life, her marriage to Russell Brand. It's no secret that they are since divorced, but the movie happened to be filming while their marriage was unraveling. It's heartbreaking. 

Aside from the romance, you also get to see her with her family, and friends. She's just a normal girl living a not-so-normal life and I think that was my favourite part - seeing her laugh and joke, having a good time, and enjoying what's she's worked so hard to achieve. I do recommend you check it out for yourself!

Snow White & the Huntsman

This past weekend I watched the movie Snow White & the Huntsman - I originally wanted to see it in theaters but never made it so when it came out last week I jumped right on it! I was so "wowed" by this movie, I highly recommend it. 

It was deep and dark. The cinematography was beautiful. And the acting... OH, the acting. Firstly, Charlize Theron stole the show. She played the evil queen and her performance was chilling and powerful. I think she is an awesome actress and she did not disappoint. Can't say enough good things, just amazing talent there. Snow White was played by Kristin Stewart of course. I don't normally like her (I find her quite awkward) but I think she did a great job! Opposite her was Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman. He was also excellent in his role, although I will admit, I found his good looks distracting! :) Every other supporting character was super strong as well.

A couple of months ago I saw the movie Mirror Mirror (with Julia Roberts and Lily Collins), which also tells the Snow White story with the huntsman. That was a cute movie, but definitely on the cheesy side. It doesn't even compare to this one. This movie was like the grown up version, and really did blow me away.

3 Movies, 3 Reviews

I've been out to see a few movies in the theatre recently and I wanted to write up some reviews on them. Just my personal opinion of course... 

Magic Mike - Ok, my recommendation is DON'T GO SEE IT. If I'm too late, I'm sorry. There is nothing worth seeing in this movie other than Channing Tatum. Even then it's still iffy if he's worth it. There are handsome men in this movie - yes. There are handsome men dancing in this movie - no; they are more or less just bouncing around awkwardly. Story had potential but was super weak. Just as it was getting somewhere, the movie ended. No no no. 

The Dark Night Rises (Batman, of course) - This new Batman series rocks my world. I loved this movie. If you like the series or even just the last one, you'll like this one for sure. Great acting all around - in fact, the entire cast of Inception minus Leo is in this movie. For real. Strong story. Great villain. Beautiful ending. To me the only negative is that this marks the end of the trilogy, so no more to come.

Savages - Yes yes yes. Great flick! Great actors! Love story, drug story, action story. It was a very strong and unique story. Almost had that Indie movie vibe to it, but with a Hollywood budget. I liked Blake Lively before seeing this movie, but I didn't think she was a strong actress until I saw this movie. She wow'ed me. Everyone did really. Bravo Oliver Stone, Bravo.

Drive

Another quick movie review as I saw the film Drive with a good friend last night. I'm going to give it two thumbs up, but I'm also going to say it's not for everyone.

It is an indie film, which I tend to enjoy more often than not, and it felt like an indie film. It had the artistic element to it that might expect from one. I am a big fan of Ryan Gosling and although he's charging ahead into the mainstream now, it was nice to see him come back to indie as that's where I think some of his strongest performances have been. In this movie he is a man of few words but emotes with every movement and facial subtlety which proves his incredible talent.

It was an action movie; it was a thriller; it was a drama. It was good. Really good.

Quick facts:

• Movie: Drive
• Date Released: September 16, 2011
• Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan



Dream House... Was Not So Dreamy

Last night I went to the movies with my cousin – we went to see Dream House. I wasn’t sure exactly what kind of movie it would be; whether it would be a scary movie, thriller, or something of the like. Turns out, I’m still not sure after seeing it.

As with most movies I see, I watched the full length trailer beforehand. Looked good! One fault (and post-link warning… sorry) is that the trailer gave away a key component to the movie. I was watching the movie thinking, “well they’re going to get to that part really quickly and then we’ll really get into the movie”. I was wrong. What I saw was the “twist” and I ended up watching about two thirds of the movie knowing more than the average audience. Luckily my cousin hadn’t seen the preview I did so she wasn’t “in the know”, but she agreed, that if she knew what I did, the movie would be ruined.

MOVING ON from my very specific problem, I thought the movie was ok. Average. Then came the ending and I felt like it had been someones after thought; almost an “Ooops! We have to wrap things up somehow!”.

Quick Facts

• Movie: Dream House
• Date Released: September 30, 2011
• Starring: Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts