tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post3988690993742095287..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Handicapping the Best Picture Oscar nomineesBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-84385798038044935252011-02-26T06:23:01.941-08:002011-02-26T06:23:01.941-08:00Uhhhh, twenty years from now, people will ask &quo...Uhhhh, twenty years from now, people will ask "They made a movie about Facebook!? Seriously!? It ain't The Godfather, that's for sure.<br /><br />Loved Winter's Bone, a superbly written, acted, and produced film featuring almost nobody you've ever heard of.<br /><br />Hated The Kids Are All Right, a bunch of great actors trying desperately to make quality out of a terrible story and script. Either Julianne Moore or Annette Bening ought to get an award for sheer effort.<br /><br />Inception had impressive effects (loved the ski war sequence) but nothing that requires three viewings to understand the story line should be on the Oscar list.Refnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-86348206560779052352011-02-24T18:12:28.281-08:002011-02-24T18:12:28.281-08:00After watching (and enjoying) the Social Network, ...After watching (and enjoying) the Social Network, I couldn't help but wonder if my enjoyment of the film was tainted by my affection for facebook, itself. I mean, if this movie was about the founders of Friendsters (anybody remember that site) or Petsmart, would it be regarded as highly? Any thoughts?Jonah Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03307743575731853498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-2716506373988938772011-02-24T15:24:22.299-08:002011-02-24T15:24:22.299-08:00Not that I care, but THE KING'S SPEECH will pr...Not that I care, but THE KING'S SPEECH will probably win. Partly because of the affliction thing, partly because it has a few people to root for (although the actual characters of the royal personages had to be scrubbed with Borax and carbolic to make them sympathetic), and because Hollywood falls at the feet of anything that feels British-y and Upper Class, pathetic social climbers that they are.<br /><br />What SHOULD win best picture? GHOST TOWN. Mind you, it was released in the fall of 2008, but few Hollywood movies of the last few years have given me as much enjoyment on repeat viewing. David Koepp wrote a great script and despite the presence of ghosts among the characters, used an absolute minimum of special effects. Ricky Gervais gave a wonderful performance, as did everyone else in the cast including Tea Leoni and Greg Kinnear (who wears his one costume, a tuxedo, with the same elan that Cary Grant brought to his gray flannel suit in NORTH BY NORTHWEST)<br /><br />For that matter, let's go back and right the Oscar mistakes of 1940 -- Best Picture: THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER; Best Actor: James Stewart, but for SHOP, not for losing Katharine Hepburn in THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (frankly, he was the winner). Best Actress, Margaret Sullavan (take your pick, either SHOP AROUND THE CORNER or THE MORTAL STORM -- she was wonderful in both of them). Best Supporting Actor would be split between Frank Morgan and Joseph Schildkraut for the same film -- they were both wonderful.<br /><br />As for Colin Firth, this will be the we-missed-you-last-year award. He should have won for A NORMAL MAN. Frankly, he seems to have been one of the few people connected with the film who read Christopher Isherwood's novel and realized that it a comedy . . .Matt Pattonhttp://notsomuch1962.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-73110756697867128682011-02-24T14:32:01.835-08:002011-02-24T14:32:01.835-08:00King's Speech. Not the 'full retard."...King's Speech. Not the 'full retard." Oscar lock.James W. Pharohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04973590650085722342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-48733889649404024582011-02-24T07:37:06.675-08:002011-02-24T07:37:06.675-08:00There are so many films nominated this year it rem...There are so many films nominated this year it reminds me why political elections have primaries.<br /><br />Do the ballots have write in sections?<br /><br />Is there a way of comparing the number of votes a movie gets this year vs whatever the best picture was from another year?William C Bonnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18419958146523957415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-37370861214829041112011-02-24T07:36:52.913-08:002011-02-24T07:36:52.913-08:00Of those I've seen, I'd say The King's...Of those I've seen, I'd say The King's Speech. It was just damned good. I haven't seen the Social Network and don't WANT to see it. I'm not a fan of Sorkin OR Fincher...and an interpetation of recent history that isn't agreed upon by the people involved sort of undermines it, for me. And I was under the impression it was less about building a website and more about a bunch of entitled dickheads treating women and each other badly.<br /><br />127 hours may be fantastic, but who wants to see that? Winter's Bone is similar in that regard. Black Swan was one I didn't see, so I can't speak to it. True Grit I'd have liked to see, though I think the Cohens often get a pass from Hollywood, even when they're not that good.<br /><br />The Fighter might be good or not....I don't think it hit critical mass to gain any attention. And it sounds like we've seen it several times before.<br /><br />Toy Story 3 is a great film, but the academy would never make it best film, nor Inception (though they are the two I've seen several times, for various reasons).<br /><br />Another thing about WInter's Bone...like The Kids are All Right, I only heard about it FROM the Oscars. Doesn't speak much about their chances, IMHO.WizarDruhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00251397305365764287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-74337989502359355532011-02-24T07:14:40.426-08:002011-02-24T07:14:40.426-08:00Geez Ken, The Social Network won't win because...Geez Ken, The Social Network won't win because there are too many Jews. They are the story and they created the movie: Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Severin, David Fincher, Aaron Sorkin, Jesse Eisenberg, Roony Mara, Armie Hammer (Judaic lineage). I'm probably missing some Moses survivors here (like half the crew), so please feel free to add to the roster.Infauxtainerhttp://infauxtainment.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-14212069239207059972011-02-24T05:16:28.146-08:002011-02-24T05:16:28.146-08:00The King's Speech will get best picture, not b...The King's Speech will get best picture, not because it's the best picture, but because it's t-t-t-triumph-over-adversity, and it looks a bit 'classy.' And it would be the perfect postscript - "and the whole heart-warming bally-hoo was turned into an Oscar-winning movie." Not that it wasn't good, it was well-scripted and had a terrific performance from Colin Firth. - but Social Network was better- fabulous script which, as you say, managed to make a riveting story out of a few gimps building a website. It was beautifully directed and the performances were excellent. <br />The Kids Are Alright - as you say, obviously they had to stick something else in there and it couldn't be "The Simpson's -The XXX Parody" Although that would be in with about the same chance of winning. <br />Toy Story 3, like 1 and 2, was magnificent, but it's never going to win.Macnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-43620917960091767862011-02-24T04:13:31.020-08:002011-02-24T04:13:31.020-08:00King's Speech will win because it seems more i...King's Speech will win because it seems more important and classier than The Social Network... but The Social Network is the far superior movie in every respect and deserves to win.bmfc1https://www.blogger.com/profile/17416188158730495359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5011815712891647652011-02-24T01:05:15.785-08:002011-02-24T01:05:15.785-08:00Toy Story 3, made me cry for the toys. :-)
This mo...Toy Story 3, made me cry for the toys. :-)<br />This movie, even animated is too nice for kids, there's a big impact for them.escalante bloggerhttp://www.escalantebloggers.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-57067156602155949832011-02-24T00:47:04.334-08:002011-02-24T00:47:04.334-08:00This is a tough year, I really admired all the fil...This is a tough year, I really admired all the films I've seen though thought the buzz around The Social Network was slightly overblown, Sorkin is terrific writer and I love Fincher's work (should have won SOMETHING for Zodiac) but there was a quality about The King's Speech and True Grit, and I found Black Swan truly thrilling and moving. King's Speech because I'm a Brit, Black Swan or True Grit otherwise. Also liked Winter's Bone a lot but I think it's simplicity will work against it. Toy Story 3 was some of the best storytelling I've ever seen but seems not to be talked about.Compoundwritinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03742607993273355143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5753612394906175022011-02-23T23:27:29.690-08:002011-02-23T23:27:29.690-08:00People admire SOCIAL NETWORK. But they love THE KI...People admire SOCIAL NETWORK. But they love THE KING'S SPEECH.<br /><br />Game, set, match.cadavranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-39582505642743028422011-02-23T23:03:18.909-08:002011-02-23T23:03:18.909-08:00PS: Since it IS the Oscars, may I have more than o...PS: Since it IS the Oscars, may I have more than one druther? How 'bout my druthers? DAVID BISHOP,I like your shoes.<br /><br />WV: clonsh David Bishop? Help me out here.KellyGainesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-21733604916974287532011-02-23T23:01:39.369-08:002011-02-23T23:01:39.369-08:00Excellent performance and clever direction is perf...Excellent performance and clever direction is perfect for the Salt movie.I think Salt will win.analeehttp://www.moviesonzone.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-89792624603911784102011-02-23T22:59:14.728-08:002011-02-23T22:59:14.728-08:00Gwyneth Paltrow won't be winning but will be s...Gwyneth Paltrow won't be winning but will be singing instead. Why? Why must she sing? I prefer her husband Chris Martin if I had my druther. And, I'm with DAVID BISHOP. What he said.<br /><br />WV: symedle Gwyneth gettin' all up in the grill of the Oscar Symphony Orchestra and messin' with the melody.KellyGainesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-26666899679573780692011-02-23T22:28:28.486-08:002011-02-23T22:28:28.486-08:00I'm just glad that for once, I've actually...I'm just glad that for once, I've actually seen almost all the nominated films (<i>Toy Story</i> is the odd movie out; sue me).<br /><br />I'd like to see <i>The Social Network</i> win. I think it was the best movie all around, from director to script to cast, not to mention Trent Reznor's killer soundtrack. And I think it's the most socially and thematically relevant film on the list.<br /><br />That being said, like Ken said, Oscar loves British movies. And <i>The King's Speech</i> has been winning awards by the boatload this year (Golden Globes don't count, because, well, they're the Golden Globes), including the Producer's and Director's Guild awards.<br /><br />But, to be fair, I really did enjoy every single nominated movie (except <i>The Kids Are All Right</i>, which was kinda meh). Hell, if not for <i>The Social Network</i> and <i>The King's Speech</i>, I'd probably pick <i>127 Hours</i> to win Best Picture, but, unfortunately, Danny Boyle already won his Oscars for a lesser film.david golbitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03494541678536011153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-745525710204453332011-02-23T20:58:22.341-08:002011-02-23T20:58:22.341-08:00Guess I should have given my prediction: The King&...Guess I should have given my prediction: The King's Speech. I was leaning towards Social Network but everything I've read is saying The King's Speech. So I'll leap on the bandwagon. If it wind, Syslvester the Cat should accept the award. "Thufferin' Thucotash!"YEKIMIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01921751875397071034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-76193267681994586572011-02-23T20:51:23.701-08:002011-02-23T20:51:23.701-08:00OH hell, whine on Twitter! The movies I saw were ...OH hell, whine on Twitter! The movies I saw were Toy Story 3 and Inception only because they played at a theater I manage. The Social Network played for about 3 weeks at a theater that is a ways from me but I could not find time to see it. The rest were considered too artsy-fartsy for our area by the film booker [and the film companies who apparently think people that are NOT located in California & New York City or any major East Coast Metropolitan area are mouth breathing, knuckle dragging Neanderthals and could not possibly understand their films] and if you wanted to see them you could drive 45 miles or so to a "so-called" art house theater in Cleveland to watch them.YEKIMIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01921751875397071034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-40549901112472700182011-02-23T20:50:52.939-08:002011-02-23T20:50:52.939-08:00What should win? Winter's Bone or True Grit. W...What should win? Winter's Bone or True Grit. What will win? The King's Speech or The Social Network. I give the edge to The Social Network because, whilst both films are about things Hollywood could ruthlessly exploit (social networking and WW2)recent viewer analysis has revealed that your average movie goer thinks that WW2 is some kind of motor lubricant, and has said as much on their Facebook page.Iainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16590096751727309820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-61992038449241668612011-02-23T20:45:38.766-08:002011-02-23T20:45:38.766-08:00The Social Network will take home the Oscar for Sc...The Social Network will take home the Oscar for Screenplay, Editing, and possibly Directing and Musical Score. But it won't win Best Picture. That honor will go to The King's Speech.Brandyhttp://www.twitter.com/brandy29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-54934759350611714112011-02-23T20:40:22.986-08:002011-02-23T20:40:22.986-08:00THE KING'S SPEECH will win. Should it? Probabl...THE KING'S SPEECH will win. Should it? Probably not. But it will.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-69236211603437189572011-02-23T18:14:17.797-08:002011-02-23T18:14:17.797-08:00Somebody watched The KIDS ARE ALRIGHT? Did they lo...Somebody watched The KIDS ARE ALRIGHT? Did they lose a fucking bet?<br /><br />I'm pretty sure the movie was made as an example of how to tick all the boxes on the 'what not to put in a movie if you expect to be taken seriously' form.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-88519518145672725602011-02-23T17:25:19.002-08:002011-02-23T17:25:19.002-08:00The King's Speech wins, and so does Colin Firt...The King's Speech wins, and so does Colin Firth, because he lost last year - to Jeff Bridges, no less.Roger Owen Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298172138307632062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-89344220925013717722011-02-23T09:45:01.793-08:002011-02-23T09:45:01.793-08:00Voters found it annoying that the main character w...<i>Voters found it annoying that the main character was stuttering.</i><br /><br />Don't tell anyone how hard I laughed at this.*tarazzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01750756996602049812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-13384898908074113362011-02-23T09:06:34.472-08:002011-02-23T09:06:34.472-08:00The presenter, Dr Zoidberg will unexpectedly say: ...The presenter, Dr Zoidberg will unexpectedly say: And the winner is none of those. The Oscar goes to Harrold Zoid for The Magnificent Three.<br />But tragically they both will be killer and eaten by Calculon's cook: Bender.blinkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04284135060900752329noreply@blogger.com