Watchman: Thinking Zone

WARNING: this movie is not for everyone. That being said, it is one of the best comic movies I've seen in a long time. It is intelligent, dark, unlikable, and totally intriguing.

I have not read the comic book and I think that gave me an objective view of the film by itself. Like I said this is not for everyone. Most traditional movie goers will leave the film unsatisfied. But, if you have an open mind and deal with trips to Mars, you can start to interpret the film as an allegory.

Politics, Religion, and human nature are all examined and at the end leaves you questioning yourself and your morals within society. So, don't see this movie if you want something mindless. Other wise enjoy.

It's V-Day

With all the love in the air it's time to recap some of the most romantic flicks. I normally would stay away from the topic but I got in a discussion yesterday over what I feel is a great film.

The opposition did not think it was as great and it happened to be my No. 1 romantic film as well.

I will apologise in advance to the females out there, "Pretty Woman" did not make the list.

10. Sleepless in Seattle

9. Atonement

8. Annie Hall

7. The Princess Bride

6. Say Anything

5. Moulin Rouge

4. Amelie

3. Titanic

2. When Harry Met Sally

1. Casablanca

So there you have it. It may be a little commercial and some may move up or down a spot, but I'm sticking with my No. 1.

Oscar Time

Well I have been on a blog hiatus but thanks to the academy I'm back. Most everyone in the movie world is giving their opinion on who got snubbd and who got it right. But, that is not gonna happen here...at least not yet.

Most people speak as athorities on the subject and have only seen half the nominated films. To those people...shuit up. And, with all due respect, the best actor catagories are some of the least important of the whole awards. I due recognize that they due play a vital role but the media foucse on them too much. When will they start to recognize cinematography as an above the line award. that goes for best original score as well.

I guess I'm not at the point yet where I can pick what film is going to win for what... I'm stuck at the point where people are falling over themselves to talk about who should get what while generally forgetting about little catagories like "best original screenplay."

I will returen to give you my picks (After I finish seeing all the films) so for now, think of the last film you saw and ask yourself...how did the film make you feel and why. The answers will hopfully surprise you.

The Obligatory Christmas List

Tis the season to rank and file the holiday flicks. You know it's what number on is...I hope you do. But for the fun it we will list the 10 you should see this yule tide time around. So, skip on the latest theatre offering and stick to the staples. And here...we...go.

10. Muppet Christmas Carol - Patrick Stewart does a good scrooge, plus Rizzo and Gonso...you can't go wrong.
9. Home Alone - AAAAAAHHHHHHH.
8. The Santa Clause - Really good family fun.
7. Elf - The last good Christmas movie.
6. Christmas Vacation - Jam of the month club.
5. Miracle on 34th Street - Classic
5.5 Love Actually - All you need is love.
4. Meet John Doe - Timely, now more then ever.
3. Die Hard - Yippy Kay Yay.
2. A Christmas Story - You'll shoot your eye out.
1. It's A Wonderful Life - you know it's true

Have a great holiday and share it with someone you love.

Shooting From The Hip At The Globes

Well the announcements from the Hollywood Foreign Press are here and without much thought here are my picks for the Golden Globes.

Best Motion Picture - Drama
Revolutionary Road

Best Actress Film - Drama
Meryl Streep - Doubt

Best Actor Film - Drama
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
In Bruges

Best Actress Film - Musical or Comedy
Sally Hawkins - Happy-go-lucky

Best Supporting Actress Film
Amy Adams - Doubt

Best Supporting Actor Film
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight

Best Animated Feature
Wall-E

Best Foreign Film
The Badder Meinhof Complex

Best Director Film
Sam Mendez - Revolutionary Road

Best Screenplay Film
Simon Beaufoy - Slumdog Millionare

Best Original Score Film
Hans Zimmer - Frost/Nixon

Best Original Song
"Once in a Lifetime" - Cadillac Records

Best TV Series - Drama
Mad Men

Best Actress TV - Drama
Sally Field - Brothers and Sisters

Best Actor TV - Drama
Hugh Laurie

Best TV Series - Musical or Comedy
30 Rock

Best Actress TV - Musical or Comedy
Tina Fey - 30 Rock

Best Actor TV - Musical or Comedy
Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock

Best Mini-series or Film for TV
John Adams

Best Actress Mini-series or Film for TV
Laura Linny - John Adams

Best Actor Mini-series or Film for TV
Paul Giamatti - John Adams

Best Supporting Actress in Series, Mini-series or Film for TV
Dianne Wiest - In Treatment

Best Supporting Actor in Series, Mini-series or Film for TV
Tom Wilkinson - John Adams

There you have it my gut check of winners. Feel free to tell me I'm wrong but this just my be a perfect list.

Grammy What?

I don't put much stock in awards, especially ones that have a prime time special to announce the nominees, so why do I care about the Grammys? The new talent.

It's easy to see that people get nominated because they have a name, Paul McCartney "That was me" shaking my head, But artist like Adele, Duffy, M.I.A., The Mars Volta, Raphael Saadique, etc. may have been around but never got the exposure they deserved. So for the undeserving, Metallica, to the perennials, John Mayer, we get a glimmer of what awards should be...The most deserving artists of the year get recognized. Sorry Wild Sweet Orange, your debut may be great but I'll see you in five years in the best new artist category.

If only the best get recognised, no one will tune in to the awards "show," Because the the best hasn't reached the main stream yet. Then Coke won't have an audience to pimp its product and isn't that what it's all about, marketing.

So, you'll have to have the average and the "has beens" to get in the audience. So you'll see the Eagles, Al Green, and Jay-Z and they may win but should they?

Even though it's flawed maybe the Academy Awards can take a hint from the Grammys. Take a chance on something, dare I say, independent. A picture without a distributor or even "stars." You may say that I'm a dreamer... Oh wait, Carol King's "You've got a friend" won 1971. Imagine that.

Prediction: Coldplay - Viva La Vita - Wins 5 out of 7
Buddy Guy is a lock.

The December Greed

Well here we are. Officially in December and we are in a recession (for real now), transition in government power, and a war. We need Christmas more this year then most. But that is not for a few more weeks. So, we get the joy of spreading out the credit cards to buy crap for others that they really don't need.

I know there has been countless movies on the true meaning of Christmas (List later this month) but some how we keep forgetting. We still go beyond our means to buy a bread maker for Aunt Sue(who will only use it once). What is the solution...I don't know. I like getting stuff for people. And I feel like a heel if I don't get anything for others.

Maybe make a pact with your family not to by anything for each other. Those over 16 that is; you can't really explain to your 5 year old niece that Christmas is not happening this year cause of a national recession, they won't get it. So, while money is on the brain I leave you with the top 5 movies about greed.

5. Blood Diamond
4. Spirited Away
3. Enron: The smartest guy in the room
2. There will be Blood
1. Wall Street

Happy Shopping