Reviewing the Year: 2008 (Animated, Sets, Suporting Actress, Documentary)

Time to continue with these. One more acting category coming up, along with a tech and two recognizing the best in their fields. But, unlike the Academy, they aren't ghettos, they might show up later in the main categories too.

Best Animated Feature Film

Bolt

Without Pixar, Disney hasn't really had anything worthy in over a decade. This, however, raises their quality from recent failures to a nice fun animated little film.

Horton Hears a Who!

Honoring one of the most beloved Seuss's books of all, plus that extra simpathy flavor added, I'm sad this was forgotten because of its early release, because it remained as one of the best animated films in a while.

Kung Fu Panda

Dreamworks has gone for comedy over....everything really, and have proved to repeat their jokes a big amount of times. Above their average silly film, it stands out as one of their best, but still...nothing amazing.

WALL•E***

It's no mystery that Pixar has learned how to master animation. Combined with their extraordinary imagintion and writing skills, their little jewels always appear with recognition in this category, and usually take the prize. This year is no exception with one of their finest so far.

Vals Im Bashir [Waltz With Bashir]

The only animated jewel I saw that can take away the gold from Pixar. Exploring delicate and harsh fields, with an impressive amount of imagery added. Being animated didn't make it any less impressive, but more easy to absorb and admire. A very big honorable mention.

BONUS: Proof that animation is not only for kids.

Best Achievement in Art Direction

Australia by Catherine Martin

Let me remind you, Mrs. Martin was also the one in charge of the previous Luhrmann production, Moulin Rouge! breathtaking sets. She has a more limited field this time, and still created some pretty awesome sets to enjoy during the movie.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by Donald Graham Burt

I want to think Fincher rellied on these to impress the audience. And well...he really did.

BONUS: Different time periods and many, many places.

Synecdoche, New York by Mark Freidberg***

Wicked, odd, crazy, and well, out of this world. You never really know if you are in a dream, the real world, or a play. Great designs and very effective.

The Fall by Gled Clark

Like the costumes, Clark takes a different approach, showing he's not afraid to go further away into unexplored territories particularly in this field.

WALL•E

After a short tour through space and the "Axiom", it's not hard to be impressed by the little details and polishing the background sets had. Creative and realistic.

Honorable Mentions (ranked)

Arrancame la Vida [Tear This Heart Out]

The Dark Knight

Okuribito [Departures]

Revolutionary Road

The Duchess

Changeling

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (looking at my nominees, this was a year for human, touching and heartfelt performances in this category)

Penelope Cruz as María Elena in Vicky Cristina Barcelona

With less than 13 minutes on screen, and appearing until the last half of the film, Cruz easily walks away with the whole movie. Her irrevent, screaming, kick-ass performance joins the group of great Allen supporting actresses.

BONUS: Her sexy work in Elegy, but that's a leading performance and the category is too crowded for her.

Vera Farmiga as Erica Van Doren in Nothing But the Truth***

What a bitch, what an agent, and what a woman! Completely fell in love with her after just 3 minutes of seeing her. You don't really know if she's a good person, a bad person, or simply...a person that's doing her job.

BONUS: Her chemistry with Kate Beckinsaly helped those raw discussion scenes.

Samantha Morton as Hazel in Synecdoche, New York

Probably having the baitiest role in the whole movie helped, but she still managed to work everything out and has a few brilliant scenes as the Hoffman's main counterpart most of the time.

Marisa Tomei as Cassidy in The Wrestler

This is not the first time we've seen Tomei go into this field, but as proven before, she can handle it quite perfectly, and once in a while she'll knock it out of the park.

BONUS: "I'm here. I'm really here."

Elsa Zylberstein as Léa in Il yes a Longtemps que Je t'Aime [I've Loved You So Long]

Now this...the true subtle masterpiece acting of the year. In a borderline leading/supporting role, Zylberstein completely broke my heart in one of my favorite performances of the year, even erasing from scene Scott-Thomas' acclaimed work, who also did her great work.

Close to the Cut

Lena Olin as Rose & Ileana Mather in The Reader

I vatly preffered her in her second role, and mostly she's here because of that last scene. Talk about A+ work in limited roles.

Michelle Williams as Claire Keen in Synecdoche, New York

Like the Milk-men, the Synecdoche-gals outshine each other and keep the film alive. It was hard to choose between her and Morton, but in the end both were as real and funny as they could've possibly been. Ask me tomorrow and I may say I prefer Williams to Morton.

Honorable Mentions (ranked)

The rest of the great gals in Synecdoche, New York, but a special mention to Dianne Weist and Catherine Keener.

Hiam Abbass as the hearbreaking outsider mother in The Visitor.

Tilda Swinton's double hits, short screentime and still being one of the best of the cast in Burn After Reading and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Debra Winger as the unlovable mother in Rachel Getting Married

Best Documentary Feature

Man on Wire*

Deserving Oscar winner. Entertaining, interesting, and keeps the audience involved in the premise.

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired

Trouble the Water

Young @ Heart

Probably the one I could connect with the most. Tearing me apart while also cheering me up with good memories.

Thoughts??? Your own?

NEXT: Costumes, Film Music, Song and Film Editing + the WORST of the year (no lineups, only "winners")

Reviewing the Year: 2008 (Cinematography, Supporting Actor, Sound categories)

Here we go! Starting the 2008 awards with these 4 categories. I refuse to rank my nominees, but I'll use a similar system to the Oscar one. I'll present to you my 5 "best" nominees in alphabetical order with my winner, I refuse to rank my other 4 nominees and also I'll give a couple of honorable mentions.

Best Cinematography

Australia by Mandy Walker

In a perfect display of beauty, Walker takes advantage of Australia's magnificent fields and sights making us fall in love with that land Baz Luhrmann illuminates in his film. A close runner up I admit.

The Dark Knight by Wally Pfister

Powerful and agile in a smart combination with the editing, adds tension and mood to the movie. A master show for the cinematographer, improving the already great work shown in the previous movie.

The Fall by Colin Watkinson

Unlike what I saw in other films, Watkinson takes a full approach at the amazing costumes and sets made for the movie. Creating a new and unique world the movie takes us into helped by this creative photography.

Revolutionary Road by Roger Deakins***

Subtle, terrifying, haunting and tricky. After already showing his talent, Mr. Deakins leaves it clear he understands the tone and the story maybe even better than the actors and the director. Transforming the suburbs into a whole different world. Outstanding work.

BONUS: He accomplishes more than what other cinematographers could with less impressive views.

Slumdog Millionaire by Anthony Dod Mantle

Lively and witty as the film itself. Manages to stand out whether we are in a tv studio or in the impressive low sides of India.

BONUS: "Paper Planes" and the kids running away.....wow

Honorable Mentions

It was a great year for pretty images, the following were as good as my top 5.....

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Let the Right One In

Milk

The Reader

Synecodoche, New York

The Wrestler

WALL•E (I'm not sure how much does the cinematographer actually interfere)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

Ralph Fiennes as Harry Waters in In Bruges

Despite appearing until the second third into the film, Fiennes is everything he was required to and more in a great way, almost stealing the last act in show from the also impressive Farrell and Gleeson.

Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones in Milk

Gay...in every sense of the word. Cute, funny, interesting, and with a full screen presence in such a strong cast.

Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight***

Mr. Ledger...the performance of the year undoubtedly. Amazed critics, fans and viewers and it's not hard to wonder why. In an already used (tons of times) character by more than talented actors, Ledger applies a full dose of madness and soul to the character we hadn't seen until now. His resounding performance walks away with the two hour and a half movie. A fully deserved Oscar.

BONUS: The voice and the impeccable laugh.

Eddie Marsan as Scott in Happy-Go-Lucky

Never losing focus in Hawkins but by joining her in a role as internally complex. Leigh (director) has proved once again how mastrclass acting doesn't require over the top wacky characters but with real human beings. A big applause for Mr. Marsan.

BONUS: The last drivign lesson and first appearance.

Michael Shannon as John Givings in Revolutionary Road

With probably the toughest role in the whole movie and with a mere 8 minutes on screen, Shannon holds up as much as the leading performances making the most of his screentime by screaming directly the truths by which the movie hurts us so much.

Close to the Cut

Robert Downey Jr. as Kirk Lazarus in Tropic Thunder

Hilarious, going much further than a simple comedic role making fun of character actors.

James Franco as Scotty Smith in Milk

Probably the most human and subtle performance in the whole film. Definitely worthy of a mention. Him and Hirsch were almost equally as good.

Honorable Mentions (ranked)

Brad Pitt in his best work of the year as an athletic hot head in Burn After Reading

Bill Irwin as the caring father and leader of a troubled family in Rachel Getting Married

Gary Oldman's stand out work in The Dark Knight

Anil Kapoor as the annoyingly smug tv show host in Slumdog Millionaire

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

Cloverfield

The Dark Knight

Iron Man

Slumdog Millionaire

I disagree a lot with its Oscar win, but the smart combination of sounds and music deserves a mention here.

WALL•E*

Even if it wasn't the first time Pixar shows his ability with sounds, here they took it to a whole new level. Robots + space + humans + score + mother ship voice = best sound mixing of the year.

Best Achievement in Sound Editing

The Dark Knight

Kung Fu Panda

Iron Man

Quantum of Solace

WALL•E*

Having to create the main dialogues in a nice but realistic way. We had to hear robots trying to communicate with each other. Definitely one of the best of the decade.

Thoughts??? Your own?

NEXT: Supporting Actress, Sets, Animated Feature and Documentary

First Predictions of the Year: Best Picture

Ok, I'll be quick with these ones, and I won't do Director or the Screenplays now, there isn't much by doing that.

last year: Changeling, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Doubt, Frost/Nixon and Revolutionary Road. 

Fairly good, considering 2 of these made the cut, 1 was a strong bet and the other one had a chance. I never had much faith in Milk, and when reviews came out for F/N I took it out. The closest I was, October predix: Benjamin Button, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, Slumdog Millionaire, WALL*E. I've learned a few tips, so hopefully this year I do better.

and the nominees are...

An Education

Who? Lone Scherfig, Carey Mulligan, Peter Saarsgard, Alfred Molina

Why? Honestly, I want to predict Saarsgard, I'm almost sure he's going to be brilliant, but I preferred to wait to see his final category placement. If anything, I think this may be in for a sole Picture slot while its director missed the cut. Why? It looks like an actors piece. Academy likes actors pieces, but unless it's also a great movie alone. Reason why Doubt failed to score in the end.

Bright Star

Who? Oscar winner Jane Campion, Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Paul Schider 

Why? Rumor has it, it's Campion's back to shape piece. If they mean it, Campion's back to shape is definitely something to watch out for. It's also a period drama with newbies in the leading roles. I think it's pretty safe for now.

Invictus

Who? Oscar winners Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

Why? The Academy has lately loved to kiss Clint's ass, except last year, Eastwood movies have been big players in the ceremony since 03. It's also a biopic? The Academy won't resist, this is probably in.

Nine

Who? Rob Marshall (dir), The Weinsteins (prod), Kate Hudson, Fergie and Oscar winners Sophia Loren, Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard.

Why? I'm all in for this to sweep the whole awards, and Marshall to take the Oscar they wrongfully denied him back in 02. With these cast it's bound to be in immediate consideration. Marshall isn't exactly a director we'd call Oscar favorite, but he even scored with critically accepted (not acclaimed) Memoirs of a Geisha. Maybe Marshall is just great with musicals, not dramas. If he adds the spice he added to the original Chicago, and this turns out as good, this is in.

Precious

Who? Gabourey Sibide, Mo'Nique, Lee Daniels (dir), Mariah Carey...wait..who?

Why? I refuse to believe this will make the big cut (and I also refuse to think it'll be as good as buzz is telling it to be). But this has already become an independet phenomenom among critics. Aparrently pumped by great lead performances by all the cast (yes, including Carey). I'm just not sure. Doesn't seem to me the Academy will bite. Maybe when those films we aren't expecting anything great now surprise us later in the year we can forget about this. Let's wait and see.

just in case, my 6th close option was...The Lovely Bones

It's probably my second most anticipated for the whole year. The cast looks great, and if I've learned anything in the past is that Jackson is absolutely brilliant when it comes to adapting books. I'm doubting it because of the fantasy elements I'm not exactly sure the Academy will bite.

Other interesting projects to watch out for (not neccessarily for awards, just interesting projects that will come out this year):

1939 (ok....I have no idea what this is about but we always welcome new things!)

(500) Days of Summer (looks like a nice indie flick with nice performances)

A Serious Man (Coens?? I'm in)

Abrazos Rotos, Los (Almodóvar + Cruz = great)

Amelia (An interesting idea I may regret later to not predicted it for big thigs)

Antichrist (only for Von Triers fans, yeah um, not me)

Avatar (James Cameron is back??? AND with a sci-fi? Yummmmyyy)

Away We Go (so far I've liked all of Sam Mendes' films, and loved some, I really want to see this)

Biutiful (Iñarritu is quite the director, let's see...it has Bardem in the leading role)

Boat that Rocked, The (From the director of "Love Actually", and he's back with another star cast) 

Cheri (looks good, but nothing more than a couple of acting nods + sets and costumes)

Coco Avant Chanel (Audrey Tautou as Coco? That has to be good) 

Green Zone (Paul Grengrass and Matt Damon team up again, we have to check it out)

Inglorious Basterds (Quentin Tarantino....)

Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, The (honestly? I think with this one we should wait and see)

Informant, The (Soderbergh has proven to be hit or miss, hopefully this is a hit)

Last Station, The (I have no idea why, but I think this may surprise everyone, the other acting showcase I'm really looking forward too, oh and #7 in my Picture predictions)

Moon (Nina should know what I'm talking about)

Public Enemies (meh....to me it looks like only a summer action flick, a great one though)

Shutter Island (not Oscar baity, but damn it looks great)

Road, The (somehow it passed from a contender for last year's Oscars to a good movie from this year, I still think it looks good)

Taking Woodstock (Ang Lee always has intersting things to give)

Up (Pixar has been lately released always one of the top 5 reviewed movies of the year, they were close with WALL*E, they're bound to get more than just Original Screenplay or Animated Feature sonner or later)

Whatever Works (Woody Allen? default "gotta see" movie)

Where the Wild Things Are (we've missed Spike Jonze, doesn't look like it'll garner awards, but he's proven quite the capable director so far)

White Ribbon, The (Cannes winner are always something great to see)

Wolf Man, The (not baity like at all...but after that juicy trailer, it looks like it may be the finest action movie of the year)

Anything else?

"Shutter Island" Trailer

Wow! Definitely nothing remotely close to what I was expecting, looks Marty might be going into new territories (horror?), and DiCaprio looks actually quite good. I definitely think this won't get any member awards recogntion, but damn! Definitely looks hot. I'm soooo gonna see this.  

         

Reviewing the Year: 2008

We're almost halfway through 2009, but I don't care. I don't fully decide what's the best until I've seen at least everything I wanted to, or felt like seeing. Hence, here are finally what would have been my picks for the best (and worst) of last year. First "category", the Most overrated:

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

It's a pretty movie, a nice one even. But most of the time it passed for pretentious, shallow effects that while having a great story to tell, it fell flat. The production is marevlous, Blanchett it enchanting, Swinton magnificent and Henson is adorable but other than that, it doesn't hold much weight. Empty work disguised behind Fitzgelard's tale and those awesome effects. Best of the year? Definitely not. To me it resembles more an epic summer blockbuster rather than the awards film it was. I really liked it the first time, the second time was ok, and seeing it one last time two weeks ago I noticed the amount of flaws it had. If it was for me, it would have never been close to the "bests" of the year. Oh and Pitt's performance is probably the most ridiculous praised thing I saw last year. 

Doubt

Big failure for John Patrick Shanley. Why? You have an acclaimed play that you bring to life with some of the most acclaimed actors this generation, and you don't deliver greatness. Basically, it's only flaw was the direction, if Shanley hadn't been so proud he would've turned the ropes to someone more capable. However, the witty and smart screenplay plus the great (but not awesome, like it could) cast saved it from being a disaster. Not a bad movie, but definitely one with the potential to have been a great one. 

Slumdog Millionaire

Loved the movie, then why is it here? Just as a small complain to those in charge of giving out the awards. It's a fantastic, uplifting movie full of heart, but the thing got out of hand. Taking home every possible award, even some guilds recognized it as the "best" in fields it really doesn't stand out. Costume Design? pleeaaseeee Proof of how crazy everyone went over it were the Academy Awards. It was a good winner for the major prize, and Boyle's statue was more than deserved, but obviously some people just wanted to give it as many awards as possible. The sound was actually great, but how it won over 3 movies trully astonishing in that field this year is beyond me.

Other than these there weren't any good-bad movies receiving undeserved love this year. Possibly Frost/Nixon since it's just outside my top 15 of the year, but I still liked it quite a lot and it didn't exactly receive lots of love.

NEXT: some techs + 1st acting

First Predictions of the Year: Best Lead Actress

In probably my favorite category, it was tough seeing as how it's easier to be a young unrecognized face and get in, while they also like to praise known veterans. 

and the nominees are...

Abbie Cornish as Fanny Brawne in Bright Star

Like I said, if this really is Jane Campion's "comeback" then expect it to be grand. So I see it as a big player furing awards season. If your memory doesn't fail you, last time Campion showed us her talent, she took an Oscar home for Original Screenplay, while her two gals walked away with the acting categories (Holly Hunter and young Anna Paquin). If Campion delivers, I see her new leading gal getting attention again. 

Carey Mulligan as Jenny in An Education

Oscar likes them young. The average age for a winner here is 27 years old! Lately we've seen newcomers to the category invited with a nomination or even a win in their first try. The film looks interesting and she has the lead role. If she's able to carry the whole film by herself, the fact that she's only 24 won't matter.

Michelle Pfeiffer as Lea de Lonval in Cheri

She's la Pfeiffer...oh wait. The last time she was nominated was 27 years ago, ouch. So no, she's not the big player some think, or at least she's not anymore. Either way, Frears normally has luck with his leading leadies, so this can possibly mean her comeback at the ceremony. However, I don't have that much faith in her anymore. Early reviews (AND the trailer seemed to cofirm this) say it's mostly Bates' show, so she may end up being forgotten. And honestly, seeing the release date and the trailer, this is not going to get major noms other than for the pretty costumes (Pfeiffer looks mesmerixing in that pic) and sets in it to look at.

Emily Watson as Evgenia Ginzburg in Within the Whirlwind

It's a biopic where she uses an accent AND she suffers and cries a lot. Unless she reaches the "ridiculous" line I think she's pretty safe. She's respected in the industry and is a previous nominee, if her campaing succeeds I think she may finally win. However, it's a small film, Oscar doesn't dig small too often.

Renee Zellweger in My Own Love Song

WOW 4 roles in a single year: 2 aimed at people and 2 aimed at critics. She teams up with the director that lead Cotillard to her winning turn in La Vie en Rose 2 years ago. She's a previous winner in the supporting category, with 2 failed attempts at leading. She plays a character with disabilities. It's been a while, if she delivers, she can get in.

just in case, my 6th close option was...Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones

I want her to get in. I really do, and this is probably my most anticipated performance in this category. Ronan has proved herself as an actress, a magnificent young actress, and already an Oscar nominee. She has the leading role in this film, but knowing Oscar, if it's a child = supporting. Hopefully, that previous nominee status helps her get her right placement. I've read the novel, and there's basically no way Jackson can take down the role to supporting in the film unless he changes the whole story.

Well, Ronan is definitely something to watch out for. I'm a Zellweger fan, even if her recent works have been major letdowns, so I hope this is a "back to shape" year and she delivers. Pfeiffer....*sigh* I had so much hope for Pfeiffer, and what I saw in the trailer let me down immensely. I can no longer see her get the win I wanted, and I'm not even sure if a nom. An Education looks acting wise: brilliant, so I have big hopes for Mulligan. And well, Campion can definitely make her actresses do great things, not only Hunter, but Winlset in Holy Smoke! too. So, possibly Cornish is a surprise to come. Watson? meh....I'll be sincere, I've never loved her as an actress, I think she repeats herself too much (not exactly the role, but her performances). I'll have an open mind, but I doubt she impresses me. And though it may be a mistake, I don't think the pumped Gabourey Sibide in Precious can score a nod. I may be wrong, but I just don't see the film being an Oscar hit (and I have no interest in it, not even to see Mo'Nique).

As for the ones not mentioned here, we have Cannes winner Charlotte Gainsburg in Antichrist, but I h-a-t-e Lars Von Trier, so I doubt she will get in or that she's something I'll enjoy. I just have the feeling Cruz will split votes in the two categories, but that doesn't mean her new collaboration with Almodóvar, Los Abrazos Rotos, is something I'm not anticipating a lot. We also have Rachel Weisz in 3 new projects and McAdams with what might be her first baity role The Time Traveler's Wife, I'm pumped as hell to see her in it (I think she's one of the best young actresses out there). And while I think it looks corny as hell and doesn't stand a chance, fans still stand up for Sarah Michelle Gellar in Veronika Decides to Die. Oh and last, but not least, Helen Mirren has a bunch of projects coming out, so she is bound to either get attention or split the votes. I think the latter. But, I want to see her in The Last Station and Love Ranch (welcome back Joe Pesci!!!) sooooo much.

No I didn't forget Tautou in Coco Avant Chanel or Hilary Swank in Amelia. I just have 0 faith in either. I love Tautou, but it doesn't look the movie or her performance will be anything special. And I've never thought Swank was much of an actress, just a one-hit-wonder when she gets roles meant for men (LOL), and seeing the material, I doubt she can get it right.

Oh and I think I already have one prediction completely wrong: Mrs. Streep in Julie & Julia as supporting. By the looks of the trailer and the new poster, I doubt Streep will be supporting, and if by the trailer I already think this, with the right campaign she can easily get in lead. Besides, she has that Nancy Meyers project coming out too.